JP2017211922A - Data management system and control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide, in a data management system in which an image forming apparatus assigns data to any one of a plurality of storage areas for storage, a mechanism for an information processing apparatus to automatically determine the storage area to be monitored.SOLUTION: In a data management system, an image forming apparatus performs setting for assigning data to any one of a plurality of storage areas in a server, determines the storage area to be a transfer destination of received data from the plurality of storage areas in the server on the basis of information on the setting and reception of the data, and transfers the received data to the determined storage area. An information processing apparatus acquires the registered setting from the server, monitors, of the plurality of storage areas in the server, the specific storage area based on the information indicating the acquired setting, and notifies a user of the fact that data is newly stored in the storage area to be monitored.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 20

Description

  The present invention relates to a data management system and a control method for distributing received data to a storage area for management.

  Conventionally, in a system for managing data such as documents, a function of regularly monitoring the status of a storage area in a server and notifying a user of new data when new data is stored in the storage area is known. ing.

  In Patent Document 1, an image forming apparatus (MFP: Multifunction Peripheral) stores a document acquired by a fax function in a folder in the information processing apparatus. A new arrival monitoring program that operates on the information processing apparatus monitors a monitoring destination folder set by the user and notifies the user of a new arrival document.

  Further, there is a technique for distributing data to a plurality of storage areas according to reception conditions (such as a reception date and a transmission source) when the image forming apparatus transfers data received by a fax function to a server. When the present technology is applied to the data management system described above, it is necessary to monitor a plurality of storage areas in order to notify the user of newly arrived data.

JP 2012-43119 A

  Here, there may be a large number of storage areas in units such as folders that can be a destination of data from the image forming apparatus. In this case, if all of the storage areas are set as monitoring targets, the processing load of the information processing apparatus that performs monitoring becomes high. Therefore, some storage areas need to be set as monitoring targets. However, when data is distributed to storage areas according to reception conditions such as the reception date, it is conceivable that the storage area to be monitored by the information processing apparatus is changed depending on the day. In addition, for example, the distribution rule may be changed by the user, for example, the distribution rule may be changed for each reception date, and the storage area to be monitored by the information processing apparatus may be fixed. Cannot set by narrowing down.

  In Patent Document 1 described above, since the user manually sets the monitoring destination folder, it is necessary to reset the monitoring destination folder every time the monitoring destination folder is changed.

  The present invention provides a mechanism for automatically determining a storage area to be monitored by the information processing apparatus in a data management system in which an image forming apparatus distributes and stores data in any of a plurality of storage areas. With the goal.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a data management system including an image forming apparatus that can communicate with a server that manages data in a plurality of storage areas, and an information processing apparatus that can communicate with the server. The image forming apparatus includes a receiving unit that receives data, a setting unit that performs settings for allocating data received by the receiving unit to any of a plurality of storage areas in the server, and settings by the setting unit Based on information relating to the setting by the setting means and the reception of data by the receiving means, the registration means for registering information in the server, and the transfer destination of the data received by the receiving means from among a plurality of storage areas in the server Determining means for determining the storage area to be transferred, and transferring the data received by the receiving means to the storage area determined by the determining means Transfer means, wherein the information processing apparatus acquires from the server information indicating the setting registered by the registration means, and the acquisition means among a plurality of storage areas in the server And a monitoring unit that monitors a specific storage area based on information indicating the setting acquired by the monitoring unit, and a notification unit that notifies that data is newly stored in the storage area monitored by the monitoring unit. To do.

  According to the present invention, a folder to be monitored by an information processing apparatus can be automatically determined in a data management system in which an image forming apparatus sorts and stores data in any of a plurality of storage areas.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the whole system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of an MFP 101. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of a file server 102. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of a PC 103. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a software configuration of an MFP 101. FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a software configuration of a document management application 1910. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the MFP 101. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a status display screen 800 of the MFP 101. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mode selection screen 900 of the MFP 101. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a file server setting screen 1000 of the MFP 101. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a file name setting screen 1100 of the MFP 101. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a folder path setting screen of the MFP 101. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a test transmission screen 1300 of the MFP 101. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a transfer setting 1400. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting information file 1500. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an address book 1600. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the MFP 101. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the MFP 101. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the MFP 101. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of a document management application 610. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI of a document management application 610. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of a document management application 610. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of a document management application 610.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the entire system according to an embodiment of the present invention. On a LAN (Local Area Network) 100, an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) 101, a file server 102, and a PC 103 are communicably connected. The MFP 101 is an example of an image forming apparatus. The file server 102 is an example of an external server. The PC 103 is an example of an information processing apparatus. Here, a system including at least the MFP 101 and the PC 103 is a data management system.

  The MFP 101 is connected to a PSTN (Public Switched Telephony Networks) 110 and can perform image communication of image data with a FAX apparatus (not shown). The fax here is G3 FAX, Internet FAX, or the like. In this embodiment, as an example of data transferred from the MFP 101 to the file server 102, description will be given using image data received by FAX, but the data is not limited thereto.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the MFP 101. A control unit 210 including a CPU 211 controls the overall operation of the MFP 101. The CPU 211 reads a control program stored in the ROM 212 and performs various controls such as reading / printing / communication. The RAM 213 is used as a temporary storage area such as a main memory or work area for the CPU 211. In the MFP 101, one CPU 211 executes each process shown in a flowchart to be described later using one memory (RAM 213 or HDD 214). However, other modes may be used. For example, a plurality of CPUs and a plurality of RAMs or HDDs can be cooperated to execute each process shown in the flowchart.

