JP2014042165A - Image forming device, control method for image forming device, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily associate a recording medium with original electronic information of the recording medium.SOLUTION: An image forming device having a reading unit that reads an image of a recording medium to obtain image information and communicating with a providing device that provides a service for disclosing information transmitted from outside generates business information indicating necessity of original electronic information of the image of the image information using stylized information stored in a storage unit when the image information is read by the image reading unit, and transmits the business information to the providing device.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, a control method for the image forming apparatus, and a program.

In recent years, a cloud computing system has been put into practical use as a form of a system that provides a service using the Internet. The user does not need to prepare hardware resources such as a server, and if a minimum connection environment is prepared, a service provided by a cloud computing system called a cloud service can be used.
As a cloud service that has already been realized, there is a CRM service having a function of a CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system for performing customer management and sales support. A document management service having a function of storing and managing electronic files and an online storage service for storing electronic files are also realized as cloud services.

Here, some services have a microblogging function as a communication tool. The microblog function is a short blog function in which a user having a service account publishes a short sentence of about 100 to 200 characters called “tweet” as “message”, “comment”, and the like. The user here includes a printer, a cooperation service, etc., that is, an object, an application, etc. on a cloud service, and is not limited to a real person.
In the microblog function, a unique identifier is assigned to “message” and “comment” published by the user. In the microblogging function, a “timeline” is created in which “comments” related to “messages” registered by the user registering “messages” can be registered, displayed, and managed as a list. The user who registered the “message” and other users exchange information by registering related information on the “timeline” as “comments”, and perform communication.
Each user's account is associated with information on the user's profile so that the person with whom the person is communicating can be identified. For example, the profile information includes information such as the user's name, contact information (email address, telephone number, address, etc.), affiliation group, and the like.

Some CRM services provided as cloud services provide a microblogging function as a communication tool for business operations. In such a cloud service, customer information, business negotiation information, and the like are linked with “message” and “comment” to further improve the convenience for the user.
The CRM service also provides a file sharing function that allows users to share files and save, edit, update, and reference files. For example, Salesforce. and the provided microblogging function corresponds to Chatter (registered trademark). The file sharing function corresponds to Document and File.

In addition, image forming apparatuses are becoming more sophisticated and multifunctional. In recent years, image forming apparatuses equipped with not only basic functions such as digitization and printing of paper documents such as a scan function and a print function but also a network interface (hereinafter referred to as a network I / F) have been developed. Yes. An image forming apparatus equipped with a network I / F provides various solutions in cooperation with an external system and an external service connected via a network.
For example, an image forming apparatus equipped with a network I / F can transmit and store an electronic document formed by scanning a paper document to a document management service, an online storage service, or the like as described above. .

As described above, when the cloud service is put into practical use and the cooperation with the image forming apparatus is advanced, an opportunity to use a communication tool having a microblog function or the like using an electronic file formed by scanning a paper document increases.
For example, if you want to obtain the original electronic file after obtaining a printed paper document, you need to identify the creator by some method and request sharing of the electronic file, which takes time to obtain There is a problem.
Here, a technique is disclosed in which a paper document and an electronic file are associated with each other and transmitted to an external device so that both documents can be circulated (see Patent Document 1).

JP-A-8-339333

  However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, since it is necessary to associate a marked paper document with an electronic file, a registrant and complicated processing are required. Even if the communication tool as described above is used, it is not convenient for the owner of the paper document to operate the image forming apparatus and the communication tool in consideration of sharing the electronic file.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and an object thereof is to more easily relate a recording medium and original electronic information of the recording medium.

  Therefore, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus that includes a reading unit that reads an image on a recording medium and uses the information as image information, and communicates with a providing apparatus that provides a service for disclosing information transmitted from the outside. Then, when the image information is read by the reading unit, the business information indicating that the electronic information that is the basis of the image of the image information is necessary is generated using the fixed form information stored in the storage unit, It has a transmission means which transmits the said requirement information to the said provision apparatus.

  The present invention may be a method, a program, a system, a storage medium, and the like.

  According to the present invention, the recording medium and the original electronic information of the recording medium can be related more easily.

It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of a system. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of a hardware structure of a cloud service server. It is a figure which shows an example of the module of an image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the module of a cloud service server. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the module of a cloud storage server. It is a figure which shows an example of a user interface. It is a figure which shows an example of a sequence. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart in the image forming apparatus. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart in the image forming apparatus. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the data structure of scan data DB. It is a figure which shows an example of URI. It is a figure which shows an example of a user interface. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of a system. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a module configuration of an image forming apparatus. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the module of the cloud service server. It is a figure which shows an example of a sequence. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart in the image forming apparatus. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the flowchart in the cloud service server.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments do not limit the present invention, and all the configurations described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the means for solving the problems of the present invention.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a system according to the present embodiment. An image forming apparatus 101 and a terminal 102 are connected to the LAN 110. The LAN 110 is connected to the Internet 120. A cloud service server 131 and a cloud storage server 132 are connected to the Internet 120.
The image forming apparatus 101 is a multifunction peripheral (MFP) having a scanning function. The terminal 102 is an example of an information processing apparatus (computer), and is a mobile terminal, a PC (personal computer), or the like. Each of the cloud service server 131 and the cloud storage server 132 is an example of an information processing apparatus (computer), and is a server that provides various cloud services.

