JP2011135420A - Image forming apparatus, method for controlling the same, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a mechanism capable of transmitting e-mail corresponding to a set providing method of an image file obtained by being scanned by setting the providing method of the image file to a destination to which the image file is transmitted. <P>SOLUTION: This image forming apparatus can transmit the e-mail by attaching the image file to it, and is provided with: an image file generation means for generating the image file of a document read by a reading means; a destination setting means for setting the destination to which the image file is transmitted; a providing method setting means for setting the providing method of the image file to the destination set by the destination setting means; an e-mail generation means for generating the e-mail according to the providing method set by the providing method setting means; and a transmitting means for transmitting the e-mail generated by the e-mail generation means to the destination set by the destination setting means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of transmitting an image file of a read original, a control method thereof, and a program.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a mechanism for digitizing a paper document is used in which a document is scanned by a multifunction device or the like, and image data of the scanned document is transmitted from the multifunction device to a client PC.

  With this mechanism, when image data is transmitted from a multifunction peripheral to a client PC, FTP or SMB is generally used.

  In this FTP, it is necessary to install an FTP server in each client PC, which is troublesome. In SMB, it is necessary to create a shared folder on the client PC, and there are cases where it cannot be used because it does not match the security policy of the company.

  Therefore, as in Patent Document 1, there is a mechanism for transmitting image data by mail.

JP 2005-210187 A

  However, the mechanism for transmitting image data by e-mail as in Patent Document 1 may place a load on the e-mail server.

  In particular, if you select multiple destinations (mail addresses) to be set on the multifunction device, the same electronic file is sent to all destinations, so sending large amounts of image data (files) is extremely mail. There was a problem that the server was loaded.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to set a method for providing an image file to a destination to which an image file obtained by scanning is transmitted, thereby transmitting a mail according to the set providing method. I will provide a.

  In addition, when sending an image file obtained by scanning, a mechanism that can perform mail transmission that reduces the load on the mail server by changing the method of providing the image file according to the data amount of the image file. provide.

  In order to achieve the object of the present invention, an image forming apparatus capable of sending an e-mail with an image file attached thereto, the image file generating means for generating an image file of a document read by the reading means; A destination setting unit for setting a destination to which the image file is transmitted, a providing method setting unit for setting the method for providing the image file for the destination set by the destination setting unit, and a setting by the providing method setting unit In accordance with the provided method, an email generation unit that generates the email, and a transmission unit that transmits the email generated by the email generation unit to a destination set by the destination setting unit. Features.

  A size acquisition unit that acquires a size of the image file acquired by the image file acquisition unit; a size determination unit that determines whether the size of the image file acquired by the size acquisition unit exceeds a predetermined size; The image file providing method to change the image file providing method for the destination set by the destination setting unit when the size determining unit determines that the size of the image file exceeds a predetermined size. The change screen display means for displaying the change screen for changing the image and the e-mail generation means generate an e-mail according to the image file providing method instructed to change by the change screen display means, and the size of the image file is predetermined. If it does not exceed the size, an email is generated according to the provision method set by the provision method setting means. Characterized in that

  The providing method includes a first method for attaching the image file to an email and a second method for adding image file information corresponding to the image file. In the case of the first method, an e-mail attached with the image file is generated, and in the case where the providing method is the second method, an e-mail to which image file information corresponding to the image file is added Is generated.

  The destination setting unit sets a plurality of destinations, the image file size does not exceed a predetermined size, and the image file providing method for the plurality of destinations set by the destination setting unit matches. The e-mail generating means generates an e-mail to send the image file to a plurality of destinations by one e-mail.

  The destination setting unit sets a plurality of destinations, and the e-mail generation unit generates an e-mail according to a method of providing the image file for the destination for each destination.

  In addition, an address acquisition unit that acquires an address corresponding to a user who has logged into the image forming apparatus is provided, and the destination setting unit sets a destination using the address acquired by the address acquisition unit.

  The destination setting unit sets a main destination and a sub destination, and a destination set using the address acquired by the destination acquisition unit is set as a main destination.

  The e-mail generation means sets the main destination to be identifiable as a destination of e-mail destination information, and sets the sub-destination to be identifiable as a carbon copy of the e-mail destination information. It is characterized by generating an e-mail.

  The e-mail generation means may generate an e-mail by setting the address acquired by the address acquisition means as a sender of e-mail sender information.

  Further, the second providing method is a method of attaching a thumbnail image of the electronic file to an electronic mail or a method of describing acquisition information for acquiring the electronic file in the mail.

  According to the present invention, by setting an image file providing method for a destination to which an image file obtained by scanning is transmitted, an email according to the set providing method can be transmitted.

  Further, when transmitting an image file obtained by scanning, mail transmission that reduces the load on the mail server can be performed by changing the method of providing the image file according to the data amount of the image file.