  The HDD 214 stores image data and various programs. The operation unit I / F 215 connects the operation unit 220 and the control unit 210. The operation unit 220 includes a liquid crystal display unit having a touch panel function, a keyboard, and the like, and plays a role as a reception unit that receives an operation / input / instruction by a user.

  The printer I / F 216 connects the printer 221 and the control unit 210. Image data to be printed by the printer 221 is transferred from the control unit 210 via the printer I / F 216 and printed on a recording medium by the printer 221.

  The scanner I / F 217 connects the scanner 222 and the control unit 210. The scanner 222 reads an image on a document to generate image data, and inputs the image data to the control unit 210 via the scanner I / F 217. The MFP 101 can send the image data generated by the scanner 222 as a file or e-mail.

  The modem I / F 218 connects the modem 223 and the control unit 210. The modem 223 executes FAX communication of image data with a FAX apparatus (not shown). A network I / F 219 connects the control unit 210 (MFP 101) to the LAN 100. The MFP 101 uses the network I / F 219 to transmit image data and information to an external device (such as the file server 102) on the LAN 100 and receive various types of information.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the file server 102. A control unit 310 including a CPU 311 controls the operation of the entire file server 102. The CPU 311 reads out the control program stored in the ROM 312 and executes various control processes. The RAM 313 is used as a temporary storage area such as a main memory or work area of the CPU 311. The HDD 314 stores image data and various programs.

  The network I / F 315 connects the control unit 310 (file server 102) to the LAN 100. The file server 102 transmits and receives various types of information to and from other devices on the LAN 100 using the network I / F 315.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the PC 103. A control unit 410 including a CPU 411 controls the operation of the entire PC 103. The CPU 411 reads the control program stored in the ROM 412 and executes various control processes. The RAM 413 is used as a temporary storage area such as a main memory or work area of the CPU 411. The HDD 414 stores image data and various programs. The keyboard 415 is an input device that is a support input unit, and instructs to input a command of a control command, text input, or the like to the document management application of the present invention. A display 416 is an output device as display means, and displays commands input from the keyboard 415, the status of the document management application of the present invention, and the like.

  A network I / F 417 connects the control unit 410 (PC 103) to the LAN 100. The PC 103 transmits and receives various types of information to and from other devices on the LAN 100 using the network I / F 417.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a software configuration example of the MFP 101. The MFP 101 is roughly divided into a native function unit 510 and an additional application 520. Each unit included in the native function unit 510 is provided in the MFP 101 as a standard, whereas the additional application 520 is an application additionally installed in the MFP 101. The additional application 520 is an application based on, for example, Java (registered trademark), and can easily add functions to the MFP 101. Note that other additional applications (not shown) may be installed in the MFP 101.

  The FAX receiving unit 511 receives the image data transmitted via the PSTN 110 by FAX. The image data received by the FAX receiving unit 511 is converted into the PDF format by the FAX receiving unit 511 and then transferred to the transfer unit 512. At this time, the FAX receiving unit 511 creates a control file including the transmission source information (fax number of the transmission source) of the image data and the reception date and time of the image data, and passes them to the transfer unit 512 together with the image data.

  The transfer unit 512 transfers the image data received from the FAX reception unit 511 in accordance with preset conditions. As the transfer destination of the image data, the printing unit 513, the file server 102, a PC (not shown) on the LAN 100, or the like can be set. Here, the image data received by the FAX receiving unit 511 is transferred to the additional application 520. It is assumed that it is set as follows.

  The transfer unit 512 has an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) client function, and transfers image data by FTP to the application receiving unit 522 having the FTP server function. Note that the control file created by the FAX receiving unit 511 is also FTP-transferred to the application receiving unit 522 together with the image data. Address book storage unit 514 stores address information registered by the user of MFP 101. Details of the address book will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The application reception unit 522 receives the image data internally transferred from the transfer unit 512 and passes it to the application transfer unit 521. The application transfer unit 521 transfers (transmits) the image data to the file server 102 in accordance with settings made by a method described later. In addition to FTP, SMB (Server Message Block), WebDAV (Distributed Authoring and Versioning protocol for WWW), or the like can be used for the transfer here. Further, the application transfer unit 521 is permitted to access the address book storage unit 514, and acquires a registered name to be described later.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a software configuration example of the document management application 610 operating on the PC 103. The document management application 610 is a program module that runs in the PC 103 and is loaded into the RAM 413 and executed by the CPU 411 when executed.

  In the document management application 610, the image data acquisition unit 613 makes an acquisition request for image data. This request can be acquired by accessing the file server 102 via the image data access unit 615. These image data are displayed on the display unit 611, and the image data operation unit 614 performs reference and operation of the image data.

  The folder monitoring unit 612 can monitor a specified folder and detect whether image data is stored in the folder. As a monitoring method, a method of detecting and monitoring event information generated when image data is stored in the file server 102, a list of image data in the folder acquired last time by periodically referring to the folder, There is a method of comparing and extracting the difference and monitoring. Among these methods, monitoring may be performed using one method, or monitoring may be performed using a plurality of methods. Note that the area (storage area) in which data is stored is not limited to a folder, and may be, for example, a directory or a tray.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a setting operation for transferring image data received by the MFP 101 by FAX to the file server 102. Each operation (step) shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 is realized by the CPU 211 of the MFP 101 executing a control program stored in the HDD 214.

  In step S <b> 701, the application transfer unit 521 of the additional application 520 displays the status display screen 800 (FIG. 8) on the operation unit 220. In the status display area 801 of the status display screen 800, a message indicating the operation status of the current FAX transfer function (additional application 520) is displayed. In the illustrated example, it is shown that the additional application 520 is currently operating normally. For example, when transfer of image data to the file server 102 fails or when the additional application 520 is not operating normally, a message indicating that is displayed in the status display area 801. In the status display screen 800, operation keys for updating the display contents of the status display area 801 may be further provided.

