JP2008187215A - Information processing apparatus and information processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processing apparatus and an information processing system that can transmit a data file using a folder provided on a network while guaranteeing the safety of the system at higher level. <P>SOLUTION: In scan-to-folder processing, a multifunction device 2 sends an open folder preparation command to make terminal devices 3A and 3B prepare an open folder to be accessed from outside (for example, a shared folder) to the terminal device 3A and 3B and when the terminal devices 3A and 3B prepare the open folder in response, the multifunction device 2 saves the data folder in the open folder. After the saving processing is completed, the multifunction device 2 sends an open folder cancel command to disable the open folder to be accessed from outside through the network 1 (for example, a command to cancel the sharing of the common folder) to the terminal devices 3A and 3B through the network 1. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and an information processing system.

As a conventional information processing apparatus, folder information acquisition means for acquiring information about a folder set on the external terminal side as a file data storage destination using a predetermined network protocol, and information acquired by the folder information acquisition means A folder specifying unit for specifying a folder as a file data storage destination, an automatic sharing signal generating unit for generating an automatic sharing signal for sharing the folder specified by the folder specifying unit with an external terminal, and an external Some have a transmission means for transmitting an automatic sharing signal and file data to be stored in a folder shared based on the automatic sharing signal to the terminal (Patent Document 1).
JP 2006-140812 A

  However, in the above-described conventional information processing apparatus, before the sharing of the folder is performed in the terminal device on the file data receiving side, the data (folder list) related to the folder provided in the terminal device is transmitted via the network. Therefore, there is a problem in terms of system safety.

  Therefore, the problem to be solved by the present invention is an information processing apparatus and an information processing system capable of transmitting a data file using a folder provided in a network while ensuring the safety of the system at a higher level. Is to provide.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus connected to an external terminal device via a network, an operation unit for receiving an operation, and a data file being transmitted to the terminal via the network. A storage processing unit for storing in the device, wherein the storage processing unit prepares a public folder accessible from the outside via the network for the terminal device instructed through the operation unit When a preparation command is sent via the network and the public folder is prepared by the terminal device, the data file is stored in the public folder via the network.

  Further, in the invention of claim 2, in the information processing apparatus according to claim 1, the storage processing unit stores the data file in the public folder, and then the terminal device provided with the public folder On the other hand, a public folder release command for making the public folder inaccessible from the outside via the network is sent via the network.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention, the storage processing unit stores the data file in the public folder, and then the terminal device provided with the public folder On the other hand, it is possible to change the setting as to whether or not to send a public folder release command for making the public folder inaccessible from the outside via the network.

  According to a fourth aspect of the invention, in the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention, the storage processing unit causes the terminal device to create a shared folder as the public folder as the public folder preparation instruction. Are sent via the network.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention, the storage processing unit shares the existing folder as the public folder as the public folder preparation instruction to the terminal device. A command to be sent is sent via the network.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, the information processing apparatus further includes a reading unit that reads image data from a document, and the storage processing unit is configured to store the image data. A data file is stored in the terminal device via the network.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus connected to an external terminal device via a network, which is responsive to a storage unit and a public folder preparation command given from the terminal device via the network. And preparing a public folder accessible from outside via the network in the storage unit, and responding to a public folder release command given via the network from the terminal device, and sending the public folder via the network A folder management unit that cannot be accessed from the outside, and an access reception unit that receives a data file storage process for the public folder via the network by the terminal device.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a document processing system including a transmission side information processing apparatus and a reception side information processing apparatus connected via a network, wherein the transmission side information processing apparatus is configured to receive an operation. And a storage processing unit that stores the data file in the information processing apparatus via the network, wherein the storage processing unit of the information processing apparatus on the transmission side is the reception side instructed via the operation unit A public folder preparation command for preparing a public folder accessible from outside through the network is sent to the information processing apparatus via the network, and the public folder is prepared by the information processing apparatus on the receiving side. And storing the data file in the public folder via the network, and the information processing apparatus on the receiving side includes a storage unit Responding to the public folder preparation command given from the information processing apparatus on the transmission side via the network, and preparing a public folder accessible from outside via the network in the storage unit; An access accepting unit that accepts storage processing of the data file for the public folder via the network by the information processing apparatus on the transmission side.

