JP2008085402A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily change deletion days of a plurality of files without lowering operability. <P>SOLUTION: Although sub-boxes (user boxes) by users are created in three main boxes respectively, one main box is only selected according to what a user wants to do and then sub-boxes by users which are displayed are of only one kind whose use is limited. A file connection list of files in a specified user box in a custom box is sorted in the decreasing or increasing order of deletion schedule days, registration days, storage periods, or file sizes and the resulting document name list is displayed on a console panel 15. Automatic deletion schedule days of one or more files selected on the console panel 15 are changed based upon a specified value. This value is an extension period of a deletion schedule day or a file storage period from a file registration day. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to a multi-functional image forming apparatus that is connected to a network and used by a large number of people and that has a hard disk and has a filing function.

  In general, an image forming apparatus including a hard disk and connected to a network has an image filing function. If the bitmap-developed image file is saved on the hard disk, printing can be started immediately. However, for example, the size of A4 color image data with original image quality is relatively large at about 54 MB. For this reason, particularly in a multi-function machine used by a large number of people, it is necessary to delete unnecessary files so as not to run out of capacity.

  In view of this, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-151620 discloses a configuration in which a file in a box that can be deleted is displayed on an operation panel and a file designated by a user is deleted when the free space of a hard disk becomes small.

Also, in Patent Document 2 below, when a print data file is stored in the hard disk of the image forming apparatus, the user on the PC side that transmits the file specifies the deletion date of the print data, and the deletion date is approaching. A configuration is sometimes disclosed that notifies the user to that effect by e-mail.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-110783 JP 2004-199456 A

  However, it is troublesome to specify the deletion date for each file and then change the deletion dates of a plurality of files individually.

  In order to solve this, it is conceivable that the deletion date changing process can be facilitated by setting a retention period for each folder and moving the file between the folders.

  However, since the number of folders increases, the operability deteriorates. For example, when a file is displayed in a list and a file to be deleted is determined in consideration of the file size or the like, this processing must be performed for each folder, which is troublesome.

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of easily changing the deletion date of a plurality of files without reducing operability.

In the first aspect of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention,
A processor;
Storage means coupled to the processor for storing programs and data files;
Interactive input / output means coupled to the processor;
In an image forming apparatus having
The program for the processor
(A) In response to a registration instruction from the interactive input / output means, the interactive screen displays a first screen for designating a data file to be registered and directly or indirectly designating the scheduled automatic deletion date of the data file. Display on the input / output means,
(B) storing the automatic deletion scheduled data relating to the name of the data file designated on the first screen and the scheduled automatic deletion date in the storage means;
(C) In response to an instruction to change the storage period from the interactive input / output unit, the dialog displays a second screen for changing the scheduled automatic deletion date for one or more files selected by the interactive input / output unit. Displayed on the mold input / output means,
(D) The automatic deletion schedule data is changed based on the value designated on the second screen,
(E) If today is after the automatic deletion scheduled date indicated by the automatic deletion scheduled data, the corresponding data file is deleted from the storage means.
Has steps.

In a second aspect of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, in the first aspect,
A user box for storing a data file for each user is created in the storage means,
The program further provides the processor with
In response to user box selection and opening instructions from the interactive input / output means, displaying a list of files contained in the user box on the interactive input / output means;
The data file to be registered in step (a) is stored in the corresponding user box, and the processes in steps (b) to (e) are performed on the data file in the selected user box. Make it.

In a third aspect of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, in the second aspect,
The program is further sent to the processor prior to step (c).
In response to the sort instruction from the interactive input / output means, the data related to the data file in the corresponding user box among the data to be automatically deleted is sorted in descending or ascending order of the scheduled deletion date, and the corresponding data file name Are displayed on the interactive input / output means.

In a fourth aspect of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, in the third aspect,
The second screen at step (c) includes an area for inputting an extension period of the scheduled deletion date.

In a fifth aspect of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, in the fourth aspect,
The second screen in step (c) includes an area for inputting a file storage period from the file registration date.

  According to the configuration of the first aspect, since the scheduled automatic deletion date for one or more files selected by the interactive input / output means is changed based on the designated value, a box is provided for each retention period. As a result, it is possible to change a plurality of scheduled automatic deletion dates at once.

  According to the configuration of the second aspect, since the automatic deletion scheduled date is changed only for the data file selected in the designated user box, the automatic deletion scheduled date can be changed easily and without error. It has the effect of becoming.

  According to the configuration of the third aspect, the automatic deletion scheduled data is sorted with respect to the data file in the designated user box in descending order or ascending order of the scheduled deletion date, and the corresponding data file name list is displayed on the interactive input / output means. Therefore, there is an effect that it is possible to easily and quickly select a file to be automatically scheduled to be changed.

  According to the structure of the said 4th aspect, since the extension period of a scheduled deletion date can be input, there exists an effect that the deletion scheduled date can be changed easily.

  According to the configuration of the fifth aspect, since the scheduled deletion date is updated by inputting the file storage period from the file registration date, it is possible to prevent the file storage period from becoming longer than necessary. There is an effect.

  Other objects, configurations and effects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description.

  FIG. 32 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In the image forming apparatus 10, an EEPROM 13 E 1, EEPROM 13 E 2, DRAM 13 D, HDD 14, operation panel 15, scanner 16 S, printer 16 P, NIC 17, facsimile modem 18, and ports 19 and 20 are coupled to the MPU 11 via an interface 12. In FIG. 32, for simplification, a plurality of interfaces are shown as one block.