The figure which shows the system configuration | structure in this embodiment Block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus applicable to the authentication server 200, the mail server 300, and the client PC 400 Block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the controller unit of the multifunction machine 100 Functional block diagram showing functions of the multifunction peripheral 100 and the authentication server 200 Functional block diagram showing functions of mail server 300 and client PC 400 The figure which shows an example of the user table for managing user information in the authentication server 200 Screen that displays a list of recipients Destination details setting screen Address list screen after adding multiple addresses Address book reference screen when adding a destination A screen to notify the completion of email transmission Change screen for changing attachment settings Image diagram of mail sent to main (To) destination client PC in destination list An image of a mail transmitted to a client PC of a sub (Cc) destination in the destination list. Flow chart for logging in Flow chart for setting the destination Flow chart for sending mail to mail server 300 Flowchart for sending mail according to the second embodiment

[Embodiment 1]
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a print system to which a client PC, an authentication server, a multifunction peripheral (image forming apparatus), and a mail server according to the present invention can be applied.

  The client PC 400, the authentication server 200, the mail server 300, and the multi-function device 100 are communicably connected via a LAN 600 (network).

  The multi-function device 100 has a function of scanning and digitizing a paper document and a function of designating a destination designated by the user, attaching electronic data to an e-mail (hereinafter referred to as e-mail), and transmitting it to the mail server 300. The digitized data is temporarily stored in the HDD of the multi-function device 100, and the data designated for each destination can be attached to the mail, and the mail can be transmitted via the LAN 600.

  The authentication server 200 holds a definition file that holds the card ID 501 shown in FIG. 6 and user information (user name 602, mail address 603) associated with the card. The user is searched according to the card ID transmitted from the multifunction device 100. If the user exists, the user name 602 and the mail address 603 of the user information are returned to the multifunction device 100.

  The mail server 300 has a general SMTP function, receives a mail transmitted from the multifunction peripheral 100, and transfers it to the client PC 400 having a specified mail address.

A mail client is installed in the client PC 400, and this mail client can receive mail transferred from the mail server.

  Hereinafter, the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus applicable to the authentication server 200, the mail server 300, and the client PC 400 illustrated in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus applicable to the authentication server 200, the mail server 300, and the client PC 400 illustrated in FIG.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a CPU that comprehensively controls each device and controller connected to the system bus 204. Further, the ROM 202 or the external memory 211 is necessary to realize a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) or an operating system program (hereinafter referred to as an OS), which is a control program of the CPU 201, or a function executed by each server or each PC. Various programs to be described later are stored.

  A RAM 203 functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 201. The CPU 201 implements various operations by loading a program or the like necessary for execution of processing from the ROM 202 or the external memory 211 into the RAM 203 and executing the loaded program.

  An input controller 205 controls input from a keyboard (KB) 209 or a pointing device such as a mouse (not shown). A video controller 206 controls display on a display device such as a CRT display (CRT) 210. In FIG. 2, although described as CRT 210, the display device is not limited to the CRT, but may be another display device such as a liquid crystal display. These are used by the administrator as needed.

  A memory controller 207 is connected to the 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, etc. via an adapter. The access to the external memory 211 such as a compact flash (registered trademark) memory is controlled.

  A communication I / F controller 208 is connected to and communicates with an external device via a network (for example, the LAN 600 shown in FIG. 1), and executes communication control processing on the network. For example, communication using TCP / IP is possible.

  Note that the CPU 201 enables display on the CRT 210 by executing outline font rasterization processing on a display information area in the RAM 203, for example. In addition, the CPU 201 enables a user instruction with a mouse cursor (not shown) on the CRT 210.

  Various programs to be described later for realizing the present invention are recorded in the external memory 211 and executed by the CPU 201 by being loaded into the RAM 203 as necessary. Furthermore, definition files and various information tables used when executing the program are also stored in the external memory 211, and a detailed description thereof will be described later.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100 illustrated in FIG.

  In FIG. 3, reference numeral 316 denotes a controller unit which is connected to a scanner 314 functioning as an image input device and a printer unit 312 functioning as an image output device, while being connected to a LAN (for example, the LAN 600 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 316, reference numeral 301 denotes a CPU, which is a processor that controls the entire system. A RAM 302 is a system work memory for the CPU 301 to operate, and is also a program memory for recording a program and an image memory for temporarily recording image data.

  A ROM 303 stores a system boot program and various control programs. A hard disk drive (HDD) 304 stores various programs for controlling the system, image data, and the like.

  An operation unit interface (operation unit I / F) 307 is an interface unit with the operation unit (keyboard) 308. Further, the operation unit I / F 307 serves to transmit the key information (for example, pressing of the start button) input from the operation unit 308 to the CPU 301.

  A network interface (Network I / F) 305 is connected to the network (LAN) 600 and inputs / outputs data. In the present embodiment, in particular, mail is transmitted to the mail server via the network. A modem (MODEM) 306 is connected to a public line and inputs / outputs data such as FAX transmission / reception.

