JP2012054728A - Image processing system, image processing apparatus, scan ticket server, image processing method, and program of the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent, when a scan ticket is used, a usage instruction of the scan ticket which is not to be used after used this time, even when the scan ticket is processed in a background.SOLUTION: When the scan ticket designated from a composite machine is a scan ticket which is not to be used again, a scan ticket server reserves the scan ticket and the reserved scan ticket is not to be displayed in a list. This ensures consistency that the used scan ticket is not to be displayed in the list of scan tickets even when execution of the scan ticket is processed in the background by the composite machine.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing system, an image processing device, a scan ticket server, an image processing method, and a program thereof, and in particular, an image processing system, an image processing device, a scan ticket server, and an image processing that can easily execute a reading process by using a scan ticket. The present invention relates to a method and a program thereof.

  In the past, companies have increasingly digitized paper documents with image processing apparatuses. In addition, image processing apparatuses have become more sophisticated, and various reading settings can be made when digitizing. The user can also set information on where to send the read image on the image processing apparatus.

  However, increasing the number of setting items complicates digitization and makes it easy to make mistakes, and there are cases in which operations are not necessarily made efficient by digitization.

  Therefore, in Patent Document 1, the image reading attribute and the transfer destination of the read image are registered in the server in advance as a job template (scan ticket), and the user uses the scan ticket when reading an image with the image processing apparatus. A mechanism that can easily read an image is disclosed.

JP 2010-035151 A

  The technique described in Patent Document 1 is configured such that the maximum number of stored files is described in a scan ticket, and a specific individual repeatedly uses the scan ticket until the maximum number of stored files is reached.

  However, if the amount of data of an image obtained by one scan process is enormous, it takes time to complete data transmission. In order to solve this, a configuration in which data transmission after scanning is performed in the background asynchronously with the user's operation is conceivable. By doing so, the user can perform the next operation after waiting for the end of data transmission after scanning.

  However, at this time, on the server side that receives the data, the data reception is not yet completed, and the ticket processing is not completed. Therefore, if the user updates the ticket information when performing the next operation, there is a problem that the ticket that should have been processed immediately before can be seen in an incomplete state.

  In actual scan ticket operation, there are cases where a ticket is shared by a plurality of people in addition to the above case. For example, when the boss wants all his subordinates to scan a fair pamphlet. In such a case, the boss issues a shared ticket that can be used by all subordinates, but only one of the subordinates needs to scan using the ticket. At this time, if subordinates use the shared ticket all at once, inconsistencies such as overwriting data uploaded by other users may occur.

  On the other hand, scan tickets can be used only once, or can be reused many times. For example, the former is a ticket for application for transportation expenses, and the latter is a ticket that is sent to its shared directory. Therefore, it is necessary to deal with the combined use of a scan ticket that can be used only once and a reusable ticket.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism that prevents the use of a scan ticket when a scan ticket is used, even if the scan ticket is not used after this use, even if it is processed in the background. Is to provide.

  The present invention executes a paper document reading process and a scan ticket server that manages a scan ticket in which instructions for transmitting image data of the read paper document are defined, and performs a paper document reading process The scan ticket server can use the scan ticket, reuse information indicating whether the scan ticket is reused after use, and the scan ticket. Ticket storage means for storing user information in an identifiable manner, and a scan ticket stored in the ticket storage means according to the user information received from the image processing apparatus, the scan ticket being usable in the user information Ticket transmission means for transmitting to the image processing apparatus, and execution is instructed from the image processing apparatus. A reservation setting unit configured to set reservation information indicating that the scan ticket instructed to be executed is reserved when the reuse information indicates that the scan ticket is not used again after use, The image processing apparatus sends a request for a scan ticket including user information logged in to the image processing apparatus to the scan ticket server from the scan ticket server in response to the request. Ticket acquisition means for acquiring available scan tickets, reception means for receiving a user instruction for selecting a scan ticket to be used from a plurality of scan tickets acquired by the ticket acquisition means, and user instructions received by the reception means The execution of the selected scan ticket is instructed. An execution notification means for notifying the scan ticket server of the fact that the image data obtained by executing the scan ticket is defined by the scan ticket in response to a user instruction received by the reception means. Image transmitting means for transmitting according to the contents of the instruction, the image transmitting means of the image processing apparatus is processed in the background, and the ticket transmitting means of the scan ticket server is a scan ticket that can be used as user information The scan ticket for which reservation information is not set by the reservation setting means is transmitted to the image processing apparatus.

  In addition, the reservation setting unit of the scan ticket server may be configured to respond to the scan ticket instructed to be executed when the reuse information indicates that the scan ticket instructed to be used is reused after use. It is characterized by not making a reservation.

  The scan ticket server includes image data receiving means for receiving image data read from the image processing apparatus and ticket identification information for identifying a scan ticket, and ticket identification information received by the image data receiving means. An image processing apparatus that transmits the image data to the reservation information set by the reservation setting means when the re-use information indicates that the re-use information is a scan ticket that is not used again after the use of the scan ticket; When it is determined that the same image processing device is set to be reserved, the match determination unit and the match determination unit do not match, an image data transmission error is sent to the image processing device. An error notification means for notifying is further provided.

  The scan ticket server receives the image data received by the image data receiving unit when the match determining unit determines that they match, the reservation information set by the reservation setting unit, and the scan The apparatus further includes a deleting unit that deletes the ticket.

  Further, the scan ticket server determines that the scan ticket instructed to be executed is not used again after use by the reuse information, and is determined to be matched by the match determining unit In this case, the assigning unit that assigns a serial number to the file name of the image data received by the image data receiving unit, and the image data that the serial number is assigned to the file name by the assigning unit are stored at the storage destination of the image data. And a second image transmitting means for transmitting to a document management apparatus.

  In addition, the image processing apparatus further includes a reuse determination unit that determines, based on the reuse information, whether or not the scan ticket selected and designated by the user is to be reused after use. When it is determined by the means to use again, the setting of the reservation information is requested to the scan ticket server, and when it is determined that the reuse determination means does not use again, the setting of the reservation information is set. A request is made to the scan ticket server.

  In the invention of the present application, the scan ticket in which the instruction content for executing the reading process of the paper document and transmitting the image data of the read paper document is defined, and whether the scan ticket is used again after use is used. The ticket storage means for storing the reusable information indicating the user information that can use the scan ticket in an identifiable manner, and the scan stored in the ticket storage means according to the user information received from the image processing apparatus The ticket transmission means for transmitting a scan ticket that can be used with the user information to the image processing apparatus, and that the scan ticket instructed to be executed by the image processing apparatus is not used again after use. When indicated by usage information, indicates that the scan ticket instructed to be executed is reserved A request for a scan ticket including user information logged into the image processing apparatus, which is capable of communicating with a scan ticket server having reservation setting means for setting about information and that executes a reading process of a paper document A ticket requesting unit for the scan ticket server, a ticket acquisition unit for acquiring a scan ticket usable with the user information from the scan ticket server in response to the request, and a plurality of units acquired by the ticket acquisition unit. Receiving means for receiving a user instruction to select a scan ticket to be used from the scan ticket, and in response to the user instruction received by the receiving means to the execution of the selected scan ticket to the scan ticket server The execution notifying means for notifying and receiving by the receiving means Image transmission means for transmitting image data obtained by executing the scan ticket in accordance with a user instruction according to the instruction content defined in the scan ticket, and the image transmission means of the image processing apparatus comprises: The ticket acquisition means is a scan ticket that can be used as user information, and the scan ticket for which reservation information is not set by the reservation setting means of the scan ticket server is scanned. It is obtained from a ticket server.

