JP2022040132A - Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a mechanism to reliably execute a document reading and transmission job, even when a plurality of users use an image processing apparatus in common, irrespective of the state of use of the image processing apparatus by another user.

SOLUTION: There is provided an image processing apparatus that reads a document with reading means to create image data. The image processing apparatus receives jobs including a document reading and transmission job for causing the reading means to read the document from an information processing apparatus communicable via a network, to create image data, and to transmit the image data to a designated destination; stores the received jobs, displays a list of the stored jobs in response to an instruction by a user, displays a confirmation screen related to details of transmission settings for the document reading and transmission job selected from a list of the jobs; and when execution of the selected document reading and transmission job is instructed through the confirmation screen, executes the document reading and transmission job.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

COPYRIGHT: (C)2022,JPO&INPIT

Description

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

Conventionally, a function of transmitting image data generated by a client computer to a fax machine via a LAN (Local Area Network) and faxing from the fax machine is known. In this case, the destination of the fax transmission could be specified by the user on the client computer side.
In addition, the client computer does not prepare image data, only the user-specified destination is notified to the fax machine, and the fax device reads the original and faxes the generated image data to the specified destination. (Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 7-288625

However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, a new manuscript is used when the scanner unit of the fax machine is in use or when the fax machine is executing a document reading / transmitting job instructed by another client computer. Do not accept read / send jobs. That is, the technique described in Patent Document 1 has a problem that it is not easy to use because it is determined whether or not a new document reading / transmitting job can be executed depending on the usage status of the fax machine by another user.
Further, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, when the document reading and transmitting jobs are received from different client computers almost at the same time, the image data generated by scanning the document to the destination specified by the previously received job is obtained. Send. Therefore, the image data may be transmitted to a destination not intended by the user, that is, a destination specified by the document reading / transmitting job instructed by another client computer, which poses a security problem.
The present invention provides a mechanism for reliably executing a document reading / transmitting job regardless of the usage status of the image processing device by other users even when a plurality of users share the image processing device. The purpose.

Therefore, the image processing device of the present invention is an image processing device that reads a document by a reading means and generates image data, and causes the reading means to read the document from an information processing device that can communicate via a network. Receiving means for receiving a job including a document reading and transmitting job for generating image data and transmitting the image data to a designated destination, storage means for storing the job received by the receiving means, and instructions by the user. Correspondingly, it relates to the transmission setting contents of the job list display means for displaying the job list saved by the storage means and the document reading transmission job selected from the job list displayed by the job list display means. When the execution of the selected document reading and transmitting job is instructed via the confirmation screen displaying means for displaying the confirmation screen and the confirmation screen displayed by the confirmation screen displaying means, the document reading and transmitting job is executed. It has means of execution.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY According to the present invention, even when a plurality of users share an image processing device, a mechanism for reliably executing a document reading / transmitting job regardless of the usage status of the image processing device by another user is provided. be able to.

It is a figure which shows an example of the system configuration of an image processing system. It is a figure which shows an example of the hardware composition of the MFP. It is a figure which shows an example of the software structure of the MFP. It is a figure which shows an example of the hardware composition of a tablet type terminal. It is a figure (the 1) which shows an example of the operation screen of a tablet type terminal. It is a sequence diagram (the 1) which shows an example of the processing of an image processing system. It is a figure (the 2) which shows an example of the operation screen of a tablet type terminal. It is a figure (the 3) which shows an example of the operation screen of a tablet type terminal. It is a sequence diagram (No. 2) which shows an example of the processing of an image processing system. It is a sequence diagram (No. 3) which shows an example of the processing of an image processing system. It is a flowchart (the 1) which shows an example of the processing of the MFP. It is a flowchart (2) which shows an example of the processing of the MFP. It is a figure (the 1) which shows an example of the display screen of the MFP. It is a figure (4) which shows an example of the operation screen of a tablet type terminal. It is a sequence diagram (No. 4) which shows an example of the processing of an image processing system. It is a sequence diagram (No. 5) which shows an example of the processing of an image processing system. It is a flowchart (3) which shows an example of the processing of the MFP. It is a flowchart (the 4) which shows an example of the processing of the MFP. It is a figure (the 2) which shows an example of the display screen of the MFP.

Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential for the means for solving the invention.
<Embodiment 1>
The first embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration of an image processing system according to the present embodiment. The tablet-type terminal 101, which is an example of the information processing device, communicates with the MFP 103 via the wireless network router (wireless access point) 102. The MFP 103 is an example of an image processing device. The tablet terminal 101 and the wireless network router 102 are connected by a wireless LAN (Local Area Network). The MFP 103 and the wireless network router 102 are connected by a wired LAN. The MFP 103 is also connected to the public switched telephone network (PSTN). The communication path between the tablet terminal 101 and the MFP 103 is not limited to that described above. For example, the tablet terminal 101 and the wireless network router 102 may be connected by a wired LAN. Further, the MFP 103 and the wireless network router 102 may be connected by a wireless LAN. Further, the tablet terminal 101 and the MFP 103 may be connected to the same network. That is, any configuration may be used as long as the tablet terminal 101 and the MFP 103 can communicate with each other via the network.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the MFP 103. The control unit 210 including the CPU 211 controls the operation of the entire MFP 103. The CPU 211 reads out the control program stored in the ROM 212 and performs various controls such as reading / printing / communication. More specifically, the CPU 211 realizes the software configuration of the MFP 103 described later, the processing of the MFP 103 in the sequence diagram, and each processing shown in the flowchart by reading and executing the program stored in the ROM 212 or the like.
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 103, one CPU 211 uses one memory (RAM 213 or HDD 214) to execute each process shown in the flowchart described later, but other embodiments may be used. For example, a plurality of CPUs, a plurality of RAMs, or HDDs may be linked to execute each process shown in the flowchart.
HDD 214 stores image data and various programs. The HDD 214 is also used as a storage area for various setting data of the MFP 103. 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 serves as a reception unit for receiving operations, inputs, and instructions by the user.