  Reference numeral 318 denotes an external interface (external I / F), which is an I / F unit that accepts external inputs such as USB, IEEE 1394, printer port, and RS-232C. In this embodiment, an IC card for a portable terminal required for authentication A card reader 319 for reading (storage medium) is connected to the external I / F unit 318. The CPU 301 can control reading of information from the IC card of the mobile terminal by the card reader 319 via the external I / F 318, and can acquire information read from the IC card of the mobile terminal. The above devices are arranged on the system bus 309.

  Reference numeral 320 denotes an image bus interface (IMAGE BUS I / F), which is a bus bridge that connects the system bus 309 and an image bus 315 that transfers image data at high speed and converts the data structure.

  The image bus 315 is configured by a PCI bus or IEEE1394. The following devices are arranged on the image bus 315.

  A raster image processor (RIP) 310 develops vector data such as a PDL code into a bitmap image. A printer interface (printer I / F) 311 connects the printer unit 312 and the controller unit 316 and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. A scanner interface (scanner I / F) 313 connects the scanner 314 and the controller unit 316 and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.

  An image processing unit 317 performs correction, processing, and editing on input image data, and performs printer correction, resolution conversion, and the like on print output image data. In addition to this, the image processing unit 317 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 314 illuminates an image on paper as a document 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 308, the CPU 301 gives an instruction to the scanner 314, and the feeder feeds the original paper one by one to read the original image. I do.

  The printer unit 312 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. The activation of the printing operation is started by an instruction from the CPU 301. The printer unit 312 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 thereto.

  The operation unit 308 has an LCD display unit, and a touch panel sheet is pasted on the LCD. The operation unit 308 displays an operation screen of the system. When a displayed key is pressed, the position information is displayed on the operation unit I / F 307. To the CPU 301 via The operation unit 308 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 308 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 308 functions to stop the operation in operation. The ID key of the operation unit 308 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 319 reads information stored in an IC card provided in the mobile terminal under the control of the CPU 301 and notifies the CPU 301 of the read information via the external I / F 318.

  With the configuration as described above, the multi-function device 100 can transmit the image data read from the scanner 314 to the LAN 600 and print out the print data received from the LAN 600 by the printer unit 312.

  Further, the image data read from the scanner 314 can be faxed to the public line by the modem 306, and the image data received by fax from the public line can be output by the printer unit 312.

  Hereinafter, functions in each terminal in the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

  In addition, since detailed description of each terminal will be described later with reference to flowcharts, here, description will be given using functional block diagrams described in various terminals.

  The functions of the multifunction peripheral 100 and the authentication server 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the MFP 100, an authentication module 1100 and a scan module 1200 are installed in the HDD 304, the authentication module 1100 has an authentication function 1101, and the scan module 1200 has a scan function 1201 and a mail transmission function 1202. Note that the functions of the authentication module 1100 and the scan module 1200 may be provided as functions in the main body control platform of the multifunction peripheral 100.

  The authentication server 200 includes an authentication service 2100, and the authentication service 2100 includes a user information management function 2101 and a user information response function 2102.

  The multi-function device 100 can communicate with the authentication server 200 via a network. Further, the multi-function device 100 can scan a paper document and convert it into electronic data.

  The authentication function 1101 reads the card ID of the logged-in user via the card reader 319 attached to the multi-function peripheral 100, and includes the card ID so that the user information response function 2102 of the authentication server 200 can receive the card ID. Send a request packet.

  Then, the response flag in the response packet returned by the user information response function 2102 of the authentication server 200 is acquired. If the authentication fails, a message indicating that the authentication has failed is displayed to the user, and the process is terminated. If the authentication is successful, user information (602 and 603 in FIG. 6) in the response packet is acquired, and login information including a user name 602 and a mail address 603 is generated.

  Further, in order to notify that the user has logged in, the login information is notified to the scan module.

  The scan function 1201 displays a destination setting screen as shown in FIGS. 7 to 12, and accepts a destination of a mail transmission destination and detailed attached information setting for each destination. In response to a scan execution request from the user, a paper document set in the multifunction peripheral 100 is scanned, converted into electronic data, and temporarily stored in the HDD 304.

  The mail transmission function 1202 attaches the electronic data stored in the HDD 304 to a mail for each destination set by the scan function 1201 so that it can be received by the mail reception function 3101 of the mail server 300.

  The user information management function 2101 stores and updates the user information table shown in FIG.

  The user information response function 2102 receives the authentication packet transmitted from the authentication function 1101 of the multifunction peripheral 100, and acquires card information (card ID) from the received authentication packet. The user information associated with the card information is searched from the user information table shown in FIG. 6, and the user information (user name 602, mail address 603) and response are returned to return the user name 602 and mail address 603 obtained as a result of the search. A response packet including a flag is returned.

  Next, functions of the mail server 300 and the client PC 400 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The mail server 300 has an SMTP service 3100, and the client PC 400 is installed with a mailer 4100 (mail client software) that can receive mail from the mail server.