  In addition, a ticket request unit that makes a request for a scan ticket including user information logged into the image processing apparatus to the scan ticket server, a ticket acquisition unit that acquires a scan ticket that can be used with the user information in response to the request, A receiving unit that receives a user instruction to select a scan ticket to be used from a plurality of scan tickets acquired by the ticket acquiring unit, and an instruction to execute the selected scan ticket according to the user instruction received by the receiving unit The execution notification means for notifying the scan ticket server of the fact that it has been performed, and the image data obtained by executing the scan ticket according to the user instruction received by the reception means is defined by the scan ticket. Send in the background according to the instructions A scan ticket server capable of communicating with an image processing apparatus including an image transmission unit, wherein the scan ticket, reuse information indicating whether the scan ticket is used again after use, and use of the scan ticket are possible Ticket storage means for storing identifiable user information, and a scan ticket stored in the ticket storage means in accordance with user information received from the image processing apparatus, the scan ticket being usable with the user information The ticket transmission means for transmitting to the image processing apparatus, and when the reuse information indicates that the scan ticket instructed to be executed from the image processing apparatus is not used again after use, the execution is instructed. Reservation setting means for setting reservation information indicating that a scan ticket is reserved And the ticket transmission means of the scan ticket server transmits a scan ticket that can be used as user information and for which reservation information is not set by the reservation setting means to the image processing apparatus. And

  In the invention of the present application, the scan ticket in which the instruction content for executing the reading process of the paper document and transmitting the image data of the read paper document is defined, and whether the scan ticket is used again after use is used. Processing including a scan ticket server including ticket storage means for recognizing reusable information indicating user information and user information that can use the scan ticket, and an image processing apparatus that executes a paper document reading process An image processing method in a system, wherein a ticket transmission unit of the scan ticket server is a scan ticket stored in the ticket storage unit according to user information received from the image processing device, and is used with the user information A ticket transmission step of transmitting a possible scan ticket to the image processing apparatus; If the reuse information indicates that the scan ticket instructed to be executed by the image processing apparatus is not used again after use, the reservation setting means of the cancel ticket server indicates that the scan ticket instructed to be executed is A reservation setting step for setting reservation information indicating reservation, and the ticket requesting means of the image processing apparatus sends a request for a scan ticket including user information logged into the image processing apparatus to the scan ticket. A ticket requesting step to be performed on a server, a ticket acquiring step in which a ticket acquisition unit of the image processing apparatus acquires a scan ticket usable with the user information from the scan ticket server in response to the request, and the image processing apparatus Of the plurality of scans acquired in the ticket acquisition step. A reception step for receiving a user instruction to select a scan ticket to be used from the cancel ticket, and the execution notification unit of the image processing apparatus is instructed to execute the selected scan ticket in accordance with the user instruction received in the reception step. An execution notification step of notifying the scan ticket server of the fact, and image data obtained by executing the scan ticket in response to a user instruction received by the image transmission means of the image processing apparatus in the reception step An image transmission step that transmits the image according to the instruction content defined in the scan ticket, wherein the image transmission step is processed in the background, and the ticket transmission step can be used with user information. A scan ticket, the reservation setting step A scan ticket in which reservation information is not set in the group is transmitted to the image processing apparatus.

  The present invention also relates to a scan ticket server that manages a scan ticket in which instructions for executing read processing of a paper document and transmitting image data of the read paper document are defined, and read processing of the paper document A program executed by an image processing system including an image processing apparatus for executing the scan ticket server, the scan ticket, reuse information indicating whether the scan ticket is used again after use, Ticket storage means for storing user information that can use a scan ticket in an identifiable manner, and a scan ticket stored in the ticket storage means in accordance with user information received from the image processing apparatus, the user information Ticket transmitting means for transmitting a scan ticket usable in the image processing apparatus to the image processing apparatus; When the reuse information indicates that the scan ticket instructed to be executed from the image processing apparatus is not used again after use, reservation information indicating that the scan ticket instructed to be executed is reserved is set. Functioning as a reservation setting unit that performs a request for a scan ticket including user information logged in to the image processing device to the scan ticket server, and a scan request in response to the request. A ticket acquisition unit that acquires a scan ticket that can be used with the user information from a ticket server; a reception unit that receives a user instruction to select a scan ticket to be used from a plurality of scan tickets acquired by the ticket acquisition unit; Selected according to the user instruction received by the receiving means. The execution notification means for notifying the scan ticket server that the execution of the scan ticket has been instructed, and the image data obtained by executing the scan ticket in accordance with the user instruction received by the reception means, It functions as an image transmission unit that transmits according to the instruction content defined in the scan ticket, the image transmission unit of the image processing apparatus is processed in the background, and the ticket transmission unit of the scan ticket server includes: A scan ticket that can be used as user information and for which reservation information is not set by the reservation setting unit is transmitted to the image processing apparatus.

  According to the present invention, when a scan ticket is used, a scan ticket that is not used after this use can be prevented from being used even when being processed in the background.

It is a figure showing an example of composition of information processing system 1 concerning the present invention. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a client PC 200, a business server 300, and a scan ticket server 400. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a multifunction machine 100. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the information processing system 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a process outline diagram in print processing of the information processing system 1; 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of scan ticket generation processing of the information processing system 1. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a login process of the information processing system 1. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of scan processing of the information processing system 1. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of scan processing of the information processing system 1. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of scan processing of the information processing system 1. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a file transmission process of the information processing system 1. It is an image figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on CRT2010 of client PC200. 6 is an image diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on an operation unit 3030 of the multifunction peripheral 100. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a multifunction machine setting 900, user information 910, scan ticket 920, and scan ticket reservation information 930. FIG.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of an information processing system 1 suitable for an image processing system according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an information processing system 1 (image processing system) according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, one or a plurality of MFPs 100, one or a plurality of client PCs 200, a business server 300, and a scan ticket server 400 installed on each floor are connected via a LAN (Local Area Network) 10.
The multifunction peripheral 100 is an image processing apparatus having functions such as a printer, a scanner, a copy, and a facsimile, and executes a paper document reading process.

  The client PC 200 is a device that is communicably connected to the LAN 10. The client PC 200 is a PC for setting the multifunction device 100, and has a function capable of communicating with the multifunction device 100 by using HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) via a network (for example, Internet Explorer (registered trademark) of Microsoft Corporation). It is a mounted PC. It is also a PC for submitting a print job from the user. The user generates a print job from an application via a printer driver, and the printer driver uses an LPR (Line Printer Daemon) or other print protocol to print the print job. Can be transmitted to the multifunction peripheral 100. It is also a PC for the user to use the business system.

  The business server 300 is a device that provides a system used in business. For example, it may be an accounting system such as a transportation expense application or a replacement expense application, or a system such as sales management, purchasing, or procurement. In response to a request from the client PC 200, a menu for using these systems is provided. It also provides a document management system for managing files handled by each user and department. In addition, these systems have an authentication management function.

  The business server 300 may be configured with a single server. Further, the business server 300 may be configured by two servers, a primary server and a secondary server. Further, the business server 300 may be configured by three or more servers.

The scan ticket server 400 is a device that holds settings (referred to as scan information) when the multifunction peripheral 100 performs a paper document reading process. A scan ticket 920 in which scan information and instruction content (transmission destination URL, file path, etc.) for transmitting image data of a paper document obtained by reading processing is defined is stored in the scan ticket storage unit 410. Yes. The scan ticket server 400 performs processing such as list creation, ticket generation, ticket reservation, and ticket deletion in response to a request from the multifunction device 100. In addition, a process of transmitting the scan data received from the multifunction device 100 to an appropriate directory of an appropriate server according to the contents of the ticket is also performed.
Next, the MFP 100, the client PC 200, the business server 300, and the scan ticket server 400 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the client PC 200, the business server 300, and the scan ticket server 400, and FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the client PC 200, the business server 300, and the scan ticket server 400, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 2001, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 2002, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 2003, An input controller 2005, a video controller 2006, a memory controller 2007, and a communication I / F controller 2008 are connected.
The CPU 2001 controls each device and controller connected to the system bus 2004 in an integrated manner.

  The ROM 2003 or the external memory 2011 holds a basic input / output system (BIOS) and an operating system (OS) that are control programs of the CPU 2001, various programs executed by each server or each PC, and the like.

A RAM 2002 functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 2001. The CPU 2001 implements various operations by loading a program necessary for execution of processing from the ROM 2003 or the external memory 2011 to the RAM 2002 and executing the loaded program.
An input controller 2005 controls input from a pointing device such as a keyboard (KB) 2009 or a mouse (not shown).

  The video controller 2006 controls display on a display device such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) 2010. The display is not limited to the CRT, but may be another display such as a liquid crystal display. These are used by the administrator as needed.

  The memory controller 2007 is a hard disk (HD), flexible disk (FD), or PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) that stores a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, various data, and the like. Controls access to an external memory 2011 such as a Compact Flash (registered trademark) memory or an SSD (Solid State Drive) connected to the card slot via an adapter.

  The communication I / F controller 2008 connects and communicates with an external device via a network such as the LAN 10 and executes communication control processing on the network. The communication I / F controller 2008 can perform communication using, for example, TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol), UDP (User Datagram Protocol), and the like.

  The CPU 2001 can display on the CRT 2010 by executing outline font rasterization processing on a display information area in the RAM 2002, for example. Further, the CPU 2001 enables a user instruction using a mouse cursor (not shown) on the CRT 2010 or the like.

Various programs that operate on the hardware of the client PC 200, the business server 300, and the scan ticket server 400 are recorded in the external memory 2011, loaded into the RAM 2002 as necessary, and executed by the CPU 2001. Definition files and various information tables used when executing the program are stored in the external memory 2011.
Next, the hardware configuration of the multifunction machine 100 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the multi-function device 100 is configured to have hardware configurations of a controller unit 3020, an operation unit 3030, a card reader 3040, a printer 3050, and a scanner 3060.