  In step S <b> 702, the application transfer unit 521 determines whether the “To setting screen” key 802 on the status display screen 800 has been pressed. Here, the application transfer unit 521 waits until the [To setting screen] key 802 is pressed, and if it is determined that the [To setting screen] key 802 is pressed, the process proceeds to S703. In addition, although an example in which only one key ([To setting screen] key 802) is displayed on the status display screen 800 is shown, a key for making a direct transition to each screen (FIGS. 10 to 13) described later is provided. May be.

  In step S <b> 703, the application transfer unit 521 displays the mode selection screen 900 (FIG. 9) on the operation unit 220. The user of the MFP 101 selects whether to use an application that monitors image data transferred to the file server 102 via the mode selection screen 900.

  In step S704, the application transfer unit 521 determines whether the [normal mode] key 901 has been pressed. If the application transfer unit 521 determines that the [normal mode] key 901 is pressed, the process advances to step S707. If the [normal mode] key 901 has not been pressed, the application transfer unit 521 proceeds to step S705, and determines whether or not the [monitor mode] key 902 has been pressed. If the application transfer unit 521 determines that the [monitor mode] key 902 is pressed, the process advances to step S706. If the application transfer unit 521 determines that the [monitor mode] key 902 is not pressed, the process returns to S704. In step S <b> 706, the application transfer unit 521 holds the monitoring mode setting in the RAM 213. The monitoring mode setting stored here is used in S716 described later.

  In subsequent S707, the application transfer unit 521 displays the file server setting screen 1000 (FIG. 10) on the operation unit 220. The user of the MFP 101 inputs information for specifying the file server 102 and information for accessing the file server 102 via the file server setting screen 1000.

  Specifically, the host name of the file server 102 is input as the host name 1001. In the folder path 1002, the starting point of the folder path for specifying the storage destination of the image data is input. In the user name 1003 and password 1004, authentication information (user name and password) necessary for logging in to the file server 102 is input.

  In step S708, the application transfer unit 521 determines whether the [Cancel] key 711 has been pressed. If the application transfer unit 521 determines that the [Cancel] key 711 has been pressed, the process returns to S701 and the status display screen 800 is displayed. If the [Cancel] key 711 has not been pressed, the application transfer unit 521 advances to S709, and determines whether or not the [Next] key 712 has been pressed. If the application transfer unit 521 determines that the [Next] key 712 has been pressed, the process proceeds to S710. If the [Next] key 712 is not pressed, the application transfer unit 521 returns to S708.

  In step S <b> 710, the application transfer unit 521 holds the file server settings input in 1001 to 1004 of the file server setting screen 1000 in the RAM 213. In subsequent S711, the application transfer unit 521 displays the file name setting screen 1100 (FIG. 11) on the operation unit 220. The user of the MFP 101 designates a file name setting rule to be set for image data to be transferred to the file server 102 via the file name setting screen 1100.

  In the image data transferred to the file server 102 by the additional application 520, a file name combining three types of information of [Registered Name], [FAX Number], and [Date / Time] can be set. [Registered name] is a name registered in advance in the address book in association with the FAX number of the transmission source of the image data. [FAX number] is the FAX number of the transmission source of the image data. [Date / Time] is the reception date / time of image data.

  The user of the MFP 101 can use the operation keys 1101 to 1103 to select a separator (separator) for separating the above three types of information. When the operation key 1101 is pressed, [-] (hyphen) is selected. When the operation key 1102 is pressed, [_] (underbar) is selected. When the operation key 1103 is pressed, [] (space) is selected. In the illustrated example, it can be seen that [_] (under bar) is selected.

  Further, the user of the MFP 101 can designate the arrangement order of the above three information using the check boxes 1113 to 1115. When the check box 1113 is checked, a file name is set in which three types of information are combined in the order of [Registered Name], [FAX Number], and [Date / Time]. For example, when the registered name is “ABC Trading”, the FAX number is “0311112222”, and the date is “01/01/2013 12:15:10”, the file name “ABC Trading_0311112222_20130101121510.pdf” is set. The

  When the check box 1114 is checked, a file name in which three types of information are combined in the order of [Date / Time], [Registered Name], and [FAX Number] is set. When the check box 1115 is checked, a file name in which three types of information are combined in the order of [FAX number], [Registered name], and [Date / time] is set. Although not all arrangement orders are candidates here (only some arrangement orders are candidates), all arrangement orders may be displayed as candidates.

  In step S712, the application transfer unit 521 determines whether the [Cancel] key 1121 has been pressed. If it is determined that the [Cancel application transfer unit 521] key 1121 has been pressed, the process returns to S701, and the status display screen 800 is displayed. If the [Cancel] key 1121 has not been pressed, the application transfer unit 521 advances to S713, and determines whether or not the [Return] key 1122 has been pressed. If the application transfer unit 521 determines that the [Return] key 1122 is pressed, the process returns to S707 and the file server setting screen 1000 is displayed. If the [Return] key 1122 has not been pressed, the application transfer unit 521 proceeds to S714, and determines whether or not the [Next] key 1123 has been pressed. If the application transfer unit 521 determines that the [Next] key 1123 is pressed, the process advances to S715. If the [Next] key 1123 is not pressed, the application transfer unit 521 returns to S712.

  In step S <b> 715, the application transfer unit 521 holds the content designated via the file name setting screen 1100 in the RAM 213.