  The SMTP service 3100 has a mail receiving function 3101 and a mail transfer function 3102, and the mailer 4100 (mail client software) has a mail receiving function 4101.

  The mail server 300 can communicate with the MFP 100 via a network, and the mail server 300 can communicate with the client PC 400 via a network.

  The mail reception function 3101 is a function as an SMTP server, and receives mail transmitted from the mail transmission function 1202 on the multifunction peripheral 100.

  The mail transfer function 3102 is a function as an SMTP server, and transfers the mail received by the mail reception function 3101 to the client PC 400 corresponding to the mail address of the transfer destination.

  The mail receiving function 4101 receives mail transmitted from the mail server 300 and displays the text and attached file separately for the user.

  Next, this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart of user authentication processing according to the embodiment of the present invention. Each process will be described together with the number of steps.

  Note that step S1501, step S1502, and step S1504 to step S1506 are executed by the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral 100. In addition, step S1503 is executed by the CPU 201 of the authentication server 200.

  In step S1501, the card reader reads the card ID by holding the card over the card reader 319 connected to the multifunction peripheral 100 as a user operation. The authentication function 1101 of the multifunction peripheral 100 acquires the card ID read by the card reader 319. In addition to the card ID, the user ID may be used when the user ID is stored in the card.

  In the case where the user name and password are held in the user information table as shown in FIG. 6 held by the authentication server 200, the user name and password are sent from the operation unit of the multifunction peripheral 100 to the user. Alternatively, the user name and password may be acquired.

  In step S1502, when the authentication function 1101 acquires a card ID (or a user name password), the authentication function 1101 generates a user authentication request packet including an authentication request flag for user authentication and a card ID, and transmits the user authentication request packet to the authentication server 200.

  In step S <b> 1503, the user information response function 2102 acquires a card ID from the authentication request packet transmitted from the multifunction device 100. Further, the user information table of FIG. 6 is searched using the acquired card ID as a key (for example, 001 to 009), the user name 602 and the mail address 603 are acquired, and an authentication response packet including the user name 602 is generated. Send back.

  In step S1504, the authentication function 1101 receives an authentication response packet from the authentication server 200. The user name and e-mail address (user information) are acquired from the received packet. Also, login information is generated based on the acquired user information, and is notified to the scan function 1201 of the multifunction peripheral 100.

  In step S <b> 1505, when the login information is notified from the authentication function 1101, the scan function 1201 acquires the user name and mail address in the login information and stores them in the RAM 302.

  Next, FIG. 16 is a flowchart when a destination is added in the embodiment of the present invention. Each process will be described together with the number of steps.

  Note that steps S1601 to S1618 are executed by the CPU 301 of the multifunction machine 100.

  When logging in to the multifunction device 100 in step S1506, in step S1601, the scan function 1201 displays a mail transmission screen as shown in FIG. 7 on the operation screen of the operation unit 308 of the multifunction device 100.

  In step S <b> 1602, the scan function 1201 holds the logged-in user name in the RAM 302 in order to display the logged-in user name in the MFP 100 in FIG. 7.

  In step S <b> 1603, the scan function 1201 acquires the mail address corresponding to the displayed user name from the login information and stores it in the RAM 302.

  In step S1604, the scan function 1201 displays the user name held in step S1602 on the mail transmission screen shown in FIG. Note that the maximum capacity of the attached file is read and displayed on the setting information (maximum capacity of the attached file) stored in the setting file that can be referred to by the scan module 1200. Note that the maximum capacity of the attached file is information that can be changed by the administrator depending on the operation.

  In step S <b> 1605, the scan function 1201 generates an empty destination list for holding a mail transmission destination and stores it in the RAM 302.

  In step S1606, the scan function 1201 adds the mail address of the login user stored in the RAM 302 in step S1603 as the main address to the destination list generated in step S1605 (destination setting).

  At that time, [all data] (attachment) is held as attachment file information in the destination detailed information (providing method). In the present embodiment, “all data” (attachment) is designated as the default attached information of the main destination, but a configuration in which the default value can be changed by application settings may be used. In other words, it is a process of setting a method for providing all data (electronic data (file) generated in step S1705) to a user (client PC 400) by attaching it to an email.

  The main address may be designated by the user from the address book held in the multi-function device 100 without setting the login user's address as a default setting.

  In step S1607, the processing in steps S1608 to S1619 is processing for adding a new destination (destination setting). When adding a plurality of destinations, Steps S1608 to S1619 are repeated as many times as the number of times the user's designation is accepted.

  In step S1608, when a new destination is added, pressing of the [add destination] button on the mail transmission screen shown in FIG. 7 is accepted.

  In step S1609, the scan function 1201 accepts that the [add destination] button has been pressed, and displays the add destination screen shown in FIG.

