JP2009089181A - Communication equipment and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a multifunctional machine to store a scan data file in a designated folder, even if the address of the designated folder of a PC previously designated changes. <P>SOLUTION: A multifunctional machine 20 stores the file name of an ID file stored in the designated folder of a PC 60. The multifunctional machine 20 obtains, from the PC 60, the address of a shared folder that stores the ID file having the file name by searching the file name as a key. The multifunctional machine 20 transmits the scan data file to the PC 60 with the shared folder specified from the obtained address as a storage location. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication device that stores a data file in a shared folder of an external device capable of communication.

  A scanner that creates a scan data file by scanning a document is widely known. Some scanners have a function called “Scan To WebDAV”, a function called “Scan To CIFS”, a function called “Scan To FTP”, and the like. The scanner having such a function stores location information (for example, URL (Uniform Resource Locator)) of a shared folder (hereinafter referred to as “designated folder”) of another device. This scanner transmits the scan data file to another device using the position information of the designated folder stored in the scanner as a storage destination. As a result, the scan data file is stored in the designated folder of another device. The following Patent Document 1 discloses a scanner having the function of “Scan To FTP”.

JP 2006-60499 A

  The location information of the specified folder may change. For example, when the user moves the designated folder to another location, the location information of the designated folder changes. In this case, even if a data file (scan data file in the above example) is transmitted using the designated folder before the change as the storage destination, the data file cannot be stored in the designated folder.

  The present specification provides a technique that enables a data file to be stored in a designated folder even if position information of the designated folder changes.

  One technique disclosed in the present specification is a communication device that stores a data file in a shared folder of a communicable external device. The term “external device” means a device configured separately from the communication device. In addition, the term “communication device” is to be interpreted in the broadest sense, and is a concept including any device capable of communicating (transmitting and / or receiving) information. As examples of the communication device, a personal computer, a server, a printer, a scanner, a multi-function device (multifunction device), a portable terminal, and the like can be given. The “shared folder” means a folder that allows access from another device (for example, the communication device described above). That is, another device can store a file in the shared folder, delete a file stored in the shared folder, or write information to a file stored in the shared folder.

  The communication apparatus includes a name storage unit, a position information acquisition unit, and a data file transmission unit. The name storage means stores a file name and / or a folder name. The location information acquisition unit searches the file name and / or folder name stored in the name storage unit as a key, and stores the file and / or folder having the file name and / or folder name. The location information of the folder is acquired from the external device. The data file transmission means transmits the data file to the external device using the shared folder specified from the position information acquired by the position information acquisition means as a storage destination.

  In the above technique, a file and / or folder having a unique name is stored in a shared folder (that is, a designated folder) of the external device. This storage process may be executed by the communication device described above or may be executed by an external device. In the latter case, it may be executed by a user operating an external device. The communication device can acquire the location information of the shared folder (designated folder) storing the file and / or folder having the above name by searching using the above name as a key. As a result, the communication apparatus can acquire the changed position information even if the position information of the designated folder changes. The communication device can store the data file in the designated folder specified from the changed position information.

  The name storage means may store a part of the file name and / or folder name (that is, a character string). This configuration is also equivalent to “store file name and / or folder name”. In this case, the position information acquisition unit searches for a character string stored in the name storage unit as a key, and stores a file and / or folder having a file name and / or folder name including the character string. The shared folder location information may be acquired from the external device. This configuration is also “a shared folder storing files and / or folders having the file name and / or folder name by searching using the file name and / or folder name stored in the name storage means as a key. Is obtained from the external device described above.

  The communication device may not store the position information of the specified folder. In this case, the communication device may search the location information of the designated folder every time it is necessary to transmit the data file to the external device. On the other hand, the communication device may store the position information of the specified folder. In this case, the following configuration may be employed.

  That is, the above communication device can access the location information storage means for storing the location information of the shared folder (that is, the designated folder) of the external device and the shared folder specified from the location information stored in the location information storage means. It may further comprise first determination means for determining whether or not. In this case, the data file transmission means uses the shared folder specified from the position information stored in the position information storage means as the storage destination when the first determination means makes a positive determination, and stores the data file as an external device. May be sent to. The position information acquisition unit may acquire the position information of the shared folder from the external device when the negative determination is made by the first determination unit. The data file transmission means transmits the data file to the external device with the shared folder specified from the position information acquired by the position information acquisition means as the storage destination when the first determination means makes a negative determination. Also good.

Further, the communication device may further include an update unit that updates the position information stored in the position information storage unit to the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit.
According to this configuration, when the position information of the designated folder of the external device changes, the changed position information is stored in the position information storage unit.

The communication apparatus may further include second determination means and storage control means. The second determination means includes a file name stored in the name storage means and a shared folder specified from the position information stored in the position information storage means when the first determination means determines affirmatively. It is determined whether a file and / or folder having a folder name is stored. The storage control means stores the file name stored in the name storage means and / or the shared folder specified from the position information stored in the position information storage means when the second determination means makes a negative determination. Alternatively, a file and / or folder having a folder name is stored.
According to this configuration, the communication device can perform processing for storing the above-described file and / or folder in a shared folder (that is, a designated folder) of the external device.

A communication device that can execute the process of storing the file and / or folder in the shared folder of the external device can also be expressed as follows. That is, the communication device may further include a position information storage unit and a storage control unit. The location information storage means stores location information of the shared folder of the external device. The storage control means stores the file and / or folder having the file name and / or folder name stored in the name storage means in the shared folder specified from the position information stored in the position information storage means.
According to this configuration, the communication device can perform processing for storing the file and / or folder in the shared folder of the external device.

When the location information acquisition unit cannot acquire the location information of the shared folder storing the file and / or folder having the file name and / or folder name stored in the name storage unit from the external device In addition, the location information of another shared folder of the external device may be acquired from the external device. In this case, the data file transmission unit may transmit the data file to the external device using the other shared folder specified from the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit as the storage destination.
According to this configuration, even if the location information of the designated folder cannot be acquired by searching, the data file can be stored in another shared folder.

Note that the communication device may include a file and / or a folder having a file name and / or a folder name stored in the name storage unit in the other shared folder specified from the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit. May further comprise storage control means for storing.
According to this configuration, the communication device can perform processing for storing the file and / or folder in the shared folder of the external device.

  The communication device may acquire the position information of the other shared folder from the external device as follows. That is, the communication device may further include a position information storage unit and a first determination unit. The location information storage means stores location information of the shared folder of the external device. The first determination means determines whether or not the shared folder specified from the position information stored in the position information storage means is accessible. The data file transmission means transmits the data file to the external device with the shared folder specified from the position information stored in the position information storage means as the storage destination when the first determination means makes a positive determination. . The location information acquisition means, when judged negative by the first judgment means, has a file and / or a folder having a file name and / or folder name stored in the name storage means. Attempts to acquire location information from an external device. The location of the shared folder that stores the file and / or folder having the file name and / or folder name that is negatively determined by the first determination unit and stored in the name storage unit. When the information is acquired by the position information acquisition means, the data file is transmitted to the external device using the shared folder specified from the position information as the storage destination. When the location information acquisition unit cannot acquire the location information of the shared folder storing the file and / or folder having the file name and / or folder name stored in the name storage unit from the external device In addition, the location information of the other shared folder of the external device is acquired from the external device. The data file transmission means determines whether the above-mentioned separate information specified from the position information when the first determination means makes a negative determination and the position information of the other shared folder is acquired by the position information acquisition means. The data file is transmitted to the external device using the shared folder as the storage destination.

The communication apparatus may further include an update unit that updates the position information stored in the position information storage unit to the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit.
According to this configuration, when the position information of the designated folder of the external device changes, the changed position information is stored in the position information storage unit. Further, according to this configuration, when the position information of the other shared folder is acquired, the position information is stored in the position information storage unit.

