JP3885810B2 - Multi-function printing apparatus and multi-function system using the apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a multi-function printing apparatus having a facsimile function, a print function, a mail function, and the like, and a multi-function system using the apparatus.

  Today, data and original data from a personal computer (PC) are read and sent by facsimile, and original data is sent by e-mail via a personal computer (PC). Has been. In particular, multi-function devices in which the above functions are added to a printing apparatus and directly connected to a network such as a public line or a LAN have been proposed.

Patent Document 1 is an example in which an MFD (multifunction device) is constructed on a LAN network, and is a system that implements various requests from clients assigned to the MFD.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-163872

  However, in a conventional multi-function peripheral, the recording location of a document or the like created by a client PC and printed or facsimile-transmitted by the multi-function peripheral may become unknown over time. For this reason, a method for managing documents by configuring folders in a hierarchical manner is also conceivable. However, as the hierarchy becomes deeper, the listability becomes difficult and the location of the original file cannot be known.

  On the other hand, although it is possible to search for a document by a file name, the file name is often forgotten, and it is difficult to search for a file later unless the file name is set with great awareness. In particular, when an attached file of a received mail or a sender assigns a file name, the file name is automatically assigned, and later searching becomes difficult.

  Therefore, the present invention performs calendar-based document management, performs scheduler-linked document management, knows the location of a file, can be adapted to a document workflow, and is a multifunctional printing apparatus with excellent operability, And a multi-function system using the apparatus.

According to the present invention, there is provided a multifunction system comprising: a multifunction printer having various functions including a print function; and a plurality of client devices connected to the multifunction printer via a network. The function printing apparatus includes an input unit that inputs print data and various data, a storage unit that stores data input via the input unit, a management unit that manages data stored in the storage unit in time series , anda display information generating means for displaying a scheduler that schedules the input data managed in the time series in the calendar is added, the client device may display for displaying the display information and the display information generating means has generated possess means, and registering means for the print data to which the client device creates and registers the scheduler table by the display means Based on the screen, the print data can be achieved by providing a multi-function system, characterized by input to the multi-function printing apparatus.

  With this configuration, for example, when facsimile data, mail data, or manuscript data is input as input data, the data can be stored in a storage unit and recorded in a time series in a calendar-based scheduler. Can manage linked documents.

In addition, the multi-function printing apparatus further sets a classification type key according to the specific information included in the input data, and stores the input data group linked by the key in the virtual folder of the storage unit by designating the key Storage folder control means for controlling storage to be accessible;
Virtual folder display information generating means for generating display information for displaying the virtual folder;
Output means for outputting virtual folder display information to the client device, wherein the client device also displays input data for each of the classification types linked by the virtual folder.

  By configuring in this way, the schedule-managed data is divided into various classifications, related files are linked, and necessary files can be easily retrieved later.

  Further, the creation of the schedule data performed by the management unit is performed based on an operation input from an operation unit provided in the multi-function printing apparatus or a driver input of the client device, and the various functions include a facsimile function, A mail function and a scanner function, and various data input to the input means are facsimile data, mail data, and read data.

  The display of the data managed in time series and the display of the data classified by category linked by the virtual folder can be switched alternately. By configuring in this way, display can be alternately repeated, and display with good operability and easy understanding.

  The classification is, for example, a document classification and a customer classification. The document classification is, for example, a document classification such as a quotation, a delivery note, a request form, etc., and the customer classification is a classification such as OO company, △△ trading. By configuring in this way, it is possible to set a link for each document classification and customer classification, and to make the system more effective for the user.

  The virtual folder link setting is automatically performed based on input data. Further, the link setting is performed by detecting a specific code included in the input data, for example. By configuring in this way, it is possible to perform link setting for each category more easily.

  The data is input by designating an event corresponding to the schedule displayed on the display means. With this configuration, it is possible to register a document in the scheduler more easily.

  In addition, the document classification linked based on the customer classification of the virtual folder is searched, and a workflow displaying time series is generated. By configuring in this way, it is possible to detect deficiencies and problems in the processing procedure for each customer and each document.