  In step S1610, whether or not the pressing of the [reference address book] button on the destination addition screen shown in FIG. Determine. If the pressing of the address book reference button is accepted, the process proceeds to step S1612. If the address book reference button is not pressed and the instruction to the address input field on the destination addition screen in FIG. The process moves to step S1611.

  In step S1611, input of a destination address is directly accepted from the address input field on the destination addition screen in FIG. For input, a soft keyboard is displayed on the operation unit to allow the user to input.

  In step S1612, the scan function 1201 displays the address book screen shown in FIG. In the address book screen, the mail address data managed by the multifunction device 100 is acquired and displayed.

  In step S1613, selection of a destination address to be added is accepted from the address book screen of FIG.

  In step S1614, when the [Add] button on the address book screen in FIG. 10 is pressed, the address selected in step S1613 is acquired. Although only one destination can be set on the destination addition screen of FIG. 8, in the case of referring to the address book, when a plurality of destinations are selected on the address book screen of FIG. 10, a configuration in which a plurality of destinations can be added at once. There may be.

  In step S1615, the scan function 1201 displays the address selected in step S1614 in the address input field of the address addition screen in FIG. When a plurality of addresses are selected on the address book screen, it is possible to edit the plurality of addresses by pulling down the address input field in FIG. At this time, when [Set to main (To)] on the address addition screen in FIG. 8 is checked, it is added as the main address. When the check is not added, it is added as a sub (Cc (carbon copy)) address. The destination (address) set as “main” is set in the mail so that it can be identified as the destination (To) of the transmission information (header part) of the mail. Further, the destination (address) set as sub is set in the mail so that it can be identified as Cc (carbon copy) of the mail destination information (header part).

  In step S1616, when an address is displayed in the address input field, an input for setting an attached file to be added to the added address is accepted.

  For the setting of the attached file, “all data (attached)”, “thumbnail”, and “link URL” can be set. “All data” is a setting for attaching all scanned data to an email (setting for attaching electronic data (file) generated in step S1705 to an email). “Thumbnail” is a setting for generating thumbnail data of a predetermined page of scanned data among the scanned data and attaching it to an email. The “link URL” is a setting for writing link information (acquisition information for acquiring electronic data) including a storage destination from which electronic data generated by scanning a document can be acquired in an email. In other words, the attachment file setting (attachment setting) sets a method of providing electronic data (file) to the user (client PC 400) using at least one of all data, thumbnails, and link URL. . Note that “all data” is a first method of attaching image data (file) to an email, and “thumbnail” and “link URL” are second methods of adding image file information corresponding to the image data (file). It is also possible to paraphrase.

  In step S1617, when all the settings for adding an address have been completed, the user accepts pressing of the [Add] button on the FIG. 8 address addition screen.

  In step S1618, when the [Add] button is pressed in step S1617, the scan function 1201 displays the mail transmission screen of FIG. 9 displaying the addresses additionally set in steps S1611 to S1617. Information including the address and setting information (main / sub and attached settings) added at this time is added to the destination list of the RAM 302 generated in step S1605.

  Next, FIG. 17 is a flowchart from document scanning to mail transmission in the embodiment of the present invention. Each process will be described together with the number of steps.

  Steps S1701 to S1726 are executed by the CPU 301 of the MFP 100.

  In step S1701, the user accepts pressing of the [Send] button on the mail transmission screen in FIG.

  In step S <b> 1702, when the “Send” button is pressed in step S <b> 1701, the scan function 1201 starts reading processing of a document set in the scanner unit 314 of the multifunction peripheral 100. Specifically, the scan module 1200 issues a document reading request to the main body control platform of the multifunction peripheral 100, and issues a document reading request from the main body control platform to the scanner unit.

  Note that the processing in steps S1703 to S1704 is repeated for the number of documents.

  In step S <b> 1703, the scanner unit 314 of the multifunction peripheral 100 reads the set originals one by one from the scan function 1201 according to the original reading request.

  In step S <b> 1704, the scanner unit 314 of the multifunction peripheral 100 passes the scanned original electronic data (image data) to the scan function 1201. Upon receiving the electronic data, the scan function 1201 stores electronic data for one document in the HDD 304 of the multifunction peripheral 100.

  In step S1705, when all the reading of the document is completed, all the electronic data is converted into a single electronic data (one file) in a predetermined file format (TIFF or PDF) and stored in the HDD 304 (image file acquisition). ). After storing the electronic data (one file) in the HDD 304, the scan function 1201 generates and holds a URL associated with the storage location of the electronic data. The URL created here is used when downloading the electronic data generated in step S1704 from the client PC. Also, the electronic data stored in the HDD 304 in step S1704 is automatically deleted after a predetermined time has elapsed.

  In step S1706, the scan function 1201 acquires [maximum capacity of attached file] displayed on the mail transmission screen shown in FIG.

  In step S1707, the scan function 1201 determines whether there is a destination to which electronic data (all data) of all pages needs to be attached from the destination list generated in step S1605.