The image forming apparatus 101 and the terminal 102 are communicably connected to the cloud service server 131 and the cloud storage server 132 via the LAN 110 and the Internet 120 (an example of a network).
The present embodiment is not limited to the above-described configuration. For example, the image forming apparatus 101 is configured to be connected to the LAN 110, but a configuration that can be communicably connected to the cloud service server 131 and the cloud storage server 132 can be appropriately employed.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 101. The control unit 210 is an example of an information processing device (computer). The control unit 210 has a CPU 211 and controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 101. The CPU 211 reads out a program stored in the ROM 212 and performs various controls such as reading control and transmission / reception control. The RAM 213 is used as a temporary storage area such as a main memory or work area for the CPU 211. The HDD 214 stores image data (an example of image information), various programs, various tables, and the like. The ROM 212, the RAM 213, and the HDD 214 are examples of a storage unit.
The operation unit I / F 215 connects the operation unit 219 and the control unit 210. The operation unit 219 includes a liquid crystal display unit (an example of a display unit) having a touch panel function, a keyboard (an example of an input unit), and the like. A printer I / F 216 connects the printer 220 and the control unit 210. Image data to be printed by the printer 220 is transferred from the control unit 210 via the printer I / F 216 and is recorded as an image on a recording medium (so-called original) such as paper or film.

The scanner I / F 217 connects the scanner 221 and the control unit 210. The scanner 221 is an example of a reading unit, reads an image on a document, generates image data, and inputs the image data to the control unit 210 via the scanner I / F 217.
The network I / F 218 connects the control unit 210 (image forming apparatus 101) to the LAN 110. The network I / F 218 transmits various types of information such as image data and electronic files (an example of electronic information) to an external device (such as the cloud service server 131), and receives various types of information from the external device.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the cloud service server 131. The control unit 310 has a CPU 311 and controls the operation of the entire cloud service server 131. The CPU 311 reads a program stored in the ROM 312 and executes various control processes. The RAM 313 is used as a temporary storage area such as a main memory or work area of the CPU 311. The HDD 314 stores image data, various programs, various tables, and the like. The ROM 312, the RAM 313, and the HDD 314 are examples of a storage unit.
The network I / F 315 connects the control unit 310 (cloud service server 131) to the Internet 120. The network I / F 315 transmits and receives various types of information to and from external devices (such as the image forming apparatus 101).

Here, the terminal 102 and the cloud storage server 132 have the same hardware as the hardware of the cloud service server 131 described in FIG.
Note that each of the terminal 102, the cloud service server 131, and the cloud storage server 132 is not limited to the configuration described above. For example, each device has an input / output I / F. The input / output I / F includes a display (an example of a display unit) that displays various types of information and a keyboard (an example of an input unit) that inputs various types of information. ) May be connected.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of modules in the software of the image forming apparatus 101. Each module illustrated in FIG. 4 is realized by the CPU 211 included in the image forming apparatus 101 executing a program.
The image forming apparatus 101 includes a screen display unit 400, a communication unit 401, a microblog communication management unit 402, a scan data management unit 403, a job processing unit 404, an image processing unit 405, an electronic file management unit 406, and a registration request processing unit 407. Have The image forming apparatus 101 includes a scan data database (hereinafter referred to as a scan data DB 410) and a fixed message database (hereinafter referred to as a fixed message DB 411).

When the screen display unit 400 displays a screen for accepting an instruction for reading (scanning) an image on a document (paper document) to the operation unit 219 and accepts a scan instruction from the user via the operation unit 219, The job processing unit 404 is requested to execute a scan job.
The communication unit 401 transmits a request (request) to the cloud service server 131 and the cloud storage server 132 in response to a request from the microblog communication management unit 402. Further, the communication unit 401 receives responses (replies to requests) from the cloud service server 131 and the cloud storage server 132. The communication unit 401 receives a request from the terminal 102 and transmits a response to the terminal 102.

When the microblog communication management unit 402 detects that the scan data is stored in the scan data DB 410 based on, for example, information notified from the job processing unit 404, the microblog communication management unit 402 displays a message including a word for searching the original electronic file of the paper document. Generate. The wording used to search for the original electronic file of a paper document here is, for example, “I got the XXX conference paper on paper. Do you have electronic data for this document? If this is the case, click here to register. " Hereinafter, a message including the wording is denoted as message A.
And the microblog communication management part 402 transmits the produced | generated message to the cloud service server 131, and manages the comment with respect to the transmitted message. Here, the message is an example of business information indicating that the electronic information that is the basis of the image of the image information read from the recording medium is necessary. The comment is an example of response information for the business information.

In addition, the microblog communication management unit 402 receives a request from the terminal 102, and in response to a request from the communication unit 401, processes to operate an electronic file and process to send a comment to the cloud service server 131 according to the content of the request. Etc. In addition, the microblog communication management unit 402 requests the electronic file management unit 406 to acquire the electronic file specified in the request from the terminal 102. Further, the microblog communication management unit 402 receives the electronic file acquired by the electronic file management unit 406.
The scan data management unit 403 requests the scan data DB 410 to store the scan data generated by the job processing unit 404. In addition, the scan data management unit 403 performs processing for acquiring scan data stored in the scan data DB 410 and transmitting the scan data to the cloud storage server 132 as an electronic file.

The job processing unit 404 requests the control unit 210 to execute a scan process in response to a scan job execution request from the screen display unit 400, and as a result, the scanner 221 reads image data generated by reading an image on a paper document. receive. Then, the job processing unit 404 notifies the scan data management unit 403 that the image data is ready to be stored in the scan data DB 410 as scan data.
The image processing unit 405 performs correction, processing, editing, resolution conversion, and the like on the image data. The image processing unit 405 performs image data rotation, compression / decompression processing such as JPEG and MMR. In addition, the image processing unit 405 performs conversion processing on the image data into an electronic file format such as PDF or XPS.