  In step S716, the application transfer unit 521 determines whether the monitoring mode setting is saved in step S706. If the application transfer unit 521 determines that the monitoring mode setting has been saved, the process advances to step S718, and the monitoring folder path setting screen 1250 (FIG. 12) is displayed on the operation unit 220. If the application transfer unit 521 determines that the monitoring mode setting is not stored, the process advances to step S717, and the folder path setting screen 1200 (FIG. 12) is displayed on the operation unit 220. The user of the MFP 101 designates a folder path setting rule for determining a folder for storing image data via the folder path setting screen 1200 and the monitoring folder path setting screen 1250.

  The difference between the folder path setting screen 1200 and the monitoring folder path setting screen 1250 is that the types of hierarchies that can be selected are limited. Although the folder path setting screen 1200 can be freely selected up to the third hierarchy, the monitoring folder path setting screen 1250 is limited to only the folder structure that can be monitored. As an example, there are three types of folder configurations that can be monitored in the document management application: [Registration Month] / [Registration Date], [Registration Month], and [Registration Date]. Is configured to be configurable.

  When the check box 1201 is checked, the application transfer unit 521 creates a folder in accordance with the rule selected in the selection fields 1211 to 1213, and sets the image data received by the FAX receiving unit 511 therein. When the check box 1201 is not checked, the application transfer unit 521 is set to transfer the image data to the file path set in the file server setting screen 1000 without creating a folder and saved in S710.

  The selection column 1211 specifies the type of information used as the name of the folder in the first hierarchy (the highest hierarchy among the three hierarchies). The user of the MFP 101 selects the type of information from the candidates of [Registered Name], [FAX Number], and [Date] presented from the pull-down menu. [Registered name] is a name registered in advance in the address book in association with the FAX number of the transmission source of the image data. [FAX number] is the FAX number of the transmission source of the image data. [Date] is the reception date or reception month of the image data. Note that any type can be left unselected. In this case, the image data is stored in the area specified by the folder path 1002 on the file server setting screen 1000.

  In the selection column 1212, the type of information used as the folder name of the second hierarchy (the middle hierarchy among the three hierarchies) is designated. The user of the MFP 101 selects the type of information from the candidates of [Registered Name], [FAX Number], and [Date] presented by the pull-down menu as in the first layer. Note that any type can be left unselected. In this case, the image data is stored in the storage area designated in the selection field 1211.

  In the selection column 1213, the type of information used as the folder name of the third hierarchy (the lowest hierarchy among the three hierarchies) is designated. The user of the MFP 101 selects the type of information from the candidates of [Registered Name], [FAX Number], and [Date] presented by the pull-down menu as in the first layer. Note that any type can be left unselected. In this case, the image data is stored in the storage area designated in the selection field 1212.

  In the display column 1214, the arrangement order of various types of information according to the selection for each layer in the selection columns 1211 to 1213 is shown. In the illustrated example, it can be seen that the folder name of the first layer is [Registered Name], the folder name of the second layer is [FAX Number], and the folder name of the third layer is [Date]. The formal folder path is completed by adding the folder path shown in the display field 1214 to the end of the character string designated by the folder path 1002 on the file server setting screen 1000. For example, when the registered name is “ABC Trading”, the FAX number is “0311112222”, and the date is 01/01/2013, a folder path “root / ABC Trading / 0311112222/01/01/2013” is set. The

  In step S719, the application transfer unit 521 determines whether the [Cancel] key 1221 has been pressed. If the application transfer unit 521 determines that the [Cancel] key 1221 is pressed, the process returns to S701, and the status display screen 800 is displayed. If the [Cancel] key 1221 is not pressed, the application transfer unit 521 proceeds to S720, and determines whether the [Return] key 1222 is pressed. If the application transfer unit 521 determines that the [Return] key 1222 has been pressed, the process returns to S711 and the file name setting screen 1100 is displayed. If the [Return] key 1222 has not been pressed, the application transfer unit 521 advances to S721, and determines whether or not the [Next] key 1223 has been pressed. If the application transfer unit 521 determines that the [Next] key 1223 is pressed, the process advances to step S722. If the [Next] key 1223 is not pressed, the application transfer unit 521 returns to S719.

  In step S <b> 722, the application transfer unit 521 holds the content designated via the folder path setting screen 1200 in the RAM 213. In subsequent S723, the application transfer unit 521 displays the test transmission screen 1300 (FIG. 13) on the operation unit 220. The user of the MFP 101 can perform test transmission to the file server 102 via the test transmission screen 1300.

  In the FAX number 1301, an arbitrary transmission source FAX number used for test transmission is input. In the reception date / time 1302, an arbitrary reception date / time used for test transmission is input. Although not shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7, when the [Confirm Setting] key 1311 is pressed, the file name naming rule is based on the FAX number 1301 and the reception date and time 1302 and the settings via the screens of FIGS. And rules for sorting to folders are displayed. Thereby, the user can confirm the content of the setting.

  In step S724, the application transfer unit 521 determines whether the [Test transmission] key 1312 has been pressed. If the application transfer unit 521 determines that the [Test transmission] key 1312 is pressed, the process proceeds to S725. If the [Test transmission] key 1312 is not pressed, the process proceeds to S726.

  In step S725, the application transfer unit 521 executes test transmission based on the contents of the FAX number 1301 and the reception date 1302, and the contents set on the screens of FIGS. In the test transmission, the test image data stored in advance in the additional application (in the HDD 214) is actually transmitted to the file server 102. The user can confirm that the image data is normally stored in the folder of the file server 102 by executing the test transmission. Note that a screen showing the result of the test transmission may be displayed after the test transmission is executed.

