JP2020184358A - Data management system and control method - Google Patents

Abstract

To solve the problem in which: when a storage area to be an assignment destination of data in an image forming apparatus or a file server itself is changed, the change needs to be reflected as a monitoring object of a plurality of information processing apparatuses.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus registers, to a first area in a server, information indicating the setting for storing received data in a storage area in the server. When information indicating a new setting is stored in a second area, the image forming apparatus registers, to the first area, information for specifying the second area. An information processing apparatus acquires information indicating the new setting from the second area specified by using the information for specifying the second area acquired from the first area, and monitors the storage area according to the information indicating the new setting acquired from the second area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 19

Description

The present invention relates to a data management system and a control method for monitoring a storage area in which data is stored.

Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus, a function of automatically transferring document data received by facsimile (G3 FAX or Internet FAX) or the like is known in order to store it in a storage area such as a folder in a file server. .. The image forming apparatus includes a multifunction device (MFP: Multifunction Peripheral) and the like. The image forming apparatus can transfer the received document data so that the document data is distributed and stored in a plurality of storage areas in the file server based on the information regarding the reception of the document data (reception date, sender, etc.). is there.

It also has a function to periodically monitor the status of folders on the file server and notify the user of new files when new files are stored in the folders.

In Patent Document 1, the file moving application of the multifunction device monitors a plurality of directories and distributes the files stored in the monitored directories to lower directories. The client terminal notifies the user of new files based on the contents of the update history file saved by the file move application.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-253455

In Patent Document 1 described above, since the file moving application of the multifunction device monitors the directory and sorts the files, even if the directory of the file sorting destination is changed, the changed directory can be monitored.

Here, the above-mentioned image forming apparatus distributes and transfers received data to a plurality of storage areas of a file server, and another plurality of information processing devices monitors a plurality of storage areas to be distributed to the file server. Imagine a management system. In the case of such a system, when the storage area or the file server itself to which the data is distributed on the image forming apparatus is changed, it is necessary to reflect the change as a monitoring target of a plurality of information processing apparatus.

As a method of reflecting the change of the distribution destination as the monitoring target of the information processing device, it is conceivable that the user of the information processing device manually sets the storage area of the monitoring target. However, it is troublesome for the user to manually reflect the change as a monitoring target for each of the plurality of information processing devices.

An object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism for automatically reflecting the above-mentioned change in a monitoring target by an information processing device in a data management system.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is an image processing device capable of communicating with a server that manages document data, and receives the document data by receiving means and the document data received by the receiving means. It has a transmission means for transmitting to the folder which is a folder stored in the server and satisfies a predetermined condition, and instructs the first server to the second server to change the destination by the transmission means. When accepted, it is characterized in that a file containing information about the second server is stored in the first server.

Further, the present invention is an information processing device capable of communicating with a server that manages document data.
It has a monitoring means for monitoring whether new document data is stored in a folder stored in the server and satisfying a predetermined condition.
When the first server monitored by the monitoring means has a file containing information about the second server.
The monitoring means
It is characterized by monitoring the second server instead of the first server based on the information about the second server.

According to the present invention, in the data management system, when the above-mentioned change is made, the change can be automatically reflected in the monitoring target by the information processing apparatus.

It is an overall view of the image processing system in embodiment of this invention. It is a hardware block diagram of the MFP 101. It is a hardware block diagram of the file server 102. It is a hardware block diagram of PC103. It is a software configuration diagram of MFP101. It is a software configuration of the document management application 610. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of the MFP 101. It is a figure which shows the operation screen of the MFP 101. It is a figure which shows the operation screen of the MFP 101. It is a figure which shows the operation screen of the MFP 101. It is a figure which shows the operation screen of the MFP 101. It is a figure which shows the operation screen of the MFP 101. It is a figure which shows the transfer setting 1300. It is a figure which shows the setting information 1400. It is a figure which shows the address book 1500. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of the MFP 101. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of the MFP 101. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of the MFP 101. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of a document management application 610. It is a figure which shows the UI example of the document management application 610. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of a document management application 610. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of a document management application 610. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of a document management application 610.

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration diagram of an embodiment suitable for the present invention. On the LAN (Local Area Network) 100, an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) 101 and a file server 102 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other. The MFP 101 is an image forming apparatus as an example of an information processing apparatus having a data input function via a network such as a facsimile function. The file server 102 is an example of an external server. The PC 103 is an example of an information processing device. Here, the system including at least the MFP 101 and the PC 103 is referred to as a data management system, but only the MFP 101 can be referred to as a management system.

The MFP 101 is connected to a PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) 110 and can perform facsimile communication of document data with a facsimile machine (not shown).

FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of the MFP 101. The control unit 210 including the CPU 211 controls the operation of the entire MFP 101. The CPU 211 reads the 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 and a work area of the CPU 211. In the MFP 101, one CPU 211 uses one memory (RAM 213 or HDD 214) to execute each process shown in the flowchart described later, but other modes may be used. For example, a plurality of CPUs, a plurality of RAMs, or HDDs may be made to cooperate to execute each process shown in the flowchart.

HDD 214 stores document data and various programs. The operation unit I / F 215 connects the operation unit 220 and the control unit 210. The operation unit 220 is provided with a liquid crystal display unit having a touch panel function, a keyboard, and the like, and plays a role of a reception unit that receives operations / inputs / instructions by the user.

The printer I / F 216 connects the printer 221 and the control unit 210. The document data to be printed by the printer 221 is transferred from the control unit 210 via the printer I / F 216, and is printed on the 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 the document, generates document data, and inputs the document data to the control unit 210 via the scanner I / F 217. The MFP 101 can transmit the document data generated by the scanner 222 as a file or send an e-mail. The MFP 101 may transmit data obtained by processing the read image data as document data.

The modem I / F 218 connects the modem 223 and the control unit 210. Modem 223 performs facsimile communication of document data with a facsimile machine (not shown). The network I / F 219 connects the control unit 210 (MFP101) to the LAN 100. The MFP 101 transmits document data and information to an external device (file server 102, etc.) on the LAN 100 using the network I / F 219, and receives various information.

FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of the file server 102. The control unit 310 including the CPU 311 controls the operation of the entire file server 102. The CPU 311 reads 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 and a work area of the CPU 311. The HDD 314 stores document data and various programs.

The network I / F315 connects the control unit 310 (file server 102) to the LAN 100. The file server 102 uses the network I / F 315 to send and receive various information to and from other devices on the LAN 100.

FIG. 4 is a hardware configuration diagram of the PC 103. The control unit 410 including the CPU 411 controls the operation of the entire PC 103. The CPU 411 reads out 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 and a 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 means, and gives input instructions such as control command commands and text input to the document management application of the present invention. The display 416 is an output device that is a display means, and displays a command input from the keyboard 415, the state of the document management application of the present invention, and the like.

The network I / F417 connects the control unit 410 (PC103) to the LAN 100. The PC 103 uses the network I / F417 to send and receive various information to and from other devices on the LAN 100.

FIG. 5 is a software configuration diagram of the MFP 101. The MFP 101 can be roughly divided into two, a native function unit 510 and an additional application 520. Each part included in the native function part 510 is provided as standard in the MFP 101, while the additional application 520 is an application program additionally installed in the MFP 101. The additional application 520 is an application based on Java (registered trademark), and it is possible to easily add functions to the MFP 101. Other additional applications (not shown) may be installed in the MFP 101.

The FAX receiving unit 511 facsimile receives the image data transmitted via the PSTN110. The image data received by the FAX receiving unit 511 is converted into the PDF format by the FAX receiving unit 511 and then passed to the transfer unit 512. At this time, the FAX receiving unit 511 creates a control file including the source information (transmitter FAX number) of the image data and the reception date and time of the image data, and passes the control file together with the image data to the transfer unit 512.

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

The transfer unit 512 has an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) client function, and transfers image data by FTP to an application receiving unit 522 having an FTP server function. 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. The address book storage unit 514 stores the address information registered by the user of the MFP 101. The details of the address book will be described later with reference to FIG.

Functions realized by the additional application 520 include an application receiving unit 522 and an application transfer unit 521.

The application receiving 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 (outputs) image data to the file server 102 according to the settings made by the method described later. For the transfer here, in addition to FTP, SMB (Server Message Block), WebDAV (Distributed Austroing and Versioning protocol for the WWW), and the like can be used. Further, the application transfer unit 521 is permitted to access the address book storage unit 514, and acquires the registered name described later.

FIG. 6 is a software configuration diagram of the document management application 610 running on the PC 103. The document management application 610 is a program module that operates in the PC 103, is loaded into the RAM 413 when executed, and is executed by the CPU 411. In the document management application 610, the image data acquisition unit 613 requests the acquisition of 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 references and operates the image data. The folder monitoring unit 612 can monitor a specific folder and detect whether or not new image data is stored in the folder. The monitoring method includes a method in which the file server 102 detects and monitors event information that occurs when image data is stored, and a list of image data in the previously acquired folder by periodically referring to the folder. There is a method of comparing and extracting the difference. Moreover, you may combine those methods. The area where the data is stored is not limited to the folder, and may be, for example, a directory or a tray.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a setting operation for transferring the image data facsimile-received by the MFP 101 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 the control program stored in the HDD 214.