The printer I / F 216 connects the printer 221 and the control unit 210. The image 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 / F217 connects the scanner 222 and the control unit 210. The scanner 222 reads a document, generates image data, and inputs the image data to the control unit 210 via the scanner I / F 217.
The modem I / F 218 connects the modem 223 and the control unit 210. The modem 223 is connected to the PSTN and performs fax communication of image data with an external fax machine (not shown). The network I / F 219 connects the control unit 210 (MFP103) to the wired LAN. The MFP 103 can communicate with an external device using the network I / F219 to transmit and receive image data and various information.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the software configuration of the MFP 103. Each part shown by a solid line in FIG. 3 is a software module realized by the CPU 211 reading and executing a program stored in the ROM 212 or the HDD 214. The UI (User Interface) unit 301 provides various information to the user via the operation unit 220 and receives various instructions from the user. The Job Controller unit 302 accepts jobs such as copy, print, and fax, and controls the execution of the accepted jobs. The Protocol Stack unit 304 holds various network protocols such as TCP / IP and HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol).
In the present embodiment, the image data transmitted from the tablet terminal 101 is received via the network I / F 219 according to the network protocol held in the Protocol Stack unit 304. The received image data is stored by the Image File unit 303. The Image File unit 303 is a software module that manages image data stored in the RAM 213 and the HDD 214.

The Image File unit 303 stores not only the image data received via the network I / F 219 but also the image data generated by the scanner 222. The generation of image data by the scanner 222 is controlled by the Scan unit 306. The fax unit 305 controls fax communication via the modem 223. When transmitting a fax from the MFP 103, the Fax unit 305 reads out the image data stored in the Image File unit 303 and transmits the image data.
The OS (Operating System) unit 308 coordinates each module and task, and manages the entire software of the MFP 103. The device driver unit 307 is combined with the OS unit 308. The Device Driver unit 307 controls a hardware device such as a scanner 222 and a modem 223.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the tablet-type terminal 101. The control unit 410 including the CPU 411 controls the operation of the entire tablet terminal 101. The CPU 411 reads out the control program stored in the memory 412 and performs various controls. More specifically, the CPU 411 realizes the function of the tablet-type terminal 101 and the processing of the tablet-type terminal 101 in the sequence diagram described later by reading and executing the program stored in the memory 412 or the like. The memory 412 is also used as a temporary storage area for the main memory of the CPU 411, a work area, and the like. In the tablet terminal 101, one CPU 411 executes each process using one memory 412, but other modes may be used. For example, a plurality of CPUs and a plurality of memories may be made to cooperate to execute each process.
The operation unit I / F 413 connects the operation unit 420 and the control unit 410. The operation unit 420 is provided with a liquid crystal display unit having a touch panel function, and serves as a reception unit for receiving operations, inputs, instructions, and the like by the user. The network I / F414 connects the control unit 410 (tablet type terminal 101) to the wireless LAN. The tablet terminal 101 can transmit image data and information to an external device and receive various information by using the network I / F414.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen of a fax transmission application displayed on the tablet terminal 101. The fax transmission application is an application that can be downloaded from a server on the Internet and additionally installed on the tablet terminal 101, and is software that is operated on the OS unit of the tablet terminal 101. By using the fax transmission application, the setting for causing the MFP 103 to perform fax transmission can be made on the tablet terminal 101 side. The operation of the tablet terminal 101, which will be described later, is executed based on an instruction from the fax transmission application.
When the fax transmission application is started on the tablet terminal 101, the operation screen shown in FIG. 5 is displayed. The setting field 501 is a field for selecting and setting an MFP for executing fax transmission. When the setting field 501 is touched, the tablet terminal 101 searches for the nearby MFPs, and the found MFPs are displayed in a list. The user can select the MFP to execute the fax transmission from the displayed MFP.
The setting field 502 is a field for setting a telephone number (fax number) to be a destination for fax transmission. The user may input the telephone number using the soft keyboard displayed on the tablet terminal 101, or may select the telephone number by referring to the address book stored in the tablet terminal 101.
The setting field 503 is a field for performing detailed settings of the scanning process (reading process) executed by using the scanner 222 of the MFP 103. When the setting field 503 is touched, a screen for specifying reading parameters such as resolution, image quality, and original size is displayed, and scan settings are accepted from the user via this screen. The detailed settings of the scan process set by the setting field 503 can be changed by the user by the operation unit 220 of the MFP 103 before the start of the scan process.
The fax transmission key 504 is a key for instructing the MFP 103 to execute a fax transmission. When the fax transmission key 504 is pressed after the setting fields 501 to 503 have been set, communication between the tablet terminal 101 and the MFP 103 is started.

FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing in the tablet terminal 101 and the MFP 103. In S601, the tablet-type terminal 101 receives a setting from the user via the operation screen of the tablet-type terminal 101 of FIG. In S602, the tablet terminal 101 sends a command for job generation to the MFP 103. Here, it is assumed that the user name of the user who operates the tablet terminal 101 is added to the job generation command as attribute information. Upon receiving this command, the MFP 103 responds OK to the tablet terminal 101 in S603.
In S604, the tablet terminal 101 transmits a scan command instructing the MFP 103 to execute the scan. Upon receiving this command, the MFP 103 responds OK to the tablet terminal 101 in S605 regardless of the usage status of the scanner 222. In S606, the tablet terminal 101 transmits a command for completing the job to the MFP 103. Upon receiving this command, the MFP 103 responds OK to the tablet terminal in S607, and saves the received job as a fax transmission job waiting for document scanning in S608. A fax transmission job including a scan command is called a document reading / transmitting job.

