JP2000004339A - Image input/output device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image input/output device which prevents a data file from being lost and also prevents an auxiliary storage device from becoming full. SOLUTION: A digital copying machine 1 is provided with a main control section 2, an operating section 3, a scanner 4, a plotter 5, a memory 6, a compressing and expanding section 7, an external storing section 8, a retrieving section 9, a file information storing section 10, a LAN communication control section 11, an external save storing means 12, also an external storage device 21 and an external saving device 22. Then, the part 2 saves a data file stored in the device 21 to the device 22 as required.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image input / output device such as a network-connected digital copying machine or a remote scanner.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Recently, networking of PCs (personal computers) and WSs (workstations) has rapidly spread, and LANs are being constructed in offices. Digital copiers have also been used as shared remote printers on PC and WS networks.

On the other hand, digital copiers also have a scanner function, and are already used by being directly connected to a PC or the like. However, in the case of a remote scanner connected to a network, it is inevitably necessary to take time. Will accompany. For example, when used as a remote scanner, an original is set on a digital copying machine, a scanner application is started on a remote PC or the like, and an instruction to read the original is issued. Next, it is necessary to return to the digital copying machine again and retrieve the set original.

In many cases, a digital copying machine is used as a copy by a plurality of persons, and there is a problem that other persons cannot use the digital copying machine because originals are left during use by a scanner. . In addition, there is also a problem that the cover is opened by another person without knowing and the original is rejected.

As a conventional technique for solving this problem, for example, there is known an automatic image transfer method of a scanner system reported in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 7-271535. This technique is intended to allow a document set operation, a read start instruction, and a document collection operation when a remote scanner is used to be performed at a set position of the remote scanner.

[0006] In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-133094, data input by a scanner with an image input / output device is stored in an auxiliary storage device, storage information is stored in an IC card, and information from the IC card is transmitted from another terminal. A method for collecting desired data is shown.

[0007]

The former of the above prior arts sets a transfer destination in a scanner device in advance in a setting mode from a PC or the like, and then goes to a remote scanner device, and then presses a scanner start button. Press to transfer the image,
Since this method is a method of returning to the PC again and using the image data, there has been a problem that it takes time to perform the previous setting. In addition, since the entire image is transferred, the transfer time may take a corresponding amount of time, and the receiving may be interrupted by a storage error on the PC side during reception, and the document must be scanned and read again.

In the latter case, after receiving the stored information, the user can access the image input / output device with the information when necessary and read the scanner data from the image input / output device. The image input / output device was not occupied until the job was completed or until the image application processing was completed.However, since data is still stored in the image input / output device, there are cases where the user forgets to take it in due to work or the like. There was sometimes. If the storage expiration date or the total amount of data that can be stored in the auxiliary storage device in the image input / output device is likely to exceed the usable limit, the process ends with an error,
Old ones were sometimes deleted automatically.

The present invention prevents loss of data files,
It is another object of the present invention to provide an image input / output device capable of preventing the storage capacity of the auxiliary storage device from being full.

