JP2002209073A - Data output method and computer-readable recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a data output method that can relieve an operation load of a user so as to improve the convenience in the case of outputting all files in a folder altogether by means of faxing, electronic mail transmission or printing or the like when a storage section of a personal computer or a work station or the like stores folders and the files, which are stored in the folders through classification and arrangement by contents and by types. SOLUTION: The output method includes a step where one folder 17 or two or more storing one file 16 or two or more is displayed and outputted and the selection of the outputted folder 17 is accepted, a step where all the files 16 stored in the selected folder 17 are displayed and designation of output sequence is accepted, a step where an output instruction as to the selected folder 17 is accepted, and a step where all the files 16 stored in the selected folder 17 are outputted altogether in the designated sequence.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a data output method for outputting a predetermined file by facsimile transmission, e-mail transmission, printing, or the like on a personal computer or a workstation, and executes the data output method on a computer. The present invention relates to a computer-readable recording medium that stores a program for causing a computer to execute the program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, facsimile client software capable of performing facsimile transmission from a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a "personal computer") or a workstation has been known. As a method of performing facsimile transmission using such facsimile client software, the following two methods are generally used.
The first method is to create a file for transmission by designating an output destination for facsimile transmission from application software such as word processing software or spreadsheet software, and create a file for transmission, and directly dial the destination number etc. Is designated and transmission is instructed for each file.

[0003] In a second method, a facsimile transmission file created from application software or the like and stored in a file storage area, or a file that has been transmitted and received once and stored in the file storage area is transmitted by facsimile. A method of displaying a list of files stored in the file storage area on a file display screen, selecting one or more files to be transmitted, designating a destination dial number, etc., and instructing transmission. Is the way. According to the second method, it is possible to simultaneously select and transmit a plurality of files. And
In the facsimile transmission file storage area, it is possible to create a folder to sort and organize the files, for example, a transmission folder for storing a newly created file, a reception folder for storing a received file, and the like. Files can be classified and stored as folders, transmitted folders for storing files that have already been transmitted, and the like.

[0004]

However, in such a conventional facsimile transmission method, a file is selected as a facsimile transmission target and transmission is instructed, and a plurality of files are stored in a single folder. Although it is possible to select and transmit, it is not possible to select the folder itself and transmit it at once. Therefore, even when transmitting all the files stored in a folder at once, it is necessary to open the folder, select all the files stored in the folder, and then give the transmission instruction. There is a problem that the operation is troublesome. Furthermore, when transmitting all the files stored in each folder for a plurality of folders at once, select all the files stored in each folder and then instruct the transmission. This operation had to be repeated for the number of folders. Further, when transmitting a plurality of files, the transmission order of each file cannot be changed.

[0005] The above-mentioned problems are caused when an electronic mail software is used from a personal computer or a workstation to send an electronic mail by attaching all the files in the folder, or when all the files in the folder are sent from the file management software. Also occurs when direct printing is performed by selecting.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and is provided in a storage unit such as a personal computer or a workstation.
When multiple files and folders are classified and organized into folders according to their contents and types,
A data output method and a data output method that can reduce the operation burden on the user and improve the convenience when all the files in the folder are output by facsimile transmission, e-mail transmission, printing, or the like, and the data output thereof An object of the present invention is to provide a computer-readable recording medium on which a program for causing a computer to execute the method is recorded.

[0007]

Means for solving the above problems are as follows. That is, the data output method described in claim 1 displays one or more folders in which one or more files are stored, accepts selection of a folder to be output, and stores data in the selected folder. Receiving the specification of the order in which all the files are displayed and output, receiving the output instruction for the selected folder, and specifying the order in which all the files stored in the selected folder are specified And outputting all at once.

[0008] A computer-readable recording medium that records a program for causing a computer to execute the data output method according to claim 2 displays one or more folders storing one or more files, Receiving a selection of a folder to be output, displaying all files stored in the selected folder, receiving a designation of an output order, and receiving an output instruction for the selected folder; Outputting all the files stored in the selected folder in a designated order at once.

[0009]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A data output method according to an embodiment of the present invention and a computer-readable recording medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute the data output method will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of hardware 1 for executing a data output method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The hardware 1 is constituted by a computer such as a personal computer and a workstation. Here, as shown in FIG. 1, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 2 that performs all processing such as input / output processing and execution of a program with respect to the hardware 1, and input devices such as a keyboard and a mouse. With
An input unit 3 for performing various inputs from the user, a display unit 4 including a display device such as a CRT or a liquid crystal display, for displaying a result of processing by executing a program, etc., and reading / writing data directly from the CPU 2 A main memory 5 for reading programs and data to be processed by the CPU 2 during operation of the hardware 1; a data communication device such as a modem; and electronic communication between other computers and facsimile machines. A communication control unit 6 for transmitting and receiving various data such as mail and facsimile data, and a storage device such as a hard disk drive;
A storage unit 7 for storing various programs, data, and the like; a printer 8 such as a laser printer or an ink jet printer installed outside the hardware 1 as a peripheral device for printing a result of processing by executing the program. , A bus 9 connecting these components for signal transmission
And