  The controller unit 3020 includes a CPU 3001, a RAM 3002, a ROM 3003, a hard disk drive (HDD) 3004, a network interface (Network I / F) 3005, a modem (MODEM) 3006, and an operation unit interface (operation unit I / F). F) 3007, image bus interface (IMAGE BUS I / F) 3008, external interface (external I / F) 3009, system bus 3010, raster image processor (RIP) 3011, printer interface (printer I / F) ) 3012, a scanner interface (scanner I / F) 3013, an image processing unit 3014, and an image bus 3015.

The controller unit 3020 is connected to a scanner 3060 functioning as an image input device and a printer 3050 functioning as an image output device. On the other hand, a public line network (WAN, such as PSTN (Public Switched Telephony Network) or ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network)). ) To input and output image data and device information.
The CPU 3001 is a processor that comprehensively controls each device connected to the system bus 3010 and the image bus 3015.

  A RAM 3002 is a work memory for the CPU 3001 to operate, and also has functions of a program memory for recording a program and an image memory for temporarily recording image data. For example, the card ID read by the card reader 3040 is stored.

  The ROM 3003 stores a system boot program and various control programs. The HDD 3004 stores various programs for controlling the system, image data, and the like. The ROM 3003 or the HDD 3004 stores the MFP setting 900 shown in FIG. The HDD 3004 is a medium for permanently storing information, and the form is not limited to the HDD. For example, a medium such as SSD (Solid State Drive) may be used.

  A network I / F 3005 is connected to the LAN 10 and performs data input / output. The MODEM 3006 is connected to a public line network and inputs / outputs data such as transmission / reception by FAX.

  An operation unit I / F 3007 is an interface in the operation unit 3030 that is a user interface (UI), and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 3030 to the operation unit 3030. The operation unit I / F 3007 plays a role of transmitting information (for example, user information) input from the operation unit 3030 by the user of this system to the CPU 3001. Note that the operation unit 3030 includes a display unit having a touch panel corresponding to a keyboard, and performs various instructions by a user pressing (touching with a finger or the like) a button on the keyboard displayed on the display unit. Can do.

  The IMAGE BUS I / F 3008 is a bus bridge that connects the system bus 3010 and an image bus 3015 that transfers image data at high speed and converts the data structure.

The external I / F 3009 is an interface that accepts external inputs such as USB, IEEE 1394, printer port, and RS-232C. In this embodiment, the external I / F 3009 is connected to a card reader 3040 for reading information on an IC card that is necessary for IC card authentication. The CPU 3001 can control reading of information from the IC card by the card reader 3040 via the external I / F 3009, and can acquire information read from the IC card.
The above devices 3001 to 3009 are arranged on the system bus 3010 and can communicate with each other.
For example, the RIP 3011 expands vector data such as a PDL code into a bitmap image.
A printer I / F 3012 connects the printer 3050 and the controller unit 3020, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.
A scanner I / F 3013 connects the scanner 3060 and the controller unit 3020, and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.

  An image processing unit 3014 performs correction processing, processing processing, and editing processing on input image data, and performs printer correction processing, resolution conversion processing, and the like on print output image data. In addition to these processes, the image processing unit 3014 performs rotation processing of image data, JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) for multi-value image data, and JBIG (Joint Bi for binary image data). -Compression / decompression processing such as level Image experts Group), MR (Modified READ), MMR (Modified Modified READ), and MH (Modified Huffman) is performed.

  The devices shown in the above 3008, 3011-3014 are arranged on the image bus 3015 and can communicate with each other. The image bus 3015 is constituted by, for example, a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus or IEEE1394.

  Specifically, the operation unit 3030 has an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) display unit, and a touch panel sheet is pasted on the LCD display unit to display the operation screen of the present system and the displayed operation screen. When a key (button) is pressed, the position information is transmitted to the CPU 3001 via the operation unit I / F 3007. The operation unit 3030 includes keyboard functions such as a start key, a stop key, an ID key, and a reset key as various operation keys.

  Here, the start key of the operation unit 3030 is operated, for example, when starting a document image reading operation. At the center of the start key, for example, there are two colors of LEDs (Light Emitting Diode) of green and red, and whether or not the start key can be used is indicated by light emission of each color. Further, the stop key of the operation unit 3030 is operated, for example, when stopping an operation in operation. The ID key of the operation unit 3030 is operated when, for example, the user ID of the user (user) is input. The reset key of the operation unit 3030 is operated, for example, when initializing settings by the operation unit 3030.

  A card reader 3040 reads user identification information stored in an IC card corresponding to an authentication card (for example, FeliCa (registered trademark) of Sony (registered trademark)) under the control of the CPU 3001. is there. The user identification information read by the card reader 3040 is notified to the CPU 3001 via the external I / F 3009.

  The printer 3050 converts, for example, raster image data as an image on paper. The conversion method includes an electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum and a photosensitive belt, and an ink jet method in which an image is directly printed on paper by ejecting ink from a minute nozzle array. It doesn't matter. Activation of the printing operation of the printer 3050 is started by an instruction from the CPU 3001. The printer 3050 includes a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and a paper cassette corresponding to each paper feed stage is provided.

  The scanner 3060 illuminates an image on paper as a document, and scans the document using a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) line sensor, thereby converting the image of the document into an electrical signal as raster image data. The original paper is set on the tray of the original feeder, and when the user of the MFP 100 issues a reading start instruction from the operation unit 3030, the CPU 3001 gives an instruction to the scanner 3060, and the feeder feeds the original paper one by one. Read the original image.

With the configuration described above, the multi-function device 100 can transmit the image data read from the scanner 3060 to the LAN 10 and print out the print data received from the LAN 10 with the printer 3050. Further, the multi-function device 100 can transmit the image data read from the scanner 3060 by FAX from the MODEM 3006 to the public line network, and print out the image data received by FAX from the public line network by the printer 3050.
Next, functions of the information processing system 1 and data to be used will be described with reference to FIGS. 4, 12, 13, and 14.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the information processing system 1 according to the present invention. The main functional configuration of the client PC 200, the business server 300, the multifunction peripheral 100, and the scan ticket server 400 will be described. Needless to say, each device has various functions other than those described in FIG. In FIG. 4, only main functions will be described.

12 is an image diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the CRT 2010 of the client PC, FIG. 13 is an image diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit 3030 of the multifunction device 100, and FIG. 14 is a multifunction device setting 900 and user information. 910 is a diagram showing an example of scan ticket 920 and scan ticket reservation information 930. FIG.
The function of each device of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. First, a function for executing processing of the client PC 200 will be described.
The client PC 200 includes a browser unit 201 and the like.

  The browser unit 201 provides a function for using a business system running on the business server 300. The browser unit 201 is, for example, Internet Explorer (registered trademark) of Microsoft Corporation. The browser unit 201 receives HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language) provided by the business system using HTTP (Hyper Text Transport Protocol) and represents HTML. Various tags are displayed as UI (User Interface).

  As shown in FIG. 12, the business system screen displayed on the browser unit 201 includes a business menu screen 2000, a scan ticket generation screen 2100, a transmission setting screen 2200, a scan setting screen 2300, and the like.

  The business menu screen 2000 includes a login user name, a business menu that can be used by the user, and the like. The business menu that can be used by the user includes, for example, application for transportation expenses, application for replacement expenses, and generation of a scan ticket.

  The scan ticket generation screen 2100 includes an instruction destination 2101, a display name 2102, a reuse 2103, a share 2104, a transmission setting button 2105, a scan setting button 2106, a cancel button 2110, an OK button 2111, and the like.

The instruction destination 2101 is an item for selecting a partner to instruct scanning. It is possible to select not only one person but a plurality of users. In addition, when creating a reusable ticket, it is possible to select oneself. As a result, a personal favorite ticket can be created.
A display name 2102 is a name displayed in the scan ticket list 1202 of the scan ticket screen 1200 of the multifunction peripheral 100.

  The reuse 2103 is an item for setting whether or not the scan ticket can be reused. A reusable scan ticket can be used repeatedly without being deleted even if it is used once. For example, if you want to save scanned data in a directory that you always use, create a reusable ticket. On the other hand, if it is set not to be reused, the scan ticket cannot be used after the scan ticket is used.

  The sharing 2104 is an item for setting whether or not the ticket is shared by a plurality of people. For example, it is an item to be set when one of the subordinates wants the scan to be scanned, such as when the supervisor instructs all the subordinates to scan the fair pamphlet. In the case of sharing, it is necessary to select a user group having a plurality of users in the instruction destination 2101. If a single user is specified in the instruction destination 2101, even if it is set to share with the radio button of the sharing 2104, it is displayed only by the user specified in the instruction destination 2101. Cannot be used. On the other hand, when it is set not to share with the sharing 2101, it is necessary to specify an individual single user with the instruction destination 2101.

  The transmission setting button 2105 is a button for changing to a screen for setting where to store the data after scanning. When this button is pressed, the screen transits to the transmission setting screen 2200.

A scan setting button 2106 is a button for transitioning to a screen for performing image reading setting at the time of scanning. When this button is pressed, a transition is made to the scan setting screen 2300.
A cancel button 2110 is a button for canceling the setting made on this screen.