  In step S1708, if there is a destination to which the electronic data of all pages needs to be attached in step S1707, the scan function 1201 collects all the electronic data for one page saved in step S1704 (1 Get the file size (data amount) of (file) (size acquisition).

  In the present embodiment, generation of electronic data (one file) is performed in step S1705, but it may be performed in step S1708. In this case, the URL is changed so that the electronic data (one file) generated in step S1708 can be downloaded.

  In step S1709, the scan function 1201 determines whether the file size acquired in step S1708 exceeds the maximum capacity (predetermined size) of the attached file stored in the RAM 302 in step S1706 (size determination).

  In the present embodiment, since the mails for the destinations in the destination list are transmitted, even if the file size of the electronic data (one file) is small, the total file size becomes large. Therefore, when electronic data (one file) is sent to all destinations, it is determined whether “number of destinations × file size of electronic data (one file)” exceeds the maximum capacity of the attached file. In this form, if “the number of destinations × the file size of electronic data (1 file)” exceeds the maximum capacity of the attached file, the process proceeds to step S1710, and “the number of destinations × the file size of electronic data (1 file)”. If does not exceed the maximum capacity of the attached file, the process proceeds to step S1712.

  In step S1710, when the scan function 1201 determines in step S1709 that the file size acquired in step S1708 exceeds the maximum capacity of the attached file, the scan function 1201 displays the attachment setting change screen shown in FIG. That is, the attached setting change screen is a change screen for changing the method of providing image data (file).

  In step S1711, an attachment setting change instruction corresponding to a user operation is received via the attachment setting change screen, and the attachment setting is changed for each of the main (main) and sub (sub) destination categories.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in the case of main, [All data] [Thumbnail] [Link URL] can be selected. Even if the size of the file acquired in step S1708 exceeds the [maximum capacity of attached file held] in the memory in step S1706, it is permitted to attach all data only to the main destination.

  In the present embodiment, it is configured to allow attachment of all data only to the main destination. However, it is also possible not to permit attachment of all data even to the main destination. is there. This is described in the setting file that can be referred to by the scan module 1200 held by the multi-function peripheral 100, whether or not to allow attachment of all data to the main destination. Even if it is a main destination, when it is not permitted to attach all data, control is performed in the same manner as a sub destination.

  In the case of a sub destination, since attachment of all data is not permitted, selection is made from [Thumbnail] or [Link URL]. If the setting is made here, the attachment setting of the destination belonging to each of main and sub is changed and stored in the destination list generated in step S1605.

  In step S1712, the scan function 1201 determines whether there is a destination to which a thumbnail needs to be attached (a destination having a thumbnail setting) from the destination list generated in step S1605.

  In step S <b> 1713, if the scan function 1201 determines in step S <b> 1712 that there is a destination to which a thumbnail needs to be attached, it generates a thumbnail file of the first page and stores it in the HDD 304 of the multifunction peripheral 100.

  In the present embodiment, the thumbnail of the first page is generated. However, when the thumbnail is generated, the electronic data generated in step S1705 is previewed page by page on the operation display unit of the multi-function device 100 and designated as an attached thumbnail. You may make it select a page.

  In step S1714, by repeating the processing from step S1715 to step S1724, a mail is generated according to the attachment setting for each destination in the destination list (e-mail generation). Since the scan function 1201 and the mail transmission function 1202 are functions realized in the scan module, the mail transmission function 1202 can refer to / operate the electronic data generated by the scan function 1201 and the data held in the RAM 302.

  That is, it is a process of creating a mail according to the set electronic data (file) providing method.

  In step S1715, the mail transmission function 1202 acquires one piece of destination information (mail address and setting information (attached information)) from the destination information stored in the destination list.

  In step S1716, the mail transmission function 1202 acquires the attachment setting from the destination information acquired in step S1715.

  In step S1717, the mail transmission function 1202 generates a mail text as shown in FIG. 13 or FIG. 14 so that the user can acquire the image data. The user who sent the email is described in the email body. In the [Destination] field in the mail text, the destination (mail address) included in the destination list and the information to be attached specified by the attachment setting are described. This is because when the mail is sent, since the sender is the multifunction device 100, the From is the multifunction device 100, and both the main address and the sub address are set to the mail To. This is to allow the user to recognize which user sent as the actual To and which user sent as the actual Cc.

  In step S1718, the mail transmission function 1202 acquires attachment information from the destination information acquired in step S1715, and determines whether all data needs to be attached.

  In step S1719, if the mail transmission function 1202 determines that all data needs to be attached in step S1718, the mail transmission function 1202 attaches the attachment file of all data generated in step S1704 to the mail.

  In step S1720, the mail transmission function 1202 acquires attachment information from the destination information acquired in step S1715, and determines whether thumbnail attachment is necessary.

  In step S1721, the mail transmission function 1202 attaches the thumbnail generated in step S1713 to the mail when it is determined in step S1720 that the thumbnail needs to be attached.