In S701, 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, if the transfer of the image data to the file server 102 fails, or if the additional application 520 is not operating normally, a message indicating that fact is displayed in the status display area 801. In addition, an operation key for updating the display content of the status display area 801 may be further provided in the status display screen 800.

In S702, the application transfer unit 521 determines whether or not the [to setting screen] key 802 of the status display screen 800 has been pressed. Here, the application transfer unit 521 waits until the [to the setting screen] key 802 is pressed, and if it is determined that the [to the setting screen] key 802 is pressed, the process proceeds to S703. An example is shown in which only one key ([Go to setting screen] key 802) is displayed on the status display screen 800, but a key for directly transitioning to each screen (FIGS. 9 to 12) described later is provided. You may.

In S703, the application transfer unit 521 displays the file server setting screen 900 (FIG. 9) on the operation unit 220. The user of the MFP 101 inputs information for identifying the file server 102 and information for accessing the file server 102 via the file server setting screen 900.

Specifically, the host name of the file server 102 is input to the host name 901. In the folder path 902, the starting point of the folder path for specifying the storage destination of the image data is input. In the user name 903 and password 904, the authentication information (user name and password) required to log in to the file server 102 is entered.

In S704, the application transfer unit 521 determines whether or not the [Cancel] key 911 has been pressed. When the application transfer unit 521 determines that the [Cancel] key 911 has been pressed, the application transfer unit 521 returns to S701 and displays the status display screen 800. If the [Cancel] key 911 is not pressed, the application transfer unit 521 proceeds to S705 and determines whether or not the [Next] key 912 is pressed. [Next] If it is determined that the key 912 has been pressed, the process proceeds to S706. If the [Next] key 912 is not pressed, the process returns to S704.

In S706, the application transfer unit 521 holds the file server settings input to 901 to 904 of the file server setting screen 900 in the RAM 213. In the following S707, the application transfer unit 521 displays the file name setting screen 1000 (FIG. 10) on the operation unit 220. The user of the MFP 101 specifies a file name setting rule to be set for the image data to be transferred to the file server 102 via the file name setting screen 1000.

For the image data transferred by the additional application 520 to the file server 102, a file name that combines three types of information of [registered name], [FAX number], and [date and time] can be set. The [registered name] is a name registered in advance in the address book in association with the fax number of the source of the image data. The [FAX number] is the FAX number of the source of the image data. [Date and time] is the date and time when the image data is received.

The user of the MFP 101 can use the operation keys 1001 to 1003 to select a separator (separator symbol) for separating the above-mentioned three types of information. When the operation key 1001 is pressed, [-] (hyphen) is selected. When the operation key 1002 is pressed, [_] (underscore) is selected. When the operation key 1003 is pressed, [] (space) is selected. It can be seen that [_] (underscore) is selected in the illustrated example.

Further, the user of the MFP 101 can specify the order of the above-mentioned three pieces of information by using the check boxes 1013 to 1015. When the check box 1013 is checked, a file name in which three types of information are combined is set in the order of [registered name], [FAX number], and [date and time]. For example, if the registered name is "ABC Trading", the fax number is "0311112222", and the date and time is "January 01, 2013 12:15:10", the file name "ABC Trading_0311112222_20130101121510.pdf" is set. File.

When the check box 1014 is checked, a file name in which three types of information are combined is set in the order of [date and time], [registered name], and [FAX number]. When the check box 1015 is checked, a file name in which three types of information are combined is set in the order of [FAX number], [registered name], and [date and time]. Although not all sort orders are candidates here (only some sort orders are candidates), all sort orders may be displayed as candidates.

In S708, the application transfer unit 521 determines whether or not the [Cancel] key 1021 has been pressed. When the application transfer unit 521 determines that the [Cancel] key 1021 is pressed, the application transfer unit 521 returns to S701 and displays the status display screen 800. If the [Cancel] key 1021 is not pressed, the application transfer unit 521 proceeds to S709 and determines whether or not the [Back] key 1022 is pressed. When the application transfer unit 521 determines that the [return] key 1022 is pressed, the application transfer unit 521 returns to S703 and displays the file server setting screen 900. If the [Back] key 1022 is not pressed, the application transfer unit 521 proceeds to S710 and determines whether or not the [Next] key 1023 is pressed. When the application transfer unit 521 determines that the [Next] key 1023 has been pressed, the application transfer unit 521 proceeds to S711. [Next] If the key 1023 is not pressed, the process returns to S708.

In S711, the application transfer unit 521 saves the contents specified via the file name setting screen 1000 in the HDD 214. In the following S712, the application transfer unit 521 displays the folder path setting screen 1100 (FIG. 11) on the operation unit 220. The user of the MFP 101 specifies a folder path setting rule for specifying a folder for storing image data via the folder path setting screen 1100. On this screen, the user can set subfolders (subfolders) within the folder.