  According to the first to eighth aspects of the present invention, the information processing device (terminal device) on the transmission side can access the information processing device (terminal device) on the reception side from the outside via the network. When a public folder preparation command for preparing a folder is given and a public folder is prepared by the information processing device (terminal device) on the receiving side in response to the instruction, a data file to the public folder by the information processing device on the transmission side is prepared. Saving is done. For this reason, unlike the prior art, it is not necessary to transmit data related to a folder that is not disclosed (for example, a folder that is not shared) to the outside of the information processing apparatus via the network. Therefore, it is possible to transmit a data file using a folder provided in the network while ensuring the safety of the system at a higher level.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the storage of the data file in the public folder of the information processing device (terminal device) on the reception side is completed, the information processing device on the transmission side receives the information processing device on the reception side. A public folder release command is given to make the public folder inaccessible from the outside via the network. For this reason, it is possible to make the save destination folder accessible from the outside via the network only when the data file is saved. As a result, after the data file is saved, the data file is saved. It is possible to reliably prevent a third party from accessing the folder and leaking data.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the saving of the data file in the public folder of the information processing apparatus (terminal device) on the receiving side is completed, the state of the public folder is maintained in an externally accessible state. It is possible to set whether to switch to a state that cannot be accessed from the outside, so that it is possible to flexibly respond to the user's request, which is convenient.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the shared folder is newly created when the data file is saved (an empty folder is newly created as the shared folder), the data file saving process is performed. It is possible to avoid the inconvenience that other data files already stored in the shared folder are disclosed to the outside.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the existing folder is shared when the data file is stored, it is not necessary to perform complicated processing such as creating a new folder or deleting a folder that is no longer needed. There are advantages such as.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the read image data file can be stored in a folder of another terminal device via the network while ensuring the safety of the system at a high level.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system includes a facsimile complex apparatus (hereinafter simply referred to as “composite apparatus”) 2 as a transmission-side information processing apparatus connected via a local network 1, and a reception-side information apparatus. It is configured to include at least one (a plurality in this embodiment) terminal devices 3A and 3B as information processing devices. The local network 1 is configured by a LAN (Local Area Network) or the like, and is connected to a wide area network such as the Internet via a gateway (not shown). The terminal devices 3A and 3B are configured by a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “PC”) or the like.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction apparatus 2 includes a control unit 11 as a storage processing unit, a printer 13 connected to the control unit 11 via a bus 12, a scanner 14 as a reading unit, a display unit 15, an operation Unit 16, storage unit 17, modem 18, NCU (Network Control Unit) 19, and network communication unit 20. The functions of the composite apparatus 2 include a printer function, a facsimile function (including an Internet facsimile function), a copy function, a scanner function, and the like. The scanner function includes a scan-to-folder function that saves a data file of image data read from a document by the scanner 14 in a predetermined shared folder in the network 1.

  The control unit 11 supervises the control of the composite apparatus 2 and includes a CPU and the like. The printer 13 is, for example, an electrophotographic printer device, and prints document data given from an external processing device, image data read by the scanner 14, document data received by facsimile, and the like on a recording sheet. The scanner 14 reads an original, and is used for reading an original when transmitting a facsimile, reading an original when using a copy function and a scanner function, and the like.

  The display unit 15 is configured by a liquid crystal display device or the like, and is used for displaying operation information and the like of the composite device 2. The operation unit 16 includes a plurality of operation buttons, a touch panel, and the like, and is used for operation of the composite apparatus 2.

  The storage unit 17 includes a storage device such as a ROM or a RAM. In the ROM, a control program executed by the control unit 11 is stored. The RAM stores document data transmitted from an external processing device, transmitted / received facsimile transmission / reception image data, document data read when using a copy function or a scanner function, and data relating to setting and maintenance management of the multifunction device 2. include.

  The modem 18 is a facsimile modem capable of facsimile communication. The modem 18 is directly connected to the NCU 19. The NCU 19 is hardware for closing and opening a line with an analog public telephone line network (PSTN) 22, and connects the modem 18 to the public telephone line network 22 as necessary. In addition, you may make it connect with a digital circuit network (ISDN) by providing the interface for ISDN.