  In step S726, the application transfer unit 521 determines whether the [Cancel] key 1321 has been pressed. If the application transfer unit 521 determines that the [Cancel] key 1321 has been pressed, the process returns to S701 and the status display screen 800 is displayed. If the [Cancel] key 1321 is not pressed, the application transfer unit 521 proceeds to S727, and determines whether or not the [Return] key 1322 is pressed. If the application transfer unit 521 determines that the [Return] key 1322 has been pressed, the process returns to S716, determines whether the monitoring mode is set, and displays the folder path setting screen 1200 or the monitoring folder path setting screen 1250. If the [Return] key 1322 has not been pressed, the application transfer unit 521 proceeds to S728, and determines whether or not the [OK] key 1323 has been pressed. If it is determined that the [OK] key 1323 has been pressed, the process proceeds to S729. If the [OK] key 1323 has not been pressed, the application transfer unit 521 returns to S724.

  In S729, the application transfer unit 521 stores the transfer settings stored in the RAM 213 in S706, S710, S715, and S722 in the HDD 214.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the transfer setting 1400 set according to the flowchart of FIG. The transfer setting 1400 is stored in the HDD 214 in the CSV or XML format, but may be in other formats. As another embodiment, the transfer setting 1400 may be stored in a server (not shown) other than the file server 102. Further, the transfer setting 1400 may be directly transmitted from the MFP 101 to the PC 103.

  In subsequent S730, the application transfer unit 521 determines whether or not the monitoring mode setting is stored in S706. If the application transfer unit 521 determines that the monitoring mode setting has been saved, the process proceeds to S731.

  In step S <b> 731, the application transfer unit 521 creates a file including the folder path set in step S <b> 722 under the folder path 1002 and the rule setting information for creating a folder by date, and transmits the file to the file server 102. FIG. 15 is an example of a file describing setting information. The contents of the setting information file will be described later.

  If the application transfer unit 521 determines in step S730 that the monitoring mode setting is not stored, the setting information file is not transmitted and the process ends.

  In the row 1401 of FIG. 14, the host name of the file server 102 input as the host name 1001 on the file server setting screen 1000 is described. A line 1402 describes the starting point of the folder path input in the folder path 1002 on the file server setting screen 1000. In a row 1403, a user name for logging in to the file server 102 input with the user name 1003 on the file server setting screen 1000 is described. In a row 1404, a password for logging in to the file server 102 entered with the password 1004 on the file server setting screen 1000 is described.

  A line 1405 describes a file name setting rule set on the file name setting screen 1100. In the illustrated example, the file name is set using a separator of [_] (underbar) in the order of [Registered Name], [FAX Number], and [Date / Time]. A row 1406 describes a folder path setting rule set on the folder path setting screen 1200. In the illustrated example, the folder path is set in the order of [Registration month] and [Registration date].

  FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a setting information file 1500 generated in S731 set according to the flowchart of FIG. 7 and transmitted to the file server 102. The setting information file 1500 is stored in CSV or XML format. Regarding the format, other formats may be used.

  A line 1501 describes the version of the setting information file. A row 1502 describes a folder path setting rule set on the monitoring folder path setting screen 1250. In the example shown in the figure, folders are created in a hierarchy of [Registration month] and [Registration date].

  A row 1503 describes the format of the date character string of the folder created in [Registration Date]. In the example shown in the drawing, a folder having a date such as April 14, 2016 is created by entering a year in yyyy, a month in MM, and a date in dd. In addition, in the case of [yyyyMMdd], it is 20160414, and in the case of [dd MM, yyyy], it is 1404, 2016.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the contents of the address book 1600 stored in the address book storage unit 514. The destination ID 1601 is an ID that uniquely indicates each destination registered in the address book 1600. A name 1602 is a name of each destination registered in the address book 1600. A FAX number 1603 is a FAX number of each destination registered in the address book 1600.

  When the image data read by the scanner 222 is FAX-transmitted from the MFP 101 via the PSTN 110, the trouble of specifying a destination can be saved by referring to the address book 1600. The address book 1600 may register not only a FAX transmission destination but also an e-mail destination, a file transmission (FTP, SMB, WebDAV) destination, and the like.

  FIGS. 17 to 19 are flowcharts for explaining the operation of transferring the image data received by the MFP 101 to the file server 102. Each operation (step) shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 17 to 19 is realized by the CPU 211 of the MFP 101 executing a control program stored in the HDD 214.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a flow of image data transfer processing by the MFP 101. In step S <b> 1701, the FAX receiving unit 511 receives image data by FAX. In step S <b> 1702, the transfer unit 512 internally transfers the image data to the application reception unit 522 by FTP. In step S1703, the application transfer unit 521 acquires the transmission source FAX number and the reception date and time from the control file transferred together with the image data.

  In step S <b> 1704, the application transfer unit 521 acquires the file server setting included in the transfer setting 1400. In step S1705, the application transfer unit 521 executes a file name creation process set in the image data. Details of the file name creation process will be described later with reference to FIG. In step S <b> 1706, the application transfer unit 521 executes folder path creation processing for specifying the storage destination of image data. Details of the folder path creation processing will be described later with reference to FIG.

  In step S <b> 1707, the application transfer unit 521 accesses the file server 102. At this time, the user name and password included in the file server settings acquired in S1704 are transmitted to the file server 102, and the result of authentication by the file server 102 is received. In step S1708, the application transfer unit 521 determines whether the authentication has succeeded (whether the user has logged in to the file server 102). If the authentication has succeeded, the process proceeds to step S1709. If the authentication has failed, the process ends.

  In step S1709, the application transfer unit 521 checks whether the folder indicated by the folder path created in step S1706 exists (inquires the file server 102). In step S1710, the application transfer unit 521 determines whether the corresponding folder exists. If the corresponding folder exists, the process proceeds to S1712, and if not, the process proceeds to S1711.

