JP2008204301A - Data management device, data management method and data management program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a data management device, data management method and data management program, efficiently duplicating a file. <P>SOLUTION: Multi-function peripheral includes: an HDD having a plurality of storage areas; a receiving means S01, S02 for receiving designation of a duplicating file and designation of a storage area to which duplication is directed; a duplicating means S11 for storing a duplicate file where a file stored in one of the plurality of storage areas is duplicated in another storage area; a link means S10 for storing link information to another storage area for the file stored in one of the plurality of storage areas; and a determination means S05 for determining which is activated, the duplicating means or the link means according to the designation received by the receiving means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a data management device, a data management method, and a data management program, and in particular, a data management device, a data management method, and the like suitable for duplicating data stored in a storage device having a plurality of storage areas such as a hard disk drive. It relates to a data management program.

  Conventionally, data replication has been performed by storing the actual status of data replication in a separate storage area. However, since a plurality of the same data is stored, there is a problem that the storage capacity that can be stored is reduced. In addition, when the data at the copy source is changed, the change is not reflected in the copied data, so that there is a problem that the contents of both data are different. On the other hand, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-362418 describes a data sharing system that stores the actual state of data in a server and stores link information linked to the actual state of data on the client side.

However, the data sharing system described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-362418 can avoid a reduction in storage capacity because the actual state is not stored on the client side, but the actual data is accessed when data is output. There is a problem that the response speed becomes slow. In particular, there is a problem that data cannot be accessed unless the server is operating.
JP 2004-362418 A

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a data management apparatus, a data management method, and a data management program capable of efficiently copying files. It is to be.

  In order to achieve the above-described object, according to an aspect of the present invention, the data management device accepts designation of a storage unit having a plurality of storage areas, a specification of a copy source file, and a copy destination storage area. A receiving unit, a replicating unit that stores a duplicate file obtained by duplicating a file stored in one of the plurality of storage areas in another storage area, and another for a file stored in one of the plurality of storage areas Linking means for storing link information to the storage area; and deciding means for deciding which of the duplicating means and the linking means to activate according to the designation accepted by the accepting means.

  According to this aspect, when the specification of the copy source file and the specification of the copy destination storage area are accepted, the copy file copied from the file is stored, or the link information to the other storage area for the file is stored. It is decided to memorize. When a duplicate file obtained by copying a file is stored, the convenience of accessing the actual situation is improved, but the storage capacity is increased. On the other hand, when storing link information to a copy destination storage area for a file, the convenience of accessing the actual situation may be impaired, but the storage capacity does not increase. Since the replication method is switched depending on the copy source file and the copy destination storage area, the file is efficiently copied by adjusting the balance between the convenience of accessing the file and the conflicting effect of reducing the storage capacity. It is possible to provide a data management device capable of doing so.

  Preferably, the plurality of storage areas include a personal area assigned to a specific user and a group area commonly assigned to the plurality of users, and the determining means stores the copy source file. Based on whether each of the area and the copy destination storage area is an individual area or a group area, it is determined which of the duplicating means and the linking means is activated.

  Preferably, the information processing apparatus further includes user specifying means for specifying a user who gives an instruction received by the receiving means, and assigns either the storage area where the copy source file is stored or the copy destination storage area to the specified user. It is further determined whether to activate the duplicating means or the linking means based on whether or not the personal area has been assigned.

  Preferably, when the user designates which of the duplicating means and the linking means is to be activated, the deciding means decides either the duplicating means or the linking means according to the accepted designation, and the duplicating means and the linking means Of these, the file and the storage area that are the same as the copy source file and the copy destination storage area are determined in preference to those specified in the past by the designation receiving means.

  Preferably, the determination unit determines to activate the link unit with priority when the copy source file has a predetermined attribute.

  Preferably, the plurality of storage areas include a plurality of storage areas included in a storage unit included in another data management apparatus.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, a data management method is a data management method executed by a computer including a storage unit having a plurality of storage areas, and specifies a copy source file and stores a copy destination A step of accepting designation of an area, a step of storing a duplicate file obtained by duplicating a copy source file in a copy destination storage area, a step of storing link information to a copy destination storage area for the copy source file, and Deciding whether to store a duplicate file that is a duplicate of the copy source file, or to store link information to the copy destination storage area for the copy source file, according to the accepted specification; including.

  According to the present invention, a data management method capable of efficiently copying files can be provided.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the data management program is a data management program executed by a computer including a storage unit having a plurality of storage areas, and specifies a copy source file and a copy destination storage. A step of accepting designation of an area, a step of storing a duplicate file obtained by duplicating a copy source file in a copy destination storage area, a step of storing link information to a copy destination storage area for the copy source file, and Deciding whether to store a duplicate file that is a duplicate of the copy source file, or to store link information to the copy destination storage area for the copy source file, according to the accepted specification; Is executed on the computer.

  According to the present invention, a data management program capable of efficiently copying files can be provided.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall outline of a data management system in one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, a data management system 1 includes a multi-function peripheral (hereinafter referred to as “MFP”) 100, 100A, 100B, and 100C and a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as “PC”) 200, respectively connected to a network 2. 200A. The PCs 200 and 200A are general computers. Since their configurations and functions are well known, description thereof will not be repeated here. Since MFPs 100, 100A, 100B, and 100C have the same configuration and function, MFP 100 will be described as an example unless otherwise specified.