  The EEPROM 13E1 and the EEPROM 13E2 are, for example, flash memories. The EEPROM 13E1 stores BIOS (Basic Input Output System). The EEPROM 13E2 stores an OS (Operating System), OS upper layer service programs and applications, and OS lower layer device drivers. The DRAM 13D is for work area, and the HDD 14 is for data storage.

  The operation panel 15 is used for inputting a setting value or an instruction and displaying a setting screen or a state. In the first embodiment, a case where the operation panel 15 is configured by a combination of a touch panel and hardware keys will be described.

  The scanner 16S is for image input for copying and fax transmission. The printer 16P includes a print engine, a fixing device, a paper feed unit, a transport unit, and a paper discharge unit, and forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum of the print engine based on the supplied bitmap data. This is developed with toner, transferred onto a sheet, fixed, and discharged.

  The NIC 17 is coupled to the host computer 22 via a cable or wireless communication medium and the router 21 and is used for print jobs, e-mail transmission / reception, and Internet facsimile transmission. The modem 18 is for facsimile transmission / reception.

  The CompactFlash (registered trademark) memory 24 and the USB memory 25 are connected to ports 19 and 20, respectively, and are used as file backups, a recycle bin, and a removable user box as described later.

  In the following, according to the operation of the operation panel 15 by the operator, the corresponding handler is activated by the event driven method, and the MPU 11 operates in accordance with the command to perform processing.

  FIG. 1 shows a plurality of boxes created in the hard disk 14 and the removable medium 23. Here, the box is a storage area logically distinguished from other areas, such as a storage area (virtual folder) on a folder, drive, or memory.

  In the folder for each user, the image data file read by the scanner, the image data file (job file) bitmap-developed by the print job or facsimile transmission job, and the data file received from the host computer are stored together. This complicates the configuration of a database for distinguishing and managing the type and attribute of each file and the program that handles the database. In addition, the upgrade of some functions affects other parts, resulting in poor program development efficiency. On the other hand, when the number of boxes is increased, such a problem is solved. However, in general, it takes time and effort for the user to find a desired file, resulting in poor operability.

  Therefore, in the embodiment of the present invention, the boxes are first classified as shown in FIG.

  In other words, it includes a custom box 26 including a box for each user for document filing that is versatile but limited in direct processing, and a box for each user in which a print job classified according to the purpose is stored. By dividing the job storage box 27J into a facsimile box 28 including a user-specific box in which a facsimile confidential reception file is stored, the program data processing configuration can be prevented from being complicated, and some functions can be upgraded. The program development efficiency is improved by preventing other parts from being greatly affected. Here, the job storage box 27J represents two job storage boxes 27JP and 27JQ as one box, and each of these includes a box for each user.

  In addition, in order to avoid a decrease in user operability due to such division of boxes and addition of additional boxes for other purposes, the hard disk 14 has four main boxes, that is, custom boxes. 26, a job box 27, a facsimile box 28, and a facsimile work box 29 are created. These main boxes are folders or virtual folders.

  Next, details of each box will be described.

  In the custom box 26, folders for each user are created as boxes. In these boxes, print data, facsimile transmission data or e-mail transmission data files received by the NIC receiving unit 17R, and reading by the scanner 16S. Stored image data files are stored. The user box can also move files from other boxes than the box in the facsimile work box 29 in accordance with the user's operation. It is possible to designate a file in the user box, cause the printer 16P to perform printing, and to perform e-mail transmission or Internet facsimile transmission via the NIC transmission unit 17T. Ordinary facsimile transmission is performed as described below.

  In the job box 27, a re-copy box 27C, an image composition box (form box) 27I, and a job storage box 27J are created.

  In the re-copy box 27C, a file (job file) including image data after bitmap expansion generated by a copy job and print attribute data such as paper size, copy density, and post-processing data is displayed after printing. It is stored for re-copying, and then it is possible to perform re-copying more quickly by designating this file and pressing the start key. The retention period of the file in the recopy box 27C is set as an attribute of the recopy box 27C, and is automatically deleted when the retention period elapses.

  The image composition box 27I stores a form group for form overlay. Forms in this form group are image data files read by the scanner 16S. The image composition box 27I is also a work folder for form overlay, and temporarily stores a job file of an image synthesized by the form overlay. This job file is printed by the printer 16P.

  Stored in the job storage box 27J is a job file obtained by bitmap-expanding a print file supplied from the host computer 22 via the NIC receiving unit 17R based on a specified condition. This file is classified and managed as described later according to the purpose.

  Next, a box related to a facsimile will be described.

  A facsimile confidential reception box for each user is created in the facsimile box 28. Each confidential reception box is associated with an F-code communication sub-address. The confidential inbox can be opened by inputting the corresponding F-code password.

  The facsimile work box 29 is used for program work and prevents leakage of transmission / reception data, and is not visible to the user, and may be a virtual one in the DRAM 13D. In the facsimile work box 29, a facsimile transmission box 29T, a facsimile reception box 29R, and a facsimile polling transmission box 29P are created.

  In the facsimile transmission box 29T, image data of a document read by the scanner 16S or a file of image data supplied from the host computer 22 via the NIC receiving unit 17R is stored, and after being converted into transmission data by the MPU 11, Facsimile transmission is performed via the facsimile modem transmission unit 18T. In the facsimile reception box 29R, the image data received by the facsimile modem reception unit 18R is stored as a file. In the case of F-code communication, the image data is moved to the box in the facsimile box 28 corresponding to the subaddress. It is supplied to the printer 16P and printed. In the facsimile polling transmission box 29P, the image data of the original read by the scanner 16S is stored as a transmission file, and the image data of the corresponding file is transmitted in response to the request.