  An OK button 2111 is a button for confirming the settings made on this screen. When the button is pressed, a scan ticket generation request is issued from the business server 300 to the scan ticket server 400, and the scan ticket 920 is generated by the scan ticket server 400.

The transmission setting screen 2200 includes a file name 2201, a directory 2202, a user 2203, a password 2204, a cancel button 2210, an OK button 2211, and the like.
A file name 2201 is an item for setting a file name after data storage.
The directory 2202 is an item for setting a data storage destination directory.
A user 2203 is a user name for accessing a data storage destination directory.
The password 2204 is a password for accessing the data storage destination directory.

  A cancel button 2210 is a button for canceling the setting made on this screen. When this button is pressed, the setting contents are canceled and the screen shifts to the scan ticket generation screen 2100.

An OK button 2211 is a button for confirming the settings made on this screen. When this button is pressed, the setting contents are confirmed and the screen transits to the scan ticket generation screen.
The scan setting screen 2300 includes a color 2301, a resolution 2302, a format 2303, a cancel button 2310, an OK button 2311, and the like.

A color 2301 is an item for setting a color attribute at the time of scanning. For example, color, monochrome, grayscale, color / monochrome automatic switching, color / grayscale automatic switching, and the like can be set.
The resolution 2302 is an item for setting the resolution at the time of scanning. For example, 200 × 200, 300 × 300, 600 × 600, etc. can be set.

  A format 2303 is an item for setting to which file format the scanned image data is to be converted. For example, JPEG (Joint Photographic Group Group), TIFF (Taged Image File Format), PDF (Portable Document Format), XPS (XML Paper Specification), OX, OM, etc.

  A cancel button 2310 is a button for canceling the setting made on this screen. When this button is pressed, the setting contents are canceled and the screen shifts to the scan ticket generation screen 2100.

The OK button 2311 is a button for confirming the settings made on this screen. When this button is pressed, the setting contents are confirmed and the screen transits to the scan ticket generation screen.
Next, returning to FIG. 4, a function for executing the processing of the business server 300 will be described.

  The business server 300 includes a business menu display unit 301, a business processing unit 302, a scan ticket instruction unit 303, an authentication information management unit 304, a document management unit 305, an authentication information storage unit 310, a document information storage unit 320, and the like. .

  The business menu display unit 301 has a function of generating a menu that can be accessed by the user in HTML in response to access from the client PC 200, and transmitting the menu by HTTP. The business menu generated by the business menu display unit 301 is displayed on the browser unit 201 of the client PC 200.

  The business processing unit 302 performs internal processing of various business systems for the processing specified by the business menu. For example, when the travel expense settlement process is instructed through the browser unit 201 of the client PC 200, the accounting process is performed, and the scan ticket server 400 is instructed to issue the scan ticket 920 in cooperation with the scan ticket instruction unit 303. . For example, when the OK button 2111 is pressed on the scan ticket generation screen 2100 through the browser unit 201 of the client PC 200, the scan ticket server 400 is instructed to issue the scan ticket 920 in cooperation with the scan ticket instruction unit 303. .

  The scan ticket instruction unit 303 has a function of instructing the scan ticket server 400 to issue a scan ticket. For example, at this time, transmission settings and scan settings determined in advance in the transportation expense settlement process are passed as parameters for issuing a scan ticket. For example, at this time, the settings of the reuse 2103 and the share 2104 set through the scan ticket generation screen 2100, the contents set on the transmission setting screen 2200 and the scan setting screen 2300, and the like are passed as scan ticket issuance parameters.

  The authentication information management unit 304 controls whether or not user access to the business server is permitted. It also manages user rights. For example, it is used to display a business menu only for a specific user or to provide a directory accessible only to a specific user. It should be noted that the authentication control may be implemented in a separate housing such as an authentication server without being implemented in the business server 300.

  The document management unit 305 has document management functions such as file check-in, check-out, document storage, document manager management, and directory management for document management. Also, it has a function of performing file transmission / reception with an external device using a protocol such as FTP (File Transfer Protocol), SMB (Server Message Block), and WebDAV (Web-based Distributed Authoring and Versioning).

The document management may be performed in a separate housing such as a file server, a document management server, or a content management server without being performed in the business server 300.
The authentication information storage unit 310 is information stored in the external memory 2011 of the business server 300 and stores one or a plurality of user information 910.
The document information storage unit 320 is information stored in the external memory 2011 of the business server 300, and stores one or a plurality of directory information and file information.
Next, a function for executing the processing of the scan ticket server 400 of FIG. 4 will be described.

  The scan ticket server 400 includes a scan ticket generation unit 401, a scan ticket deletion unit 402, a scan ticket transmission / reception unit 403, a scan ticket reservation management unit 404, a file transmission unit 405, a scan ticket storage unit 410, and the like.

  The scan ticket generation unit 401 generates a scan ticket 920 based on an instruction from an external device. In the present embodiment, it is generated at the timing when the transportation fee application is made in the business server 300, or at the timing when the scan ticket generation screen 2100 is explicitly instructed to generate the scan ticket.

The scan ticket deletion unit 402 deletes the scan ticket 920 based on an instruction from an external device. In this embodiment, the scan ticket 920 that is not reusable is deleted at the timing when the file transmission process is completed.
The scan ticket transmission / reception unit 403 transmits or receives a scan ticket 920 based on an instruction from an external device.

  The scan ticket reservation management unit 404 reserves and cancels the scan ticket 920. When making a reservation, the MFP 100 that requested the reservation and its user information are stored as reservation information.

  The file transmission unit 405 transmits a file to an external device such as the business server 300 using a protocol such as FTP, SMB, or WebDAV. At this time, if authentication is necessary, authentication is also performed using a protocol such as Kerberos or NTLM.

  The scan ticket storage unit 410 is information stored in the external memory 2011 of the scan ticket server 400, and stores one or a plurality of scan tickets 920.

As shown in FIG. 14, the scan ticket 920 is information for storing in advance a scan attribute at the time of executing a scan and a transmission attribute at the time of scan data transmission, and includes a ticket ID 921, a user name 922, a scan setting 923, It includes a transmission setting 924, a reuse flag 924, a sharing flag 925, scan ticket reservation information 926, and the like.
The ticket ID 921 is information for uniquely identifying the scan ticket 920.
The user name 922 is information for identifying a user who should execute the scan ticket 920.
The scan setting 923 is information storing scan attributes. For example, there are information such as scan color, resolution, double-sided reading, reading density, and file format.

The transmission setting 924 is information for transmitting a file to the business server 300. Specifically, account information such as a user name, password, and domain, and information such as a storage destination directory and a file name are set.
The reuse flag 925 is an item for setting whether the scan ticket can be reused.
The sharing flag 926 is an item for setting whether or not the scan ticket is shared.
As shown in FIG. 14, the scan ticket reservation information 926 includes reservation information 931, a user name 932, a multifunction machine 933, and the like.
The reservation information 931 is information for identifying whether the scan ticket 920 is reserved or not reserved.
The user name 932 is information for identifying which user is reserved when the scan ticket 920 is reserved.
The MFP 933 is information for identifying which MFP is reserved when the scan ticket 920 is reserved.

That is, the scan ticket storage unit 410 (corresponding to a ticket storage unit) includes a ticket ID 921 for identifying a scan ticket, reuse information (reuse flag 925) indicating whether the scan ticket is used again after use, User information (user name 922) that can use the scan ticket is stored in an identifiable manner.
Next, returning to FIG. 4, a function for executing the processing of the multifunction peripheral 100 will be described.

  The MFP 100 includes a login unit 101, an authentication information management unit 102, a scan ticket list acquisition unit 103, a scan ticket analysis unit 104, a scan ticket reservation unit 105, a scan unit 106, a file transmission unit 107, an authentication information storage unit 120, and the like. Composed.

  The login unit 101 has a function for logging a user into the multifunction peripheral 100. The user information 910 is temporarily stored as login user information in the multi-function device 100 and held until the user logs out.

  The authentication information management unit 102 has a function for determining whether or not a user can log in. For example, when the user holds the IC card over the card reader 3040 on the card authentication screen, the user information 910 having a matching card ID is retrieved from the user information 910. For example, when the user inputs a user name / password / domain on the keyboard authentication screen and presses the login button, the user is searched with the user information 910 and the password is verified. Note that the authentication control may be implemented in a separate casing such as an authentication server, instead of being implemented in the multifunction device 100.

The scan ticket list acquisition unit 103 instructs the scan ticket server 400 to acquire a list of scan tickets 920 of a user who has logged in to the multifunction peripheral 100.
The scan ticket analysis unit 104 analyzes the scan ticket 920 and acquires scan settings and transmission settings.