  An MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) 100 includes a scanner for reading an original, an image forming unit for forming an image on a recording medium such as paper based on image data, and a facsimile, and includes an image reading function, a copying function, and facsimile transmission / reception. It has a function. In the present embodiment, MFP 100 will be described as an example, but instead of MFP 100, any apparatus having a function of storing data may be used, for example, a scanner, a printer, a facsimile machine, PC 200, 200A, or the like. Good.

  The network 2 is a local area network (LAN) and is connected to the Internet 3 via a gateway. The connection form may be wired or wireless. The network 2 is not limited to a LAN, and may be a wide area network (WAN), a public switched telephone network (PSTN), the Internet, or the like.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of MFP 100 in the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 2, MFP 100 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 101 connected to bus 120, ROM (Read Only Memory) 103 recording a program to be executed by CPU 101, and a program to be executed. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 105 for storing data during program execution, a hard disk drive (HDD) 107 for storing data in a nonvolatile manner, and a card in which a flash ROM 108 is mounted An interface (I / F) 109, a communication I / F 111 for connecting the MFP 100 to the network 2, a scanner 113, an image forming unit 115, a facsimile (FAX) 117, and an operation as an interface with a user. And a Yonpaneru 119.

  The CPU 101 loads the data management program recorded in the flash ROM 108 attached to the card I / F 109 into the RAM 105 and executes it. The program executed by the CPU 101 is not limited to the data management program recorded in the flash ROM 108, and the program stored in an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable / Programmable ROM) separately connected to the CPU 101 is loaded into the RAM 105 and executed. It may be. If the EEPROM is used, the data management program can be rewritten or additionally written. For this reason, for example, the PCs 200 and 200A connected to the network 2 may rewrite the data management program stored in the EEPROM of the MPP 100, or may be written by adding a new data management program. Further, MFP 100 may download a data management program from another computer connected to Internet 3 and store the data management program in the EEPROM. Further, the CPU 101 may load a data management program stored in the HDD 107 into the RAM 105 and execute it.

  The program here includes not only a program that can be directly executed by the CPU 101 but also a source program, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

  The image forming unit 115 is a laser printer, an inkjet printer, or the like, and visualizes image data on a recording medium such as paper. The scanner 113 includes a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), optically reads a document, and outputs electronic data as image data. The FAX 117 transmits and receives image data via a general telephone line according to the facsimile standard.

  Operation panel 119 includes an input unit 119A and a display unit 119B. Input unit 119 </ b> A is an input device such as a touch panel, a keyboard, or a mouse for accepting an operation input by the user of MFP 100. The display unit 119B is a liquid crystal display device or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display panel. In the case where a touch panel made of a transparent member is used for the input unit 119A, the instruction of the button displayed on the display unit 119B can be detected by placing the touch panel on the display unit 119B. Thereby, various operations can be input.

  Communication I / F 111 is a communication interface for connecting MFP 100 to network 2. Thereby, MFP 100 can communicate with other MFPs 100A, 100B, 100C and PCs 200, 200A. The MFP 100 is connected to the other MFPs 100A, 100B, 100C, and PCs 200, 200A via the network 2, but may be directly connected using a serial interface or a parallel interface. Communication I / F 111 uses an interface according to the connection form between MFP 100 and other MFPs 100A, 100B, 100C or PCs 200, 200A.

  The input of data to the MFP 100 is (1) when an original is read by the scanner 113 and image data is input, (2) another PC 200, 200A connected to the network 2 via the communication I / F, or When image data is received from other MFPs 100A, 100B, and 100C, (3) When image data stored in the flash ROM 108 is read via the card I / F, (4) Facsimile data is received by the FAX 117 This is the case. Data input to MFP 100 is given a file name and temporarily stored in a predetermined area of HDD 107.

  The output of data from the MFP 100 is (1) when the data stored in the HDD 107 is visualized on a recording medium such as paper by the image forming unit 115 (2) connected to the network via the communication I / F 111 When transmitted to another PC 200, 200A or another MFP 100A, 100B, 100C, (3) When stored in the flash ROM 108, (4) When output as facsimile data by the FAX 117, (5) The display unit 119B May be displayed.

  The recording medium for storing the data management program is not limited to the flash ROM 108, but a flexible disk, cassette tape, optical disk (MO (Magnetic Optical Disc / MD (Mini Disc) / DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)), IC card ( Medium including a memory card), an optical card, a semiconductor memory such as a mask ROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM, or the like may be used.

  The HDD 107 includes a plurality of storage areas. Each of the plurality of storage areas is referred to as a BOX here. The BOX includes an individual BOX and a group BOX. The personal BOX is a storage area assigned to each of a plurality of users registered as users who use the MFP 100. The group BOX is a storage area allocated to two or more users among a plurality of users. The personal BOX and the group BOX can be accessed only by users registered for each. Alternatively, some kind of restriction is imposed on access from users other than registered users.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of main processing executed by the MFP. The main process is a process executed by CPU 101 when CPU 101 of MFP 100 executes a data management program. Referring to FIG. 3, when instructed to execute the user registration process (YES in step S102), MFP 100 executes the user registration process (step S104), but if not instructed to execute the user registration process, step S104 is performed. S104 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S106. Although the user registration process will be described later, user information related to the user registered by the user registration process is stored in the HDD 107. In step S106, a user list creation process is executed. Although an example in which the user list creation process is always executed is shown here, the user list creation process may be executed when the MFP 100 is activated or at a predetermined time interval.