In response to a request from the microblog communication management unit 402, the electronic file management unit 406 performs processing for acquiring the electronic file specified by the request from the terminal 102. For example, the electronic file management unit 406 may acquire the electronic file by transmitting the electronic file stored in the terminal 102 together with the request. Further, for example, the electronic file management unit 406 may transmit a URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) indicating a stored location from the terminal 102 together with the request, and acquire the electronic file based on the URI. The URI is an example of location information indicating the location of electronic information.
The registration request processing unit 407 performs processing for an electronic file registration request from the terminal 102.

The scan data DB 410 stores the scan data generated by the job processing unit 404 in response to a request from the scan data management unit 403, the original electronic file of the paper document, and the like.
The fixed message DB 411 stores a message template and a comment template to be transmitted to the cloud service server 131. The message template and the comment template are examples of fixed information used for generating the business information and the response information, and are stored in the fixed message DB 411 in advance.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a module configuration in the software of the cloud service server 131. Each module illustrated in FIG. 5 is realized by the CPU 311 included in the cloud service server 131 executing a program.
The cloud service server 131 includes a Web application 501 and a message database (hereinafter referred to as a message DB 502).
A web application 501 is a web application for providing a CRM service or the like. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that a microblog function service is provided in the Web application 501. The cloud service server 131 is an example of a providing device that provides a service for disclosing information. The web application 501 includes a communication unit 511, a control unit 512, and a message management unit 513.

The communication unit 511 receives requests from the image forming apparatus 101 and the terminal 102 and notifies the control unit 512 of the contents of the request. The communication unit 511 receives the processing result for the request from the control unit 512, creates response data for the request, and transmits a response to the image forming apparatus 101 or the terminal 102 that has transmitted the request. For example, the communication unit 511 creates response data including a message identifier described later.
The control unit 512 extracts a message or comment included in the request according to the content of the request notified from the communication unit 511, and notifies the message management unit 513 of the message or comment (requests registration).
The message management unit 513 receives a message or comment notified from the control unit 512 and stores (registers) it in the message DB 502. Further, the message management unit 513 acquires a registered message and comment from the message DB 502 and notifies the control unit 512 of the registered message and comment in response to a request from the control unit 512.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a module configuration in the software of the cloud storage server 132. Each module illustrated in FIG. 6 is realized by the CPU 311 included in the cloud storage server 132 executing a program.
The cloud storage server 132 includes a Web application 601 and a file management database (hereinafter referred to as a file management DB 602).
A Web application 601 is a Web application for providing services such as a document management function. The web application 601 includes a communication unit 611, a control unit 612, and a file management unit 613.

The communication unit 611 receives requests from the image forming apparatus 101 and the terminal 102 and notifies the control unit 612 of the content of the request. The communication unit 611 receives the processing result for the request from the control unit 612, creates response data for the request, and transmits a response to the image forming apparatus 101 or the terminal 102 that has transmitted the request.
In accordance with the content of the request from the communication unit 611, the control unit 612 stores, deletes, moves, and acquires a list of managed electronic files (file management, for example) transmitted from the image forming apparatus 101. Process) is requested to the file management unit 613.
In response to a request from the control unit 612, the file management unit 613 accesses the file management DB 602, performs file management processing, and notifies the processing result.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface (post display screen 701) used in the microblog function of the cloud service server 131. The posting display screen 701 is an example of a Web page displayed on the display unit when a Web browser operating on the terminal 102 accesses the cloud service server 131. Here, it is assumed that the cloud service server 131 manages the exchange of messages and comments between users.
The post display screen 701 displays a message input (posted) by a user (including the image forming apparatus 101 and the like) and a comment on the message.
A display area 702 is an area for displaying messages, comments, and the like. In the display area 702, a timeline including a message and a comment for the message is displayed. In the display area 702, a message 711 automatically posted together with an electronic file of a paper document generated by the user A using the image forming apparatus 101 is shown. In the display area 702, a comment 712 that is automatically returned to the message 711 together with the electronic file that is the basis of the paper document provided by the user B is shown.

The comment input area 703 is an area for receiving input (addition) of comments. When a user inputs a comment in the comment input field 721 and the add button 722 is pressed, the web browser transmits a comment addition request to the cloud service server 131. When the cloud service server 131 receives a comment addition request, the cloud service server 131 registers the input comment. For example, when the user accesses the cloud service server 131 with a Web browser, registered comments such as comments 712 and 713 are displayed by the Web browser.
The message input area 704 is an area for receiving message input (creation). When a message is input by the user in the message input field 731 and the creation button 732 is pressed, the Web browser transmits a message creation request to the cloud service server 131. When the cloud service server 131 receives a message creation request, the cloud service server 131 registers the input message. For example, when the user accesses the cloud service server 131 with a Web browser, a message created like a message 711 is displayed by the Web browser.
The cloud service server 131 has a function for registering an electronic file together with a message or a comment. However, regarding the registration from the Web browser, an appropriate configuration can be used, and the description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sequence related to a series of processes executed by the image forming apparatus 101, the cloud service server 131, and the cloud storage server 132.
The cloud storage server 132 manages electronic files, and in response to electronic file registration requests and acquisition requests from the terminal 102 or the like, electronic file registration processing and electronic file acquisition processing (return the electronic file entity). Process). With regard to the above-described registration process and acquisition process in the cloud storage server 132, an appropriate configuration can be used, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

In SQ801, the image forming apparatus 101 executes a scan process in response to a scan instruction from the user A. In the scanning process, the image forming apparatus 101 reads an image of a paper document with the scanner 221 and acquires image data as a result.
In SQ802, the image forming apparatus 101 stores (stores) the acquired image data in the scan data DB 410. In SQ 803, the image forming apparatus 101 converts the image data into an electronic file such as a PDF file and transmits it to the cloud storage server 132.

