JP2019040255A - Information processing device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an information processing device and a program which can output data received by facsimile communication in accordance with the situation of a user.SOLUTION: An image forming device 10 receives data from a transmission source by facsimile communication, and executes any of transmission of data received by an E-mail to a transfer destination or printing of the received data to a recording medium, according to a transfer condition. Designation by time zones, the designation by data volume, the designation by a user's position, etc. are possible, as the transfer condition when performing the transmission of the data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and a program.

  In a device having a facsimile function, when facsimile data (for example, image data) is received by facsimile communication, the facsimile data may be stored in an external device such as a server.

  Patent Document 1 describes that facsimile data is transferred to an external device such as a server and stored.

JP, 2006-208264, A

  When facsimile data is stored in an external device, it is necessary to access the external device in order to acquire or confirm the facsimile data. However, depending on the situation of the user, it may be difficult to access an external device. In this case, it is difficult to acquire or check facsimile data.

  An object of the present invention is to enable data received by facsimile communication to be output according to a user's situation.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided receiving means for receiving data by facsimile communication from a transmission source, transfer of the data by e-mail to a transfer destination or transfer of the data to a recording medium according to transfer conditions. And an information processing apparatus having control means for controlling execution of either printing.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the transfer condition is a condition related to a time zone, and the control means controls execution of the transfer of the data by the e-mail during the transfer time zone, and other than the transfer time zone. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein execution of printing of the data on the recording medium is controlled during a time period.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the transfer condition is a condition relating to a data capacity, and the control means controls execution of the data transfer by the e-mail when the data capacity is less than a threshold, The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein execution of printing of the data onto the recording medium is controlled when a data volume is equal to or greater than the threshold value.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the transfer condition is a condition related to a position of a user as the transfer destination, and the control means transfers the data by the e-mail according to the position of the user, or The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein execution of any one of printing of the data on the recording medium is controlled.

  In the invention according to claim 5, the control means transfers the data by the e-mail or the data to the recording medium according to a positional relationship between the user and a discharge destination of the recording medium The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein execution of any one of data printing is controlled.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, when the user does not exist in a specific area including the discharge destination of the recording medium, the control unit controls execution of the data transfer by the e-mail, and 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein execution of printing of the data on the recording medium is controlled when the user exists in an area.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the transfer condition is determined for each line used for the facsimile communication. It is.

  The invention according to claim 8 is characterized in that, when the electronic mail is deleted at the transfer destination, the control means prohibits transfer of new data from the transmission source by electronic mail. An information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

  The invention according to claim 9 is characterized in that, when the e-mail is deleted at the transfer destination, the receiving means rejects reception of new data from the transfer source. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, when the data is deleted at the transfer destination, the control unit stores new data from the transmission source in a specific storage location independent of the transmission source. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is an information processing apparatus.

  The invention according to claim 11 is a receiving means for receiving data by facsimile communication from a transmission source, transfer of the data by e-mail to a transfer destination or transfer of the data to a recording medium according to transfer conditions. This is a program that functions as a control unit that controls execution of any of data printing.

  According to the first and eleventh aspects of the present invention, it is possible to output data received by facsimile communication according to the user's situation.

  According to invention of Claim 2, the data output according to a time slot | zone is attained.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to output data according to the data capacity.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to output data according to the position of the user.

  According to the fifth and sixth aspects of the invention, it is possible to output data according to the positional relationship between the user and the discharge destination of the recording medium.

  According to the seventh aspect of the invention, it is possible to output data according to the line.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent data from a transmission source estimated to be unnecessary for the user from being transferred to the user.

  According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent reception of data from a transmission source that is estimated to be unnecessary for the user.

  According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, there is no need to create a storage location unique to the transmission source that is estimated to be unnecessary for the user.

1 is a block diagram showing a data management system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows a server. It is a figure which shows a setting screen. It is a figure which shows a setting screen. It is a figure which shows a setting screen. It is a figure which shows a setting screen. It is a figure which shows a setting screen. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation content of the data management system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating a data storage process. It is a figure which shows a setting screen. It is a figure which shows a setting screen. It is a figure which shows a setting screen. It is a figure which shows a setting screen. It is a figure which shows a setting screen. It is a figure which shows a setting screen. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the data management system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

<First Embodiment>
A data management system as an information processing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 shows an example of a data management system according to the first embodiment.

  The data management system according to the first embodiment includes, as an example, an image forming apparatus 10 as an information processing apparatus, a server 12 as an example of an external device, and a terminal device 14. For example, the image forming apparatus 10, the server 12, and the terminal device 14 have a function of communicating with other apparatuses via a communication path N such as a network. Of course, the image forming apparatus 10, the server 12, and the terminal device 14 may have a function of communicating with other apparatuses via different communication paths without using the communication path N. Note that the data management system may include a plurality of image forming apparatuses 10, a plurality of servers 12, and a plurality of terminal apparatuses 14. The terminal device 14 may not be included in the data management system.

  The image forming apparatus 10 is an apparatus having at least a facsimile function and a printing function. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 10 has a function of printing facsimile data (for example, image data) received by facsimile communication on a sheet as a recording medium, and transfers the facsimile data to an external device such as the server 12 or the terminal device 14. Has functions etc. The image forming apparatus 10 may further have at least one of a scan function and a copy function.

  The server 12 is a device that stores data, and is, for example, an FTP server. When facsimile data is transferred from the image forming apparatus 10 to the server 12, the server 12 stores the facsimile data.

  The terminal device 14 is a device such as a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a smartphone, or a mobile phone.

  In the first embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 10 receives data from a transmission source, transfers the data to the server 12 and stores the data in the server 12, information (identification information) for identifying the transmission source is used. The data is stored in an associated storage location (so-called folder). The data is, for example, facsimile data, electronic mail, and other data (for example, image data, document data, etc.). The identification information is, for example, information assigned to a transmission source for performing communication, a transmission source name, and the like. The information assigned to the transmission source for communication is, for example, facsimile identification information, e-mail address, IP address, etc. assigned to the transmission source for facsimile communication. Further, the source MAC address may be used as identification information. The data may be stored in a folder provided in the image forming apparatus 10 without being stored in the server 12 or may be stored in a folder provided in the terminal apparatus 14.

  In the first embodiment, as an example, facsimile data is transmitted from the transmission source to the image forming apparatus 10 by facsimile communication, and the facsimile data is transferred from the image forming apparatus 10 to the server 12 and stored in the server 12. . In this case, the facsimile data is stored in a folder associated with the facsimile identification information of the facsimile data. The facsimile identification information is an example of information included in the attribute information of the facsimile data, and is information assigned to a transmission source of facsimile communication for performing facsimile communication. Specifically, the facsimile identification information is a transmission source facsimile number, a communication number in accordance with the standard of facsimile communication (G3 ID when the G3 standard is used), a dial-in number, etc., and uniquely indicates the transmission source. Information. When the G3 standard is used as the standard, the communication number according to the standard is G3ID. Of course, when a standard other than the G3 standard (for example, G4 standard) is used, a communication number according to the standard may be used as the facsimile identification information. Information including at least one of the facsimile number, the communication number according to the standard, and the dial-in number is linked to the folder, and the facsimile data is stored in the folder. For example, a folder whose facsimile name includes facsimile identification information is created, and facsimile data is stored in the folder. The facsimile data may be stored in the image forming apparatus 10 without being stored in the server 12 or may be stored in the terminal device 14. In the following description, it is assumed that facsimile data is stored in the server 12. The facsimile identification information is referred to as “FAXID”.

  Hereinafter, each device included in the data management system according to the first embodiment will be described in detail.

  The configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 shows an example of the configuration of the image forming apparatus 10.

  The communication unit 16 is a communication interface, and has a function of transmitting data to other devices and a function of receiving data from other devices. The communication unit 16 may be a communication interface having a wireless communication function or a communication interface having a wired communication function. For example, the communication unit 16 transfers facsimile data transmitted to the image forming apparatus 10 by facsimile communication to an external apparatus such as the server 12 via the communication path N. Further, the communication unit 16 receives an email or other data (for example, image data or document data) sent from the transmission source to the image forming apparatus 10 via the communication path N, and receives the email or the other data. May be transferred to an external device such as the server 12 via the communication path N.

  The facsimile unit 18 has a function of performing facsimile communication using one or a plurality of facsimile lines in accordance with a communication standard. The facsimile unit 18 is constituted by, for example, a modem for performing facsimile communication. An example of the communication standard is the G3 standard. Of course, another communication standard (for example, G4 standard) may be used. In the following, it is assumed that facsimile communication is performed according to the G3 standard. The facsimile unit 18 transmits / receives facsimile data to / from other apparatuses (for example, a facsimile apparatus, an image forming apparatus, etc.) having a facsimile function by facsimile communication.

  The print unit 20 has a print function, and forms an image or character string to be printed on a recording medium such as paper. The scan unit 22 has a scan function, and generates scan data (for example, image data) by reading a document. A copy function may be realized by the print unit 20 and the scan unit 22. By executing the copy function, the document is read and an image or character string is formed on the recording medium. In addition, scan data generated by scanning may be transmitted to an external device. Note that the image forming apparatus 10 may not include the print unit 20 and the scan unit 22.

  The UI unit 24 is a user interface and includes a display unit and an operation unit. The display unit is a display device such as a liquid crystal display. The operation unit is an input device such as a touch panel or a keyboard. Of course, it may be a user interface that serves both as a display unit and an operation unit (for example, including a touch-type display or a device that electronically displays a keyboard or the like on the display).