Next, if execution of the inter-box transmission process is instructed (YES in step S108), the inter-BOX transmission process is executed (step S110), but if the execution of the inter-box transmission process is not instructed, step S110 is skipped. Then, the process proceeds to step S112. In the next step S112, if the execution of the inter-box copy process is instructed (YES in step S112), the inter-BOX copy process is executed (step S114). If the inter-box copy process is not instructed, step S114 is performed. And the process returns to step S102.
Proceed to step S112.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of the user registration process. The user registration process is a process executed in step S104 in FIG. Referring to FIG. 4, MFP 100 displays a user registration screen on display unit 119B (step S302). The input is accepted until the input of user information is completed (NO in step S304). If an instruction to complete the input of user information is input (YES in step S304), the process proceeds to step S306. In step S306, the user information input according to the user registration screen is stored in a predetermined area of the HDD 107 to register the user (step S306). Then, the process returns to the main process.

  In the data management system in the present embodiment, user registration processing is executed in each of MFPs 100, 100A, 100B, and 100C, so that users who mainly use it are registered. Here, based on the user, MFPs 100, 100A, 100B, and 100C in which the user information of the user is stored are referred to as “home devices”. For example, if user information of user “David” is stored in MFP 100, the home device of user “David” is MFP 100. Note that storing user information in each of MFPs 100, 100A, 100B, and 100C mainly determines users to be used, and does not prohibit the use of users who do not store user information.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user registration screen. Referring to FIG. 5, the user registration screen includes an area for inputting registered user information. An area for entering registered user information includes an area for entering a user name, an area for entering a password, an area for designating image data of a face image, an area for displaying designated face image data, and an e-mail address. And an area for inputting. The input user name is accepted as user identification information for identifying the user. The password is accepted as authentication information used together with the user identification information. An area for designating image data of a face image can accept input of a file name. A user inputs image data obtained by photographing his / her face in advance to the MFP 100, and a file name for specifying the input image data is input to an area for specifying the image data of the face image. When the file name is input, the image data of the file is read and displayed on the user registration screen. Note that, in the drawing, a region where a face character is represented is shown for convenience, but a face image is actually displayed. The display of the face image is for confirming whether the input of the file name is correct, and may not be displayed. The e-mail address is an e-mail address assigned to the user.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of user information. 6A is a diagram illustrating an example of user information stored in MFP 100, FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating an example of user information stored in MFP 100A, and FIG. FIG. 6D is a diagram showing an example of user information stored in MFP 100B, and FIG. 6D is a diagram showing an example of user information stored in MFP 100C. The user information includes registered user information. The registered user information includes user identification information, accompanying information, and authentication information. The accompanying information is information related to the user, such as an e-mail address assigned to the user and face image data obtained by photographing the user's face. The authentication information is information used for user authentication at the time of login, and a password is used here. It is also possible to use face image data as authentication information. For biometric authentication, fingerprint information, voiceprint, iris, vein pattern, etc. are used as authentication information.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of user list creation processing. The user list creation process is a process executed in step S106 of FIG. Referring to FIG. 7, MFP 100 makes an inquiry to other MFPs 100A, 100B, and 100C to request transmission of registered user information stored therein (step S202). In response to this inquiry, each of the other MFPs 100A, 100B, and 100C transmits the registered user information stored in the HDD 107 included therein to the MFP 100. In step S204, reception of registered user information is awaited (NO in step S204), and when registered user information is received, the process proceeds to step S206. In step S206, registered user information is received. Here, registered user information is received from all other MFPs 100A, 100B, and 100C. At this time, since the device identification information of the device is received together with the registered user information, it can be determined from which of the MFPs 100A, 100B, and 100C the registered user information is received.

  In step S <b> 208, the registered user information registered in MFP 100 as the self apparatus is read from HDD 107. Then, a user list is created from the registered user information received in step S206 and the registered user information read in step S208 (step S210).

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user list. Referring to FIG. 8, the user list includes a number, registered user information, and device identification information of the home device. The user list only needs to include at least user identification information and device identification information of the home device.

  As described above, when the user list creation process is executed in MFPs 100, 100A, 100B, and 100C, the same user list is generated and stored in MFPs 100, 100A, 100B, and 100C. Thereby, a data management system 1 including MFPs 100, 100A, 100B, and 100C is configured. When the data management system 1 is configured, it is possible to specify a user who uses any one of the MFPs 100, 100A, 100B, and 100C as a home device based on the user list. It can be performed. This data transmission / reception is herein referred to as inter-box transmission or inter-box copy. In the transmission between BOXes, data stored in a personal BOX assigned to a user who is logged in to the MFP 100 (hereinafter referred to as a “login user”) or data stored in a group BOX is used as a copy source data. This is a process for transmitting data to an individual BOX or a group BOX. In the inter-BOX copy, data stored in a personal BOX assigned to a user other than the logged-in user or data stored in a group BOX is used as a copy source data, and the data is transmitted to another personal BOX or group BOX. It is processing. Note that the term “transmission between BOX transmissions” and “transmission between BOXes” is not limited to the case where data is actually transmitted via a communication line, but from one storage area (BOX) to another storage area (BOX) in one HDD 107. ) Is a concept that includes copying or linking data to.

  FIG. 9 is a first diagram illustrating a specific example of transmission between BOXes. Referring to FIG. 9, data 203 stored in personal BOX 201 of user A who is a logged-in user of MFP 100 is stored in personal BOX 211 assigned to user B existing in HDD 107 of MFP 100, and personal assigned to user C. In this example, transmission is performed to the BOX 212, the D group BOX 213, and the E group BOX 214. In this case, a duplicate file obtained by duplicating the data 203 is stored in the group BOX 213 and the group BOX 214, but the duplicate file is not stored in the personal BOX 211 and the personal BOX 212, and the data 203 is linked to the personal BOX 211 and the personal BOX 212. Link information is stored in the HDD 107. The area in which the link information is stored is not particularly limited, but is preferably stored in the personal BOX 211 and the personal BOX 212 to which the data 203 is linked.