If the check box 1101 is checked, the image data will be stored in the folder specified by the selection fields 1111 to 1112, and if not checked, the image data will be stored in the area indicated by the folder path 902 of the file server setting screen 900. It will be.

In the selection field 1111, the type of information to be used as the folder name of the first layer (upper layer of the two layers) is specified. The user of the MFP 101 selects the type of information from the candidates of [Registration month] and [Registration date] presented by the pull-down menu. The [registration month] is the month in which the image data is received. The [registration date] is the reception date of the image data. It is also possible to leave any type unselected. In this case, the image data is stored in the area specified by the folder path 902 of the file server setting screen 900.

In the selection field 1112, the type of information used as the folder name of the second layer (lower layer of the two layers) is specified. The user of the MFP 101 selects the [registration date] presented by the pull-down menu as in the first layer. It is also possible to leave any type unselected. In this case, the image data is stored in the folder specified in the selection field 1111.

In the display field 1114, the order of arrangement of various information according to the selection for each layer in the selection fields 1111 to 1112 is shown. In the illustrated example, it can be seen that the folder name of the first layer is [registration month] and the folder name of the second layer is [registration date]. The official folder path is completed by adding the folder path shown in the display field 1114 to the end of the character string specified in the folder path 902 of the file server setting screen 900. For example, when the registration month is "January 2013" and the registration date is "January 1, 2013", the folder path "root / January 2013 / January 01, 2013" is set.

In S713, the application transfer unit 521 determines whether or not the [Cancel] key 1121 has been pressed. When it is determined that the [Cancel] key 1121 is pressed, the screen returns to S701 and the status display screen 800 is displayed. If the [Cancel] key 1121 is not pressed, the application transfer unit 521 proceeds to S714 and determines whether or not the [Back] key 1122 is pressed. When the application transfer unit 521 determines that the [return] key 1122 is pressed, the application transfer unit 521 returns to S707 and displays the file name setting screen 1000. The application transfer unit 521 proceeds to S715 if the [return] key 1122 is not pressed, and determines whether or not the [next] key 1123 is pressed. When the application transfer unit 521 determines that the [Next] key 1123 has been pressed, the application transfer unit 521 proceeds to S716. The application transfer unit 521 returns to S713 if the [Next] key 1123 is not pressed.

In S716, the application transfer unit 521 saves the contents specified via the folder path setting screen 1100 in the HDD 214. In the following S717, the application transfer unit 521 displays the test transmission screen 1200 (FIG. 12) on the operation unit 220. The user of the MFP 101 can perform a test transmission to the file server 102 via the test transmission screen 1200.

In the FAX number 1201, an arbitrary source FAX number used for the test transmission is input. Further, in the reception date and time 1202, an arbitrary reception date and time used for the test transmission is input. Although omitted in FIG. 7, when the [Confirm setting] key 1211 is pressed, what kind of file name is used based on the fax number 1201 and the reception date / time 1202 and the settings via the screens of FIGS. 9 to 11. The folder in which the image data is stored is displayed. As a result, the user can confirm the contents of the setting.

In S718, the application transfer unit 521 determines whether or not the [test transmission] key 1212 is pressed. When the application transfer unit 521 determines that the [test transmission] key 1212 is pressed, the process proceeds to S719, and if the [test transmission] key 1212 is not pressed, the process proceeds to S720.

In S719, the application transfer unit 521 executes test transmission based on the contents of the fax number 1201 and the reception date and time 1202 and the contents set on the screens of FIGS. 9 to 11. In the test transmission, the test image data previously stored 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. After executing the test transmission, a screen showing the result of the test transmission may be displayed.

In S720, the application transfer unit 521 determines whether or not the [Cancel] key 1221 is pressed. When it is determined that the [Cancel] key 1221 is pressed, the process returns to S701 and the status display screen 800 is displayed. The application transfer unit 521 proceeds to S721 if the [Cancel] key 1221 is not pressed, and determines whether or not the [Back] key 1222 is pressed. When the application transfer unit 521 determines that the [Back] key 1222 is pressed, the application transfer unit 521 returns to S712 and displays the folder path setting screen 1100. If the [Back] key 1222 is not pressed, the process proceeds to S722, and it is determined whether or not the [OK] key 1223 is pressed. When the application transfer unit 521 determines that the [OK] key 1223 is pressed, the application transfer unit 521 proceeds to S723. The application transfer unit 521 returns to S718 if the [OK] key 1223 is not pressed.