Next, the MFP 103 waits until there is a user operation, and when the user operation (instruction to display a list of fax transmission jobs waiting for document scanning) is received in S609, the process proceeds to S610. In S610, the MFP 103 displays a list (job list) of fax transmission jobs waiting for document scanning on the display unit of the operation unit 220 (job list display processing). As described above, the MFP 103 in the present embodiment accepts a fax transmission job including a scan command regardless of the usage status of the scanner 222. Therefore, on the screen displayed by the MFP 103 in S610, all the unprocessed document scan waiting fax transmission jobs received by the time the user's operation is accepted in S609 are displayed.
Here, on the screen displayed in S610, it is also possible to narrow down the job list to be displayed by using the user name as a key. When the MFP 103 receives a job list narrowing instruction from the user in S611, the MFP 103 displays a list of fax transmission jobs waiting for document scan reflecting the narrowing result in S612.

Next, in S613, the MFP 103 accepts a job selection operation and a read setting instruction by the user, and when there is an operation instruction by the user, displays a confirmation screen of transmission setting contents related to the selected job in S614. The process in S614 is an example of the confirmation screen display process. It is assumed that at least the destination telephone number is displayed on the confirmation screen displayed here. When the MFP 103 receives an operation instruction from the user in S615 that the display content of the confirmation screen is correct, the MFP 103 displays the scan setting screen related to the fax transmission job waiting for the original scan on the display unit of the operation unit 220 in S616, and the user. Accepts operation instructions. The process in S616 is an example of the setting screen display process.
When the user gives an instruction to execute scanning in S617, the MFP 103 performs scanning processing of the document using the scanner 222 in S618. The scan process follows the content set in the setting field 503 of FIG. 5, but if the setting content is changed on the scan setting screen displayed in S616, the changed setting is followed. In S619, the MFP 103 faxes the image data obtained by the scanning process executed in S618. The destination of this fax transmission is the telephone number set in the setting field 502 of FIG. The processing in S618 and S619 is an example of execution processing in which a job is processed according to an instruction received via the confirmation screen and the scan setting screen.
As described above, the processing of scanning the original with the MFP 103 and faxing the obtained image data is performed according to the contents set in the tablet terminal 101. Hereinafter, this process is referred to as a first transmission process. In the first transmission process, only the image data obtained by scanning by the MFP 103 is faxed. On the other hand, a second transmission process of faxing the image data prepared on the tablet terminal 101 side from the MFP 103 will be described below.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen of a data management application displayed on the tablet terminal 101. The tablet-type terminal 101 stores image data downloaded from the network and image data taken by using the camera function provided in the tablet-type terminal 101. These image data can be sequentially switched and displayed using a data management application installed on the tablet terminal 101, and the operation screen of FIG. 7 shows one of the stored image data. Is shown.
On the operation screen of FIG. 7, when the user presses the operation key 701, a screen for selecting a function to be executed for the currently displayed image data is displayed. In addition to the mail sending application, the printing application, and the like, the above-mentioned fax sending application is displayed as a selection candidate on this screen. When the user selects the fax transmission application, the operation screen shown in FIG. 8 is displayed.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen of a fax transmission application displayed on the tablet terminal 101. The setting fields 801, 802, and 804 are the same as the setting fields 501, 502, and 503 described with reference to FIG. 5, respectively. The fax transmission key 805 is the same as the fax transmission key 504 described with reference to FIG. Comparing the operation screen of FIG. 8 with the operation screen of FIG. 5, it can be seen that the setting field 803 is added. In the setting field 803, only the image data selected on the operation screen of FIG. 7 is faxed from the MFP 103, or both the image data selected on the operation screen of FIG. 7 and the image data obtained by the scanning process by the MFP 103 are sent from the MFP 103. Set whether to send a fax. Hereinafter, the former process is referred to as a second transmission process. Further, the latter process is referred to as a third transmission process. In the setting field 803, "on" or "off" can be selected. When "off" is set, the second transmission process is executed. When "on" is set, the third process is executed. That is, the user sets whether or not to perform the merge process via the operation screen of FIG. Then, the MFP 103 receives an instruction as to whether or not to execute the merge process from the tablet terminal 101 (acceptance process). The details of the merge process will be described later.

FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing when "off" is set in the setting field 803, that is, when the second transmission processing is executed. In S901, the tablet-type terminal 101 accepts an image selection from the user via the operation screen of FIG. 7. In the following S902, the tablet terminal 101 receives the setting from the user via the operation screen of FIG. Since the scan process by the MFP 103 is not executed in the second transmission process, the setting field 804 may be grayed out. In S903, the tablet terminal 101 sends a command for job generation to the MFP 103. Upon receiving this command, the MFP 103 responds OK to the tablet terminal 101 in S904.
In S905, the tablet terminal 101 transmits an image command to the MFP 103. The image command includes image data to be faxed from the MFP 103. This image data was displayed on the operation screen of FIG. 7. Upon receiving the image command, the MFP 103 responds OK to the tablet terminal 101 in S906. In S907, the tablet terminal 101 sends a command for ending the job to the MFP 103. Upon receiving this command, the MFP 103 responds OK to the tablet terminal 101 in S908. In S909, the MFP 103 faxes the image data received from the tablet terminal 101. The destination of this fax transmission is the telephone number set in the setting field 802. In the second transmission process, the scan process on the MFP 103 side is not executed. Therefore, unlike the first transmission process, it is not necessary to wait for the operation of the MFP 103 by the user.
As described above, the process of faxing the image data transmitted from the tablet terminal 101 to the MFP 103 from the MFP 103 (second transmission process) is performed according to the contents set in the tablet terminal 101. Next, the third transmission process will be described.

FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing when the fax transmission key 805 of FIG. 8 is pressed while “on” is set in the setting field 803, that is, when the third transmission processing is executed. Is. In S1001, the tablet-type terminal 101 accepts an image selection from the user via the operation screen of FIG. 7. In the following S1002, the tablet terminal 101 receives the setting from the user via the operation screen of FIG. In S1003, the tablet terminal 101 sends a command for job generation to the MFP 103. Upon receiving this command, the MFP 103 responds OK to the tablet terminal 101 in S1004.
In S1005, the tablet terminal 101 transmits an image command to the MFP 103. The image command includes image data to be faxed from the MFP 103. This image data was displayed on the operation screen of FIG. 7. Upon receiving the image data, the MFP 103 responds OK to the tablet terminal 101 in S1006. In S1007, the tablet terminal 101 transmits a scan command instructing the MFP 103 to execute the scan. Upon receiving this command, the MFP 103 responds OK to the tablet terminal 101 in S1008 regardless of the usage state of the scanner 222. In S1009, the tablet terminal 101 transmits a command for completing the job to the MFP 103. Upon receiving this command, the MFP 103 responds OK to the tablet terminal 101 in S1010, and saves the received job in S1011 as a fax transmission job waiting for document scanning.

Next, the MFP 103 waits until there is a user operation. In S1012 to S1017, the MFP 103 receives the job selection and reading setting instructions by the user's operation, and displays the confirmation screen of the transmission setting contents related to the selected job, but is the same as the operation described in S609 to S614 of FIG. Therefore, the description is omitted.
In the third transmission process, in addition to the transmission setting contents such as the destination telephone number on the confirmation screen of the transmission setting contents displayed in S1017, the image data received by the tablet terminal 101 in the above-mentioned S1005 is previewed by the image command. It is possible. When the MFP 103 receives a preview instruction by the user in S1018, the MFP 103 displays a preview of the image data on the display unit of the operation unit 220 in S1019.
Next, when the MFP 103 receives an operation instruction from the user in S1020 that the transmission setting content is correct, the MFP 103 displays the scan setting screen related to the job on the display unit of the operation unit 220 in S1021 and issues the user's operation instruction. accept. When the user gives an instruction to execute scanning in S1022, the MFP 103 performs scanning processing of the document using the scanner 222 in S1023. The scan process follows the content set in the setting field 803 of FIG. 8, but if the setting content is changed on the scan setting screen displayed in S1021, the changed setting is followed.

In S1024, the MFP 103 executes a process of merging the image data received by the image command in S1005 and the image data obtained by the scan process executed in S1023. Here, merging means that a plurality of image data are regarded as one image data (also referred to as a document or a document file) composed of a plurality of pages. In S1025, the MFP 103 faxes the image data merged in S1024. The destination of this fax transmission is the telephone number set in the setting field 802 of FIG.
As described above, according to the contents set in the tablet terminal 101, the image data transmitted from the tablet terminal 101 to the MFP 103 and the image data obtained by the scanning process by the MFP 103 are merged and faxed from the MFP 103. Is done. The third transmission process is used, for example, when it is desired to fax the cover page generated by the tablet terminal 101 and the image data obtained by scanning the text manuscript with the MFP 103 in one communication. That is, the third transmission process can significantly reduce the time and effort required to collectively transmit the image data generated by the tablet terminal 101 and the image data generated by the MFP 103.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the job reception operation of the MFP 103 in the present embodiment. Each operation (processing of each step) shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11 is realized by the CPU 211 of the control unit 210 executing the control program stored in the ROM 212.
In S1101, the Job Controller unit 302 receives the fax transmission job from the tablet terminal 101 in the sequence described in S602 to S607 of FIG. 6, S903 to S908 of FIG. 9, and S1003 to S1010 of FIG. In S1102, the Job Controller unit 302 determines the content of the instruction from the tablet type terminal 101. More specifically, the Job Controller unit 302 faxes only the image data transmitted from the tablet terminal 101 when the image command is received and the scan command is not received (second). It is determined that the transmission process) has been instructed, and the process proceeds to S1103. In S1103, the fax unit 305 faxes the image data transmitted from the tablet terminal 101 and ends the process.
On the other hand, when the Job Controller unit 302 has received the scan command, it is instructed to fax the image data obtained by the scan process by the MFP 103 (first transmission process or third transmission process). The determination is made, and the process proceeds to S1104. In S1104, the Job Controller unit 302 saves the fax transmission job as a fax transmission job waiting for document scanning and ends the process.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of an execution flow related to a fax transmission job waiting for document scanning stored in the MFP 103 in S1104 of FIG. Each operation (processing of each step) shown in the flowchart of FIG. 12 is realized by the CPU 211 of the control unit 210 executing the control program stored in the ROM 212 as in the flowchart of FIG.
In S1201, the Job Controller unit 302 waits until the user gives an instruction to display a list of fax transmission jobs waiting for document scanning. Upon receiving the instruction to display the list of the fax transmission jobs waiting for document scanning from the user, the Job Controller unit 302 proceeds to S1202 and determines whether or not there is a fax transmission job waiting for document scanning. Here, if there is a fax transmission job waiting for document scanning, the process proceeds to S1203. On the other hand, if this is not the case, the UI unit 301 displays in S1214 that there is no fax transmission job waiting for document scanning on the display unit of the operation unit 220, and ends the process.
In S1203, the UI unit 301 displays a list screen of fax transmission jobs waiting for document scanning on the display unit of the operation unit 220. FIG. 13A shows an example of a list display screen of a fax transmission job waiting for document scanning. On the screen of FIG. 13A, it is also possible to narrow down the job list to be displayed by using the user name as a key. The user name is selected on the user selection screen (not shown) displayed by pressing the button 1301. FIG. 13B shows an example of a display screen reflecting the narrowing-down result. The user selects an arbitrary job on the display screen of FIG. 13A or FIG. 13B, and presses the reading setting button (button 1302) to start the document scanning process related to the selected job. Instruct the MFP 103.