  FIG. 10 is a second diagram illustrating a specific example of transmission between BOXes. Referring to FIG. 10, data 203 stored in personal BOX 201 of user A who is a logged-in user of MFP 100 is transmitted to group BOX 213 of D group and group BOX 214 of E group existing in HDD 107 of the same MFP 100, and MFP 100A In this example, transmission is made to the personal BOX 221 of user B and the personal BOX 222 of user C existing in the HDD 107. In this case, a duplicate file obtained by duplicating the data 203 is stored in the group BOX 213 and the group BOX 214, but the duplicate file is not stored in the personal BOX 221 and the personal BOX 222, and the data 203 is linked to the personal BOX 211 and the personal BOX 212. Link information is stored in the HDD 107. The area in which the link information is stored is not particularly limited, but is preferably stored in the personal BOX 211 and the personal BOX 212 to which the data 203 is linked.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a specific example of copying between BOXes. Referring to FIG. 11, an example in which data 205 stored in group BOX 214 of group E existing in HDD 107 of MFP 100 is copied to personal BOX 201 of user A who is a logged-in user of MFP 100 is shown. In this case, the personal BOX 201 stores a duplicate file obtained by copying the data 205 stored in the group BOX 214.

  FIG. 12 is a plan view of the operation panel of the MFP. Referring to FIG. 12, operation panel 119 includes a display unit 119B and an input unit 119A. The input unit 119A includes a numeric keypad 126, a start key 125 for instructing execution of processing, selection keys 121 to 124 for selecting functions to be executed by the MFP 100, and a touch panel 127 provided on the display unit 119B. Including. The selection key 121 is a key for selecting a BOX function, the selection key 122 is a key for selecting a copy function, the selection key 123 is a key for selecting a scan function, and a selection key 124 Is a key for selecting a facsimile function. Selection keys 121-124 include LEDs 12A-124A, respectively. The LED corresponding to the selected function is lit. FIG. 12 shows a state in which the selection key 121A for selecting the BOX function is instructed and the LD 121A is lit.

  The display unit 119B displays a BOX function screen. The BOX function screen includes an area for displaying a message “Please select a process.” And process selection keys 132, 133, and 134 for selecting a process that can be selected below. The process selection key 132 is a key for instructing execution of a browsing process for displaying the file name of data stored in the BOX, and the selection key 133 is a key for instructing execution of a transmission process between BOXes. Yes, the selection key 134 is a key for instructing execution of the inter-BOX copy process.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an inter-BOX transmission screen. The inter-BOX transmission screen is a screen displayed on the display unit 119B when the processing selection key 133 is instructed on the BOX function screen shown in FIG. The inter-BOX transmission screen 150 includes an area 151 for receiving an instruction to select a BOX in which transmission data to be transmitted is stored, an area 154 for displaying a thumbnail of data stored in the selected BOX, and data An area 152 for receiving an instruction to select a transmission destination, and an area 153 for designating a transmission method. The area 151 includes a button 161 for selecting the personal BOX of the login user and a button 162 for selecting the group BOX. When the button 161 is designated, an image (thumbnail) obtained by reducing the data stored in the personal BOX of the login user is displayed in the area 154. When the button 162 is designated, a group BOX selection screen is displayed on the display unit 119B.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the group BOX selection screen. Referring to FIG. 14, the group BOX selection screen displays device names “MFP-1”, “MFP-2”, “MFP-3”, “MFP-4”, and MFP100 of MFPs 100, 100A, 100B, and 100C, respectively. , 100A, 100B, and 100C, each of which includes a selection button that displays the name of the group BOX stored in the HDD 107. If the user points to any button, the group BOX corresponding to the instructed button is selected, and the thumbnail of the data stored in the group BOX is displayed in the area 154 of the inter-box transmission screen shown in FIG. Is displayed.

  Returning to FIG. 13, if any one of the thumbnails displayed in the area 154 is designated, the designated thumbnail is specified as transmission data.

  The area 152 is an area for setting a data output destination selection instruction. Area 152 includes a button 171 for designating “person” as the output destination and a button 172 for designating the group BOX as the output destination. The instruction of the button 171 corresponds to designating a personal BOX assigned to the user as an output destination. When the button 171 is instructed, a user list screen for specifying a personal BOX is displayed. When the button 172 is designated, the group BOX selection screen shown in FIG. 15 is displayed on the display unit 119B, and designation of the group BOX as an output destination is accepted.

  The area 153 is an area for designating a data transmission method, and includes a button 181 that displays actual characters and a button 182 that displays link characters. This is because the transmission method can be designated by the user's intention. Data transmission methods include actual transmission in which a copy of data is stored in a transmission destination BOX and link transmission in which link information for specifying data is stored in the transmission destination BOX. When the button 181 is designated, actual transmission is designated, and when the button 182 is designated, link transmission is designated. The transmission method is specified for each transmission destination, and the transmission method may not be specified.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user list screen. Referring to FIG. 15, the user list screen is a screen for displaying a list of user face image data and user names (user identification information) stored in the user list. Note that, in the drawing, a region where a face character is represented is shown for convenience, but a face image is actually displayed. When any of the face images displayed on the user list screen is instructed, user identification information corresponding to the image data of the face image is acquired from the user list, and the personal BOX assigned to the user identification information is specified. The