  In addition, for example, an assistant icon may be used to automatically execute each function. With this configuration, it is possible to improve operability, easily set a virtual link, and construct a virtual folder.

Further, according to the present invention, in the multi-function printing apparatus connected to a plurality of client devices via a network, the input means for inputting print data and various data, and the data input via the input means Storage means for storing the data, management means for managing the data stored in the storage means in time series, and display information generating means for displaying the input data managed in time series as a scheduler with a schedule added to a calendar; This can also be achieved by providing a multi-function printing apparatus having output means for outputting the display information to the client device and registration means for registering print data created by the client device in the scheduler .

The multifunction printer can be used to communicate with a client terminal, display on the display of a client PC, and perform schedule management on a calendar basis.
Furthermore, a multi-function processing method or a program having the above functions can be installed in a multi-function printing apparatus so as to function in the same manner. With this configuration, calendar-based schedule management, virtual folder generation, printing processing using an assistant icon, facsimile transmission processing, mail transmission processing, and the like can be performed.

  According to the present invention, scheduler-linked document management can be performed. For example, by specifying an event position on the scheduler, related document registration processing and search processing can be easily performed.

In addition, a virtual folder link can be automatically set, and a multifunction printing system with excellent operability can be constructed.
Further, by using an assistant icon or the like, the operability can be further improved, and a multifunctional printing system with excellent security can be obtained.

  Furthermore, a workflow can be generated to detect and display problems and issues in the schedule for each customer.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a multi-function printing apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a multi-function machine) according to the present embodiment.

  In the figure, the MFP 1 of this example and a client PC are connected via a LAN, and a plurality of other client PCs are connected to the LAN. In addition, this system is connected to the Internet via the router 2 and performs network communication with other terminal devices.

  The MFP 1 includes a scanner unit 3, an MFP main unit 4, and a printer unit 5. The MFP main unit 4 includes a schedule management function unit 6 and a facsimile communication control unit (hereinafter referred to as a FAX communication control unit) 7. It is installed. On the other hand, the client PC has a schedule display unit (display) 8 and displays a scheduler in which a schedule display is added to a calendar generated by the multifunction device 1.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an internal system of the multifunction machine 1. As shown in the figure, the scanner unit 3 has a reading mechanism unit 3 a, and the document image placed on the document table is read by driving the reading mechanism unit 3 a, and document data is sent to the MFP main unit 4.

  The MFP main unit 4 includes the schedule management function unit 6, the FAX communication control unit 7, the MFP control unit 10, the reading mechanism control unit 11, the display operation control unit 12, the LAN communication control unit 13, the Internet communication control unit 14, and a storage device. It comprises a control unit 15 and a storage device unit (HDD) 16.

The reading mechanism control unit 11 performs mechanism control of the reading mechanism unit 3 a provided in the scanner unit 3 described above, and the document data read by the scanner unit 3 is sent to the MFP control unit 10.
Display operation control unit 12 outputs a key operation signal based on the operation of display operation unit (operation panel) 18 to MFP control unit 10. The display data output from the MFP control unit 10 is transmitted to the display operation unit 18.

  In addition, the MFP 1 of this example is also connected to a public line network, and facsimile communication is performed by the FAX communication control unit 7. The LAN communication control unit 13 is an interface for connecting the MFP 1 of this example to the LAN, and the Internet communication control unit 14 uses the TCP / IP (transmission control protocol / internet protocol) or the like to connect the router 2. Internet communication control.

  The storage device control unit 15 performs control of writing data to the storage device unit (HDD) 16 and reading data stored in the storage device unit (HDD) 16. The function of the schedule management function unit 6 will be described later.

