JP2019118070A - Image processing apparatus, image data processing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an image processing apparatus, an image data processing method, and a program, capable of suitably performing the trial described on a customer side.SOLUTION: In MFP, a cooperation function achieved by cooperating a standard function with a communication through a LAN other than the standard function such as a scanning function can be added for pay. However, as a processing mode by the cooperation function, two modes of "a trial mode 1" and "a trial mode 2" are prepared. In "the trial mode 2", image data is acquired in a processing by the cooperation function, and the image data acquired is outputted, that is, transmitted to a storage server or printed onto a sheet. On the other hand, in "the trial mode 1" as one example of a trial mode, although the image data is acquired in the processing by the cooperation function, the image data is replaced to fixed image data as dummy image data, and the fixed image data is outputted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image data processing method, and a program.

  An MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral) having a print function, a scan function, and a fax function is known as an example of the image processing apparatus. The print function is a function of printing an image relating to image data on a sheet such as print paper. The scan function is a function of reading an image from a document and generating image data. The fax function is a function of transmitting and receiving image data via a public telephone line or the like. Also, the MFP has a copy function achieved by a combination of the scan function and the print function.

  Some MFPs are provided with a communication unit that communicates image data with an external apparatus, and can add a cooperative function for executing the above-described basic functions in cooperation with the communication unit. The cooperation function includes, for example, a scan mail function of attaching image data read by the scanner function to an email and transmitting it, a scan upload function of uploading image data read by the scanner function to a server on the Internet, and the like There is a download print function that downloads image data from the server and prints it on a sheet by the print function.

JP 2005-33333 A

  In the above-described technology, the cooperation function of the image processing apparatus may require the customer to test whether the operation of the image processing apparatus and communication of image data can be properly performed with an external apparatus.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus, an image data processing method, and a program capable of appropriately performing the above-mentioned test on the customer side.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes a communication unit that communicates image data with an external device, a processing unit that processes image data, and a control unit. The control unit is cooperative image data processing in which image data is processed by a cooperation function in which the communication unit and the processing unit cooperate, and the cooperative image data processing including acquisition processing for acquiring the image data and the test mode are set. Image data acquired in the acquisition process when the control unit determines that the test mode is not set in the discrimination process in the cooperative image data processing. When the first output process for outputting the image data according to is executed and it is determined that the test mode is set in the determination process, the image data according to the image data acquired in the acquisition process is used as a dummy image data A replacement process of replacing the, run after substitution treatment, and a second output process of outputting the image data relating to the dummy image data.

  This image processing apparatus is capable of processing image data with a cooperation function in which communication of image data between the communication unit and the external apparatus and processing of the image data by the processing unit cooperate with each other. The contents of the processing of image data by the cooperation function differ depending on whether or not the test mode is set. When the test mode is not set, the image data is acquired in the processing of the image data by the cooperation function, and the information related to the acquired image data is output. On the other hand, when the test mode is set, the image data is acquired in the processing of the image data by the cooperation function, but the image data is replaced with the dummy image data, and the data related to the dummy image data is output Be done.

  As a result, when the test mode is set, data relating to the acquired image data is not unnecessarily output, and data relating to dummy image data is output. As a result, the user can appropriately perform the test related to the cooperation function.

  The present invention can be realized not only in the form of an image processing apparatus, but also, for example, in the form of an image data processing method executed by the image processing apparatus and a program executed by the image processing apparatus.

  According to the present invention, it is possible for the customer side to properly carry out the test relating to the cooperation function.

It is a figure showing the composition of the image processing system concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a trial function setting screen. It is a sequence diagram of processing performed at the time of use in "trial mode 1" of a scan upload function. It is a sequence diagram of processing performed at the time of use in "trial mode 2" of a scan upload function. FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram of processing performed when the download print function is used in “trial mode 1”. FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram of another process that is executed when the download print function is used in “trial mode 1”. FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram of processing performed when the download print function is used in “trial mode 2”. FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram of processing performed when the internet fax function (transmission) is used in “trial mode 1”. FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram of processing performed when using the Internet fax function (transmission) in “trial mode 2”. It is a sequence diagram of processing performed at the time of use in "trial mode 1" of an Internet fax function (reception). FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram of processing performed when using the Internet fax function (reception) in “trial mode 2”.

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

<Image processing system>
An image processing system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a system that enables an MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral) 2 which is an example of an image processing apparatus to execute additional functions other than the standard functions, and includes an MFP 2, an application server 3 and a storage server. 4 (an example of an external device).

  The MFP 2 is provided at a place where a LAN (Local Area Network) 5 is constructed, and is connected to the Internet 6 via the LAN 5. The LAN 5 may be either a wired LAN or a wireless LAN, or may be configured by combining a wired LAN and a wireless LAN.

The application server 3 and the storage server 4 are placed on the Internet 6. The functions of the application server 3 and the storage server 4 will be described later.
The application server 3 and the storage server 4 may be connected to the same LAN 5 as the MFP 2. Furthermore, the application server 3 and the storage server 4 may be configured by the same server.

<MFP>
The MFP 2 is an electronic device having a plurality of functions such as a facsimile function, a print function, a scan function, and a copy function. The facsimile function is a function of transmitting and receiving image data via a public telephone line. The print function (image forming function) is a function of printing an image relating to image data on a sheet such as printing paper. The scan function (image reading function) is a function of reading an image of a document to generate image data. The copy function is a function of reading an image of a document and printing the image on a sheet.

  These functions are standard functions of the MFP 2, and in the MFP 2, in addition to the standard functions, it is possible to add a cooperation function realized by cooperation between the standard function and communication via the LAN 5 for a fee. The cooperation functions include, for example, a scan upload function, a download print function and an internet fax function. The scan upload function is a function of reading an image by executing a scan job using the scan function, and uploading the read image data to the storage server 4. The download print function is a function of downloading image data from the storage server 4 and printing the image data on a sheet by the print function. The Internet fax function receives an e-mail from an external device, prints the image data attached to the e-mail on a sheet, attaches the image data to an e-mail, and sends the e-mail to an external It is a function to send to the device.

  The MFP 2 realizes an image forming unit 11, an image reading unit 12, an operation panel 13, a FAX interface (I / F) 14, a LAN interface (I / F) 15, and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated) in order to realize the plurality of functions. The circuit 16 includes a read only memory (ROM) 17 which is a rewritable nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory, and a random access memory (RAM) 18 which is a volatile memory such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM). The image forming unit 11, the image reading unit 12, the operation panel 13, the FAX interface 14, the LAN interface 15, the ASIC 16, the ROM 17 and the RAM 18 are connected via the bus 19 so as to be capable of data communication.

  The image forming unit 11 (processing unit, an example of a printing unit) is configured to print a color image or a monochrome image relating to the image data on a sheet such as a print sheet conveyed one by one on the conveyance path. The printing method may be an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method.

  The image reading unit 12 (an example of a processing unit and a reading unit) reads an image formed on a sheet, and outputs a signal corresponding to the image. The image reading method may be a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) method or a CCD (Charge Coupled Devices) method.