  When the processing selection key 134 is designated on the BOX function screen shown in FIG. 12, the inter-BOX copy screen is displayed on the display unit 119B. The inter-box copy screen differs from the inter-box transmission screen shown in FIG. 13 only in the buttons displayed in the area 151, and the other areas are the same. In the inter-BOX copy screen, a button for selecting a personal BOX assigned to a user other than the login user is displayed in the area 151 instead of the button 161. Therefore, on the inter-box copy screen, specify either the data stored in the personal BOX assigned to the user other than the login user or the data stored in the group BOX as the copy source data can do.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of the flow of a transmission process between BOXes. The inter-box transmission process is a process executed by the CPU 101 when the CPU 101 of the MFP 100 executes a data management program. Referring to FIG. 16, CPU 101 accepts selection of transmission data (step S01) and accepts designation of a transmission destination (step S02). Specifically, on the inter-box transmission screen shown in FIG. 13, one of the login user's personal BOX and group BOX and one of a plurality of data stored in the selected BOX are selected. Thus, designation of transmission data is accepted. For the designation of the transmission destination, designation of a personal BOX or a group BOX is accepted on the inter-BOX transmission screen shown in FIG. By designating a person, designation of a personal BOX assigned to the designated user is accepted.

  Next, it is determined whether a link or actual designation (transmission method designation) has been accepted (step S03). If the transmission method is accepted, the process proceeds to step S04. If not, step S04 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S05. In step S04, the file name of the transmission data selected in step S01, the transmission destination specified in step S02, and the transmission method specified in step S03 are registered in the transmission history list.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a transmission history list. Referring to FIG. 17, the transmission history list includes a file name item, a transmission destination item, and a link / actual item. The file name item is set with the file name of the transmission data, the transmission destination item is set with the user name or group name assigned with the BOX designated as the transmission destination, and the link / actual item is specified. The transmission method is set. In FIG. 17, the transmission registered when the transmission data of the file name “meeting material distribution” is input to the personal BOX of the user name “Mr. C” by the transmission method of the actual transmission. Indicates a history record.

  Returning to FIG. 16, in step S05, an inter-BOX transmission determination process is executed. Although the inter-BOX transmission determination process will be described later, it is a process for determining a transmission method. More specifically, it is a process of determining either the actual transmission in which the duplicate file obtained by duplicating the transmission data is stored in the transmission destination BOX, or the link transmission in which the transmission data and the transmission destination BOX are associated with each other by link information. . In step S06, the file name of the transmission data selected in step S01, the transmission destination specified in step S02, the transmission method specified in step S03 or the transmission method determined in step S05 are transmitted to the transmission destination. Register in the list and proceed to step S07.

  In step S07, it is determined whether or not another transmission destination is designated. If designated, the process returns to step S02, and if not designated, the process proceeds to step S08. This is because one file may be transmitted to a plurality of destinations. When the process proceeds to step S08, a destination list including the same number of records as the number of designated destinations is generated by a single operation instructing transmission between BOXes.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of the transmission destination list. Referring to FIG. 18, the transmission destination list includes a file name item, a transmission destination item, and a link / actual designation item. In the file name item, the file name of the transmission data designated as the data to be transmitted is set, and in the transmission destination item, the user name or group name assigned with the BOX designated as the transmission destination is set. In the actual designation item, the transmission method designated in step S03 in FIG. 16 or the transmission method determined in step S05 is set. In the link / actual designation item, “actual” is set when the transmission method is actual transmission in which a duplicate file is stored, and when the transmission method is link transmission in which the transmission data and the BOX of the transmission destination are linked by link information, “ Link "is set.

  In FIG. 18, data having a file name “conference material distribution” stored in the personal BOX of user A is designated as transmission data, and the user name “Mr. B”, the user name “Mr. C”, and the group name “D” The transmission destination list when the group BOX of “Group” is designated as the transmission destination is shown. The details of the inter-box transmission determination process will be described later. For the user name “Mr. B” and the user name “Mr. C”, “link” is set in the link / actual designation item, and the destination is For the group BOX with the group name “group D”, “actual” is set in the link / actual designation item.

  Returning to FIG. 16, in step S08, the transmission destination list to which the record is added in step S06 is acquired, and the process proceeds to step S09. In step S09, one record is selected from the acquired transmission destination list, and it is determined whether or not link transmission is performed. If the link / actual designation item of the selected record is set to a link, it is determined to be link transmission, and if it is set to the actual condition, it is determined not to be link transmission. If it is determined that link transmission is to be performed, the process proceeds to step S10; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S11.

  In step S10, link information is registered in the BOX management list of the transmission destination BOX, and the process proceeds to step S12. Specifically, a record of link information is added to the BOX management list stored in the individual BOX or group BOX designated as the transmission destination. The BOX management list stores records including information related to data stored in each BOX that the individual BOX and the group BOX have. In step S11, the actual state is copied to the BOX of the transmission destination BOX, registered in the transmission destination BOX management list, and the process proceeds to step S12. Specifically, a copy of the specified data is stored in the destination BOX. Then, a record including information related to the designated data stored in the BOX management list stored in the individual BOX or group BOX designated as the transmission destination is added.

