JP2016085732A - Information processing system, information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information processing system configured to allow a user to use an external service comfortably, an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program.SOLUTION: An information processing system includes: first storage means for storing identification information identifying an external service in association with information on an acquisition method for acquiring folder information; receiving means for receiving a request to acquire folder information from one external service, from a device connected over a network; specifying means for specifying an acquisition method for acquiring folder information from the external service, on the basis of the first storage means; first acquisition means for acquiring the folder information; and transmission means for transmitting the acquired folder information to the device. The first acquisition means acquires folder information of a predetermined number of layers equal to or lower than the layer of the specified folder when a first acquisition method is specified, or acquires folder information of all layers equal to or lower than the layer of the specified folder when a second acquisition method is specified.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing system, an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program.

  In recent years, various external services have been provided by cloud computing and the like. For example, an external service that stores electronic data in an external storage is known. In order to use such an external service, a technique for storing electronic data managed by a client terminal in an external storage designated by a user is conventionally known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  However, in the above prior art, the user's comfortable use may be impaired depending on WebAPI (Application Programming Interface) provided by the external storage. For example, depending on the external storage, there is a case where a Web API that collectively acquires folder information of a hierarchy below a specified folder on the external storage is not provided. In the case of such an external storage, folder information of a hierarchy below the designated folder is acquired, for example, for each hierarchy, and the user is kept waiting until all folder information is acquired.

  One embodiment of the present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to provide a comfortable use for a user who uses an external service.

  In order to achieve the above object, an embodiment of the present invention is an information processing system including one or more information processing apparatuses, and the external service is provided for each of a plurality of external services each having a folder for storing electronic data. A first storage unit that stores identification information to be identified and information related to an acquisition method for acquiring folder information from the external service; and one external service among the plurality of external services. A receiving unit that receives a request for acquiring information about a folder included in the external service from a device connected to the information processing system via a network; and when the receiving unit receives the request, In order to obtain the folder information stored in the first storage means in association with identification information for identifying an external service Based on information on the acquisition method, specifying means for specifying an acquisition method for acquiring folder information from the one external service, and based on the acquisition method specified by the specifying means, the folder from the one external service First acquisition means for acquiring the information of the folder, and transmission means for transmitting the information of the folder acquired by the first acquisition means to the device that is the request source of the request, the first acquisition means Is specified if the acquisition method specified by the specifying means is a first acquisition method for acquiring information of folders of a predetermined number of layers below the specified folder hierarchy from the external service. Information of a folder of a predetermined number of levels below the level of the selected folder is acquired from the one external service, while the acquisition method specified by the specifying means is designated. In the second acquisition method of acquiring information on folders in all levels below the specified folder level from the external service, information on folders in all levels below the specified folder level is stored in the one external folder. It is obtained from a service.

  According to an embodiment of the present invention, a user who uses an external service can be comfortably used.

It is a lineblock diagram of an example of an information processing system concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a hardware block diagram of an example of a computer. 1 is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. It is a processing block diagram of an example of the information processing system concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a block diagram of an example of storage service information. It is a sequence diagram of an example of a scan distribution process according to the first embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the hierarchical structure of the folder in a storage service. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of storage service information. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of a folder information acquisition request. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of folder information. It is an image figure of an example of a folder selection screen. It is a sequence diagram of the other example of the scan delivery process which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of the hierarchy from which folder information is acquired. It is a figure for demonstrating the other example of folder information. It is a figure for demonstrating acquisition of the folder information in the information processing system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a processing block diagram of an example of an information processing system concerning a 2nd embodiment. It is a sequence diagram of an example of a scan distribution process according to the second embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the other example of the hierarchy from which folder information is acquired. It is a block diagram of an example of the information processing system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a hardware block diagram of an example of the digital camera which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a processing block diagram of an example of an information processing system concerning a 3rd embodiment. It is a sequence diagram of an example of the data delivery process which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is an image figure of an example of the selection screen of a delivery image, and a folder selection screen. It is a sequence diagram of the other example of the data delivery process which concerns on 3rd Embodiment.

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

[First Embodiment]
<System configuration>
First, the system configuration of the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an example of an information processing system according to the first embodiment. In the information processing system 1 shown in FIG. 1, the service providing environment E2, the user environment E1, the external storage system 40, and the like are communicably connected via a wide area network N1 such as the Internet.

  The service providing environment E2 is a system environment that provides an external service such as a cloud service via a network. In this embodiment, a cloud service is used as a specific example of an external service. However, this service is not limited to a service provided via a network, such as a service provided by an ASP (Application Service Provider) or a Web service. Embodiments may be applied.

  The service providing environment E2 includes a service providing apparatus 20 realized by one or more information processing apparatuses, and an external service cooperation apparatus 30 realized by one or more information processing apparatuses. However, the service providing apparatus 20 and the external service cooperation apparatus 30 may be realized by a single information processing apparatus.

  The service providing device 20 provides a predetermined service via a network. For example, the service providing apparatus 20 stores image data generated by scanning a document in the image forming apparatus 10 of the user environment E1 in a specified storage destination (a specified folder on the external storage system 40). Provide service.

  The external service cooperation device 30 mediates between the service providing device 20 and the external storage system 40. For example, in response to a request from the service providing apparatus 20, the external service cooperation apparatus 30 acquires folder information for designating a folder for saving image data from the external storage system 40.

  In this embodiment, the service providing environment E2 is described as an example of a cloud service that provides a cloud storage service (hereinafter simply referred to as “storage service”) in cooperation with the external storage system 40. More specifically, as will be described later, a case will be described in which image data generated by scanning an original with the image forming apparatus 10 is stored in a designated folder of the external storage system 40 that provides a storage service. However, the cloud service provided by the service providing environment E2 is not limited to the storage service. For example, a cloud service that performs OCR (Optical Character Reader) processing on image data generated by scanning an original with the image forming apparatus 10 or a cloud service that translates text data written in a predetermined language into another language. There may be.

  Note that all or part of the service providing apparatus 20 and all or part of the external service cooperation apparatus 30 may be installed in the user environment E1. That is, all or part of the respective information processing apparatuses constituting the service providing apparatus 20 and the external service cooperation apparatus 30 may be included in the user environment E1.

  The user environment E1 is a system environment in a company or the like that is a user who uses the image forming apparatus 10, for example. In the user environment E1, one or more image forming apparatuses 10 are connected to a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). In addition, the user environment E1 may include, for example, a PC terminal or the like for the user to set his / her default (standard) storage destination in the storage service or to set an account.

  Note that the image forming apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is an image forming apparatus having a scan function. However, in addition to the scan function, a multifunction device having functions such as printing, copying, or fax (FAX) communication may be used as the image forming apparatus 10.

The external storage system 40 is a computer system that provides a cloud service called a storage service (or online storage) via a network. The storage service is a service that lends the storage area of the storage of the external storage system 40. In the present embodiment, the storage area lent out by the external storage system 40 is a storage destination of image data in the storage service provided to the image forming apparatus 10 by the service providing apparatus 20. That is, the image data generated in the image forming apparatus 10 is stored in a folder assigned to the storage area of the external storage system 40. Hereinafter, when the plurality of external storage systems 40 are distinguished from each other, they are described as an external storage system 40 ₁ , an external storage system 40 ₂ ,...

  The external storage system 40 may be a system realized by a plurality of information processing apparatuses. In addition, the configuration of the information processing system 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 is an example, and other configurations may be employed.

<Hardware configuration>
Next, the hardware configuration of the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described.

≪Service providing device, external service cooperation device≫
The service providing apparatus 20 and the external service cooperation apparatus 30 according to the first embodiment are realized by a hardware configuration as shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of a computer. 2 includes an input device 101, a display device 102, an external I / F 103, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 104, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 105, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 106, A communication I / F 107 and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 108 are provided, and each is connected by a bus B.

  The input device 101 includes a keyboard, a mouse, a touch panel, and the like, and is used by a user to input each operation signal. The display device 102 includes a display and the like, and displays a processing result by the computer 100. The input device 101 and the display device 102 may be connected and used when necessary.

  The communication I / F 107 is an interface that connects the computer 100 to the network N1. Thereby, the computer 100 can perform data communication via the communication I / F 107.

  The HDD 108 is an example of a nonvolatile storage device that stores programs and data. The stored programs and data include an OS (Operating System) that is basic software for controlling the entire computer 100 and application software that provides various functions on the OS. The computer 100 may use a drive device (for example, a solid state drive: SSD) that uses a flash memory as a storage medium instead of the HDD 108.