In SQ804, the image forming apparatus 101 generates a message, for example, message A, for the cloud service server 131 (message generation process). Further, the image forming apparatus 101 issues a message processing identifier for identifying message generation processing and stores it in the scan data DB 410.
Then, the image forming apparatus 101 transmits to the cloud service server 131 the URI and file name of the electronic file transmitted and stored to the cloud storage server 132 in SQ803 together with the message. At this time, the image forming apparatus 101 includes in the request a link (link information) for another user to register the electronic file that is the basis of the paper document. As shown in the URI 1201 in FIG. 12, the message processing identifier (information for continuing processing related to the message) is attached to the link as a parameter.
In SQ805, the cloud service server 131 receives the message transmitted from the image forming apparatus 101 and registers it in the message DB 502. The cloud service server 131 transmits a message identifier that can identify the message to the image forming apparatus 101.

Here, it is assumed that the user B who has accessed the cloud service server 131 using the Web browser of the terminal 102 has confirmed the message. When user B thinks that he / she owns the original electronic file of the paper document held by user A and may share the original electronic file, user B A link is clicked (SQ806).
When the user B clicks to access the URI 1201, the image forming apparatus 101 transmits screen data (response) for displaying the electronic file registration screen 1301 of FIG. 13 to the terminal 102. Note that the image forming apparatus 101 embeds the message processing identifier in screen data for displaying the electronic file registration screen 1301.

In SQ807, when the execution button 1306 on the electronic file registration screen 1301 is clicked, the terminal 102 transmits a request for registering the original electronic file of the paper document to the image forming apparatus 101 together with the electronic file, for example. When the electronic file is stored in a device different from the terminal 102 and the electronic file can be acquired using the URI, the electronic file registration screen 1301 does not specify the entity of the electronic file, for example. Use to get an electronic file.
When the execution button 1306 on the electronic file registration screen 1301 is clicked, the terminal 102 transmits the message processing identifier to the image forming apparatus 101 together with the electronic file entity or URI.

In SQ 808, the image forming apparatus 101 receives a request for registering an electronic file from the terminal 102. The image forming apparatus 101 analyzes the parameters in the received request, and acquires the message processing identifier and the entity or URI of the electronic file. When the designated electronic file is not a substance but a URI, the image forming apparatus 101 accesses the URI and acquires (receives) the electronic file from another apparatus different from the terminal 102.
In SQ809, the image forming apparatus 101 transmits the electronic file received from the terminal 102 or another apparatus to the cloud storage server 132.

In SQ810, the image forming apparatus 101 acquires a message identifier from the scan data DB 410 using the message processing identifier as a key. The image forming apparatus 101 transmits a comment addition request to the cloud service server 131 using the message identifier. Here, in accordance with the comment, the URI and file name of the electronic file transmitted and stored in SQ809 to the cloud storage server 132 are also transmitted.
In SQ 811, the cloud service server 131 receives the comment addition request transmitted from the image forming apparatus 101 and registers the content of the comment in the message DB 502.
Thereafter, the user A can acquire the electronic file registered by the user B using a Web browser such as the terminal 102.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart relating to processing of transmitting an electronic file obtained by converting image data of an image read by the scanner 221 and transmitting a generated message in the image forming apparatus 101. In the image forming apparatus 101, it is assumed that a message template (template data) to be transmitted to the cloud service server 131 and information necessary for executing the scan process and the transmission process are registered. It is assumed that a message corresponding to the operation (user operation) of the operation unit 219 by the user is transmitted to the cloud service server 131 based on these pieces of information.
Further, a program for realizing the processing of this flowchart and data necessary for executing the program are stored in the HDD 214, read out to the RAM 213 and executed by the CPU 211. Data is transferred between the steps using a temporary area of the RAM 213 or the HDD 214.

In step S901, the screen display unit 400 receives a scan instruction from the user.
In step S902, when the screen display unit 400 receives a scan instruction, the screen display unit 400 requests the job processing unit 404 to execute a scan job. The job processing unit 404 requests the scanner 221 to execute scan processing in response to a scan job execution request. The scanner 221 performs scan processing in response to a request for execution of scan processing, and notifies the control unit 210 of image data via the scanner I / F 217. The control unit 210 receives the image data and notifies the job processing unit 404 of the image data received as a result of executing the scanning process.
In step S903, the job processing unit 404 requests the scan data management unit 403 to store the received image data as scan data. The scan data management unit 403 receives the request from the job processing unit 404, stores the image data as scan data in the scan data DB 410, and notifies the job processing unit 404 that the storage of the scan data has been completed.

In step S <b> 904, the job processing unit 404 receives a notification that the storage of scan data has been completed, and requests the image processing unit 405 to perform scan data conversion processing. The image processing unit 405 receives a request from the job processing unit 404, acquires scan data (image data) from the scan data DB 410, performs scan data conversion processing according to a conversion method designated in advance, and generates an electronic file. To do.
Next, the image processing unit 405 stores the generated electronic file in the scan data DB 410 and notifies the job processing unit 404 that the conversion processing has been completed. Subsequently, the job processing unit 404 requests the communication unit 401 to transmit (file transmission) the generated electronic file to the cloud storage server 132. The communication unit 401 receives a request from the job processing unit 404, acquires the generated electronic file from the scan data DB 410, and transmits it to the cloud storage server 132. Subsequently, the communication unit 401 receives a response from the cloud storage server 132, stores information on the storage destination URI in the scan data DB 410, and notifies the job processing unit 404 that the transmission processing has been completed.