  The network communication unit 20 is responsible for data communication via the network 1 such as a LAN. More specifically, the network communication unit 20 includes SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol), POP (Post Office Protocol), SMB (Server Message Block) (or CIFS (Common Internet File System)), HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol). ) Etc. are provided. Specific functions of the network communication unit 20 include data communication at the time of scan-to-folder, transmission / reception of electronic mail, transmission / reception of an Internet facsimile that transmits / receives image data attached to the electronic mail, and via a LAN or the Internet. The transmission and reception of various other data are included.

  Further, the terminal devices 3A and 3B include control units 31a and 31b, display units 32a and 32b, operation units 33a and 33b, network communication units 34a and 34b, and storage units 35a and 35a as folder management units and access reception units. 35b etc. are provided.

  The control units 31a and 31b supervise the control of the terminal devices 3A and 3B, and include a CPU and the like. The display units 32a and 32b are configured by a liquid crystal display device or the like, and are used for displaying operation information and processing results of the terminal devices 3A and 3B. The operation units 33a and 33b are composed of a plurality of operation buttons and the like, and are used for operating the terminal devices 3A and 3B. The network communication units 34 a and 34 b have substantially the same communication function as the network communication unit 20 of the composite apparatus 2, and various data communication is performed with other information processing apparatuses via the network 1. . The storage units 35a and 35b are configured to include a semiconductor memory, a hard disk device, and the like. The storage contents of the storage units 35a and 35b include various processing software executed by the terminal devices 3A and 3B, processing results by the processing programs, data related to settings and maintenance management of the terminal devices 3A and 3B, and the like. .

  In the information processing system configured as described above, reception is performed only when the data file of the image data read by the composite apparatus 2 is transmitted to one of the terminal apparatuses 3A and 3B and stored by the scan-to-folder function. A public folder (for example, a shared folder) that can be accessed from the outside via the network 1 is prepared in the terminal devices 3A and 3B on the side. This function will be described below.

  The control unit 11 of the multifunction apparatus 2 has a folder state switching instruction function for instructing the terminal devices 3A and 3B to prepare a public folder and switch to an inaccessible state, and image data read by the scanner 14 in the public folder. And a data storage function for transmitting and storing files.

  The folder state switching instruction function includes a function of transmitting a public folder preparation command and a public folder release command to the terminal devices 3A and 3B via the network 1. The public folder preparation command is a command for causing the terminal devices 3A and 3B to prepare a public folder accessible from the outside via the network 1. In this embodiment, the terminal device 3A, 3B is made to create a shared folder by this public folder preparation command. For this reason, the public folder preparation command includes folder creation information such as a folder name and a folder path required when the terminal devices 3A and 3B create a shared folder. Further, when setting the access authority individually for each user to the shared folder to be created, access setting information for setting the access authority (for example, the user using the scan-to-folder function of the multifunction device 2) (User name, password, etc.) are included in the folder creation information.

  The public folder release command is a command for making the public folder created by the public folder preparation command inaccessible from the outside via the network 1. In the present embodiment, the shared state of the shared folder created by the public folder preparation command is canceled (unshared) by the terminal devices 3A and 3B by this public folder cancellation command.

  Correspondingly, application software for creating a folder, switching a shared state, and the like is installed in the control units 31a and 31b of the terminal devices 3A and 3B in accordance with a command given from the composite device 2. . Specific functions of the control units 31a and 31b realized by the application software can be accessed from the outside via the network 1 in the storage units 35a and 35b in response to a public folder preparation command given from the multifunction device 2. A function for preparing a public folder and a function for switching a public folder from an externally accessible state to an impossible state via the network 1 in accordance with a public folder release command given from the multifunction device 2. ing. In the present embodiment, a shared folder is created as a public folder in the storage units 31a and 31b in response to a public folder preparation command sent thereto. Further, the shared folder created according to the public folder preparation command can be switched to a non-shared folder that is not shared according to the public folder release command.

  Further, the control units 31a and 31b also have an access reception function for receiving a data file storage process or the like in a shared folder via the network 1 by the composite apparatus 2.

  Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 2, processing operations at the time of scan-to-folder execution of the multifunction apparatus 2 and the terminal apparatuses 3A and 3B will be described.

  When the scan-to-folder function is selected via the operation unit 16 of the multifunction apparatus 2, the scan-to-folder process as shown in FIG. 2 is executed. When the terminal device 3A, 3B that stores the read data file is designated by an operation input via the operation unit 16 of the multifunction apparatus 2, and the operation input is received by the control unit 11 (step S1), the control unit 11 Transmits a public folder preparation command to the designated terminal devices 3a and 3b via the network 1 (step S2).