  The operation panel 13 includes an operation unit 13A and a display unit 13B. The operation unit 13A includes an operation key (for example, a start key) operated by the user. When the operation key is operated, the operation is accepted by the operation unit 13A, and a signal (data) corresponding to the content of the operation is output from the operation panel 13 to the ASIC 16. The display unit 13B is, for example, a liquid crystal display.

  The operation unit 13A and the display unit 13B may constitute a touch panel. Various information and images such as operation buttons are displayed on the display unit 13B that configures the touch panel. When the user presses an operation button displayed on display unit 13B (touch operation), the operation is accepted by operation unit 13A, and a signal (data) corresponding to the content of the operation is output from operation panel 13 Be done. Hereinafter, the case where the operation unit 13A and the display unit 13B constitute a touch panel will be described.

  The FAX interface 14 is an interface for connection to a public telephone line used for facsimile communication, and includes a modem or the like incorporating an NCU (Network Control Unit).

  The LAN interface 15 (an example of a communication unit) is an interface for connection to the LAN 5.

  The ASIC 16 incorporates a CPU 20 (an example of a control unit). The CPU 20 executes programs for various processes based on the information input to the ASIC 16 to thereby execute the respective units such as the image forming unit 11, the image reading unit 12, the operation panel 13, the FAX interface 14 and the LAN interface 15. Control.

  The ROM 17 stores programs executed by the CPU 20 and various data.

  The RAM 18 is used as a work area when the CPU 20 executes a program.

<Cooperation function setting process>
The cooperation function is a function that can be added to the MFP 2 for a fee, but the user can try (use trial) the cooperation function for free only for a certain trial period (trial period).

  When the user tries the cooperation function, the web browser of the server (EWS: Embedded Web Server) incorporated in the MFP 2 is accessed using the web browser of the user terminal such as a PC (Personal Computer) or a tablet. On the top page of this website, there are displayed a plurality of buttons including a trial setting button for requesting display of a trial function setting screen for performing setting regarding trial of the cooperation function. When the trial setting button is pressed by the operation of the user terminal, the screen of the web browser is switched from the top page to the trial function setting screen.

  In the trial function setting screen, as shown in FIG. 2, it is possible to set which one of the scan upload function, the download print function and the internet fax function is to be tried. In addition, 2 for each of "trial mode (Trial Mode) 1" and "Trial mode (Trial Mode) 2" as the mode (process (job)) of processing (job) by the cooperation function in each cooperation function of scan upload function, download print function and Internet fax function There are two modes available. The "trial mode 1" is a mode in which fixed image data is used for processing by the cooperation function. The “trial mode 2” is a mode in which the user uses arbitrary image data for processing by the cooperation function. In "trial mode 2", there is no restriction on the image data used for processing by the cooperation function, but there is a restriction on the frequency of execution of the processing, and once processing by the cooperation function is performed, a predetermined wait period (for example, 5 Minutes), can not execute the process by the same cooperation function. On the other hand, in "trial mode 1", image data used for processing by the cooperation function is limited to fixed image data, but there is no restriction on the frequency of processing execution, and processing by the same cooperation function is continuously executed can do.

  In the trial function setting screen, radio button 21 for setting a trial in "trial mode 1" of the scan upload function, radio button 22 for setting a trial in "trial mode 2" of the scan upload function, download print Radio button 23 for setting the trial in the "trial mode 1" of the function, Radio button 24 for setting the trial in the "trial mode 2" of the download print function, "trial mode 1" of the Internet fax function A radio button 25 for setting a trial of and a radio button 26 for setting a trial in the “trial mode 2” of the Internet fax function are displayed. Further, on the trial function setting screen, path input boxes 27, 28 and 29 for inputting a path of a place where fixed image data (file) used for “trial mode 1” of each cooperation function is stored are displayed. At the right of each path input box 27-29, reference buttons 31, 32, and 33 for opening a file reference dialog are displayed. Below the path input box 28, a URL input box 34 for inputting a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the download source of the fixed image data used for the "trial mode 1" of the download print function is displayed. Further, on the trial setting screen, a registration button 35 is displayed.

<Scan upload function: Trial mode 1>
When the user tries the scan upload function for the first time in "trial mode 1", after pressing the radio button 21 on the trial function setting screen, the fixed image data is displayed in the path input box 27 displayed on the right of the radio button 21. Enter the path of the saved location. The path may be directly input to the path input box 27 by a keyboard operation at the user terminal, or may be designated by a file reference dialog opened by pressing the reference button 31. After the path is input to the path input box 27, when the registration button 35 is pressed, fixed image data specified by the path input to the path input box 27 is transmitted from the user terminal to the MFP 2. Further, the setting for permitting the trial of the scan upload function in the “trial mode 1” is registered in the ROM 17 of the MFP 2.

  When the LAN interface 15 of the MFP 2 receives the fixed image data, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 stores the received fixed image data in the ROM 17 (1: save fixed image), as shown in FIG. 3.

  Note that the method of storing fixed image data is not limited to this. For example, when the MFP 2 has a USB interface (Universal Serial Bus), a USB memory may be connected to the USB interface, and fixed image data stored in the USB memory may be transmitted to the MFP 2 and stored. . In this case, a screen similar to the trial function setting screen may be displayed on the operation panel 13 of the MFP 2, and a directory of fixed image data stored in the USB memory may be input on the screen.

  It is not necessary to save fixed image data when the scan upload function is tried again in “trial mode 1” after the fixed image data is saved.

  After saving the fixed image data, the user who starts trialing of the scan upload function in the “trial mode 1” sets a document in the image reading unit 12 of the MFP 2 (2: document set). The image reading unit 12 can read a document according to both an FB (flat bed) method and an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) method. When reading a document by the FB method, the document is placed at a predetermined position on the contact glass. When reading a document by the ADF method, the document is placed on the document setting unit of the ADF.

  A standby screen is displayed on operation panel 13 of MFP 2 in the standby state. On the standby screen, for example, a plurality of standard function buttons for selecting a standard function such as a copy function and a cooperation function button for selecting a cooperation function are displayed. When one of the plurality of standard function buttons is pressed, execution of processing by the standard function corresponding to the pressed standard function button is instructed. When the cooperation function button is pressed, the screen displayed on the operation panel 13 is switched from the standby screen to the function selection screen. In the function selection screen, a linked function button corresponding to the linked function whose trial permission setting is registered in the ROM 17 is displayed. For example, the setting to allow the trial in "trial mode 1" or "trial mode 2" of the scan upload function, and the setting to allow the trial in "trial mode 1" or "trial mode 2" of the download print function are ROM17. When stored in the screen, the function selection screen displays a scan upload button corresponding to the scan upload function and a download print button corresponding to the download print function. When one of the linked function buttons is pressed, an instruction to execute processing by the linked function corresponding to the pressed linked function button is input from the operation panel 13 to the CPU 20 (3: application execution).

  When the user tries the scan upload function in the “trial mode 1”, the user presses the scan upload button on the function selection screen. When the scan upload button is pressed, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 controls the LAN interface 15 in order to acquire a command from the application server 3 and sets the file on the application server 3 specified by the URL stored in the ROM 17 Access (4: get command).