  The scan ticket reservation unit 105 issues a reservation and a reservation cancellation of the scan ticket 920 to the scan ticket server 400. When reserving or canceling the reservation of the scan ticket 920, the re-use flag 925 of the scan ticket 920 is viewed. If the re-use flag 925 is “true”, no reservation is made, and if it is “false”, a reservation is made. Make a judgment.

  The scan unit 106 provides a function of controlling the scanner 3060 of the multifunction peripheral 100 to digitize an image on paper as a document, converting it to an arbitrary image format, and transmitting it to an arbitrary folder on an arbitrary server.

  The file transmission unit 107 performs file transmission to an external device using a protocol such as SMB (Server Message Block), WebDAV (Web-based Distributed Authoring and Versioning), or FTP (File Transfer Protocol).

  The authentication information storage unit 120 is information stored in the HDD 3004 of the MFP 100 and stores one or a plurality of user information 910. The authentication information storage unit 120 stores user information 910 of a user who has logged into the multifunction peripheral 100, and the authentication information storage unit 310 stores user information 910 of a user used in the entire system. Shall. That is, if there are 100 users of the system, user information 910 for 100 people is stored in the authentication information storage unit 310, and if 10 of them have used the multifunction device 100, 10 user information is logged in. The user information 910 for the person is stored in the authentication information storage unit 120.

  As shown in FIG. 14, user information 910 is information for managing a user who logs in to the multifunction peripheral 100, and includes a card ID 911, a user name 912, a password 913, and the like. As described above, the user information 910 is stored in the authentication information storage unit 120 and the authentication information storage unit 310, and is managed by the authentication information management unit 102 and the authentication information management unit 304.

  The card ID 911 serves as an external key for searching for specific user information 910 from a plurality of user information 910. This is information for associating with an IC card possessed by the user.

The user name 912 is a user name when using the multifunction device 100. This information is displayed on the operation log or operation screen of the multifunction device 100. Further, the scan ticket server 400 is used to identify the user's scan ticket 920.
The password 913 is information for verifying a user when performing user authentication.
In addition, the user's email address, authority information, etc. are included.

  As illustrated in FIG. 14, the MFP setting 900 is information for setting the operation of the MFP 100. The MFP setting 900 is information stored in the HDD 3004 of the MFP 100, and includes scan ticket server information 901 and the like.

The scan ticket server information 901 is information for determining the scan ticket server 400 with which the multifunction peripheral 100 communicates. Specifically, an IP address, a port number, etc. are set.
As illustrated in FIG. 13, the operation unit 3030 of the multifunction peripheral 100 is provided with a screen suitable for the user's purpose of use in accordance with the user's usage situation.

  The login screen 1000 is a screen for a user to log in to the multifunction peripheral 100, and is a screen for the user to authenticate using an IC card. In order to allow a user who has forgotten the IC card to authenticate, a transition button to a keyboard authentication screen is provided. The keyboard authentication screen transitioned from the login screen 1000 is a screen for the user to input / select a user name, password, and login destination to authenticate to the multifunction device 100. The login screen 1000 also has functions such as user information management and guest login.

The scan ticket screen 1200 is a screen for the user to scan a document. When the user logs in to the multifunction device 100, the multifunction device 100 acquires a list of the user's scan tickets 920 from the scan ticket server 400 using the user name as a key, and sets it on this screen. The user can select a scan ticket 920 on this screen and execute a scan under preset conditions. The scan transmission screen 1200 includes a user name field 1201, a scan ticket list 1202, a scan button 1203, and the like.
The user name field 1201 displays the user name of the currently logged-in user.

The scan ticket list 1202 displays the scan ticket list acquired from the scan ticket server 400. This list displays scan attributes such as job name, color, duplex setting, resolution, and file format.
The scan button 1203 is a button for the user to instruct the multifunction device 100 to start scanning.

In this embodiment, the authentication information management unit 102 and the authentication information storage unit 120 are prepared on the multifunction peripheral 100. However, even if the configuration is such that these functions are prepared in a separate housing like an authentication server. Good.
Next, an outline of processing of the information processing system 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 5 is a process outline diagram of the information processing system 1.

FIG. 5 shows a processing outline of processing for generating a scan ticket, processing for acquiring a scan ticket, and processing using a scan ticket. In the following explanation, it is necessary to scan one person out of multiple people. For example, in the case of a non-reusable shared scan ticket where the boss instructs the subordinate to scan the fair pamphlet. is there.
First, an outline of processing for generating a scan ticket will be described.

The client PC 200 receives the login of the user (instructor) and instructs the business server 300 to issue a scan ticket (1-1). The business server 300 instructs the scan ticket server 400 to issue a scan ticket, and the scan ticket server 400 generates a scan ticket having the instructed contents (1-2).
Next, an outline of processing for acquiring the generated scan ticket will be described.

The multi-function device 100 accepts login from the user (instructed person) (2-1), and acquires a scan ticket list of the login user from the scan ticket server 400 (2-2).
Next, an outline of processing using a scan ticket will be described.
Next, an outline of processing for scanning according to a scan ticket will be described.

The multi-function device 100 requests reservation of a scan ticket selected by the user (instructed person) (3-1). The scan ticket server 400 reserves the requested scan ticket (3-2). The multi-function device 100 performs scanning along the reserved scan ticket (3-3), and transmits the file generated by scanning to the scan ticket server 400 (3-4). The scan ticket server 400 stores a file in the business server 300 based on the contents of the scan ticket (3-5). The scan ticket server 400 deletes the scan ticket (3-6).
Next, detailed processing of the information processing system 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11.

6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of scan ticket generation processing of the information processing system 1, FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of login processing of the information processing system 1, and FIG. 8 is an example of scanning processing of the information processing system 1. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the scanning process of the information processing system 1, FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the scanning process of the information processing system 1, and FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example.
First, the scan ticket generation process of the information processing system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 6, the client PC 200 instructs the scan ticket server 400 to generate a scan ticket 920 using the business system on the business server 300.

As shown in FIG. 6, the client PC 200 accepts a scan ticket generation menu display request from the user (step S100). Specifically, this is when the scan ticket generation menu is pressed on the business menu screen 2000 displayed on the browser unit 201 of the client PC 200.
The client PC 200 makes a request for a scan ticket generation screen to the business server 300 (step S101).

  The business server 300 receives a scan ticket generation screen request from the client PC 200 (step S102), creates a scan ticket generation screen 2100 (step S103), and transmits the created scan ticket generation screen 2100 to the client PC (step S104). To do. Specifically, HTML data is created and transmitted to the browser running on the client PC 200 by HTTP.

  The client PC 200 receives the scan ticket generation screen 2100 from the business server 300 (step S105), and displays the scan ticket generation screen 2100 on the browser (step S106).

  Upon receiving an input from the user to the scan ticket generation screen 2100 (step S107), the client PC 200 transmits the scan ticket generation information input on the screen to the business server 300 (step S108).

  The business server 300 receives the scan ticket generation information from the client PC 200 (step S109), and issues a scan ticket generation request to the scan ticket server 400 based on the information (step S110).

  The scan ticket server 400 receives a scan ticket generation request from the business server 300 (step S111), and generates a scan ticket 920 according to the received content (step S112). In the scan ticket 920 generated at this time, the file name, directory, user, password, and the like set on the transmission setting screen 2200 are set as the transmission setting 924. Further, the color, resolution, file format, etc. set in the scan setting 2300 are set as the scan setting 923.

  In the scan ticket generation screen 2100, when a plurality of users are selected as the instruction destination 2101 or a department is selected as the instruction destination, and when the shared item 2104 is set to “No”. A different scan ticket is issued for each user. That is, a plurality of scan tickets are issued. On the other hand, when a plurality of users are selected as the instruction destination 2101 or a department is selected as the instruction destination, and the shared item 2104 is set to “Yes”, the scan ticket shared by all users Create only one.

  The scan ticket server 400 sets the reuse flag 925 of the scan ticket 920 based on the reuse item 2103 set on the scan ticket generation screen 2100 (step S113).

The scan ticket server 400 sets the shared flag 926 of the scan ticket 920 based on the shared item 2104 set on the scan ticket generation screen 2100 (step S114).
The scan ticket server 400 notifies the business server 300 that the generation of the scan ticket 920 has been completed (step S115).

The business server 300 receives the completion of the generation of the scan ticket 920 from the scan ticket server 400 (step S116), and notifies the client PC 200 of the completion of the generation of the scan ticket (step S117).
The client PC 200 receives the completion of scan ticket generation from the business server 300 (step S118).

In this flowchart, an example in which scan ticket generation is explicitly instructed from the scan ticket generation screen 2100 is shown. For example, a travel expense application is selected from the work menu screen 2000, and the user applies a transportation expense application according to the system. In this case, the system may automatically generate a scan ticket for application for transportation expenses in the background.
Next, a login process of the information processing system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
In FIG. 7, the multi-function device 100 accepts a user login.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the multi-function device 100 detects the user's IC card held over the card reader 3040 (step S200) and reads internal information such as a card ID (step S201).