  The control units 31a and 31b of the terminal devices 3A and 3B that have received the public folder preparation command create shared folders in the storage units 35a and 35b according to the folder creation information given from the composite device 2 (step S11). The folder preparation result (success / failure of creation of shared folder, etc.) is transmitted to the composite apparatus 2 via the network 1 (step S12).

  The control unit 11 of the multifunction apparatus 2 receives the folder preparation result (step S3). When the folder preparation result indicates completion of creation of the shared folder, the scanning process is started via the operation unit 11. Until an operation input (for example, operation of the start button) is performed. When an operation input for instructing start is given, the operation input is accepted (step S4), and the read operation of the set original is performed. The scanner 14 is instructed (step S5).

  If the received folder preparation result indicates that the creation of the shared folder has failed, an error process by the control unit 11 (for example, that the creation of the shared folder has failed via the display unit 15). Error message display etc.) is performed, and the scan-to-folder processing is temporarily stopped. For example, when a shared folder with the same folder name already exists in the terminal apparatuses 3A and 3B instructed to create a shared folder by the public folder preparation command, the data in the existing shared folder is preserved. Therefore, the new creation of the shared folder is suspended.

  When the reading process of the scanner 14 is completed, the control unit 11 of the multifunction apparatus 2 creates the data file of the image data given from the scanner 14 in accordance with the public folder preparation command of the terminal devices 3A and 3B designated as the storage destination. The data is transmitted to the shared folder via the network 1 and stored (step S6). Correspondingly, the control units 31a and 31b of the terminal devices 3A and 3B accept the storage process of the data file in the shared folder by the composite device 2 (step S13).

  When the data file storage process is completed, the control unit 11 of the multifunction apparatus 2 transmits a public folder release command to the data facsimile storage destination terminal apparatuses 3A and 3B via the network 1 (step S7).

  The control units 31a and 31b of the terminal devices 3A and 3B that have received the public folder release command cancel the sharing of the shared folder in which the data file is stored by the composite device 2 and switch to the non-shared folder (step S14). Then, the release result (success / failure of releasing the sharing of the shared folder) is transmitted to the composite apparatus 1 via the network 1 (step S15).

  The control unit 11 of the multifunction apparatus 2 receives the release result (step S8), and if the release result is a thing indicating the success in releasing the sharing of the shared folder, the scan-to-folder process has no problem. The processing result indicating the end is stored in the history information of the storage unit 17, and the series of processing ends. If the received release result indicates a failure to release sharing of the shared folder, error processing by the control unit 11 (for example, failure to release sharing of the shared folder via the display unit 15 or the like) Error message display etc.).

  The data files transmitted and stored from the composite apparatus 2 to the terminal apparatuses 3A and 3B by this scan-to-folder process are accessed by the user directly operating the storage destination terminal apparatuses 3A and 3B to access the folder. You can browse.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, at the time of scan-to-folder processing, the transmission-side multifunction device 2 can make the reception-side terminal devices 3A and 3B accessible from the outside via the network 1. When a public folder preparation command for preparing a folder (for example, a shared folder) is given and a public folder is prepared by the terminal devices 3A and 3B in response thereto, data of image data read into the public folder by the composite device 2 is read. The file is saved. When the saving process is completed, a public folder release command (for example, for making the public folder inaccessible from the outside via the network 1 to the terminal devices 3A and 3B as the saving destinations from the composite apparatus 2 (for example, And a command to cancel sharing of the shared folder). For this reason, unlike the prior art, it is not necessary to transmit data related to a folder that is not disclosed (for example, a folder that is not shared) to the outside of the terminal devices 3A and 3B via the network 1. Therefore, the data file can be transmitted by the scan-to-folder process using the folder provided in the network 1 while ensuring the safety of the system at a higher level.

  Further, with such a configuration, only when the scan-to-folder process is performed, the storage destination folder of the data file in the terminal devices 3A and 3B can be made accessible from the outside via the network. As a result, after the data file is saved, it is possible to reliably prevent a third party from accessing the folder where the data file is saved and causing data leakage or the like.