In S723, the application transfer unit 521 determines whether or not there is a change in the setting of the image data storage destination. Specifically, when the setting information shown in FIG. 14 to be described later describes a folder path indicating a new storage destination area, the application transfer unit 521 may change the setting of the image data storage destination. judge. If there is a change in the storage destination of the image data, the process proceeds to S724. If there is no change in the storage destination, the process proceeds to S725.

In S724, the application transfer unit 521 adds information for specifying the area of the storage destination after the change to the setting information in the storage destination before the change.

In S725, the application transfer unit 521 stores the setting information of the folder path set in S716 under the folder path 902.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a transfer setting 1300 set according to the flowchart of FIG. 7. The transfer setting 1300 is stored in the HDD 214 in the CSV or XML format, but may be in another format.

In line 1301, the host name of the file server 102 entered in the host name 901 of the file server setting screen 900 is described. Line 1302 describes the starting point of the folder path entered in the folder path 902 of the file server setting screen 900. Line 1303 describes a user name for logging in to the file server 102 entered in the user name 903 of the file server setting screen 900. In line 1304, a password for logging in to the file server 102 entered in the password 904 of the file server setting screen 900 is described.

Line 1305 describes a file name setting rule set on the file name setting screen 1000. In the illustrated example, the file name is set using the [_] (underscore) separator in the order of [registered name], [FAX number], and [date and time]. Line 1306 describes the folder path setting rule set on the folder path setting screen 1100. In the illustrated example, the folder path is set in the order of [Registration month] and [Registration date].

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of setting information updated in S724 and created in S725 set according to the flowchart of FIG. 7. These setting information are stored in CSV or XML format. Regarding the format, other formats may be used.

Line 1401 describes the version of the setting information file. Line 1402 describes the folder path setting rule set on the folder path setting screen 1100. In the illustrated example, the folder path is set in the order of [Registration month] and [Registration date].

The description of line 1403 is added only to the setting information updated in S724.

Line 1403 is path information described only when the update is performed in S724, and is a folder that includes a storage area (subfolder) to which the setting information and image data to be newly stored after the processing of S724 are transferred. The folder path indicating the location information is described. Here, the newly set folder may exist in the file server 102 in which the data storage destination before the change exists, or may exist in a server different from the file server 102. In line 1403, a path indicating the location information of the newly set setting information file may be described.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the contents of the address book 1500 stored in the address book storage unit 514. The destination ID 1501 is an ID that uniquely indicates each destination registered in the address book 1500. The name 1502 is the name of each destination registered in the address book 1500. The fax number 1503 is a fax number of each destination registered in the address book 1500.

When the image data read by the scanner 222 is facsimile-transmitted from the MFP 101 via the PSTN 110, the trouble of specifying the destination can be saved by referring to the address book 1500. In the address book 1500, not only the destination of facsimile transmission but also the destination of e-mail and the destination of file transmission (FTP, SMB, WebDAV) may be registered.

16 to 18 are flowcharts illustrating an operation of transferring the image data facsimile-received by the MFP 101 to the file server 102. Each operation (step) shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 16 to 18 is realized by the CPU 211 of the MFP 101 executing the control program stored in the HDD 214.

In S1601, the FAX receiving unit 511 receives the image data by facsimile. In S1602, the transfer unit 512 internally transfers the image data to the application receiving unit 522 by FTP. In S1603, the application transfer unit 521 acquires the fax number of the transmission source and the reception date and time from the control file transferred together with the image data.

In S1604, the application transfer unit 521 acquires the file server settings included in the transfer settings 1300. In S1605, the application transfer unit 521 creates a file name to be set in the image data. In S1606, the application transfer unit 521 creates a folder path for specifying the storage destination of the image data.

In S1607, 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 S1604 are transmitted to the file server 102, and the result of authentication by the file server 102 is received. In S1608, the application transfer unit 521 determines whether the authentication is successful (whether the file server 102 can be logged in), proceeds to S1609 if the authentication is successful, and ends the process if the authentication is unsuccessful.

In S1609, the application transfer unit 521 confirms whether or not the folder indicated by the folder path created in S1606 exists (inquires to the file server 102). In S1610, the application transfer unit 521 determines whether or not the corresponding folder exists. If the corresponding folder exists, the process proceeds to S1612, and if the corresponding folder does not exist, the process proceeds to S1611.

In S1611, the application transfer unit 521 requests the file server 102 to create the folder indicated by the folder path created in S1606. In S1612, the application transfer unit 521 externally transfers the image data to the file server 102 and stores it in the folder (storage area) indicated by the folder path created in S1606.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating the process of S1605 of FIG. 16 in detail. In S1701, the application transfer unit 521 acquires the file name setting included in the transfer setting 1300. In S1702, the application transfer unit 521 inquires the address book storage unit 514 of the name registered in association with the fax number of the transmission source.

