JP2011010219A - Image forming apparatus, processing method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a mechanism capable of efficiently performing retransmission, even when facsimile transmission is denied.SOLUTION: When a user logs in an image forming apparatus and the user is an authorizer, it is determined whether to authorize or to deny a facsimile transmission job. If authorized, an image of the authorized facsimile transmission job is facsimile-transmitted to a destination and if denied, it is admitted to facsimile-transmit the image without re-authorizing the denied facsimile transmission job. When job information of the temporarily authorized facsimile transmission job is input, an image of a document read again is facsimile-transmitted, as an image of the facsimile transmission job corresponding to the input job information, without obtaining re-authorization by the authorizer.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of facsimile communication, a processing method, and a program, and more particularly to facsimile transmission of a rejected facsimile transmission job.

  In recent years, FAX communication is frequently performed using a multifunction device, etc., but if the wrong line number is entered incorrectly, it will cause trouble to the other party who sent it wrongly, and it must be kept confidential. Is not preferable from the viewpoint of security, and there is a mechanism for preventing an erroneous input of the line number of the other party.

  Even if a mechanism to prevent erroneous input is introduced, it is difficult to prevent intentional transmission of a human error or transmission documents that need to be concealed. There has been proposed a mechanism for preventing FAX transmission if it is not obtained. (For example, Patent Document 1)

JP 2007-74389 A

  However, even if the sender wants to send a fax immediately, the fax is not sent until the approver approves it. Alternatively, when FAX transmission is denied, there is a problem that it takes time until a FAX is transmitted by a plurality of approvals because FAX transmission cannot be performed without obtaining approval again.

  Also, if the approver rejects, simply sending a denial notice will cause the sender to not know which fax transmission has been rejected, so it may take time to retransmit To do.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism capable of efficiently retransmitting even when facsimile transmission is denied.

  An image forming apparatus capable of facsimile communication for storing a facsimile transmission job by associating an image for facsimile transmission for achieving the above-described object with a sender, a log-in means for logging in to the image forming apparatus, When the user who has logged in by the login unit is an approver, a facsimile transmission job acquisition unit that acquires the facsimile transmission job that can be approved by the approver, and whether to approve the facsimile transmission job acquired by the facsimile transmission job acquisition A determination unit that determines whether to perform, a facsimile transmission unit that facsimile-transmits an image of the approved facsimile transmission job to a transmission destination when approved by the approval determination unit, and a case where the approval determination unit rejects the image Re-approve the rejected facsimile transmission job. Provisional approval means for accepting facsimile transmission without a job, job information input means for inputting job information of a facsimile transmission job provisionally approved by the temporary approval means, and original reading means for reading an original, The facsimile transmission means transmits the original image read by the original reading means as an image of a facsimile transmission job corresponding to the job information input by the job information input means without obtaining re-approval by the approver. It is characterized by doing.

  According to the present invention, even when facsimile transmission is denied, it can be retransmitted efficiently.

The figure which shows an example of a structure of the facsimile transmission approval system which concerns on this invention Block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the multifunction machine 200 The block diagram which shows an example of the hardware constitutions of client PC300 Block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the multifunction device 200 A flowchart showing user authentication processing of the multifunction device 200 A flowchart showing a document reading process of the multifunction device 200 A flowchart showing the approval process of the MFP 200 Flowchart showing processing after approval of MFP 200 A flowchart showing provisional approval processing of the MFP 200 A flowchart showing the denial processing of the multifunction device 200 Flowchart showing re-transmission processing of multifunction device 200 An image showing an example of an initial screen displayed on the MFP 200 An image showing an example of a job information setting screen displayed on the MFP 200 An image showing an example of an approval waiting data list screen displayed on the multifunction device 200 An image showing an example of a preview screen displayed on the MFP 200 An image showing an example of a correction information list screen displayed on the MFP 200 An image showing an example of a denial information list displayed on the MFP 200 An image showing an example of denial information printed from the MFP 200 Data example indicating system information stored in MFP 200 Data example indicating other device information stored in MFP 200 Data example indicating intermittent conditions stored in the MFP 200 Data example showing user information used for authentication Data example indicating transmission job information stored in MFP 200 Data example indicating denial information stored in MFP 200 Data example indicating provisional approval information stored in MFP 200 Image showing message displayed on MFP 200 The flowchart which shows the process at the time of approval and denial from client PC300

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of a facsimile transmission approval system according to the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the facsimile transmission approval system according to the present embodiment is a multifunction device 200 capable of facsimile communication capable of facsimile transmission, transmission data storage, transmission data approval processing, and display of stored transmission data. An image forming apparatus) and a client PC 300 (information processing apparatus) capable of displaying and approving stored transmission data are connected via a local area network (LAN) 100, and with a plurality of external facsimile terminals 400. Are connected via a public network, and are configured to transmit and receive information.