When the location information acquisition unit cannot acquire the location information of the shared folder storing the file and / or folder having the file name and / or folder name stored in the name storage unit from the external device In addition, the location information of all shared folders of the external device may be acquired from the external device. In this case, the communication apparatus may further include a selection permission unit that allows the user to select one piece of position information from the position information of all the shared folders acquired by the position information acquisition unit. The data file transmission unit may transmit the data file to the external device using the shared folder specified from the position information selected by the selection permission unit as a storage destination.
On the other hand, the position information acquisition unit may not acquire the position information of all the shared folders of the external device. For example, the position information acquisition unit may acquire only the position information of one shared folder of the external device, or may acquire the position information of a plurality of shared folders in all the shared folders of the external device. . In the latter case, the communication device may allow the user to select one piece of position information from the position information of the plurality of shared folders acquired by the position information acquisition unit.

The type of data file transmitted from the communication device to the external device is not particularly limited. However, the above technique can be suitably used for a system that stores a scan data file created by a communication device in a designated folder of an external device. That is, the communication apparatus may further include a scanning unit that creates a scan data file by scanning a document. In this case, the data file transmission unit may transmit the scan data file created by the scanning unit to the external device using the shared folder specified from the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit as a storage destination.
According to this configuration, the scan data file created by the communication device can be stored in the designated folder of the external device.

A computer program for realizing the communication apparatus is also useful. This computer program causes a computer mounted on the communication device to execute position information acquisition processing and data file transmission processing. In the location information acquisition process, the file name and / or folder name stored in itself is searched for as a key to search for the shared folder storing the file and / or folder having the file name and / or folder name. Position information is acquired from the external device. In the data file transmission process, the data file is transmitted to the external device using the shared folder specified from the position information acquired in the position information acquisition process as a storage destination.
By using this computer program, the above communication device can be realized.

Here, the main features of the techniques described in the following examples are summarized.
(Mode 1) The communication device may store a file and / or folder having a file name and / or folder name stored in the name storage means in a shared folder of the external device.
(Mode 2) The communication apparatus may create the above file name and / or folder name based on the value of the flag set by the user. The communication apparatus may create a file name and / or folder name including a predetermined character string (“sCaNtO” in the following embodiment). When the flag is the first value, the communication apparatus may create a file name and / or folder name including the predetermined character string and another character string. When the flag is the second value, the communication apparatus may create a file name and / or folder name that does not include the other character string.
(Mode 3) When the position information acquisition unit cannot acquire the position information of the shared folder storing the file and / or folder having the file name and / or folder name stored in the name storage unit In addition, the communication device may acquire position information of at least one shared folder existing in the external device. In this case, the communication device may acquire position information of all shared folders existing in the external device. The communication device may display a list of position information of each shared folder of the external device.
(Mode 4) The communication apparatus may include means for allowing the user to select one or a plurality of shared folders from a list of location information of each shared folder. The communication device may store the file and / or folder having the file name and / or folder name stored in the name storage means in the shared folder selected by the user.

(First embodiment)
Embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a multi-function device system 10 of this embodiment. The multi-function device system 10 includes a multi-function device 20 and a PC (personal computer) 60. In FIG. 1, one multi-function device 20 is shown. However, there are actually a plurality of multi-function devices 20. Each multi-function device 20 is communicably connected to the PC 60.

(Configuration of multi-function device)
The multi-function device 20 includes an operation unit 22, a display unit 24, a memory 26, a control unit 34, a scanner 40, a FAX communication unit 42, a printing unit 44, and an input / output port 48. The operation unit 22 includes a plurality of keys. The user can input various information and instructions to the multi-function device 20 by operating the operation unit 22. The display unit 24 can display various information.

  The memory 26 can store a profile storage area 28 and a program 30. The memory 26 also has a work area 32 in which information generated when the control unit 34 executes various processes can be temporarily stored. FIG. 2 shows an example of the contents stored in the profile storage area 28. The profile storage area 28 can store a plurality of profiles 90, 92, 94. In FIG. 2, the content of the profile 90 is illustrated. Profile 90 includes various types of information 100-130. The information 100 to 116 and the information 122 to 130 are arbitrarily set by the user. Information (flags) 118 and 120 are flags managed by the multi-function device 20 and are not set by the user.

  The profile name 100 is information (name) that identifies the profile 90. A protocol 102 indicates a communication protocol used when the scan data file is stored in the PC 60. In the example of FIG. 2, “CIFS (Common Internet File System)” is designated. Protocols other than “CIFS” include FTP (File Transfer Protocol), SMB (Server Message Block), WebDAV (Web Distributed Authoring and Versioning protocol), and the like. The destination host address 104 is information for specifying a device (PC 60 in this embodiment) in which the scan data file is stored. As the destination host address 104, for example, an IP address, a node name, or the like can be adopted. The destination folder 106 is an address of a shared folder in which the scan data file is stored. The host access account name 108 is an account name used when accessing the device in which the scan data file is stored. The host access password 110 is a password used when accessing the device in which the scan data file is stored. The multi-function device access user name 112 is information for identifying a user who uses the multi-function device 20.

  The shared profile flag 114, the user specific flag 116, the profile update flag 118, and the destination change flag 120 are set to any value of “ON” or “OFF”. How these flags 114 to 120 are used will be described later using a flowchart. The scan data image quality 122 is information of a combination of information indicating either color or monochrome and information indicating scan resolution. The scan data file format 124 is information indicating the format of the scan data file. Examples of the scan data file format 124 include JPEG, PDF, and TIFF. The scan data file name is used when creating the file name of the scan data file. The file name option 128 is information indicating option settings when creating a file name of scan data. In the present embodiment, one option selected from three options (overwrite setting, date / time insertion, and destination folder serial number) is used as the file name option 128. The protocol specific setting 130 is used when the protocol 102 is “FTP”. The protocol specific setting 130 includes a port number and a passive mode setting.

  The control unit 34 shown in FIG. 1 executes various processes according to the program 30 stored in the memory 26. The contents of the process executed by the control unit 34 will be described in detail later. The scanner 40 can scan a document and create scan data. The FAX communication unit 42 transmits / receives a facsimile according to an instruction from the control unit 34. The printing unit 44 can print various data. For example, the printing unit 44 can print the facsimile data received by the FAX communication unit 42. The printing unit 44 can print scan data created by the scanner 40. The input / output port 48 is connected to an input / output port 78 of the PC 60 via a LAN (Local Area Network) 49. The multi-function device 20 can communicate with the PC 60 via the input / output port 48 and the LAN 49.

(PC configuration)
The PC 60 includes an operation unit 62, a display unit 64, a control unit 66, a memory 68, and an input / output port 78. The operation unit 62 includes a mouse and a keyboard. The user can input various information and instructions to the PC 60 by operating the operation unit 62. The display unit 64 can display various information. The control unit 66 executes various processes according to the program 74 stored in the memory 68. The memory 68 can store data using the hierarchical structure of the folder 70 and the file 72. This situation will be described in detail later. The input / output port 78 is connected to the input / output port 48 of the multi-function device 20 via the LAN 49. The PC 60 can communicate with the multi-function device 20 via the input / output port 78 and the LAN 49.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of the contents stored in the memory 68 of the PC 60. The PC 60 of this embodiment has an address “abcde”. In the example of FIG. 3, shared folders 150, 152, 154, 156 included in the memory 68 are shown. The “shared folder” means a folder that allows access from another device (for example, the multi-function device 20). That is, another device can store a file in the shared folder or delete a file stored in the shared folder. Also, other devices can write information into files stored in the shared folder. The user of the PC 60 can set a desired folder as a shared folder.