  On the other hand, in the compact flash memory 24 of the removable medium 23, a backup box 24B and a trash box 24G are created. Here, the data from the NIC receiver 17R can be backed up on the host computer 22 side, and the data from the scanner 16S can be backed up in the form of a paper document. Therefore, only files other than confidential reception in the facsimile reception box 29R and files in the confidential reception box designated by the user in the facsimile box 28 are automatically backed up in the backup box 24B. Files in the confidential inbox are encrypted and backed up using the F-code password as a key.

  Since the hard disk 14 is shared by many users, a retention period is preset for the file or designated by the user. When this storage period elapses, the file is moved to the trash box 24G.

  The USB box 25B is a folder including the drive itself or a predetermined name in the drive. The USB box 25B is used in the same manner as the user box in the custom box 26, and data can be moved or copied between the user box and the USB box 25B.

  A file in the facsimile confidential reception box can be transferred to a corresponding user box in the custom box 26 according to the user's designation.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic flowchart showing processing of a box opened by operating the operation panel 15.

  When the main box 26, 27 or 28 in FIG. 1 is designated by the user on the operation panel 15, the process proceeds from step S0 to step S1, S2, S3 or S4 in FIG. A group of boxes is displayed on the operation panel 15. Specifically, when a custom box is specified in a main menu (not shown), a user box group as shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the operation panel 15. On the sub-box group display screen immediately below the main box, a custom box button 260, a job storage box button 270, a removable media button 230 and a facsimile for expanding other main boxes to display the sub-box group are displayed at the bottom of the screen. A box button 280 is displayed. The button corresponding to the selected main box is displayed in black and white reversed.

  Next, when one sub box is designated by the user, the process proceeds from step S0 to step S6 via step S5, the box is expanded, and a lower sub box group or file group is displayed on the operation panel 15. . Specifically, a file group as shown in FIG. 8 is displayed. Since the functions that can be executed on a file are limited by sub-box selection, the number of buttons for selecting a process for a file or a process preparation (setting screen) is relatively small, and operability is good.

  Next, when the process is designated by the user, the process proceeds from step S0 to step S8 via steps S5 and S7, and the process or process preparation corresponding to the instruction is performed.

  Here, a data structure for managing the user box in the custom box 26 and the files therein will be described. This data structure is created using the types of the user box entire information structure 30, user structure 31, and file structure 32 shown in FIGS. These array variables are used for the types of the structures 31 and 32.

  FIG. 4 shows a specific example of a list in which structure type variables (cells) are linked by pointers.

  The cell 300 is a variable of the type of the entire user box information structure 30, and the cells 310 to 31 u constituting the user combination list are array variables of the type of the user structure 31. The cells 310 to 31u are linked bidirectionally by pointers as indicated by arrows, and the cells 31u and 310 are pointed by the user pointers UP0u and UP00 in the cell 300, respectively. (NULL) in FIG. 4 indicates a null pointer. As shown in FIG. 3B, the user structure 31 has a user name and a password for opening a box. The password can be set arbitrarily, and if it is not set, a NULL value is set.

  The user structure 31 also has a start pointer and an end pointer for the file in the user box. As shown in FIG. 4, for example, the cells 3200 and 3201 are pointed to by the file start pointer and end pointer of the cell 310, respectively. ing. Each of the cell 3200 and the cell 3201 constituting the file combination list is an array element of the type of the file structure 32 in FIG. 3C, and these are bidirectional by the file front pointer and the file next pointer as indicated by arrows. Linked to The file structure 32 has, as its elements, the number of copies, document name, file name, registration date, storage period, scheduled deletion date, and file size. The registration date is the date when the file is stored in the hard disk 14, the retention period is a period set by the user for each file, and the scheduled deletion date is the date obtained by adding the retention period to the registration date. With reference to the scheduled deletion date, if today is past the scheduled deletion date, the file is automatically deleted.

  3A includes a user current pointer, a file current pointer, and elements of the current list for associating the combined list of FIG. 4 with the current screen. For example, an address is written in the user current pointer so that the user current pointer points to a cell having the user name (owner) selected in the screen of FIG. 6 among the cells 310 to 31u. The current list is a flag indicating a user combined list ('0') or a file combined list ('1'), and in this case, is '0'. Similarly, an address is written in the file current pointer so that the file current pointer indicates a cell having the file name selected on the screen of FIG. 8 among the cells 3210 to 3211, for example. In this case, the current list is “1”.

  In the sort of user names, the user combination list is sorted and the link order is changed. In the sort of document names, the file combination list of the selected user name is sorted and the link order is changed.

  The structure, the combined list using this, the relationship between this and the screen, and the above-mentioned points are the same as the other structures described later, the combined list using this, the relationship between this and the screen, and the sorting. It is the same.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a user box creation process performed on a screen (not shown) displayed by pressing the edit button 45 in FIG. The process in FIG. 5 is a part of the process in step S9 in FIG.

  (S10) The operator inputs a user name in a text box on the screen. The user name of the user box is a name for identifying an individual or a group such as a department or section.

  (S11) The operator inputs a password for opening the user box. In response to pressing of the user registration button, the following processing is performed by the MPU 11.

  (S12) An array element of the type of the user structure 31 in which the input user name and password are entered is added to the user combination list, and a new user box is created.

  (S13) The same processing as in step S12 is performed for the user linked list related to the facsimile reception confidential box in the facsimile box 28 described later.

  (S14) The same processing as in step S12 is performed for the user linked list related to the user box in the job storage box 27J described later.