In step S <b> 905, the job processing unit 404 receives a notification that the electronic file transmission processing has been completed, and requests the microblog communication management unit 402 to transmit a message (message transmission). The microblog communication management unit 402 receives a request from the job processing unit 404 and generates a message, for example, a message A. Further, the microblog communication management unit 402 issues a message processing identifier for identifying the processing (message generation processing).
Further, the microblog communication management unit 402 transmits the link including the message, the URI and file name of the electronic file, and the URI for registering the original electronic file of the electronic file to the cloud service server 131. The communication unit 401 is requested. The message processing identifier is added as a parameter to the URI for registering the original electronic file of the electronic file.

The communication unit 401 receives a transmission request from the microblog communication management unit 402 and transmits a message or the like to the cloud service server 131. Next, the communication unit 401 receives a response from the cloud service server 131 and returns a message identifier included in the response data to the microblog communication management unit 402. The microblog communication management unit 402 returns a message identifier to the job processing unit 404 and notifies that the message transmission processing has been completed.
By sending a message or the like to the cloud service server 131, the message is registered in the microblog function of the cloud service server 131. With this configuration, a “timeline” for a message is created in the microblog function of the service provided by the cloud service server 131. When the user accesses the cloud service server 131 using a Web browser or the like, a message such as a message 711 in FIG. 7 is displayed, and communication with other users becomes possible.
In step S <b> 906, the job processing unit 404 stores message information (such as a message identifier) in the scan data DB 410.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing for registering an original electronic file of a paper document in the image forming apparatus 101.
For example, when the user clicks a link included in the message 711 displayed on the posting display screen 701 in FIG. 7, the terminal 102 transmits a request for registering an electronic file to the image forming apparatus 101.
The web browser of the terminal 102 displays a screen for selecting either an electronic file stored in the HDD 314 of the terminal 102 or an electronic file stored in another device such as the cloud storage server 132. . An example of the screen is shown in FIG. 13, but an appropriate mode can be adopted.

The process of the flowchart of FIG. 10 is started when the terminal 102 transmits a registration request specifying an electronic file stored in the terminal 102 or the cloud storage server 132, and the image forming apparatus 101 receives the request.
In addition, a program for realizing the processing of this flowchart and data necessary for executing the program are stored in the HDD 214 and read out to the RAM 213 by the CPU 211 and executed. Data is transferred between the steps using a temporary area of the RAM 213 or the HDD 214.

In step S <b> 1001, the communication unit 401 of the image forming apparatus 101 receives an electronic file registration request (request) transmitted from the terminal 102. When the communication unit 401 expands the parameter data included in the received request in the RAM 213 and receives the entity of the electronic file, the communication unit 401 stores the parameter data in the temporary area of the HDD 214 and requests the registration request processing unit 407 to perform processing.
In step S <b> 1002, the registration request processing unit 407 analyzes the parameter data, extracts the message processing identifier data, and expands the data in the RAM 213. In step S <b> 1003, the registration request processing unit 407 uses the message processing identifier in the RAM 213 to search whether message information (such as a message identifier) related to the message processing identifier exists in the scan data DB 410. If the registration request processing unit 407 determines that the message information of the message processing identifier does not exist, the registration request processing unit 407 ends the processing. On the other hand, if the registration request processing unit 407 determines that the message information of the message processing identifier exists, the process proceeds to S1004.

In S1004, the registration request processing unit 407 determines whether or not the entity of the electronic file has been received together with the request. If it is determined that the electronic file has been received, the process proceeds to S1005, and if it is determined that the electronic file has not been received. , The process proceeds to S1006.
In step S1005, the registration request processing unit 407 acquires the electronic file from the temporary area of the HDD 214, stores the electronic file in the scan data DB 410 using the message processing identifier as a key, and advances the process to step S1008.
In S1006, the registration request processing unit 407 determines whether or not the parameter data includes a URI indicating the location of the electronic file. If the registration request processing unit 407 determines that the URI is not included, or determines that the electronic file cannot be acquired, the processing ends. On the other hand, if the registration request processing unit 407 determines that the URI is included and the electronic file can be acquired, the process proceeds to step S1007.

In step S1007, the registration request processing unit 407 acquires an electronic file using a URI indicating the location of the electronic file, stores the electronic file in the scan data DB 410 using the message processing identifier as a key, and advances the processing to step S1008.
In S1008, the registration request processing unit 407 requests the communication unit 401 to transmit the electronic file stored in S1005 or S1007 to the cloud storage server 132. The communication unit 401 receives the request from the registration request processing unit 407, acquires the electronic file from the scan data DB 410, and transmits the electronic file to the cloud storage server 132. Subsequently, the communication unit 401 receives a response from the cloud storage server 132, stores information on the storage destination URI in the scan data DB 410, and notifies the registration request processing unit 407 that the transmission processing has been completed.

Subsequently, the registration request processing unit 407 requests the microblog communication management unit 402 to transmit a comment. The microblog communication management unit 402 receives a request from the registration request processing unit 407, generates a comment, for example, generates a comment A “Is this data OK? I uploaded it below”, and adds an electronic file to the comment. The URI and file name are attached.
Subsequently, the microblog communication management unit 402 requests the communication unit 401 to transmit a comment to the cloud service server 131. The communication unit 401 receives a request for transmitting a comment from the microblog communication management unit 402 and transmits the comment to the cloud service server 131 using the message identifier read from the scan data DB 410 as a key. Subsequently, the communication unit 401 receives a response from the cloud service server 131 and notifies the microblog communication management unit 402 that the comment transmission processing has been completed. The microblog communication management unit 402 notifies the registration request processing unit 407 of the completion of registration.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data structure of the scan data DB 410. The “scan data identifier” is a unique identifier issued by the job processing unit 404 in step S902. The “scan data path” indicates a storage destination when the job processing unit 404 stores scan data in step S903.
The “converted electronic file path” indicates the storage location of the electronic file generated by the image processing unit 405 converting the image data in step S904. The “converted electronic file URI” indicates the storage location of the electronic file transmitted to the cloud storage server 132 by the communication unit 401 in S904 (shows the URI for acquiring the electronic file).