  The folder 150 is the highest folder. The folder 150 has a folder name “user”. Two folders 152 and 156 exist as lower folders of the folder 150. That is, the folder 150 stores two folders 152 and 156. The folder 152 has a folder name “mike”. The folder 156 has a folder name “ken”. A folder 154 exists as a lower folder of the folder 152. That is, the folder 152 stores the folder 154. The folder 154 has a folder name “shared”. An ID file 160 exists as a lower file of the folder 154. That is, the folder 154 stores the ID file 160. How the ID file 160 is stored in the folder 154 will be described in detail later. In this embodiment, the folder 154 functions as a folder for storing the scan data file 200 created by the multi-function device 20. This point will also be described in detail later.

  Hereinafter, the term “address” is used to mean an absolute address of a folder (or file). For example, the address of the folder 152 is “user \ mike”. When the folder 152 is viewed from the outside of the PC 60, the address of the folder 152 is “abcde \ user \ mike”. For example, the address of the scan data file 200 is “(abcde \) user \ mike \ shared \ yamada.jpeg”. On the other hand, the term “folder name” (or “file name”) is used to mean the relative address of a folder (or file). For example, the folder name of the folder 152 is “mike”. For example, the file name of the scan data file 200 is “yamada.jpeg”. Note that the term “address” is to be interpreted in the broadest sense, and is a concept that includes anything as long as it is data for specifying the location of a folder or file. For example, URL (Uniform Resource Locator), UNC (Universal Naming Convention), path name, and the like are included in the “address”.

  The ID file 160 is a file name 162 and data 182 associated with each other. The file name 162 is composed of a combination of various character strings 164 to 180. As will be described in detail later, the data 182 includes a scan data image quality 184, a scan data file format 186, a scan data file name 188, and a file name option 190.

(Processes executed by multi-function devices)
Next, the contents of processing executed by the multi-function device 20 will be described. The following processes are executed by the control unit 34 of the multi-function device 20.

(ScanTo profile setting process)
First, the ScanTo profile setting process will be described. 4 and 5 show a flowchart of the ScanTo profile setting process. The user can change the stored contents of the profile storage area 28 by performing a predetermined operation on the operation unit 22. For example, the user can add a new profile or change the contents of an existing profile. When the predetermined operation is applied to the operation unit 22, the ScanTo profile setting process is executed by the control unit 34.

  The control unit 34 displays a profile selection screen on the display unit 24 (S10). On the profile selection screen, for example, a list of profile names 100 (see FIG. 2) of the profiles 90, 92, and 94 is displayed. Next, the control unit 34 stands by until there is an input from the user (S12). The user can input “end”, “select existing profile”, “create new profile”, and the like by operating the operation unit 22. The control unit 34 determines whether or not the input from the user is “end” (S14). If YES here, the ScanTo profile setting process ends. On the other hand, in the case of NO here, the control unit 34 determines whether or not the input from the user is “existing profile selection” (S16). If any of the profiles 90, 92, 94 illustrated in FIG. 2 is selected by the user, YES is determined in S16. In this case, the control unit 34 writes the selected profile in the work area 32 (S18). For example, when the selected profile is the profile 90 of FIG. 2, the control unit 34 writes the information 100 to 130 included in the profile 90 in the work area 32. When S18 ends, the process proceeds to S24.

  On the other hand, in the case of NO in S16, the control unit 34 determines whether or not the input from the user is “create new profile” (S20). In the case of NO here, the control unit 34 ignores the input from the user (or executes a process corresponding to the input from the user (error display or the like)), returns to S12, and monitors the input from the user again. . If YES in S20, the control unit 34 writes a default value (initial value) in the work area 32 (S22). That is, the control unit 34 writes a preset value preset for each of the profile information 100 to 130 in the work area 32. When S22 ends, the process proceeds to S24.

  In S24, the control unit 34 displays a profile setting screen. That is, the control unit 34 displays the information 100 to 130 written in the work area 32 in S18 or S22 on the display unit 24. Next, the control unit 34 stands by until there is an input from the user (S26). The user can input “cancel”, “setting input”, “OK” or the like by operating the operation unit 22. The control unit 34 determines whether or not the input from the user is “cancel” (S28). If YES here, the process returns to S10. In the case of NO here, the control unit 34 determines whether or not the input from the user is “setting input” (S40 in FIG. 5). When any information 100 to 130 on the profile setting screen displayed in S24 is changed by the user, YES is determined in S40. Note that the user cannot change the profile update flag 118 and the destination change flag 120. These flags 118 and 120 are managed by the multi-function device 20. In the case of YES in S40, the control unit 34 writes the changed information in the work area 32 (S42). When S42 ends, the control unit 34 returns to S26 and monitors the input from the user again.

  In the case of NO in S40, the control unit 34 determines whether or not the input from the user is “OK” (S44). In the case of NO here, the control unit 34 ignores the input from the user (or executes processing according to the input from the user), returns to S26, and monitors the input from the user again. In the case of YES in S44, the control unit 34 determines whether or not the current processing target is to create a new profile (S46). If YES is determined in S16, NO is determined in S46. In this case, the process proceeds to S50. On the other hand, if YES is determined in S20, YES is determined in S46. In this case, the process proceeds to S48.

  In S <b> 48, the control unit 34 creates a new profile in the work area 32. Specifically, the control unit 34 creates a file in which each piece of information 100 to 130 existing in the work area 32 is associated with a file name. As this file name, the profile name 100 existing in the work area 32 may be adopted, or another file name may be adopted. When S48 ends, the process proceeds to S52.

  In S50, the control unit 34 deletes the ID file from the destination folder of the existing profile (the profile selected in S16 in FIG. 4). The process of S50 is performed as follows. First, the control unit 34 specifies the destination host address 104 and the destination folder 106 of the existing profile. The destination host address 104 and the destination folder 106 of the existing profile are specified from the profile storage area 28 and are not specified from the work area 32. This is because the destination host address 104 and / or the destination folder 106 in the work area 32 may be changed in the process of S42. Next, the control unit 34 transmits a command instructing to delete the ID file from the specified destination folder 106 toward the specified destination host address 104. For example, when the specified destination host address 104 is “abcde” and the specified destination folder 106 is “user \ mike \ shared” (see FIG. 2), the control unit 34 uses the PC 60 having the host address. The command for instructing deletion of the ID file 160 (a file including the character string 164 “sCaNtO”) stored in the folder 154 is transmitted. As a result, the PC 60 deletes the ID file 160.

  Next, the control unit 34 sets the profile update flag 118 (see FIG. 2) of the work area 32 to ON (S52). Subsequently, the control unit 34 determines whether or not the address of the destination folder has been changed (S54). When the process for the existing profile is currently being executed (in the case of YES in S16 of FIG. 4) and the destination host address 104 and / or the destination folder 106 are changed in S42, YES is determined in S54. The Therefore, even when the process for the existing profile is executed, if information other than the information 104 and 106 is changed in S42, NO is determined in S54. Also, if the process for the new profile is currently being executed (YES in S20 of FIG. 4), NO is determined in S54. If YES in S54, the control unit 34 sets the destination change flag 120 (see FIG. 2) of the work area 32 to ON (S56). When S56 ends, the process proceeds to S58. If NO in S54, S56 is skipped and the process proceeds to S58.

  In S <b> 58, the control unit 34 writes the profile of the work area 32 in the profile storage area 28. In the case of an existing profile (YES in S16 of FIG. 4), the control unit 34 updates the existing profile stored in the profile storage area 28 to the profile in the work area 32. In the case of a new profile (YES in S20 of FIG. 4), the control unit 34 adds a new profile of the work area 32 to the profile storage area 28. When S58 ends, the control unit 34 returns to S10 in FIG. 4 and displays the profile selection screen again.

(ScanTo related processing)
Next, ScanTo related processing will be described. FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of ScanTo related processing. The user can input various instructions related to the ScanTo function to the multi-function device 20 by performing a predetermined operation on the operation unit 22. When the predetermined operation is applied to the operation unit 22, the ScanTo related process is executed by the control unit 34.