[0010]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image input / output device such as a digital copier or a remote scanner connected to a network. External storage device and a storage device having a larger capacity than the external storage device,
An external storage device that stores data that is accessed infrequently at normal times is provided, and the main control unit determines if there is a data file whose specified storage expiration date has passed, or if the total capacity that can be stored exceeds the usable limit. In such a case, data stored in the external storage device is transferred to and stored in the external storage device, and control for deleting data in the external storage device is performed.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the above object is achieved.
The described invention has an external storage device for storing data obtained by scanning an original in an image input / output device such as a network-connected digital copier or a remote scanner, and the main control unit determines that the designated storage expiration date has passed. If there is a data file that has been stored, or if the total capacity that can be stored is likely to exceed the usable limit, the data stored in the external storage device is transferred to a storage server device connected to the network and stored, and the external storage device is also stored. It is characterized by performing control to delete data in the device.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a semiconductor device comprising:
According to the invention described in the first and second aspects, the main control unit stores the data stored in the external storage device in an external storage device or a storage server device connected to a network. After the storage processing is completed, a control is performed to send a mail of a storage completion notification including the stored file information to a personal computer or a workstation of a designated user connected to the network.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the above object is achieved.
According to the invention described in claims 1 and 2, an input means for enabling group access at the time of scanner input is provided, and the main control unit transmits the group access storage data to an external storage device or a network. When the data is stored in the connected storage server device, after the storage processing is completed, control to send a notification of storage completion including the stored file information to the personal computer or workstation of the specified group user connected to the network by e-mail It is characterized by the following.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer system comprising:
According to the invention described in the first and second aspects, the main control unit stores the data stored in the external storage device in an external storage device or a storage server device connected to a network. After the storage processing is completed, control is performed to notify a storage completion notification including the stored file information to a designated user printer connected to the network.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a semiconductor device comprising:
According to the invention described in claims 1 and 2, an input means for enabling group access at the time of scanner input is provided, and the main control unit transmits the group access storage data to an external storage device or a network. In the case where the data is stored in the connected storage server device, control is performed to notify a storage completion notification including the stored file information to a printer of a designated group user connected to the network after the storage processing is completed. Things.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a semiconductor device comprising:
According to the invention described in claim 1, in the invention according to claim 1, when the data stored in the external storage device is stored in the external storage device, the main control unit creates a storage key for restoring the data, and It is characterized in that control is performed for storing the storage key in association with the storage key.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the above object is achieved.
According to the invention described in claim 2, in the invention according to claim 2, when the data stored in the external storage device is transferred to the storage server device and stored, the storage for restoring the data from the storage server device is performed. The present invention is characterized in that a key is received, and control is performed for adding a storage key to data and transferring the data.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a semiconductor device comprising:
In the invention described in claims 7 and 8, when the main control unit stores the data stored in the external storage device in an external storage device or a storage server device connected to a network, After the storage processing is completed, control is performed to output a storage completion notification including a storage key and stored file information to a personal computer or a work station of a designated user connected to a network by mail.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides the first aspect.
The invention according to claim 0 has an input means for enabling group access at the time of scanner input in the invention according to claim 7 and claim 8, wherein the main control unit stores the group access storage data in an external storage device or a network. If the data is stored in the storage server connected to the
It is characterized in that a storage completion notification including a storage key and stored file information is output by mail to a personal computer or a work station of a designated group user connected to the network.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides the first aspect.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the seventh and eighth aspects, the main control unit stores the data stored in the external storage device in an external storage device or a storage server device connected to a network. After the storage processing is completed, control is performed to output a storage completion notification including a storage key and stored file information to a printer of a designated user connected to a network.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a semiconductor device comprising:
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the seventh aspect, the main control unit receives a restoration request designating a storage key from a user, determines validity of the restoration request, and uses the external storage device based on the storage key information. From an external storage device to control the restoration of a target data file.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer system comprising:
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the eighth aspect, the main control unit accepts a restoration request from the user designating the storage key, determines the validity of the restoration request, and specifies the designated storage server device from the storage key information. Is obtained, a restoration request is issued to the storage server device by designating a storage key, data is transferred from the storage server device to the external storage device, and control for restoring a target data file is performed.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer system comprising:
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the twelfth and thirteenth aspects of the present invention, after the data file is restored, the main control unit is connected to the network with a restoration completion notification including the storage key and the restored file information. It is characterized in that a mail output control is performed to a designated user's personal computer or workstation.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides the first aspect.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the twelfth and thirteenth aspects of the present invention, after the data file is restored, the main control unit is connected to the network with a restoration completion notification including the storage key and the restored file information. It is characterized in that a mail output to a personal computer or a workstation of a designated group user is controlled.

Further, in order to achieve the above object, the present invention is directed to claim 1.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the twelfth and thirteenth aspects of the invention, the main control unit performs control for outputting a data file restoration completion notification to a designated printer.

[0026]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a digital copying machine as an image input / output device showing an embodiment of the present invention. The digital copier 1 stores a main controller 2, an operation unit 3, a scanner 4 for reading a document to be copied, a plotter 5 for recording information of the read document on a recording sheet, and various control programs. A memory 6 for temporarily storing information of the read document, a compression / decompression unit 7 for encoding and decoding the read information, an external storage unit 8, a search unit 9, a file information storage unit 10, a LAN communication control unit 11, An external storage unit 12 is provided.

The external storage unit 8 attaches a file number to information of a document read by the scanner 4 and
Is stored in an external storage device 21 composed of a large-capacity hard disk such as a readable / writable optical file attached to the storage device.
The external storage unit 12 stores data in the external storage device 22.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the network image forming system. A plurality of PCs 31, WS32, FAX33,
The storage server device 34 is connected via a LAN 35 to the digital copying machine 1 having a network interface device. Each of the PC 31 and the WS 32 has a CRT display device and a keyboard, and can selectively execute a plurality of software processes by an intelligent function.