  The multi-function device 100 searches the user information 910 having the same card ID as the card ID acquired in the previous stage from the plurality of user information 910 stored in the authentication information management unit 120 (step S202). The user is logged in to the MFP body using the user information 910 (step S203). Specifically, the user information 910 is held internally, and the login screen 1000 displayed on the operation unit 3030 is switched to the scan ticket screen 1200.

  The multi-function device 100 issues a scan ticket list request to the scan ticket server 400 (step S204). At this time, the user name 912 included in the user information 910 is also transmitted. In addition, the multifunction device 100 determines the scan ticket server 400 of the communication destination using the scan ticket server information 901 of the multifunction device setting 900. That is, a request for a scan ticket including user information logged into the multifunction peripheral 100 is sent to the scan ticket server 400 (corresponding to a ticket request unit).

  The scan ticket server 400 receives a request from the multi-function device 100 (step S205), and searches the scan ticket storage unit 410 for the scan ticket 920 of the corresponding user using the user name 912 as a key (step S206).

  The scan ticket server 400 extracts one ticket from the plurality of searched scan tickets (step S207), determines whether or not the reservation status 931 of the scan ticket reservation information 927 of the scan ticket 920 has been reserved (step S208). If not reserved, the corresponding scan ticket is added to the scan ticket list to be transmitted to the multifunction peripheral 100 (step S209).

  The scan ticket server 400 determines whether or not the process of taking out one ticket from the plurality of searched scan tickets and determining the reservation status 931 has been performed to the end (step S210). Repeat the determination.

  The scan ticket server 400 transmits the searched list of unreserved scan tickets to the multifunction peripheral 100 (step S211). That is, the scan ticket server 400 returns a scan ticket that is stored in the scan ticket storage unit 410 and that can be used with the user information, according to the user information received from the multi-function peripheral 100 (ticket sending means). Equivalent).

The multi-function device 100 receives the scan ticket list from the scan ticket server 400 (step S212). That is, the multifunction peripheral 100 acquires a scan ticket that can be used with the user information from the scan ticket server 400 in response to the request (corresponding to a ticket acquisition unit). Then, it is set in the scan ticket list 1202 on the scan ticket screen 1200 (step S213).
As a result, the user can browse his / her reserved scan ticket list or execute a scan using the scan ticket.

In addition, since reserved tickets are not displayed, the data transmission process is performed in the background when the amount of data is enormous and processing takes time, while maintaining the convenience that the user can perform the next operation. Even if data transmission has not been completed, it is possible to maintain consistency as a system in which tickets that have already been scanned are not displayed thereafter.

  In this embodiment, an IC card (reading object) is used. However, when user authentication is performed, it is desired to grant authority using biometric information such as a fingerprint or a vein (reading object). An IC card may be used. In this case, it is assumed that a reader for reading biometric information is connected to the multifunction device 100.

Further, it is possible to use a screen for inputting identification information such as a user name and a password at the time of user authentication. When inputting the identification information, a software keyboard is displayed on the operation unit 3030 to allow the user to input the identification information.
That is, as information used for user authentication, identification information (card ID, biometric information, user name / password) for specifying a user may be input.
Next, the scan processing of the information processing system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 8, when the scan button 1203 is pressed on the scan ticket screen 1200 displayed on the operation unit 3030, the multifunction peripheral 100 performs scan ticket reservation processing before executing a scan.

As shown in FIG. 8, the multi-function device 100 accepts selection of an arbitrary scan ticket in the scan ticket list 1202 of the scan ticket screen 1200 displayed on the operation unit 3030 (step S300). That is, a user instruction for selecting a scan ticket to be used is received from a plurality of scan tickets acquired in step S212 (ticket acquisition unit) (corresponding to a reception unit).
The multi-function device 100 determines whether the scan button 1203 has been pressed (step S301).

  If it is determined in step S301 that the scan button 1203 has been pressed, the multifunction peripheral 100 reads the scan ticket 920 selected in the previous stage (step S302), and whether the reuse flag 925 of the scan ticket 920 is “true”. It is determined whether or not (step S303).

  If the reuse flag is not “true” as a result of the determination in step S303, that is, if the scan ticket can be used only once, the multi-function device 100 requests the scan ticket server 400 to reserve a scan ticket (step S303). S304). That is, in response to the user instruction received in step S300 (accepting means), the scan ticket server 400 is notified that execution of the selected scan ticket has been instructed (corresponding to execution notifying means).

  The scan ticket server 400 accepts a scan ticket reservation from the multifunction peripheral 100 (step S305), and determines whether or not the corresponding scan ticket 920 has already been reserved (step S306).

  If it is determined in step S306 that the ticket has already been reserved, the scan ticket server 400 transmits an error to the multi-function device 100 (step S307).

  When the multifunction device 100 receives an error from the scan ticket server 400 (step S308), it displays an error screen (not shown) on the operation unit 3030 (step S309).

  For example, as a case where a scan ticket has already been reserved, there is a case where the supervisor issues a shared ticket to all of his subordinates, and the subordinates try to scan at the same time with different multifunction devices. To supplement the shared ticket, it is sufficient if one person scans it, but since it is not known who owns the manuscript, the concept is that one ticket is shared by all subordinates.

  Here, by performing the scan ticket reservation process before actually performing the scan, only one person can surely perform the scan. If you don't make a reservation process, you will overwrite the file in which someone else's data is stored, or you won't know if your scanned data was successful or overwritten, making the system difficult to use .

If it is determined in step S306 that the scan ticket is an unreserved scan ticket, the scan ticket server 400 sets the reservation status 931 of the scan ticket reservation information 927 of the corresponding scan ticket 920 to reserved, and requested a scan ticket reservation. The information 933 of the multifunction device 100 and the user name 932 logged in to the multifunction device 100 are set in the scan ticket reservation information 927 (step S310). That is, the reservation information indicating that the scan ticket instructed to be executed is reserved when the reuse flag indicates that the scan ticket instructed to be executed from the MFP 100 is not used again after use. Set (equivalent to reservation setting means).
The scan ticket server 400 notifies the multifunction peripheral 100 that the scan ticket reservation has been successful (step S311).

  The multi-function device 100 accepts the scan ticket reservation success from the scan ticket server 400 (step S312), and executes the scan according to the scan setting 923 of the scan ticket 920 (step S313). If the determination result in step S303 is a reusable scan ticket, the scan is similarly executed according to the scan setting 923 of the scan ticket 920 (step S313).

  In the above embodiment, the MFP 100 determines whether or not the reuse flag 925 is “true” in step S303. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the multi-function device 100 notifies the scan ticket server 400 that the scan ticket is selected and instructed to be executed by the user, and the scan ticket server 400 determines whether the reuse flag 925 is “true”, and “true”. If not, the process may proceed to step S313.

In this way, if the scan ticket is reusable, the reservation process is not performed, so that the user can use the same reusable ticket without waiting for the end of data transmission after the scan is completed. can do.
Next, the scan processing of the information processing system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. This process is a process performed following the scan process of FIG.
In FIG. 9, the multi-function device 100 performs processing in cases other than scan success, such as scan cancellation and scan failure.
As shown in FIG. 9, the multi-function device 100 reads a document set by the user (step S350).

  The multi-function device 100 determines whether the scan is canceled by the user during reading of the document (step S351). Note that there are two types of document reading at the time of scanning. One is reading from the document table, and the other is automatic continuous reading using an ADF (Auto Document Feeder). The former is used for scanning books and the like, and repeats document setting and scanning start for each page. The latter case is used when a plurality of unbound sheets are automatically continuously read or double-sided. In either case, if the number of originals to be scanned increases, the scanning process may take time, or the originals may be mistaken in the middle. Therefore, it is common in operation that a user cancels a scan during a scan.

  In addition, the multi-function device 100 determines whether the scan is successful (step S352). Whether the scan is successful means whether an error such as a document jam has occurred. Although scanning errors do not occur when scanning a document from the platen, when scanning a document from the ADF, it is often the case that errors occur during scanning due to bending, folding, tearing, stapling, etc. of the document. That is.

  If it is determined in step S351 that the scan has been canceled, or if it is determined in step S352 that the scan has become an error, the multi function device 100 sets the reuse flag 925 of the scan ticket 920 to “true”. It is determined whether or not (step S353). Here, the reason for determining the reuse flag 925 is to determine whether or not to cancel the scan reservation thereafter. If the reuse flag 925 is “true”, it is not necessary to cancel the reservation because the scan ticket is not reserved before the scan. This is because if the reuse flag is not “true”, it is necessary to cancel the reservation because the scan ticket is reserved before the scan.

  If the reuse flag 925 of the scan ticket 920 is not “true” as a result of the determination in step S353, the multi-function device 100 issues a scan ticket cancel request to the scan ticket server 400 (step S354).