In S1204, the Job Controller unit 302 waits until the user gives an instruction to start the document scanning process. When the user gives an instruction to start the document scanning process, the UI unit 301 displays a confirmation screen of the transmission setting contents related to the job in S1205. FIG. 13 (c) shows an example of a confirmation screen of transmission setting contents. On the screen of FIG. 13 (c), the transmission setting contents including at least the destination telephone number are displayed. Further, when the job is the third transmission process, the image data received from the tablet-type terminal 101 can be preview-displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 220 by pressing the button 1303. As a result, the image data received from the tablet terminal 101 can be confirmed before the job is executed, so that the convenience of the user can be improved. FIG. 13D shows an example of the preview display screen. The user instructs the MFP 103 to confirm the transmission setting (instruction as to whether or not the transmission setting content is correct) on the display screen of FIG. 13 (c). When instructing that there is no mistake in the transmission setting contents, the user presses the button 1304, and if not, presses the button 1305.
In S1206, the UI unit 301 waits until there is a transmission setting confirmation instruction from the user. When there is a transmission setting confirmation instruction from the user, the UI unit 301 determines the instruction content in S1207, and if there is an instruction that there is no mistake in the transmission setting, proceeds to S1208. On the other hand, if this is not the case, the UI unit 301 returns to S1203 and displays the list screen of the job waiting for document scan again.

In S1208, the UI unit 301 displays the scan setting screen on the display unit of the operation unit 220. FIG. 13 (e) shows an example of the scan setting screen. The user can make detailed settings for the scan process executed by the MFP 103 on the display screen of FIG. 13 (e). Further, the user can instruct the execution of the scan process by pressing the start key (not shown) on the operation unit 220 while the screen of FIG. 13 (e) is displayed. In S1209, the UI unit 301 waits until there is an instruction to execute the scan process from the user. When the user gives an instruction to execute the scanning process, the Scan unit 306 operates the scanner 222 in S1210 to read the document and generate image data. FIG. 13 (f) shows an example of a display screen during execution of the scan process.
In S1211, the Job Controller unit 302 determines whether or not an image command has been received for the job, that is, whether or not it is a third transmission process. If the image command has been received, the process proceeds to S1212, and if not, the process proceeds to S1213. In S1212, the Job Controller unit 302 executes a merge process of the received image data and the image data obtained by the scan process. In S1213, the fax unit 305 executes the fax transmission.

As described above, the MFP 103 in the present embodiment uses the scanner 222 when it is instructed to fax the image data obtained by scanning by the MFP 103 (first transmission process and third transmission process). Regardless of the situation, the instruction is accepted and saved as a fax transmission job waiting for document scanning, and the scanning process is waited until the user operates. Then, triggered by the user's operation, the MFP 103 displays a list screen of unprocessed document scanning waiting fax transmission jobs, and accepts a job selection instruction by the user from the list. When the user gives a job selection instruction, the MFP 103 displays a confirmation screen of the transmission setting contents related to the job and accepts the transmission setting confirmation instruction. Then, when the user gives a confirmation instruction that the transmission setting content is correct, the MFP 103 executes the scan process and the fax transmission related to the job.
As a result, even when a plurality of users share the image processing device, the document reading and transmitting job can be reliably executed regardless of the usage status of the image processing system by other users, and the plurality of images are almost simultaneously executed. It is possible to prevent erroneous transmission of originals due to job submission.

<Embodiment 2>
Next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment described above, when the first transmission process and the third transmission process are performed, a list screen of a fax transmission job waiting for document scanning is displayed on the display unit of the operation unit 220 of the MFP 103. Then, an embodiment of determining a job to be processed from among the saved fax transmission jobs waiting for document scanning has been described with a job selection instruction and a transmission setting confirmation instruction by the user. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that an identification code (hereinafter referred to as a tag code) for uniquely identifying a job is used to determine a job to be processed and executed. The tag code referred to here is an example of identification information that makes a job uniquely identifiable. Hereinafter, the first transmission process will be described as an example.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen of a fax transmission application displayed on the tablet terminal 101. The setting fields 1401, 1402, and 1404 are the same as the setting fields 501, 502, and 503 described with reference to FIG. 5 of the first embodiment, respectively. The fax transmission key 1405 is the same as the fax transmission key 504 described with reference to FIG. Comparing the operation screen of FIG. 14 with the operation screen of FIG. 5, it can be seen that the setting field 1403 is added. In the setting field 1403, a tag code for specifying a job is set. When the fax transmission key 1405 is pressed after the setting fields 1401 to 1404 have been set, communication between the tablet terminal 101 and the MFP 103 is started.

FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing in the tablet terminal 101 and the MFP 103 in the present embodiment. In S1501, the tablet-type terminal 101 accepts settings from the user via the operation screen of FIG. In the example here, it is assumed that "0001" is set as the tag code in the setting field 1403. In S1502, the tablet terminal 101 sends a command for job generation to the MFP 103. Here, it is assumed that the tag code "0001" set in the setting field 1403 is added to the job generation command as attribute information. Upon receiving this command, the MFP 103 confirms whether or not the fax transmission job waiting for document scan in which the tag code overlapping with the tag code added to the command is set in S1503 is saved. The MFP 103 responds OK to the tablet terminal 101 if there is no job in which the duplicate tag code is set, and NG if there is a job in which the duplicate tag code is set. In the example here, it is assumed that there is no job in which a duplicate tag code is set.
In S1504, the MFP 103 responds OK to the tablet terminal 101. In S1505, the tablet terminal 101 transmits a scan command instructing the MFP 103 to execute the scan. Upon receiving this command, the MFP 103 responds OK to the tablet terminal 101 in S1506 regardless of the usage status of the scanner 222. In S1507, the tablet terminal 101 transmits a command for completing the job to the MFP 103. Upon receiving this command, the MFP 103 responds OK to the tablet terminal 101 in S1508, and saves the received job as a fax transmission job waiting for document scanning in S1509. More specifically, the MFP 103 uses a tag code to store the received job in an identifiable manner.