In S1703, the application transfer unit 521 determines whether or not the acquisition of the registered name from the address book storage unit 514 is successful. If it is determined that the acquisition of the registered name is successful, the process proceeds to S1704, and the application transfer unit 521 sets the acquired registered name as a part of the file name. If it is determined that the acquisition of the registered name has failed (for example, if the fax number of the sender is not registered in the address book), the process proceeds to S1705, and the application transfer unit 521 sets the default name as a part of the file name. Set as. The default name is, for example, the character string "not applicable".

In S1706, the application transfer unit 521 sets the FAX number acquired in S1603 as a part of the file name. In S1707, the application transfer unit 521 sets the reception date and time acquired in S1603 as a part of the file name. The settings of S1704 to S1707 are performed according to the contents of the file name setting acquired in S1701.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating the process of S1606 of FIG. 16 in detail. In S1801, the application transfer unit 521 acquires the folder path setting included in the transfer setting 1300. In S1802, the application transfer unit 521 inquires the address book storage unit 514 of the name registered in association with the fax number of the transmission source. If the registered name has already been acquired in S1702 of FIG. 17, the process of S1802 may be omitted.

In S1803, the application transfer unit 521 determines whether or not the acquisition of the registered name from the address book storage unit 514 is successful. If it is determined that the acquisition of the registered name is successful, the process proceeds to S1804, and the application transfer unit 521 sets the acquired registered name as a part of the folder path. If it is determined that the acquisition of the registered name has failed (for example, if the fax number of the sender is not registered in the address book), the process proceeds to S1805, and the application transfer unit 521 sets the default name as a part of the folder path. Set as. The default name is, for example, the character string "not applicable".

In S1806, the application transfer unit 521 sets the fax number acquired in S1603 as a part of the folder path. In S1807, the application transfer unit 521 sets the reception date acquired in S1603 as a part of the folder path. The settings of S1804 to S1807 are performed according to the contents of the folder path setting acquired in S1801.

This makes it possible to distribute and store the received image data in a plurality of folders.

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

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a setting operation for monitoring the image data transferred to the file server 102 by the document management application 610. Each operation (step) shown in the flowchart of FIG. 19 is realized by executing the control program stored in the HDD 414 by the CPU 411 of the PC 103. This process is a process that is periodically executed at time intervals such as several minutes. The document management application may execute only the process of monitoring the folder every few minutes and check the setting information file every few hours, for example.

In S1902, it is confirmed whether or not the setting information 1400 is stored in the monitoring folder path specified at that time. If it is determined that the setting information 1400 is stored, the process proceeds to S1903, and if it is not stored, the process proceeds to S1904.

The monitoring folder path may be set manually via the screen of the document management application 610, or may be set according to the process of S1905 described later.

Here, an example of manually specifying a folder (monitoring folder path) to be monitored by the document management application 610 (FIG. 20) displayed on the display 416 will be described.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a screen of the document management application 610. Menu 2001 makes it possible to list and execute commands for executing operations on folders or image data. The address bar 2002 displays the path of the currently referenced folder. By directly inputting the path of the folder, the image data included in the folder of the specified path is displayed in a list in the file list view 2005. On the toolbar 2003, shortcut buttons corresponding to the operations that can be performed in the menu 2001 are displayed. The navigation pane 2004 displays a list of registered libraries and the location of the currently referenced folder. Multiple libraries can be registered, and the file server can be changed for each registered library. Regarding the relationship between the library and the folder, the library is in the upper hierarchy and the folder exists in the hierarchy below the library hierarchy. The output bar 2006 can execute the action associated with the button on the image data selected in the file list view 2005 by pressing the registered button. In the illustrated example, "file: /// sharedsaver" is registered as a library, and the folder "file: /// sharedsaver / root" in which the setting information is stored in S725 is referred to. Select this folder "file: /// sharedserver / root" and execute the monitoring of the folder in the menu 2001 or the toolbar 2003. The image data stored in the monitored folder is listed in the new arrival notification window 2007.

Returning to the description of FIG. In S1904, the folder indicated by the monitoring folder path is monitored. By this monitoring, a list of image data stored in the folder can be displayed.

In S1903, the folder monitoring unit 612 confirms the contents of the setting information 1400. In S1905, the folder monitoring unit 612 is a process of confirming the setting of line 1403 and determining the folder to be monitored.