  In response to this access, a screen display command of the document type selection screen is transmitted from the application server 3 to the MFP 2.

  When the screen display command of the document type selection screen from the application server 3 is received by the LAN interface 15, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 displays the document type selection screen on the operation panel 13 according to the screen display command (5: screen display).

  The document type selection screen is a screen for the user to select the type of document to be uploaded to the storage server 4 by the scan upload function. As the document type, for example, an invoice, an estimate, and other documents other than the invoice and the estimate are set. In the document type selection screen, a document type button corresponding to the document type, that is, an invoice button, an estimate button and an other button are displayed. When the user presses one of the document type buttons (6: document type selection), the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 controls the LAN interface 15 to acquire a command from the application server 3 and the pressed document type button The information of the document type corresponding to is transmitted to the application server 3 (7: command acquisition).

  In the application server 3, the document type and the information of the transmission destination (upload destination) of the image data by the scan upload function are managed in association with each other. In the application server 3, when the information of the document type is received, the transmission destination corresponding to the document type is determined (7.1: transmission destination determination). Thereafter, the application server 3 generates an operation instruction command in which the information of the transmission destination corresponding to the document type received from the MFP 2 is embedded. Then, the operation instruction command is transmitted from the application server 3 to the MFP 2. The operation instruction command is, for example, a document (file) described in XML (Extensible Markup Language).

  When the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 receives the operation instruction command from the application server 3 to the LAN interface 15, the CPU 20 executes syntax check, capability check and mode check (8: syntax, capability, mode check).

  Specifically, in the syntax check, the CPU 20 checks, for example, whether the XML syntax of the operation instruction command is correct or whether the combination of parameters included in the operation instruction command is correct. For example, although the operation instruction command includes a parameter for setting a color mode of the image reading mode, image data (hereinafter referred to as “scan image data”) generated by reading (scanning) an image. When a parameter specifying TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) as a format format is included in the operation instruction command, the CPU 20 determines that the combination of parameters included in the operation instruction command is not correct.

  In the capability check, the CPU 20 checks, for example, whether the MFP 2 corresponds to the format specified by the operation instruction command.

  In the mode check, the CPU 20 checks, for example, whether a document is set or no other job using the scan function is being executed.

  If there is a problem in the result of the syntax check, the capability check and the mode check, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 displays an error screen on the operation panel 13 and ends this series of processing.

  If there is no problem in the result of the syntax check, the capability check, and the mode check, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 controls the image reading unit 12 to read the document (9: scan execution). During the execution of this scan, a screen including a message “in scan” is displayed on the operation panel 13. Then, the CPU 20 generates scan image data (file) of the format specified by the operation instruction command from the signal output from the image reading unit 12 by executing the reading of the document.

  After that, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 checks whether the MFP 2 is connected to the Internet 6 before transmitting the image data (10: connection check before transmission).

  Further, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 replaces the scan image data generated by reading the document with the fixed image data stored in the ROM 17 (11: replace the scan image with the fixed image). It should be noted that either “10: connection check before transmission” or “11: replace scan image with fixed image” may be performed first.

  When the MFP 2 is not connected to the Internet 6, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 causes the operation panel 13 to display an error screen, and ends this series of processing.

  When the MFP 2 is connected to the Internet 6, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 controls the LAN interface 15 to replace the scanned image data with the storage server 4 identified from the information of the transmission destination included in the operation instruction command. Send data (12: send fixed image).

  After transmitting the fixed image data, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 controls the LAN interface 15 to acquire a command from the application server 3, and the file on the application server 3 specified by the URL included in the operation instruction command To access (13: get command).

  In response to this access, a screen display command of the completion screen is transmitted from the application server 3 to the MFP 2.

  When receiving the screen display command of the completion screen from the application server 3 to the LAN interface 15, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 causes the operation panel 13 to display the completion screen according to the screen display command (14: screen display). On the completion screen, the message "Done" is displayed. Thereafter, when the OK button displayed on the completion screen is pressed or the display of the completion screen continues for a certain period of time, the CPU 20 switches the display of the operation panel 13 from the completion screen to the standby screen, and ends the series of processing. Do.

<Scan upload function: Trial mode 2>
When the user tries the scan upload function for the first time in “trial mode 2”, the user presses the registration button 35 after pressing the radio button 22 on the trial function setting screen. When the registration button 35 is pressed, the setting for permitting the trial of the scan upload function in the “trial mode 2” is registered in the ROM 17 of the MFP 2.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 4, the document is set in the image reading unit 12 of the MFP 2 (1: document setting).

  In addition, the user presses the cooperation function button on the standby screen displayed on the operation panel 13. When the cooperation function button is pressed, the screen displayed on the operation panel 13 is switched from the standby screen to the function selection screen. The user presses a scan upload button on the function selection screen. When the scan upload button is pressed, an instruction to execute processing by the scan upload function is input from the operation panel 13 to the CPU 20 (2: application execution).

  When the setting for permitting the trial of the scan upload function in the “trial mode 1” is registered in the ROM 17, the setting for permitting the trial of the scan upload function in the “trial mode 2” is not registered in the ROM 17, The user can not try the scan upload function in “trial mode 2”. When adopting a configuration that enables the trial of the scan upload function in “trial mode 1” and the trial of the scan upload function in “trial mode 2” to be used together, a button for selecting them is displayed on the function selection screen. You should be displayed.

  Thereafter, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 determines whether or not the process by the scan upload function in the “trial mode 2” can be executed (3: executability determination). When the process by the scan upload function in the “trial mode 2” is to be executed for the first time, the CPU 20 determines that the process is executable. When the process by the scan upload function in the “trial mode 2” is performed before, the CPU 20 determines whether a predetermined wait period has elapsed from the end of the process performed last. Then, if the wait period has elapsed, the CPU 20 determines that the processing by the scan upload function in the “trial mode 2” is executable, and if the wait period has not elapsed, the “trial mode 2” is selected. It is determined that the processing by the scan upload function of can not be executed.

  When the process by the scan upload function in the “trial mode 2” can not be executed, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 displays an error screen on the operation panel 13 and ends this series of processes. For example, a message such as “3 minutes for availability” is displayed on the error screen at this time. Further, the error screen may display an advertisement of the collaboration function, for example, a feature (advantage) of each collaboration function, a cost for officially adding each collaboration function to the MFP 2 (price of the collaboration function), or the like. By displaying the advertisement, it is possible to recommend the user to purchase the cooperation function.

  When the processing by the scan upload function in the “trial mode 2” can be executed, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 controls the LAN interface 15 to acquire the command from the application server 3, and the URL stored in the ROM 17 Access the file on the application server 3 specified in (4: command acquisition).

  In response to this access, a screen display command of the document type selection screen is transmitted from the application server 3 to the MFP 2.

  When the screen display command of the document type selection screen from the application server 3 is received by the LAN interface 15, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 displays the document type selection screen on the operation panel 13 according to the screen display command (5: screen display).

  When one of the document type buttons is pressed by the user on the document type selection screen (6: document type selection), the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 controls the LAN interface 15 to acquire a command from the application server 3 and presses the button. The information of the document type corresponding to the document type button is transmitted to the application server 3 (7: command acquisition).