  The multifunction device 200 reads a FAX document with a scanner (1-1), and stores the FAX image of the read document in the HDD 207 of the multifunction device 200 in association with the input FAX transmission destination number (1-2). The FAX image is displayed on the operation unit 218 or the CRT 310 according to the approval instruction from the machine 200 or the client PC 300 (1-3, 1-6). Then, the approver (administrator) determines whether the FAX image to be transmitted by FAX is correct and whether the transmission destination is correct, and performs approval / denial / provisional approval processing (1- 4, 1-7). Details of the processes 1-1 to 1-7 will be described later.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the multifunction machine 200 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the MFP 200 illustrated in FIG.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 216 denotes a controller unit which is connected to a scanner 215 functioning as an image input device and a printer unit 214 functioning as an image output device, while being connected to a LAN (for example, the LAN 100 shown in FIG. 1) or a public line (WAN). ) (For example, PSTN or ISDN) to input / output image data and device information.

  In the controller unit 216, 201 is a CPU, which is a processor for controlling the entire system. Reference numeral 206 denotes a RAM, which is a system work memory for operating the CPU 201, and is also a program memory for recording a program and an image memory for temporarily recording image data.

  A ROM 202 stores a system boot program and various control programs. A hard disk drive (HDD) 207 stores various programs for controlling the system, image data, and the like. The HDD 207 stores FIGS. 19 to 21 and FIGS. 23 to 24 and a FAX image obtained by scanning a FAX document. Also, print data of denial information from the client PC 300 is also stored in the HDD 207.

  An operation unit interface (operation unit I / F) 205 is an interface unit with the operation unit (keyboard) 218. Further, the operation unit I / F 205 serves to transmit key information (for example, pressing of a start button) input from the operation unit 218 to the CPU 201. In addition, it is possible to input a destination fax number for fax transmission from the operation unit 218.

  A network interface (Network I / F) 203 is connected to the network (LAN) 100 and inputs / outputs data. A modem 204 is connected to a public line and inputs / outputs data such as FAX transmission / reception.

  Reference numeral 209 denotes an external interface (external I / F), which is an I / F unit that accepts external inputs such as USB, IEEE 1394, printer port, RS-232C, etc. In this embodiment, an IC card for a portable terminal required for authentication A card reader 217 for reading (storage medium) is connected to the external I / F unit 209. The CPU 201 can control reading of information from the IC card of the mobile terminal by the card reader 217 via the external I / F 209 and can acquire information read from the IC card of the mobile terminal. The above devices are arranged on the system bus 219.

  Reference numeral 208 denotes an image bus interface (IMAGE BUS I / F), which is a bus bridge that connects the system bus 219 and an image bus 220 for transferring image data at high speed and converts the data structure.

  The image bus 220 is configured by a PCI bus or IEEE1394. The following devices are arranged on the image bus 220.

  A raster image processor (RIP) 210 expands vector data such as a PDL code into a bitmap image. A printer interface (printer I / F) 211 connects the printer unit 214 and the controller unit 216, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. A scanner interface (scanner I / F) 212 connects the scanner 215 and the controller unit 216, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.

  An image processing unit 213 corrects, processes, and edits input image data, and performs printer correction, resolution conversion, and the like on print output image data. In addition, the image processing unit 213 performs image data rotation and compression / decompression processing such as JPEG for multi-valued image data and JBIG, MMR, MH for binary image data.

  The scanner unit 215 illuminates an image on paper as an original and scans it with a CCD line sensor, thereby converting it into an electrical signal as raster image data. The original paper is set on the tray of the original feeder, and when the apparatus user gives a reading start instruction from the operation unit 218, the CPU 201 gives an instruction to the scanner 215, and the feeder feeds the original paper one by one to read the original image. I do.

  The printer unit 214 is a part that converts raster image data into an image on paper. The method is an electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt, and ink is ejected from a micro nozzle array directly on the paper. There is an inkjet method for printing an image, but any method may be used. Activation of the printing operation is started by an instruction from the CPU 201. The printer unit 214 has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and has a paper cassette corresponding to the paper feed stages.

  The operation unit 218 includes an LCD display unit, and a touch panel sheet is pasted on the LCD. The operation unit 218 displays an operation screen of the system, and when the displayed key is pressed, the position information is displayed on the operation unit I / F 205. To the CPU 201. The operation unit 218 includes, for example, a start key, a stop key, an ID key, a reset key, and the like as various operation keys.