  The control unit 34 displays an LCD screen including display content related to ScanTo on the display unit 24 (S70). Next, the control unit 34 stands by until there is an input from the user (S72). The user can input “ScanTo execute”, “ScanTo destination confirmation”, “ScanTo destination release”, and the like by operating the operation unit 22. The control unit 34 determines whether or not the input from the user is “ScanTo execution” (S74). In the case of YES here, the control unit 34 executes ScanTo execution processing (S76). The details of the ScanTo execution process will be described in detail later. The control unit 34 determines whether or not the input from the user is “ScanTo destination confirmation” (S78). In the case of YES here, the control unit 34 executes ID file storage processing (S80). The contents of the ID file storage process will be described in detail later. The control unit 34 determines whether or not the input from the user is “Cancel ToCan Destination” (S82). In the case of YES here, the control unit 34 executes an ID file deletion process (S84). The contents of the ID file deletion process will be described in detail later. Note that, in the case of NO in S82, the control unit 34 executes another process according to the input from the user (S86).

(ScanTo execution process)
Subsequently, the ScanTo execution process executed in S76 of FIG. 6 will be described. FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of the ScanTo execution process.

  The control unit 34 displays a profile selection screen on the display unit 24 (S100). On the profile selection screen, for example, a list of profile names 100 (see FIG. 2) of the profiles 90, 92, and 94 is displayed. The control unit 34 stands by until there is an input from the user. The user can input “cancel” by operating the operation unit 22. In this case, YES is determined in S102, and the ScanTo execution process is terminated. Further, the user can select one profile by operating the operation unit 22. In this case, NO is determined in S102, and the process proceeds to S104. In S <b> 104, the control unit 34 writes the selected profile in the work area 32. Next, the control unit 34 executes a storage destination determination process (S106). The contents of the storage destination determination process will be described in detail later.

  When the storage destination determination process in S106 is completed, the control unit 34 determines whether or not the result of the storage destination determination process is “cancel” (S108). If YES here, the ScanTo execution process ends. On the other hand, in the case of NO in S108, the control unit 34 executes a scanning process (S110). The details of the scanning process will be described later in detail.

  When the scanning process of S110 ends, the control unit 34 determines whether or not the result of the scanning process is “cancel” (S112). If YES here, the ScanTo execution process ends. On the other hand, in the case of NO in S112, the control unit 34 transmits the scan data file obtained in the scan process (S110) with the destination folder 106 determined in the storage destination determination process (S106) as the storage destination. The contents of the process of S114 will be described again after the contents of the storage destination determination process (S106) and the scan process (S110) are described.

(Storage location confirmation process)
Subsequently, the storage location determination process executed in S106 of FIG. 7 will be described. 8 to 12 show flowcharts of the storage destination determination process.

  The control unit 34 tries to access the destination host address 104 of the profile written in the work area 32 in S104 of FIG. 7 (S130). For example, when the profile 90 of FIG. 2 is written in the work area 32 in S104 of FIG. 7, the control unit 34 tries to access the PC 60 having the address “abcde”. This process is performed by transmitting a packet to the PC 60 and monitoring a return signal. If a reply signal is received, YES is determined in S132. On the other hand, if a reply signal is not received after a predetermined time, NO is determined in S132.

  In the case of NO in S132, the control unit 34 displays an error message on the display unit 24 (S134). This error message includes a character string indicating that the destination host cannot be accessed. The control unit 34 stands by until there is an input from the user. The user can input “cancel”, “destination host address change”, and the like by operating the operation unit 22. The control unit 34 determines whether or not the input from the user is “cancel” (S136). If YES here, the storage location determination process ends. Hereinafter, the end of the storage destination determination process based on “cancel” input by the user is referred to as “cancel end”. In the case of NO in S136, the control unit 34 determines whether or not the input from the user is “change destination host address” (S138). In the case of YES here, the control unit 34 updates the destination host address 104 in the work area 32 to a new destination host address input by the user (S140). Further, the control unit 34 sets the destination change flag 120 of the work area 32 to ON. When S140 ends, the control unit 34 returns to S130 and tries to access the destination host address (the destination host address updated in S140). On the other hand, in the case of NO in S138, the control unit 34 ignores the input from the user (or executes processing according to the input from the user), returns to S134, and monitors the input from the user again.

  In the case of YES in S132, the control unit 34 determines whether or not a shared folder having the same folder address as the destination folder 106 in the work area 32 exists at the destination host address 104 (device successfully accessed in S132) ( S142). If NO here, the process proceeds to S220 in FIG. On the other hand, in the case of YES in S142, the control unit 34 determines whether or not the profile update flag 118 of the work area 32 is ON (S144). If NO here, the process proceeds to S190 in FIG. On the other hand, in the case of YES in S144, the control unit 34 determines whether or not the destination change flag 120 of the work area 32 is ON (S146). If NO here, the process proceeds to S166 of FIG. On the other hand, if YES in S146, the process proceeds to S160 in FIG.

  In S <b> 160 of FIG. 9, the control unit 34 displays a confirmation message on the display unit 24. This confirmation message includes a character string that prompts the user whether or not to confirm the destination folder 106 in the work area 32 as the storage destination of the scan data file. The control unit 34 stands by until there is an input from the user. The user can input “cancel”, “OK” or the like by operating the operation unit 22. The control unit 34 determines whether or not the input from the user is “cancel” (S162). In the case of YES here, it becomes a cancel end. In the case of NO in S162, the control unit 34 determines whether or not the input from the user is “OK” (S164). If YES here, the process proceeds to S166. On the other hand, in the case of NO in S164, the control unit 34 ignores the input from the user (or executes processing according to the input from the user), returns to S160, and monitors the input from the user again.

(ID file writing process)
In S166, the control unit 34 executes ID file writing processing. FIG. 13 shows a flowchart of the ID file writing process. The control unit 34 reads the scan data image quality 122, the scan data file format 124, the scan data file name 126, and the file name option 128 from the work area 32 (S280). Next, the control unit 34 creates ID file data including the read information 122, 124, 126, 128. Specifically, the control unit 34 converts the information 122, 124, 126, 128 into a data format that can be stored in the PC 60.

(ID file name generation process)
Next, the control unit 34 executes ID file name generation processing (S282). FIG. 14 shows a flowchart of the ID file name generation process. The control unit 34 determines whether or not the shared profile flag 114 of the work area 32 is ON (S300). In the case of YES here, the control unit 34 determines whether or not the user specific flag 116 of the work area 32 is ON (S302). In the case of YES here, the control unit 34 creates an ID file name including the character strings 164, 166, 168, 170, 174, 176, 180 of FIG. 3 (S304). That is, the control unit 34 creates an ID file name that does not include only the character string 172 of FIG. For example, taking the profile 90 of FIG. 2 as an example, the control unit 34 creates an ID file name “sCaNtO + MikePC ++ yamada.id”. On the other hand, in the case of NO in S302, the control unit 34 creates an ID file name including the character strings 164, 166, 168, 170, 174, 180 of FIG. 3 (S306). That is, the control unit 34 creates an ID file name that does not include the character string 172 and the character string 176 of FIG. For example, taking the profile 90 of FIG. 2 as an example, the control unit 34 creates an ID file name “sCaNtO + MikePC ++. Id”.

  Also in the case of NO in S300, the control unit 34 determines whether or not the user specific flag 116 of the work area 32 is ON (S308). If YES here, the control unit 34 creates an ID file name including the character strings 164, 166, 168, 170, 172, 174, 176, 180 of FIG. 3 (S310). That is, the control unit 34 creates an ID file name including all the character strings 164 to 180 in FIG. For example, taking the profile 90 of FIG. 2 as an example, the control unit 34 creates an ID file name “sCaNtO + MikePC + mfp20 (MAC address of the multi-function device 20 (not shown)) + yamada.id”. On the other hand, in the case of NO in S308, the control unit 34 creates an ID file name including the character strings 164, 166, 168, 170, 172, 174, 180 of FIG. 3 (S312). That is, the control unit 34 creates an ID file name that does not include only the character string 176 of FIG. For example, taking the profile 90 of FIG. 2 as an example, the control unit 34 creates an ID file name “sCaNtO + MikePC + mfp20 (MAC address of the multi-function device 20 (not shown)) +. Id”.