  On the other hand, the printer unit 5 includes a printer control unit 19 and a printing mechanism unit 20, and outputs a printing result based on control processing of the printer control unit 19. The printing mechanism unit 20 controls the mechanisms of the image forming unit, the developing unit, the transfer unit, and the like that constitute the printer.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the appearance of the MFP 1 configured as described above and the input / output relationship of data. The above-described display operation unit (operation panel) 18 is disposed in the upper front portion of the multi-function device 1, and a printed matter discharge unit 24 is attached to the top surface of the multi-function device 1. The storage unit (HDD) 16 temporarily stores all document information from the input to the output of the multi-function device 1 having various input / output paths. Stores scheduler-linked documents, and systematically stores documents using virtual folders. For documents that are not desired to be registered, deletion processing is performed after a certain period.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram more specifically showing the input / output configuration. Here, as a document to be input, FAX data is input to the FAX communication control unit 7 from the facsimile apparatus 25 through the above-described public line. In addition, print data is input from the client PC to the LAN communication control unit 13 via the LAN network. Furthermore, mail data is input via the client PC or the router 2 described above. As described above, document data read by the scanner unit 3 is also supplied.

  On the other hand, on the output side, FAX data is output via the public line, data is supplied to the client PC via the LAN network, and mail data is further output via the client PC. In addition, print output is performed by the built-in printer unit 5.

  The multi-function device 1 creates the scheduler 27 shown in the figure by the schedule management function unit 6 described above, and also creates the virtual folder 28. The scheduler 27 and the virtual folder 28 are created based on the data registered in the storage unit (HDD) 16 described above.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display example of the scheduler 27. Events such as sales meetings and planning meetings registered on the calendar screen are displayed, and related documents are registered. The scheduler 27 and the virtual folder 28 are created by the schedule management function unit 6, but the display is performed on the display of the client PC. Further, the display of the scheduler 27 or a part of the display may be displayed on the display operation unit (operation panel) 18 as necessary.

  The schedule management function unit 6 performs document system classification management, document workflow management, and retained document security management shown in FIG. However, each management will be described later.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the basic processing of the present invention including this example and a part of the second embodiment described later. First, in order to perform document management in cooperation with the scheduler, it is determined whether or not to register with the scheduler (step (hereinafter referred to as S) 1). When setting registration to the scheduler, further setting a link to the virtual folder (S2, S3) and systematic document registration (S4). On the other hand, when registration to the scheduler is not performed (S1 is NO), data is stored only in the daily transaction described later (S5).

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart for specifically explaining the registration process of the scheduler cooperation, and FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing the scheduler registration process. In this example, print data (document) created by the client PC is registered in cooperation with an event corresponding to the scheduler.

  First, a document is created using an application installed on the client PC (S2-1). Next, the print properties are opened, and it is determined whether or not to register in the scheduler (S2-2, S2-3). Here, when registering in the scheduler (YES in S2-3), the keyboard or mouse of the client PC is operated as shown in FIG. 8, and the check box shown in a of FIG. 8 is checked (S2). -4). If registration to the scheduler is not performed (NO in S2-3), data is stored only in the daily transaction without registering the document in the scheduler as described above (S2-5) (FIG. 5). 8 b).

  Next, it is determined whether to register the original document (S2-6). Here, when registering the original (YES in S2-6), the original file is registered (S2-7). This original file can be modified. On the other hand, when the original is not registered (S2-6 is NO), the print file is registered (S2-8). This print file cannot be altered.

  Next, the scheduler is activated (S2-9), and the process shown in FIG. 9 is executed. First, when the scheduler is activated, the display shown in FIG. 5 is performed as shown in FIG. 8c, and the user selects a corresponding event (S2-10), and performs a document addition process (S2-11). ). Then, the document is moved or copied (drag & drop) (S2-12), and the document is temporarily registered (S2-13).

  Here, description will be made using the example shown in FIG. For example, in the case of Mr. Suzuki's schedule shown in the figure, when print data for presentation of a new product used at a business meeting of 10:00 to 17:00 on the 2nd (Monday) is created on the client PC, The print data icon is dropped at the position d shown.

  When a document used for a meeting with a customer from 11:00 to 12:00 on Wednesday (Wednesday) is created on the client PC, the icon of the document is dropped at a position e shown in FIG.