The LAN communication control unit 11 shown in FIG. 1 controls communication between the digital copying machine 1 and another terminal device. The digital copying machine 1 stores the data obtained by scanning the original in the external storage device 21 (auxiliary storage device) of the digital copying machine 1 or in the LA.
It can be stored in the auxiliary storage device of the storage server device 34 via N35.

The external storage device 22 connected to the digital copying machine 1 or the storage server 34 existing in the LAN 35
The storage device 36 connected to the storage device 36 is a storage device having a larger capacity than the auxiliary storage device 21 and serves as a warehouse for storing data that is normally accessed less frequently. Examples include a tape device (tape autochanger) in which a tape cartridge is automatically replaced, a CD-RW,
A VD-RW autochanger device is conceivable.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a first embodiment when data is transferred from an external storage device of a digital copying machine to a storage device and stored, and FIG. 4 is a description showing the second embodiment similarly. FIG. 5 and FIG. 5 are explanatory diagrams showing the third embodiment, and FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the fourth embodiment. In the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the stored data is transferred from the external storage device 21 to the external storage device 22, and is deleted after the storage is completed.

In the second embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the storage data is transferred from the external storage device 21 to the storage device 36 of the storage server 34 and deleted after the storage is completed.

In the third embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the transfer of stored data is performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment shown in FIG. The external storage device 22 is associated with the key 41 and the storage data.
Keep in.

In the fourth embodiment shown in FIG. 6, storage data is transferred in the same manner as in the second embodiment shown in FIG. 4, but a storage request is sent from the digital copying machine 1 to the storage server unit 34. If there is, the storage server device 34 uses the storage key 41
Is created and the storage key 41 is transferred to the digital copying machine 1. In the digital copying machine 1, the storage data and the storage key 41
Is transferred to the storage device 36 and stored.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a first embodiment in which data is transferred from a storage device to an external storage device of a digital copying machine and restored, and FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a second embodiment in the same manner. FIG. In the first embodiment shown in FIG. 7, data is stored in the external storage device 22 of the digital copying machine 1. In this case, when there is a data restoration request from the user PC 31A to the digital copying machine 1 by designating the storage key 41, the digital copying machine 1 retrieves the stored data from the storage key 41 and stores the stored data in the external storage device 21. The data file is transferred and restored in the external storage device 21.

In the second embodiment shown in FIG. 8, data is stored in the storage device 36 of the storage server 34. In this case, when there is a data restoration request from the user PC 31A to the digital copying machine 1 by designating the storage key 41, the digital copying machine 1 requests the storage server 34 to that effect. The storage server 34 retrieves the stored data from the storage key 41, transfers the stored data to the external storage device 21, and restores the data file in the external storage device 21.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a first embodiment in the case where a notification of completion of storage and restoration is made from a digital copying machine.
0 is an explanatory view showing the second embodiment, and FIG. 11 is an explanatory view showing the third embodiment. In the first embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the user A sets a storage completion notification method (e-mail designation, printer designation) after scanning of the scanner is completed. Then, in the case of automatic storage, the digital copier 1 transmits the storage information of the user A to the designated user PC 3.
Notify 1A. At this time, if there is a storage key 41, it is also notified. Also, in the case of the restoration completion notification, the restoration information is similarly notified.

In the second embodiment shown in FIG. 10, when the user A sets the storage completion notification to the mail designation after the scanning of the scanner is completed in the group registration, the information of the automatic storage of the user A is designated to the designated group PC 31A, Notify 31B. At this time, if there is a storage key 41, it is also notified. Also, in the case of the restoration completion notification, the restoration information is similarly notified.

In the third embodiment shown in FIG. 11, when the user A sets the storage completion notification to the printer designation after the scanning of the scanner is completed in the group registration, the information of the automatic storage of the user A is designated to the designated group printer 37A. , 37B
Notify. At this time, if there is a storage key 41, it is also notified. Also, in the case of the restoration completion notification, the restoration information is similarly notified.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a data storage setting process when storing scanner data. Digital copier 1
In order to scan the original and store the data, the operator brings the original to the digital copying machine 1 and sets it (S10). The operation unit 3 of the digital copying machine 1 displays the user list on the operation panel according to the designation from the operator (S11). The operator selects a user from the user list and inputs a password. The operation unit 3 collates the input user and password with data stored in the storage unit (S12).