The scan ticket server 400 accepts the cancellation of the scan ticket reservation from the multifunction peripheral 100 (step S355), and cancels the reservation of the corresponding scan ticket (step S356). Specifically, the reservation status 931 of the scan ticket reservation information 927 of the scan ticket 920 is not reserved, and the user name 932 and the data of the multifunction device 933 are cleared.
The scan ticket server 400 notifies the multifunction peripheral 100 of cancellation of the scan ticket reservation (step S357).

  The multi-function device 100 accepts the cancellation of the scan ticket reservation from the scan ticket server 400 (step S358), and updates the screen of the operation unit 3030 (step S359). Specifically, when the immediately preceding process is canceled, a screen to that effect is displayed. On the other hand, if the previous process was an error, an error screen is displayed.

With these series of flows, even when the scan is canceled halfway, even when the scan ends in an error, the scan ticket reservation can be canceled, so that the user can use the scan ticket again.
Next, the scan processing of the information processing system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. This process is a process performed following the scan process of FIG.

  In FIG. 10, the multifunction peripheral 100 transmits scan data to the scan ticket server 400. The scan ticket server 400 receives the file and transmits the file to the transmission destination set in the scan ticket 920.

As shown in FIG. 10, the multi-function device 100 converts the scanned image data into a predetermined file format according to the scan setting 923 set in the scan ticket 920 (step S370), and transmits it to the scan ticket server 400 ( In step S371, the user proceeds to the next process (step S372). That is, the image data obtained by executing the scan ticket in accordance with the user instruction received in S300 (accepting means) is transmitted according to the instruction content (transmission destination URL or path) defined in the scan ticket. (Corresponding to image transmission means).
As a result, the user can immediately perform scan ticket selection in step S300 again without waiting for completion of data transmission after scanning.

  Note that the process of step S371 is performed asynchronously with the main process in the background. Specifically, transmission processing is performed in a separate thread. Since the scanned data often has a large file size, performing the transmission process in the background allows the user to immediately perform the next operation after scanning. On the other hand, since the transmission process has not ended, the scan ticket remains unprocessed, and if the user immediately displays the ticket list screen, the same ticket is displayed. In order to solve this inconsistency, a scan ticket is reserved.

  More specifically, the scan ticket server 400 may be configured to have a port for receiving scan ticket transmission / reception and scan data, and a port for receiving scan ticket reservation. When all the same ports are used, for example, a large amount of scan data transmission processing occurs, and when the data reception processing is accumulated in the queue of the port of the scan ticket server 400, the reservation request processing is awaited. At the same time, even if there is a shared ticket reservation request from a plurality of multifunction peripherals 100, it cannot be processed normally. If only the port that performs the reservation process is a separate port, the scan data reception process can be accepted immediately, so that a more reliable system can be realized when the load is high.

  The scan ticket server 400 receives a file from the multifunction device 100 (step S373). At the same time, information on the scan ticket 920 associated with the file (at least the ticket ID for identifying the scan ticket) is also received from the multifunction device 100. In other words, the image data file read from the multi-function device 100 and ticket identification information for identifying a scan ticket are received (corresponding to image data receiving means).

  The scan ticket server 400 determines whether or not the reuse flag 925 of the scan ticket 920 received from the multifunction peripheral 100 is “true” (step S374).

  If the reuse flag is not “true” as a result of the determination in step S374, it is determined whether the scan ticket 920 is reserved by the same user from the same multifunction device 100 (steps S375, S376, and S377). That is, when the scan ticket of the ticket identification information received in step S373 (image data receiving means) indicates that the scan ticket is a scan ticket that is not reused after the scan ticket is used, the reservation information that has already been set Then, it is determined whether or not the same multifunction device as the multifunction device that has transmitted the image data is set to be reserved (corresponding to the coincidence determining means).

  If any of the determination results in steps S375, S376, and S377 is “NO”, the scan ticket server 400 performs error processing shown in step S307 in the preceding stage. That is, when it is determined that the same multifunction peripheral is not reserved as a result of the determination, an image data transmission error is notified to the requesting multifunction peripheral 100 (corresponding to error notification means).

  If the determination results of steps S375, S376, and S377 are all “YES”, the scan ticket server 400 determines whether the sharing flag 926 of the scan ticket 920 is “true” (step S378).

  If the reuse flag is “true” as a result of the determination in step S374, or if the share flag is “true” as a result of the determination in step S378, the scan ticket server 400 sequentially counts the file name. (Step S379), and the file transmission process shown in FIG. 11 is performed (step S380).

  Specifically, the file name serial number assignment is a process of assigning a serial number to the file name of a file to be stored when a storage destination directory is confirmed and a file with the same name exists.

  When the reuse flag 925 is “true”, the scan ticket is not reserved, so that the user can perform another scan immediately after the scan as described above. At this time, if the same reuse ticket is used for scanning, the file may be overwritten. Therefore, in order to realize a highly reliable system, if the sharing flag is “true”, the file name is Processing that does not overlap is performed.

  Even if the reuse flag 925 is not “true”, if the sharing flag 926 is “true”, similarly, processing is performed so that the file names do not overlap. When the reuse flag 925 is not “true”, the scan ticket is reserved, so the file is not overwritten. However, when the sharing flag is “true”, the file is not overwritten. In consideration of a case where access has occurred and reservations have failed, file name serial number assignment processing is performed.

  After performing the file transmission processing shown in FIG. 11, the scan ticket server 400 determines whether or not the reuse flag 925 of the scan ticket 920 is “true” (step S381).

If the reuse flag is not “true” as a result of the determination in step S381, the used scan ticket 920 is deleted so as not to be reused (step S382).
The scan ticket server 400 notifies the multifunction peripheral 100 of successful file transmission (step S383).

  The multi-function device 100 receives the file transmission success from the scan ticket server 400 (step S384). At this time, the multifunction peripheral 100 does not notify the operation unit 3030 of anything. Since the processing after step S371 is performed in the background, when the file transmission success is received, only the information is output to the internal log.

Next, the file transmission process of the information processing system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. This process is a process called from the scan ticket server 400 in the scan process shown in FIG.
In FIG. 11, the scan ticket server 400 transmits a file to the business server 300 according to the scan ticket 920.
As shown in FIG. 11, the scan ticket server 400 reads the scan ticket 920 and acquires the transmission setting 924 (step S400).

  The scan ticket server 400 makes an authentication request to the business server 300 based on the transmission setting (step S401). Specifically, the business server 300 is authenticated using an authentication protocol such as Kerberos or NTLM, using account information such as a user name and password set in the transmission setting 924 of the scan ticket ticket 920.

  Since the authentication information for the storage destination directory is set in the scan ticket 920 in this way, even if the subordinate stores the scan data in the supervisor's directory, the supervisor will give his account information when issuing the scan ticket. By inputting, the subordinate can store the scanned file in the manager's directory without having the access right to the manager's directory.

  The business server 300 receives an authentication request from the scan ticket server 400 (step S402) and authenticates an account (step S403). If the authentication is successful, the business server 300 issues an authentication completion notification to the scan ticket server 400 (step S404). At this time, an authentication token is also issued.

  The scan ticket server 400 receives an authentication completion notification from the business server 300 (step S405), and transfers the file received from the multifunction device 100 in the previous stage to the business server 300 using file transfer such as FTP, SMB, WebDAV, and the file sharing protocol. Transmit (step S406).

The business server 300 receives the file from the scan ticket server 400 (step S407), and stores the file with the specified file name in the specified directory. When the file reception is completed, the business server 300 issues a file reception completion notification to the scan ticket server 400 (step S408).
The scan ticket server 400 receives a file reception completion from the business server 300 (step S409).
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. 6 to 11, 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. The program in the present invention may be a program for each processing method of each apparatus 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 It goes without saying that 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.

  For example, a browser is installed in the multifunction device, and the screen displayed on the multifunction device acquires display information (for example, an HTML file) generated by the business server or scan ticket server of the present invention and displays it on the browser of the multifunction device. It may be in a form (for example, a cloud environment). In this case, the processing executed by the multifunction device described in the present embodiment generates a script or the like that can be processed by the browser of the multifunction device in various servers, and displays the display information including the generated script in the browser of the multifunction device. It is a form that can be transmitted to and displayed on the MFP and executed on the multifunction peripheral according to the user's operation.