  When the ID file name is generated in the ID file name generation process of S282 in FIG. 13, the control unit 34 executes the process of S284. In S <b> 284, the control unit 34 executes processing for storing the ID file in the destination folder 106. The process of S284 is performed as follows. First, the control unit 34 specifies the destination host address 104 and the destination folder 106 from the work area 32. Next, the control unit 34 creates an ID file by associating the data created in S280 with the ID file name created in the ID file name generation process in S282. The control unit 34 transmits a command instructing to store the ID file in the specified destination folder 106 toward the specified destination host address 104. For example, when the specified destination host address 104 is “abcde” and the specified destination folder 106 is “user \ mike \ shared” (see FIG. 2), the control unit 34 uses the PC 60 having the host address. The above command, the above folder address, and the ID file are transmitted to. As a result, the PC 60 stores the ID file 160 in the folder 154 (see FIG. 3). When S284 ends, the process proceeds to S168 in FIG.

  In S168 of FIG. 9, the control unit 34 sets the profile update flag 118 of the work area 32 to OFF. In addition, the control unit 34 sets the destination change flag 120 of the work area 32 to OFF. Next, the control unit 34 writes the profile of the work area 32 in the profile storage area 28. As a result, the profile in the profile storage area 28 (the profile selected in S100 in FIG. 7) is updated to the profile in the work area 32. When S170 ends, the storage destination determination process ends. Hereinafter, the end of the storage destination determination process via S170 is referred to as “normal end”.

(ID file existence check process)
Next, the processing after NO is determined in S144 of FIG. 8 will be described. In the case of NO in S144 of FIG. 8, the process proceeds to S190 of FIG. In S190, the control unit 34 executes an ID file existence check process. FIG. 15 shows a flowchart of the ID file existence check process. The control unit 34 executes ID file name generation processing (S330). The ID file name generation process is executed according to the flowchart of FIG.

  Subsequently, the control unit 34 determines whether or not there is an ID file having the ID file name generated by the ID file name generation process of S330 (S332). The process of S332 is performed as follows. First, the control unit 34 specifies the destination host address 104 and the destination folder 106 from the work area 32. Next, the control unit 34 transmits a command toward the specified destination host address 104. This command instructs transmission of the file name (and folder name) of the file (and folder) stored in the specified destination folder 106 to the multi-function device 20. For example, when the specified destination host address 104 is “abcde” and the specified destination folder 106 is “user \ mike \ shared” (see FIG. 2), the control unit 34 uses the PC 60 having the host address. Send the above command to. As a result, the PC 60 transmits the file name of the ID file 160 stored in the folder 154 to the multi-function device 20. The control unit 34 executes the process of S332 by comparing the file name obtained from the destination host address 104 with the ID file name generated by the ID file name generation process of S330.

  If the two file names do not match (or if the file name cannot be obtained from the destination host address 104), the control unit 34 determines NO in S332. In this case, the control unit 34 ends the ID file existence check process. On the other hand, if the two file names match, the control unit 34 determines YES in S332. In this case, the control unit 34 reads information included in the ID file stored in the destination folder 106 of the destination host address 104 (S334). The information read out here is a scan data image quality 184, a scan data file format 186, a scan data file name 188, and a file name option 190 (see FIG. 3). The control unit 34 updates the information 122, 124, 126, 128 in the work area 32 with the read information 184, 186, 188, 190. When S334 ends, the control unit 34 ends the ID file existence check process.

  When the ID file existence check process in S190 of FIG. 10 ends, the process proceeds to S192. In S192, the control unit 34 determines whether or not the ID file existence check process has confirmed that the ID file exists. When YES is determined in S332 of FIG. 15 (when S334 is executed), YES is determined in S192. In this case, the process proceeds to S168 in FIG. On the other hand, if NO is determined in S332 of FIG. 15, NO is determined in S192. In this case, the process proceeds to S194.

  In S194, the control unit 34 displays an error message. This error message includes a character string indicating that the ID file in the destination folder may have been moved to another location. The control unit 34 stands by until there is an input from the user. The user can input “cancel”, “destination determination”, “destination folder search”, and the like by operating the operation unit 22. The control unit 34 determines whether or not the input from the user is “cancel” (S196). In the case of YES here, it becomes a cancel end. In the case of NO in S196, the control unit 34 determines whether or not the input from the user is “confirm destination” (S198). In the case of YES here, the process proceeds to S166 of FIG. In the case of NO in S198, the control unit 34 determines whether or not the input from the user is “destination folder search” (S200). In the case of YES here, the process proceeds to S226 in FIG. On the other hand, in the case of NO in S200, the control unit 34 ignores the input from the user (or executes processing according to the input from the user), returns to S194, and monitors the input from the user again.

  Subsequently, the processing after NO is determined in S142 of FIG. 8 will be described. In the case of NO in S142 of FIG. 8, the process proceeds to S220 of FIG. In S220, the control unit 34 displays an error message. This error message includes a character string indicating that the destination folder does not exist. The control unit 34 stands by until there is an input from the user. The user can input “cancel”, “destination folder search”, and the like by operating the operation unit 22. The control unit 34 determines whether or not the input from the user is “cancel” (S222). In the case of YES here, it becomes a cancel end. In the case of NO in S222, the control unit 34 determines whether or not the input from the user is “destination folder search” (S224). If YES here, the process proceeds to S226. On the other hand, in the case of NO in S224, the control unit 34 ignores the input from the user (or executes processing according to the input from the user), returns to S220, and monitors the input from the user again.

  In S226, the control unit 34 executes processing for searching for an ID file. As described above, the ID file is stored in the PC 60 by the control unit 34. The file name of the ID file always includes the character string “sCaNtO”. The control unit 34 searches for the address of the ID file using the file name of the ID file (specifically, a character string “sCaNtO”) as a key. Specifically, the following processing is executed.

  The control unit 34 accesses the device having the destination host address 104 in the work area 32 (here, it is assumed to be a PC 60), and starts with the folder names (files) of lower-order folders (files) in order from the highest-level shared folder 150 (see FIG. 3). File name). When the file name is acquired, the control unit 34 determines whether or not the character string “sCaNtO” is included in the file name. Thereby, the ID file is searched. That is, the control unit 34 acquires the address of the ID file in the PC 60 by searching using the file name of the ID file (specifically, the character string “sCaNtO”) as a key. As a result, the address of the shared folder storing the ID file can be acquired.

  In the example of FIG. 3, folders 152 and 156 are stored in the highest shared folder 150. For this purpose, the control unit 34 can first acquire the folder names of the folders 152 and 156. Next, the control unit 34 acquires the folder name and / or file name of the folder and / or file stored in the folder 152. For example, when the folder 154 is moved as indicated by the dashed arrow in FIG. 3, the folder and / or file stored in the folder 152 does not exist. In this case, the control unit 34 cannot acquire the folder name and / or file name. Next, the control unit 34 acquires the folder name and / or file name of the folder and / or file stored in the folder 156. For example, when the folder 154 is moved as indicated by the broken-line arrow in FIG. 3, the folder 154 is stored in the folder 156. In this case, the control unit 34 can acquire the folder name of the folder 154. Next, the control unit 34 acquires the folder name and / or file name of the folder and / or file stored in the folder 154. In the case of the above example, the control unit 34 can acquire the file name 162 of the ID file 160. The file name 162 includes a character string “sCaNtO”. Thereby, the ID file search process ends.