Next, the MFP 103 waits until there is a user operation, and when the user operation (tag code input screen display instruction) is received in S1510, the process proceeds to S1511. In S1511, the MFP 103 displays the tag code input screen on the display unit of the operation unit 220. In S1512, the MFP 103 accepts the input of the tag code by the user. When the user inputs a tag code, the MFP 103 displays a scan setting screen related to a fax transmission job waiting for document scan in which the input tag code and the tag code match in S1513, and accepts a user's operation instruction.
When the user gives an instruction to execute scanning in S1514, the MFP 103 scans the document using the scanner 222 in S1515. The scan process follows the content set in the setting field 1404 of FIG. 14, but if the setting content is changed on the scan setting screen displayed in S1513, the changed setting is followed. In S1516, the MFP 103 faxes the image data obtained by the scanning process executed in S1515. The destination of this fax transmission is the telephone number set in the setting field 1402 of FIG.

FIG. 15 describes an example in which when the MFP 103 receives a job generation command from the tablet terminal 101, there is no manuscript scan waiting fax transmission job in which the tag code added to the job generation command and the tag code overlap. bottom. FIG. 16 describes an example in which there is a fax transmission job waiting for document scanning with duplicate tag codes.
FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram showing an example of processing in the tablet terminal and the MFP 103 when there is a fax transmission job waiting for document scanning with duplicate tag codes. In S1601, the tablet-type terminal 101 accepts settings from the user via the operation screen of FIG. In the example here, it is assumed that "0001" is set as the tag code in the setting field 1403. In S1602, the tablet terminal 101 sends a command for job generation to the MFP 103. Here, it is assumed that the tag code "0001" set in the setting field 1403 is added to the job generation command as attribute information. Upon receiving this command, the MFP 103 confirms whether or not the fax transmission job waiting for document scan in which the tag code overlapping with the tag code added to the command is set in S1603 is saved. Here, in order to explain the case where a job in which the duplicate tag code “0001” is set exists as an example, the MFP 103 responds to the tablet terminal 101 with an NG (tag code duplication error) in S1604. As a result, it is possible to prevent the tag code from being duplicated. The process in S1604 is an example of a notification process for notifying a tag code duplication error.

In S1605, the tablet-type terminal 101 displays a message to the effect that a tag code duplication error occurs on the display unit of the operation unit 420, and prompts the user to change the tag code. In S1605, the tablet terminal 101 displays the operation screen of FIG. 14 again and accepts the tag code change operation from the user. In the example here, it is assumed that "0002" is set as the changed tag code in the setting field 1403. In S1606, the tablet terminal 101 sends a command for job generation to the MFP 103. Here, it is assumed that the changed tag code "0002" is added as attribute information to the job generation command. Upon receiving this command, the MFP 103 confirms whether or not a fax transmission job waiting for document scanning, in which a tag code overlapping with the tag code "0002" added to the command in S1607 is set, is saved. Here, it is assumed that there is no job in which a tag code that overlaps with the changed tag code “0002” is set.
In S1608, the MFP 103 responds OK to the tablet terminal 101. In S1609, the tablet terminal 101 transmits a scan command instructing the MFP 103 to execute the scan. Upon receiving this command, the MFP 103 responds OK to the tablet terminal 101 in S1610 regardless of the usage status of the scanner 222. In S1611, the tablet terminal 101 transmits a command for completing the job to the MFP 103. Upon receiving this command, the MFP 103 responds OK to the tablet terminal in S1612, and saves the received job as a fax transmission job waiting for document scanning in S1613.
The sequence of S1614 to S1620 is the same as the sequence of S1510 to S1516 of FIG. 15 except that the changed tag code “0002” is input in S1616, and thus the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the job reception operation of the MFP 103 in the second embodiment. Each operation (processing of each step) shown in the flowchart of FIG. 12 is realized by the CPU 211 of the control unit 210 executing the control program stored in the ROM 212.
In S1701, the Job Controller unit 302 receives a job generation command from the tablet terminal 101. In S1702, the Job Controller unit 302 determines whether or not there is a fax transmission job waiting for document scanning in which the tag code added to the job generation command and the tag code overlap. Here, if there is a job in which a duplicate tag code is set, the process proceeds to S1703, and the Job Controller unit 302 responds to the tablet terminal 101 with a tag code duplication error and ends the process. On the other hand, if there is no job in which the duplicate tag code is set, the process proceeds to S1704. In S1704, the Job Controller unit 302 receives a subsequent command transmitted from the tablet terminal 101. Here, when the Job Controller unit 302 receives the subsequent command, it proceeds to S1705 and determines whether or not the job end command has been received. The Job Controller unit 302 proceeds to S1706 if the job end command has been received, returns to S1704 if not, and accepts the subsequent command again.
In S1706, the Job Controller unit 302 determines the content of the instruction from the tablet type terminal 101. More specifically, the Job Controller unit 302 is instructed to fax only the image data transmitted from the tablet terminal 101 when the image command is received and the scan command is not received. It is determined that the image has been obtained, and the process proceeds to S1707. In S1707, the fax unit 305 executes fax transmission of the image data received by the image command and ends the process. On the other hand, if a scan command has been received, the process proceeds to S1708, and the Job Controller unit 302 saves the job as a fax transmission job waiting for document scanning.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of an execution flow related to a fax transmission job waiting for document scanning stored in the MFP 103 in S1708 of FIG. Each operation (processing of each step) shown in the flowchart of FIG. 18 is realized by the CPU 211 of the control unit 210 executing the control program stored in the ROM 212 as in the flowchart of FIG.
In S1801, the Job Controller unit 302 waits until the user gives an instruction to display the tag code input screen. When the user gives an instruction to display the tag code input screen, the Job Controller unit 302 proceeds to S1802 and determines whether or not there is a fax transmission job waiting for document scanning. Here, the Job Controller unit 302 proceeds to S1803 if there is a fax transmission job waiting for document scanning. On the other hand, if this is not the case, the UI unit 301 displays in S1813 that there is no fax transmission job waiting for document scanning on the display unit of the operation unit 220, and ends the process. In S1803, the UI unit 301 displays the tag code input screen on the display unit of the operation unit 220. FIG. 19A shows an example of the tag code input screen.