  The storage unit 26 is a storage device such as a hard disk or a memory. In the storage unit 26, for example, address book data, communication history information, various control data (for example, job information), address information indicating the address of the external device (for example, address information of the server 12 or the terminal device 14), various types Programs and various data are stored. Further, data (for example, facsimile data, e-mail, image data, document data, etc.) sent to the image forming apparatus 10 may be stored in the storage unit 26. Data such as facsimile data may be temporarily stored in the storage unit 26 until it is transferred to the external device, or may be stored after transfer. Each of the above information may be stored in a separate storage device, or may be stored in a single storage device.

  The address book data is data for managing the communication partner, and specifically, is data including address information of the communication partner (for example, facsimile identification information (FAXID), e-mail address, telephone number, etc.). The address book data corresponds to an example of management information for managing a communication partner, and is information indicating a correspondence between the name of the communication partner and the FAX ID of the communication partner at least for each communication partner. The address book data may include a communication partner's telephone number, electronic mail address, affiliated company, department, address, and other personal information. Of course, a FAX ID, an e-mail address, or the like assigned to the image forming apparatus 10 itself may be registered in the address book data. A plurality of names may be assigned to the same FAX ID. When an instruction to display the address book is given by the user, various information registered in the address book data is displayed on the display unit of the UI unit 24. When the user selects a communication partner from the address book data and gives an instruction for facsimile transmission, the facsimile unit 18 transmits facsimile data to the selected communication partner by facsimile communication. Note that the address book data may not be stored in the image forming apparatus 10, or may be stored in the image forming apparatus 10 and stored in an external device such as the server 12. In this case, when displaying the address book data, the address book data may be sent from the external device to the image forming apparatus 10 and displayed.

  The communication history information corresponds to an example of management information for managing the communication partner, and is information indicating a history of communication with the communication partner. For example, the correspondence between the date and time when the communication was performed and the content of the communication is associated. It is information to show. For example, when the image forming apparatus 10 transmits facsimile data to another apparatus as a communication partner by facsimile communication, the transmission date and time, the address information (including FAXID) of the communication partner, and the name of the communication partner are associated with each other. Recorded in communication history information. Similarly, when the image forming apparatus 10 receives facsimile data from another apparatus as a communication partner by facsimile communication, the reception date and time, the address information of the communication partner, and the name of the communication partner are associated with each other in the communication history information. To be recorded. A history of transmission / reception of electronic mail and other data (for example, image data, document data, etc.) is also recorded in the communication history information. Note that the communication history information may not be stored in the image forming apparatus 10, or may be stored in the image forming apparatus 10 and stored in an external device such as the server 12.

  In addition, management information for each user and management information for each image forming apparatus 10 may be created and stored in the image forming apparatus 10 or an external device. For example, information for identifying the user (for example, user identification information such as a user ID or name) is associated with the management information for the user, and the management information for the image forming apparatus 10 includes the image. Information for identifying the forming apparatus 10 (for example, device identification information such as an ID, a name, a FAX ID, an e-mail address, an IP address, and a MAC address of the image forming apparatus 10) is associated.

  For example, address book data for each user may be created and stored in the image forming apparatus 10 or an external apparatus. When displaying the address book data, for example, address book data (address book data for the user) associated with the user who has logged in to the image forming apparatus 10 is displayed. Further, address book data for each image forming apparatus 10 may be created and stored in the image forming apparatus 10 or an external device. For example, the address book data associated with the image forming apparatus 10 is data used as shared address book data in the image forming apparatus 10.

  Further, communication history information for each user and communication history information for each image forming apparatus 10 may be created and stored in the image forming apparatus 10 or an external device. The communication history information for a user is information indicating a history of communication performed by the user. The communication history information for the image forming apparatus 10 is information indicating a history of communication performed by the image forming apparatus 10.

  The control unit 28 has a function of controlling the operation of each unit of the image forming apparatus 10. For example, the control unit 28 displays various types of information on the display unit of the UI unit 24, controls communication by the communication unit 16, and controls facsimile communication by the facsimile unit 18. The control unit 28 includes a storage control unit 30.

  The storage control unit 30 has a function of controlling storage of data transmitted from the transmission source to the image forming apparatus 10. In the first embodiment, when the facsimile unit 18 receives facsimile data by facsimile, the storage control unit 30 stores the facsimile data in a folder (corresponding to an example of a storage location) associated with the FAX ID of the facsimile data transmission source. To do. The folder associated with the FAX ID is a folder to which the FAX ID is assigned as the name of the folder. When a folder associated with the FAX ID of the transmission source is not detected (that is, when the folder does not exist), the storage control unit 30 creates a folder associated with the FAX ID of the transmission source and stores facsimile data in the folder.

  When the facsimile data is stored in the server 12, the storage control unit 30 stores the facsimile data in a folder associated with the FAX ID of the facsimile data transmission source in the server 12. If the server 12 does not have a folder associated with the transmission source FAX ID, the storage control unit 30 creates a folder associated with the transmission source FAX ID in the server 12 and stores facsimile data in the folder.

  The facsimile data may be stored in the image forming apparatus 10. In this case, the storage control unit 30 stores the facsimile data in the folder associated with the FAX ID of the transmission source of the facsimile data in the image forming apparatus 10. If the folder does not exist in the image forming apparatus 10, the storage control unit 30 creates a folder associated with the transmission source FAX ID in the image forming apparatus 10, and stores facsimile data in the folder.

  As will be described later, when the server 12 has the storage control unit 38 to control the storage of facsimile data, the image forming apparatus 10 may not have the storage control unit 30, and the storage control unit 30 It does not have to function.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of the server 12 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 shows an example of the configuration of the server 12.

  The communication unit 32 is a communication interface and has a function of transmitting data to other devices and a function of receiving data from other devices. The communication unit 32 may be a communication interface having a wireless communication function or a communication interface having a wired communication function. For example, the communication unit 32 receives facsimile data transferred from the image forming apparatus 10 via the communication path N. Further, the communication unit 32 may receive an e-mail or other data (for example, image data or document data) transferred from the image forming apparatus 10 via the communication path N.

  The storage unit 34 is a storage device such as a hard disk. The storage unit 34 includes a folder as an example of a data storage location (storage area). The storage unit 34 includes one or a plurality of folders. Data (for example, facsimile data) transferred from the image forming apparatus 10 is stored (stored) in the folder. The storage unit 34 may store information other than facsimile data (for example, address book data, communication history information, and other data).

  The control unit 36 has a function of controlling the operation of each unit of the server 12. For example, the control unit 36 controls communication by the communication unit 32. The control unit 36 includes a storage control unit 38.

  The storage control unit 38 has a function of controlling storage of data transferred from the image forming apparatus 10. In the first embodiment, when facsimile data is transferred from the image forming apparatus 10 to the server 12, the storage control unit 38 stores the facsimile data in a folder associated with the FAX ID of the facsimile data transmission source. When a folder associated with the transmission source FAXID is not detected (that is, when the folder does not exist in the server 12), the storage control unit 38 creates a folder associated with the transmission source FAXID and stores facsimile data in the folder. Store.

  As described above, when the image forming apparatus 10 includes the storage control unit 30, the server 12 may not include the storage control unit 38. Of course, both the image forming apparatus 10 and the server 12 may have a storage control unit. In this case, one of the storage control unit 30 and the storage control unit 38 performs storage control of facsimile data. Hereinafter, it is assumed that storage control of facsimile data is performed by the storage control unit 30 provided in the image forming apparatus 10.

  Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described in more detail.

  An operation setting at the time of facsimile reception will be described. FIG. 4 shows an example of the operation setting screen. For example, when the user gives an instruction to display an operation setting screen using the UI unit 24 of the image forming apparatus 10, the control unit 28 of the image forming apparatus 10 displays the operation setting screen 40 on the display unit of the UI unit 24. On the operation setting screen 40, a name field 42, transfer destination designation fields 44 and 46, a print designation field 48, a notification destination designation field 50, and a file name rule designation field 52 are displayed. The name column 42 is a column in which the user inputs the name of the operation setting.

  The transfer destination designation fields 44 and 46 are fields for the user to designate a facsimile data transfer destination. In the example shown in FIG. 4, FTP transfer (transfer to the server 12) is specified as the transfer destination 1 in the transfer destination designation field 44. In the transfer destination designation field 46, an e-mail is designated as the transfer destination 2, and the e-mail address of the transfer destination is entered. Each of the transfer destination designation fields 44 and 46 is provided with a check box. If the check box is checked, the specification is valid, and if the check box is cleared, the specification is invalid. Of course, the designation may be switched between valid and invalid by a method other than the check box. The same applies to other designation fields. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the check box in the transfer destination designation column 44 is checked, and the designation in the transfer destination designation column 44 is valid. In this case, the communication unit 16 of the image forming apparatus 10 transfers the facsimile data to the server 12 when the facsimile unit 18 receives the facsimile data by facsimile. Further, the check box in the transfer destination designation column 46 is not checked, and the designation in the transfer destination designation column 46 is invalid. In this case, the communication unit 16 of the image forming apparatus 10 does not transfer facsimile data to the designated address by e-mail. When the check box in the transfer destination designation field 46 is checked, the communication unit 16 of the image forming apparatus 10 transfers the facsimile data to the designated address by electronic mail.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4, two transfer destinations can be specified. However, one transfer destination may be specified, and three or more transfer destinations may be specified. May be. Further, transfer other than transfer to the server 12 and e-mail transfer may be designated. For example, transfer to the terminal device 14 by a transfer method other than e-mail, transfer to another external device (for example, an image server provided on the cloud), and storage in a storage location provided in the image forming apparatus 10 itself Etc. may be specified.

  The print designation column 48 is a column for the user to designate whether or not facsimile data is printed. Further, the print destination of the printed paper is also designated in the print designation field 48. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the check box in the print designation column 48 is not checked, and the designation in the print designation column 48 is invalid. In this case, the printing unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 10 does not print facsimile data on paper. When the check box in the print designation field 48 is checked, the printing unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 10 prints facsimile data on a sheet. At this time, the printed paper is discharged to the designated discharge destination.