  In the case of the above example, the ID file address has been successfully acquired. In other words, the address of the ID file can be obtained by combining the folder name of the folder 150, the folder name of the folder 156, the folder name of the folder 154, and the file name of the ID file 160. In this case, YES is determined in S228, and the process proceeds to S230. On the other hand, even if the search is executed for all the shared folders of the PC 60, the ID file may not be found in the process of S226. For example, when the ID file is stored in a folder other than the shared folder, the ID file cannot be found in the process of S226. Even when the ID file has been deleted from the PC 60, the ID file cannot be found in the process of S226. In these cases, NO is determined in S228, and the process proceeds to S250 in FIG.

  In S230, the control unit 34 displays a message. This message includes a character string indicating that the ID file has been found, and a character string indicating the address of the folder storing the ID file (“user \ ken \ shared” in the above example). The control unit 34 stands by until there is an input from the user. The user can input “cancel”, “destination determination”, and the like by operating the operation unit 22. The control unit 34 determines whether or not the input from the user is “cancel” (S232). In the case of YES here, it becomes a cancel end. In the case of NO in S232, the control unit 34 determines whether or not the input from the user is “destination determination” (S234). In the case of YES here, the control unit 34 writes the address of the folder storing the ID file (the address obtained by the search) as the destination folder 106 of the work area 32, and proceeds to S166 in FIG. On the other hand, in the case of NO in S234, the control unit 34 ignores the input from the user (or executes a process according to the input from the user), returns to S230, and monitors the input from the user again.

  FIG. 12 shows a flowchart after NO is determined in S228 of FIG. The control unit 34 displays an error message (S250). This error message includes a character string indicating that the ID file was not found (destination folder was not found). The control unit 34 stands by until there is an input from the user. The user can input “cancel”, “new destination folder candidate search”, and the like by operating the operation unit 22. The control unit 34 determines whether or not the input from the user is “cancel” (S252). In the case of YES here, it becomes a cancel end. In the case of NO in S252, the control unit 34 determines whether or not the input from the user is “new destination folder candidate search” (S254). If YES here, the process proceeds to S256. On the other hand, in the case of NO in S254, the control unit 34 ignores the input from the user (or executes processing according to the input from the user), returns to S250, and monitors the input from the user again.

  In S256, the control unit 34 searches for a writable folder. That is, the control unit 34 accesses the device (here, the PC 60) having the destination host address 104 in the work area 32, and acquires the addresses of all the shared folders 150, 152, 154, and 156 (see FIG. 3). To do. Next, the control unit 34 displays the address group acquired in S256 on the display unit 24 (S258). The control unit 34 stands by until there is an input from the user. The user can input “cancel”, “confirm new destination folder”, and the like by operating the operation unit 22. The control unit 34 determines whether or not the input from the user is “cancel” (S260). In the case of YES here, it becomes a cancel end. The user can select one address from the address group displayed on the display unit 24 and input “confirm new destination folder”. In this case, YES is determined in S262. The control unit 34 writes the address selected by the user as the destination folder 106 in the work area 32 (S264). In this case, the process proceeds to S166 in FIG. On the other hand, in the case of NO in S262, the control unit 34 ignores the input from the user (or executes a process according to the input from the user), returns to S258, and monitors the input from the user again.

  When the storage location determination process in S106 of FIG. 7 ends, the control unit 34 determines whether or not the result of the storage location determination process is a cancel end (S108). If YES here, the ScanTo execution process ends. If the result of the storage destination determination process is a normal end (when S170 in FIG. 9 is passed), NO is determined in S108. In this case, the control unit 34 executes a scanning process (S110).

(Scan process)
FIG. 16 shows a flowchart of the scanning process. The control unit 34 displays the destination folder 106 of the work area 32, the scan data image quality 122, and the scan data file format 124 on the display unit 24 (S350). The control unit 34 stands by until there is an input from the user. The user can input “cancel”, “image quality change”, “file format change”, “OK” or the like by operating the operation unit 22. The control unit 34 determines whether or not the input from the user is “cancel” (S352). In the case of YES here, it becomes a cancel end. In the case of NO in S352, the control unit 34 determines whether or not the input from the user is “image quality change” (S354). In the case of YES here, the control unit 34 updates the scan data image quality 122 of the work area 32 to the image quality after the change (S356). When S356 ends, the process proceeds to S362.

  In the case of NO in S354, the control unit 34 determines whether or not the input from the user is “file format change” (S358). In the case of YES here, the control unit 34 updates the scan data file format 124 in the work area 32 to the changed file format (S360). When S360 ends, the process proceeds to S362. In S362, the control unit 34 determines whether or not the user specific flag 116 of the work area 32 is ON. In the case of YES here, the control unit 34 executes ID file writing processing (S364). The ID file writing process is executed according to the flowchart of FIG. If NO in S362 or if S364 is completed, the process returns to S350. In S350, the changed information 122 and 124 updated in S356 and S360 are displayed on the display unit 24.

  On the other hand, in the case of NO in S358, the control unit 34 determines whether or not the input from the user is “OK” (S366). In the case of YES here, the control unit 34 scans the document based on the information 122, 124 of the work area 32 (S368). Specifically, the control unit 34 outputs an instruction to the scanner 40 so that scan data is created based on the scan data image quality 122 and the scan data file format 124 in the work area 32. As a result, the scanner 40 scans the document based on an instruction from the control unit 34. When S368 ends, the scanning process ends. In this case, it becomes a normal end. On the other hand, in the case of NO in S366, the control unit 34 ignores the input from the user (or executes processing according to the input from the user), returns to S350, and monitors the input from the user again.

  When the scan process of S110 in FIG. 7 is completed, the control unit 34 determines whether or not the result of the scan process is a cancel end (S112). If YES here, the ScanTo execution process ends. When the result of the scanning process is a normal end (when S368 in FIG. 16 is passed), NO is determined in S112. In this case, the control unit 34 executes processing for transmitting scan data. Specifically, the following processing is executed.

  First, the control unit 34 creates a scan data file. Specifically, the control unit 34 associates the scan data created in S368 with the scan data file name. The scan data file name is created based on the contents of the file name option 128 in the work area 32. As described above, the file name option 128 is any one of “overwrite setting”, “insert date / time”, and “serial number in destination folder”. When the file name option 128 is “overwrite setting”, the control unit 34 creates the same scan data file name as the scan data file name 126 in the work area 32. For example, in the example of FIG. 2, a file name “yamada” is created. The extension included in the scan data file name depends on the file format of the scan data. For example, when the scan data has a file format of “JPEG”, a file name “yamada.jpeg” is created.

  When the file name option 128 is “insert date / time”, the control unit 34 creates a file name in which the scan date / time is added to the scan data file name 126 in the work area 32. For example, in the example of FIG. 2, when the scan date is August 31, 2007, 14:51:25, a file name “yamada20070813145125 (plus extension)” is created. When the file name option 128 is “sequential number in destination folder”, the control unit 34 creates a file name in which a numerical value is added to the scan data file name 126 in the work area 32. First, the control unit 34 acquires the file name of the scan data file already stored in the destination folder 106 in the work area 32. This file name can be acquired by searching using the scan data file name 126 (for example, “yamada”) as a key. In this example, when the file name including “yamada” does not exist in the destination folder 106 of the work area 32 (that is, the folder 154 of the PC 60), the control unit 34 creates a file name “yamada1 (plus extension)”. For example, when a file name including “yamada” and a numerical value exists in the destination folder 106 (the folder 154 of the PC 60) in the work area 32, the control unit 34 sets the numerical value obtained by adding 1 to the numerical value “yamada”. The file name appended to "is created. For example, when the file name “yamada3 (plus extension)” exists in the destination folder 106 (the folder 154 of the PC 60) in the work area 32, the control unit 34 creates a file name “yamada4 (plus extension)”. To do.