In S1804, the Job Controller unit 302 waits until there is a tag code input from the user. When the Job Controller unit 302 receives a tag code input from the user, it proceeds to S1805 and searches for a fax transmission job waiting for document scanning in which a tag code matching the input tag code is set. Then, the Job Controller unit 302 determines the search result in S1806. Here, if there is a job with a matching tag code, the process proceeds to S1807, and if not, the process proceeds to S1814.
In S1814, the UI unit 301 displays an error message indicating that there is no job whose tag code matches the input tag code on the display unit of the operation unit 220, and ends the process. In S1807, the UI unit 301 displays a message to the effect that a job whose tag code matches the tag code input to the display unit of the operation unit 220 has been found, and then displays a scan setting screen related to the job. 19 (b) and 19 (c) show an example of a display screen in each case when there is no job with a matching tag code and when there is a job with a matching tag code. Hereinafter, since the processing of S1807 to S1812 is the same as that of S1208 to S1213 of FIG. 12, the description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, in the second embodiment, when the tablet terminal 101 instructs the fax transmission (first transmission processing and third transmission processing) of the image data obtained by scanning by the MFP 103, the tablet is used by the user. The tag code input in the type terminal 101 is added and the job is input to the MFP 103. Then, the MFP 103 accepts the submitted job, saves it as a fax transmission job waiting for document scan, and scans until there is an operation by the user, only when there is no fax transmission job waiting for document scan with a duplicate tag code. stand by. Then, triggered by the user's operation, the MFP 103 displays the tag code input screen and accepts the user's input of the tag code. When the user inputs the tag code, the MFP 103 searches for a job whose tag code matches the input tag code, and executes scanning processing and fax transmission for the job found as a result of the search. With these configurations, it is possible to specify the job to be executed without performing an operation such as selecting a desired job from the list of fax transmission jobs waiting for document scanning and executing the scanning process, which improves user convenience. Can be done.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention supplies a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiment to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and one or more processors in the computer of the system or device reads and executes the program. It can also be realized by the processing to be performed. It can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

As described above, according to each of the above-described embodiments, even when a plurality of users share the image processing device, the document reading / transmitting job is reliably executed regardless of the usage status of the image processing device by other users. It is possible to provide a mechanism to do so.

Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above, the present embodiment is not limited to the specific embodiment, and various modifications are made within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims.・ Can be changed.

101 tablet terminal, 102 wireless network router, 103 MFP, 210 control unit, 211 CPU, 212 ROM, 213 RAM, 214 HDD

In the present invention, an operation unit, a storage means, a reading means that reads a document and generates image data by executing a job, and instructions and code information for the storage means to store the job are communicated. It has a receiving means for receiving from a terminal and an executing means for executing the job, and the executing means executes the job corresponding to the code information until the operation unit receives the code information from the user. However, it is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing apparatus characterized in that the operation unit receives the code information from the user, so that the job corresponding to the code information can be executed.

Therefore, the image processing apparatus of the present invention has an operation unit, a storage means, a reading means for reading a document and generating image data by executing a job, and the storage means for storing the job. It has a receiving means for receiving instructions and code information from a communication terminal, and an executing means for executing the job, and the executing means corresponds to the code information until the operation unit receives the code information from the user. The operation unit receives the code information from the user without executing the job, so that the job corresponding to the code information can be executed.

According to the present invention, an operation unit, a storage means, a reading means for reading a document and generating image data by executing a job, and instructions and code information for the storage means to store the job. The execution means has a receiving means for receiving the above from the communication terminal and an execution means for executing the job, and the execution means performs the job corresponding to the code information until the operation unit receives the code information from the user. It is possible to provide an image processing apparatus characterized in that the operation unit receives the code information from the user without executing the image processing, so that the job corresponding to the code information can be executed .

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the job reception operation of the MFP 103 in the second embodiment. Each operation (processing of each step) shown in the flowchart of FIG. 17 is realized by the CPU 211 of the control unit 210 executing the control program stored in the ROM 212.
In S1701, the Job Controller unit 302 receives a job generation command from the tablet terminal 101. In S1702, the Job Controller unit 302 determines whether or not there is a fax transmission job waiting for document scanning in which the tag code added to the job generation command and the tag code overlap. Here, if there is a job in which a duplicate tag code is set, the process proceeds to S1703, and the Job Controller unit 302 responds to the tablet terminal 101 with a tag code duplication error and ends the process. On the other hand, if there is no job in which the duplicate tag code is set, the process proceeds to S1704. In S1704, the Job Controller unit 302 receives a subsequent command transmitted from the tablet terminal 101. Here, when the Job Controller unit 302 receives the subsequent command, it proceeds to S1705 and determines whether or not the job end command has been received. The Job Controller unit 302 proceeds to S1706 if the job end command has been received, returns to S1704 if not, and accepts the subsequent command again.
In S1706, the Job Controller unit 302 determines the content of the instruction from the tablet type terminal 101. More specifically, the Job Controller unit 302 is instructed to fax only the image data transmitted from the tablet terminal 101 when the image command is received and the scan command is not received. It is determined that the image has been obtained, and the process proceeds to S1707. In S1707, the fax unit 305 executes fax transmission of the image data received by the image command and ends the process. On the other hand, if a scan command has been received, the process proceeds to S1708, and the Job Controller unit 302 saves the job as a fax transmission job waiting for document scanning.