  By performing the above operations, the scheduler 27 shown in FIG. 5 is completed, and scheduler-linked document management becomes possible. Therefore, according to this example, events can be managed in time series on a calendar basis, the time of various events such as sales meetings, planning meetings, and business trips can be accurately known, and the holding of sales meetings and the like is never forgotten. In addition, the registered documents can be easily searched, the event time can be confirmed by the calendar-based scheduler, the document data necessary for the event can be confirmed, and the document data can be easily printed out. Management can be performed.

  Further, this system is effective in small and medium offices. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the multifunction device 1 of this example serves as a copying machine 1a, a facsimile device 1b, and a printer device 1c. By consolidating the devices, the information scattered by each function is unified, the information of the paper medium A and electronic medium B passing through the multifunction device 1 is arranged in time series, and file management of documents etc. is easy The file search can be performed very easily.

  In the above description of the first embodiment, an example of inputting a document created by the client PC has been described. For example, as shown in FIG. Similarly, when registering and transmitting, scheduler-linked document registration can be performed. For example, when Mr. Satan is sending a facsimile, when the OK button is operated, the document is stored in the daily transaction, and the document is additionally registered in the corresponding event.

  Further, even when document data or fax transmission data is read directly from the scanner unit 3 of the multifunction device 1 without using the client PC, the display operation unit (operation panel) 18 displays the display of the scheduler 27 or a part of the display. In this calendar display, the document data icon generated in response to the reading of the scanner can be dragged and dropped on the desired schedule display, and the read document data can be registered in the scheduler 27.

  Further, the address book screen of the fax transmission destination registered in advance is displayed on the display operation unit (operation panel) 18, and the document data icon generated in accordance with the reading of the scanner is dragged on the desired transmission destination display. By dropping and manipulating the transmission command, the read image data can be easily faxed to a desired destination.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described.
This example is a process that is performed after or simultaneously with the scheduler registration, in which a virtual link is set and a virtual folder is generated. This will be specifically described below.

The process of this example is the virtual folder link setting process shown in FIG. 6 (S3 shown in FIG. 6).
FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining this process. First, it is determined whether or not to set a link to a virtual folder (step (hereinafter referred to as W) 1). Here, when setting a link to a virtual folder (W1 is YES), it is further determined whether or not an automatic link is set (W2). If the virtual link is not set in this example, the process is returned as no link is set (W3).

  When link setting is not automatically performed (W2 is NO), the user himself / herself manually performs link setting (W4). FIG. 12B is an example in which link setting is manually performed, and the link setting is performed by checking a check box corresponding to each of the customer name and the document classification.

  On the other hand, when link setting is automatically performed (W5), processing according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 13 is further performed. FIG. 12A shows an example of a file name. Hereinafter, automatic link setting processing will be described using this file name.

  First, 1 is set as the file code (KF) (step (hereinafter referred to as ST) 1), and thereafter it is determined whether or not the code “_” is detected in the file name (ST2). In the case of the file name “estimate_040706_ABC.xls”, “_” is detected after the estimate (a shown in FIG. 13). Therefore, in this case, in the process (ST3), an instruction to hold the character string immediately before “_” is given, and the document classification data of “estimate” is held.

  Next, it is determined whether this “estimate” has already been registered as document classification data (ST4). This determination is made by comparison with a registered folder character string. Here, if they match (ST4 is YES), the classification key registration is performed as it is (ST5). If they do not match (ST4 is NO), it is determined whether new registration is performed (ST6), and new registration is performed. A new classification key is registered (ST5).

  Thereafter, the value of KF is incremented by 1 (plus 1), and the next “_” detection process is performed (ST7). In the above example, “_” indicated by b in FIG. 13 is detected next. In this case, it is possible to branch to NO (No) in the determination of matching with the registered folder character string (ST4), and branch to either YES (Yes) or NO in the determination of new registration (ST6). When branching to NO, the value of KF is incremented by +1 (plus 1), and when branching to YES, a classification key is added (ST5 or ST7). Note that when a classification key is added, a higher-order folder (for example, a folder by date, etc.) accommodating the classification key is also newly registered at the same time.