  Note that the display unit has different display performance depending on the printer, and a printer that can be operated via a touch panel, a printer that simply has a liquid crystal screen and displays a character string (displays the print status and the name of the document being printed). Is structured.

  Here, the start key of the operation unit 218 is used when starting a document image reading operation. At the center of the start key, there are two color LEDs, green and red, which indicate whether or not the start key can be used. Further, the stop key of the operation unit 218 functions to stop the operation in operation. The ID key of the operation unit 218 is used when inputting the user ID of the user. The reset key is used when initializing settings from the operation unit.

  The card reader 217 reads information stored in an IC card provided in the portable terminal under the control of the CPU 201 and notifies the CPU 201 of the read information via the external I / F 318.

  With the above-described configuration, the multifunction device 200 transmits the image data read from the scanner 215 by facsimile to the public line network, transmits it to the LAN 100, and prints out the print data received from the LAN 100 by the printer unit 214. be able to.

  Various programs to be described later for realizing the present invention are recorded in the ROM 202 and are executed by the CPU 201 by being loaded into the RAM 206 as necessary. Further, transmission data (FAX image), temporary approval information, intermittent transmission information, and the like used when executing the program are stored in the HDD 207.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the client PC 300 shown in FIG. 1 will be described using FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the client PC 300 illustrated in FIG.

  In FIG. 3, reference numeral 301 denotes a CPU that comprehensively controls each device and controller connected to the system bus 304. Further, the ROM 302 or the external memory 311 is necessary to realize a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) or an operating system program (hereinafter referred to as OS) that is a control program of the CPU 301, or a function executed by each server or each PC. Various programs to be described later are stored.

  A RAM 303 functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 301. The CPU 301 implements various operations by loading a program or the like necessary for execution of processing from the ROM 302 or the external memory 311 to the RAM 303 and executing the loaded program.

  An input controller 305 controls input from a keyboard (KB) 309 or a pointing device such as a mouse (not shown). A video controller 306 controls display on a display device such as a CRT display (CRT) 310. In FIG. 3, although described as CRT 310, the display device may be not only a CRT but also other display devices such as a liquid crystal display. These are used by the administrator as needed.

  A memory controller 307 is connected via an adapter to a hard disk (HD), flexible disk (FD), or PCMCIA card slot for storing a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, various data, and the like. The access to the external memory 311 such as a compact flash (registered trademark) memory is controlled.

  A communication I / F controller 308 is connected to and communicates with an external device via a network (for example, the LAN 100 shown in FIG. 1), and executes communication control processing in the network. For example, communication using TCP / IP is possible.

  Note that the CPU 301 enables display on the CRT 310 by executing, for example, outline font development (rasterization) processing on a display information area in the RAM 303. Further, the CPU 301 enables a user instruction with a mouse cursor (not shown) on the CRT 310.

  Next, the functional configuration of the multifunction machine 200 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the multifunction peripheral 200 illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 1.

  The image processing unit 404 generates an image (FAX image) from the document read by the document reading unit 403 using the scanner 215, and temporarily stores the generated FAX image in the HDD 207.

  A list of FAX images to be approved by the approver stored in the HDD 207 is generated by the approval processing unit 406 and displayed on the operation unit 218 by the panel display unit 402. In addition, a FAX image is selected by an approver's operation, and approval / denial processing is executed. In addition, by connecting to the N / W communication unit 401 on the MFP 200 via the web browser of the client PC 300, a list of FAX images to be approved by the approver stored in the HDD 207 by the approval processing unit 406 is displayed in HTML. The data is converted into a format and sent back to the client PC 300 via the N / W communication unit 401. When an approval / denial instruction is given via the web browser, an approval / denial process is executed by the approval processing unit 406 on the FAX image for which an instruction has been given.

  The approved FAX image is transmitted by the transmission control unit 405 via the MODEM 204 to the destination facsimile terminal 400 set at the time of document scanning at a preset timing. The prior setting is to select whether to send an approved fax image by immediate transmission or intermittent transmission. In the case of immediate transmission, transmission processing is performed immediately after approval, and in the case of intermittent transmission, it is specified. The transmission process is performed when the predetermined time and the number of stored data are satisfied.

  The various information 408 stores record information from FIGS. 19 to 25.

  Next, the processing of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing user authentication processing of the multifunction device 200.
In this embodiment, the process of FIG. 6 for requesting approval for FAX transmission, the process of FIG. 7 for approval by the approver, and the retransmission of the rejected FAX transmission job are shown in FIG. However, it is also possible to perform each process with another multifunction device 200. In this case, when executing each process, a list of FAX transmission jobs is acquired from each MFP 200, and an approval process and a retransmission process are executed.

  In step S501, the user ID read from the IC card is acquired by holding the IC card over the card reader 217. The user information shown in FIG. 22 stored in the authentication server (not shown) for the acquired user ID is searched, and the user information of the user whose user ID matches is acquired from the authentication server (for example, the Directory server). When the user information is acquired and it is determined that the authentication is successful, the initial screen of FIG. 12 is displayed. That is, step S501 is a process of logging in to the multifunction device 200.

  In addition, it is also possible to obtain the user information using the user name and password input by the user at the operation unit 218 without using the IC card. It is also possible to store the user information in the multi-function device 200 without providing an authentication server, and to search for user information (user authentication) in the multi-function device 200.

  In the case of the initial screen display of FIG. 12, if there is a FAX transmission job to be approved by the logged-in user, the message 2601 of FIG. 26 is displayed, and if there is a temporarily approved FAX transmission job of the logged-in user, FIG. Message 2602 is displayed.

  In step S502, if the authority 2201 of the user information acquired in step S501 is an approver authority, the approval button 1203 on the initial screen of FIG. If the user has the approver authority, the process proceeds to step S503. If the user information authority 2201 is a general user authority, the approval button 1203 is displayed so that it cannot be pressed. For example, hidden. In the case of general user authority, the process proceeds to step S505.

  In step S503, if the approval button 1203 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S504.

  In step S504, FAX transmission approval processing is executed. The approval process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  In step S505, the user's FAX transmission job is acquired from the transmission job information of FIG. 23 according to the user ID of the logged-in user, and it is determined whether there is a temporary approval FAX transmission job in the state 2301. If there is a provisionally approved FAX transmission job, the process proceeds to step S507. If there is no provisionally approved FAX transmission job, the process proceeds to step S506.

  In step S506, a document reading process is performed. The document reading process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  In step S507, since there is a provisionally approved FAX transmission job, a retransmission button 1202 is displayed on the initial screen of FIG. If the re-send button 1202 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S508. If the re-send button 1202 is not pressed, the FAX transmission is instructed, and the original is read, the process proceeds to step S506.

  In step S508, a retransmission process is performed to retransmit the provisionally approved FAX transmission job. The retransmission process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the document reading process of the multifunction device 200.

  By performing the processing shown in FIG. 6, it is possible to make an approval request for FAX transmission of the read original.

  In step S601, a FAX document set in the feeder of the multifunction device 200 is scanned to generate a FAX image.

  In step S602, it is determined whether or not an information setting button 1201 for setting a transmission time limit and a document name has been pressed. If the information setting button 1201 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S603. If the information setting button 1201 is not pressed, the process proceeds to step S604.

  In step S603, the job information setting screen shown in FIG. 13 is displayed, and input of a transmission time limit and a document name is accepted. When the setting button 1301 is pressed, the input document name and transmission deadline are stored in the RAM 303.

  In step S604, destination information (FAX transmission number) for FAX transmission is input. The input destination information is stored in the RAM 303.

  In step S605, the transmission time limit, document name, and destination information stored in the RAM 303 are stored in the HDD 207. When saving, a job ID is assigned, and the status 2301 is stored as waiting for approval. Further, the stored record is stored in association with the FAX image generated in step S601. That is, the user ID (sender) is associated with the FAX image (FAX transmission job).

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the approval process of the multifunction device 200.

  This approval process is configured such that when the approval button 1203 of the MFP 200 is pressed, the approval standby data list screen shown in FIG. 14 is displayed and the approval process is performed. However, the client PC 300 connects to the MFP with a Web browser. Can also be implemented. The process from the client PC 300 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  In step S701, the transmission job information of the FA transmission job waiting for approval is acquired from the transmission job information of FIG. 23 among the FAX transmission jobs of the user who stores the logged-in user ID as the approver ID 2202 (facsimile). Transmission job acquisition), and displayed on the approval waiting data list 1401 on the approval waiting data list screen of FIG.

  In step S702, in order to determine whether the FAX transmission job can be transmitted, selection of FAX transmission data to be approved is accepted.

  In step S703, it is detected that the display button 1402 has been pressed, and a FAX image of the selected FAX transmission data is displayed as a preview in 1405 in FIG. That is, a FAX image is displayed to determine whether to approve or reject FAX transmission data.

  In step S704, the user confirms the contents of the preview screen in FIG. 15 to determine approval / disapproval, and detects whether the reject button 1502 or the approval button 1503 is pressed. If it is detected that the approval button 1503 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S705. If the denial button 1502 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S706. That is, in step S704, it is determined whether or not to approve transmission of the FAX transmission job.

  In step S705, post-approval processing is executed when approval is given. The process after the approval will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  In step S706, when the denial button 1502 is pressed, a denial location (for example, 1504) is designated from the preview screen in order to designate the location that caused the denial. Note that a plurality of denial points can be designated. In addition, although a method for selecting a rejection location in a rectangle or a method for marking a rejection location on the preview display screen can be considered for specifying the rejection location, any method may be used. Further, the denial points are displayed in a list in the denial information list of FIG.

  When a refusal part is specified and the registration button 1501 is pressed, the refusal information shown in FIG. 24 is stored in the HDD 207 in association with the FAX transmission job being previewed. This denial information is used when notifying the denial location in FIG.

  In step S707, the transmission time limit set for the FAX transmission job being previewed is acquired from the transmission job information shown in FIG. 23 (transmission time limit acquisition), and the transmission time limit is compared with the current date and time to determine whether the time is within a predetermined period. Determine. If it is within the predetermined period, the process proceeds to step S708. If it is outside the predetermined period (when the transmission deadline is close), the process proceeds to step S710. The predetermined period (period condition) is stored in FIG.

  If the transmission deadline is close, simply denying it will take time due to the need for approval again, resulting in trouble with business. Therefore, in step S707, it is determined by the transmission deadline whether or not the business operation is disturbed when the denial is made, so that the business operation is not delayed.

  In step S708, a message 2603 in FIG. 26 is displayed to confirm whether or not to reject.

  In step S709, if it is determined to be denied (“Yes” is pressed in 2603 in FIG. 26), the process proceeds to step S710, and if not denied (“No” is pressed in 2103 in FIG. 26), step S705 is performed. Move processing to.

  In step S710, a message 2604 in FIG. 26 is displayed to confirm whether or not provisional approval is to be made. If it is determined to be temporarily approved (“Yes” is pressed in 2104 in FIG. 26), the process proceeds to step S712. If it is determined not to be temporarily approved (“No” is pressed in 2104 in FIG. 26). ), The process proceeds to step S711 (temporary approval determination). This makes it possible to retransmit a FAX transmission job that has been rejected without re-approval, thereby preventing business problems from occurring.

  In step S711, a rejection information list screen shown in FIG. 17 is displayed to reject the FAX transmission job displayed in preview, and a rejection process is performed. The denial process will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 10, but provisional approval permits the facsimile transmission without obtaining reapproval of the rejected facsimile transmission job.

  In step S712, in order to temporarily approve the FAX transmission job displayed in the preview, the correction information list screen of FIG. 16 is displayed and temporary approval processing is performed. The provisional approval process will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing after the approval of the multifunction device 200.

  In step S801, the transmission mode is acquired from the system information of FIG. 19 in order to determine the transmission mode. In the case of the immediate transmission mode, the process proceeds to step S805 to immediately perform the transmission state determination process. In the intermittent mode, the job is accumulated until the designated state is reached, and the process proceeds to step S802 in order to perform a transmission state determination process by collecting a certain number of jobs.

  In step S802, in the intermittent transmission mode, the transmission deadline of the approved FAX transmission job is acquired from the transmission job information in FIG. When the difference is within a predetermined period (predetermined period in FIG. 19), that is, when the transmission deadline is close, a transmission state determination process is immediately performed to perform FAX transmission.

  In step S803, if the difference between the approved date and time and the transmission deadline is outside the predetermined period (predetermined period in FIG. 19), that is, if the transmission deadline is far, the process shifts to the transmission standby state and the predesignated condition (in FIG. Until the intermittent condition) is satisfied.

  In step S804, the intermittent type and the reference value are acquired from the intermittent condition in FIG. 21, and it is confirmed whether there is a FAX transmission job to be transmitted. If there is a FAX transmission job to be transmitted, a transmission state determination process is performed. For example, when the intermittent type is the number of jobs, “100 jobs” is acquired, and when the accumulated FAX transmission job reaches 100, transmission state determination processing is performed to perform FAX transmission. When the intermittent type is time, “12:00”, “15:00” and “17:00” are acquired, and when the time comes, transmission state determination processing is performed to perform FAX transmission.

  In step S805, it is checked whether a hardware error or the like has occurred in order to check whether the multi-function device 200 is ready for transmission. If the transmission is possible, the process proceeds to step S806. If it is not in a transmittable state, the process proceeds to step S807 to perform a transfer process to another device.

  In step S806, the FAX image data stored in the HDD 207 is FAX-transmitted to the destination set in the FAX transmission job. That is, step S806 is a facsimile transmission process, and in the later-described retransmission process of FIG. 11, the FAX image of the document read in step S1104 is converted into a FAX corresponding to the input temporary approval ID (job information). Facsimile transmission to the destination set in the transmission job.

  In step S807, device information is acquired from another device information record in FIG. 20 in order to determine whether there is a transferable device (multifunction device).

  In step S808, it is determined whether there is a transferable device. If there is a transferable device, the process proceeds to step S809. If there is no transferable device, the process proceeds to a transmission state determination process in step S805. Whether there is a transferable device is determined by communicating with other devices according to whether the device information has been acquired from FIG. 20 or according to the device information (IP address) acquired in FIG. It may be determined by inquiring whether transfer is possible.

  In step S809, a transferable device is selected from the device information acquired in step S808, and the FAX image stored in the HDD 207 is transferred (transmitted) to the transferable device.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing provisional approval processing of the multifunction device 200.

  In step S901, in order to confirm correct correction at the time of retransmission, a target area is selected from the correction information list of FIG. 19, and input of contents to be corrected (correct information) is received (correction information input). . The received correction content is displayed in the corrected location.

  In step S902, it is determined whether or not the correction transmission button 1602 has been pressed (correction information determination), and it is determined whether or not to transmit as it is by reflecting the received correction content (correct information). If the correction transmission button 1602 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S906. If the correction transmission button 1602 is not pressed and the temporary approval button 1601 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S903.

  In step S903, a unique temporary approval ID is issued in order to identify a FAX transmission job at the time of retransmission (the flow in FIG. 11).

  In step S904, the correction information and the temporary approval ID are registered in the temporary approval information of FIG. At this time, the temporarily approved FAX transmission job state 2301 is set as temporary approval, and the temporarily approved FAX transmission job and temporary approval ID are stored in association with each other.

  In step S905, based on the user ID set in the FAX transmission job that has been provisionally approved, for example, the user's notification destination is acquired from the user information in FIG. 22, and the provisional approval is notified by e-mail or the like. Note that it is also possible to print the fax transmission job information provisionally approved as in step S1003 of FIG.

  In step S906, the previewed FAX image is masked with the contents (correct information) for correcting the area designated as the disapproval location, and is faxed to the set destination.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing denial processing of the multifunction device 200.

  In step S1001, the denial information list of FIG. 17 is displayed, and when the reason for denial is specified, the reason for denial input by the user in the text input area 1701 is accepted.

  In step S1002, it is determined whether or not to print denial information. If the print button 1703 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S1003. If the denial button 1702 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S1104.

  In step S1003, print data (FIG. 18) is generated from the rejection information including the FAX image of the rejected FAX transmission job, FAX transmission job information, reason for rejection, date and time of rejection, and information on the approver (print data generation). Then, print data is output to the image processing unit 213 to perform printing.

  In step S1004, based on the user ID set in the rejected FAX transmission job, for example, the user's notification destination is acquired from the user information in FIG. 22, and the rejection is notified by e-mail or the like.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a retransmission process of the multifunction device 200.

  In step S1101, the temporary approval ID (job information) issued in step S903 is input (job information input) in order to retransmit the FAX transmission data once denied. In the present embodiment, the provisional approval ID is input. However, the job ID (job information) shown in FIG. 23 can also be used.

  In step S1102, it is determined whether or not the input temporary approval ID is in the temporary approval information of FIG. If there is a temporary approval ID, the process proceeds to step S1103. If there is no temporary approval ID, the process proceeds to step S1108, and an error message (not shown) is displayed in step S1108.

  In step S1103, the temporary approval information associated with the input temporary approval ID is acquired from the temporary approval information in FIG.

  In step S1104, the FAX document to be retransmitted after correction is scanned to generate a FAX image.

  In step S1105, the generated FAX image is stored in the HDD 207. The stored FAX image is associated with FAX transmission job information associated with the temporary approval ID.

  In step S1106, the rescanned FAX image is displayed as a preview in comparison with the correction content, and it is determined that the correction has been correctly performed. If the correction content OK button (not shown) is pressed by the user, the flow advances to step S1107. Move processing. Note that step S1107 is a process after the approval in FIG. If it is determined that the correction has not been made correctly and the correction NG button has been pressed by the user, the process proceeds to step S1108, and an error message (not shown) is displayed in step S1108. That is, step S1106 determines whether or not the FAX image has been correctly corrected with the correction information input in step S901.

  When a correction content OK button (not shown) is pressed, the FAX image generated in step S1104 is held, and the rejected FAX image is deleted.

  In this embodiment, whether or not the correction has been correctly made is determined by whether or not a correction content OK button (not shown) has been pressed. It is also possible to make a determination according to whether or not it matches the corrected content input in step S901. If it matches the corrected content, it is determined that the content has been corrected correctly.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing processing when a FAX transmission job stored in the MFP 200 is approved or rejected from the client PC 300.

  In addition, since step S502, step S701, step S703, and step S704 have been described above, description thereof will be omitted.

  In step S2701, user information (such as a user ID and password) is input to a user information input area of an approved client application (such as a Web browser) on the client PC 300 and transmitted to the multifunction device 200. In step S502, the multifunction device 200 receives the user information and logs in to the multifunction device 200. Then, the logged-in user is an approver, acquires the transmission job information of the FAX transmission job waiting for approval, and transmits it to the client PC 300 (facsimile transmission job transmission). That is, receiving the user information becomes a request (approval request) for approving / denying the FAX transmission job.

  In step S2702, the logged-in user is an approver, receives transmission job information of a FAX transmission job waiting for approval from the multifunction device 200, and displays a list.

  In step S2703, a preview processing request is made for a FAX transmission job selected by the user from the list. At this time, a preview request is made by transmitting the job ID.

  In step S2704, acceptance of preview data from the multifunction device 200 is accepted, and a screen similar to FIG. 15 is displayed.

  In step S2705, the user confirms the contents of the FAX image previewed by the user, and gives an instruction to approve or reject the previewed FAX transmission job. The approval or rejection instruction is performed by instructing a button in the same manner as the rejection button 1502 or the approval button 1503 in FIG. Then, the MFP 200 receives the job ID of the FAX transmission job that has been approved or rejected (repudiation reception to receive a denial request), and performs approval (FIG. 7) or denial processing (FIG. 10).

  If denial is made from the client PC 300, the print data in the process of step S1003 is stored in the HDD 207 in association with the user information transmitted in step S2701 (in association with the denied user). That is, it is configured to print when the user logs in to the multifunction device 200.

  In other words, when logging in to the MFP 200 and denying it, paper with the denial information printed is output when denying, but when denying remotely using the client PC 300, denial information is printed. The paper is not output immediately.

  This is to prevent the paper document from being left unattended because the user cannot retrieve the output paper immediately in the case of the remote. By switching the output method of the rejection information by the rejection in the multifunction device 200 and the rejection processing from the client PC 300, the rejection processing with improved security can be performed.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, even when facsimile transmission is denied, it can be efficiently retransmitted.

  It should be noted that the configuration and contents of the various data described above are not limited to this, and it goes without saying that the various data and configurations are configured according to the application and purpose.

  Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention can take an embodiment as, for example, a system, apparatus, method, program, or recording medium, and specifically includes a plurality of devices. The present invention may be applied to a system including a single device.

  Further, the program in the present invention is a program that allows a computer to execute the processing methods of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 5 to 11 and 27, and the storage medium of the present invention uses the processing methods in FIGS. A computer executable program is stored. The program according to the present invention may be a program for each processing method of each apparatus shown in FIGS.

  As described above, a recording medium that records a program that implements the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the program stored in the recording medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by executing the reading.

  In this case, the program itself read from the recording medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the recording medium storing the program constitutes the present invention.

  As a recording medium for supplying the program, for example, flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD-ROM, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, silicon A disk, solid state drive, or the like can be used.

  Further, by executing the program read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) operating on the computer based on an instruction of the program is actually Needless to say, a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the processing and the processing is included.

  Furthermore, after the program read from the recording medium is written to the memory provided in the function expansion board inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion board is based on the instructions of the program code It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. In this case, by reading a recording medium storing a program for achieving the present invention into the system or apparatus, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

  Furthermore, by downloading and reading a program for achieving the present invention from a server, database, etc. on a network using a communication program, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

  In addition, all the structures which combined each embodiment mentioned above and its modification are also included in this invention.