Claims (13)

An image processing device that reads a document with a scanning means and generates image data.
A receiving means for receiving a job including a document reading / transmitting job in which the reading means is made to read a document from an information processing device capable of communicating via a network to generate image data, and the image data is transmitted to a designated destination. When,
A storage means for storing a job received by the reception means, and a storage means.
A job list display means for displaying a job list saved by the save means according to an instruction from the user, and a job list display means.
A confirmation screen display means for displaying a confirmation screen related to the transmission setting contents of the document reading transmission job selected from the job list displayed by the job list display means, and a confirmation screen display means.
When the execution of the selected document reading and transmitting job is instructed through the confirmation screen displayed by the confirmation screen display means, the execution means for executing the document reading and transmitting job and the execution means.
Image processing device with. When the job received by the receiving means includes a transmission job including image data, the executing means includes the image data generated by the reading means by executing the selected document scanning and transmitting job. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data obtained by merging the image data included in the transmission job is transmitted to the designated destination. Further, it has a receiving means for receiving an instruction from the information processing apparatus as to whether or not to merge the image data generated by the reading means and the image data included in the transmission job.
The execution means is the merged image when the transmission job including the image data is included in the job received by the receiving means and the instruction to be merged is received by the receiving means. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the data is transmitted to the designated destination. Any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a preview display means for preview-displaying the image data in response to a user's instruction when the job received by the receiving means includes a transmission job including image data. The image processing device described in the section. When the execution of the selected document scanning and transmitting job is instructed via the confirmation screen, a setting for displaying a setting screen for accepting the setting related to the document scanning by the scanning means accompanying the execution of the document scanning and transmitting job. It also has screen display means,
The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the execution means executes the document reading / transmitting job according to the settings received via the setting screen. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the storage means stores a job including a document reading / transmitting job received by the receiving means regardless of the usage status of the reading means. An image processing device that reads a document with a scanning means and generates image data.
A receiving means for receiving a document reading / transmitting job of causing the reading means to read a document from an information processing device capable of communicating via a network to generate image data and transmitting the image data to a designated destination.
A storage means for storing the document reading and transmitting job received by the receiving means in an identifiable manner based on the identification information added to the document reading and transmitting job.
An input screen display means for displaying an input screen that accepts input of the identification information, and
Among the document scanning and transmitting jobs saved by the storage means, the execution means for executing the document scanning and transmitting job to which the identification information input via the input screen is added, and
Image processing device with. When the identification information matching the identification information added to the document reading / transmitting job received by the receiving means is included in the identification information added to the document reading / transmitting job saved by the storage means. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a notification means for notifying the information processing apparatus of an error of duplication of identification information. When there is a document reading / transmitting job to which the identification information input via the input screen is added to the saved document reading / transmitting job, the scanning means accompanying the execution of the document scanning / transmitting job It also has a setting screen display means to display a setting screen that accepts settings related to reading the original.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the executing means executes the document reading and transmitting job according to the settings received via the setting screen. It is an image processing method executed by an image processing device that reads an original by a scanning means and generates image data.
A reception step of receiving a job including a document reading / transmitting job in which the reading means is made to read a document from an information processing device capable of communicating via a network to generate image data, and the image data is transmitted to a designated destination. When,
A save step for saving the job received by the receive step, and
A job list display step that displays a job list saved by the save step according to an instruction from the user, and a job list display step.
A confirmation screen display step for displaying a confirmation screen related to the transmission setting contents of the original document scanning transmission job selected from the job list displayed by the job list display step, and a confirmation screen display step.
When the execution of the selected document reading and transmitting job is instructed through the confirmation screen displayed by the confirmation screen display step, the execution step of executing the document reading and transmitting job and the execution step.
Image processing methods including. It is an image processing method executed by an image processing device that reads an original by a scanning means and generates image data.
A reception step of receiving a document reading / transmitting job of causing the reading means to read a document from an information processing device capable of communicating via a network to generate image data and transmitting the image data to a designated destination.
A saving step of storing the document reading and transmitting job received by the receiving step so as to be identifiable based on the identification information added to the document reading and transmitting job.
An input screen display step that displays an input screen that accepts input of the identification information, and
Among the document scanning and transmitting jobs saved by the saving step, the execution step of executing the document scanning and transmitting job to which the identification information input via the input screen is added, and the execution step.
Image processing methods including. For a computer that reads a document with a scanning means and generates image data,
A reception step of receiving a job including a document reading / transmitting job in which the reading means is made to read a document from an information processing device capable of communicating via a network to generate image data, and the image data is transmitted to a designated destination. When,
A save step for saving the job received by the receive step, and
A job list display step that displays a job list saved by the save step according to an instruction from the user, and a job list display step.
A confirmation screen display step for displaying a confirmation screen related to the transmission setting contents of the original document scanning transmission job selected from the job list displayed by the job list display step, and a confirmation screen display step.
When the execution of the selected document reading and transmitting job is instructed through the confirmation screen displayed by the confirmation screen display step, the execution step of executing the document reading and transmitting job and the execution step.
A program to execute. For a computer that reads a document with a scanning means and generates image data,
A reception step of receiving a document reading / transmitting job of causing the reading means to read a document from an information processing device capable of communicating via a network to generate image data and transmitting the image data to a designated destination.
A saving step of storing the document reading and transmitting job received by the receiving step so as to be identifiable based on the identification information added to the document reading and transmitting job.
An input screen display step that displays an input screen that accepts input of the identification information, and
Among the document scanning and transmitting jobs saved by the saving step, the execution step of executing the document scanning and transmitting job to which the identification information input via the input screen is added, and the execution step.
A program to execute.

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