If the operator designates a selection from the menu from the operation unit 3 to make the input data accessible within the group (S13: Yes), the group access flag is recorded (S14). In addition, the operation unit 3
The operator is caused to select either to manually set the storage location of the input data or to automatically assign it to the digital copying machine 1 (S15).

Next, the method of notifying the completion of automatic storage due to expiration of the validity period and exceeding the storage capacity limit (mail,
Printer). Further, a notification flag for notifying completion of automatic data storage is set (S16). If the data storage location is manually specified (No in S17), the operation unit 3 displays a directory list on the operation panel and allows the operator to specify a storage location. The storage location name is stored in the file information storage unit 10 (S18).

If the designation is automatic (No in S17), the storage location is automatically assigned (S19). A document is input from the scanner 4 of the digital copying machine 1 by a scanner (S20).
The compression / expansion unit 7 compresses the input data (S21),
The data is stored in the designated storage location (S22).

When a plurality of pages are input (S23: Yes), the next original is input (to S20). If the scanner input is completed (NO in S23), the file information storage unit 1
0 is recorded for each file information (S24).

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a first example of processing for storing data from an external storage device to an external storage device or a storage server device via a LAN. The digital copying machine 1 periodically searches for a data file whose capacity is limited and has expired in the file information storage unit 10 and checks whether the data file needs to be stored (S30). If storage is necessary (S31: No), a specified storage setting method is extracted from the information in the file information storage unit 10 (S32). Then, it is determined whether the designation of the storage device is (the storage device 36 of) the storage server device 34 or the external storage device 22 (S).
33).

If the storage device designation is the external storage device 22 connected to the digital copying machine 1, a connection request is issued to the external storage device 22 (S34). If it is the storage device 36 of the storage server device 34 via the LAN 35, a connection request is issued to the designated storage server (S39). Storage device connection OK
If it is (No at S35), the storage data is transferred to the external storage device 22 or the storage server device 34 via the LAN with the file information for storage added (S36). The digital copying machine 1 confirms the completion of the storage (S37). When the storage is completed normally, the data stored in the external storage device 21 is deleted (S38).

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a second example of processing for storing data from an external storage device to an external storage device or a storage server device via a LAN. The second processing example shown in FIG. 14 includes steps S34-1, S36-1,
The processing of S39-1 is the same as steps S34, S36, and S39 of the first processing example shown in FIG. 13 except that the presence or absence of the storage key 41 is different. That is, in the second processing example shown in FIG. 14, the storage key 41 for restoration is created, and the storage key information is stored together with the file information.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a storage completion mail notification and a storage completion notification print output process. After the storage process is completed (S40), it is checked whether a storage completion notification is required (S41). If necessary, the method of designating the notification of the completion of storage is extracted from the file information storage unit 10 (S4).
2) Check whether the designation method is printer or mail notification (S4).
3) If it is a printer, the stored information is converted into data for printer output (S44). If it is a mail, the stored information is converted into mail data (S45).

Next, it is determined whether the notified party is designated as a group (S46), and if designated as a mail, the mail is forwarded to a PC of the designated group. If the printer is designated by the group, the data is transferred to the designated printer (S47).
If the user specifies a mail, the mail is transferred to the PC of the specified user. If the user specifies the printer, the data is transferred to the specified printer (S48).

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a process of restoring data from an external storage device or a storage server device to an external storage device via a LAN. Digital copier 1 is LA
N, the restoration request specifying the storage key 41 is received from the user PC, and the validity of the storage key 41 is checked (S
50). If restoration is necessary (S51: No), a designated restoration method is extracted from the storage key information (S52). Then, it is determined whether the designation of the storage device is (the storage device 36 of) the storage server device 34 or the external storage device 22 (S).
53).

If the designation of the storage device is the external storage device 22 connected to the digital copying machine 1, a connection request is made to the external storage device 22, and restoration data is retrieved from the storage key 41 (S54). Storage server device 34 via LAN 35
Storage device 36, a connection request is made to the designated storage server device 34, and a restoration request is made by designating the storage key 41 (S
58).

If the connection of the storage device is OK (No at S55), the storage data is transferred from the storage server device 34 via the external storage device 22 or the LAN, and the data file is restored (S56). The digital copier 1 confirms the completion of the restoration (S57).