The “original file electronic file path” indicates the storage location of the electronic file stored by the registration request processing unit 407 in steps S1005 and S1007. “Electronic file storage destination URI of original document” indicates the storage destination of the original electronic file of the paper document transmitted to the cloud storage server 132 by the communication unit 401 in S1008 (indicating the URI for acquiring the original electronic file). ).
The “message processing identifier” is an identifier embedded in the link included in the message generated by the microblog communication management unit 402 in S905, and is included in the URI that is accessed by the user click in SQ711 of FIG. It is an identifier.
The “message identifier” is an identifier for identifying the message transmitted from the microblog communication management unit 402 to the cloud service server 131 in S905. The “message identifier” is used when registering a comment for the message.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example (URI 1201) of the URI of the link “here” included in the message 711.
The URI 1201 is a URI for displaying a screen for registering an electronic file (electronic file registration screen). In the present embodiment, the URI 1201 indicates a Web application of the image forming apparatus 101. The URI 1201 is an example in which a message processing identifier is included in the parameter.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the user interface (electronic file registration screen 1301). The electronic file registration screen 1301 is an example of a Web page that is displayed by accessing the image forming apparatus 101 from a Web browser that operates on the terminal 102.
The electronic file registration screen 1301 is a screen for the user to register the original electronic file of the paper document, and is a screen that is displayed when the link of the message 711 is clicked. That is, the link is an example of access information used when accessing a screen that accepts a user operation for instructing transmission of electronic information.
The message processing identifier information 1302 includes the parameters of the URI 1201 and is included in the electronic file registration screen 1301 for delivery to the next processing. The message processing identifier information 1302 may be hidden as a hidden parameter so as not to be displayed on the screen.

A display area 1303 is an area for displaying the path of the electronic file selected by the user on the file selection screen displayed when the browse button 1304 is clicked. A reference button 1304 is a button for displaying a file selection screen. Since an appropriate configuration can be adopted for the file selection screen, illustration and description thereof are omitted. The input area 1305 is an area for inputting a URI when the electronic file exists in another device (external storage service or the like).
The execution button 1306 is a button for receiving an instruction from the user who transmits the electronic file. When the user clicks the execute button 1306, the terminal 102 transmits the entity or URI of the electronic file and the message processing identifier to the image forming apparatus 101 together with a request for registration of the electronic file.

In this way, when the link in the message of the cloud service server 131 is operated and the original electronic file of the electronic file described in the message is registered, the original electronic file is shared as a comment for the message. The As a result, the owner of the paper document can acquire the original electronic file of the paper document without burdening the owner of the original electronic file of the paper document as much as possible, for example, without burdening the input of a comment. It becomes like this.
According to the above-described configuration, the original electronic file of the paper document can be more easily shared using the cloud service server 131 having the microblog function and the image forming apparatus 101.

This embodiment can also be applied to a case where the original electronic file of the paper document already exists in the cloud storage server 132.
In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the cloud service server 131 and the cloud storage server 132 are separated has been described as an example. However, a server in which both servers are integrated, for example, the cloud service server 131 may be configured to have the function of the cloud storage server 132 (for example, a file sharing function).

<Second Embodiment>
In the present embodiment, the configuration of the cloud service server B 133 will be described as part of the configuration of the image forming apparatus 101 according to the first embodiment. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the structure similar to the structure of 1st Embodiment, and the description is abbreviate | omitted suitably.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration according to the present embodiment. The terminal 102, the LAN 110, the Internet 120, the cloud service server 131, and the cloud storage server 132 are the same as those in the first embodiment.
Similar to the terminal 102, the image forming apparatus 103 is connected to a network such as the LAN 110 and can communicate with other apparatuses (such as the cloud service server B 133). The hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 103 is the same as that of the image forming apparatus 101 shown in FIG. Similarly to the cloud service server 131, the cloud service server B133 is connected to a network such as the Internet 120 and can communicate with other devices (such as the image forming apparatus 103). The hardware configuration of the cloud service server B 133 is the same as that of the cloud service server 131 shown in FIG.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a module configuration in the software of the image forming apparatus 103. Each module illustrated in FIG. 15 is realized by the CPU 211 included in the image forming apparatus 103 executing a program.
The image forming apparatus 103 includes a screen display unit 400, a communication unit 401, a scan data management unit 403, a job processing unit 404, an image processing unit 405, and a scan data DB 410. Since each module is the same as that of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a module configuration in the software of the cloud service server B133. Each module illustrated in FIG. 16 is realized by the CPU 311 included in the cloud service server B 133 executing a program.
The cloud service server B 133 includes a Web application 510, a job database (hereinafter referred to as a job DB 412), and a fixed message DB 411.
The web application 510 is an application for receiving a request from the image forming apparatus 103, managing setting information for executing a scanning process, setting information for registering a message in the cloud service server 131, and the like. It is. The Web application 510 includes a communication unit 511, a control unit 512, a job processing unit 514, a microblog communication management unit 402, an electronic file management unit 406, and a registration request processing unit 407. Details of the job processing unit 514 and the job DB 412 will be described later.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sequence related to a series of processing performed by the image forming apparatus 103, the cloud service server 131, the cloud storage server 132, and the cloud service server B133.
Information that the user has registered in advance with the cloud service server B133 setting information for executing scan processing, a message to be transmitted to the cloud service server 131, and a template for generating a comment (standard message) And In addition, it is assumed that the image forming apparatus 103 has acquired setting information for executing scan processing from the cloud service server B133. With respect to these processes, an appropriate configuration can be adopted, and the description thereof will be omitted. Note that the detailed description of the internal processing of the cloud storage server 132 is omitted as in the first embodiment.
Since SQ1701 and SQ1702 are the same processes as SQ801 and SQ802 of the first embodiment, their descriptions are omitted.

In SQ 1703, the image forming apparatus 103 converts the image data into an electronic file such as a PDF file and transmits it to the cloud service server B 133. In SQ 1704, the cloud service server B 133 transmits the electronic file received from the image forming apparatus 103 to the cloud storage server 132.
In SQ 1705, the cloud service server B 133 generates a message, for example, message A, to the cloud service server 131. Also, the cloud service server B 133 issues a message processing identifier for identifying the message creation processing and stores it in the job DB 412.
Then, together with the message, the cloud service server B 133 also transmits the URI and file name of the electronic file transmitted and stored in SQ 1704 to the cloud storage server 132. The cloud service server B 133 also includes a link for another user to register the electronic file in the message. As shown in a URI 1201 in FIG. 12, a message processing identifier (information for continuing processing related to the message) is attached to the link as a parameter.

In SQ 1706, the cloud service server 131 receives the message transmitted from the cloud service server B 133 and registers it in the message DB 502.
Here, it is assumed that the user B who has accessed the cloud service server 131 using the Web browser of the terminal 102 has confirmed the message. When User B holds the original electronic file of the paper document held by User A and thinks that the original electronic file may be registered, User B adds the original electronic file in the message displayed on the Web browser. A link is clicked (SQ1707).
When the user B clicks to access the URI 1201, the cloud service server B 133 transmits screen data (response) for displaying the electronic file registration screen 1301 of FIG. 13 to the terminal 102. The cloud service server B 133 embeds the message processing identifier in the screen data for displaying the electronic file registration screen 1301.

In SQ 1708, when the execution button 1306 on the electronic file registration screen 1301 is clicked, the terminal 102 transmits a request for registering the original electronic file of the paper document to the cloud service server B 133 together with the electronic file, for example. When the electronic file is stored in a device different from the terminal 102 and the electronic file can be acquired using the URI, the electronic file registration screen 1301 does not specify the entity of the electronic file, for example. Use to get an electronic file.
Further, when the execution button 1306 on the electronic file registration screen 1301 is clicked, the terminal 102 transmits the message processing identifier to the cloud service server B 133 together with the electronic file entity or URI.

In SQ 1709, the cloud service server B 133 receives a request for registering an electronic file from the terminal 102. The cloud service server B 133 analyzes the parameter in the received request, and acquires the message processing identifier and the entity or URI of the electronic file. When the designated electronic file is not a substance but a URI, the cloud service server B 133 accesses the URI and acquires (receives) the electronic file from another terminal different from the terminal 102.
In SQ1710, the cloud service server B133 transmits the electronic file received from the terminal 102 or another device to the cloud storage server 132.

In SQ 1711, the cloud service server B 133 acquires a message identifier from the job DB 412 using the message processing identifier as a key. Then, the cloud service server B 133 transmits a comment addition request to the cloud service server 131 using the message identifier. Here, the cloud service server B 133 also transmits the URI and file name of the electronic file transmitted and stored in the SQ 1710 to the cloud storage server 132 in accordance with the comment.
In SQ 1712, the cloud service server 131 receives the comment addition request transmitted from the cloud service server B 133 and registers the content of the comment in the message DB 502.
Thereafter, the user A can acquire the electronic file registered by the user B using a Web browser such as the terminal 102.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart relating to a process of transmitting an electronic file obtained by converting image data read by the scanner 221 in the image forming apparatus 103.
In the image forming apparatus 103, it is assumed that information necessary for executing the scan process is stored. Since S1801 to S1804 in this flowchart are the same processing as S901 to S904 in the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a flowchart relating to processing of transmitting an electronic file received from the image forming apparatus 103 to the cloud storage server 132 and transmitting a generated message to the cloud service server 131 in the cloud service server B133. .
In the cloud service server B 133, it is assumed that template data of a message to be transmitted to the cloud service server 131 and information necessary for execution of transmission are registered. A message is generated based on these pieces of information, and the generated message is transmitted from the cloud service server B 133 to the cloud service server 131.

In step S1901, the communication unit 511 receives the electronic file transmitted from the image forming apparatus 103, stores the received electronic file in a temporary area of the HDD 314, and takes over the processing to the job processing unit 514.
In step S <b> 1902, the job processing unit 514 requests the electronic file management unit 406 to read the electronic file from the HDD 314 and store it in the job DB 412. The electronic file management unit 406 receives the request from the job processing unit 514, reads the electronic file from the HDD 314, stores it in the job DB 412, and notifies the job processing unit 514 that the storage of the electronic file has been completed.

In step S <b> 1903, the job processing unit 514 requests the communication unit 511 to transmit the electronic file to the cloud storage server 132. The communication unit 511 receives a request from the job processing unit 514, acquires an electronic file from the job DB 412, and transmits the electronic file to the cloud storage server 132.
Subsequently, the communication unit 511 receives a response from the cloud storage server 132, stores information on the storage destination URI in the job DB 412, and notifies the job processing unit 514 that transmission processing has been completed.
In step S1904, the job processing unit 514 receives a notification that the electronic file transmission processing has been completed, and requests the microblog communication management unit 402 to transmit a message. Since the subsequent processing and the processing of S1905 are the same as the processing of S905 and S906, their description is omitted.