  In S1711, the application transfer unit 521 requests the file server 102 to create the folder indicated by the folder path created in S1706. In step S1712, the application transfer unit 521 externally transfers the image data to the file server 102 and stores the image data in the folder indicated by the folder path created in step S1706.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining in detail the file name creation processing in S1705 of FIG. In step S1801, the application transfer unit 521 acquires a file name setting included in the transfer setting 1400. In step S1802, the application transfer unit 521 inquires of the address book storage unit 514 for a name registered in association with the FAX number of the transmission source.

  In step S <b> 1803, the application transfer unit 521 determines whether acquisition of the registered name from the address book storage unit 514 has succeeded. If it is determined that acquisition of the registered name is successful, the process advances to step S1804, and the application transfer unit 521 sets the acquired registered name as part of the file name. If it is determined that acquisition of the registered name has failed (for example, if the transmission source FAX number is not registered in the address book), the process advances to step S1805, and the application transfer unit 521 uses the default name as a part of the file name. Set as. The default name is, for example, a character string “N / A”.

  In step S1806, the application transfer unit 521 sets the FAX number acquired in step S1703 as a part of the file name. In step S1807, the application transfer unit 521 sets the reception date and time acquired in step S1703 as a part of the file name. Note that the settings in S1804 to S1807 are performed according to the contents of the file name settings acquired in S1801.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining in detail the folder path creation processing of S1706 of FIG. In step S1901, the application transfer unit 521 acquires the folder path setting included in the transfer setting 1400. In step S1902, the application transfer unit 521 inquires of the address book storage unit 514 for a name registered in association with the FAX number of the transmission source. Note that if the registered name has already been acquired in S1802 of FIG. 14, the process of S1902 may be omitted.

  In step S <b> 1903, the application transfer unit 521 determines whether acquisition of the registered name from the address book storage unit 514 has succeeded. If it is determined that acquisition of the registered name is successful, the process advances to step S1904, and the application transfer unit 521 sets the acquired registered name as part of the folder path. If it is determined that acquisition of the registered name has failed (for example, if the FAX number of the transmission source is not registered in the address book), the process advances to step S1905, and the application transfer unit 521 uses the default name as part of the folder path. Set as. The default name is, for example, a character string “N / A”.

  In step S1906, the application transfer unit 521 sets the FAX number acquired in step S1703 as a part of the folder path. In S1907, the application transfer unit 521 sets the reception date acquired in S1703 as a part of the folder path. Note that the settings in S1904 through S1907 are performed according to the contents of the folder path setting acquired in S1901.

  Thereby, the received image data can be sorted and stored in a plurality of folders.

  Next, a means for monitoring the image data distributed and stored will be described.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart for explaining a setting operation for monitoring image data transferred to the file server 102 by the document management application 610. Each operation (step) shown in the flowchart of FIG. 20 is realized by the CPU 411 of the PC 103 executing a control program stored in the HDD 414.

  In the processing of the flowchart of FIG. 20, the user selects a folder to be monitored via the screen displayed on the display 416 by the display unit 611 of the document management application 610 (FIG. 21), and issues a monitoring instruction for the folder. Executed by.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a UI example of the document management application 610.

  A menu 2101 displays a list of execution commands for operations on folders or image data, and enables execution. The address bar 2102 displays the path of the folder currently referenced. By directly inputting the path of the folder, the image data included in the folder of the designated path is displayed in a list in the file list view 2105. The toolbar 2103 displays shortcut buttons corresponding to operations that can be executed with the menu 2101. The navigation pane 2104 displays a list of registered libraries and the position of the currently referenced folder. A plurality of libraries can be registered, and the file server can be changed for each registered library. As for the relationship between the library and the folder, the library is higher in the hierarchy and the folder exists in the hierarchy below the library hierarchy. The output bar 2106 can execute the action associated with the button on the image data selected in the file list view 2105 by pressing the registered button.

  In the illustrated example, the folder in which the setting information is stored in S725 is referred to. This folder is selected, and monitoring of the folder is executed with the menu 2101 or the toolbar 2103. Image data newly stored in the monitoring target folder is displayed as a list in a new arrival notification window 2107.

  In step S2001, the folder selected by the monitoring instruction received by the display unit 611 of the document management application 610 is set as a monitoring target.

  In step S2002, the folder monitoring unit 612 of the document management application 610 checks whether the setting information file 1500 is stored in a folder to be monitored. Whether the file is a setting information file is determined based on a specific file name, a specific extension, the content format being the setting information format, and the like.

  The setting information file is stored at the starting point of the folder path for transferring the image data received by the additional application 520 that has executed the processing of FIG. Therefore, it is determined that the setting information file has been stored when the origin of the folder path to which the received image data is transferred matches the monitoring target folder.

  If it is determined that the setting information file 1500 is stored, the process proceeds to S2003, and if it is not stored, the process proceeds to S2004.

  In step S2003, the folder monitoring unit 612 acquires information on the setting information file 1500. In S2004, the selected folder is set as a monitoring target, and the process proceeds to S2010.

  In step S2005, the folder monitoring unit 612 acquires the current date of the PC 103. For example, in the example described later, the acquired date is February 05, 2016.

  In S2006, the folder monitoring unit 612 determines what the setting value of the row 2002 acquired in S2003 is. If the setting value is [Registration month] / [Registration date], the process proceeds to S2007. If the set value is [Registration month], the process proceeds to S2008. If the set value is [registration date], the process proceeds to S2009. If there is no set value, the process proceeds to S2004.

  In S2007 to S2009, the folder monitoring unit 612 generates a folder path to be monitored. The path generation method generates 10 folder paths from the current date based on the current date acquired in S2005, the folder path setting rule in line 2002 acquired in S2003, and the date string format in line 2003. .