  In the application server 3, when the information of the document type is received, the transmission destination corresponding to the document type is determined (7.1: transmission destination determination). Thereafter, the application server 3 generates an operation instruction command in which the information of the transmission destination corresponding to the document type received from the MFP 2 is embedded. Then, an operation instruction command is transmitted from the application server 3 to the MFP 2.

  When the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 receives the operation instruction command from the application server 3 to the LAN interface 15, the CPU 20 executes syntax check, capability check and mode check (8: syntax, capability, mode check).

  If there is a problem in the result of the syntax check, the capability check and the mode check, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 displays an error screen on the operation panel 13 and ends this series of processing.

  If there is no problem in the result of the syntax check, the capability check, and the mode check, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 controls the image reading unit 12 to read the document (9: scan execution). Then, the CPU 20 generates scan image data (file) of the format specified by the operation instruction command from the signal output from the image reading unit 12 by executing the reading of the document.

  Thereafter, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 checks whether the MFP 2 is connected to the Internet 6 before transmission of the scan image data (10: connection check before transmission).

  When the MFP 2 is not connected to the Internet 6, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 causes the operation panel 13 to display an error screen, and ends this series of processing.

  When the MFP 2 is connected to the Internet 6, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 controls the LAN interface 15 to transmit scan image data to the storage server 4 specified from the information of the transmission destination included in the operation instruction command (11 : Send scan image).

  After transmitting the scan image data, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 controls the LAN interface 15 to acquire a command from the application server 3, and the file on the application server 3 specified by the URL included in the operation instruction command To access (12: get command).

  In response to this access, a screen display command of the completion screen is transmitted from the application server 3 to the MFP 2.

  When the screen display command of the completion screen from the application server 3 is received by the LAN interface 15, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 displays the completion screen on the operation panel 13 according to the screen display command (13: screen display). Thereafter, when the OK button displayed on the completion screen is pressed or the display of the completion screen continues for a certain period of time, the CPU 20 switches the display of the operation panel 13 from the completion screen to the standby screen.

  Further, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 sets the timer in response to the reception of the screen display command to the LAN interface 15 and starts measurement of the elapsed time thereafter by the timer (14: timer set), a series of processing Finish. The elapsed time measured by the timer is used to determine whether the wait period has elapsed in the above-mentioned "3: Execution possibility determination".

<Download print function: Trial mode 1>
When the user tries the download print function for the first time in "trial mode 1", after pressing the radio button 23 on the trial function setting screen, the fixed image data is displayed in the path input box 28 displayed on the right of the radio button 23. Enter the path of the saved location. After the user inputs a path into the path input box 28, the user presses the registration button 35. When the registration button 35 is pressed, fixed image data specified by the path input to the path input box 27 is transmitted from the user terminal to the MFP 2. Further, the setting for permitting the trial of the download print function in the “trial mode 1” is registered in the ROM 17 of the MFP 2.

  When the LAN interface 15 of the MFP 2 receives the fixed image data, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 stores the received fixed image data in the ROM 17 (1: save fixed image), as shown in FIG.

  It is not necessary to save the fixed image data when the download print function is tried again in the “trial mode 1” after saving the fixed image data.

  Thereafter, the user presses the cooperation function button on the standby screen displayed on the operation panel 13 of the MFP 2. When the cooperation function button is pressed, the screen displayed on the operation panel 13 is switched from the standby screen to the function selection screen. The user presses the download print button on the function selection screen. When the download print button is pressed, an instruction to execute processing by the download print function is input from the operation panel 13 to the CPU 20 (2: application execution).

  In response to this, the CPU 20 controls the LAN interface 15 to access a file on the application server 3 specified by the URL stored in the ROM 17 in order to acquire a command from the application server 3 (3: Command acquisition).

  In response to this access, a screen display command of the document type selection screen is transmitted from the application server 3 to the MFP 2.

  When the screen display command of the document type selection screen from the application server 3 is received by the LAN interface 15, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 displays the document type selection screen on the operation panel 13 according to the screen display command (4: screen display).

  The document type selection screen is a screen for the user to select the type of document that the user wants to download from the storage server 4 using the download print function, and the items displayed on the screen are as described above for the document type selection screen. When the user presses one of the document type buttons on the document type selection screen (5: document type selection), the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 controls the LAN interface 15 to acquire a command from the application server 3 and presses the button. Information of the document type corresponding to the document type button that has been sent is transmitted to the application server 3 (6: command acquisition).

  In the application server 3, when the information of the document type is received, the received image data of the document type is extracted from the downloadable image data stored in the storage server 4, and the list of the extracted image data ( File list is created (6.1: File list creation). Thereafter, the application server 3 generates a screen display command in which the list of the image data is embedded. Then, the screen display command is transmitted from the application server 3 to the MFP 2.

  When the screen display command from the application server 3 is received by the LAN interface 15, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 causes the print file selection screen to be displayed on the operation panel 13 according to the screen display command (7: screen display).

  In the print file selection screen, a list of file names of downloadable image data (print file) is displayed. The print file selection screen is a screen for the user to select one image data from the list. The user can select image data of the file name by pressing one of the file names in the list. When image data is selected on the print file selection screen (8: print file selection), the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 controls the LAN interface 15 to acquire a command from the application server 3, and the selected image data Identification information (input print file ID) is transmitted to the application server 3 (9: command acquisition).

  When receiving the identification information of the image data, the application server 3 generates an operation instruction command in which the information of the place where the image data of the identification information is stored is embedded. Then, an operation instruction command is transmitted from the application server 3 to the MFP 2.

  When receiving the operation instruction command from the application server 3 to the LAN interface 15, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 executes syntax check, capability check, mode check and connection check (10: syntax, capability, mode, connection check). In the mode check, it is checked whether another job using the print function is not running. The connection check is a check as to whether the MFP 2 is connected to the Internet 6.

  If there is a problem in the result of the syntax check, the capability check, the mode check and the connection check, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 displays an error screen on the operation panel 13 and ends this series of processing.

  If there is no problem in the result of the syntax check, the capability check, the mode check and the connection check, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 controls the LAN interface 15 to the storage server 4 identified from the storage location information included in the operation instruction command. It accesses (11: print file download) and downloads image data from the storage server 4.

  Thereafter, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 replaces the image data downloaded from the storage server 4 with the fixed image data stored in the ROM 17 (12: replace the print file with the fixed image).

  Then, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 controls the image forming unit 11 to execute printing of fixed image data (13: print execution).

  After printing the fixed image data, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 controls the LAN interface 15 to acquire a command from the application server 3, and the file on the application server 3 specified by the URL included in the operation instruction command To access (14: get command).

  In response to this access, a screen display command of the completion screen is transmitted from the application server 3 to the MFP 2.

  When the screen display command of the completion screen from the application server 3 is received by the LAN interface 15, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 displays the completion screen on the operation panel 13 according to the screen display command (15: screen display). Thereafter, when the OK button displayed on the completion screen is pressed or the display of the completion screen continues for a certain period of time, the CPU 20 switches the display of the operation panel 13 from the completion screen to the standby screen, and ends the series of processing. Do.