  (S15) The same processing as in step S12 is performed for the user linked list regarding the form file for each user in the image composition box 27I described later.

  Thus, when creating one user box and its management data, other user boxes and their management data are automatically created as well, so multiple boxes and management data are created for one user. However, the burden on the user does not increase. In addition, by making this plural, it is possible to avoid the complexity of the management program for various boxes and the program for processing the files in the box, and the efficiency of program development and improvement is improved.

  A list 40 of user boxes created in the custom box 26 is displayed on the custom box expansion screen of FIG. A scroll bar 41 for scrolling the list 40 is displayed at the right end of the list 40. On the upper end side of the list 40, names of the respective columns of the list 40 are displayed, and buttons 42 to 44 for sorting each of the first to third columns in ascending order or descending order are displayed. As is generally used, when any one of these buttons is pressed, the items are sorted in ascending or descending order according to the direction of the button, and the result is displayed in the list 40. Also, the direction of the corresponding one of the sort direction labels 42A to 44A is displayed in reverse, and when the button is pressed again, it is sorted in the reverse direction to the previous time.

  When one row in the list 40 is selected and the edit button 45 is pressed, the screen is changed to an edit screen for the box name of that row and the owner name of the box, and these can be edited.

  When the file save button 46 is pressed, a file save screen as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed. In this screen, a document name and a file storage period in units of year (Y), month (M), week (W), or day (D) are entered in a text box. If it is not filled in, the retention period will be a default value (or no expiration date). When the original image reading button is pressed, the original image is read by the scanner 16S, the file is stored in the box selected in FIG. 6, the thumbnail is created and displayed, and the date and time are displayed. Displayed as registration date. Saving a file from the NIC receiving unit 17R is performed by starting a printer driver on the host computer 22 side to display a file saving screen (not shown), setting data, and pressing a save button. When saving a file, a new cell is added to the corresponding file combination list of FIG. 4, and the retention period is entered in this cell together with the registration date which is today.

  When the detail button 47 is pressed, the attribute information added to the saved file is displayed. When the open button 48 is pressed, the user box is opened and an image as shown in FIG. 8 is displayed.

  In FIG. 6, when the job storage box button 270, the removable media button 230, or the facsimile box button 280 is pressed, the main box development screen shown in FIG. 17, 28, or 31 is displayed, respectively.

  In the user box development screen of FIG. 8, a list 50 is a list of files stored in the selected user box. The document name, the date when this file was registered in the hard disk 14, and the size of the file. And includes a column. A scroll bar 41 is displayed on the right end side of the list 50, as in FIG. 6, and buttons 51 to 53 in which names of columns are written are displayed on the upper end side of the list 50. Sort direction labels 51A to 53A are respectively displayed. It is displayed. The sorting by pressing any of the buttons 51 to 53 and the direction of the corresponding one of the sorting direction labels 51A to 53A are the same as in the case of FIG.

  An item switching button 58 is displayed immediately above the sort button 52. Each time the item switching button 58 is pressed, the display of the sort button 52 is “Registration Date” (FIG. 8), “Delete Date” (FIG. 9), The item to be sorted when the “storage period” (FIG. 10) is cycled and the sort button 52 is pressed is displayed on the sort button 52 at that time.

  When the free space of the hard disk 14 is reduced, it is more appropriate and quick to determine which file should be preferentially deleted from any of these, especially the scheduled deletion date, the sorting result on the file size, and the document name. It becomes possible to judge. Further, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the retention period should be extended for a file whose deletion date is approaching.

  A check box 54 is displayed in the leftmost column of the list 50, and a check mark is added by pressing the inside of the rectangle to select a file, and the detail button 47 on the right end side of the list 50 or the lower end of the list 50 is selected. By pressing the print button 60, the send button 61, the join button 62, the move button 63 or the delete button 64 on the side, it is possible to change to a menu screen (not shown) and perform processing on the selected file. It becomes. Here, “combine” is a process (merge) for combining a plurality of document files into one document file, and “move” is a file move to the USB box 25B. When the file save button 46 is pressed, the same processing as when the file save button 46 of FIG. 6 is pressed is performed. When the detail button 47 is pressed, the file name, print size, number of document pages, resolution, color / monochrome, data size, and file registration date are displayed.

  When the close button 66 is pressed, the user box is closed and the screen returns to the screen of FIG.

  On the upper end side of the scroll bar 41, a list display icon 55, a thumbnail display icon 56, and a preview icon 57 for selecting a method for displaying information on files in the user box are displayed. The list display icon 55 corresponds to the display form of FIG. When the thumbnail display icon 56 is pressed, a development screen as shown in FIG. 11 is displayed. When the preview icon 57 is pressed, a preview screen for the selected document file is displayed, and the display part can be moved by pressing a direction key (not shown).

  In the screen of FIG. 11, thumbnails 68 are displayed in three frames 67, respectively. The thumbnail 68 is a reduced image of a predetermined page of the corresponding document, for example, the first page. Below the thumbnail 68, check boxes, document names, registration dates, and scheduled deletion dates corresponding to the columns in FIG. 8 are displayed. Similarly to FIG. 8, a list display icon 55, a thumbnail display icon 56, and a preview icon 57 are also displayed on this screen.

  When the storage period change button 59 in FIG. 8 or FIG. 11 is pressed, a screen as shown in FIG. 12 is displayed. Select one of the “Extension”, “Change”, or “Indefinite” radio buttons for the retention period, and if “Extension” or “Change” is selected, the year (Y) or month to the right Enter the period in units of (M) or day (D).