  The notification destination designation column 50 is a column for the user to designate a notification destination of facsimile reception. In addition, an e-mail address as a notification destination is also specified in the notification destination designation column 50. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the check box in the notification destination designation column 50 is not checked, and the designation in the notification destination designation column 50 is invalid. In this case, the communication unit 16 of the image forming apparatus 10 does not notify the notification destination of information indicating that the facsimile reception has occurred even when the facsimile unit 18 receives the facsimile data by facsimile. When the check box of the notification destination designation column 50 is checked and the facsimile unit 18 receives facsimile data by facsimile, the communication unit 16 of the image forming apparatus 10 sends information indicating that the facsimile reception has occurred to the notification destination (designated). To your email address).

  The file name rule specification column 52 is a column for the user to specify a rule (rule) relating to creation of a name (file name) of facsimile data. A file name is assigned to the facsimile data according to the rule. The file name may be assigned by the image forming apparatus 10 or by a storage destination (for example, the server 12) of facsimile data. The rules for creating a file name will be described in detail later.

  The operation content may be set on the operation setting screen 40 for each facsimile line. For example, when a plurality of facsimile lines are used, different operation contents may be set for each facsimile line, or the same operation contents may be set for a plurality of facsimile lines.

  Hereinafter, the transfer destination setting screen will be described in detail. FIG. 5 shows an example of a transfer destination setting screen. For example, when the user designates the transfer destination designation field 44 corresponding to the transfer destination 1 on the operation setting screen 40 shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 28 of the image forming apparatus 10 displays details of the transfer. A setting screen 54 for setting is displayed on the UI unit 24. On the setting screen 54, a transfer destination designation field 56, a folder designation field 58, a sorting setting field 60, and a file format designation field 62 are displayed.

  The transfer destination designation column 56 is a column for the user to designate a transfer destination of facsimile data. In the example shown in FIG. 5, “SMB / FTP” (transfer to the server 12) is selected by the user.

  The folder designation column 58 is a column for the user to designate a folder in which facsimile data is stored. Specifically, the address of the folder as the storage destination is designated. The facsimile data is stored in the folder designated here. Note that the folder need not be designated by the user in the folder designation field 58. In this case, the facsimile data is stored in a folder associated with the FAX ID of the transmission source of the facsimile data by the storage control by the storage control unit 30 or the storage control unit 38.

  The sorting setting column 60 is a column for the user to specify whether or not the facsimile data is sorted. In the example shown in FIG. 5, “Non-sorting” is designated. In this case, the facsimile data is stored in a predetermined folder (for example, an unclassified folder). When “sort” is designated, the facsimile data is sorted and stored in a specific folder according to a sorting rule (rule).

  The file format designation field 62 is a field for the user to designate the file format of facsimile data. The control unit 28 of the image forming apparatus 10 generates facsimile data having a designated file format based on the facsimile data received by the facsimile unit 18. Facsimile data having the file format is stored or transferred.

  FIG. 6 shows another setting example. In the example shown in FIG. 6, e-mail transfer is designated by the user in the transfer destination designation field 56. In this case, an address designation field 64 is displayed on the setting screen 54. The address designation column 64 is a column in which the user designates the e-mail address of the facsimile data transfer destination. Facsimile data is attached to the e-mail and transferred to the e-mail address designated here. Similarly to the example shown in FIG. 5, facsimile data having the file format designated in the file format designation column 62 is transferred to the e-mail address.

  The facsimile data transfer rule setting screen will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 shows an example of the setting screen. For example, when the user designates “sort” in the sort setting field 60 in the setting screen 54 shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 28 of the image forming apparatus 10 sets details of the transfer rule. The setting screen 66 is displayed on the UI unit 24. On the setting screen 66, a sorting rule designation column 68, a sorting attribute designation column 70, and a file name rule designation column 72 are displayed.

  The sorting rule designation column 68 is a column for the user to designate either automatic sorting or manual sorting of facsimile data. When automatic sorting is specified, if there is no folder associated with the FAX ID of the facsimile data transmission source, the storage control unit 30 or the storage control unit 38 automatically creates a folder associated with the FAX ID. If manual sorting is specified, the folder is created by the user.

  The sorting attribute designation column 70 is a column for the user to designate the type (attribute) of FAXID used for sorting facsimile data. For example, the FAXID type (attribute) is selected from the facsimile number, G3ID, and dial-in number by the user. When the user designates the sorting attribute designation field 70, the control unit 28 of the image forming apparatus 10 displays the facsimile number, G3ID, and dial-in number as the type (attribute) on the setting screen 66 according to a pull-down format or a pop-up format. The user may select the type (attribute) of FAXID from the display. In the example shown in FIG. 7, G3ID is designated as the type (attribute) of FAXID. In this case, the facsimile data is sorted using the G3 ID. For example, a folder associated with the G3ID of the facsimile data transmission source is created, and the facsimile data is stored in the folder. Note that a default type (attribute) may be determined. In this case, a folder associated with the default type (attribute) FAXID is created. For example, a dial-in number may be defined as the default type. In this case, a folder associated with the dial-in number of the facsimile data transmission source is created, and the facsimile data is stored in the folder.

  The file name rule designation column 72 is a column in which the user designates a rule (rule) relating to creation of a name (file name) of facsimile data, similarly to the file name rule designation column 52 shown in FIG.

  In the operation setting screen 40 shown in FIG. 4, the setting screen 54 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, and the setting screen 66 shown in FIG. May be determined in advance. That is, default contents may be defined. Also in this case, when the content predetermined in each designation column is changed by the user, the processing is performed according to the content after the change.

  The file name rule setting screen will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 shows the setting screen 74. For example, when the file name rule designation field 52 shown in FIG. 4 or the file name rule designation field 72 shown in FIG. 7 is designated by the user, the control unit 28 of the image forming apparatus 10 displays the setting screen 74. Is displayed on the UI unit 24.

  File name rules include, for example, the date and time of facsimile reception, a registered name (for example, the name of a communication partner (sender) registered in the address book data), a caller number (facsimile number of a communication partner (sender)), It is a rule that a file name component selected from G3ID and device identification information for identifying the image forming apparatus 10 is included in the file name. The device identification information is identification information unique to each image forming apparatus 10 for uniquely identifying each image forming apparatus 10 and is, for example, a serial number of the image forming apparatus 10. Note that information other than the serial number may be used as device identification information as long as it is identification information for uniquely identifying each image forming apparatus 10.

  The setting screen 74 displays a button group 76 for selecting a file name component. For example, a reception date / time button, a registered name button, a caller number button, a G3ID button, and a serial number button are displayed. When the reception date / time button is pressed by the user, the date / time of facsimile reception is selected as the file name component. When the registered name button is pressed by the user, a registered name indicating the transmission source is selected as a file name component. When the caller number button is pressed by the user, the sender's caller number is selected as the file name component. When the G3ID button is pressed by the user, the G3ID of the transmission source is selected as the file name component. When the serial number button is selected by the user, the serial number of the image forming apparatus 10 that has received the facsimile is selected as a file name component. A file name is created by the file name component selected by the user, and the file name is assigned to the facsimile data.

  In the example shown in FIG. 8, the reception date / time button, the registration name button, and the serial number button are pressed by the user, a character string indicating the date / time of facsimile reception, a character string indicating the registration name of the transmission source, and an image A file name including a character string indicating the serial number of the forming apparatus 10 is given to the facsimile data. The file name component selected by the user is displayed in the component display column 78. In addition, the reception date / time expression format may be specified by the user, or an arbitrary character string included in the file name may be input by the user.

  By including a serial number unique to the image forming apparatus 10 in the file name of the facsimile data, the facsimile data is identified based on the serial number. For example, it is assumed that facsimile data is transferred from each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 10 to the server 12. At this time, the file name of the facsimile data transferred from each image forming apparatus 10 to the server 12 includes the serial number of each image forming apparatus 10. In this way, tentatively, a plurality of image forming apparatuses 10 receive facsimile data by facsimile communication from the same transmission source at the same time, and the facsimile data is transferred from each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 10 to the server 12. Even in this case, the server 12 identifies each facsimile data based on the serial number. When the file name is created using the name of the transmission source, the reception date and time, and the FAX ID without using the serial number, the plurality of facsimile data received at the same time from the same transmission source in the plurality of image forming apparatuses 10 are distinguished from each other. Instead, for example, in the server 12, certain facsimile data may be overwritten by other facsimile data received at the same time from the same transmission source as the facsimile data. By creating the file name using the serial number as described above, such a problem can be prevented.

  The file name component may be determined in advance. That is, a default file name component may be defined. Also in this case, when the file name component is selected by the user, a file name including the file name component selected by the user is created.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the data management system according to the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 shows the operation contents of the data management system. As an example, it is assumed that three facsimile lines (facsimile lines 1, 2, 3) can be used. When a plurality of facsimile lines are used, different FAXIDs (FAXIDs assigned to the image forming apparatus 10) may be assigned to the respective facsimile lines, or the same FAXID (assigned to the image forming apparatus 10). Assigned FAXID) may be assigned. In the following, it is assumed that a different FAX ID is assigned to each facsimile line as an example.

  When the facsimile unit 18 receives facsimile data via the facsimile line 1, the facsimile unit 18 stores the facsimile data in the storage location (storage area) 26 a for the facsimile line 1 in the storage unit 26. The storage may be temporary storage until the facsimile data is transferred or printed, or may be stored continuously after being transferred or printed. The facsimile data is accompanied by attribute information. The attribute information includes the transmission source FAXID (for example, facsimile number, G3ID, dial-in number). The attribute information may include the name, ID, and station name of the transmission source as information other than the FAX ID.