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a restoration completion mail notification and a restoration completion notice print output process. After the restoration process is completed (S60), it is checked whether a restoration completion notification is required (S61). If necessary, a method for designating the notification of the completion of restoration is extracted from the file information storage unit 10 (S6).
2) Check whether the designation method is printer or mail notification (S6).
3) If it is a printer, the stored information is converted into data for printer output (S64). If it is a mail, the stored information is converted into mail data (S65).

Next, it is determined whether the notified party is designated as a group (S66), and if designated as a mail, the mail is forwarded to a PC in the designated group. If the printer is designated by the group, the data is transferred to the designated printer (S67).
If the user specifies a mail, the mail is transferred to the PC of the specified user. If the user specifies the printer, the data is transferred to the specified printer (S68).

The digital copying machine 1 of the present embodiment has a main control unit 2, an operation unit 3, a scanner 4, a plotter 5, a memory 6, a compression / expansion unit 7, an external storage unit 8, a search unit 9, a file information storage unit. 10, a LAN communication control unit 11, an external storage unit 12, an external storage device 21, and an external storage device 22. Then, the main control unit 2 stores the data file stored in the external storage device 21 in the external storage device 22 as necessary. By doing so, the intended purpose can be achieved.

[0056]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a user can automatically save necessary image data to an external storage device, thereby preventing loss of an important data file. Further, by automatically deleting the data in the external storage device, it is possible to prevent the storage capacity of the external storage device from being full.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, loss of important data files can be prevented by automatically storing necessary image data in the specified storage server via the LAN. Further, by automatically deleting the data in the external storage device, it is possible to prevent the storage capacity of the external storage device from being full.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to know the location of the stored data, and it is possible to prevent an important data file from being lost and a user from forgetting to retrieve image data.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to know the location of the stored data, and it is possible to prevent loss of important data files and forgetting to collect image data of group users.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to know the location of the stored data, and it is possible to prevent loss of an important data file and forgetting to take in image data of a user.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to know the location of the stored data, and it is possible to prevent loss of an important data file and forgetting to take in image data of a user.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when the storage capacity of the external storage device is sufficient and a data file is required, the data file is returned from the external storage device to the external storage device and used again. be able to.

According to the invention of claim 8, when the storage capacity of the external storage device is sufficient and a data file is required, the data file is returned from the storage server device to the external storage device and used again. be able to.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to know the location of the stored data, and it is possible to prevent a loss of an important data file and forgetting to take in image data of a user.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the location of the stored data can be known, and the loss of the important data file and the forgetting of the group user's image data can be prevented.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to know the location of the stored data, and it is possible to prevent loss of an important data file and forgetting to take in image data of a user.

According to the twelfth aspect, when the storage capacity of the external storage device is sufficient and a data file is required, the data file is returned from the external storage device to the external storage device and used again. be able to.

According to the thirteenth aspect, when the storage capacity of the external storage device is sufficient and a data file is required, the data file is returned from the storage server device to the external storage device and used again. be able to.

According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the user who has received the restoration completion notice can use the image input / output device thereafter in the same processing as before storage.

According to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the group user who has received the restoration completion notice can use the image input / output device thereafter in the same processing as before storage.

According to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the user who has received the restoration completion notification can use the image input / output device thereafter in the same processing as before storage.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a digital copying machine as an image input / output device showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a network image forming system.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a first embodiment in a case where data is transferred from an external storage device of a digital copying machine to a storage device and stored.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a third embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a first embodiment in a case where data is transferred from a protection device to an external storage device of a digital copying machine and restored.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a first embodiment in a case where a notification of completion of storage and restoration is performed from a digital copying machine.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory view showing a third embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a data storage setting process when storing scanner data.

FIG. 13 shows an external storage device or a LAN from an external storage device.
13 is a flowchart illustrating a first example of a process of storing data in a storage server device via a storage device.

FIG. 14 shows an external storage device or a LAN from an external storage device.
13 is a flowchart illustrating a second example of a process of storing data in a storage server device via a storage device.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a storage completion mail notification and a storage completion notification print output process.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a process of restoring data from an external storage device or a storage server device to an external storage device via a LAN.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a restoration completion mail notification and a restoration completion notice print output process.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Digital copier 2 Main control part 3 Operation part 4 Scanner 5 Plotter 6 Memory 7 Compression / decompression device 8 External storage part 9 Search part 10 File information storage part 11 LAN communication control part 12 External storage storage part 21 External storage device 22 External storage Device 31 PC 32 WS 33 FAX 34 Storage server device 35 LAN 36 Storage device 41 Storage key