  The HDD 108 manages stored programs and data by a predetermined file system and / or DB. The external I / F 103 is an interface with an external device. The external device includes a recording medium 103a.

  Accordingly, the computer 100 can read and / or write the recording medium 103a via the external I / F 103. Examples of the recording medium 103a include a flexible disk, a CD, a DVD, an SD memory card, and a USB memory.

  The ROM 105 is a nonvolatile semiconductor memory (storage device) that can retain programs and data even when the power is turned off. The ROM 105 stores programs and data such as BIOS, OS settings, and network settings that are executed when the computer 100 is started up. The RAM 104 is a volatile semiconductor memory (storage device) that temporarily stores programs and data.

  The CPU 106 is an arithmetic device that realizes control and functions of the entire computer 100 by reading a program and data from a storage device such as the ROM 105 and the HDD 108 onto the RAM 104 and executing processing. The service providing apparatus 20 and the external service cooperation apparatus 30 can implement various processes to be described later by the computer 100 having the above hardware configuration.

≪Image forming device≫
The image forming apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment is realized by a hardware configuration as shown in FIG. 3, for example. FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. The image forming apparatus 10 illustrated in FIG. 3 includes a controller 201, an operation panel 202, an external I / F 203, a communication I / F 204, and a scanner 205.

  The controller 201 includes a CPU 211, a RAM 212, a ROM 213, an NVRAM 214, and an HDD 215. The ROM 213 stores various programs and data. The RAM 212 temporarily stores programs and data. The NVRAM 214 stores setting information, for example. The HDD 215 stores various programs and data.

  The CPU 211 implements control and functions of the entire image forming apparatus 10 by reading programs, data, setting information, and the like from the ROM 213, NVRAM 214, HDD 215, and the like onto the RAM 212 and executing processing.

  The operation panel 202 includes an input unit that receives input from the user and a display unit that performs display. The external I / F 203 is an interface with an external device. The external device includes a recording medium 203a. Accordingly, the image forming apparatus 10 can read and / or write the recording medium 203a via the external I / F 203. Examples of the recording medium 203a include an IC card, a flexible disk, a CD, a DVD, an SD memory card, and a USB memory.

  The communication I / F 204 is an interface that connects the image forming apparatus 10 to the network N1. Thereby, the image forming apparatus 10 can perform data communication via the communication I / F 204. A scanner 205 is a reading device for reading image data (electronic data) from a document.

<Software configuration>
Next, the software configuration of the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. The information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment can be realized by a processing block as shown in FIG. 4, for example. FIG. 4 is a processing block diagram of an example of the information processing system according to the first embodiment.

  The image forming apparatus 10 includes a display unit 11 and a scan execution unit 14. The display unit 11 includes a user operation reception unit 12 and a folder information display unit 13.

  The user operation reception unit 12 is realized by, for example, the CPU 211, the operation panel 202, and the like, and receives various operations by the user. For example, the user operation accepting unit 12 performs various operations such as an operation for specifying a storage service for storing image data, a selection (designation) operation for selecting a folder for storing image data in the specified storage service, and a document scan execution operation. Accept the operation.

  The folder information display unit 13 is realized by, for example, the CPU 211, the operation panel 202, and the like. Based on the folder information received from the service providing apparatus 20, the folder information display unit 13 displays a folder selection screen for selecting (specifying) a folder to store image data. Display.

  The scan execution unit 14 is realized by, for example, the CPU 211, the scanner 205, and the like, and scans a document to generate image data. Further, the scan execution unit 14 makes a request (upload request) for saving the generated image data in the designated storage destination folder of the designated storage service to the service providing apparatus 20.

  The service providing apparatus 20 includes a scan control unit 21. The scan control unit 21 includes an acquisition method specifying unit 22 and a scan distribution unit 23. Note that the service providing apparatus 20 may include, for example, a print control unit that provides a service for acquiring (downloading) electronic data from a storage service and performing printing or the like on the image forming apparatus 10.

  The acquisition method specifying unit 22 is realized by the CPU 106, for example, and specifies an acquisition method for acquiring folder information from the external storage system 40 with reference to storage service information 35D described later.

In general, folder information can be acquired using a Web API published by the external storage system 40, but the folder information acquisition method differs depending on the Web API published by the external storage system 40. For example, while the external storage system 40 ₁ that publish WebAPI to acquire folder information including the folder of all hierarchies below the specified folder exists, such WebAPI is not published, designated also the external storage system 40 ₂ that publish WebAPI only to get folder information including folder of the following first layer exists. Therefore, in this embodiment, the acquisition method specifying unit 22 specifies an acquisition method for acquiring folder information from the corresponding external storage system 40.

  Hereinafter, the Web API for acquiring folder information published by the external storage system 40 is “Web API for acquiring folder information including folders of all levels below the specified folder” or “specified” exemplified above. It is assumed that any one of “WebAPI that acquires only folder information including a one-level folder below the specified folder”. However, the Web API for acquiring the folder information is not limited to these, for example, “Web API for acquiring folder information including folders of a predetermined number of layers (for example, two layers) below the specified folder”. There may be. In other words, the acquisition method for acquiring folder information from the external storage system 40 may include various acquisition methods other than those described above.

  The scan distribution unit 23 is realized by, for example, the CPU 106, the communication I / F 107, and the like, and responds to a request from the image forming apparatus 10 with respect to a folder information acquisition unit 33 or a data upload unit 34 of the external service cooperation device 30 described later. Then, a folder information acquisition request or an image data upload request is made.

  The external service cooperation device 30 includes a storage service information management unit 31 and an external storage communication unit 32. The external storage communication unit 32 includes a folder information acquisition unit 33 and a data upload unit 34. Further, the external service cooperation device 30 uses the storage service information storage unit 35.

  The storage service information management unit 31 is realized by the CPU 106, for example, and acquires storage service information 35D from a storage service information storage unit 35 described later in response to a request from the acquisition method specifying unit 22 of the service providing apparatus 20.

  The folder information acquisition unit 33 is realized by, for example, the CPU 106, the communication I / F 107, and the like, and makes a folder information acquisition request to the external storage system 40 in response to a request from the scan distribution unit 23 of the service providing apparatus 20. At this time, the folder information acquisition unit 33 makes an acquisition request according to the acquisition method specified by the acquisition method specification unit 22 of the service providing apparatus 20.

  The data upload unit 34 is realized by, for example, the CPU 106, the communication I / F 107, and the like, and issues an image data upload request to the external storage system 40 in response to a request from the scan distribution unit 23 of the service providing apparatus 20.

  The storage service information storage unit 35 is realized by, for example, a storage device connected to the HDD 108 or the external service cooperation device 30 via a network, and stores the storage service information 35D.

  Here, the data structure of the storage service information 35D will be described. FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of an example of storage service information. As shown in FIG. 5, the storage service information 35D includes a “storage service name” indicating the name of the storage service provided by the external storage system 40, and a “host name” for connecting to the storage service via the network N1. And an “authentication method” used when using the storage service, and a “folder information acquisition method” indicating an acquisition method for acquiring folder information from the storage service. The storage service information 35D may include, for example, a data item of a storage service ID for uniquely identifying a storage service, in addition to the above data items.

  Here, in the data item “Folder information acquisition method”, the storage service (for example, “Storage1”) designated as “Bundle” uses the folder information including the folders at all levels below the designated folder. This is a storage service that publishes the Web API to be acquired. Accordingly, the folder information acquisition unit 33 of the external service cooperation device 30 makes an acquisition request for such storage services to acquire folder information including folders at all levels below the specified folder.

  On the other hand, in the data item of “Folder information acquisition method”, the storage service (for example, “Storage2”) designated as “Only SubFolder” only includes the folder information including the one-level folder below the designated folder. This is a storage service that publishes the Web API to be acquired. Therefore, the folder information acquisition unit 33 of the external service cooperation device 30 makes an acquisition request for acquiring only the folder information including the one-level folder below the specified folder for such a storage service.

<Details of processing>
Next, details of processing of the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. In the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment, a process when a user saves image data generated by scanning a document in the image forming apparatus 10 in a selected (designated) folder on a storage service (that is, Scan delivery processing) will be described. At this time, a folder selection screen for the user to select a storage destination folder on the image forming apparatus 10 is generated based on the folder information acquired from the external storage system 40. In the following, the case where the acquisition method for acquiring folder information from the external storage system 40 is “Bundle” and the case where it is “Only SubFolder” will be described separately.