  As operation contents for the facsimile line 1, transfer to the server 12, transfer by e-mail, and printing are set. In this case, the communication unit 16 of the image forming apparatus 10 acquires facsimile data from the storage location 26 a, transfers the facsimile data to the server 12 as indicated by reference numeral 80, and further transmits electronic data as indicated by reference numeral 82. Facsimile data is attached to the mail, and the electronic mail is transmitted to a pre-registered destination (addressed to the electronic mail address). Further, the printing unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 10 acquires facsimile data from the storage location 26 a and prints the facsimile data on a sheet as a recording medium as indicated by reference numeral 84. In the server 12, the facsimile data is sorted and stored in a folder according to the transfer rules (rules) specified on the setting screen 66 shown in FIG. The storage control may be performed by the storage control unit 30 of the image forming apparatus 10 or the storage control unit 38 of the server 12. This storage control will be described in detail later.

  When the facsimile unit 18 receives facsimile data via the facsimile line 2, the facsimile unit 18 stores the facsimile data in the storage location (storage area) 26 b for the facsimile line 2 in the storage unit 26. As described above, the storage may be temporary storage or continuous storage.

  As an operation content for the facsimile line 2, transfer to an external device (for example, an image server other than the server 12) is set. In this case, the communication unit 16 of the image forming apparatus 10 acquires facsimile data from the storage location 26 b and transfers the facsimile data to the external apparatus as indicated by reference numeral 86. In the external device, the facsimile data may be sorted and stored in a folder according to the transfer rule (rule) specified on the setting screen 66 shown in FIG.

  When the facsimile unit 18 receives facsimile data via the facsimile line 3, the facsimile unit 18 stores the facsimile data in the storage location (storage area) 26 c for the facsimile line 3 in the storage unit 26. As described above, the storage may be temporary storage or continuous storage.

  Printing is set as the operation content for the facsimile line 3. In this case, the printing unit 20 of the image forming apparatus 10 acquires facsimile data from the storage location 26 c and prints the facsimile data on a sheet as indicated by reference numeral 88.

  The facsimile data storage process will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 shows an example of the storage process. Here, the storage process indicated by reference numeral 80 in FIG. 9 will be described. As described with reference to FIG. 9, the facsimile data received via the facsimile line 1 is transferred to the server 12 via the communication path N. The communication unit 32 of the server 12 receives the facsimile data transferred from the image forming apparatus 10 via the communication path N. Further, the storage control unit 30 of the image forming apparatus 10 stores the facsimile data in a folder formed in the server 12 in accordance with the sorting rule and the sorting attribute set as the transfer rule (rule). Hereinafter, the processing by the storage control unit 30 will be described in detail. As described above, this storage process may be performed by the storage control unit 38 of the server 12.

  The storage control unit 30 searches the storage unit 34 of the server 12 for a folder associated with the FAX ID using the FAX ID included in the attribute information of the facsimile data as a search key, and stores the facsimile data in the folder. That is, the storage control unit 30 searches for a folder including the FAX ID in the folder name, and stores facsimile data in the folder. For example, it is assumed that “facsimile number” is designated as the sorting attribute. In this case, the storage control unit 30 uses the facsimile number of the facsimile data as a search key to search for a folder including the facsimile number in the folder name and stores the facsimile data in the folder.

  When “automatic sorting” is specified as the sorting rule, when the folder whose folder name includes the facsimile number does not exist in the storage unit 34 (when the folder name is not searched), the storage control unit 30 sets the facsimile to the folder name. A new folder including the number is created, and facsimile data is stored in the folder. When “manual sorting” is specified as the sorting rule, if the folder whose folder name includes the facsimile number does not exist in the storage unit 34 (when not searched), the storage control unit 30 uses a predetermined folder. The facsimile data is stored in (for example, “uncategorized folder”).

  The process by the storage control unit 30 will be described with a specific example. When the facsimile number of the facsimile data transferred from the image forming apparatus 10 to the server 12 is “FAX number 1”, the storage control unit 30 uses the character string “FAX number 1” as a search key to set the folder name. A folder 90 including the character string “FAX number 1” is searched, and the facsimile data is stored in the folder 90. For example, the file 92 as the facsimile data is stored in the folder 90. A method for assigning a file name will be described in detail later.

  When “automatic sorting” is specified as the sorting rule and the folder 90 does not exist in the storage unit 34 (when the folder 90 is not searched), the storage control unit 30 uses the character string “FAX number 1” as the folder name. Is newly created, and the facsimile data is stored in the folder 90.

  Further, the storage control unit 30 searches for “FAX number 1” in the address book data, and when “FAX number 1” is registered in the address book data, it is registered in the address book data in association with “FAX number 1”. The “name” (for example, “name 1”) of the communication partner (transmission source) being included is included in the folder name of the folder 90. That is, the storage control unit 38 sets the folder 90 associated with the combination of “name 1” and “FAX number 1”, more specifically, the character string “name 1” and the character string “FAX number 1” to the folder name. Is created. For example, the folder name of the folder 90 is “name 1 @ FAX number 1”. Separation information “@” in the folder name is information for distinguishing between the FAXID and other information (for example, the name of the transmission source) in the folder name. The information described in the part after the delimiter information “@” is FAXID, and the information described in the part before the delimiter information “@” is the name of the transmission source. Thus, by including delimiter information in the folder name, the FAX ID is specified in the folder name. Of course, the description order of FAXID and other information is not limited to the above example, FAXID is described before the delimiter information “@”, and the name is described after the delimiter information “@”. May be. Separation information other than “@” may be used.

  When “FAX number 1” is not registered in the address book data, the storage control unit 30 creates a folder name that does not include the “name” of the communication partner (transmission source), and assigns the folder name to the folder 90. . Even in this case, since “FAX number 1” is included in the folder name, the folder 90 is searched using the facsimile number as a search key, and the facsimile data having “FAX number 1” as the facsimile number is Stored in the folder 90.

  When the address book data is stored in the image forming apparatus 10, the storage control unit 30 searches the FAX ID for the address book data stored in the image forming apparatus 10 and acquires a name associated with the FAX ID. . When the address book data is stored in the server 12, the storage control unit 30 searches for the FAX ID for the address book data stored in the server 12 and acquires a name associated with the FAX ID.

  When the folder 90 including the character string “FAX number 1” in the folder name already exists in the storage unit 34 (when the folder 90 is searched), the character string “name” (“ If the character string in front of “@” is different from the “name” associated with “FAX number 1” registered in the address book data, the storage control unit 38 already includes the folder name in the folder 90. The registered character string “name” may be changed to “name” registered in the address book data. Of course, even in this case, the storage control unit 30 may not change the character string “name” already included in the folder name of the folder 90.

  When “manual sorting” is specified as the sorting rule and the folder 90 does not exist in the storage unit 34, the storage control unit 30 stores the facsimile data in the unclassified folder 94.

  An annoying folder 96 may also be provided. For example, the nuisance FAXID is registered in advance, and the storage control unit 30 stores the facsimile data associated with the FAXID registered as the nuisance FAXID in the nuisance folder 96. The storage control unit 30 may create a folder for each nuisance FAXID in the nuisance folder 96, and sort and store the nuisance facsimile data.

  When the facsimile number of the facsimile data transferred from the image forming apparatus 10 is “FAX number 2”, as in the case where the facsimile number is “FAX number 1”, the character string “FAX number 2” is included in the folder name. Is searched for, and the facsimile data is stored in the folder 98.

  Hereinafter, a method for assigning a file name to facsimile data will be described in detail. The storage control unit 30 creates a file name according to the file name rule, and associates the file name with the facsimile data. For example, when “reception date” and “registered name” are selected as file name components, the storage control unit 30 uses a character string indicating the date and time when the facsimile data is received by facsimile and a character indicating the name of the transmission source. And a file name including the column, and associate the file name with the facsimile data. The file 92 shown in FIG. 10 is given a file name according to the rule. The file name includes a character string “name 1” and a character string “reception date and time”. As shown in FIG. 8, when the serial number is selected as the file name component, the file name includes a character string indicating the serial number of the image forming apparatus 10. The same applies to other file name components. By including the serial number in the file name, even when facsimile data is received by facsimile from the same transmission source at the same time in each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 10, each facsimile data is transferred to another facsimile in the server 12. It is identified separately from the data.

  In the above example, the folder name is created using the name registered in the address book data, but the folder name may be created using the name included in the communication history information. In this case, the storage control unit 30 searches the FAX ID for communication history information stored in the image forming apparatus 10 and includes the name of the communication partner (transmission source) associated with the FAX ID in the folder name.

  According to the first embodiment, the FAXID of the facsimile data, that is, the FAXID assigned to the transmission source is used as the name of the folder in which the facsimile data is stored, and the FAXID of the facsimile data is the file name. Stored in a folder. In this way, for example, even when the name of the communication partner registered in the address book data is changed, facsimile data sent from the same transmission source is stored in the same folder. For example, when the name of the communication partner registered in the address book data is used as the folder name without using the FAX ID of the transmission source, the change is made when the name of the communication partner registered in the address book data is changed. The facsimile data transferred later is not stored in the folder with the name before the change, but is stored in the folder with the name after the change. The facsimile data transferred before the name is changed and the facsimile data transferred after the name is changed are different from each other even though the facsimile data is transferred from the same transmission source. Stored in the folder. According to the first embodiment, since a name including a FAX ID that uniquely indicates the transmission source is given to the folder, facsimile transmission has been performed from the same transmission source even when the transmission source name is changed. The facsimile data is stored in the same folder.

(Modification)
Hereinafter, modified examples of the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 shows an example of the operation setting screen. The operation setting screen 100 is a screen for setting the operation content for each facsimile line, and is displayed on the UI unit 24 of the image forming apparatus 10 when the operation is set. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the facsimile lines 1 and 2 can be set, but three or more facsimile lines may be set.