By transmitting a message or the like to the cloud service server 131, the message is registered in the microblog function of the cloud service server 131. With this configuration, a “timeline” for a message is created in the microblog function of the service provided by the cloud service server 131. When the user accesses the cloud service server 131 using a Web browser or the like, a message such as a message 711 in FIG. 7 is displayed, and communication with other users becomes possible.
For example, when the user clicks a link included in the message 711 displayed on the post display screen 701 in FIG. 7, the terminal 102 transmits a request for registering an electronic file to the cloud service server B 133. Since the subsequent processing is the same as the processing in the image forming apparatus 103 in FIG. 10, detailed description thereof is omitted.

Further, it is assumed that the job DB 412 of the cloud service server B 133 of this embodiment manages data with the same configuration as the scan data DB 410 of the image forming apparatus 103 in the first embodiment.
The URI in FIG. 12 and the electronic file registration screen in FIG. 13 are contents that are also applied in the present embodiment, but it is assumed that the processing target is not the image forming apparatus 103 but the cloud service server B133. Since other than that is the same as that of 1st Embodiment, the description is abbreviate | omitted.

Then, when the link in the message of the cloud service server 131 is operated and the original electronic file of the electronic file described in the corresponding message is registered, the original electronic file is shared as a comment for the message. . As a result, the owner of the paper document can acquire the original electronic file of the paper document without burdening the owner of the original electronic file of the paper document as much as possible, for example, without burdening the input of a comment. It becomes like this.
According to the above-described configuration, the original electronic file of the paper document can be more easily shared by utilizing the system including the cloud service server 131 having the microblog function, the cloud service server B133, and the image forming apparatus 103. It becomes possible.

This embodiment can also be applied to a case where the original electronic file of the paper document already exists in the cloud storage server 132.
In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the cloud service server 131, the cloud service server B133, and the cloud storage server 132 are separated has been described as an example. However, each server may be configured to have all or some functions of other servers.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention can also be realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or various storage media, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or apparatus reads the program. It is a process to be executed.

  According to the configuration of the above-described embodiment, the recording medium and the original electronic information of the recording medium can be related more easily.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, but the present invention is not limited to such specific embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims.・ Change is possible.

402 microblog communication management unit, 406 electronic file management unit, 407 registration request processing unit

Claims (10)

An image forming apparatus that includes a reading unit that reads an image of a recording medium to obtain image information, and communicates with a providing apparatus that provides a service for disclosing information transmitted from the outside,
When the image information is read by the reading unit, the business information indicating that the electronic information that is the basis of the image of the image information is necessary is generated using the standard information stored in the storage unit, An image forming apparatus including a transmission unit configured to transmit item information to the providing apparatus. Further comprising receiving means for receiving the electronic information from an information processing device;
The transmission means transmits the electronic information to a storage device,
The receiving means receives location information indicating the location of the electronic information from the storage device;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit generates response information with respect to the business information using the fixed information, and further transmits the response information and the location information to the providing apparatus. Receiving means for receiving location information indicating the location of the electronic information from an information processing device;
And obtaining means for obtaining the electronic information using the location information,
The transmission means transmits the electronic information to a storage device,
The receiving means receives location information indicating the location of the electronic information from the storage device;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit generates response information with respect to the business information using the fixed information, and further transmits the response information and the location information to the providing apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit further transmits to the providing apparatus access information used when accessing a screen that accepts a user operation instructing transmission of the electronic information. Conversion means for converting the image information into electronic information;
Receiving means,
The transmission means transmits the electronic information to a storage device,
The receiving means receives location information indicating the location of the electronic information from the storage device;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit further transmits the location information to the providing apparatus. An information processing apparatus that communicates with an image forming apparatus that includes a reading unit that reads an image of a recording medium to obtain image information, and a providing apparatus that provides a service for disclosing information transmitted from the outside,
Receiving means for receiving image information read by the reading unit;
Transmission means for generating business information indicating that electronic information as an image source of the image information is necessary, using fixed information stored in a storage unit, and transmitting the business information to the providing device And an information processing apparatus. A control method of an image forming apparatus that includes a reading unit that reads an image of a recording medium to obtain image information and communicates with a providing apparatus that provides a service for publishing information transmitted from the outside,
When image information is read by the reading unit, a process of generating business information indicating that electronic information that is a source of an image of the image information is necessary, using fixed form information stored in a storage unit;
And a step of transmitting the item information to the providing device. A method of controlling an information processing apparatus that communicates with an image forming apparatus provided with a reading unit that reads an image of a recording medium to obtain image information, and a providing apparatus that provides a service for disclosing information transmitted from the outside,
Receiving image information read by the reading unit;
Generating the business information indicating that the electronic information that is the source of the image of the image information is necessary, using the standard information stored in the storage unit, and transmitting the business information to the providing device; And a method for controlling the information processing apparatus. A computer of an image forming apparatus that includes a reading unit that reads an image of a recording medium to obtain image information, and communicates with a providing apparatus that provides a service for disclosing information transmitted from outside.
When the image information is read by the reading unit, the business information indicating that the electronic information that is the basis of the image of the image information is necessary is generated using the standard information stored in the storage unit, A program for functioning as transmission means for transmitting matter information to the providing apparatus. A computer that communicates with an image forming apparatus including a reading unit that reads an image of a recording medium to obtain image information, and a providing apparatus that provides a service for disclosing information transmitted from outside;
Receiving means for receiving image information read by the reading unit;
Transmission means for generating business information indicating that electronic information as an image source of the image information is necessary, using fixed information stored in a storage unit, and transmitting the business information to the providing device And a program to make it function.

Images