<Download print function: Trial mode 1 (URL)>
When the user tries the download print function for the first time in "trial mode 1", after pressing the radio button 23 on the trial function setting screen, the fixed image data in the URL input box 34 displayed on the right side of the radio button 23 The trial of the download print function in the "trial mode 1" can also be started by inputting the download source URL of and pressing the registration button 35. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, the URL input to the URL input box 34 is stored in the ROM 17 of the MFP 2 (1: URL of fixed image is stored).

  After saving the URL of the download source of the fixed image data, it is not necessary to save the URL when the download print function is tried again in “trial mode 1”.

  Besides, the difference between the sequence shown in FIG. 6 and the sequence shown in FIG. 5 is that in the process according to the sequence shown in FIG. 6, there are no problems in the result of syntax check, capability check, mode check and connection check. In this case, the fixed image data is downloaded (11: fixed image download) from the storage server 4 specified by the URL stored in the ROM 17 by the CPU 20 of the MFP 2. Further, in the processing according to the sequence shown in FIG. 6, since the fixed image data is downloaded from storage server 4, between the image data downloaded from storage server 4 by MFP 2 and the fixed image data stored in ROM 17. No replacement will be made. The other processes are the same in the sequence shown in FIG. 5 and the sequence shown in FIG. 6, and thus the description of those processes is omitted.

<Download print function: Trial mode 2>
When the user tries the download print function for the first time in the “trial mode 2”, the user presses the registration button 35 after pressing the radio button 23 on the trial function setting screen. When the registration button 35 is pressed, the setting for permitting the trial of the download print function in the “trial mode 2” is registered in the ROM 17 of the MFP 2.

  Thereafter, the user presses the cooperation function button on the standby screen displayed on the operation panel 13 of the MFP 2. When the cooperation function button is pressed, the screen displayed on the operation panel 13 is switched from the standby screen to the function selection screen. The user presses the download print button on the function selection screen. When the download print button is pressed, an instruction to execute processing by the download print function is input from the operation panel 13 to the CPU 20 (1: application execution).

  When the setting for permitting the trial of the download print function in “trial mode 1” is registered in the ROM 17, the setting for permitting the trial of the download print function in “trial mode 2” is not registered in the ROM 17, The user can not try the download print function in "trial mode 2". When adopting a configuration that allows the trial of the download print function in “trial mode 1” and the trial of the download print function in “trial mode 2” to be used together, in the function selection screen, a button for selecting them is You should be displayed.

  After that, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 determines whether or not the process by the download print function in the “trial mode 2” can be executed (2: determination of executability). When the process by the download print function in the “trial mode 2” is to be executed for the first time, the CPU 20 determines that the process is executable. When the process by the download print function in the "trial mode 2" has been executed before, the CPU 20 determines whether or not a predetermined wait period has elapsed from the end of the last executed process. Then, if the wait period has elapsed, the CPU 20 determines that the process by the download print function in the “trial mode 2” is executable, and if the wait period has not elapsed, the “trial mode 2” is determined. It is determined that the processing by the download print function of the above can not be executed.

  When the process by the download print function in the “trial mode 2” can not be executed, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 displays an error screen on the operation panel 13 and ends this series of processes. For example, a message such as “3 minutes for availability” is displayed on the error screen at this time. Further, the error screen may display an advertisement of the collaboration function, for example, a feature (advantage) of each collaboration function, a cost for officially adding each collaboration function to the MFP 2 (price of the collaboration function), or the like. By displaying the advertisement, it is possible to recommend the user to purchase the cooperation function.

  When the processing by the download print function in the “trial mode 2” can be executed, the CPU 20 controls the LAN interface 15 to acquire a command from the application server 3, and identifies it by the URL stored in the ROM 17. Access the file on the application server 3 (3: command acquisition).

  In response to this access, a screen display command of the document type selection screen is transmitted from the application server 3 to the MFP 2.

  When the screen display command of the document type selection screen from the application server 3 is received by the LAN interface 15, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 displays the document type selection screen on the operation panel 13 according to the screen display command (4: screen display).

  When the user presses one of the document type buttons on the document type selection screen (5: document type selection), the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 controls the LAN interface 15 to acquire a command from the application server 3 and presses the button. Information of the document type corresponding to the document type button that has been sent is transmitted to the application server 3 (6: command acquisition).

  In the application server 3, when the document type information is received, a list of image data corresponding to the document type information is created (6.1: file list creation). Thereafter, the application server 3 generates a screen display command in which the list of the image data is embedded. Then, the screen display command is transmitted from the application server 3 to the MFP 2.

  When the screen display command from the application server 3 is received by the LAN interface 15, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 causes the print file selection screen to be displayed on the operation panel 13 according to the screen display command (7: screen display).

  When the user selects one image data on the print file selection screen (8: print file selection), the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 controls the LAN interface 15 to obtain a command from the application server 3, and the user selects it. The identification information of the image data (input print file ID) is sent to the application server 3 (9: command acquisition).

  When receiving the identification information of the image data, the application server 3 generates an operation instruction command in which the information of the place where the image data of the identification information is stored is embedded. Then, an operation instruction command is transmitted from the application server 3 to the MFP 2.

  When receiving the operation instruction command from the application server 3 to the LAN interface 15, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 executes syntax check, capability check, mode check and connection check (10: syntax, capability, mode, connection check).

  If there is a problem in the result of the syntax check, the capability check, the mode check and the connection check, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 displays an error screen on the operation panel 13 and ends this series of processing.

  If there is no problem in the result of the syntax check, the capability check, the mode check and the connection check, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 controls the LAN interface 15 to follow the information of the storage location included in the operation instruction command Download (11: Print file download).

  Thereafter, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 controls the image forming unit 11 to execute printing of fixed image data (12: print execution).

  After printing the fixed image data, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 controls the LAN interface 15 to acquire a command from the application server 3, and the file on the application server 3 specified by the URL included in the operation instruction command To access (13: get command).

  In response to this access, a screen display command of the completion screen is transmitted from the application server 3 to the MFP 2.

  When receiving the screen display command of the completion screen from the application server 3 to the LAN interface 15, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 causes the operation panel 13 to display the completion screen according to the screen display command (14: screen display). Thereafter, when the OK button displayed on the completion screen is pressed or the display of the completion screen continues for a certain period of time, the CPU 20 switches the display of the operation panel 13 from the completion screen to the standby screen.

  Further, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 sets the timer in response to the reception of the screen display command to the LAN interface 15, and starts measurement of the elapsed time thereafter by the timer (15: timer set), a series of processing Finish. The elapsed time measured by the timer is used to determine whether the wait period has elapsed in the above-mentioned "2: Execution possibility determination".

<Internet fax function (send): Trial mode 1>
When the user tries the Internet fax function for the first time in "trial mode 1", after pressing the radio button 25 on the trial function setting screen, fixed image data is displayed in the path input box 29 displayed on the right of the radio button 23. Enter the path of the saved location. After the user inputs a path in the path input box 29, the user presses the registration button 35. When the registration button 35 is pressed, fixed image data specified by the path input in the path input box 29 is transmitted from the user terminal to the MFP 2. Further, the setting for permitting the trial of the Internet fax function in the “trial mode 1” is registered in the ROM 17 of the MFP 2.