  On the operation setting screen 100, an operation setting designation column 102 is displayed for each facsimile line, and a normal operation and an exceptional operation are set in the operation setting designation column 102. For example, when the user designates the operation setting designation field 102, for example, information for setting a normal operation and an exceptional operation is displayed according to a pull-down format or a pop-up format. In the normal operation setting, the facsimile data output destination 1 (transfer to the server 12, transfer by e-mail, printing, etc.) is set as in the first embodiment. In the exception operation setting, an output destination 2 is set in an exception period in which the output destination 1 is not applied.

  When “output destination 1” is designated by the user in the operation setting designation column 102, the control unit 28 of the image forming apparatus 10 sets “output destination 1”, which is the output destination of the normal operation, as shown in FIG. A normal output destination setting screen 104 for setting is displayed on the UI unit 24. In the normal output destination setting screen 104, similarly to the operation setting screen 40 shown in FIG. 4, a setting field for transferring facsimile data to the server 12, a setting field for transferring facsimile data by e-mail, facsimile data A print setting field and a facsimile reception notification setting field are displayed. For example, when a setting field for facsimile data transfer to the server 12 is specified by the user, the control unit 28 of the image forming apparatus 10 sets a transfer screen (rule) as shown in FIG. 106 is displayed on the UI unit 24. This setting screen 106 is the same screen as the setting screen 66 shown in FIG. On this setting screen 106, sorting attributes and the like are set. In the example illustrated in FIG. 12, transfer to the server 12 is designated by the user as “output destination 1”. In this case, as a normal operation, facsimile data is transferred from the image forming apparatus 10 to the server 12, and the facsimile data is stored in a folder associated with the FAX ID of the facsimile data.

  When “switch setting” is designated by the user in the operation setting designation field 102 shown in FIG. 11, the control unit 28 of the image forming apparatus 10 is the output destination of the exceptional operation, as shown in FIG. A switching setting screen 108 for setting the output destination 2 is displayed on the UI unit 24. On the switching setting screen 108, a column 110 for designating whether or not to perform switching, a column 112 for designating a day of the week and a time zone for performing an exceptional operation, a column 114 for designating an arbitrary period for performing the exceptional operation, and a switching output destination Column 116 to be displayed.

  In the column 110 in FIG. 14, when “with switching” is designated by the user, the exceptional operation is set to be valid, and when “without switching” is designated, the exceptional operation is set to be invalid. When the exceptional operation is set to be valid, the output operation set as the output destination 1 of the normal operation is not performed during the period in which the exceptional operation is performed, and the output operation set as the output destination 2 of the exceptional operation is performed. .

  When the column 112 in FIG. 14 is designated by the user, the control unit 28 of the image forming apparatus 10 displays an exception period setting screen 118 on the UI unit 24 as shown in FIG. On the exception period setting screen 118, as an example, a time zone in which an exception operation is performed for each day of the week is set. In the example shown in FIG. 15, Monday through Friday are designated, and 8:00 to 18:00 are designated as the time zone. In this case, an exceptional operation (output destination 2) is executed between 8:00 and 18:00 from Monday to Friday, and normal operation (for example, set in FIGS. 12 and 13) is performed on other days and times. Operation) (output destination 1) is executed.

  When the column 114 in FIG. 14 is designated by the user, the control unit 28 of the image forming apparatus 10 causes the UI unit 24 to display an exceptional period setting screen. On the exception period setting screen, the date and time for performing the exception operation are set.

  When the column 116 in FIG. 14 is designated, the control unit 28 of the image forming apparatus 10 sets an exception output destination for setting “output destination 2” which is the output destination of the exceptional operation, as shown in FIG. The screen 120 is displayed on the UI unit 24. In the exception output destination setting screen 120, similarly to the normal output destination setting screen 104 shown in FIG. 12, a setting field for facsimile data transfer to the server 12, a setting field for facsimile data transfer by e-mail, A facsimile data print setting column and a facsimile reception notification setting column are displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 16, the print is designated by the user as “output destination 2”. In this case, as an exceptional operation, the facsimile data is output to the paper by the printing unit 20.

  As described above, the transfer to the server 12 is set as the output destination 1 in the normal operation, and the print is set as the output destination 2 in the exceptional operation. Further, from 8:00 to 18:00 from Monday to Friday is set as an exceptional period. In this case, during the exceptional period, that is, during the period from 8:00 to 18:00 from Monday to Friday, the facsimile data is not transferred to the server 12 but is printed on paper by the printing unit 20. During the normal operation period (period other than the exceptional period), that is, during the period from 0:00 to 24:00 on Saturday and Sunday and from 8:00 to 18:00 on Monday to Friday, the facsimile data is The data is transferred to the server 12 without being printed, and is stored in a folder associated with the FAX ID of the facsimile data in the server 12.

  In the above example, the transfer to the server 12 is set as the normal operation and the print is set as the exception operation. However, the print may be set as the normal operation and the transfer to the server 12 may be set as the exception operation. . In addition, transfer by e-mail or notification of facsimile reception may be set as a normal operation or an exceptional operation. Furthermore, a plurality of output destinations 1 may be set, or a plurality of output destinations 2 may be set. Further, a default normal operation (output destination 1) may be determined in advance, or a default exception period and an exception operation (output destination 2) may be determined in advance. In this case, facsimile data is output according to the default setting. The default setting content may be changed by the user.

  According to the modification, it is possible to output facsimile data in accordance with the user's situation and the user's convenience. For example, the facsimile data is set to be printed on paper while the user is staying in an office or the like, and transfer by e-mail or transfer to the server 12 is performed while the user is out. By setting it to be displayed, it is possible to output in accordance with the user's schedule.

  Note that the control unit 28 of the image forming apparatus 10 may acquire data indicating the user's schedule and set the output destination, the normal period, and the exceptional period based on the schedule. For example, for the time zone when the user is going out, storage in the server 12 or transfer to the user's terminal device by e-mail is set as the output destination, and the user is scheduled to stay in the office For the time zone, printing may be set as an output destination.

  In the first embodiment, the data to be stored is facsimile data. However, the storage process according to the first embodiment may be applied to data other than the facsimile data. For example, when the communication unit 16 of the image forming apparatus 10 receives an e-mail, the storage control unit 30 stores the e-mail in a folder associated with the e-mail address assigned to the e-mail transmission source. Good. An e-mail address corresponds to an example of identification information of a transmission source. If a folder associated with the sender's email address is not detected, the storage control unit 30 creates a folder associated with the sender's email address and stores the email in that folder. The storage control unit 30 may store the data (for example, document data, image data, etc.) attached to the e-mail in the folder together with the e-mail. The folder may be created in the image forming apparatus 10, may be created in the server 12, or may be created in another apparatus (for example, the terminal apparatus 14). In addition, when an e-mail is transferred to the server 12 and the e-mail is stored in the server 12, a storage process for the e-mail may be executed by the storage control unit 38 of the server 12.

  When printing is set as a process for an e-mail, the print unit 20 prints the content of the e-mail on a sheet. When e-mail transfer is set as processing for e-mail, the communication unit 16 transfers the e-mail to the e-mail address of the transfer destination.

  Even when the communication unit 16 of the image forming apparatus 10 receives data such as image data or document data as data other than e-mail, the identification information of the transmission source of the data (for example, the address of the transmission source, for example) Data such as image data and document data is stored in a folder associated with information indicating IP address (for example, IP address, MAC address, etc.).

  When printing is set as processing for image data or document data, the print unit 20 prints the image or document on a sheet. When e-mail transfer is set as processing for image data or document data, the communication unit 16 transfers the image data or document data to a transfer destination. The communication unit 16 may attach image data or document data to an e-mail and send the e-mail to a destination e-mail address.

  Further, the terminal device 14 may have a storage control unit. For example, when the terminal device 14 receives an electronic mail, the storage control unit of the terminal device 14 stores the electronic mail in a folder associated with the electronic mail address of the transmission source of the electronic mail. The folder may be a folder in the terminal device 14 or a folder in an external device such as the server 12. When the terminal device 14 receives data such as image data or document data, the storage control unit of the terminal device 14 may store the data in a folder associated with the identification information of the transmission source of the data.

Second Embodiment
Hereinafter, the data management system according to the second embodiment will be described. The data management system according to the second embodiment has the same configuration as the data management system according to the first embodiment.

  In the second embodiment, when the image forming apparatus 10 receives data from a transmission source, and information related to the transmission source is registered in management information (for example, address book data and communication history information), the storage control unit 30. Creates a folder associated with the transmission source and stores the data in the folder. When the information regarding the transmission source is not registered in the management information, the storage control unit 30 stores the data in a predetermined specific folder (for example, an unclassified folder).

  The management information may be management information associated with the image forming apparatus 10 (address book data or communication history information for the image forming apparatus 10), or a user who is logged in to the image forming apparatus 10 May be management information (address book data or communication history information for the user) associated with.

  Further, when the management information is stored in the image forming apparatus 10, when information regarding the transmission source is registered in the management information, that is, the information regarding the transmission source is stored in the image forming apparatus 10 as the transmission destination. If stored, the storage control unit 30 may create a folder associated with the transmission source and store the data in the folder. When the information regarding the transmission source is not stored in the image forming apparatus 10, the storage control unit 30 stores the data in a predetermined specific folder (for example, an unclassified folder).

  The above data may be facsimile data, e-mail, or other data (for example, image data, document data, etc.).

  The information on the transmission source is, for example, identification information of the transmission source. Specifically, information indicating the name of the transmission source, FAXID of the transmission source, information indicating the address of the transmission source (for example, an e-mail address, an IP address, MAC address etc.).