The storage section 7 has a program storage area 10 and a file storage area 11. The program storage area 10 is an area in which various programs for operating the hardware 1 are stored. The programs stored in the program storage area 10 include facsimile client software 12, electronic mail software 13, file management software 14, word processing software 15, and the like. Here, the facsimile client software 12 is software for performing facsimile transmission and reception using the hardware 1. The electronic mail software 13 is software for transmitting and receiving an electronic mail using the hardware 1. The file management software 14 is a software for displaying a list of various files 16 and folders 17 stored in the storage unit 7 of the hardware 1 and performing various operations such as deletion, movement, and duplication of the files 16 and folders 17. Yes, it is possible to instruct to print the selected file 16 while displaying the file 16 and the folder 17. The word processing software 15 is software for creating a document using the hardware 1.

The file storage area 11 of the storage unit 7
Is an area in which various files 16 and folders 17 are classified and arranged in the folders 17 according to their contents and types. Stored in the file storage area 11 are a facsimile client folder 18 for the facsimile client software 12, an e-mail folder 19 for the e-mail software 13, a word processor folder 20 for the word processor software, and the like. In each of these folders 17, files 16 and folders 17 relating to the respective contents are classified and stored in a tree structure. For example, in the facsimile client folder 18, a reception box folder 21, a transmission box folder 22, and a user box folder 23 are stored, and further, in the user box folder 23, A folders 24 and B
Folder 25, c1 file 26, c2 file 27
And a c3 file 28 are stored. In addition, other e-mail folders 19 and word processing folders 20
Although not shown in detail, the files 16 and the folders 17 are similarly classified and stored. Here, the file 16 stored in each folder includes a facsimile transmission / reception file that is created for facsimile transmission, or a file 16 that has already been facsimile transmitted / received, created for e-mail transmission, or already transmitted / received by e-mail. Application files created by various kinds of application software, such as an e-mail transmission / reception file, which is a file 16, and a document file created by word processing software.

Next, a method for outputting a file 16 by facsimile transmission using the facsimile client software 12 of the storage unit 7 in the data output method according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to a flowchart. . FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the data output method in this case. As shown in this figure, when the facsimile client software 12 is started, first, the file 16 and the folder 17 stored in the file storage area 11 are displayed on the display unit 4 (S
1).

FIG. 3 shows an example of the operation screen 29 displayed on the display unit 4 at this time. As shown in this figure, on the right side of the operation screen 29, a folder structure display column 30 for listing the structure of the folder 17 stored in the file storage area 11 is arranged.
The folder 17 stored in the folder 17 selected in the folder structure display column 30
And a folder content display column 31 in which files 16 are displayed in a list. Here, in the folder structure display column 30, the contents of the folder 17 stored in the facsimile client folder 18 in which the file 16 and the folder 17 relating to the facsimile client software 12 are stored are displayed. Specifically, the reception box folder 21, the transmission box folder 22, and the user box folder 23, and the A folders 24 and B stored in the user box folder 23
The folder 25 is displayed. In the folder content display column 31, the A folder 24 and the B folder 25 stored in the currently selected user box folder 23, and the c1 file 26, the c2 file 27, and the c3 file 28 are displayed. . Further, operation screen 2
9, command buttons 32 such as “display”, “delete”, “copy”, and “send” are arranged to display and edit the contents of the file 16 and the folder 17 and determine transmission. Can do it. These command buttons 32 can be pressed, for example, by clicking with the mouse of the input unit 3, whereby the commands assigned to the command buttons 32 can be executed.

The file 16 and the folder 17 thus stored in the file storage area 11 are displayed on the display unit 4.
(S1), the folder 17 or the file 16 is displayed.
It is determined whether or not has been selected (S2). Here, the selection of the folder 17 or the file 16 is performed by the user operating the input unit 3 and the operation screen 29 displayed on the display unit 4.
Is selected from among the folders 17 and the files 16 listed in the folder structure display column 30 or the folder contents display column 31 in the folder 17 or the file 16 to be transmitted by facsimile, and the transmission button 33 is pressed to determine the folder 17 or the file 16. Performed by At this time, a plurality of folders 17 and a plurality of files 16 can be selected, and a combination of the folder 17 and the files 16 can be selected. Here, it is assumed that the folder A is selected. If the folder 17 or the file 16 is not selected (S2: NO), the process stands by.