  In step S1722, the mail transmission function 1202 acquires attached information from the destination information acquired in step S1715, and determines whether it is necessary to attach a link URL with the attached information.

  In step S1723, if the mail transmission function 1202 determines that the link URL needs to be attached in step S1722, the mail transmission function 1202 attaches the link URL generated in step S1705 to the mail.

  In step S1724, the mail transmission function 1202 transmits the mail data generated in steps S1715 to S1723 with the address of the destination information acquired in step S1715 set to To.

  The mail is sent to the mail server 300 so that the mail receiving function 3101 can receive the mail. The mail receiving function 3101 that receives the mail sends the mail to the destination client PC 400 using a general SMTP protocol. Send.

  In this embodiment, since both main and sub are set to the mail To and transmitted, the sending user and the destination are described in the mail text. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration.

  For example, as is possible with a normal mailer, when sending mail to the main destination, the mail address of the user who has logged into From is set, and the main destination is set to To. Then, according to the attachment setting, electronic data or a thumbnail is attached, or a URL is described and transmitted to the mail server 300. In this case, the information on the sending user in the mail text need not be described.

  Also. When sending a mail to a sub destination, the mail address of the user who has logged into From is set, the mail address given to the MFP 100 is set to To, and the sub destination is set to Cc. In the [Destination] field in the mail text, the main destination (mail address) and the information attached to the main specified in the attachment setting are described. Further, according to the attachment setting, electronic data or thumbnails are attached, or a URL is described and transmitted to the mail server 300. In this case, when the multi-function device 100 receives this mail, it is automatically deleted or is not sent to the multi-function device 100 by the mail server 300. In this case, it is not necessary to describe the information of the sending user in the mail text.

  In the above, since the mail information to be transmitted is different between main and sub (all data, thumbnails, URLs, etc.), separate mail is created and transmitted by main and sub. If both main and sub are the same, it is also possible to transmit by one mail. In this case, the main address is set in To, the sub address is set in Cc, and the e-mail address of the login user is set in From, and the electronic data or thumbnail or URL information corresponding to the attachment setting is added and transmitted.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the sub is configured to have the same attachment setting. However, the attachment setting may be changed for each sub destination. That is, for a sub, all the addresses of the sub are set in the Cc of one mail and transmitted, but if the attachment setting is different for each sub destination, a mail is created and transmitted for each sub destination. Configure as follows.

  In step S1725, the mail transmission function 1202 issues a mail transmission completion notification to the scan function 1201 when mail transmission to all the destinations in the destination list is completed. Upon receiving the mail transmission completion notification, the scan function 1201 displays a mail transmission completion dialog as shown in FIG.

  Further, the scan function 1201 deletes the attached file of all data generated in step S1705.

  In step S1726, the scan function 1201 deletes the thumbnail file generated in step S1713.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when transmitting an image file obtained by scanning, it is possible to change the method of providing the image file according to the data amount of the image file and reduce the load on the mail server. .

  Further, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to set an image file providing method for each destination to which an image file obtained by scanning is transmitted, and to send an email according to the set providing method.

  In addition, when a plurality of destinations are selected, the contents to be attached to each destination can be selected. All data is transmitted to a user who needs detailed information, and only a thumbnail of electronic data and a URL of a storage destination can be transmitted to a destination for which only an overview is desired. As a result, only the minimum necessary data can be transmitted to the necessary destination, and the load on the mail server can be reduced.

[Embodiment 2]
In the first embodiment, the number of destinations in the destination list is created, and the mail is sent to the mail server 300. However, in the present embodiment, all the data (one file is stored) for all destinations in the destination list. The processing when image data can be transmitted will be described.

  More specifically, since the attachment setting when the destination is set in the destination list is the default all data setting, all the destinations are all the data setting unless the user changes the attachment setting. For this reason, when the size of the data to be attached is small, a process is performed in which a plurality of destinations are set for one mail and the data is attached and transmitted without creating as many mails as the number of destinations.

  Hereinafter, Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

  Regarding the other drawings, the first embodiment and the second embodiment are equivalent, and the description thereof is omitted.

  In FIG. 18, the CPU 301 executes each step of the multifunction machine 100.

  In addition, it is realizable by replacing the process of step S1709 of FIG. 17 with the process of FIG. Accordingly, the same processing as in FIG. 17 is assigned the same step number, and the description thereof is omitted. That is, the processing of FIG. 18 is performed when the capacity (size) of image data does not exceed the maximum capacity (predetermined size) of the attached file, and the attachment settings (providing methods) for a plurality of destinations set in the destination list match. In addition, it is a process for generating mail so that image data (file) is sent to a plurality of destinations by one mail (e-mail generation).

  In step S1801, the file size (size) acquired in step S1708 is processing that does not exceed the maximum size (size) of the attached file. It is determined whether the attachment setting for all destinations in the destination list is a setting for all data (a file in which image data for each scanned page is combined into one). That is, it is determined whether or not the default setting is used.