  When the LAN interface 15 of the MFP 2 receives the fixed image data, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 stores the received fixed image data in the ROM 17 (1: save fixed image), as shown in FIG.

  It is not necessary to save fixed image data when the Internet fax function is tried again in “trial mode 1” after the fixed image data is saved.

  Thereafter, the user sets the document in the image reading unit 12 of the MFP 2.

  Also, the user presses the cooperation function button on the standby screen displayed on the operation panel 13 of the MFP 2. When the cooperation function button is pressed, the screen displayed on the operation panel 13 is switched from the standby screen to the function selection screen. The user presses the Internet fax button on the function selection screen. When the internet fax button is pressed, an instruction to execute processing by the internet fax function is input from the operation panel 13 to the CPU 20 (2: application execution).

  Further, when the Internet fax button is pressed, the screen displayed on the operation panel 13 is switched from the standby screen to the destination input screen (3: destination input screen display). On the destination input screen, an address input box for inputting an e-mail address of an e-mail transmission destination is displayed. In addition, on the destination input screen, a start button is displayed.

  The user inputs the e-mail address of the transmission destination of the e-mail in the address input box (4: destination input), and then presses the start button (5: press the start button).

  When the start button is pressed, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 executes a mode check (6: mode check). In the mode check, the CPU 20 checks, for example, whether a document is set or no other job using the scan function is being executed.

  If there is a problem in the result of the mode check, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 causes the operation panel 13 to display an error screen, and terminates this series of processing.

  If there is no problem in the result of the mode check, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 controls the image reading unit 12 to read an original (7: scan execution). Then, the CPU 20 generates scan image data of a format format (for example, a PDF format) specified by a predetermined operation instruction command from a signal output from the image reading unit 12 by reading an original.

  Thereafter, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 replaces the scan image data generated by reading the document with the fixed image data stored in the ROM 17 (8: replace the scan image with the fixed image).

  Further, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 checks whether the MFP 2 is connected to the Internet 6. The pre-transmission connection check may be performed after the scan image is replaced with the fixed image, or may be performed before that. In addition, whether or not the MFP 2 is connected to the Internet 6 may be checked before execution of document reading.

  When the MFP 2 is not connected to the Internet 6, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 causes the operation panel 13 to display an error screen, and ends this series of processing.

  When the MFP 2 is connected to the Internet 6, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 attaches fixed image data to an e-mail, controls the LAN interface 15, and addresses the e-mail attached with the fixed image data on the destination input screen Send to the e-mail address entered in the input box (9: Send fixed image attached mail).

  After transmitting the e-mail, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 causes the operation panel 13 to display a completion screen. On the completion screen, the message "Done" is displayed. Thereafter, when the OK button displayed on the completion screen is pressed or the display of the completion screen continues for a certain period of time, the CPU 20 switches the display of the operation panel 13 from the completion screen to the standby screen, and ends the series of processing. Do.

<Internet fax function (send): Trial mode 2>
When the user tries the Internet fax function for the first time in the “trial mode 2”, the user presses the registration button 35 after pressing the radio button 26 on the trial function setting screen. When the registration button 35 is pressed, the setting for permitting the trial of the Internet fax function in the “trial mode 2” is registered in the ROM 17 of the MFP 2.

  Thereafter, the user sets the document in the image reading unit 12 of the MFP 2.

  Also, the user presses the cooperation function button on the standby screen displayed on the operation panel 13 of the MFP 2. When the cooperation function button is pressed, the screen displayed on the operation panel 13 is switched from the standby screen to the function selection screen. The user presses the Internet fax button on the function selection screen. When the Internet fax button is pressed, an instruction to execute processing by the Internet fax function is input from the operation panel 13 to the CPU 20 (1: application execution).

  When the setting for permitting the trial of the Internet fax function in the “trial mode 1” is registered in the ROM 17, the setting for permitting the trial of the Internet fax function in the “trial mode 2” is not registered in the ROM 17. The user can not try the internet fax function in "trial mode 2". When adopting a configuration that enables trial use of the Internet fax function in “trial mode 1” and trial use of the Internet fax function in “trial mode 2”, buttons for selecting them are displayed on the function selection screen. You should be displayed.

  After that, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 determines whether or not the process by the internet fax function in the “trial mode 2” can be executed (2: determination of execution availability). When the process by the Internet fax function in the "trial mode 2" is to be executed for the first time, the CPU 20 determines that the process is executable. When the process by the Internet fax function in the "trial mode 2" has been executed before, the CPU 20 determines whether or not a predetermined wait period has elapsed from the end of the process executed last. Then, if the wait period has elapsed, the CPU 20 determines that the process by the Internet fax function in the “trial mode 2” is executable, and if the wait period has not elapsed, the “trial mode 2” is determined. It is determined that the processing by the Internet fax function of can not be performed.

  When the process by the Internet fax function in the “trial mode 2” can not be executed, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 displays an error screen on the operation panel 13 and ends this series of processes. For example, a message such as “3 minutes for availability” is displayed on the error screen at this time. Further, the error screen may display an advertisement of the collaboration function, for example, a feature (advantage) of each collaboration function, a cost for officially adding each collaboration function to the MFP 2 (price of the collaboration function), or the like. By displaying the advertisement, it is possible to recommend the user to purchase the cooperation function.

  When it is possible to execute the process by the Internet fax function in the "trial mode 2", the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 switches the screen displayed on the operation panel 13 from the standby screen to the destination input screen (3: destination input screen display). The user inputs the e-mail address of the transmission destination of the e-mail in the address input box displayed on the destination input screen (4: destination input), and then presses the start button (5: start button pressed).

  When the start button is pressed, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 executes a mode check (6: mode check).

  If there is a problem in the result of the mode check, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 causes the operation panel 13 to display an error screen, and terminates this series of processing.

  If there is no problem in the result of the mode check, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 controls the image reading unit 12 to read an original (7: scan execution). Then, the CPU 20 generates scan image data of a format format (for example, a PDF format) specified by a predetermined operation instruction command from a signal output from the image reading unit 12 by reading an original.

  Thereafter, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 checks whether the MFP 2 is connected to the Internet 6. Note that this connection check may be performed before the reading of the document.

  When the MFP 2 is not connected to the Internet 6, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 causes the operation panel 13 to display an error screen, and ends this series of processing.

  When the MFP 2 is connected to the Internet 6, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 attaches scan image data to an e-mail, controls the LAN interface 15, and addresses the e-mail attached with the scan image data on the destination input screen Send to the e-mail address entered in the input box (8: Send scan image attached mail).

  After transmitting the e-mail, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 causes the operation panel 13 to display a completion screen. On the completion screen, the message "Done" is displayed. Thereafter, when the OK button displayed on the completion screen is pressed or the display of the completion screen continues for a certain period of time, the CPU 20 switches the display of the operation panel 13 from the completion screen to the standby screen.

  In addition, after sending the e-mail, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 sets a timer, starts measurement of an elapsed time by the timer after that (9: timer set), and ends a series of processing. The elapsed time measured by the timer is used to determine whether the wait period has elapsed in the above-mentioned "2: Execution possibility determination".