When the folder 17 or the file 16 is selected (S2: YES), a file list for the selected folder 17 or file 16 is obtained (S3). Here, since the folder A is selected, the file list of all the files 16 stored therein is obtained. Get file list is for all selected files 1
This is done by obtaining the address for # 6. When the folder 17 is selected, the folder 1
The addresses of all the files 16 stored in 7 are obtained. By doing so, it becomes possible to select the folder 17 itself and perform facsimile transmission collectively. Here, the address is information indicating a position in the storage unit 7 where the file 16 is stored.

Next, the transmission setting screen 34 is displayed (S
4). FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the transmission setting screen 34. As shown in the figure, a transmission destination input field 35 is arranged in the upper part of the transmission setting screen 34, and dial numbers and e-mail addresses of one or more transmission destinations can be input. Here, when an e-mail address is input as a transmission destination, facsimile transmission is performed by Internet fax. Internet fax means that an image to be transmitted by facsimile is transmitted in a predetermined format, for example, TIFF (Tagged Image File Format).
This is a communication method of transmitting an image file attached to an e-mail as an image file such as t). When inputting the destination,
The input operation can be performed by referring to an address book (not shown) using the reference button 36, the destination can be edited by operating the add button 37 or the delete button 38, and the destination can be edited by the detail button 39. Can be displayed in detail. In the middle of the transmission setting screen 34, a cover page creation column 40 is arranged, and the content of the first page to be transmitted by facsimile can be set. That is, by selecting a pre-registered cover page design in the cover page selection field 41 or by pressing the edit button 42 and editing the design, the design of the cover page is determined, and the subject name is entered in the subject entry field 43. Fill in the comment column 4
By inputting a comment to be described on the cover page in 4, the content of the cover page can be set.

In the lower part of the transmission setting screen 34, a transmission order designation column 45 is arranged. In the transmission order designation column 45, the file 16 selected and the folder 17 selected according to the contents of the file list already acquired are displayed.
Are listed in the order in which the names of all the files 16 stored in the list are transmitted. here,
As a file list of the selected A folder 24, a
1 file 46, a2 file 47, a3 file 4
8 and a4 file 49 are displayed. The transmission order of the file 16 displayed first in the transmission order designation field 45 can be the order based on the name of the file 16 or the order obtained in the file list, and the like. Is the setting button 50
The user can make settings by pressing. In addition, the transmission order of each file 16 displayed in the transmission order designation field 45 can be changed by pressing the right end order change button 51. Specifically, after selecting the file 16 whose transmission order is to be changed, pressing one of the upper and lower order change buttons 51 causes the selected file 1 to be changed.
The order of 6 is changed by moving up and down. Thus, the user can freely specify the order in which the files 16 are transmitted by facsimile. Then, the transmission setting screen 34
A determination button 52 is arranged at the bottom of the screen. By pressing the determination button 52, the transmission setting screen 34 is terminated, and actual transmission processing is performed. Also,
The user can also cancel with the cancel button 53. Note that the various buttons arranged on the transmission setting screen 34 can be pressed by, for example, clicking with the mouse of the input unit 3, thereby executing a command assigned to the button.

After the transmission setting screen 34 is displayed (S4), it is determined whether or not the transmission order has been changed (S5). The transmission order changing operation is performed in the transmission order designation column 45 as described above. When the transmission order is changed (S5: YES), the transmission order is changed (S6), and the transmission order is specified in the transmission order specification field 4 in the changed transmission order.
5 and the file 16 is displayed. On the other hand, when the transmission order is not changed (S5: NO), the process proceeds to the next process without changing the transmission order while being initially displayed in the transmission order designation field 45.

Next, it is determined whether or not a destination has been input (S7). As described above, the input of the transmission destination is performed by inputting one or more transmission destination dial numbers or e-mail addresses in the transmission destination input field 35. When the input of the transmission destination is not performed (S7: NO),
That is, if no dial number or e-mail address of the destination has been entered in the destination input field 35, the enter button 52 cannot be pressed, and the process cannot proceed. The process waits until a destination is input. On the other hand, when the input of the transmission destination is performed (S7: YES), it is determined whether or not the transmission instruction is performed (S8). The transmission instruction is performed by pressing a decision button 52 arranged at the bottom of the transmission setting screen 34. If no transmission instruction is given (S8: NO), the process stands by.

When a transmission instruction is given (S8: YES), the transmission setting screen 34 is terminated, and
A transmission file is created (S9). To create a transmission file, the selected file 16 and all the files 16 stored in the selected folder 17 are combined in a specified transmission order and converted into one facsimile transmission file format. It does by doing. Here, a stored in the selected A folder 24
1 file 46, a2 file 47, a3 file 4
8, and the a4 file 49 are combined in a designated transmission order and converted into one facsimile transmission file format to create a transmission file. Thereafter, a transmission process is performed (S10). The transmission process operates the communication control unit 6,
This is performed by facsimile transmission to the destination input in the destination input field 35. Thus, the process ends.