  When the confirm button is pressed, the storage period update process shown in FIG. 13 is started. The process in FIG. 13 is a part of the process in step S9 in FIG.

  (S20) If the extension, change or indefinite period of storage is selected in FIG. 12, the process proceeds to steps S21, S22 or S23, respectively.

  (S21) Referring to the linked list structure of FIG. 4, the file linked list is traced from the cell pointed to by the user current pointer to find the cell containing the file name selected in FIG. 8 or FIG. The input extension period is added, and the process proceeds to step S24.

  (S22) Find the corresponding cell in the same manner as in step S21, change the retention period to the input one, and proceed to step S24.

  (S23) The storage period is cleared to zero, and the process proceeds to step S24.

  (S24) The scheduled deletion date is changed according to the retention period updated in steps S21 to S23.

  Next, when the close button is pressed, the screen shown in FIG. 8 or FIG. 11 is restored.

  When the print button 60 is pressed on this screen, a print preparation screen as shown in FIG. 14 is displayed. Printing will be described later in relation to the form.

  Next, when the transmission button 61 is pressed on the screen of FIG. 8 or FIG. 11, a quick setup mode transmission preparation screen as shown in FIG. 15 is displayed for the file having the document name selected by the check box.

  On the left side of the screen, the thumbnail of the first page of the selected file, the document size, the transmission size, and the magnification of the transmission size with respect to the document size are displayed. The magnification or transmission size is set on a setting screen (not shown) displayed by pressing the notation. A destination list 65 is displayed on the right side of the screen, and an icon indicating whether the transmission is facsimile transmission or electronic mail, and the name or electronic mail address of the facsimile transmission destination are displayed on each line. The following processing is performed in FIG. 1 by selecting a transmission destination by pressing a line on the destination list 65 and pressing a hardware start key (not shown).

  That is, in the case of e-mail transmission, an e-mail transmission routine is called and the contents of this file are transmitted via the NIC transmission unit 17T. In the case of facsimile transmission, the file is copied to the facsimile transmission box 29T. Is called, and the format of this file is converted for facsimile transmission, and then transmitted to the destination via the facsimile modem transmission section 18T.

  Returning to FIG. 15, when the on / off toggle button 69 is pressed, the mode of whether or not to delete this file after transmission is alternately switched. When the destination button at the bottom of this screen is pressed, a destination mode transmission preparation screen as shown in FIG. 16 is displayed.

  Next, when the job storage box button 270 in FIG. 6 is pressed, a job box development screen as shown in FIG. 17 is displayed. The private print / hold job button 71 and quick / proof & hold button 72, which are lines in the list 70 on this screen, correspond to the private / hold job box 27JP and quick / proof & hold job box 27JQ of FIG. 1, respectively. The re-copy button 73 and the superimposed form button 74 correspond to the re-copy box 27C and the image composition box 27I in FIG. 1, respectively.

  The files stored in each user box in the job storage box 27J are classified into four according to the purpose of the user, and these are further printed as “private” or “hold” job groups that are not printed immediately. Divided into “Quick” or “Proof & Hold” job groups. Here, “private” means that printing is performed later, but is deleted immediately after printing to maintain confidentiality. “Hold” means to hold for later printing or transmission and to hold after printing. “Quick” means that the designated number of copies is printed immediately. “Proof and hold” means that only one copy is printed first, and this page is corrected according to the result of visual inspection, or the remaining number of copies is printed.

  When the private print / hold job button 71 is pressed and selected, and the open button 48 is pressed, a private / hold job development screen shown in FIG. 18 is displayed. In the list 80 on this screen, the user name and the number of files in the box are displayed on each line. If a line in the list 80 is selected by pressing and the open button 48 is pressed, a user authentication screen (not shown) is displayed before user authentication, and the screen transitions to the screen of FIG. If it is after authentication, the screen directly transitions to the screen of FIG.

  A list 90 on the screen in FIG. 19 is a list of documents in a user box in the private / hold job box, and is displayed in the same manner as in FIG. However, it is different from FIG. 8 in that it has a check box column corresponding to a flag P for distinguishing between a private job and a stored job. If a check mark is displayed by pressing the check box, it indicates that the mode is “private”, and if not, it indicates that the mode is “hold”.

  From this screen, printing can be performed as in FIG. 8 is different from the case of FIG. 8 in that settings relating to a print job have already been made and the data is stored in the job file, so that printing or transmission can be performed quickly.

  Returning to FIG. 17, when the quick / proof & hold button 72 is pressed to select and the open button 48 is pressed, a development screen of the quick / proof & hold job box shown in FIG. 20 is displayed.

  This screen is the same as FIG. 19 except that the check box row of the flag “P” in FIG. 19 is the check box row of the flag “Q” on the list 100. In this check box row, those with a check mark indicate that the mode is “Quick” mode, and those that are not indicate that the mode is “Proof & Hold” mode. When the print button 60 is pressed, the same processing as in FIG. 19 is performed.

  Next, the data structure for managing the user box in the job storage box 27J and the files therein will be described. This data structure includes the entire user box information structure 130, the user structure 131 and the job structure 132 related to the private / pending job, and the user structure 133 related to the quick / proof & hold job shown in FIGS. And the type of the job structure 134. These array variables are used for the types of the user structures 131 and 133 and the job structures 132 and 134.

  FIG. 22 shows a specific example of a list in which structure type variables related to private / held jobs are linked by pointers.