  For example, when the facsimile unit 18 of the image forming apparatus 10 receives facsimile data from a transmission source by facsimile communication, the information regarding the transmission source is registered in the management information (for example, address book data and history information). The control unit 30 creates a folder associated with the transmission source and stores the facsimile data. When the information regarding the transmission source is not registered in the management information, the storage control unit 30 stores the facsimile data in a predetermined folder (for example, an unclassified folder). When the transmission source FAXID is registered in the management information as information about the transmission source, the storage control unit 30 creates a folder associated with the transmission source, stores the facsimile data, and manages the transmission source FAXID. If not registered in the information, the facsimile data may be stored in a predetermined folder.

  Further, when the communication unit 16 of the image forming apparatus 10 receives an e-mail from the transmission source, and the information related to the transmission source is registered in the management information, the storage control unit 30 stores the folder associated with the transmission source. To store the e-mail. When the information regarding the transmission source is not registered in the management information, the storage control unit 30 stores the electronic mail in a predetermined folder. When the sender's e-mail address is registered in the management information as information about the sender, the storage control unit 30 creates a folder associated with the sender and stores the e-mail. If the address is not registered in the management information, the e-mail may be stored in a predetermined folder.

  Further, when the communication unit 16 of the image forming apparatus 10 receives data such as image data and document data from the transmission source, when the information regarding the transmission source is registered in the management information, the storage control unit 30 Create a folder associated with the sender and store the data. When the information regarding the transmission source is not registered in the management information, the storage control unit 30 stores the data in a predetermined folder. When the transmission source IP address or MAC address is registered in the management information as the transmission source information, the storage control unit 30 creates a folder associated with the transmission source, stores the data, and stores the transmission source IP. When the address or MAC address is not registered in the management information, the data may be stored in a predetermined folder.

  For example, the storage control unit 30 creates a folder associated with the identification information (for example, name, FAX ID, e-mail address, IP address, MAC address, etc.) of the transmission source as a folder associated with the transmission source. At least one of the sender name, sender FAXID, sender e-mail address, sender IP address, and sender MAC address is linked to the folder as sender identification information. It is done.

  When the facsimile data is received, the storage control unit 30 creates a folder associated with the FAX ID of the transmission source, and when an email is received, creates a folder associated with the email address of the transmission source. When data such as document data is received, a folder associated with the IP address or MAC address of the transmission source may be created.

  The folder may be created in the image forming apparatus 10, may be created in the server 12, may be created in the terminal device 14, or may be created in another apparatus. Good. When data is transferred to the server 12 and stored in the server 12, a storage process for the data may be executed by the storage control unit 38 of the server 12.

  The operation of the data management system according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 shows a flowchart showing the operation. Hereinafter, a case where the image forming apparatus 10 receives facsimile data as an example of data by facsimile communication will be described. Of course, as described above, the facsimile data is merely an example, and when other data (for example, e-mail, image data, document data, etc.) is sent to the image forming apparatus 10, the same processing as the facsimile data is performed. Executed.

  The image forming apparatus 10 receives facsimile data from another apparatus (transmission source) by facsimile communication (step S01). At this time, similarly to the first embodiment, the process is applied to the facsimile data according to the set operation content. Here, it is assumed that transfer to the server 12 is set as the operation content. In this case, the communication unit 16 of the image forming apparatus 10 transmits facsimile data to the server 12 (step S02).

  The storage control unit 30 of the image forming apparatus 10 uses the FAX ID of the transmission source (for example, “FAX number 1”) included in the attribute information of the facsimile data as a search key in the server 12 and uses the FAX ID of the transmission source as the folder name. A folder including (“FAX number 1”) is searched (step S03). When the folder is searched, that is, when the folder exists in the storage unit 34 of the server 12 (step S04, Yes), the storage control unit 30 stores the facsimile data in the folder (step S05).

  When a folder whose folder name contains the above FAX ID (“FAX number 1”) is not searched, that is, when the folder does not exist in the storage unit 34 of the server 12 (No in step S04), the storage control unit 30 In the address book data, search source identification information (for example, FAXID (“FAX number 1”)) is searched (step S06). Here, as an example, the FAX ID is searched for as identification information of the transmission source, but identification information other than the FAX ID may be searched. The address book data may be, for example, address book data associated with the image forming apparatus 10 or address book data associated with the login user.

  When the sender identification information (for example, FAXID (“FAX number 1”)) is registered in the address book data (step S07, Yes), the storage control unit 30 adds the sender identification information to the folder name (for example, its A new folder including FAXID (character string “FAX number 1”) is created (step S08), and facsimile data is stored in the folder (step S09). At this time, the storage control unit 38 includes the name (for example, “name 1”) of the communication partner (transmission source) associated with the FAX ID (“FAX number 1”) and registered in the address book data in the folder name. May be. As a result, as in the first embodiment, the character string “name 1 @ FAX number 1” is created as the folder name.

  When the sender identification information (for example, FAXID (“FAX number 1”)) is not registered in the address book data (No in step S07), the storage control unit 30 determines a predetermined folder (for example, an unclassified folder). The facsimile data is stored in (Step S10).

  According to the second embodiment, when there is no folder associated with identification information (for example, FAXID) of the transmission source of facsimile data, the identification information (for example, FAXID) of the transmission source is registered in the address book data. A folder associated with the identification information (for example, FAXID) of the transmission source is created, and the facsimile data is stored in the folder. In general, it is predicted or expected to perform communication between a communication partner whose identification information (for example, FAXID) is registered in the address book data and the image forming apparatus 10. For example, the image forming apparatus 10 is predicted or expected to transmit facsimile data to the communication partner by facsimile communication, and predicted or expected to send facsimile data to the image forming apparatus 10 by facsimile communication from the communication partner. Be expected. Therefore, by creating a folder associated with the FAX ID and storing facsimile data, facsimile data from a communication partner that the image forming apparatus 10 is supposed to communicate with is stored in the folder associated with the communication partner. . Thereby, compared with the case where a user creates a folder, a user's effort is reduced. On the other hand, in general, it is not predicted or expected to perform communication between a communication partner whose FAX book is not registered in the address book data and the image forming apparatus 10. For example, it is not predicted or expected that the image forming apparatus 10 transmits facsimile data to the communication partner by facsimile communication, and it is predicted that the facsimile data is sent from the communication partner to the image forming apparatus 10 by facsimile communication. Or not expected. Therefore, by storing facsimile data in an uncategorized folder without creating a folder associated with the FAX ID, it is possible to prevent a folder unique to the facsimile data from being created against the user's predictions and expectations. The

  In the above example, address book data is used, but communication history information may be used. For example, when there is no folder associated with the FAXID of the facsimile data transmission source, the communication history with the communication partner to which the FAXID is assigned (for example, the history of facsimile communication, the transmission / reception history of e-mail, When other data transmission / reception history is recorded in the communication history information, the storage control unit 30 creates a folder associated with the FAX ID and stores facsimile data in the folder. On the other hand, when the communication history with the communication partner to which the FAX ID is assigned is not recorded in the communication history information, the storage control unit 30 stores the facsimile data in the unclassified folder. From a communication partner (sender) who has never communicated with the image forming apparatus 10 in the past, facsimile data will not be sent to the image forming apparatus 10 by facsimile communication or the frequency of facsimile communication. Is expected to be low. Therefore, a folder that is predicted to be used less frequently may be created by not creating a folder associated with the FAXID of a communication partner that has never communicated with the image forming apparatus 10 in the past. Is prevented. In addition, it is predicted that facsimile data sent from a communication partner who has never communicated with the image forming apparatus 10 may correspond to nuisance facsimile data. According to the second embodiment, it is not necessary to create a folder unique to data predicted to be nuisance facsimile data.

  Further, when the communication history with the communication partner is not recorded in the communication history information and the communication partner is not registered in the address book data, the storage control unit 30 sends a facsimile from the communication partner. Facsimile data sent by communication is stored in an unclassified folder. In other cases, a folder associated with the FAXID assigned to the communication partner is created, and the facsimile data may be stored in the folder. .

  When the transmission source (communication partner) corresponds to a partner who has communicated with the image forming apparatus 10 within a predetermined period, the storage control unit 30 assigns the transmission source to the transmission source. It is also possible to create a folder associated with the FAXID and store facsimile data in the folder. In other cases, the storage control unit 30 stores the facsimile data in the unclassified folder. The specific period is, for example, a period from a current time to a time point that is a predetermined time. For example, a communication partner who has performed communication with the image forming apparatus 10 during the past year corresponds to a partner who has performed communication within a specific period. In this way, facsimile data from a communication partner that has communicated with the image forming apparatus 10 in the latest or a period close thereto is stored in a folder unique to the communication partner, and in other cases Is stored in the uncategorized folder.

  Further, a communication partner (for example, communication partner A) that has transmitted facsimile data to the image forming apparatus 10 by facsimile communication corresponds to a communication partner to which the image forming apparatus 10 has transmitted facsimile data by facsimile communication in the past. In this case, the storage control unit 30 may create a folder associated with the FAX ID assigned to the communication partner A and store the facsimile data from the communication partner A in the folder. In other cases, the storage control unit 30 stores the facsimile data in the unclassified folder. In this way, a folder unique to the communication partner that is predicted that the user of the image forming apparatus 10 will continue to send facsimile data by facsimile communication is created. In other cases, a folder unique to the communication partner is created. Since it is not created, the convenience for the user is improved in other cases as compared with the case of creating a unique folder. Similarly, when the processing target data is an e-mail, similarly, a communication partner who has transmitted an e-mail to the image forming apparatus 10 is a communication partner to which the image forming apparatus 10 has transmitted an e-mail in the past. If applicable, the storage control unit 30 creates a folder associated with the identification information (for example, an e-mail address) of the communication partner, and stores an e-mail from the communication partner in the folder. In other cases, the storage control unit 30 stores the e-mail in the uncategorized folder. The same applies when image data, document data, or the like is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 10.