  In the present embodiment, when a data file is saved, a shared folder is newly created in response to a public folder preparation command (an empty folder is newly created as a shared folder). When the saving process is performed, the inconvenience that other data files already saved in the shared folder are disclosed to the outside can be avoided.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the terminal apparatuses 3A and 3B are made to create a new shared folder by the public folder preparation command issued by the composite apparatus 2, but the terminal apparatuses 3A and 3B have the existing folder created by the public folder preparation instruction. You may make it share a folder. In this case, since the existing folder is shared when the data file is saved, there is an advantage that it is not necessary to perform complicated processing such as creating a new folder or deleting a folder that is no longer needed.

  Further, as a modification of the processing operation related to the public folder release command of the control unit 11 of the composite apparatus 2, after the data file is stored in the shared folder, the public folder is provided to the terminal devices 3A and 3B provided with the shared folder. Whether to send a cancellation command (that is, whether to cancel sharing of the shared folder storing the data file or to maintain the shared state) can be set in advance via the operation unit 16 and the like, and the setting contents are It is good also as a structure which can be changed. In such a configuration, it is possible to flexibly respond to the user's request, which is convenient.

  In the above-described embodiment, the present invention is applied to a system that performs scan-to-folder processing in which an image data file read by the composite apparatus 2 is stored in a folder of another terminal apparatus 3A, 3B via the network 1. However, the present invention can be applied to any system as long as it is a system that performs processing for transmitting a data file to a folder of another terminal device via the network 1 and storing it.

1 is a block diagram of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a flowchart showing processing operations of a facsimile multifunction peripheral and a terminal device included in the information processing system of FIG. 1.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Network 2 Facsimile compound apparatus 3A, 3B Terminal device 11 Control part 14 Scanner 16 Operation part 31a, 31b Control part 35a, 35b Storage part

Claims (8)

An information processing apparatus connected to an external terminal device via a network,
An operation unit that receives an operation; and a storage processing unit that stores a data file in the terminal device via the network,
The storage processing unit sends a public folder preparation command for preparing a public folder accessible from the outside via the network to the terminal device instructed via the operation unit via the network, When the public folder is prepared by a terminal device, the data file is stored in the public folder via the network. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
The save processing unit, after saving the data file in the public folder, makes the public folder inaccessible from the outside via the network to the terminal device provided with the public folder. An information processing apparatus that sends a release command via the network. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
The save processing unit, after saving the data file in the public folder, makes the public folder inaccessible from the outside via the network to the terminal device provided with the public folder. An information processing apparatus characterized in that it is possible to change a setting as to whether or not to send a cancellation command via the network. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
The information processing apparatus, wherein the storage processing unit sends a command for causing the terminal device to create a shared folder as the public folder as the public folder preparation command via the network. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
The information processing apparatus, wherein the storage processing unit sends an instruction for sharing an existing folder as the public folder to the terminal apparatus via the network as the public folder preparation instruction. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A reading unit that reads image data from the document;
The information processing apparatus, wherein the storage processing unit stores a data file of the image data in the terminal device via the network. An information processing apparatus connected to an external terminal device via a network,
A storage unit;
In response to a public folder preparation command given from the terminal device via the network, a public folder accessible from outside via the network is prepared in the storage unit, and given from the terminal device via the network A folder management unit that makes the public folder inaccessible from the outside via the network,
An information processing apparatus comprising: an access receiving unit configured to receive data file storage processing for the public folder via the network by the terminal device. A document processing system including information processing apparatuses on a transmission side and a reception side connected via a network,
The information processing apparatus on the transmission side
An operation unit that receives an operation; and a storage processing unit that stores a data file in the information processing apparatus via the network;
The storage processing unit of the information processing apparatus on the transmission side prepares a public folder accessible from the outside via the network for the information processing apparatus on the reception side instructed via the operation unit. A folder preparation command is sent via the network, and when the public folder is prepared by the information processing apparatus on the receiving side, the data file is stored in the public folder via the network,
The information processing apparatus on the receiving side is
A storage unit;
In response to the public folder preparation command given from the information processing apparatus on the transmission side via the network, a folder management unit for preparing in the storage unit a public folder accessible from the outside via the network;
An information processing system comprising: an access receiving unit that receives a storage process of the data file for the public folder via the network by the information processing apparatus on the transmission side.

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