  For example, in S2007, the folder path selected as the monitoring target is linked to the transfer setting naming rule. From “file: /// sharedserver / root / February 2016 / February 05, 2016” to “file: /// sharedserver / root / January 2016 / January 27, 2016” Let it be a folder path. In S2008, “file: /// sharedserver / root / May 2015” from “file: // sharedserver / root / February 2016” is set as a monitoring target folder path. In S2009, “file: /// sharedserver / root / January 27, 2016” from “file: // sharedserver / root / February 05, 2016” is set as a monitoring target folder path.

  The reason for 10 is that since monitoring is not performed unless the PC is started, if only the current date is set, the image data received yesterday will not be notified of new arrivals. Are also monitored. In the example, 10 folder paths from the current date are monitored, but any number of 1 or more may be used. Basically, the current date is mainly updated, so only the first monitoring after PC startup can be monitored, and subsequent monitoring can be performed only for the current day to reduce monitoring additions. .

  In S2010, the folder monitoring unit 612 sets the folder determined in S2004 and S2007 to S2009 as a monitoring target, and starts monitoring the folder. For monitoring, the folder monitoring unit 612 of the document management application 610 monitors the folder to be monitored at any time, and if there is a change in the status of the file in the folder, it is displayed on the new arrival notification window 2107.

  In the present embodiment, the folder to be monitored by the information processing apparatus is determined using the setting information for transfer to the file server set in the image forming apparatus. According to this embodiment, it is possible to automatically determine a folder to be monitored by the information processing apparatus.

<Second Embodiment>
In the first embodiment, there are only three folder setting rules that can be designated for monitoring: [Registration month] / [Registration date], [Registration month], and [Registration date]. In the additional application 520 of the MFP 101, [Registration Name] and [FAX Number] can be set as rules, and even a rule including these can monitor the folder of [Registration Month] and [Registration Date]. .

  In this case, the monitoring folder path setting screen 1250 can be set up to the third hierarchy as in the folder path setting screen 1200, and the lower folder hierarchy is [Registration month] / [Registration date], [Registration month], Control so that rules ending with [registration date] can be set.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating a setting operation for monitoring the image data transferred to the file server 102 by the document management application 610 according to the second embodiment. Each operation (step) shown in the flowchart of FIG. 22 is realized by the CPU 411 of the PC 103 executing a control program stored in the HDD 414.

  In step S2201, the folder selected by the monitoring instruction received by the display unit 611 of the document management application 610 is set as a monitoring target.

  In step S2202, the folder monitoring unit 612 confirms whether the setting information file 1500 is stored in the folder to be monitored. Whether the file is a setting information file is determined based on whether it is a specific file name, a specific extension, or the content format is a setting information format. .

  If the folder monitoring unit 612 determines that the setting information file 1500 is stored, the process advances to step S2203; otherwise, the process advances to step S2204. In step S2203, the folder monitoring unit 612 acquires information on the setting information file. Then, the process proceeds to S2211.

  In step S <b> 2204, the folder monitoring unit 612 confirms whether the setting information file 1500 is stored in a folder one level higher than the folder to be monitored. If the folder monitoring unit 612 determines that the setting information file 1500 is stored, the process advances to step S2205. If the setting information file 1500 is not stored, the folder monitoring unit 612 advances to step S2207. In step S2203, the folder monitoring unit 612 acquires information on the setting information file. In step S <b> 2204, the folder monitoring unit 612 deletes the first folder information in the setting information folder path setting rule. As an example, if the folder path setting rule is [FAX number] / [registration date], the first [FAX number] is deleted, and the remaining [registration date] is set as the setting rule. Then, the process proceeds to S2211.

  In step S2207, the folder monitoring unit 612 confirms whether the setting information file 1500 is stored in a folder at a level two higher than the folder to be monitored. If the folder monitoring unit 612 determines that the setting information file 1500 is stored, the process proceeds to S2208. If not, the process proceeds to S2210. In step S2208, the folder monitoring unit 612 acquires information on the setting information file. In step S <b> 2209, the folder monitoring unit 612 deletes up to the second folder information of the setting information folder path setting rules. As an example, if the folder path setting rule is [Registered Name] / [FAX Number] / [Registration Date], the second [Registered Name] / [FAX Number] are deleted and the remaining [Registered] Day is the setting rule.

  In step S2210, the folder selected by the folder monitoring unit 612 is set as a monitoring target, and the process advances to step S2216.

  The processing from S2211 to S2216 is the same as S2005 to S2010 in FIG.

  According to the present embodiment, even when a setting rule such as [FAX number] / [registration date] is set by searching the setting information file up to two folders in the upper hierarchy and correcting the setting rule, at least the PC 103. You can monitor the date folder from the current date.

<Third Embodiment>
In the first embodiment, there are only three folder setting rules that can be designated for monitoring: [Registration month] / [Registration date], [Registration month], and [Registration date]. This is because the number of image data to be received for each date is limited, so that the number of monitored files continues to increase.

  Therefore, regardless of the rules of the lower folders set as [Registration month] and [Registration date], it is possible to suppress the processing load due to monitoring even if all are monitored.

  Based on this situation, monitoring is possible even if a rule is added to a folder under the rule of [Registration month] or [Registration date].

  In this case, the monitoring folder path setting screen 1250 can be set up to the third level as in the folder path setting screen 1200, and the rule of the first level is [Registration month] or [Registration date]. Control so that the rules of the lower folder hierarchy can be set.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a setting operation for monitoring image data transferred to the file server 102 by the document management application 610 according to the third embodiment. Each operation (step) shown in the flowchart of FIG. 23 is realized by the CPU 411 of the PC 103 executing a control program stored in the HDD 414.
The processing from S2301 to S2305 is the same as S2001 to S2005 in FIG.