<Internet fax function (Receiving): Trial mode 1>
When the Internet fax function is tried for the first time in “trial mode 1”, fixed image data is stored in the ROM 17 of the MFP 2 (1: storage of fixed image) as shown in FIG. The storage of fixed image data is as described with reference to FIG.

  If an e-mail is received from the external device such as MFP 2 to the LAN interface 15 of the MFP 2 during trial in the Internet fax function in the “trial mode 1” (2: IFAX mail reception), the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 Execute mode check (3: mode check). In the mode check, the CPU 20 checks, for example, whether a document is set or no other job using the print function is in execution.

  Also, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 executes analysis of the e-mail. E-mail analysis involves syntax checking of e-mail data, acquisition of the subject and body of the e-mail, and acquisition of image data attached to the e-mail.

  If there is a problem in the result of the mode check and there is no problem in the analysis result of the e-mail, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 stores each data obtained by the analysis in the ROM 17 and displays an error screen on the operation panel 13. End the series of processing.

  If there is a problem in the analysis result of the e-mail, regardless of the result of the mode check, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 displays an error screen on the operation panel 13 and ends this series of processing.

  If there is no problem in the result of the mode check and the analysis result of the e-mail, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 executes the capability check (4: capability check). In the capability check, before rasterizing image data attached to an e-mail, it is determined from the data structure whether the image data is in TIFF format.

  Thereafter, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 rasterizes the image data attached to the e-mail (5: print image creation).

  Then, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 replaces the rasterized image data with the fixed image data stored in the ROM 17 (6: Replace the print image with the fixed image).

  Thereafter, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 controls the image forming unit 11 to execute printing of fixed image data (7: print execution).

  After printing the fixed image data, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 causes the operation panel 13 to display a completion screen. Thereafter, when the OK button displayed on the completion screen is pressed or the display of the completion screen continues for a certain period of time, the CPU 20 switches the display of the operation panel 13 from the completion screen to the standby screen, and ends the series of processing. Do.

<Internet fax function (Receiving): Trial mode 2>
If an e-mail is received from the external device such as MFP 2 to the LAN interface 15 of the MFP 2 during trial in the Internet fax function in “trial mode 1” (1: IFAX mail reception), the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 It is determined whether or not the process by the Internet fax function in the "trial mode 2" can be executed (2: determination of execution availability). When the process by the Internet fax function in the "trial mode 2" is to be executed for the first time, the CPU 20 determines that the process is executable. When the process by the Internet fax function in the "trial mode 2" has been executed before, the CPU 20 determines whether or not a predetermined wait period has elapsed from the end of the process executed last. Then, if the wait period has elapsed, the CPU 20 determines that the process by the Internet fax function in the “trial mode 2” is executable, and if the wait period has not elapsed, the “trial mode 2” is determined. It is determined that the processing by the Internet fax function of can not be performed.

  When the process by the Internet fax function in the “trial mode 2” can not be executed, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 displays an error screen on the operation panel 13 and ends this series of processes. For example, a message such as “3 minutes for availability” is displayed on the error screen at this time. Further, the error screen may display an advertisement of the collaboration function, for example, a feature (advantage) of each collaboration function, a cost for officially adding each collaboration function to the MFP 2 (price of the collaboration function), or the like. By displaying the advertisement, it is possible to recommend the user to purchase the cooperation function.

  If it is possible to execute the process by the Internet fax function in the “trial mode 2”, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 executes an analysis of the e-mail, a mode check (3: mode check), and a capability check (4: capability check).

  Thereafter, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 rasterizes the image data attached to the e-mail (5: print image creation).

  Then, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 controls the image forming unit 11 to execute printing of rasterized image data (6: print execution).

  After printing the image data, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 causes the operation panel 13 to display a completion screen. Thereafter, when the OK button displayed on the completion screen is pressed or the display of the completion screen continues for a certain period of time, the CPU 20 switches the display of the operation panel 13 from the completion screen to the standby screen, and ends the series of processing. Do.

  Further, after printing the image data, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 sets a timer, starts measurement of an elapsed time by the timer after that (7: timer set), and ends a series of processing. The elapsed time measured by the timer is used to determine whether the wait period has elapsed in the above-mentioned "2: Execution possibility determination".

<Function effect>
As described above, in the MFP 2, in addition to the standard functions such as the facsimile function, the print function, the scan function, and the copy function, it is possible to add a cooperation function realized by cooperation between the standard function and communication via the LAN 5. However, two modes of “trial mode 1” and “trial mode 2” are prepared as modes of processing (job) by the cooperation function. In the “trial mode 2”, in the processing by the cooperation function, image data is acquired, and the acquired image data is output, that is, transmitted to the storage server 4 or printed on a sheet. On the other hand, in “trial mode 1” which is an example of the test mode, image data is acquired in the processing by the cooperation function, but the image data is replaced with fixed image data which is dummy image data, and fixed image data is It is output.

  As a result, in the “trial mode 1”, the acquired image data is not unnecessarily output, and fixed image data which is dummy image data is output. As a result, the user can appropriately perform the test related to the cooperation function. Moreover, since it is prevented that the unnecessary image data which is not intended is output during the test by "trial mode 1", information security can be improved.

  And in "trial mode 2", although the user can use arbitrary image data for the processing by the cooperation function, once the processing by the cooperation function is executed, the same cooperation function will be the same for a predetermined period (for example, 5 minutes thereafter) There is a restriction that processing by can not be performed. On the other hand, in "trial mode 1", image data used for processing by the cooperation function is limited to fixed image data, but there is no restriction on the frequency of processing execution, and processing by the same cooperation function is continuously executed can do.

  As a result, the user can select whether to try the collaboration function in either “trial mode 1” or “trial mode 2” mode, and when “trial mode 1” is set, the data output by the collaboration function can be performed. More tests can be done.

  In “trial mode 1”, image data in a printable state is actually acquired by reading a document, downloading from storage server 4 or rasterizing image data attached to an e-mail, The image data is replaced with fixed image data which is dummy image data. Thus, not only the data output test but also the image data acquisition test is performed. Therefore, in addition to the test of the data output by a cooperation function, when "trial mode 1" is set, many acquisition tests of image data can also be performed.

<Modification>
As mentioned above, although one Embodiment of this invention was described, this invention can also be implemented with another form.

  For example, in the above embodiment, “trial mode 2” has a limitation that once the processing by the cooperation function is executed, the processing by the same cooperation function can not be executed during a predetermined wait period (for example, 5 minutes) thereafter. In the "trial mode 1", there is no such limitation, and it is possible to continuously execute processing by the same cooperation function. However, even in "trial mode 1", once the process by the cooperation function is executed, then there is a restriction that the process by the same cooperation function can not be executed in a shorter period (for example, one minute) than in "trial mode 2". It may be provided.

  Further, the restriction by providing such a weight period may be, for example, a restriction that the processing by the same cooperation function can not be executed for the subsequent predetermined weight period every time the processing by the cooperation function is performed a predetermined number of times. . In this case, in the “trial mode 1”, the predetermined number of times may be set to be a larger number than the “trial mode 2”.