  Further, a communication partner (for example, communication partner B) that transmits facsimile data to the image forming apparatus 10 by facsimile communication corresponds to a communication partner in which the image forming apparatus 10 has failed to transmit facsimile data by facsimile communication in the past. In this case, the storage control unit 30 may store the facsimile data in the unclassified folder without creating a folder associated with the FAX ID assigned to the communication partner B. In other cases, the storage control unit 30 creates a folder associated with the FAX ID, and stores facsimile data in the folder. Since it is not necessary to create a folder unique to the communication partner in which the facsimile transmission has failed, it is difficult to create a folder unnecessary for the user. Similarly, when the data to be processed is an e-mail, the communication partner that sent the e-mail to the image forming apparatus 10 corresponds to the communication partner that the image forming apparatus 10 failed to send the e-mail in the past. In this case, the storage control unit 30 stores the e-mail in the uncategorized folder without creating a folder associated with the identification information (for example, e-mail address) of the communication partner. In other cases, the storage control unit 30 creates a folder associated with the communication partner, and stores the e-mail in the folder. The same applies when image data, document data, or the like is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 10.

  Note that a modification of the first embodiment may be applied to the second embodiment. In this case, for example, facsimile data is transferred to the server 12 during a normal operation period, and transfer by printing or e-mail is performed during an exceptional period.

  In the second embodiment, the data to be stored is facsimile data. However, as described above, the storage process according to the second embodiment may be applied to data other than the facsimile data.

  Further, the terminal device 14 may have a storage control unit. For example, when the terminal device 14 receives an e-mail, the storage control unit of the terminal device 14 searches the identification information of the transmission source in management information (address book data and communication history information). When the transmission source identification information is registered in the management information, the storage control unit of the terminal device 14 creates a folder associated with the transmission source identification information, stores an e-mail in the folder, and stores the management information in the management information. If the sender identification information is not registered, the e-mail is stored in a predetermined folder (for example, an unclassified folder). The folder may be created in the terminal device 14, or may be created in an external device such as the server 12. The management information may be stored in the terminal device 14 or may be stored in an external device such as the server 12. When the terminal device 14 receives data such as image data or document data, and the identification information of the transmission source of the data is registered in the management information, the storage control unit of the terminal device 14 A folder associated with the identification information is created, and data is stored in the folder. When the identification information of the transmission source is not registered in the management information, the storage control unit of the terminal device 14 stores data in a predetermined specific folder (for example, an unclassified folder).

<Third Embodiment>
The data management system according to the third embodiment will be described below. The data management system according to the third embodiment has the same configuration as the data management system according to the first embodiment.

  In the third embodiment, the communication unit 16 of the image forming apparatus 10 attaches facsimile data to an electronic mail and transmits the electronic mail to a predetermined electronic mail address. In this way, the facsimile data is transferred to the destination by electronic mail. The transfer destination address and the like are set on the operation setting screen 40 shown in FIG. 4, the setting screen 54 shown in FIG. 6, the setting screen 104 shown in FIG.

  The control unit 28 of the image forming apparatus 10 may control the execution of either transfer of facsimile data by e-mail or other processing (for example, printing of facsimile data on paper) according to transfer conditions. Good. In the following description, it is assumed that facsimile data is printed on paper as other processing. However, as processing other than printing, for example, notification of facsimile reception or transfer to the server 12 may be performed. . Hereinafter, the transfer conditions will be described in detail.

(Transfer condition: time zone)
As an example, the transfer condition is a condition related to a time zone. For example, the control unit 28 of the image forming apparatus 10 controls the execution of facsimile data transfer by e-mail during a transfer time period, and executes the printing of facsimile data on paper during a time period other than the transfer time period. Control. The transfer time zone is set on, for example, the setting screen 118 shown in FIG. The transfer time zone may be set for each day of the week, may be set for each date and time, may be set for each month, and may be set for any other time zone as the transfer time zone. Good.

  The control according to the time zone will be described in more detail. When the facsimile unit 18 of the image forming apparatus 10 receives the facsimile data by facsimile communication (concept including date and time, day of the week, etc.) is included in the transfer time zone, the control unit 28 sends the facsimile data to the e-mail. The electronic mail is transmitted to a predetermined transfer destination by controlling the communication unit 16. On the other hand, when the time when the facsimile unit 18 receives facsimile data by facsimile communication is not included in the transfer time period, the control unit 28 controls the printing unit 20 to print the facsimile data on a sheet. .

  By controlling the transfer of facsimile data by e-mail according to the transfer time zone, the facsimile data is output according to the circumstances and circumstances of the user. For example, when the image forming apparatus 10 is installed in an office, a time zone in which the user is not staying in the office is set as the transfer time zone. In this case, since the facsimile data is printed on the paper during the time period when the user stays in the office, the user can refer to the contents of the facsimile data printed on the paper. As described above, since the user can refer to the paper, the facsimile data may not be transferred by electronic mail. On the other hand, facsimile data is sent to the transfer destination by electronic mail during a time period when the user is not staying in the office. By setting an e-mail address of a terminal device (for example, a PC, a tablet PC, or a smartphone) possessed by the user as the transfer destination, facsimile data is sent to the user. Therefore, it is possible to refer to the contents of the facsimile data even when the user is not staying in the office.

  It should be noted that a plurality of transfer time zones may be defined, and a plurality of e-mail addresses may be registered as destinations of e-mails attached with facsimile data.

(Transfer condition: data capacity)
As another example, the transfer condition is a condition related to the capacity of facsimile data. For example, when the capacity of the facsimile data received by the facsimile section 18 is less than a predetermined threshold, the control section 28 of the image forming apparatus 10 controls the execution of the facsimile data transfer by e-mail and the capacity of the facsimile data. Is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the execution of facsimile data printing on paper is controlled. The threshold is set, for example, on a setting screen displayed on the UI unit 24 of the image forming apparatus 10. Further, a default threshold value may be set.

  The control according to the data capacity will be described in more detail. When the capacity of the facsimile data received by the facsimile unit 18 of the image forming apparatus 10 is less than the threshold value, the control unit 28 attaches the facsimile data to the e-mail and controls the communication unit 16 to control the e-mail. Is transmitted to a predetermined transfer destination. On the other hand, when the capacity of the facsimile data received by facsimile is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the control unit 28 controls the printing unit 20 to print the facsimile data on a sheet.

  By performing the transfer process according to the data capacity, the communication load on the e-mail receiving side (for example, the user's terminal device) is reduced. The threshold value may be determined for each email address registered as a transfer destination. By doing so, a transfer process corresponding to the communication capability (for example, download capacity limit) and the communication status (communication speed of the communication path to be used) is performed for each transfer destination.

  When the capacity of the facsimile data is equal to or larger than the threshold, the control unit 28 of the image forming apparatus 10 divides the facsimile data into a plurality of pieces, and individually adds one or more pieces of data included in the data group generated by the division. Alternatively, it may be transmitted to the transfer destination by electronic mail. The control unit 28 may transmit one e-mail with one piece of data attached thereto, or may send an e-mail with a plurality of pieces of data attached to one e-mail. For example, a plurality of data may be attached to one e-mail within a predetermined allowable capacity or less.

  Further, when the capacity of the facsimile data is equal to or greater than the threshold, the control unit 28 of the image forming apparatus 10 may compress the facsimile data, attach the compressed data to the electronic mail, and transmit the electronic mail. In this case, the control unit 28 may divide the facsimile data into a plurality of data and then compress the plurality of data generated by the division.

  As yet another example, either transfer by e-mail or printing on paper may be executed according to the communication status on the communication path between the transfer destination of the e-mail and the image forming apparatus 10. For example, when the communication speed on the communication path is equal to or higher than the threshold, transfer by e-mail is executed, and when the communication speed is lower than the threshold, printing on paper is executed. Also, either transfer by e-mail or printing on paper may be executed according to the specifications of the transfer destination apparatus.

(Transfer condition: positional relationship)
As yet another example, the transfer condition is a condition related to the position of a user (a terminal device possessed by the user) registered as an electronic mail transfer destination. For example, the control unit 28 of the image forming apparatus 10 controls execution of either transfer of facsimile data by e-mail or output of facsimile data to paper according to the position of a user registered as a transfer destination. .

  More specifically, the transfer condition is a positional relationship between a user registered as a transfer destination and a paper discharge destination (for example, the image forming apparatus 10) to which facsimile data is output. When the distance between the user and the image forming apparatus 10 is less than a predetermined threshold when the facsimile unit 18 of the image forming apparatus 10 receives the facsimile data by facsimile communication, the control unit 28 of the image forming apparatus 10. Controls printing unit 20 to print facsimile data on paper. When the distance between the user and the image forming apparatus 10 is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the control unit 28 attaches the facsimile data to the e-mail and controls the communication unit 16 to register the e-mail as the transfer destination. Sent to the user's terminal device. In this way, when the user is relatively close to the image forming apparatus 10, facsimile data is printed on the paper, and when the user is relatively far from the image forming apparatus 10, the facsimile is printed. Data is transferred to the user by email.

  For example, the control unit 28 of the image forming apparatus 10 uses GPS (Global Positioning System) to indicate information indicating the position of the image forming apparatus 10 itself and the position of the terminal device possessed by the user registered as the transfer destination. Get information indicating The control unit 28 specifies the positional relationship between the user and the image forming apparatus 10 using the positional information acquired in this way.

  In addition, when the user registered as the transfer destination exists in a specific area including the paper discharge destination (for example, the image forming apparatus 10), the control unit 28 controls the print unit 20 to transfer the facsimile data to the paper. If the user does not exist within the specific area, the facsimile data is attached to the e-mail, and the communication unit 16 controls the e-mail to be sent to the user's terminal device registered as the transfer destination. Also good.