  The cell 1300 is a variable of the type of the entire user box information structure 130, and the cells 1310 to 131 u are array variables of the type of the user structure 131. The cells 1310 to 131u are bidirectionally linked by pointers as indicated by arrows, and the cells 131u and 1310 are pointed to by the user end pointer UP0u and user start pointer UP00 in the cell 1300, respectively. As shown in FIG. 21B, the user structure 131 has a user name and a password for opening a box. The password can be set arbitrarily, and if it is not set, a NULL value is set.

  The user structure 131 also has a start pointer and an end pointer for the job file in the user box. As shown in FIG. 22, for example, the cell 13200 and the cell 13201 are respectively indicated by the job file start pointer and end pointer of the cell 1310. Is pointed. The cell 13200 and the cell 13201 are array elements of the type of the job structure 132 in FIG. 21C, and these are bidirectionally linked by the job file previous pointer and the job file next pointer as indicated by arrows. The job structure 132 has a storage mode, the number of copies, a job name, and a job file name as its elements. The flag “P” is stored in the save mode.

  The link by the pointer between the structure type variables regarding the quick / proof & hold job is the same as that in FIG. 22, and the user end pointer UP1v and the user start pointer UP10 in the cell 1300 are connected to the user of the type of the user structure 133. The end and start cells of the list are linked, and the end and start cells of the job file combination list of the job structure 134 type are linked to each cell of the user linked list. The user structure 133 is different from the user structure 131 in that it does not have a password. The job structure 134 has a retention period, and the flag “Q” is stored in the retention mode. Different from the job structure 132.

  Returning to FIG. 17, when the re-copy button 73 is pressed to select and the hardware start key is pressed, a screen similar to FIG. 8 is displayed.

  When the superimposed form button 74 in FIG. 17 is pressed, an all superimposed form box expansion screen as shown in FIG. 23 is displayed.

  The list 110 on this screen has columns of a check box corresponding to a flag indicating selection / non-selection of a form, a form name corresponding to a form file, and a form size. When the file save button 46 is pressed, the screen changes to a screen for saving the data read from the scanner 16S of FIG. 1 as a form file in the image composition box 27I. When a check mark is added to the check box by pressing a line on the list 110 and then the delete button 64 is pressed, the selected form file is deleted and the display of the list 110 is updated. . When the close button 66 is pressed, the screen shown in FIG. 17 or FIG. 14 before the transition to this screen is restored.

  Here, the data structure of superposition form file management will be described.

  This data structure is created using the types of the user box whole information structure 230S, the user structure 231 and the form structure 232 shown in FIGS. These array variables are used for the types of the user structure 231 and the form structure 232.

  FIG. 27 shows a specific example of a list in which structure type variables are linked by pointers.

  The cell 2300 is a variable of the type of the user box whole information structure 230S, and the cells 2310 to 231u are array variables of the type of the user structure 31. The cells 2310 to 231u are linked bidirectionally by pointers as indicated by arrows, and the cells 231u and 2310 are pointed to by the user end pointer UP0u and user start pointer UP00 in the cell 2300, respectively. As shown in FIG. 26B, the user structure 231 has a user name and a pointer to two or less form file names selected by the user.

  The user structure 231 also has a start pointer and an end pointer for each user's form file. As shown in FIG. 27, for example, the cell 23200 and the cell are respectively set by the form file start pointer and end pointer of the user structure 2310. 23202 is pointed to. The cells 23200 to 23202 are array elements of the form structure 232 type in FIG. 26C, and these are bidirectionally linked by a form file pre-pointer and a form file next pointer as indicated by arrows. The form structure 232 has a form file name and a form name as its elements.

  With such a link, in the case of the user form mode in FIG. 23, only the form used by the user performing the operation can be displayed. In addition, since the pointer of the form file name of 2 or less in the user structure 231 indicates the selected form file name in the form file combination list, the selected form is stored for each user.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the form overlay printing process.

  (S30) When the user selects a user box on the screen of FIG. 6 and presses the open button 48, in response to this, the screen transitions to the screen of FIG.

  (S31) When the user selects a document name and presses the print button 60, in response to this, the screen transitions to the screen of FIG. In this screen, one or two selection form names stored for the user who is operating (the user whose user name is entered in the cell indicated by the user current pointer UPc in FIG. 4) are entered.

  (S32) If the change button is pressed on the screen of FIG. 14, the process proceeds to step S33; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S34.

  (S33) Transition to the user form mode screen of FIG.

  On this screen, a file save button 46 is pressed to display a file save screen (not shown), a form name is input, a read button is pressed, image data is read from the scanner 16S of FIG. It is stored in the image composition box 27I. Next, when the registration button is pressed, the form name and its thumbnail are added to the screen of FIG.

  When the all form icon 111 on the upper side of the scroll bar 41 is pressed, the screen transitions to the screen of FIG. 23 and all forms are displayed in the list 110 (all form mode). When the user form icon 112 is pressed, the screen transitions to the screen of FIG. To do. When the preview icon 113 is pressed, a part of the image of one selected form is displayed, and the other part is also displayed by operating the direction key on the screen.

  In the all form mode, the check box on the left end side of the list 110 is marked for the form name associated with the user name. In this state, the user depresses a new check box to mark or depresses a marked check box to remove the mark. In response to this, a cell corresponding to this check box is added to or deleted from the file linked list linked to the cell having the user name in FIG. When the user form icon 112 is pressed from this state to change to the screen of FIG. 24, the updated form name related to the user name is displayed as a thumbnail.

  When the check box below the thumbnail is pressed and marked, the form name is selected. In response to this selection, the address of the cell having the form name in the form linked list is input to the selected form pointer in the cell having the user name in the user linked list of FIG.