  If the attachment setting for all destinations is the setting for all data, the process proceeds to step S1802. If the attachment setting for all destinations is not the setting for all data, the process proceeds to step S1712.

  In step S1802, the data (file) generated in step S1705 is acquired, and a mail attached with the acquired data (file) is generated (e-mail generation).

  In step S1803, the main address is set in the TO of the generated mail, and the sub address is set in the CC. At this time, the address of the user who has logged into From may be set.

  In step S1804, the mail with the data attached in step S1802 and the destination (TO or CC) set in step S1803 is transmitted to the mail server 300.

  As described above, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, in this embodiment, all destinations are all data settings (normal file attachment), and all data (files) have a predetermined size (maximum capacity of attached file). ), The transmission efficiency can be improved because it can be transmitted by one mail.

  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.

  The program according to the present invention is a program that allows a computer to execute the processing method of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, and the storage medium according to the present invention is a program that allows the computer to execute the processing method of FIGS. Is remembered. Note that 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 MFP 200 Authentication Server 300 Mail Server 400 Client PC
600 LAN
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1100 Authentication module 1200 Scan module 2100 Authentication service 3100 SMTP service 4100 Mailer 201 CPU
203 RAM
301 CPU
302 RAM

Claims (12)

An image forming apparatus capable of sending an e-mail with an image file attached thereto,
Image file generating means for generating an image file of a document read by the reading means;
Destination setting means for setting a destination to which the image file is transmitted;
Providing method setting means for setting a method for providing the image file for the destination set by the destination setting means;
In accordance with the providing method set by the providing method setting means, an e-mail generating means for generating the e-mail;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a transmission unit configured to transmit an electronic mail generated by the electronic mail generation unit to a destination set by the destination setting unit. Size acquisition means for acquiring the size of the image file acquired by the image file acquisition means;
Size determination means for determining whether or not the size of the image file acquired by the size acquisition means exceeds a predetermined size;
When the size determining unit determines that the size of the image file exceeds a predetermined size, the image file providing method is to change the image file providing method for the destination set by the destination setting unit. A change screen display means for displaying a change screen to be changed;
The e-mail generation unit generates an e-mail according to the image file providing method instructed to change by the change screen display unit, and when the size of the image file does not exceed a predetermined size, the providing method setting unit The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an e-mail is generated according to the set providing method. The providing method includes a first method of attaching the image file to an e-mail and a second method of adding image file information corresponding to the image file,
The e-mail generation means generates an e-mail attached with the image file when the providing method is the first method, and the image file when the providing method is the second method. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein an e-mail to which image file information corresponding to is added is generated. The destination setting means sets a plurality of destinations,
When the size of the image file does not exceed a predetermined size and the providing method of the image file for a plurality of destinations set by the destination setting unit matches, the e-mail generation unit selects the image file as one 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein an e-mail is generated to be sent to a plurality of destinations by e-mail. The destination setting means sets a plurality of destinations,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the e-mail generation unit generates an e-mail for each destination according to a method for providing the image file to the destination. Address acquisition means for acquiring an address corresponding to a user who has logged into the image forming apparatus,
6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the destination setting unit sets a destination using the address acquired by the address acquisition unit. The destination setting means sets a main destination and a sub destination,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the destination set using the address acquired by the destination acquisition unit is set as a main destination.   The e-mail generating means sets the main destination as identifiable as a destination of e-mail destination information, and sets the sub-destination as identifiable as a carbon copy of e-mail destination information. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, wherein:   9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the e-mail generation unit sets the address acquired by the address acquisition unit as a sender of e-mail transmission information and generates an e-mail.   4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the second providing method is a method of attaching a thumbnail image of the electronic file to an e-mail or a method of writing acquisition information for acquiring the electronic file in the e-mail. Image forming apparatus. A method of controlling an image forming apparatus capable of transmitting an image file attached to an e-mail,
An image file generation step for generating an image file of a document read by the reading unit;
A destination setting step for setting a destination to which the image file is transmitted;
A providing method setting step of setting a method of providing the image file for the destination set in the destination setting step;
In accordance with the providing method set in the providing method setting step, an e-mail generating step for generating the e-mail;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a transmission step of transmitting the electronic mail generated in the electronic mail generation step to the destination set in the destination setting step. A program that can be executed by an image forming apparatus capable of sending an e-mail with an image file attached thereto,
The image forming apparatus;
Image file generating means for generating an image file of a document read by the reading means;
Destination setting means for setting a destination to which the image file is transmitted;
Providing method setting means for setting a method for providing the image file for the destination set by the destination setting means;
In accordance with the providing method set by the providing method setting means, an e-mail generating means for generating the e-mail;
A program for causing an e-mail generated by the e-mail generating means to function as a transmitting means for transmitting to an address set by the address setting means.

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