  The restriction on the execution of the process by the cooperation function is not limited to the restriction by providing the weight period, but may be the restriction by setting the upper limit of the number of times of execution of the process by the cooperation function. That is, in "trial mode 2", the upper limit of the number of times of execution of the process by the cooperation function is set to the first number, and in "trial mode 1", the upper limit of the number of times of execution of the process by the cooperation function is larger than the first number of times It may be set to 2 times.

  Further, the restriction on the execution of the process by the cooperation function may be a restriction by a period in which the process by the cooperation function can be executed. That is, in "trial mode 2", the period in which the process by the cooperation function can be executed is set to the first period after the process is executed for the first time, and in "trial mode 1", the period in which the process by the cooperation function can be executed May be set to a second period that is longer than the first period after the first execution of the process.

  In the "trial mode 1", it is assumed that fixed image data registered by the user in advance is used, but a single dummy data which can not be selected by the user is stored in the ROM 17 of the MFP 2, and the dummy data is "trial mode 1).

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, a configuration in which the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 executes each process has been described. However, MFP 2 may include a plurality of CPUs, and the plurality of CPUs may execute respective processes in cooperation.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the MFP 2 having an image forming function and an image reading function is taken as an example of the image processing apparatus, but the image processing apparatus may be a single function printer having a printer function. It may be a single function scanner having a scanner function.

  In addition, various design changes can be made to the above-described configuration within the scope of the matters described in the claims.

1: Image processing system 2: MFP
3: Application server 4: Storage server 11: Image forming unit 12: Image reading unit 15: LAN interface 20: CPU

Claims (14)

A communication unit that communicates image data with an external device;
A processing unit that processes image data;
And a control unit,
The control unit
Cooperative image data processing for processing image data by a cooperation function in which the communication unit and the processing unit cooperate, the cooperative image data processing including acquisition processing for acquiring image data;
Execute determination processing to determine whether the test mode is set;
The control unit is configured to perform the cooperative image data processing
If it is determined in the determination process that the test mode is not set,
Executing a first output process of outputting image data related to the image data acquired by the acquisition process;
When it is determined in the determination process that the test mode is set,
Replacement processing for replacing image data related to image data acquired by the acquisition processing with dummy image data;
Performing a second output process of outputting image data relating to the dummy image data after the replacement process;
Image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The control unit is configured to perform the cooperative image data processing
Command reception processing for receiving a command from the external device to the communication unit;
When the command is received by the communication unit, and it is determined that the test mode is set in the determination process, at least one of the acquisition process and the second output process is executable. Performing the check process to check if there is any
Image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2,
The processing unit is a reading unit that reads an image from a document.
The cooperation function includes a function of transmitting image data from the communication unit to the external device,
The acquisition process includes a reading process of acquiring image data from a result of reading by the reading unit,
The first output process includes a first transmission process of transmitting image data related to the image data acquired in the first acquisition process from the communication unit to the external device.
The second output process includes a second transmission process of transmitting the dummy image data replaced in the replacement process from the communication unit to the external device.
In the check process, the control unit
A reading check process for checking whether the reading process can be executed;
Performing a connection check process of checking whether the communication unit and the external device are communicably connected to image data;
Image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3,
When it is determined in the determination process that the test mode is set,
Execute the read check process,
Executing the reading process after the reading check process;
Execute the replacement process after the reading process;
Executing the second transmission process after the replacement process;
Image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein
The control unit
When it is determined in the determination process that the test mode is set,
The reading process is executed after the reading check process and after the connection checking process,
Execute the replacement process after the reading process;
Executing the second transmission process after the replacement process;
Image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein
The control unit
When it is determined in the determination process that the test mode is set,
Executing the reading process after the reading check process;
Execute the connection check process after the read process;
Image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2,
The processing unit is a printing unit that prints an image related to image data on a sheet,
The cooperation function includes a function of receiving image data from the external device to the communication unit and causing the printing unit to print an image related to the image data.
The acquisition process includes a reception process of receiving the communication unit image data from the external device to the communication unit,
The first output process includes a first printing process for printing an image related to the image data acquired in the first acquisition process on a sheet by the printing unit.
The second output process includes a second printing process of printing the image according to the dummy image data replaced in the replacement process on a sheet by the printing unit,
In the check process, the control unit
A print check process for checking whether the second print process can be executed;
Performing a connection check process of checking whether the communication unit and the external device are communicably connected to image data;
Image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein
When it is determined in the determination process that the test mode is set,
Execute the reception process after the connection check process;
Execute the print check process after the reception process;
Execute the substitution process after the printing check;
Image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein
The control unit
When it is determined in the determination process that the test mode is not set, the cooperative image data processing is executed under a high restriction condition where the number of times or period restriction is high.
When it is determined in the determination process that the test mode is set, the cooperative image data processing is executed under a low restriction condition in which the number of times or the restriction of a period is lower than the high restriction.
Image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 9,
The high limit condition is a condition that a weight period in which the cooperative image data processing is not performed is provided each time the cooperative image data processing is performed a predetermined number of times,
The image processing apparatus, wherein the low restriction condition is a condition that the predetermined number is larger and the wait period is shorter than the high restriction condition. The image processing apparatus according to claim 9,
The high limit condition is a condition that the upper limit of the number of executions of the cooperative image data processing is set to a first number,
The low limit condition is a condition that an upper limit of the number of times of execution of the cooperative image data processing is set to a second number of times larger than the first number of times.
Image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 9,
The high limit condition is a condition that a period in which the cooperative image data processing can be performed is set as a first period,
The low restriction condition is a condition that a period in which the cooperative image data processing can be performed is set to a second period longer than the first period.
Image processing device. A communication unit that communicates image data with an external device;
What is claimed is: 1. A method of processing image data in an image processing apparatus comprising a processing unit for processing image data, the method comprising:
Cooperative image data processing for processing image data by a cooperation function in which the communication unit and the processing unit cooperate, the cooperative image data processing including acquisition processing for acquiring image data;
Execute determination processing to determine whether the test mode is set;
In the cooperative image data processing,
If it is determined in the determination process that the test mode is not set,
Executing a first output process of outputting image data related to the image data acquired by the acquisition process;
When it is determined in the determination process that the test mode is set,
Replacement processing for replacing image data related to image data acquired by the acquisition processing with dummy image data;
Performing a second output process of outputting image data relating to the dummy image data after the replacement process;
Image data processing method. A communication unit that communicates image data with an external device;
A processing unit that processes image data;
A program installed on a computer of an image processing apparatus comprising
On the computer
Cooperative image data processing for processing image data by a cooperation function in which the communication unit and the processing unit cooperate, the cooperative image data processing including acquisition processing for acquiring image data;
Execute a determination process to determine whether the test mode is set;
In the cooperative image data processing,
If it is determined in the determination process that the test mode is not set,
Executing a first output process of outputting the image data acquired by the acquisition process;
When it is determined in the determination process that the test mode is set,
Replacement processing for replacing image data acquired in the acquisition processing with dummy image data;
After the replacement process, a second output process of outputting image data related to the dummy image data is executed.
program.

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