  When the detail button 47 is pressed, a thumbnail of an image obtained by combining the selected document and the selected form is displayed above the detail button 47 as shown in FIG.

  (S34) In FIG. 14, if the form overlay check box is not marked, the process proceeds to step S35, and if it is marked, the process proceeds to step S36.

  (S35) When the hardware start key is pressed, only the document file is printed.

  (S36) When the hardware start key is pressed, an image overlaid with the form of the form name displayed on the screen of FIG. 14 is generated for one or a plurality of files selected in FIG. 8 or FIG. The printing process is performed.

  Next, when the removable media button 230 is pressed on the screen of FIG. 6 or 17 in which the main box selection button is displayed, a removable media development screen as shown in FIG. 28 is displayed. In the list 120 on this screen, columns of a drive name, a storage capacity of the drive, a number of files in the drive, and a storage area usage rate (%) of the drive are displayed. In this embodiment, a CF memory and a USB memory are used as removable media. When the CF memory is selected and the open button 48 is pressed, a development screen as shown in FIG. 30 is displayed.

  The list 135 on this screen has columns of a box name and the number of files in the box. The backup box and the trash box are created for the main box in FIG. 1 or a sub-box below it. This creation is performed on a screen (not shown) displayed when the edit button 45 is pressed. In the example of FIG. 30, a backup box and a trash box for the custom box 26 and a backup box and a trash box for the facsimile box 28 are created.

  When a row in the list 135 is selected and the open button 48 is pressed, a screen similar to that shown in FIG. 8 is displayed in the box. In this screen, the file can be moved from the backup box or the trash box to the corresponding user box in the custom box 26 or the facsimile box 28. When the close button 66 is pressed, the screen returns to the screen of FIG.

  FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing an automatic backup copy of a file or an automatic movement process to a trash box when the file registration button or the delete button is pressed.

  (S40) If the registration button is pressed, the process proceeds to step S41, and if the delete button is pressed, the process proceeds to step S43.

  (S41, 42) If a folder having a folder name including the corresponding box name and backup characters in the compact flash memory 24 in a predetermined format has been created in the removable medium 23, the registered or created file is Copy to backup box.

  (S43, 44) If a folder having a folder name including the corresponding box name and the trash box character in the predetermined format in the compact flash memory 24 is created in the removable medium 23, the file to be deleted is replaced instead of being deleted. Move to the trash.

  When the facsimile box button 280 is pressed on the screen of FIG. 6 or 17 in which the main box selection button is displayed, a facsimile box development screen shown in FIG. 31 is displayed.

  This screen is the same as the screen of FIG. 6 and is different from FIG. 6 in that the edit button 45 and the file save button 46 of FIG. 6 are not provided. The reason that the edit button 45 is not provided is that when a user box in the custom box 26 is created, a confidential reception box in the facsimile box 28 is created correspondingly. The reason why the file save button 46 is not provided is that the FAX confidential box is a reception box and FAX transmission is performed by designating a file in the user box in the custom box 26.

  When the received file is moved from the facsimile modem receiving unit 18R to the corresponding facsimile confidential receiving box in the facsimile box 28 via the facsimile receiving box 29R, the name of this file is included in the corresponding file linked list as described above. Cells are automatically added. When a file is moved from the facsimile confidential reception box to the corresponding user box in the custom box 26, the cell having the name of the file is automatically deleted from the file linked list.

  31, when a line in the list 140 is designated and the open button 48 is pressed, a screen (not shown) similar to that in FIG. 8 is displayed. However, the transmission button means transfer, the combination button 62 and the file storage button 46 in FIG. 8 are not provided, and the movement button means movement of the file into the user box in the custom box 26.

  According to the present embodiment, since the scheduled automatic deletion date for one or more files selected by the operation panel 15 is changed based on the specified value, a plurality of automatic deletions can be performed without providing a box for each retention period. There is an effect that the scheduled date can be changed in a batch.

  Further, since the scheduled automatic deletion date is changed only for the selected file in the designated user box, there is an effect that the scheduled automatic deletion date can be changed easily and without error.

  Furthermore, the automatic deletion schedule data for the files in the designated user box is sorted in descending or ascending order of the scheduled deletion date, and a list of corresponding file names is displayed on the operation panel 15. There is an effect that it can be selected easily and quickly.

  Moreover, since the extension period of the scheduled deletion date can be input, there is an effect that the scheduled deletion date can be easily changed.

  Furthermore, since the scheduled deletion date is updated by inputting the file storage period from the file registration date, it is possible to prevent the file storage period from becoming longer than necessary.

  In addition, sub-boxes for each user are created in the three main boxes. If one main box is selected according to what the user wants to do, the displayed sub-box for each user can be used. Since it is limited to one type, each user can easily select a desired file in the sub-box and execute the job, and the sub-box for each user and the files included in these files can be The data structure for management is simplified, and the program development efficiency of the image forming apparatus is improved.

  Note that the present invention includes various other modifications.

  For example, the work box 29 and the sub-boxes in the work box 29 need not be created, and the facsimile box 28 may be used as the work box.

  In this embodiment, the document name and its file name are described in the cell, and only the document name is displayed on the screen. However, only the file name may be used without using the document name. In this case, only a predetermined part of the file name, for example, the part of the document name may be displayed on the screen. The form and its file name are the same as described above.

  Further, in FIG. 22, the cell 1300 is commonly used for the user linked list for the private / held job and the user linked list for the quick / proof & hold job held job, but two corresponding cells are used instead of the cell 1300. Of course, both linked lists may be completely separated.