  Next, the control unit 34 transmits a command instructing to store the scan data file to the destination host address 104 in the work area 32. That is, the control unit 34 transmits the destination folder (address) 106 of the work area 32, the scan data file, and the above command. For example, in the case of the example of FIG. 2, the control unit 34 transmits the address “user \ mike \ shared”, the scan data file, and the above command to the PC 60 having the address “abcde”. As a result, the PC 60 stores the scan data file in the folder 154. When the file name of the scan data file transmitted here (for example, “yamada.jpeg”) is the same as the file name of the scan data file already stored in the folder 154, the PC 60 Will be overwritten. When the file name option 128 is “overwrite setting”, there is a high possibility that such overwriting is performed.

(ID file storage processing)
Next, the contents of the ID file storage process in S80 of FIG. 6 will be described. 17 and 18 show a flowchart of the ID file storage process. The control unit 34 displays the profile name 100 of each profile 90, 92, 94 stored in the profile storage area 28 on the display unit 24 (S380). In the first processing of S380, each profile name 100 is displayed on the display unit 24 in a state of being colored in black. The control unit 34 stands by until there is an input from the user. The user can input “end”, “mark or cancel”, “mark all”, “OK”, and the like by operating the operation unit 22. The control unit 34 determines whether or not the input from the user is “end” (S382). If YES here, the ID file storage process ends. In the case of NO in S382, the control unit 34 determines whether or not the input from the user is “mark or cancel” (S384). When a predetermined operation is applied to the operation unit 22 with one profile name selected from the plurality of profile names 100, YES is determined in S384. In this case, the control unit 34 reverses the mark state of the selected profile name 100 (S386). For example, when the selected profile name 100 is colored black, the control unit 34 changes the profile name 100 to red. Conversely, if the selected profile name 100 is colored red, the control unit 34 changes the profile name 100 to black. When S386 ends, the process returns to S380.

  In the case of NO in S384, the control unit 34 determines whether or not the input from the user is “all marks” (S388). When a predetermined operation is applied to the operation unit 22, YES is determined in S388. In this case, the control unit 34 marks all profile names 100 (changes to red) (S390). When S390 ends, the process returns to S380. In the case of NO in S388, the control unit 34 determines whether or not the input from the user is “OK” (S392). In the case of YES here, the process proceeds to S410 of FIG. On the other hand, in the case of NO in S392, the control unit 34 ignores the input from the user (or executes processing according to the input from the user), returns to S380, and monitors the input from the user again.

  In S410 of FIG. 18, the control unit 34 determines whether or not the marked profile name 100 exists. That is, the control unit 34 determines whether or not the profile name 100 displayed in red exists. If NO here, the process returns to S380 in FIG. If YES in S410, the control unit 34 selects one profile name (for example, “MikePC” in FIG. 2) from the marked profile name 100 (S412). The control unit 34 displays the selected profile name on the display unit 24. Next, the control unit 34 writes a profile corresponding to the selected profile name (for example, the profile 90 in FIG. 2) in the work area 32 (S414). The control unit 34 sets the profile update flag 118 of the work area 32 to ON (S416). In addition, the control unit 34 sets the destination change flag 120 of the work area 32 to OFF (S416).

  Subsequently, the control unit 34 executes a storage destination determination process (S418). This storage destination determination process is executed according to the flowcharts of FIGS. Next, the control unit 34 cancels the mark of the profile name selected in S412 (S420). That is, the control unit 34 changes the profile name selected in S412 from red to black. The control unit 34 determines whether or not the result of the storage location determination process in S418 is a cancel end (S422). In the case of YES here, the control unit 34 returns to S380 of FIG. On the other hand, if the result of the storage location determination process in S418 is normal end, the control unit 34 returns to S410 and determines whether there is another profile name 100 that is marked.

(ID file deletion process)
Next, the contents of the ID file deletion process in S84 of FIG. 6 will be described. 19 and 20 show a flowchart of the ID file deletion process. The control unit 34 displays the profile name 100 of each profile 90, 92, 94 stored in the profile storage area 28 on the display unit 24 (S440). In the first processing of S440, each profile name 100 is displayed on the display unit 24 in a state of being colored in black. The control unit 34 stands by until there is an input from the user. The user can input “end”, “mark or cancel”, “mark all”, “Clean-up”, “OK”, and the like by operating the operation unit 22. The control unit 34 determines whether or not the input from the user is “end” (S442). If YES here, the ID file deletion process ends. In the case of NO in S442, the control unit 34 determines whether or not the input from the user is “mark or cancel” (S444). When a predetermined operation is applied to the operation unit 22 with one profile name selected from the plurality of profile names 100, YES is determined in S444. In this case, the control unit 34 reverses the mark state of the selected profile name 100 (changes from black to red, or changes from red to black) (S446). When S446 ends, the process returns to S440.

  In the case of NO in S444, the control unit 34 determines whether or not the input from the user is “all marks” (S448). When a predetermined operation is applied to the operation unit 22, YES is determined in S448. In this case, the control unit 34 marks all profile names 100 (changes to red) (S450). When S450 ends, the process returns to S440. In the case of NO in S448, the control unit 34 determines whether or not the input from the user is “Clean-up” (S452). In the case of YES here, the control unit 34 stores information “Clean-up” (S454). In S454, the control unit 34 also executes a process of marking all the profile names 100. When S454 ends, the process proceeds to S470 in FIG. If NO in S452, it is determined whether or not the input from the user is “OK” (S456). In the case of YES here, the control unit 34 stores information “Non-Clean-up” (S458). When S458 ends, the process proceeds to S470 in FIG. On the other hand, in the case of NO in S456, the control unit 34 ignores the input from the user (or executes processing according to the input from the user), returns to S440, and monitors the input from the user again.

  In S470 of FIG. 20, the control unit 34 determines whether or not the marked profile name 100 exists. If NO here, the process returns to S440 in FIG. In the case of YES in S470, the control unit 34 selects and displays one profile name from the marked profile names 100 (S472). Next, the control unit 34 writes a profile corresponding to the selected profile name in the work area 32 (S474). The control unit 34 attempts to access the destination host address 104 in the work area 32 (S478). If the access fails, NO is determined in S478. In this case, the process proceeds to S490. If the access is successful, YES is determined in S478. In this case, the process proceeds to S480.

  In S480, if an ID file is stored in the destination folder 106 in the work area 32, the control unit 34 deletes the ID file. The process of S480 is the same as the process of S50 of FIG. Next, the control unit 34 determines whether “Clean-up” is stored in S454 of FIG. 19 (S482). If YES is determined here, the process proceeds to S484. On the other hand, if “Non-Clean-up” is stored in S458 of FIG. 19, NO is determined in S482. In this case, the process proceeds to S490.

  In S484, the control unit 34 executes ID file search processing. The processing in S484 is the same as the processing in S226 in FIG. Further, the processing of S486 executed subsequent to S484 is the same as the processing of S228 of FIG. If YES in S486, the control unit 34 deletes the ID file found in S484 (S488). The process of S488 is the same as the process of S50 of FIG. If NO in S486, the process proceeds to S490. In S490, the control unit 34 cancels the mark of the profile name selected in S472. When S490 is completed, the control unit 34 returns to S470 and determines whether there is another marked profile name 100 or not.

  The multi-function device system 10 of the present embodiment has been described in detail. The multi-function device 20 can acquire the address of the shared folder 154 (see FIG. 3) storing the ID file 160 by searching using the file name of the ID file 160 as a key. Even if the address of the shared folder 154 changes, the multi-function device 20 can acquire the changed address. For example, even if the shared folder 154 moves to a lower folder of the shared folder 156 as indicated by a broken line in FIG. 3, the multi-function device 20 can acquire the address after the movement of the shared folder 154. The multi-function device 20 can store the scan data file 200 in the shared folder 154 even if the address of the shared folder 154 changes.

  In the above embodiment, the multi-function device 20 executes the process of storing the ID file 160 in the shared folder 154 of the PC 60. For example, even if the ID file 160 of the shared folder 154 is accidentally deleted by the user, the ID file 160 is stored again in the shared folder 154 (see the storage destination determination process in FIGS. 8 to 12). The user does not need to execute processing for storing the ID file 160 in the PC 60.

  Specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, but these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes of the specific examples illustrated above. The modifications of the above embodiment are listed below.

(1) In each of the above embodiments, the scan data file created by the multi-function device 20 is stored in the shared folder of the PC 60. However, the technology of each of the above embodiments can also be used in a system that stores other types of data files in the shared folder of the PC 60. For example, a system that stores facsimile data received by the multi-function device 20 in a shared folder of the PC 60 may be realized.

(2) The ID file 160 may store information other than the information 122 to 128 (see FIG. 2).

(3) In the ID file existence check process of FIG. 15, the following steps S335-1 and S335-2 may be added after S334. (S335-1) A step of determining whether or not the shared profile flag 114 is ON. (S335-2) A step of reflecting each data read in S334 in the profile when the above determination is affirmative. That is, the step of updating the profile information 122 to 128 in the profile storage area 28 with the data read from the ID file.

(4) In the above embodiment, the ID file 160 is stored in the designated folder (shared folder) 154. Instead of the ID file 160, a folder (hereinafter referred to as “ID folder”) may be stored. As the folder name, for example, the character strings 164 to 176 in FIG. 3 may be adopted. The multi-function device 20 may specify the address of the shared folder 154 storing the ID folder having the folder name by searching using the folder name of the ID folder as a key. Note that both the ID file 160 and the ID folder may be used. That is, both the ID file 160 and the ID folder may be stored in the designated folder (shared folder) 154. In this case, the multi-function device 20 may search using the file name of the ID file 160 and the folder name of the ID folder as keys, or may search using either one as a key.

  The technical elements described in this specification or the drawings exhibit technical usefulness alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technology illustrated in the present specification or the drawings achieves a plurality of objects at the same time, and has technical utility by achieving one of the objects.

The configuration of the multi-function device system is shown. An example of the storage contents of the profile storage area is shown. An example of the storage contents of the PC memory is shown. The flowchart of a ScanTo profile setting process is shown. FIG. 5 is a flowchart continued from FIG. 4. FIG. The flowchart of a ScanTo related process is shown. The flowchart of a ScanTo execution process is shown. The flowchart of a storage destination confirmation process is shown. FIG. 9 is a flowchart continued from FIG. 8. FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart continued from FIG. 8. FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart continued from FIG. 8. FIG. 12 is a flowchart continued from FIG. 11. The flowchart of an ID file write process is shown. The flowchart of ID file name generation processing is shown. The flowchart of an ID file presence check process is shown. The flowchart of a scanning process is shown. The flowchart of ID file storage processing is shown. 18 is a flowchart subsequent to FIG. The flowchart of an ID file deletion process is shown. FIG. 20 is a flowchart continued from FIG. 19. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

10: Multi-function device system 20: Multi-function device 22: Operation unit 24: Display unit 26: Memory 28: Profile storage area 30: Program 32: Work area 34: Control unit 40: Scanner 60: PC
62: Operation unit 64: Display unit 66: Control unit 68: Memory 70: Folder 72: File 74: Program 90, 92, 94: Profile 150, 152, 154, 156: Shared folder 160: ID file 162: ID file name 200: Scan data file

Claims (12)

A communication device that stores data files in a shared folder of an external device capable of communication,
Name storage means for storing file names and / or folder names;
By searching the file name and / or folder name stored in the name storage means as a key, the location information of the shared folder storing the file and / or folder having the file name and / or folder name is obtained. Position information acquisition means acquired from an external device;
A communication device comprising: a data file transmission unit configured to transmit a data file to the external device using a shared folder specified from the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit as a storage destination. Position information storage means for storing position information of the shared folder of the external device;
First determination means for determining whether or not the shared folder specified from the position information stored in the position information storage means is accessible;
The data file transmission means transmits the data file to the external device with the shared folder specified from the position information stored in the position information storage means as the storage destination when the first determination means makes a positive determination. And
The position information acquisition unit acquires the position information of the shared folder from the external device when the negative determination is made by the first determination unit.
The data file transmission unit transmits the data file to the external device using the shared folder specified from the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit as a storage destination when the first determination unit determines negative. The communication apparatus according to claim 1. The communication apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising an update unit that updates the position information stored in the position information storage unit to the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit. If the first determination means makes a positive determination, the shared folder specified from the position information stored in the position information storage means has a file name and / or folder name stored in the name storage means Second determination means for determining whether a file and / or a folder is stored;
When a negative determination is made by the second determination means, the shared folder specified from the position information stored in the position information storage means has the file name and / or folder name stored in the name storage means The communication apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising storage control means for storing a file and / or a folder. Position information storage means for storing position information of the shared folder of the external device;
Storage control means for storing a file and / or folder having a file name and / or folder name stored in the name storage means in a shared folder identified from the position information stored in the position information storage means; The communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: The location information acquisition unit could not acquire the location information of the shared folder storing the file and / or folder having the file name and / or folder name stored in the name storage unit from the external device. In the case, the location information of another shared folder of the external device is acquired from the external device,
6. The data file transmission unit transmits the data file to the external device using the other shared folder specified from the location information acquired by the location information acquisition unit as a storage destination. The communication apparatus in any one. Storage control means for storing a file and / or folder having a file name and / or folder name stored in the name storage means in the other shared folder specified from the position information acquired by the position information acquisition means The communication device according to claim 6, further comprising: Position information storage means for storing position information of the shared folder of the external device;
First determination means for determining whether or not the shared folder specified from the position information stored in the position information storage means is accessible;
The data file transmission means transmits the data file to the external device with the shared folder specified from the position information stored in the position information storage means as the storage destination when the first determination means makes a positive determination. And
The location information acquisition means, when judged negative by the first judgment means, has a file and / or a folder having a file name and / or folder name stored in the name storage means. Attempt to obtain location information from the external device,
The location of the shared folder that stores the file and / or folder having the file name and / or folder name that is negatively determined by the first determination unit and stored in the name storage unit. When the information is acquired by the position information acquisition means, the data folder is transmitted to the external device with the shared folder specified from the position information as a storage destination,
The location information acquisition unit could not acquire the location information of the shared folder storing the file and / or folder having the file name and / or folder name stored in the name storage unit from the external device. The location information of the other shared folder of the external device is acquired from the external device,
The data file transmission means, when the first determination means makes a negative determination and the position information of the other shared folder is acquired by the position information acquisition means, the other share specified from the position information The communication apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, wherein a data file is transmitted to the external apparatus using a folder as a storage destination. The communication apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising update means for updating the position information stored in the position information storage means to the position information acquired by the position information acquisition means. The location information acquisition unit could not acquire the location information of the shared folder storing the file and / or folder having the file name and / or folder name stored in the name storage unit from the external device. The location information of all shared folders of the external device is acquired from the external device,
A selection permission unit that allows the user to select one piece of position information from the position information of all the shared folders acquired by the position information acquisition unit;
The data file transmission unit transmits the data file to the external device using the shared folder specified from the location information selected by the selection permission unit as a storage destination. Communication equipment. It further comprises scanning means for creating a scan data file by scanning a document,
The data file transmission means transmits the scan data file created by the scanning means to the external device, with the shared folder specified from the position information acquired by the position information acquisition means as a storage destination. The communication device according to any one of 1 to 4. A computer program for a communication device that stores a data file in a shared folder of a communicable external device,
In the computer installed in the communication device, the following processes, that is,
By searching for the file name and / or folder name stored in itself as a key, the location information of the shared folder storing the file and / or folder having the file name and / or folder name is stored in the external device. Location information acquisition processing acquired from
A computer program for executing a data file transmission process for transmitting a data file to the external device using a shared folder specified from the position information acquired in the position information acquisition process as a storage destination.

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