  For example, the control unit 28 acquires information indicating the position of the terminal device possessed by the user registered as the transfer destination by using the GPS, and the user exists in the specific area based on the position information. Judge whether to do.

  As another example, a gate or a door may be provided at an entrance / exit of a specific area, and a device for managing entry / exit of the user may be provided at the gate / door. The apparatus is a communication device that performs communication using short-range wireless communication such as NFC (Near Field Communication). When a user holds an ID card (for example, an employee ID card, registration card, entry / exit management card, etc., composed of an IC card) over the communication device, the user enters the specific area and the user enters the specific area. The leaving of the room is managed. The management is performed by, for example, an entrance / exit management server. The control unit 28 obtains information on the entry / exit of the user registered as the transfer destination from the entry / exit management server, and determines whether the user exists in the specific area based on the information.

  The specific area is, for example, an office, a classroom, a store, a library, or the like. For example, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus 10 is installed in an office. When the user registered as the transfer destination is in the office and the facsimile unit 18 receives facsimile data by facsimile communication, the facsimile data is printed on a sheet. On the other hand, when the user registered as the transfer destination is not in the office and the facsimile unit 18 receives facsimile data by facsimile communication, the facsimile data is attached to an e-mail, and the e-mail is sent to the terminal device of the user. Sent to.

  As described above, by using the position of the user or the position of the image forming apparatus, output of facsimile data corresponding to the situation regarding the position of the user is realized.

(Transfer condition: User schedule)
As yet another example, the transfer condition is a condition related to a schedule of a user registered as an electronic mail transfer destination. For example, the control unit 28 of the image forming apparatus 10 executes either transfer of facsimile data by e-mail or printing of facsimile data on paper according to a user's schedule (plan) registered as a transfer destination. To control.

  Information indicating the user's schedule (hereinafter referred to as “schedule information”) may be stored in a terminal device possessed by the user, or may be stored in a device such as a management server, or an image, for example. It may be stored in the forming apparatus 10. For example, the user's schedule is determined every year, every month, every week, every day, every hour, etc., and the schedule information is information indicating the schedule thus determined. The control unit 28 of the image forming apparatus 10 acquires the schedule information of the user registered as an e-mail transfer destination from a device such as a terminal device or a management server.

  As an example, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus 10 is set in an office. When the facsimile unit 18 receives facsimile data by facsimile communication, the control unit 28 acquires the schedule information of the user registered as the transfer destination, and estimates the location of the user based on the schedule information. For example, if the user is scheduled to go out when receiving the facsimile data, the user is assumed not to be in the office or in-house, so the control unit 28 attaches the facsimile data to the e-mail and sends the electronic data. The mail is transmitted to the terminal device owned by the user (terminal device registered as the transfer destination). On the other hand, when it is estimated that the user is in the office or in the office when receiving the facsimile data, the control unit 28 prints the facsimile data on a sheet. In addition, when the user cannot immediately obtain the paper on which the facsimile data is printed, such as when the user is attending a meeting, the control unit 28 sends an e-mail attached with the facsimile data to the user. You may transmit to a terminal device.

  By using the user's schedule as described above, facsimile data output according to the user's schedule is realized.

  In the third embodiment, the FAX ID of the facsimile data transmission source and the user (e-mail address of the user) to which the e-mail is transferred are associated in advance, and information indicating the association is stored in the image forming apparatus 10. It may be stored. In this case, when the facsimile unit 18 receives the facsimile data by facsimile communication, the control unit 28 refers to the information indicating the association, thereby identifying the user (e-mail address) associated with the FAX ID of the transmission source. Identify. Next, the control unit 28 transmits an e-mail attached with facsimile data to the e-mail address of the user. In this way, the facsimile data is individually transmitted to the transfer destination set for each facsimile data transmission source.

  When the e-mail is deleted by the terminal device that has received the e-mail to which the facsimile data is attached, the control unit 28 of the image forming apparatus 10 receives new facsimile data from the transmission source of the facsimile data. It may be rejected (prohibited), or transfer of new facsimile data by e-mail may be prohibited. This process will be described in detail. As described above, when an e-mail is deleted in the transfer destination terminal device, the terminal device transmits information indicating the deletion via the server 12 or directly to the image forming apparatus 10. . The information indicating the deletion includes the FAX ID of the facsimile data attached to the deleted electronic mail. When receiving the information indicating the deletion, the control unit 28 of the image forming apparatus 10 rejects reception of new facsimile data from the communication partner to which the FAX ID included in the information indicating the deletion is assigned. In this case, the facsimile unit 18 does not receive facsimile data sent by facsimile communication from a communication partner to which the FAX ID is assigned. Further, when new facsimile data is sent from the communication partner by facsimile communication, the control unit 28 attaches the new facsimile data even if the e-mail transfer is set to be valid. The e-mail is not transmitted to the terminal device of the user registered as the transfer destination. If the e-mail is deleted, it is assumed that the facsimile data attached to the e-mail is not useful data for the user. Therefore, by performing the above control, facsimile data from a transmission source that is not useful to the user is prevented from being sent to the terminal device of the user by electronic mail.

  As another example, when the electronic mail is deleted at the terminal device that has received the electronic mail to which the facsimile data is attached, the storage control unit 38 of the server 12 sends a new facsimile from the transmission source of the facsimile data. The data may be stored in a specific folder that does not depend on the transmission source. The specific folder is, for example, an uncategorized folder or a nuisance folder. In this way, facsimile data from a transmission source that is assumed not useful for the user is prevented from being stored in a folder unique to the transmission source.

<Other embodiments>
In the above embodiment, security processing may be applied to facsimile data stored in a folder. This security process is performed by the control unit 28 of the image forming apparatus 10 or the control unit 36 of the server 12. For example, a password may be set for a folder or facsimile data, or only a specific user (for example, a user having administrative authority or a user belonging to a specific group) may be permitted to view the folder or facsimile data. . Further, a security level may be determined for each transmission source of facsimile data, and processing corresponding to the security level may be applied to folders and facsimile data. For example, the authority of a user who is permitted to view folders and facsimile data may be determined according to the security level. Further, the security level may be determined according to the content (keyword) of the document represented by the facsimile data. For example, character recognition processing such as OCR processing is applied to a document, and a security level corresponding to a keyword included in the document is determined.

  When a folder has already been created in the storage unit 34 of the server 12, the storage control unit 38 uses a specific character string included in the name of the folder (folder name) as a search key to execute a character for facsimile data. Recognition processing may be applied. When the search key is included in the facsimile data, the storage control unit 38 stores the facsimile data in the folder in which the specific character string used as the search key is included in the folder name. If the search key is not included in the facsimile data, the storage control unit 38 stores the facsimile data in the unclassified folder. For example, when delimiter information “@” is included in the folder name, the character string described in the part after or before the delimiter information “@” is used as the search key. For example, if the folder name includes the character string “invoice”, the character string “invoice” is used as a search key, and facsimile data representing a document including the character string “invoice” is included in the folder name. It is stored in a folder containing the character string “invoice” (see FIG. 9). In this way, the facsimile data is classified using the folder name.

  Each of the image forming apparatus 10, the server 12, and the terminal apparatus 14 is realized by cooperation of hardware and software, for example. Specifically, each of the image forming apparatus 10, the server 12, and the terminal apparatus 14 includes one or more processors such as a CPU (not shown). The function of each unit of the image forming apparatus 10, the server 12, and the terminal device 14 is realized by the one or more processors reading and executing a program stored in a storage device (not shown). The program is stored in the storage device via a recording medium such as a CD or DVD, or via a communication path such as a network. As another example, each unit of the image forming apparatus 10, the server 12, and the terminal apparatus 14 may be realized by hardware resources such as a processor, an electronic circuit, and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). In the realization, a device such as a memory may be used. As yet another example, each unit of the image forming apparatus 10, the server 12, and the terminal device 14 may be realized by a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or the like.

  10 image forming device, 12 server, 14 terminal device, 30, 38 storage control unit.

Claims (11)

Receiving means for receiving data from a sender by facsimile communication;
Control means for controlling execution of either transfer of the data by e-mail to a transfer destination or printing of the data to a recording medium according to a transfer condition;
An information processing apparatus. The transfer condition is a condition related to a time zone,
The control means controls execution of the data transfer by the e-mail in a transfer time zone, and controls execution of printing of the data on the recording medium in a time zone other than the transfer time zone,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. The transfer condition is a condition regarding data capacity,
The control means controls execution of the data transfer by the e-mail when the data capacity is less than a threshold value, and when the data capacity is equal to or greater than the threshold value, Control execution,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. The transfer condition is a condition related to the position of the user as the transfer destination,
The control means controls execution of either transfer of the data by the e-mail or printing of the data to the recording medium according to the position of the user.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. The control means executes either the transfer of the data by the e-mail or the printing of the data to the recording medium according to the positional relationship between the user and the discharge destination of the recording medium. To control the
The information processing apparatus according to claim 4. The control means controls execution of the data transfer by the e-mail when the user does not exist in the specific area including the discharge destination of the recording medium, and the user exists in the specific area. Controlling execution of printing of the data on the recording medium,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 5. The transfer condition is determined for each line used for the facsimile communication.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is an information processing apparatus. The control means prohibits transfer of new data from the transmission source by e-mail when the e-mail is deleted at the transfer destination;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is an information processing apparatus. The receiving means rejects reception of new data from the transmission source when the e-mail is deleted at the transfer destination;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is an information processing apparatus. When the data is deleted at the transfer destination, the control means stores new data from the transmission source in a specific storage location that does not depend on the transmission source.
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is an information processing apparatus. Computer
Receiving means for receiving data from the sender by facsimile communication;
Control means for controlling execution of either transfer of the data by e-mail to a transfer destination or printing of the data to a recording medium according to a transfer condition;
Program to function as.