The data output method in the case of outputting a file by facsimile transmission using the facsimile client software 12 of the storage unit 7 has been described above. This can be done in a similar manner.

Next, a data output method according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
A case where the file 16 is output by directly printing the file 16 will be described with reference to a flowchart. FIG.
Is a flowchart showing a procedure of a data output method in this case. As shown in this figure, when the file management software 14 is started, first, the file storage area 1
A list of the files 16 and the folders 17 stored in the storage unit 1 is displayed on the display unit 4 (S21). Although the configuration of the screen displayed on the display unit 4 at this time is completely the same as that of the general file management software 14, it is not shown in the drawing.
Various files 16 and folders 17 are displayed in a tree structure classified into folders 17 according to their contents and types.

Next, it is determined whether the folder 17 or the file 16 has been selected (S22). here,
The user selects the folder 17 or the file 16 by operating the input unit 3 to select one or more folders 17 or files 16 to be printed from the folder 17 and the file 16 displayed on the display unit 4. This is done by selecting and inputting a print command. The user inputs a print command by operating a keyboard of the input unit 3 to input a predetermined command, or operating a mouse to display a menu screen such as a pull-down menu or a pop-up menu and select a print command. Folder 17 or file 1
At the time of selecting 6, a plurality of folders 17 and a plurality of files 16 can be selected, and the folder 17 and the files 16 can be mixed and selected. Folder 17 or file 16 selected here
Corresponds to, for example, a document file created by the word processing software 15. Folder 17 or file 16
If is not selected (S22: NO), the process stands by.

If the folder 17 or the file 16 is selected (S22: YES), a file list for the selected folder 17 or file 16 is obtained (S23). The acquisition of the file list is performed by acquiring the addresses of all the selected files 16. When the folder 17 is selected, the addresses of all the files 16 stored in the folder 17 are obtained. By doing so, it becomes possible to select the folder 17 itself and perform printing collectively.

Next, a print setting screen is displayed (S2).
4). Although not shown, this print setting screen has the same contents as the print setting screen from a general application, and is arranged in the lower part of the transmission setting screen 34 of FIG. 4 in the description of the first embodiment. It is assumed that a printing order designation field similar to the transmission order designation field 45 is provided. And
It is determined whether or not the printing order has been changed (S25). The operation of changing the printing order can be performed by the same operation as the operation of changing the transmission order in the description of the first embodiment. If the printing order is changed (S25: YES), the printing order is changed (S25).
26). On the other hand, when the printing order is not changed (S25: NO), the process proceeds to the next process without changing the printing order.

Next, it is determined whether a print instruction has been issued (S27). The print instruction is issued by pressing a decision button arranged on the print setting screen. If no print instruction is given (S27: NO), the process stands by. If a print instruction has been issued (S27: YES), the print setting screen is terminated, and a print file is created (S28). The transmission file is created by converting the selected file 16 and all the files 16 stored in the selected folder 17 into a file format for printing by the printer 8 and storing them in the printer buffer in the specified printing order. Perform by sending. Thereafter, a printing process is performed in the printer 8 (S
29), the process ends.

The data output method described above can be provided as a program for causing a computer to execute the data output method, by recording the program on a computer-readable recording medium.

[0029]

As described above, according to the present invention,
When a plurality of files and folders are classified and arranged in folders according to their contents and types, files to be output by facsimile transmission, e-mail transmission, printing, etc. are collectively collected for each folder. Since it is possible to make a selection and change the output order, it is possible to reduce the operation burden on the user when performing the output operation and improve the convenience.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of hardware for executing a data output method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a data output method when outputting by facsimile transmission using facsimile client software.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen displayed on a display unit when displaying files and folders.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a transmission setting screen.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a data output method when a file is output by directly printing a file from file management software.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Hardware 3 Input part 4 Display part 7 Storage part 8 Printer 10 Program storage area 11 File storage area 12 Facsimile client software 13 E-mail software 14 File management software 15 Word processing software 16 File 17 Folder 29 Operation screen 30 Folder structure display field 31 Folder content display field 32 Command button 34 Transmission setting screen 35 Destination input field 40 Cover page creation field 45 Transmission order specification field

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A step of displaying one or more folders storing one or more files, receiving a selection of a folder to be output, and displaying all files stored in the selected folders. Receiving the specification of the output order, receiving the output instruction for the selected folder, and outputting all the files stored in the selected folder all at once in the specified order. A data output method comprising: 2. A step of displaying one or more folders storing one or more files, receiving a selection of a folder to be output, and displaying all files stored in the selected folders. Receiving the specification of the output order, receiving the output instruction for the selected folder, and outputting all the files stored in the selected folder all at once in the specified order. A computer-readable recording medium on which a program for causing a computer to execute a data output method, comprising: