JP2011068039A - Image processor, file processing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable processing as a file corresponding to extension selected and instructed by a user, even when the extension of the stored file whose processing is instructed is not registered. <P>SOLUTION: When it is determined that the extension of the file instructed from the list of the stored file by the user is not registered, the extension of the file whose processing is instructed, selected and instructed from the user is associated with the registered extension (S606 and S607). Then, the extension of the file discriminated as the file whose processing is instructed, associated with the registered extension is completed to be processed and a file type selected and instructed by the user are registered in a holding means as file management information (S612 and S613). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus having a function for printing a file.

In recent years, an image processing apparatus can also print a file acquired from a PC or another multifunction peripheral via a network.
However, there are various types of files in the world, and not all files can be printed by the image processing apparatus. When an instruction is given to print a file that cannot be printed in this way, the image processing apparatus tries to print wastefully, and the resources of the image processing apparatus and the user's time are wasted.

In preparation for such a situation, an image forming apparatus that checks the extension of a file to be printed before printing and starts printing only when the file type determined from the extension is printable has been proposed. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
According to Patent Document 1, if a file has an extension of a file type that is not supported by the image forming apparatus, printing can be stopped in advance, and waste of resources of the image forming apparatus apparatus and user time can be avoided.

JP 2005-161556 A

  However, it is difficult to grasp all the correspondences between file extensions and file types used in the world. For this reason, even a file of a file type that can be printed by an image processing apparatus may be determined to be unprintable because an extension that is unknown to the image processing apparatus is set.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and the object of the present invention is to provide an extension selected and designated by the user even when the extension of the stored file to be processed is not registered. It is to provide a mechanism that can be processed as a file corresponding to.

The image processing apparatus of the present invention that achieves the above object has the following configuration.
An image processing apparatus that processes a file stored in a storage unit, a storage unit that stores file management information in which a processable file type and an extension are associated, and a file stored in the storage unit Judgment means for judging whether or not the extension of the file instructed by the user from the list is registered, and the extension of the file instructed by the user by the judging means is registered If it is determined that the extension of the file instructed to be selected by the user is associated with the registered extension, the registered extension is associated with the registered extension. A determination means for determining whether or not the file instructed to be processed has been processed, and an extension of the file determined to have been processed by the determination means. Characterized in that it comprises a child, and a control means for registering in said holding means and a file type selected instruction by the user as said file management information.

  According to the present invention, even when the extension of a stored file to be processed is not registered, it can be processed as a file corresponding to the extension selected and instructed by the user.

It is a figure which shows the structure of an image processing system. It is a figure which shows the user interface displayed on a display part. It is a flowchart which shows the data processing procedure of an image processing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the data processing procedure of an image processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the user interface which can be displayed with an image processing apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the data processing procedure of an image processing apparatus.

Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing system including a multifunction machine to which an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied. 1A corresponds to the entire system, and FIG. 1B corresponds to the control configuration of the image processing apparatus included in FIG. Note that the present invention can be applied even if the image processing apparatus is configured by an SFP (Single Function Peripheral) such as a printer other than an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral).

  1A, multifunction devices 202 and 208 connected to a network 201, a personal computer (PC) 207, and a portable memory 206 that can be connected to the multifunction device 202. Here, a USB memory is a good example of the memory 206, but it may be a memory card or the like as long as it is a portable memory other than the USB memory, or a memory removable from the digital camera. .

  A network 201 connects the MFPs 202 and 208 and the PC 207 so that they can communicate with each other. Reference numeral 202 denotes a multifunction peripheral having the configuration shown in FIG. 1B, which is connected to the network 201 through the communication control unit 107, reads a document through the reading device 109, and has a portable memory 206 through the external device connection unit 114. Connected.

Here, although the portable memory 206 shows the case where it comprises a USB memory, for example, you may be comprised with another memory medium.
When a document is placed on the reading device 109 and reading is instructed by the operation unit 106, the reading device 109 reads the document and transfers it to the image processing unit 112 through the input / output control unit 108. Upon receiving the image data, the image processing unit 112 converts the format, creates an image file, and stores it in the HDD 203.

A file management table 204 manages the file 2041 stored in the HDD 203, and one record corresponds to one file.
Here, the file 2041 is created from information read by the reading device 109 of the MFP 202, copied from the portable memory 206, or copied from the PC 207 or the MFP 208 via the network 201. Saved in the HDD 203.

Reference numeral 205 denotes a file type management table, in which information indicating which file type 2051 handles a file having which extension 2052 is stored in the HDD 203.
The PC 207 is connected to the network 201, and the CPU has at least functions of storing, reading, writing, and transmitting / receiving files through the network by executing applications under the OS.

The multifunction machine 208 is connected to the network 201 and has at least functions of storing, reading, writing, and transmitting / receiving files through the network.
In FIG. 1B, a control program executed by the CPU 10 is stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102 or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 203.
The application is configured such that an application adapted to image data and an application adapted to a document are registered in the HDD 203 and a file with an identifier associated with each application can be opened.

A RAM (Random Access Memory) 104 stores various information such as drive conditions and management data of each unit connected to the system bus 115 and stores data necessary for operation. The CPU 101 uses the RAM 104 to execute various processes of the present invention together with various functions to be described later.
The display unit 105 displays various types of information such as driving conditions, device states, or input information. The operation unit 106 is a key such as a numeric keypad or a start key for performing input operations such as settings and commands by the user, or a touch panel or the like partially in the display unit 105.

The display unit 105 and the operation unit 106 constitute an operation panel. The display unit 105 having a touch panel function displays screens and buttons shown in a user interface described later, and can directly accept instructions from the user. It is configured. Hereinafter, the operation panel 301 includes the display unit 105 and the operation unit 106. When the display unit 105 is configured with a touch panel, buttons on a screen displayed on the display unit 105 function as an operation unit.
The communication control unit 107 connects to an intranet or the Internet via a wireless or wired network, and executes transmission / reception of document data including image data and control commands.

A reading device 109 photoelectrically converts reflected light corresponding to an image of light irradiated on a document to be transmitted, copied, or stored, reads image data, and transmits, copies, or stores image data via the input / output control unit 108. To do.
The printing apparatus 110 receives the image data or print data received from the information generation source such as the reading device 109 or the client computer via the print control unit, forms the permanent visible image on the recording paper, and discharges the recording paper.

In addition to the electrophotographic recording method, the printing apparatus 110 may be anything other than an ink jet method, a thermal head method, a dot impact method, or the like.
Here, the printing apparatus 110 opens a file instructed to be printed by the user, analyzes the contents, performs raster image rasterization processing (RIP), and outputs the raster image subjected to the rasterization processing to the fed paper. Process. Note that it is arbitrary whether the printing apparatus 110 performs the RIP or the CPU 101 performs the RIP using the RAM 104.
The printing apparatus 110 includes a controller including a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and a printer engine that executes a drawing process. Further, the printing apparatus 110 has a function of determining whether printing is successful or unsuccessful based on whether the RIP processing of the file selected by the user is correct or not, and notifying the CPU 101 of the result.

The image memory 111 temporarily stores read or received image data or print data. Depending on the device and state, it may be in the HDD 103 or the RAM 104. Here, the HDD 103 stores the storage unit that stores the acquired file. The CPU 101 performs control to copy a file stored in a portable memory connected to the external device connection unit 114 functioning as a memory interface according to a flowchart described later.
The image processing unit 112 compresses and encodes image data to be transmitted. Further, the received image data is expanded and decoded, or the received print data is converted into image data. In addition, the image data to be stored is converted into an appropriate or user-designated format (for example, PDF format).

Further, image correction processing is performed in accordance with the optical response characteristics of the reading device 109, variations in senders, and the like. In addition, image processing such as a scaling process of an image input by the user through the operation unit 106 is performed. Further, an image optimization process for making image data suitable for the writing characteristics of the printing apparatus 110 is performed as required.
The external device connection unit 114 connects an external device such as a portable memory, and transmits and receives document data, control commands, and the like via the I / O control unit 113.
A system bus 115 connects the CPU 101, ROM 102, HDD 203, RAM 104, display unit 105, operation unit 106, communication control unit 107, input / output control unit 108, image memory 111, image processing unit 112, and I / O control unit 113. is doing.
Accordingly, the multifunction peripheral has a facsimile communication for transmitting the read image data and a copying function for recording and outputting the read image data. Furthermore, a reception printing function for receiving received image data by facsimile and a printing function for receiving and printing image data from a client computer are provided.

These functions make it possible to use not only as a copying machine but also as a facsimile machine, a printer device, and a scanner device.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface displayed on the display unit 105 illustrated in FIG. Each user interface is displayed on the display unit 105 or the operation unit 106 mounted on the multifunction device 202 as a screen for receiving an instruction to print a file on the multifunction device 202 from the user.
2A shows a file selection screen, FIG. 2B shows a file print instruction screen, and FIG. 2C shows a file registration instruction screen.
In FIG. 2A, reference numeral 301 denotes an operation screen, which includes a screen for displaying information to the user and a button for receiving an operation instruction from the user.
Reference numeral 302 denotes a file selection screen, which includes a file selection button displayed on the operation panel 301 and a button for receiving a print instruction from the user.
Reference numeral 303 denotes a folder, which indicates the position of the folder in which the currently displayed file is displayed on the file selection screen 302. A file name 304 is displayed on the file selection screen 302 and a list of files stored in the folder 303 is displayed. The file selection screen 302 is configured so that a user can receive an instruction to select which file to print from the displayed file list.

  Reference numeral 3041 denotes a file name displayed in the file list 304, and “.jpg” is an identifier. A file size 3042 is displayed in the file list 304. Reference numeral 3043 denotes printable information, which is information indicating that the files displayed in the file list 304 can be printed. The display format does not have to be the display mode shown in the present embodiment, and may be displayed with an icon or the like.

Reference numeral 305 denotes a button, and the user presses the button 305 when moving a folder displayed on the file selection screen 302 to an upper level. A button 306 is pressed when printing a file selected from the files displayed on the file selection screen 302.
The file print instruction screen shown in FIG. 2B is a screen for receiving from the user an instruction as to which file type to print when the extension of the file selected at the time of printing is unregistered.
2B, reference numeral 401 denotes a file type selection screen. When a file whose extension is not registered in the file type management table 205 in the file list 304 shown in FIG. 2A is selected. This is a screen for receiving an instruction from the user as to which file type is to be displayed, which is displayed when printing is instructed by the user.
Here, the file type management table 205 holds file management information associating file types and extensions that can be processed by the image processing apparatus, and the CPU 101 selects the extensions selected by the user based on the processing described later. Control is performed to register the file management information as new file management information based on whether the file print processing result is correct.

A file type list 402 is displayed to receive a file type selection instruction displayed on the file type selection screen 401 from the user. A cancel button 403 is a button selected by the user when returning from the file type selection screen 401 to the file selection screen 302.
Reference numeral 404 denotes a determination button which is selected by the user when printing with the file type selected from the file type list 402. In this example, the user can select a file type from one of the JPEG / PDF / TIFF file types.
FIG. 2C shows an extension registration screen 501 for registering the extension of the file selected at the time of printing in association with the selected file type.
In FIG. 2C, the extension registration screen 501 instructs the extension of the file selected in the file list 304 at the time of printing to be printed in association with the file type selected in the file type list 402. It is a screen for receiving from a user. In the file list 304 shown in FIG. 2A, when a file whose extension is not registered in the file type management table 205 is selected and printing is instructed by the user, Displayed after printing.

Reference numeral 502 denotes a cancel button which is selected by the user when canceling registration of the extension displayed on the extension registration screen 501 and returning to the file selection screen 302.
Reference numeral 503 denotes a determination button that is selected by the user when registering the extension displayed on the extension registration screen 501.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data processing procedure of the image processing apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment. S601 to S613 are realized by the CPU 101 loading the control program stored in the ROM 102 and HDD 203 into the RAM 104 and executing it. In the present embodiment, a print instruction is taken as an example of a processing instruction performed by the user with respect to the image processing apparatus. However, the processing instruction is not limited to a printing process, and includes a process of developing and transferring a file.

Hereinafter, file selection, file type determination, and printing processing procedures in the multifunction machine 202 will be described as file processing.
In step S601, when the CPU 101 receives a print instruction from the user using the operation panel 301, in step S602, the CPU 101 displays the file selection screen 302 illustrated in FIG.

In the file selection screen 302 shown in FIG. 2A, the CPU 101 displays the file 2041 managed by the file management table 204 in the file list 304.
If the extension of the displayed file has already been registered in the file type management table 205, the CPU 101 additionally displays “printable” in the file list 304.
In this example, in the file 3041, the extensions “jpg” and “pdf” of “aaa.jpg” and “ccc.pdf” are registered in the extension 2052 of the file type management table 205. Therefore, the CPU 101 additionally displays “printable” on “aaa.jpg” and “ccc.pdf” on the file list 304.

In step S <b> 603, the file selection screen 302 receives an instruction to print which file from the file list 304 and the determination button 306 from the user.
In step S <b> 604, the CPU 101 determines whether the extension of the file selected by the user has been registered in the file type management table 205. If it is determined that the extension of the file selected by the user has already been registered, the process proceeds to S605. In step S605, the file selected in step S603 is printed according to the file type associated in the file type management table 205 with the extension of the file selected by the user in step S603, and the process ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S604 that the extension of the file selected by the user is unregistered, the process proceeds to S606.
In step S <b> 606, the CPU 101 displays a file type selection screen 401 on the operation panel 301.
In the file type selection screen 401, the file type 2051 managed by the file type management table 205 is displayed in the file type list 402.
Next, in S607, it is accepted that the user selects a file type selected from the file type list 402 on the file type selection screen 401 shown in FIG. Here, the CPU 101 associates the extension of the file instructed with the process with the file type selected by the user from the file type list 402 and stores the file type in the RAM 104.
In step S608, the CPU 101 instructs the printing apparatus 110 to start printing the file selected in step S603 with the file type selected in step S607.

In step S609, the controller of the printing apparatus 110 opens the file instructed by the user in step S608, analyzes the contents, and performs RIP. Then, the controller of the printing apparatus 110 determines whether printing has succeeded by determining whether the RIP is correct, and notifies the CPU 101 of the determination result. If the CPU 101 determines that the file has been successfully printed, the process advances to step S610. If it is determined that the file has not been successfully printed, the process ends.
In step S610, the CPU 101 displays an extension registration screen 501 shown in FIG. In step S611, the CPU 101 receives an instruction from the user on the extension registration screen 501 to register the extension of the file selected in step S603 in association with the file type selected in step S607.

  In step S612, the CPU 101 determines whether the instruction received from the user is to register the extension in association with the file type. If the CPU 101 determines that the instruction received from the user is to register the extension in association with the file type, the process advances to step S613. In step S613, the extension of the file selected in step S603 is registered in the file type management table 205 as the extension 2052, the file type selected in step S607 is associated with the file type 2051, and the process ends. .

On the other hand, if the CPU 101 determines in step S612 that the instruction received from the user does not register the extension in association with the file type, the process ends.
With the above processing procedure, the multifunction machine 202 determines whether the extension of the file to be printed has been registered in the file type management table 205 after receiving a print instruction from the user. At this time, if the extension of the file to be printed has been registered, printing is performed with the file type associated therewith, and if not registered, the user is allowed to select the file type. If printing is successful, the extension and file type of the printed file are confirmed by the user and registered in the file type management table 205.
As a result, the next time a file with the same extension is printed, the same file type selected by the user is automatically selected and printed.
For example, assume that the file “bbb.jfif” in the file management table 204 is selected as the file to be printed, and “JPEG” in the file type management table 205 is selected as the file type.
In step S <b> 609, after the printing is successful, if the user instructs registration of the extension, “jfif” is registered in the file type management table 205 in association with “JPEG”.
From the next time on, the file with the extension “jfif” is additionally displayed with “printable” when the file is displayed, and is printed with the file type “JPEG” without requiring the user to select the file type. can do.

[Second Embodiment]
In the above-described embodiment, the case has been described in which whether the file selected by the user is correctly printed or not and the extension and file type of the selected file are registered in the file type management table. Hereinafter, a case will be described in which the extension and file type of a file selected at a different timing from the first embodiment are registered in the file type management table.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data processing procedure of the image processing apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment. In this example, the file management information associated with the user can be registered before the printing apparatus 110 actually starts printing the file. Note that S601 to S607 and S701 to S704 are realized by the CPU 101 loading a control program stored in the ROM 102 and HDD 203 into the RAM 104 and executing it. In the following, a detailed description will be given of file selection, file type determination, and printing processing by the user in the multifunction machine 202 according to the present embodiment. However, S601 to S607 are the same as the steps shown in FIG.
After the process of S607, the CPU 101 shifts the process to S701. In step S <b> 701, the CPU 101 displays an extension registration screen 501 on the operation panel 301. In S702, the extension of the file selected by the user in S603 is instructed on the file type selection screen 401 shown in FIG. 2B in S607 in association with the selected file type. Receive from user.

  Then, in S703, on the extension registration screen 501 shown in FIG. 2C, the button 503 for registering the extension in association with the file type is pressed, that is, the extension “jfif” is set to the file type “ Judgment is made as to whether or not to register with “JPEG”. If the CPU 101 determines that the instruction from the user is registration, the process proceeds to S704. If it is determined that the instruction is not registered, the process proceeds to S605.

In step S <b> 704, the CPU 101 registers the extension of the file selected in step S <b> 603 as the extension 2052 and the file type selected in step S <b> 607 in association with the file type 2051 in the file type management table 205. Then, the CPU 101 shifts the process to S605.
With the above processing procedure, the MFP 202 receives the print instruction from the user and before the printing apparatus 110 actually starts the file printing process, the extension of the file to be printed is stored in the file type management table 205. Check if it is registered.
If registered, print with the file type associated therewith, if not registered, let the user select the file type, check the file extension and file type, check the user, and manage the file type After registration in the table 205, printing is performed.
As a result, the next time the file with the same extension is printed, the same file type is automatically selected. However, unlike the first embodiment, this embodiment performs extension registration before starting printing, so that it is possible to save the user from having to restart the operation on the operation panel 301 after printing.

[Third Embodiment]
Hereinafter, an embodiment in which processing for registering an extension is performed when a file is stored in the HDD 203 will be described.
As a premise of this embodiment, a portable memory 206 is connected to the external device connection unit 114 of the multifunction machine 202, and the multifunction machine 202 is stored in the portable memory 206 through the CPU 101 and the I / O control unit 113. It is assumed that the file is accessible.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface that can be displayed by the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment. Note that the screen corresponding to FIG. 5A is for receiving an instruction from the user to copy a file in the portable memory 206 to the HDD 203 on the operation panel 301 mounted on the multifunction device 202. This is the screen. Here, the user selects a file candidate to be copied to the HDD 203 as a storage unit from the displayed file list.

In FIG. 5A, reference numeral 801 denotes a copy file selection screen, which functions as a screen for receiving a file selection and a copy instruction displayed on the operation panel 301 from the user.
Reference numeral 802 denotes a folder indicating the position of the folder in the portable memory 206 on which the currently displayed file is displayed on the copy file selection screen 801. A file name list 803 is a list of files in the folder 802 displayed on the copy file selection screen 801, and accepts an instruction to select which file to copy from the user.
Reference numeral 8031 denotes a file name, which is the file name displayed in the file list 803. Reference numeral 8032 denotes a size, which corresponds to the size of the file displayed in the file list 803.

  Reference numeral 804 denotes a button that is displayed on the copy file selection screen 801 and is used to move a folder to an upper level. This button 804 accepts a folder movement instruction from the user.

A button 805 functions as a copy execution button displayed on the copy file selection screen 801 and accepts a copy execution instruction from the user.
FIG. 5B is for receiving an instruction from the user as to whether or not to register the extension and the file type to be registered when the extension of the file selected as the copy target is unregistered. Functions as a screen.
In FIG. 5B, reference numeral 901 denotes a file type selection screen. On the copy file selection screen 801, a file whose extension is not registered in the file type management table 205 is selected, and the user instructs copying. This is the screen that is displayed when
In the present embodiment, an instruction as to which file type is registered in the file type management table 205 is received from the user via the screen shown in FIG.
A file type list 902 receives a file type selection instruction displayed on the file type selection screen 901 from the user. A button 903 functions as a button for rejecting registration of an extension displayed on the file type selection screen 901. When the CPU 101 recognizes that the button 903 has been pressed, the file type selection screen 9001 is displayed.

Reference numeral 904 denotes a button that functions as a registration button for deciding to register with the file type selected in the file type list 902.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data processing procedure of the image processing apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment. This example is a processing procedure for file copying and extension registration and file type determination from the portable memory 206 in the multifunction machine 202. Note that S1001 to S1009 are realized by the CPU 101 loading a control program stored in the ROM 102 and HDD 203 into the RAM 104 and executing it.
The CPU 101 of the multifunction machine 202 reads out a control program from the ROM 102 or the HDD 103 and uses the RAM 104 to perform processing according to the following procedure.
In step S <b> 1001, the CPU 101 receives a file copy instruction from the portable memory 206 from the user via the operation panel 301. In step S <b> 1002, the CPU 101 displays a copy file selection screen 801 illustrated in FIG. 5A on the operation panel 301. On the copy file selection screen 801, the file 8031 in the folder 802 is displayed in the file list 803.

In step S <b> 1003, the CPU 101 receives, from the user, an instruction on which file to print from the file list 803 and the determination button 805 on the copy file selection screen 801. In step S1004, the CPU 101 determines whether the extension of the file selected in step S1003 has been registered in the file type management table 205. If the CPU 101 determines that it has been registered, the process proceeds to S1009. If the CPU 101 determines that it has not been registered, the process proceeds to S1005.
In step S <b> 1005, the CPU 101 displays a file type selection screen 901 illustrated in FIG. 5B on the operation panel 301.
In the file type selection screen 901, the file type 905 managed by the file type management table 205 is displayed in the file type list 902.
In step S <b> 1006, the CPU 101 determines whether to register an unregistered extension on the file type selection screen 901, whether to register an unregistered extension from the file type list 902, a non-register button 903 for performing a rejection instruction, and a register button 904. Receives an instruction from the user regarding whether to register by file type.

In step S1007, the CPU 101 determines whether the instruction from the user is to register the extension in association with the file type. If the CPU 101 determines that the instruction from the user registers the extension in association with the file type, the process proceeds to S1008. If the CPU 101 determines not to register, the process proceeds to S1009.
In step S1008, the CPU 101 registers the extension of the file selected in step S1003 as the extension 2052 and the file type selected in step S1006 in association with the file type 2051 in the file type management table 205, and registers in step S1009. Transition.
In step S1009, the CPU 101 copies the file selected in step S1003 to the HDD 203, registers the file in the file management table 204, and ends the process.

According to the above processing procedure, the MFP 202 confirms whether the extension of the file to be copied has been registered in the file type management table 205 after receiving a copy instruction for the file in the portable memory 206 from the user. If it is determined that the file has not been registered, the user is allowed to select a file type.
Then, by registering the extension and file type of the selected file in the file type management table 205, when printing a file having the same extension, the set file type is automatically selected. .
For example, it is assumed that the file “fff.jfif” in the portable memory 206 is selected as a file to be copied, and “JPEG” in the file type management table 205 is selected as the file type for extension registration.

In this case, “jfif” is registered in the file type management table 205 in association with “JPEG”. When printing, a file with the extension “jfif” is additionally displayed with “printable” when the file is displayed, and is printed with the file type “JPEG” without requiring the user to select the file type. can do.
The present invention can also be realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or various storage media, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, or the like) of the system or apparatus reads the program. It is a process to be executed.
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications (including organic combinations of the embodiments) are possible based on the spirit of the present invention, and these are excluded from the scope of the present invention. is not.

  Although various examples and embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will not limit the spirit and scope of the present invention to the specific description in the present specification.

202, 208 MFP 207 Personal computer

Claims (7)

An image processing apparatus for processing a file stored in a storage means,
Holding means for holding file management information in which processable file types and extensions are associated;
A determination unit that determines whether or not an extension of a file instructed by a user from a list of files stored in the storage unit has been registered, with reference to the file management information;
Corresponding means for associating the extension of the file instructed to be selected by the user and the registered extension when it is determined that the extension of the file instructed to be processed by the user by the determining means has not been registered When,
A discriminating unit for discriminating whether or not the file instructed to be processed with the registered extension associated with the correlating unit has been processed;
Control means for registering in the holding means the file extension determined by the determining means and the file type selected and designated by the user as the file management information;
An image processing apparatus comprising: A memory interface to retrieve files stored in portable memory;
Selection means for selecting candidates for files to be copied from the memory to the storage means via the memory interface;
When the determination unit determines that the extension of the file selected by the selection unit is not registered in the file management information, the control unit includes the extension of the file associated by the association unit and the user The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the file type selected and instructed is registered in the holding unit.   When the determination unit determines that the extension of the file selected by the selection unit is registered in the file management information, the control unit copies the file selected by the selection unit to the storage unit The image processing apparatus according to claim 2.   2. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein the file type designated by the user can be registered in the holding unit as the file management information before executing the process on the file instructed for processing. Image processing apparatus.   5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing instruction is a print instruction for the file. A file processing method in an image processing apparatus for processing a file stored in a storage unit with reference to file management information associated with a processable file type and extension held in a holding unit,
A determination step of determining whether or not an extension of a file instructed by a user from a list of files stored in the storage means is registered, and referring to the file management information;
When it is determined that the extension of the file instructed to be processed by the user in the determining step is not registered, the association for associating the extension of the instructed file specified by the user with the registered extension Process,
A determination step for determining whether or not the file instructed to be processed with the registered extension associated with the association step has been processed;
A control step for registering the extension of the file determined to have been processed by the determination step and the file type selected and designated by the user as the file management information in the holding unit;
A file processing method comprising:   A program for causing a computer to execute the file processing method according to claim 6.

Images