Claims (16)

[Claims] An external storage device for storing data obtained by scanning a document in an image input / output device such as a digital copier or a remote scanner connected to a network;
The main control unit has a storage device that has a larger capacity than the external storage device and stores data that is normally accessed infrequently. Or, if the total capacity that can be stored is likely to exceed the usable limit, transfer the data stored in the external storage device to the external storage device and store it, and perform control to delete the data in the external storage device. Characteristic image input / output device. 2. An image input / output device such as a network-connected digital copier or a remote scanner, comprising an external storage device for storing data obtained by scanning a document, wherein the main control unit has a designated storage expiration date. If there is a data file that has been stored, or if the total capacity that can be stored is likely to exceed the usable limit, the data stored in the external storage device is transferred to a storage server device connected to the network and stored, and the external storage device is also stored. An image input / output device for performing control for deleting data in the device. 3. The storage control device according to claim 1, wherein the main control unit stores the data stored in the external storage device in an external storage device or a storage server device connected to a network. An image input / output apparatus, which performs control to output a storage completion notification including stored file information to a personal computer or a workstation of a designated user connected to a network after the processing is completed. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: input means for enabling group access at the time of scanner input, wherein the main control unit connects the group access storage data to an external storage device or a network. When the data is stored in the storage server device, the control is performed to output a storage completion notification containing the stored file information to the personal computer or workstation of the specified group user connected to the network after the storage processing is completed. Image input / output device. 5. The storage control device according to claim 1, wherein the main control unit stores the data stored in the external storage device in an external storage device or a storage server device connected to a network. An image input / output apparatus for performing control to output a storage completion notification including stored file information to a printer of a designated user connected to a network after completion. 6. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: input means for enabling group access at the time of scanner input, wherein the main control unit connects the group access storage data to an external storage device or a network. When the image data is stored in a storage server device, the storage control device outputs a storage completion notification including the stored file information to a printer of a designated group user connected to the network after the storage process is completed. Output device. 7. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein the main control unit creates a storage key for restoring the data when storing the data stored in the external storage device in the external storage device. An image input / output device characterized by performing control for storing the image data in association with each other. 8. The storage system according to claim 2, wherein the main control unit transmits a storage key for restoring data from the storage server device when transferring the data stored in the external storage device to the storage server device for storage. An image input / output device for performing control of receiving and adding a storage key to data and transferring the data. 9. The storage control device according to claim 7, wherein the main control unit stores the data stored in the external storage device in an external storage device or a storage server device connected to a network. An image input / output device for performing control to output a storage completion notification including a storage key and stored file information by mail to a personal computer or a work station of a designated user connected to a network after completion. 10. The apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising input means for enabling group access at the time of scanner input, wherein the main control unit connects the group access storage data to an external storage device or a network. When the data is stored in the storage server device, after the storage processing is completed, control is performed to output a storage completion notification including the storage key and the stored file information to a specified group user's personal computer or workstation connected to the network by e-mail. An image input / output device characterized by the above-mentioned. 11. The storage control device according to claim 7, wherein the main control unit stores the data stored in the external storage device in an external storage device or a storage server device connected to a network. An image input / output apparatus for controlling output of a storage completion notice including a storage key and stored file information to a printer of a designated user connected to a network after the processing is completed. 12. The storage system according to claim 7, wherein the main control unit receives a restoration request from the user specifying the storage key, determines the validity of the restoration request, and reads the external storage device from the external storage device based on the storage key information. An image input / output device for transferring data to the device and performing control for restoring a target data file. 13. The main control unit according to claim 8, wherein the main control unit receives a restoration request specifying a storage key from a user, determines validity of the restoration request, and acquires the specified storage server device from the storage key information. An image input / output apparatus for performing a restoration request by designating a storage key to a storage server apparatus, transferring data from the storage server apparatus to an external storage device, and restoring a target data file. 14. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein after the data file is restored, the main control unit sends a restoration completion notice including a storage key and the restored file information to the designated user connected to the network. An image input / output device, which performs control to output a mail to a personal computer or a workstation. 15. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein after the data file is restored, the main control unit sends a restoration completion notification including a storage key and the restored file information to the designated group user connected to the network. An image input / output device, which performs control to output a mail to a personal computer or a workstation. 16. The image input / output apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the main control unit performs control for outputting a data file restoration completion notification to a designated printer.