  In step S2306, the folder monitoring unit 612 determines what the setting value of the row 2002 acquired in step S2303 is. If the folder monitoring unit 612 determines that the first layer of the setting value is [Registration month], the process proceeds to S2307. If the folder monitoring unit 612 determines that the first layer of the setting value is [Registration month], the process proceeds to S2308. If the folder monitoring unit 612 determines that the setting value is other than that, the process advances to step S2304.

  In steps S2307 to S2308, the folder monitoring unit 612 generates a folder path to be monitored. The path generation method generates 10 folder paths from the current date based on the current date acquired in S2305, the folder path setting rule in line 2002 acquired in S2303, and the format of the date character string in line 2003. .

  In step S2309, the folder monitoring unit 612 sets all the subfolders existing below the folder determined in steps S2307 to S2308 as monitoring targets, and starts monitoring the folder. In the monitoring, the folder monitoring unit 612 of the document management application 610 monitors the folder to be monitored as needed, and displays it in the new arrival notification window 2107 if there is a change in the status of the file in the folder.

  In addition, it can also take the structure which each combined the 1st thru | or 3rd embodiment mentioned above.

(Other examples)
The present invention includes an apparatus or system configured by appropriately combining the above-described embodiments and a method thereof.

  Here, the present invention is an apparatus or system that is a main body that executes one or more software (programs) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments. Further, a method for realizing the above-described embodiment executed by the apparatus or system is also one aspect of the present invention. The program is supplied to the system or apparatus via a network or various storage media, and the program is read and executed by one or more computers (CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or apparatus. That is, as one aspect of the present invention, the program itself or various storage media readable by a computer storing the program are included. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

101 MFP
103 PC
521 Application transfer unit 522 Application reception unit 612 Folder monitoring unit

Claims (9)

A data management system including an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with a server managing data in a plurality of storage areas, and an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with the server,
The image forming apparatus includes:
Receiving means for receiving data;
Setting means for performing setting for distributing the data received by the receiving means to any of a plurality of storage areas in the server;
Registration means for registering information indicating settings by the setting means in the server;
Determining means for determining a storage area to be a transfer destination of the data received by the receiving means from among a plurality of storage areas in the server, based on information relating to the setting by the setting means and the reception of data by the receiving means;
Transfer means for transferring the data received by the receiving means to the storage area determined by the determining means;
The information processing apparatus includes:
Acquisition means for acquiring information indicating the setting registered by the registration means from the server;
Monitoring means for monitoring a specific storage area based on information indicating the setting acquired by the acquisition means among the plurality of storage areas in the server;
A data management system comprising: notification means for notifying that data is newly stored in a storage area monitored by the monitoring means. The setting means can set at least one of a plurality of different settings,
The data management system according to claim 1, wherein the monitoring unit monitors different storage areas based on each of a plurality of settings. The plurality of settings include a first setting, a second setting, and a third setting that are different from each other.
The transfer means includes
If the setting by the setting means is the first setting, transfer to the storage area corresponding to the date of data reception;
If the setting by the setting means is the second setting, transfer to the storage area corresponding to the data reception month,
3. When the setting by the setting means is the third setting, the data is transferred to a storage area corresponding to a data reception date existing in a storage area corresponding to a data reception month. The data management system described. In the information processing apparatus, the current date is managed,
The monitoring means includes
If the setting by the setting means is the first setting, monitor a storage area corresponding to at least the current date among the plurality of storage areas,
If the setting by the setting means is the second setting, monitor at least a storage area corresponding to the current month among the plurality of storage areas;
When the setting by the setting means is the third setting, monitoring a storage area corresponding to the current day existing in at least a storage area corresponding to the current month among the plurality of storage areas. 4. The data management system according to claim 3, wherein   5. The data management system according to claim 1, further comprising setting means for setting the number of storage areas to be monitored by the monitoring means. The monitoring means includes
In the storage area corresponding to the data transmission source, if the transfer means is set to transfer to the storage area corresponding to the data reception month or reception date, all the storage areas corresponding to the data transmission source, 6. The data management system according to claim 1, wherein a storage area corresponding to at least a current month or a current day in the storage area is monitored. The monitoring means includes
When the transfer means is set to transfer to a storage area corresponding to a data transmission source that exists in a storage area corresponding to a data reception month or a reception date, at least the current month or the plurality of storage areas The data management according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a storage area corresponding to a current day and all storage areas corresponding to a transmission source of data existing in the storage area are monitored. system.   The information indicating the setting includes a folder path indicating a transfer destination storage area and a naming rule for the name of the storage area as settings for transferring the data received by the receiving unit to the server. The data management system according to claim 1, wherein the data management system is a data management system. A control method of a data management system including an image forming apparatus capable of communicating with a server managing data in a plurality of storage areas, and an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with the server,
The image forming apparatus includes:
A receiving process for receiving data;
A setting step for performing setting for distributing the data received in the receiving step to any of a plurality of storage areas in the server;
A registration step of registering information indicating settings in the setting step in the server;
A determination step for determining a storage area to which a data received in the reception step is to be transferred from a plurality of storage regions in the server, based on information relating to the setting in the setting step and the reception of data in the reception step; ,
A transfer step of transferring the data received in the reception step to the storage area determined in the determination step;
The information processing apparatus includes:
An acquisition step of acquiring information indicating the setting registered in the registration step from the server;
A monitoring step of monitoring a specific storage region based on information indicating the setting acquired in the acquisition step among the plurality of storage regions in the server;
And a notification step of notifying that new data has been stored in the storage area monitored in the monitoring step.

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