In S1906, the folder monitoring unit 612 confirms the line 1402 of the setting information 1400 in the monitoring folder path. In S1907, the folder monitoring unit 612 acquires the current date of the PC 103. For example, in the example described later, the acquired date is January 01, 2013. In S1908, the folder monitoring unit 612 determines the set value of the line 1402 acquired in S1906. If the set value is [Registration month] \ [Registration date], the process proceeds to S1909. If the set value is [Registration month], the process proceeds to S1910. If the set value is [Registration date], the process proceeds to S1911. If there is no set value, the process proceeds to S1912. In S1909 to S1912, the folder monitoring unit 612 generates the path of the folder to be monitored. The path generation method is based on the current date acquired in S1907, and the set value is the actual folder name to generate the folder path to be monitored.

For example, in S1909, the folder path with the setting information and the naming convention of the forwarding setting are concatenated, and "file: /// sharedserver / root / January 2013/January 01, 2013" is set as the folder path to be monitored. To do. In S1910, the folder monitoring unit 612 sets "file: /// sharedsaver / root / January 2013" as the folder path to be monitored. In S1911, the folder monitoring unit 612 sets "file: /// sharedserver / root / January 01, 2013" as the folder path to be monitored. In S1912, "file: /// sharedserver / root" is set as the folder path to be monitored. At this time, a folder that is any date before the date and time acquired in S1907 may be added as a monitoring target.

In S1913, the folder corresponding to the folder path to be monitored determined in S1909 to S1912 is monitored. By this monitoring, a list of image data stored in the folder can be displayed. The folder path to be monitored is changed every time the date is changed according to the rules of S1909 to S1912.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating the process of S1905 of FIG. 19 in detail. In S2101, it is confirmed whether or not the setting indicated by line 1403 exists in the setting information 1400 in the monitoring folder path at that time. If there is a setting, the process proceeds to S2102. If there is no setting, the process proceeds to S2104.

In S2102, the path information is acquired from the information described in line 1403. For example, in the example illustrated in line 1403 of the setting information 1400, the information "file: //xxx.yy.zzz/folder" described after Change path is acquired as a folder path.

In S2103, it is determined whether or not the folpass acquired in S2102 can be accessed. If it is accessible, proceed to S2105. If it cannot be accessed, the process proceeds to S2107. In S2105, the acquired folder path is used as the monitoring folder path, and S2101 to S2107 are confirmed again.

In S2104, it is determined whether or not the folder accessed by using the monitoring folder path at that time is registered as the library of the document management application 610. If registered, the process proceeds to S2106. If not registered, the process proceeds to S2107. In S2106, the folder to be monitored is determined according to the flow of FIG. 19 by using the information of the setting information 1400 in the currently referenced folder.

In S2107, a message box or a notification window indicating that the access was not possible is displayed because the access was not possible.

According to this embodiment, even if the folder in which the data is stored is changed by the additional application, the document management application can monitor the folder to which the document data is transferred by the additional application.

(Example 2)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. If the document management application 610 is not registered as a library in the flowchart S2104 described in the first embodiment, the document management application 610 is inaccessible and is excluded from the monitoring target. When it is accessible to avoid this, a means for registering it as a library and making it a monitoring target will be described with reference to FIG. Since the other configurations are the same as those described in the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

In S2101, line 1403 of the setting information 1400 is confirmed. If there is a setting, the set folder path is acquired (S2102) and it is confirmed whether the folder path can be accessed (S2103). If it is accessible, the acquired folder path is set as the monitoring target (S2105), and S2101 to S2105 are repeated again until the description in line 1403 of the setting information 1400 disappears. If there is no description in line 1403 of the setting information 1400, it is confirmed in S2201 whether or not the monitored folder determined in S2101 to S2105 is registered as a library of the document management application 610. If it is registered as a library, the process proceeds to S2104. If it is not registered as a library, the process proceeds to S2202. In S2202, a folder that is not registered as a library is registered as a library so that the document management application 610 can refer to it.

According to this embodiment, the document management application 610 can refer to a folder that is not registered as a library, and the folder can be monitored.

(Example 3)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. When a folder that is an arbitrary date before the date and time acquired in S1907 is added as a monitoring target, the transfer destination is changed after monitoring the folder with a specific folder as the transfer destination for several days. Then, since the document management application 610 may not be started, there is a possibility that the change of the folder to be monitored may not be noticed. Even if you notice the change by referring to the setting information on a regular basis, if the interval is long, you may not be able to determine whether the image data was transferred to the previous transfer destination or the new transfer destination. In such a case, if you change the forwarding destination after setting it once, you can monitor the folder as a monitoring target for the previously set location and also monitor the new forwarding destination to prevent omission of monitoring. The means will be described with reference to FIG. Since the other configurations are the same as those described in the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

In S2301, the setting information 1400 is confirmed, and it is confirmed whether or not the changed path is described in the line 1403. If the setting has been changed in S2302, the process proceeds to S2303, and if the setting has not been changed, the process ends. In S2303, the current date and time of PC103 is acquired. In S2304, the folder that was monitored before the confirmation in S2301 is acquired. In S2305, it is confirmed whether or not the predetermined condition that the folder acquired in S2304 has a date earlier than the date and time acquired in S2303 is satisfied. In S2305, if there is an earlier date, the process proceeds to S2306. If not, exit. In S2306, the number of days with a difference is extracted. In S2307, the folder with the date acquired in S2306 in the folder before the change is monitored. In S2308, the folder with the date acquired in S2306 is monitored in the changed folder.