  In addition, when a file is registered in the user box, a scheduled deletion date may be set instead of the storage period.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration of boxes created in a hard disk of an image forming apparatus and a removable medium attached to the hard disk, and file input / output relationships with these. It is a schematic flowchart which mainly shows the process which opens the box in FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the structure for managing a user box and the file put into this. It is a figure which shows the link structure of the variable using the type | mold of the structure of FIG. 3, and an array variable. It is a flowchart which shows a user box creation process. It is a figure which shows a custom box expansion | deployment screen. It is a figure which shows a file preservation | save screen. It is a figure which shows the user box expansion | deployment screen with which the registration date was described in the file list. It is a figure which shows the user box expansion | deployment screen in which the scheduled deletion date was described in the file list. It is a figure which shows the user box expansion | deployment screen in which the preservation | save period was described in the file list. It is a figure which shows the user box expansion | deployment screen of thumbnail display mode. It is a figure which shows a preservation | save period change setting screen. It is a flowchart which shows a preservation | save period update process. It is a figure which shows a printing preparation screen. It is a figure which shows the transmission preparation screen in quick setup mode. It is a figure which shows the transmission preparation screen in destination mode. It is a figure which shows the expansion | deployment screen of a job box. It is a figure which shows the box expansion | deployment screen of a private / holding job. It is a figure which shows the user's box expansion | deployment screen regarding a private / pending job. It is a figure which shows a certain user's box expansion | deployment screen regarding a quick / proof & hold job. It is a structure explanatory diagram for managing a user box in a job storage box and files therein. It is a figure which shows the link structure using the structure type | mold variable and array variable of FIG. It is a figure which shows the all superimposed form box expansion | deployment screen. It is a figure which shows a user form box expansion | deployment screen. It is a flowchart which shows the process of form overlay printing. It is explanatory drawing of the structure for managing the user box in an image composition box, and the form file in it. It is a figure which shows the link structure using the structure type | mold variable and array variable of FIG. It is a figure which shows the expansion | deployment screen of a removable medium. It is a flowchart which shows the movement process to the backup copy or trash box of a file when the file registration button or the deletion button is pressed. It is a figure which shows the expansion | deployment screen of a compact flash memory. It is a figure which shows the expansion | deployment screen of a facsimile box. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus and parts related thereto.

Explanation of symbols

10 Image forming apparatus 11 MPU
12 interface 13E1 ROM
13E2 NVRAM
13D DRAM
14 Hard disk 15 Operation panel 16S Scanner 16P Printer 17 NIC
17R NIC reception unit 17T NIC transmission unit 18 facsimile modem 18R facsimile modem reception unit 18T facsimile modem transmission unit 19, 20 port 21 router 22 host computer 23 removable media 230 removable media button 24 compact flash memory 24B backup box 24G waste bin 25 USB memory 25B USB box 26 Custom box 260 Custom box button 27 Job box 27C Re-copy box 27I Image composition box 27J Job storage box 27JP Private / hold job box 27JQ Quick / proof & hold job box 270 Job storage box button 28 Facsimile box 280 Facsimile box button 29 Ximiri work box 29T facsimile transmission box 29R facsimile reception box 29P facsimile polling box 30 user box whole information structure 31 user structure 32 file structure 33 foam structure 40, 50, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140 List 41 Scroll bar 42 Number buttons 42A, 43A, 44A, 51A, 52A, 53A Sort direction label 43 Box name button 44 Owner button 45 Edit button 46 File save button 47 Detail button 48 Open button 51 Document name button 52 Sort button 53 Size button 54 Check box 55 List display icon 56 Thumbnail display icon 57 Preview icon 58 Item change button 59 Save period change button 60 Print button 61 Send button 62 Gobotan 63 move button 64 Delete button 65 destination list 66 閉釦 67 frame 68 thumbnails 69 on / Ofutoguru button 71 private print / hold job button 72 Quick / proof & hold button 73 again copy button 74 superimposed form button

Claims (5)

A processor;
Storage means coupled to the processor for storing programs and data files;
Interactive input / output means coupled to the processor;
In an image forming apparatus having
The program for the processor
(A) In response to a registration instruction from the interactive input / output means, the interactive screen displays a first screen for designating a data file to be registered and directly or indirectly designating the scheduled automatic deletion date of the data file. Display on the input / output means,
(B) storing the automatic deletion scheduled data relating to the name of the data file designated on the first screen and the scheduled automatic deletion date in the storage means;
(C) In response to an instruction to change the storage period from the interactive input / output unit, the dialog displays a second screen for changing the scheduled automatic deletion date for one or more files selected by the interactive input / output unit. Displayed on the mold input / output means,
(D) The automatic deletion schedule data is changed based on the value designated on the second screen,
(E) If today is after the automatic deletion scheduled date indicated by the automatic deletion scheduled data, the corresponding data file is deleted from the storage means.
An image forming apparatus having a step. A user box for storing a data file for each user is created in the storage means,
The program further provides the processor with
In response to user box selection and opening instructions from the interactive input / output means, displaying a list of files contained in the user box on the interactive input / output means;
The data file to be registered in step (a) is stored in the corresponding user box, and the processes in steps (b) to (e) are performed on the data file in the selected user box. ,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The program is further sent to the processor prior to step (c).
In response to the sort instruction from the interactive input / output means, the data related to the data file in the corresponding user box among the data to be automatically deleted is sorted in descending or ascending order of the scheduled deletion date, and the corresponding data file name Display a list of
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the second screen in step (c) includes a region for inputting an extension period of the scheduled deletion date.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the second screen in step (c) includes an area for inputting a file storage period from a file registration date.

Images