First, a case where the user saves image data in a desired folder on the external storage system 40 ₁ (storage service “storage1” whose folder information acquisition method is “Bundle”) will be described. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of scan delivery processing according to the first embodiment. Here, the hierarchical structure of folders of the user in the external storage system 40 ₁ is assumed to be as shown in FIG. Then, it is assumed that the user desires to store the image data in the folder name “folder3”.

  In step S601, the user designates a desired storage service on the image forming apparatus 10 and performs an operation for displaying a folder selection screen for selecting a storage folder for image data in the storage service. When the operation is performed by the user, the user operation reception unit 12 of the image forming apparatus 10 receives the operation. In this embodiment, the user designates the storage service name “storage1” and performs an operation for displaying a folder selection screen in a folder (for example, the folder name “user1”) set as a user default. And For example, when the user logs in to the image forming apparatus 10, a preset storage service may be designated.

  In step S <b> 602, when the user operation accepting unit 12 of the display unit 11 accepts the above operation by the user, the user control accepting unit 12 issues a folder information acquisition request for displaying the folder selection screen on the operation panel 202, and scan control of the service providing apparatus 20. It transmits to the part 21. Note that the folder information acquisition request includes information about the designated storage service (for example, storage service name) and information about the user (for example, user name).

  In step S <b> 603, upon receiving a folder information acquisition request, the scan distribution unit 23 of the scan control unit 21 requests the acquisition method specifying unit 22 to specify a folder information acquisition method. Then, the acquisition method specifying unit 22 transmits an acquisition request for the folder information acquisition method to the storage service information management unit 31 of the external service cooperation device 30. The acquisition request includes information related to the specified storage service (for example, storage service name).

  In step S604, when the storage service information management unit 31 receives the acquisition request for the folder information acquisition method, the storage service information management unit 31 refers to the storage service information 35D and sends the storage service information of the corresponding storage service to the acquisition method identification unit 22. Send back. In the present embodiment, based on information related to the storage service (storage service name “storage1”) included in the acquisition request for the folder information acquisition method, the record on the first line from the storage service information 35D is sent to the acquisition method specifying unit 22. Will be replied. Here, the information returned to the acquisition method specifying unit 22 is returned in a data format as shown in FIG. In FIG. 8A, the “storage service name” of the storage service information 35D is “name”, the “host name” is “host”, the “authentication method” is “auth_type”, and the “folder information acquisition method” is “folder_acquisition_type”. ". Thereby, the acquisition method specifying unit 22 refers to the “folder_acquisition_type” of the information returned from the storage service information management unit 31, and thereby acquires the folder information of the specified storage service (storage service name “storage1”). Can be specified.

Note that, as specified in "auth_type" in FIG. 8 (a) "oauth" indicates the use of OAuth as an authentication method used when the user logs in to the external storage system 40 _1. By keeping performing advance predetermined set using OAuth as the authentication method, user authentication operation with respect to the external storage system 40 _first when displaying the folder selection screen (e.g., an input operation of the user name and password) required It can be.

  In step S605, the scan distribution unit 23 of the scan control unit 21 generates a folder information acquisition request based on the folder information acquisition method specified in step S604. The folder information acquisition request generated here is described by a GET method of an HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) request, for example, as shown in FIG. In the URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) of the HTTP request shown in FIG. 9A, “folder_id = xxx” and “hierarchy = all” are specified. This indicates that this is a request for acquiring all folder information in the hierarchy below the folder whose folder ID is “xxx”, which is identification information uniquely assigned to each folder. That is, the scan distribution unit 23 of the scan control unit 21 generates an HTTP request in which “hierarchy” of the URI is specified as “all” when the acquisition method of the folder information specified in step S604 is “Bundle”. To do. As will be described later, the folder information is acquired by transmitting such a folder information acquisition request to the host (www.storage1.com) acquired in step S604.

Here, as the folder ID specified in “folder_id”, the folder ID of a folder (usually the folder at the highest level of the user) set in advance as a user default is specified. For example, the hierarchical structure of the user of the folder in the external storage system 40 ₁ may be such as shown in FIG. 7, "folder_id", the folder ID of the folder name "user1" is specified.

  In step S606, the scan distribution unit 23 of the scan control unit 21 transmits the folder information acquisition request generated in step S605 to the external storage communication unit 32 of the external service cooperation device 30.

In step S607, the folder information obtaining unit 33 of the external storage communication unit 32, an acquisition request of the received folder information, and transmits to the external storage system 40 ₁ that is specified. That is, the folder information acquisition unit 33 of the external storage communication unit 32 transmits a folder information acquisition request to the host acquired in step S604. Then, the external storage system 40 _1, the folder information of the corresponding through an external service linkage apparatus 30, and returns to the service providing apparatus 20.

  Here, the relevant folder information is, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, folder information of folders at all levels below the folder with the folder name “user1”. That is, the folder information is the folder names “user1”, “folder1”, “folder2”, and “folder3”. As shown in FIG. 10, the folder information includes “id” indicating a folder ID, “name” indicating a folder name, “subfolders” in which folder information of a subfolder (one folder below) is specified, and a user “Path” indicating path information (relative path) from the folder set as the default, “has_subfolder” indicating whether or not a subfolder exists is designated. Here, when “true” is specified in “has_subfolder”, it indicates that folder information of a subfolder is specified in “subfolders”. On the other hand, when “false” is specified in “has_subfolder”, it indicates that the folder information of the subfolder is not specified in “subfolders” (that is, the subfolder does not exist). That is, “has_subfolder” is a subfolder existence flag.

  For example, when the service providing apparatus 20 provides a service for printing the electronic data stored on the storage service by the image forming apparatus 10, the folder information described above is stored in the folder. Contains information about files that are included. Therefore, in this case, the user can print the file by selecting a desired file on the file selection screen displayed on the image forming apparatus 10.

  In step S <b> 608, the scan distribution unit 23 of the scan control unit 21 returns the received folder information to the display unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 10.

  In step S609, when the user operation reception unit 12 receives the folder information, the folder information display unit 13 of the display unit 11 uses, for example, folders as shown in FIGS. 11A to 11C based on the folder information. Selection screens G11 to G13 are generated. Then, the folder information display unit 13 displays a folder selection screen G11 of FIG. 11A showing a screen for selecting a folder with the folder name “user1”.

  When the user selects the folder name “folder1” on the folder selection screen G11 in FIG. 11A, a folder selection screen G12 as shown in FIG. 11B is displayed. Furthermore, when the user selects the folder name “folder3” on the folder selection screen G12 in FIG. 11B, a folder selection screen G13 as shown in FIG. 11C is displayed. Then, when the user selects the “OK” button in FIG. 11C, this “folder3” is selected as the storage destination folder. In the folder “folder3” on the external storage system 40 selected in this way, the image data generated in the process described later is stored.

  In the above description, the folder selection screens G11 to G13 as shown in FIGS. 11A to 11C are generated in the image forming apparatus 10, but this may be performed in the service providing apparatus 20. . That is, when the service providing apparatus 20 receives folder information from the external storage system 40 via the external service cooperation apparatus 30, the service providing apparatus 20 generates a folder selection screen from the folder information. Then, the service providing apparatus 20 may transmit the generated folder selection screen to the image forming apparatus 10.

  In step S <b> 610, the user performs an operation for performing scan delivery on the image forming apparatus 10. For example, in the state where the document is set on the scanner of the image forming apparatus 10, the “OK” button is selected as described in step S609 above, and “folder3” is selected as the image data storage folder. It is an operation. When the user performs the operation, the user operation reception unit 12 of the image forming apparatus 10 receives the operation.

  In step S <b> 611, when the user operation accepting unit 12 accepts the user operation, the user operation accepting unit 12 requests the scan executing unit 14 to scan the document and distribute image data generated by the scan. The request includes information related to the designated storage service (for example, storage service name), information related to the storage destination folder in the storage service selected by the user in step S609 above (for example, folder ID), and the like. Is included.

  In step S612, the scan execution unit 14 scans the document and generates image data.

  In step S613, the scan execution unit 14 sends an upload request for saving the image data generated in step S612 to the selected folder of the designated storage service to the scan control unit 21 of the service providing apparatus 20. Send to. The upload request includes information related to the designated storage service, information related to the selected storage destination folder, and image data generated by the scan execution unit 14 in step S612 described above.

  In step S <b> 614, the scan distribution unit 23 of the scan control unit 21 transmits the upload request received from the image forming apparatus 10 to the external storage communication unit 32 of the external service cooperation device 30.