For example, the folder to be monitored is "file: /// superuser / root /" and monitoring is performed until January 03, 2013, and the date when the document management application 610 is executed next is January 06, 2013. Suppose. At this time, it is assumed that in S2301, referring to line 1403 of the setting information 1400, it is described as "file: /// xxx.yy.zzz/folder". In this case, it is determined in S2302 that the setting has been changed. In S2303, when the date of the PC is acquired, January 06, 2013 is acquired. In S2304, it is confirmed that the monitoring was performed until January 03, 2013. In S2304, assuming that there is a difference in the date, the difference is extracted. It is unknown whether January 04, 2013 and January 05, 2013 are in "file: /// shareduser / root /" or "file: /// xxx.yy.zzz/folder" before the change. It can be confirmed that it is in a good state. In S2307, the folder of "file: /// sharedsaver / root /" before the change is monitored. For that purpose, "file: /// sharedsaver / root / January 2013/January 04, 2013" and "file: /// sharedsaver / root / January 2013/January 05, 2013" are monitored. And. On the other hand, S2308 also monitors the changed "file: /// xxx.yy.zzz/folder" folder. For that purpose, "file: ///xxx.yy.yz/folder/January 2013/January 04, 2013" and "file: ///xxx.yy.zzz/folder/January 2013/2013" "January 05" will be monitored.

According to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent omission from the monitoring target by monitoring both blank dates while detecting a change.

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

Here, the present invention is a device or system that is a main body that executes one or more software (programs) that realize the functions of the above-described embodiments. In addition, a method for realizing the above-described embodiment executed by the device or system is also one of the present inventions. Further, the program is supplied to the system or device 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 device. That is, as one of the present inventions, the program itself or various storage media that can be read by the computer that stores the program are also included. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (for example, an ASIC) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment.

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

Claims (12)

An image processing device that can communicate with a server that manages document data.
A receiving means for receiving the document data and
It has a transmitting means for transmitting the document data received by the receiving means to the folder stored in the server and satisfying a predetermined condition.
When the instruction to change the destination by the transmission means is received from the first server to the second server,
An image processing apparatus characterized in that a file containing information about the second server is stored in the first server. If the above instructions are not accepted
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting means transmits the document data received by the receiving means to the first server. After the file is stored on the first server
The transmission means
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein document data is transmitted to the second server instead of the first server. If the file showing information about the destination change has already been stored on the first server,
The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the file is updated based on the received instruction. The file is
The image according to claim 4, wherein at least one of the setting information regarding the folder which is the storage destination of the document data in the first server and the setting information regarding the server which is the transmission destination of the document data is included. Processing equipment. An information processing device that can communicate with a server that manages document data.
It has a monitoring means for monitoring whether new document data is stored in a folder stored in the server and satisfying a predetermined condition.
When the first server monitored by the monitoring means has a file containing information about the second server.
The monitoring means
An information processing device that monitors the second server in place of the first server based on information about the second server. If the file does not exist on the first server
The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the monitoring means monitors the first server. The default condition is
The information processing apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the information processing apparatus is a naming convention for a folder containing date information. Information about the second server
A claim comprising the authentication information for logging in to the second server, the host name of the second server, and at least a part of the folder path of the folder to which the document data is sent. The information processing apparatus according to any one of 6 to 8. The file is
The information processing apparatus according to claim 6 to 9, further comprising at least one of information about the second server and setting information about a folder stored in the second server. A program that functions as an image processing device that can communicate with a server that manages document data.
A receiving means for receiving the document data and
It has a transmitting means for transmitting the document data received by the receiving means to the folder stored in the server and satisfying a predetermined condition.
When the instruction to change the destination by the transmission means is received from the first server to the second server,
A program for functioning as an image processing device, which stores a file in which information about the second server is described in the first server. A program that functions as an information processing device that can communicate with a server that manages document data.
It has a monitoring means for monitoring whether new document data is stored in a folder stored in the server and satisfying a predetermined condition.
When the first server monitored by the monitoring means has a file containing information about the second server.
The monitoring means
A program for functioning as an information processing device, which monitors the second server instead of the first server based on information about the second server.

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