  In step S12, it is determined whether there is another transmission destination. Specifically, it is determined whether there is a record that has not yet been processed in the transmission destination list. If there is an unprocessed record, the process returns to step S09, and if not, the process ends.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the BOX management list. Referring to FIG. 19, the BOX management list includes a file name item, a link / actual item, a link destination item, and a fixed item. In the file name item, the file name of the data stored in the BOX is set. The link / actual item is either “actual state” indicating that the actual state of the data specified by the file name is stored in the BOX or “link” indicating that the data is not stored in the BOX. Is set. In the link destination item, when the link / actual item is set to “link”, information for identifying the BOX storing the data set in the file name item is set. Here, information for identifying a BOX is used, in the case of a personal BOX, a user name, and in the case of a group BOX, a BOX name is used. The standard item indicates whether or not the data set in the file name item is data in a standard format. “○” is set for the standard format, and “X” is set for the standard format.

  The BOX management list shown in FIG. 19 is stored in the BOX in a record indicating that the data itself having the file name “conference distribution material” is stored, and in the personal BOX having the user name “Mr. C”. A record (link information) indicating that the file name is linked to the “contact” data and the file name stored in the group BOX whose group name is “group D” are linked to the “application” data. And a record (link information) indicating that In addition, the data whose file name is “application” indicates that the data is in a fixed format.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of a BOX transmission determination process. The inter-BOX transmission determination process is a process executed in step S05 in FIG. Referring to FIG. 20, the file name of the transmission data selected in step S01 of FIG. 16, the file name that matches the user name of the personal BOX of the transmission destination or the BOX name of the group BOX specified in step S02, respectively. It is determined whether or not a record including the user name or BOX name exists in the transmission history list (step S21). If such a record exists in the transmission history list, the record is extracted, and the process proceeds to step S22. However, if no such record exists, the process proceeds to step S25. A record is added to the transmission history list when the user specifies a transmission method. Therefore, if the transmission method is designated by the user, the process proceeds to step S22. If not designated, the process proceeds to step S25.

  In step S22, it is determined whether or not link transmission is set in the record extracted from the transmission history list in step S21. Judgment is made based on whether or not the link / actual item of the record in the transmission history list is set to the link. If it is set to link transmission, the process proceeds to step S23; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S24. In step S23, link transmission is determined, and the process returns to the inter-BOX transmission process. In step S24, it is determined that the actual transmission is performed, and the process returns to the inter-BOX transmission process. This is because the user's intention is respected and transmission is performed by a transmission method designated by the user.

  On the other hand, in step S25, it is determined whether or not the data selected in step S01 in FIG. If the standard item of the record including the file name of the data in the BOX management list is “◯”, the standard format is determined. If so, the process proceeds to step S26; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S27. In step S26, it determines with link transmission, and returns a process to the transmission process between BOX. This is because the data in the fixed format preferably reflects the change when the data is changed.

In step S27, it is determined whether or not the transmission data is data stored in a personal BOX. When the inter-BOX transmission process shown in FIG. 16 is executed, the data specified as the transmission data is data stored in the personal BOX or group BOX of the login user. Therefore, in step S27, if the transmission data is data stored in the personal BOX of the logged-in user, the process proceeds to step S28. If the transmission data is data stored in the group BOX, the process is performed. Proceed to S31.

  In step S28, it is determined whether or not a personal BOX is designated as the transmission destination. In the inter-BOX transmission screen shown in FIG. 13, if a person is designated, the process proceeds to step S29. If a group BOX is designated, the process proceeds to step S30. In step S29, it determines with link transmission, and returns a process to the transmission processing between BOX. When data is transmitted from the personal BOX of the login user to another personal BOX, link transmission is selected as the transmission method. By using link transmission instead of actual transmission from the personal BOX to the personal BOX, priority is given to the effect that changes can be reflected immediately rather than the risk that data cannot be obtained. As a result, the storage capacity of the personal BOX is saved, and data management is facilitated.

  In step S30, it is determined that the actual transmission is performed, and the process returns to the inter-BOX transmission process. When data is transmitted from the personal BOX of the login user to the group BOX, actual transmission is selected as the transmission method. By making the actual transmission instead of the link transmission from the personal BOX to the group BOX, priority is given to the effect that the data can be obtained reliably over the risk that the change cannot be reflected immediately. In addition, since the group BOX can be accessed by a plurality of users, each of the plurality of users may change the data, and it is possible to prevent the plurality of users from accessing the data actually stored in the personal BOX. Because.

  In step S31, it is determined whether or not a personal BOX is designated as the transmission destination. If a personal BOX is designated as the transmission destination, the process proceeds to step S32. If a group BOX is designated, the process proceeds to step S33. In step S32, it is determined that the actual transmission is performed, and the process returns to the inter-BOX transmission process. When data is transmitted from the group BOX to the personal BOX, actual transmission is selected as the transmission method. This is because only a user to whom a personal BOX is assigned can access, and the change made to the data is effective only for the data.

  In step S33, link transmission is determined, and the process returns to the inter-BOX transmission process. When data is transmitted from the group BOX to the group BOX, link transmission is selected as the transmission method. By using link transmission instead of actual transmission from the group BOX to the group BOX, the storage capacity of the group BOX can be reduced, and data in a plurality of group BOX can be changed by one operation. Management becomes easy.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of another transmission list. The transmission list shown in FIG. 21 is a transmission list generated based on the transmission list shown in FIG. 18 and the transmission history list shown in FIG. In the transmission list shown in FIG. 18, the data of the file name “conference distribution material” and the link / actual designation item of the record whose transmission destination is the user name “Mr. C” is “link”. In the transmission list shown, it is changed to “actual status”. This is because, in the transmission history list, the item of the link / actual designation of the record whose file name is “conference distribution material” and whose transmission destination is the user name “Mr. C” is set to “actual”. This is to prioritize the transmission history and respect the user's intention.

  FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of a transmission list generated when data in a fixed format is transmitted between BOXes. Referring to FIG. 22, the data whose file name is “application form” is set to be data in a fixed format in the data management list shown in FIG. 19. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 22, the link / actual designation item is set to the link in all records regardless of the transmission destination.

  FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of BOX copy processing. The inter-box copy process is a process executed by the CPU 101 when the CPU 101 of the MFP 100 executes a data management program. Referring to FIG. 23, CPU 101 accepts selection of data (copy data) to be copied between BOX (step S41), and accepts designation of a copy destination (step S42). Specifically, in the inter-box copy screen similar to the inter-box transmission screen shown in FIG. 13, any one of the personal BOX and group BOX of a user other than the login user is selected and stored in the selected BOX. Specification of copy data is accepted by selecting one of the plurality of data. The designation of the copy destination accepts designation of a personal BOX or a group BOX on the inter-BOX copy screen similar to the inter-box transmission screen shown in FIG. By designating a person, designation of a personal BOX assigned to the designated user is accepted.

  Next, it is determined whether a link or actual designation (copy method designation) has been accepted (step S43). The copy method includes an actual copy that stores a duplicate file of data to be copied between BOX in the copy destination BOX, and a link copy that stores link information to the data to be copied between BOX in the copy destination BOX. including. If the copy method is accepted, the process proceeds to step S44. If not, step S44 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S45. In step S44, the file name, copy destination, and copy method of the copy data are registered in the copy history list. The copy history list includes the same items as the transmission history list shown in FIG.

  Next, inter-BOX copy determination processing is executed (step S45). Although the inter-BOX copy determination process will be described later, it is a process for determining the copy method. Either the actual copy that stores the duplicate file of the data to be copied between BOX in the copy destination BOX, or the link copy that stores the link information to the data to be copied between BOX in the copy destination BOX It is a process to decide. In step S46, it is determined whether or not the link copy is determined as a result of the determination. If it is determined that the link copy has been made, the process proceeds to step S47; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S48.

  In step S47, link information is registered in the copy destination BOX management list, and the process ends. Specifically, a record of link information to data to be copied between BOXes is added to the BOX management list stored in the individual BOX or group BOX designated as the copy destination. In step S48, the actual state is copied to the copy-destination BOX, registered in the copy-destination BOX management list, and the process ends. Specifically, a copy of data to be copied between BOXes is stored in the copy destination BOX. Then, a record including information related to the designated data stored in the personal box or group BOX designated as the copy destination is added to the BOX management list stored in the individual BOX or group BOX.

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the inter-BOX copy determination process. The inter-BOX copy determination process is a process executed in step S43 in FIG. Referring to FIG. 24, the file name of the data to be copied selected in step S41 of FIG. 23, the user name of the personal BOX of the copy destination or the BOX name of the group BOX designated in step S42, respectively. It is determined whether or not a record including a matching file name and user name or BOX name exists in the copy history list (step S51). If such a record exists in the copy history list, the record is extracted, and the process proceeds to step S52. If no such record exists, the process proceeds to step S55. A record is added to the copy history list when the user specifies a copy method. Therefore, if the copy method is designated by the user, the process proceeds to step S52. If not designated, the process proceeds to step S55.

  In step S52, it is determined whether or not link copy is set in the record extracted from the copy history list in step S51. Judgment is made based on whether the link / actual item of the record is set to the link. If it is set to link copy, the process proceeds to step S53; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S54. In step S53, it is determined that the link copy is made, and the process returns to the inter-box copy process. In step S54, it is determined that the actual copy is made, and the process returns to the inter-BOX copy process. This is because the user's intention is respected and copying is performed by a copy method designated by the user.

  On the other hand, in step S55, it is determined whether or not the data selected in step S41 in FIG. If the standard item of the record including the file name of the data in the BOX management list is “◯”, the standard format is determined. If so, the process proceeds to step S56; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S57. In step S56, it is determined that the link copy is made, and the process returns to the inter-box copy process. This is because the data in the fixed format preferably reflects the change when the data is changed.

  In step S57, it is determined whether the data designated as the copy source is stored in the personal BOX. When the inter-BOX copy process shown in FIG. 23 is executed, the data designated as the copy source is data stored in a personal BOX or group BOX of a user other than the login user. Therefore, in step S57, if the data designated as the copy source is data stored in the personal BOX of the user other than the login user, the process proceeds to step S58, but the data designated as the copy source is not. If the data is stored in the group BOX, the process proceeds to step S61.

  In step S58, it is determined whether a personal BOX has been designated as the copy destination. In the inter-BOX copy screen similar to the inter-box transmission screen shown in FIG. 13, if a person is designated as the copy destination, the process proceeds to step S59. If a group BOX is designated, the process proceeds to step S60. In step S59, it is determined that the actual copy is made, and the process returns to the inter-box copy process. When copying data from a personal BOX of a user other than the logged-in user to another personal BOX, the actual copy is selected as the copy method. By making the actual copy instead of the link copy from the personal BOX to the personal BOX, the effect that the change can be reflected immediately is prioritized over the risk that the data cannot be obtained. Thereby, the freedom degree of the user who utilizes data improves. The link transmission is used in the case of inter-box transmission, whereas the actual copy is used in the case of inter-box copying, whereas the instructing user is the data sender in the case of inter-box transmission. This is because in the case of inter-box copying, the instructing user is the data receiver. This is because the receiver has a lower probability of using the data after processing or the like than the probability of using the data received from the sender.