In step S615, the data upload unit 34 of the external storage communication unit 32, to the external storage system 40 ₁ in question transmits an upload request including information about the destination folder, and a generated image data. Thus, the specified external storage system 40 ₁ for the selected folder, the image data generated by scanning the document is stored.

  As described above, the information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment stores data in the external storage system 40 that can collectively acquire folder information of folders at all levels below the specified folder. It can be carried out.

Next, a case where the user desires to store image data for the external storage system 40 ₂ (a storage service whose folder information acquisition method is “Only SubFolder”) will be described. FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram of another example of the scan delivery process according to the first embodiment. Here, the hierarchical structure of folders of the user in the external storage system 40 _2, similar to the external storage system 40 _1, and is as shown in FIG. Then, it is assumed that the user desires to store the image data in the folder name “folder3”.

  If the folder information acquisition method is “Only SubFolder”, the folder information is acquired for each layer. Therefore, when the folder information is acquired by specifying the folder ID of “user1”, the folder information of the folder in the range indicated by the dotted line 1100 in FIG. 13 (that is, the folder immediately below “user1”) is acquired. When folder information is acquired by specifying the folder ID of “folder1”, the folder information of the folder in the range indicated by the dotted line 1200 in FIG. 13 (that is, the folder immediately below “folder3”) is acquired. As described above, when the folder information acquisition method is “Only SubFolder”, the acquired folder information is the folder information of the specified folder ID and the folder information of the folder that exists immediately below the specified folder ID. .

  In step S1201, the user designates a desired storage service on the image forming apparatus 10 and performs an operation for displaying a folder selection screen for selecting a storage folder for image data in the storage service. When the operation is performed by the user, the user operation reception unit 12 of the image forming apparatus 10 receives the operation. In this embodiment, the user designates the storage service name “storage2” and performs an operation for displaying the folder selection screen G11 in the folder (for example, the folder name “user1”) set as the user default. Shall. For example, when the user logs in to the image forming apparatus 10, a preset storage service may be designated.

  Steps S1202 to S1204 are the same as the processes of steps S602 to S604 in FIG. However, in step S1204, the storage service information management unit 31 of the service providing apparatus 20 determines that the record in the second line of the storage service information 35D is based on the storage service name “storage2” designated by the user, as the acquisition method specifying unit 22. Will be replied to. That is, for example, the storage service information management unit 31 returns information in a data format as shown in FIG. 8B to the acquisition method specifying unit 22. As shown in FIG. 8B, “OnlySubFolder” indicating the folder acquisition method is specified in “folder_acquisition_type”, and the acquisition method specifying unit 22 refers to this to specify the specified storage service. The acquisition method of the folder information of (storage service name “storage2”) can be specified.

  In step S1205, the scan distribution unit 23 of the scan control unit 21 generates a folder information acquisition request based on the folder information acquisition method specified in step S1204. The folder information acquisition request generated here is described by the GET method of the HTTP request, for example, as shown in FIG. In the HTTP request URI shown in FIG. 9B, “folder_id = xxx” and “hierarchy = 1” are specified. This indicates that this is a request for acquiring folder information of a one-level folder below the folder with the folder ID “xxx” (that is, the folder with the folder ID “xxx” and the folder immediately under this folder). . That is, the scan distribution unit 23 of the scan control unit 21 generates an HTTP request in which the URI “hierarchy” is specified as “1” when the acquisition method of the folder information specified in step S1204 is “OnlySubFolder”. To do. As will be described later, the folder information is acquired by transmitting such a folder information acquisition request to the host (www.storage2.co.jp) acquired in step S1204.

  In step S1206, the scan distribution unit 23 of the scan control unit 21 transmits the folder information acquisition request generated in step S1205 to the external storage communication unit 32 of the external service cooperation apparatus 30.

In step S1207, the folder information obtaining unit 33 of the external storage communication unit 32, an acquisition request of the received folder information, and transmits to the external storage system 40 ₂ specified. That is, the folder information acquisition unit 33 of the external storage communication unit 32 transmits a folder information acquisition request to the host acquired in step S1204. Then, the external storage system 40 _2, the folder information of the corresponding through an external service linkage apparatus 30, and returns to the service providing apparatus 20.

  Here, the relevant folder information is, for example, folder information of a one-level folder below the folder with the folder name “user1” as shown in FIG. That is, the folder information of the folder with the folder name “user1” and the folders with “folder1” and “folder2” that exist immediately below this folder. As described above, when “hierarchy = 1” is specified in the URI of the folder information acquisition request, folder information including the folder existing immediately below the folder having the folder ID specified by “folder_id” is acquired. The In this case, in the folder information of “folder1” and “folder2”, “false” is specified for the subfolder existence flags 2100 and 2200, respectively.

  Further, when the corresponding folder information is returned, the scan distribution unit 23 determines whether or not the subfolder information is specified for the specified folder ID. If subfolder information is designated, the process of step S1208 is performed.

  For example, when the folder information as shown in FIG. 14A is returned, the folder “folder1” and “folder2” are set as “subfolder” in the designated folder ID “xxx” (folder name “user1”). Since information (that is, subfolder information) is designated, the process of step S1208 is performed. On the other hand, when the folder information as shown in FIG. 14C is returned, for example, “subfolder” is not specified for the specified folder ID “zzz” (folder name “folder3”), and thus step S1208 is performed. Is not performed. Note that the folder information shown in FIG. 14C is folder information acquired when the user selects a folder with the folder name “folder3” on the folder selection screen G12, as will be described later.

  In step S1208, the scan distribution unit 23 rewrites the subfolder presence flag of the subfolder information specified in “subfolder” of the folder information to “true”. That is, for example, in the case of folder information as shown in FIG. 14A, the subfolder existence flags 2100 and 2200 are rewritten from “false” to “true”. For example, in the case of folder information as shown in FIG. 14B, the subfolder existence flag 2300 is rewritten from “false” to “true”.

  This is because the image forming apparatus 10 that has received the folder information may refer to the subfolder existence flag of the folder information to determine whether or not a folder exists in a lower hierarchy. That is, in order to prevent a folder from being determined not to exist in the lower hierarchy because the subfolder existence flag is “false” even though the folder actually exists in the lower hierarchy. It is.

  In step S <b> 1209, the scan distribution unit 23 of the scan control unit 21 returns folder information to the display unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 10. Here, the folder information returned to the display unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 10 is the folder information after the subfolder existence flag is rewritten when the process of step S1208 is performed.

  In step S1210, when the user operation reception unit 12 receives the folder information, the folder information display unit 13 of the display unit 11 generates, for example, a folder selection screen G11 as shown in FIG. 11A based on the folder information. . Then, the folder information display unit 13 displays a folder selection screen G11 of FIG. 11A showing a screen for selecting a folder with the folder name “user1”.

  As described above, at this time, the folder information display unit 13 may refer to the subfolder existence flag in the received folder information and determine whether or not a folder exists in a lower hierarchy. Then, according to the determination result, for example, the image forming apparatus 10 may transmit a folder information acquisition request for a folder existing in a lower hierarchy to the service providing apparatus 20.

  Next, when the user selects, for example, the folder name “folder1” on the folder selection screen G11 as shown in FIG. 11A, the processing in steps S1202 to S1210 described above is executed, and FIG. A folder selection screen G12 as shown in FIG. That is, in this case, a folder information acquisition request is generated in which the folder ID “yyy1” of “folder1” is designated as “folder_id” in step S1205. Then, in step S1207, for example, as shown in FIG. 14B, the folder information of the folder with the folder name “folder1” and the folder with “folder3” immediately under this folder is acquired. In step S1210, a folder selection screen G12 as shown in FIG. 11B is displayed.

  Similarly, when the user selects, for example, the folder name “folder3” on the folder selection screen G12 as shown in FIG. 11B, the processing from step S1202 to step S1210 described above is executed, and FIG. A folder selection screen G13 as shown in FIG. Then, when the user selects the “OK” button in FIG. 11C, this “folder3” is selected as the storage destination folder.