100 MFP 200 Client PC
300 business server 400 scan ticket server

Claims (10)

A scan ticket server that manages a scan ticket in which instructions for executing read processing of a paper document and transmitting image data of the read paper document are defined, and an image processing device that executes the read processing of the paper document An image processing system including:
The scan ticket server
Ticket storage means for storing the scan ticket, reuse information indicating whether the scan ticket is used again after use, and user information that can use the scan ticket in an identifiable manner;
A ticket transmission means for transmitting to the image processing apparatus a scan ticket that is stored in the ticket storage means according to the user information received from the image processing apparatus and is usable in the user information;
Reservation information indicating that the scan ticket instructed to be executed is reserved when the reuse information indicates that the scan ticket instructed to be executed from the image processing apparatus is not used again after use. Reservation setting means for setting,
The image processing apparatus includes:
Ticket request means for requesting a scan ticket including user information logged in the image processing apparatus to the scan ticket server;
Ticket acquisition means for acquiring a scan ticket usable with the user information from the scan ticket server in response to the request;
A receiving unit that receives a user instruction to select a scan ticket to be used from a plurality of scan tickets acquired by the ticket acquisition unit;
Execution notification means for notifying the scan ticket server that execution of the selected scan ticket is instructed in accordance with a user instruction received by the reception means;
In response to a user instruction received by the receiving means, the image data obtained by executing the scan ticket, image transmitting means for transmitting according to the instruction content defined in the scan ticket,
The image transmission means of the image processing apparatus is processed in the background,
The ticket transmission means of the scan ticket server is a scan ticket that can be used as user information, and transmits a scan ticket in which reservation information is not set by the reservation setting means to the image processing apparatus. Processing system.   The reservation setting means of the scan ticket server reserves the scan ticket instructed to be executed when the reuse information indicates that the scan ticket instructed to be executed is reused after use. The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the image processing system is not performed. The scan ticket server
Image data receiving means for receiving image data read from the image processing apparatus and ticket identification information for identifying a scan ticket;
Reservation information set by the reservation setting means when the scan ticket of the ticket identification information received by the image data receiving means indicates that the reuse information is a scan ticket that is not reused after the use of the scan ticket A matching determination means for determining whether or not the same image processing apparatus as the image processing apparatus that transmitted the image data is set to be reserved,
The image according to claim 2, further comprising an error notification unit that notifies the image processing apparatus of an image data transmission error when the match determination unit determines that they do not match. Processing system. The scan ticket server
A deletion unit that receives the image data received by the image data reception unit and deletes the reservation information and the scan ticket set by the reservation setting unit when the match determination unit determines that they match; The image processing system according to claim 3, further comprising: The scan ticket server
If the reuse information indicates that the scan ticket instructed to be executed is not used again after use, and the match determination unit determines that the scan ticket matches, the image data receiving unit Means for assigning a serial number to the file name of the image data received in
5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: a second image transmission unit configured to transmit image data in which a serial number is added to a file name by the adding unit to a document management apparatus that is a storage destination of the image data. Image processing system. The image processing apparatus includes:
Re-use judging means for judging whether or not the scan ticket instructed to be selected by the user is used again after use based on the reuse information;
When it is determined that the reuse is determined by the reuse determination unit, the reservation information is requested to be set to the scan ticket server, and when it is determined that the reuse determination unit is not used again, the reservation is performed. The image processing system according to claim 1, wherein the scan ticket server is requested to set information. A scan ticket in which an instruction for executing read processing of a paper document and transmitting image data of the read paper document is defined, and reuse information indicating whether the scan ticket is used again after use Ticket storage means for storing user information that can use the scan ticket in an identifiable manner, and a scan ticket stored in the ticket storage means in accordance with user information received from the image processing apparatus, When the reuse information indicates that a ticket transmission unit that transmits a scan ticket that can be used as user information to the image processing apparatus and a scan ticket that is instructed to be executed by the image processing apparatus are not reused after use. Set reservation information indicating that the scan ticket instructed to be executed is reserved Which can communicate with the scan ticket server comprising about setting unit, an image processing apparatus which executes reading processing of the paper document,
Ticket request means for requesting a scan ticket including user information logged in the image processing apparatus to the scan ticket server;
Ticket acquisition means for acquiring a scan ticket usable with the user information from the scan ticket server in response to the request;
A receiving unit that receives a user instruction to select a scan ticket to be used from a plurality of scan tickets acquired by the ticket acquisition unit;
Execution notification means for notifying the scan ticket server that execution of the selected scan ticket is instructed in accordance with a user instruction received by the reception means;
In response to a user instruction received by the receiving means, the image data obtained by executing the scan ticket, image transmitting means for transmitting according to the instruction content defined in the scan ticket,
The image transmission means of the image processing apparatus is processed in the background,
The ticket acquisition unit acquires from the scan ticket server a scan ticket that can be used as user information and for which reservation information is not set by the reservation setting unit of the scan ticket server. Processing equipment. Ticket request means for requesting a scan ticket server including scan information including user information logged into the image processing apparatus, ticket acquisition means for acquiring a scan ticket usable with the user information in response to the request, and the ticket A receiving unit that receives a user instruction to select a scan ticket to be used from a plurality of scan tickets acquired by the acquiring unit, and an instruction to execute the selected scan ticket is given in accordance with the user instruction received by the receiving unit An execution notification means for notifying the scan ticket server of the fact that the image data obtained by executing the scan ticket in response to a user instruction received by the reception means is an instruction defined in the scan ticket Images to send in the background according to the content An image processing communicable scan ticket server and the device and a signal means,
Ticket storage means for storing the scan ticket, reuse information indicating whether the scan ticket is used again after use, and user information that can use the scan ticket in an identifiable manner;
A ticket transmission means for transmitting to the image processing apparatus a scan ticket that is stored in the ticket storage means according to the user information received from the image processing apparatus and is usable in the user information;
Reservation information indicating that the scan ticket instructed to be executed is reserved when the reuse information indicates that the scan ticket instructed to be executed from the image processing apparatus is not used again after use. Reservation setting means for setting,
The ticket transmission means of the scan ticket server is a scan ticket that can be used as user information, and transmits a scan ticket for which reservation information is not set by the reservation setting means to the image processing apparatus. Ticket server. A scan ticket in which an instruction for executing read processing of a paper document and transmitting image data of the read paper document is defined, and reuse information indicating whether the scan ticket is used again after use An image processing method in an image processing system, comprising: a scan ticket server including ticket storage means for storing user information that can use the scan ticket in an identifiable manner; and an image processing apparatus that executes a paper document reading process. There,
The ticket transmission means of the scan ticket server is a scan ticket stored in the ticket storage means according to user information received from the image processing apparatus, and the scan ticket usable with the user information is stored in the image processing apparatus. A ticket sending step to send to,
When the re-use information indicates that the scan ticket instructed to be executed by the image processing apparatus is not used again after use by the reservation setting unit of the scan ticket server, the scan ticket instructed to be executed is A reservation setting step for setting reservation information indicating that the reservation has been made,
A ticket requesting step in which the ticket requesting unit of the image processing apparatus makes a request for a scan ticket including user information logged in to the image processing apparatus to the scan ticket server;
Ticket acquisition means of the image processing apparatus acquires a scan ticket usable with the user information from the scan ticket server in response to the request; and
An accepting step for accepting a user instruction to select a scan ticket to be used from a plurality of scan tickets obtained by the accepting means of the image processing apparatus;
An execution notifying step for notifying the scan ticket server that the execution of the selected scan ticket is instructed by the execution notifying unit of the image processing apparatus in response to the user instruction received in the receiving step;
The image transmission means of the image processing apparatus transmits the image data obtained by executing the scan ticket in accordance with the instruction content defined in the scan ticket in accordance with the user instruction received in the receiving step. An image transmission step,
The image transmission step is processed in the background,
The image processing method characterized in that the ticket transmission step transmits a scan ticket that can be used as user information and for which reservation information is not set in the reservation setting step to the image processing apparatus. A scan ticket server that manages a scan ticket in which instructions for executing read processing of a paper document and transmitting image data of the read paper document are defined, and an image processing device that executes the read processing of the paper document A program executed by an image processing system including:
The scan ticket server,
Ticket storage means for storing the scan ticket, reuse information indicating whether the scan ticket is used again after use, and user information that can use the scan ticket in an identifiable manner;
A ticket transmission means for transmitting to the image processing apparatus a scan ticket that is stored in the ticket storage means according to the user information received from the image processing apparatus and is usable in the user information;
Reservation information indicating that the scan ticket instructed to be executed is reserved when the reuse information indicates that the scan ticket instructed to be executed from the image processing apparatus is not used again after use. Function as a reservation setting means to set,
The image processing apparatus;
Ticket request means for requesting a scan ticket including user information logged in the image processing apparatus to the scan ticket server;
Ticket acquisition means for acquiring a scan ticket usable with the user information from the scan ticket server in response to the request;
A receiving unit that receives a user instruction to select a scan ticket to be used from a plurality of scan tickets acquired by the ticket acquisition unit;
Execution notification means for notifying the scan ticket server that execution of the selected scan ticket is instructed in accordance with a user instruction received by the reception means;
In response to a user instruction received by the reception unit, the image data obtained by executing the scan ticket functions as an image transmission unit that transmits according to the instruction content defined in the scan ticket,
The image transmission means of the image processing apparatus is processed in the background,
The ticket transmission means of the scan ticket server is a scan ticket that can be used as user information, and transmits a scan ticket in which reservation information is not set by the reservation setting means to the image processing apparatus. .

Images