  In step S60, the actual copy is determined, and the process returns to the inter-BOX copy process. When copying data from the personal BOX of the login user to the group BOX, the actual copy is selected as the copy method. By making the actual copy instead of the link copy from the individual BOX to the group BOX, priority is given to the effect that the data can be obtained reliably over the risk that the change cannot be reflected immediately. In addition, since the group BOX can be accessed by a plurality of users, each of the plurality of users may change the data, and it is possible to prevent the plurality of users from accessing the data actually stored in the personal BOX. Because.

  In step S61, it is determined whether or not a personal BOX is designated as the copy destination. If a personal BOX is designated as the copy destination, the process proceeds to step S62. If a group BOX is designated, the process proceeds to step S63. In step S62, the actual copy is determined, and the process returns to the inter-box copy process. When copying data from the group BOX to the personal BOX, the actual copy is selected as the copy method. This is because only a user to whom a personal BOX is assigned can access, and the change made to the data is effective only for the data.

  In step S63, it is determined that the link copy is performed, and the process returns to the inter-box copy process. When copying data from the group BOX to the group BOX, link copy is selected as the copy method. By using link copy instead of actual copy from group BOX to group BOX, the storage capacity of group BOX can be reduced, and data in multiple group BOXes can be changed in one operation. Management becomes easy.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which a person is specified for specifying a transmission destination has been described. However, a transmission destination (data storage destination) BOX may be directly specified. In this case, user data is not necessary.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

<Appendix>
(1) Each of the plurality of storage areas stores a management list including identification information of a file stored in the storage area and type information indicating whether the file is actually stored or a link,
The duplicating means stores a duplicate file obtained by duplicating the duplication source file in the storage area, and adds a new management record to a management list stored in the storage area,
The link unit generates a new management record including link information to the copy source file, and adds the generated new management record to the management list stored in the storage area. The data management device described.

It is a figure showing the whole data management system outline in one embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an MFP according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing executed by the MFP. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a user registration process. It is a figure which shows an example of a user registration screen. It is a figure which shows an example of user information. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a user list creation process. It is a figure which shows an example of a user list. It is a 1st figure which shows the specific example of transmission between BOX. It is a 2nd figure which shows the specific example of transmission between BOX. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the copy between BOX. 2 is a plan view of an operation panel of the MFP. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the transmission screen between BOX. It is a figure which shows an example of a group BOX selection screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a user list screen. It is a figure which shows an example of the flow of the transmission process between BOX. It is a figure which shows an example of a transmission log list. It is a figure which shows an example of a transmission destination list | wrist. It is a figure which shows an example of a BOX management list. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the transmission determination process between BOX. It is a figure which shows an example of another transmission list. It is a figure which shows an example of the transmission list produced | generated when transmitting the data of a fixed format between BOX. It is a figure which shows an example of the flow of a copy process between BOX. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of a copy determination process between BOX.

Explanation of symbols

  1 Data management system, 2 networks, 3 Internet, 100, 100A, 100C, 100C MFP, 101 CPU 101, 103 ROM, 105 RAM, 107 HDD, 108 flash ROM, 109 card I / F, 111 communication I / F, 113 scanner 115, image forming unit, 117 FAX, 119 operation panel, 119A input unit, 119B display unit, 120 bus, 121-124 selection key, 125 start key, 127 touch panel, 200, 200A PC.

Claims (8)

Storage means having a plurality of storage areas;
Accepting means for accepting designation of a copy source file and a copy destination storage area;
A duplicating means for storing a duplication file obtained by duplicating the duplication source file in the duplication destination storage area;
Link means for storing link information to the copy destination storage area for the copy source file;
A data management apparatus comprising: a determining unit that determines which of the duplicating unit and the linking unit is to be activated according to a designation received by the receiving unit. The plurality of storage areas include a personal area assigned to a specific user and a group area commonly assigned to the plurality of users,
The determining means is configured to determine whether the storage area where the file of the copy source is stored and the storage area of the copy destination are the personal area or the group area, and the copy means and the link means. The data management device according to claim 1, which determines which of the two is activated. A user identification unit that identifies a user who has given the instruction received by the reception unit;
Based on whether or not any of the storage area in which the file of the copy source is stored and the storage area of the copy destination is a personal area assigned to the specified user, the duplication unit and the The data management apparatus according to claim 2, wherein which of the linking means is activated is determined. When the user designates which of the duplicating means and the linking means is activated, the deciding means decides either the duplicating means or the linking means according to the accepted designation,
The determination is made in preference to those specified in the past by the designation receiving unit for the same file and storage area as the copy source file and the copy destination storage area of the duplication unit and the link unit. The data management apparatus according to 2 or 3.   The data management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit determines to activate the link unit with priority when the copy source file has a predetermined attribute.   The data management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of storage areas include a plurality of storage areas included in a storage unit included in another data management apparatus. A data management method executed by a computer having a storage means having a plurality of storage areas,
Receiving a specification of a copy source file and a copy destination storage area;
Storing a duplicate file obtained by duplicating the copy source file in the copy destination storage area;
Storing link information to the copy destination storage area for the copy source file;
In accordance with the received designation, it is determined whether to store a copy file that is a copy of the copy source file or to store link information to the copy destination storage area for the copy source file And a data management method. A data management program to be executed by a computer having a storage means having a plurality of storage areas,
Receiving a specification of a copy source file and a copy destination storage area;
Storing a duplicate file obtained by duplicating the copy source file in the copy destination storage area;
Storing link information to the copy destination storage area for the copy source file;
In accordance with the received designation, it is determined whether to store a copy file that is a copy of the copy source file or to store link information to the copy destination storage area for the copy source file A data management program for causing the computer to execute

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