  In addition, since the process of subsequent step S1211-step S1216 is respectively the same as the process of step S610-step S615 in FIG. 6, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As described above, the information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment can store data in the external storage system 40 that can acquire folder information including a one-level folder below the specified folder. it can. At this time, in the information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment, the folder selection screen is generated and displayed for each acquired folder information (that is, for each folder in one layer). Therefore, when it is desired to save data to the external storage system 40, folder information under the designated folder cannot be acquired at once (that is, only folder information for each layer can be acquired). The folder selection screen is displayed without delay. Thereby, the user waiting time is reduced, and the user can perform the selection operation of the save destination folder without stress.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, an information processing system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described. In the information processing system 1 according to the second embodiment, in the external storage system 40 in which the folder information acquisition method is “Only SubFolder”, the folder information is sequentially acquired in the background and cached. That is, for example, a hierarchical structure of folders of the user in the external storage system 40 ₂ is as shown in FIG. 15. At this time, when the folder information in the range indicated by the dotted line 3100 has already been acquired and the folder selection screen for selecting “folder1” and “folder2” is displayed on the image forming apparatus 10, the second embodiment In the information processing system 1 according to the above, folder information in a range indicated by dotted lines 3200 to 3500 is also acquired in the background and cached. For example, when “folder1” is selected from the image forming apparatus 10 and a folder selection screen display operation for selecting “folder3” and “folder4” is performed, the folder in the range indicated by the cached dotted line 3200 is displayed. Information is returned to the image forming apparatus 10. In the following description, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment are used for the portions having substantially the same functions as those in the first embodiment and the portions for performing the same processing, and the description thereof is omitted.

<Software configuration>
First, the software configuration of the information processing system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described. The information processing system 1 according to the second embodiment can be realized by a processing block as shown in FIG. 16, for example. FIG. 16 is a processing block diagram of an example of an information processing system according to the second embodiment. The information processing system 1 according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the scan control unit 21A further includes a cache information management unit 24. The service providing apparatus 20 according to the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the cache information storage unit 25 is used.

  The cache information management unit 24 is realized by the CPU 106, for example, and stores the folder information acquired from the external storage system 40 via the external service cooperation device 30 in the cache information storage unit 25 as a cache. Further, in response to a request from the scan distribution unit 23, folder information stored as a cache is acquired.

  The cache information storage unit 25 is realized by, for example, a storage device connected to the HDD 108 or the service providing device 20 via a network, and the folder information acquired from the external storage system 40 via the external service cooperation device 30 is used as a cache. save.

<Details of processing>
Next, details of processing of the information processing system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described. In the scan delivery process according to the second embodiment, as described above, in the external storage system 40 whose folder information acquisition method is “Only SubFolder”, the folder information is sequentially acquired in the background and cached. Do. Therefore, hereinafter, a case where the acquisition method for acquiring folder information from the external storage system 40 is “Only SubFolder” will be described. FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of scan delivery processing according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 17, the processes described in steps S610 to S615 in FIG. 6 are omitted.

  Steps S1701 and S1702 are the same as the processes in steps S1201 and S1202 in FIG.

  In step S1703, the scan distribution unit 23 of the scan control unit 21A caches the corresponding folder information (for example, folder information of a folder set as a user default, folder information of a folder selected on the folder selection screen, etc.). A determination is made as to whether or not the information storage unit 25 exists. Then, the cache information management unit 24 determines whether the corresponding folder information exists in the cache information storage unit 25.

  If the corresponding folder information exists in the cache information storage unit 25, the corresponding folder information is returned to the image forming apparatus 10 without performing the subsequent processing. Then, the display unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 10 displays a folder selection screen based on the received folder information. Hereinafter, the description will be continued assuming that the corresponding folder information is determined not to exist in the cache information storage unit 25.

  Steps S1704 to S1711 are the same as the processes in steps S1203 to 1210 in FIG. Thereby, for example, a folder selection screen G11 as shown in FIG. 11A is displayed on the image forming apparatus 10. At this time, as will be described in the next steps S1712 to S1715, the service providing apparatus 20 acquires folder information from the external storage system 40 in the background via the external service cooperation apparatus 30, and the cache information storage unit 25. To save as a cache.

  In step S1712, the scan distribution unit 23 of the scan control unit 21 generates a folder information acquisition request. Here, the generated folder information acquisition request is, for example, an acquisition request for acquiring the folder information in the range indicated by the dotted line 3200 when the folder information in the range indicated by the dotted line 3100 in FIG. 15 has already been acquired. is there. Further, when the folder information in the range indicated by the dotted line 3100 and the dotted line 3200 in FIG. 15 has already been acquired, this is an acquisition request for acquiring the folder information in the range indicated by the dotted line 3300. Furthermore, if the folder information in the range indicated by the dotted line 3100 to the dotted line 3300 in FIG. 15 has already been acquired, this is an acquisition request for acquiring the folder information in the range indicated by the dotted line 3400. In this way, the folder information acquisition request is generated in the order of the range indicated by the dotted line 3100, the range indicated by the dotted line 3200, the range indicated by the dotted line 3300, the range indicated by the dotted line 3400, and the range indicated by the dotted line 3500 in FIG. The Accordingly, folder information is also acquired in this order in the next step S1714.

  However, the order in which folder information acquisition requests are generated (that is, the order in which folder information is acquired) is not limited to this, and acquisition requests may be generated (folder information is acquired) according to a predetermined priority order. . For example, as shown in FIG. 18, the predetermined priority order is lower than “folder3” when the user is displaying a folder selection screen for selecting a folder with the folder name “folder3” in the image forming apparatus 10. The folder information acquisition request for the folder in the range indicated by the dotted line 3300 and the dotted line 3500 existing in the hierarchy may be generated with priority. In addition, for example, a folder information acquisition request may be generated according to a priority order such as ascending order or descending order of folder IDs.

  In step S <b> 1713, the scan distribution unit 23 of the scan control unit 21 </ b> A transmits the folder information acquisition request generated in step S <b> 1712 to the external storage communication unit 32 of the external service cooperation device 30.

  When the information processing system 1 includes two or more service providing apparatuses 20, one service providing apparatus 20 may request the other service providing apparatuses 20 to perform the processes in steps S1712 and S1713. . Then, one service providing apparatus 20 may store (merge) the folder information acquired by another service providing apparatus 20 in its own cache information storage unit 25. That is, a plurality of service providing apparatuses 20 may acquire folder information in a complementary manner and store the folder information in one cache information storage unit 25.

In step S1714, the folder information obtaining unit 33 of the external storage communication unit 32, an acquisition request of the received folder information, and transmits to the external storage system 40 ₁ that is specified. Then, the external storage system 40 returns the corresponding folder information to the service providing apparatus 20 via the external service cooperation apparatus 30.

  In step S1715, the scan distribution unit 23 of the scan control unit 21A requests the cache information management unit 24 to save the folder information acquired in step S1714. Then, the cache information management unit 24 stores the folder information in the cache information storage unit 25 as a cache. At this time, the cache information management unit 24 stores the path information of the absolute path of the folder storage destination in the external storage system 40 (that is, the relative path from the root folder) or the path information of the relative path from the parent folder. The information may be stored in association with the information. Thereby, for example, when the user designates path information of a folder to be displayed in the image forming apparatus 10, the user waiting time until the designated folder selection screen is displayed can be reduced.

  While the processing of steps S1712 to S1715 as described above is performed while subfolder information is specified in the acquired folder information (that is, while the subfolder existence flag of the folder information of the specified folder ID is “true”). ,repeat. Thereby, for example, in FIG. 15, folder information in a range indicated by dotted lines 3200 to 3500 is sequentially acquired and stored in the cache information storage unit 25 as a cache.

  When the information processing system 1 includes two or more service providing apparatuses 20, the cache information storage unit 25 included in each service providing apparatus 20 is synchronized at a predetermined timing (for example, cache information included in each service providing apparatus 20). The contents of the storage unit 25 may be merged or complemented).

  As described above, when the user selects a desired folder after the folder selection screen is displayed in step S1711, the processing in steps S610 to S615 described in FIG. 6 is performed.

  As described above, the information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment can store data in the external storage system 40 that can acquire folder information of a one-level folder below the specified folder. . At this time, in the information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment, folder information for each hierarchy is acquired in the background and stored in the cache information storage unit 25 as a cache. Therefore, when there is a request for acquiring cached folder information from the image forming apparatus 10, the user waiting time until the folder selection screen is displayed is further reduced.

<Summary>
According to the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment described above, it is not possible to collectively acquire folder information under a designated folder (that is, for each predetermined number of hierarchies (for example, for each one or each hierarchy) The folder selection screen for selecting the save destination folder can be displayed without delay even when data storage is desired for the external storage system 40. Therefore, the user waiting time until the folder selection screen is displayed is reduced. Thereby, the user can comfortably use the external storage system 40 from the image forming apparatus 10.