100 LAN
200 MFP 300 Client PC
400 Facsimile terminal 500 Public line network

Claims (7)

An image forming apparatus capable of facsimile communication for storing a facsimile transmission job by associating an image for facsimile transmission with a sender,
Login means for logging into the image forming apparatus;
A facsimile transmission job acquisition means for acquiring the facsimile transmission job that can be approved by the approver when the user who has logged in by the login means is an approver;
Determining means for determining whether to approve or reject the facsimile transmission job acquired by the facsimile transmission job acquisition means;
A facsimile transmission means for facsimile-transmitting an image of the approved facsimile transmission job to a destination when approved by the approval determination means;
Provisional approval means for accepting facsimile transmission without obtaining re-approval of the rejected facsimile transmission job when the approval determination means is rejected;
Job information input means for inputting job information of a facsimile transmission job temporarily approved by the temporary approval means;
Document reading means for reading a document,
The facsimile transmission means converts the original image read by the original reading means into an image of a facsimile transmission job corresponding to the job information input by the job information input means, without obtaining re-approval by the approver. An image forming apparatus that transmits the image. A transmission time limit acquisition means for acquiring a transmission time limit of the rejected facsimile transmission job when the determination means rejects;
Provisional approval determination means for determining whether the job is a facsimile transmission job to be temporarily approved according to a date and time determined by the determination means and a predetermined period condition,
The temporary approval unit accepts facsimile transmission without obtaining re-approval of the rejected facsimile transmission job when the temporary approval determination unit determines that the facsimile transmission job should be temporarily approved. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. Display means for displaying an image of the facsimile transmission job when the determination means determines whether to approve or reject the facsimile transmission job;
A correction information input means for inputting correction information of an image displayed by the display means when the provisional approval means allows facsimile transmission without obtaining re-approval of the rejected facsimile transmission job;
Correction determination means for determining whether or not the correction information input by the correction information input means has been corrected;
3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the facsimile transmission unit performs facsimile transmission of an image of a facsimile transmission job to a transmission destination when it is determined that the correction determination unit corrects the facsimile transmission unit. 4. Print data generating means for generating print data indicating that it is rejected when the approval determination means rejects;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a printing unit that prints the print data generated by the print data generation unit. An approval request receiving means for receiving an approval request for a facsimile transmission job from the information processing device;
A facsimile transmission job transmission unit that transmits the facsimile transmission job acquired by the facsimile transmission job acquisition unit to the information processing apparatus when the approval request reception unit receives an approval request for the facsimile transmission job;
A rejection receiving means for receiving a rejection request for a facsimile transmission job transmitted by the facsimile transmission job transmitting means,
The print data generation unit generates print data indicating that a facsimile transmission job corresponding to the rejection request received by the rejection reception unit is rejected, and a user who rejects the print data generated in the image forming apparatus. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print data is stored in association with each other. A processing method of an image forming apparatus capable of facsimile communication for storing a facsimile transmission job by associating an image for facsimile transmission with a sender,
The image forming apparatus includes:
A login step for logging into the image forming apparatus;
A facsimile transmission job acquisition step of acquiring the facsimile transmission job that can be approved by the approver when the user who has logged in at the login step is an approver;
A determination step for determining whether to approve or reject the facsimile transmission job acquired in the facsimile transmission job acquisition step;
A facsimile transmission step of facsimile-transmitting an image of the approved facsimile transmission job to a destination when approved in the approval determination step;
A provisional approval step for permitting facsimile transmission without obtaining re-approval of the rejected facsimile transmission job when the approval determination step is denied;
A job information input step for inputting job information of a facsimile transmission job provisionally approved in the provisional approval step;
A document reading step for reading the document,
In the facsimile transmission step, the original image read in the original reading step is used as a facsimile transmission job image corresponding to the job information input in the job information input step. A processing method characterized by transmitting. A program executable by an image forming apparatus capable of facsimile communication for storing a facsimile transmission job by associating an image for facsimile transmission with a sender,
Login means for logging in the image forming apparatus to the image forming apparatus;
A facsimile transmission job acquisition means for acquiring the facsimile transmission job that can be approved by the approver when the user who has logged in by the login means is an approver;
Determining means for determining whether to approve or reject the facsimile transmission job acquired by the facsimile transmission job acquisition means;
A facsimile transmission means for facsimile-transmitting an image of the approved facsimile transmission job to a destination when approved by the approval determination means;
Provisional approval means for accepting facsimile transmission without obtaining re-approval of the rejected facsimile transmission job when the approval determination means is rejected;
Job information input means for inputting job information of a facsimile transmission job temporarily approved by the temporary approval means;
Function as a document reading means to read the document,
The facsimile transmission means converts the original image read by the original reading means into a facsimile transmission job image corresponding to the job information input by the job information input means, without obtaining re-approval by the approver. A program characterized by transmitting.

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