  Further, according to the information processing system 1 according to the second embodiment, when folder information under a specified folder cannot be acquired at once, the folder information is acquired in the background and stored as a cache. . Therefore, the user waiting time until the folder selection screen is displayed is further reduced.

  In the first and second embodiments, the case where image data scanned by the image forming apparatus 10 which is an example of an image processing apparatus as an input source is stored in the external storage system 40 as an output destination has been described. It is not limited to this. For example, the input source is not limited to the scanned one, but may be image data captured by a digital camera, a mobile phone, or the like, and is not limited to image data, and may be document data created by a PC or an IC recorder. It may be various electronic data such as created voice data. The output destination may be, for example, an image projection device such as a projector, a digital signage, a printer, a conference system, or the like.

  In addition, as long as the electronic data input source or output destination is a device that can function as an electronic data input unit or output unit, a service having the same concept as that of the embodiment is realized by using other devices. It may be.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, an information processing system 1 according to the third embodiment will be described. In the information processing system 1 according to the third embodiment, the service providing apparatus 20 and the external service cooperation apparatus 30 are configured by a single information processing apparatus. In the information processing system 1 according to the third embodiment, an image captured by a digital camera is uploaded to the external storage system 40. In the following description, the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment are used for the portions having substantially the same functions as those in the first embodiment and the portions for performing the same processing, and the description thereof is omitted.

<System configuration>
First, the system configuration of the information processing system 1 according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 19 is a configuration diagram of an example of an information processing system according to the third embodiment.

  The information processing system 1 according to the third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the user environment E1 includes the digital camera 50 and the service providing environment E2 includes the service providing device 60.

  The user environment E1 includes one or more digital cameras 50 and is connected to a network such as a wireless LAN. The digital camera 50 is a device used by a user. The user can store the image data selected by the digital camera 50 in a specified storage destination (a specified folder on the external storage system 40) of the external storage system 40.

  The service providing environment E1 includes a service providing device 60. The service providing device 60 provides a service for storing image data selected by the digital camera 50 in the user environment E1 in a storage location designated by the external storage system 40. At this time, the service providing apparatus 60 acquires, for example, folder information for designating a folder where image data is stored from the external storage system 40.

  That is, the service providing apparatus 60 according to the third embodiment includes the service providing apparatus 20 according to the first embodiment and the external service cooperation apparatus 30 according to the first embodiment as a single information processing apparatus. It is a thing.

<Hardware configuration>
Next, a hardware configuration of the digital camera 50 included in the information processing system 1 according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 20 is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of a digital camera according to the third embodiment.

  A digital camera 50 shown in FIG. 20 includes an input device 301, a display device 302, an external I / F 303, a RAM 304, a ROM 305, a CPU 306, a communication I / F 307, a flash memory 308, and an imaging device 309. Is provided. Each of these hardware is connected by the bus B1.

  The input device 301 is a touch panel, various buttons, or the like, and is used by the user to input each operation signal. The display device 302 is a display or the like, and displays the processing result of the digital camera 50.

  The communication I / F 307 is an interface that connects the digital camera 50 to the network N1. Thereby, the digital camera 50 can perform data communication via the communication I / F 307.

  The external I / F 303 is an interface with an external device. The external device includes a recording medium 303a. Thereby, the digital camera 50 can read and / or write to the recording medium 303a via the external I / F 303.

  Examples of the recording medium 303a include an SD memory card and a USB memory. For example, image data generated by the imaging device 309 is stored in the recording medium 303a.

  The flash memory 308 is an example of a non-volatile storage device that stores a program and the like for controlling the entire digital camera 50. The ROM 305 is a nonvolatile semiconductor memory (storage device) that can retain programs and data even when the power is turned off. The ROM 305 stores various setting information and the like. The RAM 304 is a volatile semiconductor memory (storage device) that temporarily stores programs and data.

  The CPU 306 is an arithmetic device that realizes control and functions of the entire digital camera 50 by reading a program and data from the ROM 305 and the flash memory 308 onto the RAM 304 and executing processing.

  The imaging device 309 generates image data by imaging an imaging target. The image data generated by the imaging device 309 is not limited to still image data, and may be moving image data (that is, moving image data). That is, the image data includes still image data and moving image data.

  Since the digital camera 50 has the above hardware configuration, it can realize various processes described later.

<Software configuration>
Next, the software configuration of the information processing system 1 according to the third embodiment will be described. The information processing system 1 according to the third embodiment can be realized by, for example, processing blocks as shown in FIG. FIG. 21 is a processing block diagram of an example of an information processing system according to the third embodiment.

  The digital camera 50 includes a user input / output unit 51 and a data distribution unit 54. The user input / output unit 51 includes a user operation reception unit 52 and a folder information display unit 53.

  The user operation reception unit 52 is realized by, for example, the CPU 306, the input device 301, and the like, and receives various operations by the user. For example, the user operation accepting unit 52 accepts various operations such as an operation of selecting image data to be stored in the storage service and an operation of selecting (designating) a folder to store in the storage service of the selected image data.

  The folder information display unit 53 is realized by, for example, the CPU 306, the display device 302, and the like, and displays various screens. For example, the folder information display unit 53 displays a distribution image selection screen for selecting image data to be stored in the storage service, and a folder selection screen for selecting a folder as a storage destination of the selected image data. .

  The data distribution unit 54 is realized by the CPU 306, for example, and makes a request (upload request) to the service providing apparatus 60 to store the image data selected by the user in the storage destination folder designated by the storage service.

  The service providing apparatus 60 includes an acquisition control unit 61, a storage service information management unit 31, and an external storage communication unit 32A. The service providing device 60 uses the storage service information storage unit 35.

  Furthermore, the acquisition control unit 61 includes an acquisition method specifying unit 22 and an acquisition request generation unit 62, and the external storage communication unit 32A includes a folder information acquisition unit 33 and a data upload unit 34A.

  Note that the acquisition method identification unit 22, the storage service information management unit 31, the folder information acquisition unit 33, and the storage service information storage unit 35 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  The acquisition request generation unit 62 is realized by the CPU 106, for example, and makes a folder information acquisition request to the folder information acquisition unit 33 in response to a request from the digital camera 50.

  The data upload unit 34A is realized by the CPU 106, the communication I / F 107, and the like, for example, and makes an image data upload request to the external storage system 40 in response to a request from the data distribution unit 54 of the digital camera 50.

<Details of processing>
Next, details of processing of the information processing system 1 according to the third embodiment will be described. In the information processing system 1 according to the third embodiment, a process when the user saves image data stored in the digital camera 50 in a selected (designated) folder on the storage service (that is, data distribution process). Will be described. At this time, a folder selection screen for the user to select a save destination folder on the digital camera 50 is generated based on the folder information acquired from the external storage system 40. In the following, the case where the acquisition method for acquiring folder information from the external storage system 40 is “Bundle” and the case where it is “Only SubFolder” will be described separately.

First, a case where the user saves image data in a desired folder on the external storage system 40 ₁ (storage service “storage1” whose folder information acquisition method is “Bundle”) will be described. FIG. 22 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a data distribution process according to the third embodiment. In the following description, the description of the portions that perform the same processing as the scan delivery processing described with reference to FIG. 6 will be simplified as appropriate.

Here, the hierarchical structure of folders of the user in the external storage system 40 _1, like the first embodiment, and is as shown in FIG. Then, it is assumed that the user desires to store image data in the folder name “folder3”.

  In step S2201, the user performs an operation of selecting image data to be stored in the storage service in the digital camera 50. When the operation is performed by the user, the user operation reception unit 52 of the digital camera receives the operation.

  Here, the user can select image data desired to be stored in the storage service on a distribution image selection screen G21 as shown in FIG. 23A, for example. In the distribution image selection screen G21 shown in FIG. 23A, a list of image data stored in the digital camera 50 is displayed. The user can select one or a plurality of image data desired to be stored in the storage service on the distribution image selection screen G21 shown in FIG.

  In step S2202, when the user operation accepting unit 52 of the user input / output unit 51 accepts the above-described operation by the user, the service providing device 60 issues an acquisition request for folder information for displaying the folder selection screen on the display device 302. Transmit to the acquisition control unit 61.

In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the external storage system 40 _first storage service name "storage1" as the storage destination of the image data selected in the above step S2201 is set in advance. Accordingly, the folder information acquisition request includes the storage service name “storage1” and information about the user (for example, the user name “user1”).

  However, the storage service of the image data storage destination may be selected by the user together with the distribution target image data in the distribution image selection image G1 shown in FIG.

  In step S2203, when the acquisition request generation unit 62 of the acquisition control unit 61 receives the folder information acquisition request, the acquisition request generation unit 62 requests the acquisition method specification unit 22 to specify the acquisition method of the folder information. Then, the acquisition method specifying unit 22 transmits an acquisition request for the folder information acquisition method to the storage service information management unit 31. The acquisition request includes information related to the storage service (for example, storage service name).

  In step S2204, when the storage service information management unit 31 receives the acquisition request for the folder information acquisition method, the storage service information management unit 31 refers to the storage service information 35D and sends the storage service information of the corresponding storage service to the acquisition method identification unit 22. Send back. Note that the information returned here is shown in FIG. 8A, for example, as in the first embodiment.

  In step S2205, the acquisition request generation unit 62 of the acquisition control unit 61 generates a folder information acquisition request based on the folder information acquisition method specified in step S2204. Note that the folder information acquisition request generated here is shown in FIG. 9A, for example, as in the first embodiment.

  In step S2206, the acquisition request generation unit 62 of the acquisition control unit 61 transmits the folder information acquisition request generated in step S2205 to the external storage communication unit 32A.

In step S2207, the folder information obtaining unit 33 of the external storage communication unit 32A transmits the received request for acquiring the folder information, to the external storage system 40 ₁ that is set in advance. That is, the external storage communication unit 32A transmits a folder information acquisition request to the host included in the storage service information shown in FIG. 8A acquired in step S2204. Then, the external storage system 40 ₁ sends back the folder information of the corresponding to the service providing apparatus 60. The corresponding folder information returned here is shown in FIG. 10, for example, as in the first embodiment.

  In step S <b> 2208, the acquisition request generation unit 62 of the acquisition control unit 61 returns the received folder information to the user input / output unit 51 of the digital camera 50.

  In step S2209, when the user operation reception unit 52 receives the folder information, the folder information display unit 53 of the user input / output unit 51, for example, as shown in FIGS. 23 (b) to 23 (d) based on the folder information. Folder selection screens G22 to G24 are generated. Then, the folder information display unit 53 displays a folder selection screen G22 of FIG. 23B showing a screen for selecting a folder with the folder name “user1”.

  When the user selects the folder name “folder1” on the folder selection screen G22 in FIG. 23B, a folder selection screen G23 as shown in FIG. 23C is displayed. Further, when the user selects the folder name “folder3” on the folder selection screen G23 in FIG. 23C, a folder selection screen G24 as shown in FIG. 23D is displayed.

As described later, the user by selecting the "OK" button in Fig. 23 (d), the folder of the external storage system 40 on _a "folder3" was selected in FIG 23 (a) Image Data is saved.

  In step S2210, the user selects a “OK” button on the folder selection screen G22 in FIG. 23D, and performs a data distribution operation for uploading image data to the selected storage folder. When the operation is performed by the user, the user operation reception unit 52 of the digital camera 50 receives the operation.

In step S2211, when receiving the operation by the user, the user operation receiving unit 52 requests the external storage communication unit 32A to upload (distribute) the selected image data. Note that the request is selected in the external storage system 40 _first storage service name, a storage destination of the image data selected, the information about the destination folder selected in the above step S2209, the above step S2201 Image data.

In step S2212, the data upload section 34A of the external storage communication unit 32A transmits an upload request received from the digital camera 50 to the external storage system 40 _first appropriate. Thus, the external storage system 40 ₁ for the selected folder, the selected image data is stored.

  As described above, the information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment provides the digital camera 50 with respect to the external storage system 40 that can collectively acquire folder information of folders at all levels below the specified folder. Stored data can be saved.

Next, a case where the user desires to store image data for the external storage system 40 ₂ (a storage service whose folder information acquisition method is “Only SubFolder”) will be described. FIG. 24 is a sequence diagram of another example of the data distribution process according to the third embodiment.

Here, the hierarchical structure of folders of the user in the external storage system 40 _2, similar to the external storage system 40 _1, and is as shown in FIG. Then, it is assumed that the user desires to store image data in the folder name “folder3”. In the following description, portions that perform the same processing as the scan delivery processing described with reference to FIG.

  First, the processes in steps S2401 to S2403 are the same as steps S2201 to S2203 in FIG.

However, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that external storage system 40 _{and second} storage service name "storage2" as the storage destination of the image data selected in the above step S2401 is set in advance. Accordingly, the folder information acquisition request transmitted in step S2402 includes the storage service name “storage2” and information about the user (for example, the user name “user1”).

  In step S2404, when the storage service information management unit 31 receives the acquisition request for the folder information acquisition method, the storage service information management unit 31 refers to the storage service information 35D and sends the storage service information of the storage service to the acquisition method identification unit 22. Send back. Note that the information returned here is shown in FIG. 8B, for example, as in the first embodiment.

  In step S2405, the acquisition request generation unit 62 of the acquisition control unit 61 generates a folder information acquisition request based on the folder information acquisition method specified in step S2204. Note that the folder information acquisition request generated here is shown in FIG. 9B, for example, as in the first embodiment.

  In step S2406, the acquisition request generation unit 62 of the acquisition control unit 61 transmits the folder information acquisition request generated in step S2405 to the external storage communication unit 32A.

In step S2407, the folder information obtaining unit 33 of the external storage communication unit 32A transmits an acquisition request of the received folder information, preset in the external storage system 40 _2. That is, the external storage communication unit 32A transmits a folder information acquisition request to the host included in the storage service information shown in FIG. 8B acquired in step S2404. Then, the external storage system 40 ₂ returns the folder information of the corresponding to the service providing apparatus 60. Note that the corresponding folder information returned here is shown in FIG. 14A, for example, as in the first embodiment.

  Further, when the corresponding folder information is returned, the acquisition request generation unit 62 determines whether or not the subfolder information is specified for the specified folder ID. If subfolder information is designated, the process of step S2408 is performed.

  In step S2408, the acquisition request generation unit 62 rewrites the subfolder existence flag of the subfolder information specified in the “subfolder” of the folder information to “true”.

  In step S 2409, the acquisition request generation unit 62 of the acquisition control unit 61 returns folder information to the user input / output unit 51 of the digital camera 50. Here, the folder information returned to the user input / output unit 51 of the digital camera 50 is the folder information after the subfolder existence flag is rewritten when the process of step S2408 is performed.

  In step S2410, when the user operation reception unit 52 receives the folder information, the folder information display unit 53 of the user input / output unit 51 displays a folder selection screen G22 as shown in FIG. 23B, for example, based on the folder information. Generate. Then, the folder information display unit 53 displays a folder selection screen G22 of FIG. 23B showing a screen for selecting a folder with the folder name “user1”.

  At this time, the folder information display unit 53 may refer to the subfolder existence flag in the received folder information and determine whether or not a folder exists in a lower hierarchy. Then, according to the determination result, the digital camera 50 may transmit, for example, a folder information acquisition request for folders existing in a lower hierarchy to the service providing apparatus 60.

  Next, when the user selects, for example, the folder name “folder1” on the folder selection screen G22 as shown in FIG. 23B, the processing in steps S2402 to S2410 described above is executed, and FIG. A folder selection screen G23 as shown in FIG. That is, in this case, a folder information acquisition request in which the folder ID “yyy1” of “folder1” is designated as “folder_id” is generated in step S2405. Then, in step S2407, for example, as shown in FIG. 14B, the folder information of the folder with the folder name “folder1” and the folder with “folder3” existing immediately below the folder is acquired. In step S2410, a folder selection screen G23 as shown in FIG. 23C is displayed.

  Similarly, when the user selects, for example, the folder name “folder3” on the folder selection screen G23 as shown in FIG. 23C, the processing in steps S2402 to S2410 described above is executed, and FIG. A folder selection screen G24 as shown in FIG.

Then, in the processing described later, the user by selecting the "OK" button in Fig. 23 (d), to the external storage system 40 ₂ on the folder "folder3" was selected in FIG 23 (a) Image Data is saved.

  The processes in steps S2411 to S2413 are the same as the processes in steps S2210 to S2212 in FIG.

  As described above, the information processing system 1 according to the present embodiment is stored in the digital camera 50 with respect to the external storage system 40 that can acquire folder information including a one-level folder below the specified folder. Data can be saved.

  The scan distribution unit 23 is an example of a reception unit. The acquisition method specifying unit 22 is an example of specifying means. The scan distribution unit 23 and the folder information acquisition unit 33 are an example of a first acquisition unit. The storage service information storage unit 35 is an example of a first storage unit. The cache information storage unit 25 is an example of a second storage unit and a third storage unit.

  The present invention is not limited to the specifically disclosed embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Information processing system 10 Image forming apparatus 11 Display part 12 User operation reception part 13 Folder information display part 14 Scan execution part 20 Service provision apparatus 21 Scan control part 22 Acquisition method specification part 23 Scan delivery part 30 External service cooperation apparatus 31 Storage service Information management unit 32 External storage communication unit 33 Folder information acquisition unit 34 Data upload unit 35 Storage service information storage unit 40 External storage system

JP 2013-92833 A

Claims (11)

An information processing system including one or more information processing devices,
For each of a plurality of external services each having a folder storing electronic data, identification information for identifying the external service and information on an acquisition method for acquiring folder information from the external service are stored in association with each other. Storage means,
A receiving unit that receives a request for acquiring information of a folder included in the one external service from one external service of the plurality of external services from a device connected to the information processing system via a network;
The present invention relates to an acquisition method for acquiring information on the folder stored in the first storage unit in association with identification information for identifying the one external service related to the request when the request is received by the reception unit. Identifying means for identifying an acquisition method for acquiring folder information from the one external service based on the information;
First acquisition means for acquiring information of the folder from the one external service based on the acquisition method specified by the specifying means;
Transmission means for transmitting the information on the folder acquired by the first acquisition means to the device that is the request source of the request;
The first acquisition means includes
When the acquisition method specified by the specifying means is a first acquisition method for acquiring information of folders of a predetermined number of levels below the specified folder level from the external service, the specified folder While acquiring information of a folder of a predetermined number of layers below the one layer from the one external service,
If the acquisition method specified by the specifying means is a second acquisition method for acquiring information of folders in all levels below the specified folder level from the external service, the specified folder level An information processing system for acquiring information of folders in all the following layers from the one external service. Second storage means for storing folder information;
The first acquisition means includes
When the acquisition method specified by the specifying means is the first acquisition method, information on folders in the hierarchy below the specified folder hierarchy is repeatedly acquired for each of the predetermined number of levels, The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein information on the acquired folder is stored in the second storage unit. The first acquisition means includes
Further, the information of the folder below the specified folder hierarchy is repeatedly acquired for each of the predetermined number of hierarchies according to a predetermined priority order, and the acquired folder information is stored in the second storage means. The information processing system according to claim 2, wherein the information processing system is stored. Based on the acquisition method specified by the specifying means, the second acquisition means for acquiring information of the folder from the one external service;
The first acquisition unit and the second acquisition unit include:
When the acquisition method specified by the specifying unit is the first acquisition method, information on folders in the hierarchy below the specified folder is complementarily stored for each of the predetermined number of levels. The information processing system according to claim 2, wherein the information is repeatedly acquired and information on the acquired folders is stored in the second storage unit. Third storage means for storing folder information;
The folder information stored in the third storage means is synchronized with and / or supplemented with the contents of the folder stored in the second storage means at a predetermined timing. 5. The information processing system according to any one of items 4 to 4. The transmission means includes
6. The information on the folder acquired from the one external service or the folder information stored in the second storage means is transmitted to the device requesting the request. The information processing system according to any one of the above.   The folder information stored in the second storage means includes identification information for uniquely identifying each folder, and path information indicating a storage destination in the external service of a parent folder that is a folder including the folder, The information processing system according to any one of claims 2 to 6. An information processing system comprising: a service providing apparatus that provides an external service; and an external service cooperation apparatus that requests a predetermined process for the external service in cooperation with the service providing apparatus,
The external service cooperation apparatus, for each of a plurality of external services each having a folder for storing electronic data, identification information for identifying the external service, information on an acquisition method for acquiring folder information from the external service, First storage means for storing the information in association with each other;
The service providing apparatus receives a request for acquiring information about a folder of the one external service from one of the plurality of external services from a device connected to the information processing system via a network. Receiving means;
When the service providing apparatus accepts the request by the accepting means, the information on the folder stored in the first storage means is acquired in association with identification information for identifying the one external service related to the request. Identifying means for identifying an acquisition method for acquiring folder information from the one external service, based on information on the acquisition method for
First acquisition means for acquiring information on the folder from the one external service based on the acquisition method specified by the specifying means;
The service providing apparatus includes: a transmission unit configured to transmit the folder information acquired by the first acquisition unit to the device that has requested the request;
The first acquisition means includes
When the acquisition method specified by the specifying means is a first acquisition method for acquiring information of folders of a predetermined number of levels below the specified folder level from the external service, the specified folder While acquiring information of a folder of a predetermined number of layers below the one layer from the one external service,
If the acquisition method specified by the specifying means is a second acquisition method for acquiring information of folders in all levels below the specified folder level from the external service, the specified folder level An information processing system for acquiring information of folders in all the following layers from the one external service. An information processing apparatus,
For each of a plurality of external services each having a folder storing electronic data, identification information for identifying the external service and information on an acquisition method for acquiring folder information from the external service are stored in association with each other. Storage means,
A receiving unit that receives a request for acquiring information of a folder included in the one external service from one external service of the plurality of external services from a device connected to the information processing apparatus via a network;
The present invention relates to an acquisition method for acquiring information on the folder stored in the first storage unit in association with identification information for identifying the one external service related to the request when the request is received by the reception unit. Identifying means for identifying an acquisition method for acquiring folder information from the one external service based on the information;
First acquisition means for acquiring information of the folder from the one external service based on the acquisition method specified by the specifying means;
Transmission means for transmitting the information on the folder acquired by the first acquisition means to the device that is the request source of the request;
The first acquisition means includes
When the acquisition method specified by the specifying means is a first acquisition method for acquiring information of folders of a predetermined number of levels below the specified folder level from the external service, the specified folder While acquiring information of a folder of a predetermined number of layers below the one layer from the one external service,
If the acquisition method specified by the specifying means is a second acquisition method for acquiring information of folders in all levels below the specified folder level from the external service, the specified folder level An information processing apparatus that acquires information of folders in all the following layers from the one external service. Storage means for storing, in association with each other, a plurality of external services each having a folder for storing electronic data, identification information for identifying the external service, and information on an acquisition method for acquiring folder information from the external service And an information processing method in an information processing system including one or more information processing devices,
A reception procedure for receiving a request for acquiring information of a folder included in the one external service from one of the plurality of external services from a device connected to the information processing system via a network;
When the request is received in the reception procedure, based on information relating to an acquisition method for acquiring information on the folder stored in the storage unit in association with identification information for identifying the one external service related to the request Specific procedure for specifying an acquisition method for acquiring folder information from the one external service;
An acquisition procedure for acquiring the folder information from the one external service based on the acquisition method specified by the specification procedure;
A transmission procedure for transmitting the information on the folder acquired in the acquisition procedure to the device that requested the request;
The acquisition procedure is as follows:
When the acquisition method specified by the specification procedure is a first acquisition method for acquiring information of folders of a predetermined number of layers below the specified folder hierarchy from the external service, the specified folder While acquiring information of a folder of a predetermined number of layers below the one layer from the one external service,
When the acquisition method specified by the specifying procedure is a second acquisition method for acquiring information on folders of all levels below the specified folder level from the external service, the specified folder level An information processing method for acquiring information of folders in all the following layers from the one external service. Storage means for storing, in association with each other, a plurality of external services each having a folder for storing electronic data, identification information for identifying the external service, and information on an acquisition method for acquiring folder information from the external service An information processing apparatus having
Accepting means for accepting a request for acquiring information of a folder of the one external service from one of the plurality of external services from a device connected to the information processing apparatus via a network;
When the request is received by the receiving means, based on information relating to an acquisition method for acquiring information on the folder stored in the storage means in association with identification information for identifying the one external service related to the request Identifying means for identifying an acquisition method for acquiring folder information from the one external service;
Based on the acquisition method specified by the specifying means, acquisition means for acquiring the folder information from the one external service;
The folder information acquired by the acquisition unit functions as a transmission unit that transmits the request to the device that requested the request,
The acquisition means includes
When the acquisition method specified by the specifying means is a first acquisition method for acquiring information of folders of a predetermined number of levels below the specified folder level from the external service, the specified folder While acquiring information of a folder of a predetermined number of layers below the one layer from the one external service,
If the acquisition method specified by the specifying means is a second acquisition method for acquiring information of folders in all levels below the specified folder level from the external service, the specified folder level A program for acquiring information of folders in all the following layers from the one external service.