  Thereafter, the same processing is performed, and if “_” is not detected (NO in ST2), it is determined whether or not KF = 1 (ST8). If not KF = 1 (NO in ST8), “. It is determined whether "" has been detected (ST9). If “.” Is detected (YES in ST9), the type key is registered (ST10).

  For example, in the case of “Estimate_040706_ABC.xls” shown in the figure, the registered type key is an extension of “xls”. On the other hand, if KF = 1 in the above-described determination (ST8) (YES in ST8), it is determined that neither the classification key nor the type key is included in the input data (ST11). If “.” Is not detected in the determination (ST9), it is determined that the type key is not included in the input data (ST12).

  By processing as described above, when input data is supplied from a client PC or the like, the schedule management function unit 6 automatically detects a classification key and a type key, generates a link, for example, a storage unit (HDD) 16 can be registered.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram showing two example events set by the automatic link setting or the manual link setting. The example of c shown in the figure is an example in which an estimate is presented to Mr. Yamada of ABC Electric Co. at 10:00, and electronic data of the estimate is also registered. In this case, as shown in the figure, an estimate is linked to management by document classification, and an ABC electricity link is set to management by customer name.

  The example shown in FIG. 4D is an example in which the second proposal is presented to Mr. Tanaka of DEF Shoji at 14:30. The proposal and the problem management table, which are specific contents of the second proposal, And electronic data of the estimate are also registered. In this case, “estimate”, “proposal”, and “issue management table” are linked to management by document classification, and “DEF trading” is linked to management of customer names.

  FIG. 15 shows a switching configuration of the date-based simple time series enumeration screen (daily transaction), folder management screen, and scheduler-linked time series management screen after the virtual folder is set. The print data and document data input to the multi-function device 1 are first temporarily stored as daily transactions and displayed on the simple time series enumeration screen by date shown in FIG. Furthermore, when the registration process to the virtual folder 28 described above is performed, the screen shifts to the management screen shown in FIG. For example, the screen shifts to a folder management screen based on systematic classification shown in FIG. 10A, or shifts to a scheduler-linked time series management screen shown in FIG. The folder management screen and the scheduler-linked time series management screen can be switched and displayed.

In addition, it is also possible to directly register with the scheduler at the time of execution of an application without using a daily transaction. Various display modes are also possible for data display in the virtual folder. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, a configuration is also conceivable to phi-rings put Color Index pipefile.

With this configuration, it is possible to assign virtual links to documents in scheduler-linked document management, efficiently perform document management and customer management, know the location of files, and prevent document loss, etc. be able to.
(Embodiment 3)
Next, Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described.

In this example, the schedule management function unit 6 is used to generate a document workflow based on document information managed in time series. This will be specifically described below.
FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the document workflow of this example. As shown in the figure, the document workflow is configured such that the document classification is on the vertical axis, the customer name is on the horizontal axis, and events are displayed from the top to the bottom along the time series. The document workflow creation process with the above configuration will be described below.

18A and 18B are flowcharts for explaining the processing of this example. In the figure, first, a combination of elements constituting a workflow created from a virtual folder is designated (step (hereinafter referred to as STP) 1). As this combination, for example workflow to be created if the sales slip processing, quotations and purchase orders, related documents of paid product manual or the like is specified. When the workflow to be created is related to document management or various application documents, a corresponding document is designated.

  Next, matrix screen display is performed (STP2). For example, in the case of the sales slip processing, as shown in FIG. 17, the document names are arranged on the vertical axis in the order of procedures, and the customer names are arranged on the horizontal axis.

  Next, a document issuance or receipt schedule is registered in the cooperation scheduler (STP3). Then, the matrix screen display position is acquired (STP4). The flowchart shown in FIG. 5B specifically explains this process. First, the customer name (or the case name) is extracted, the corresponding document name is extracted (STP4-1, 4-2), and the position on the matrix is determined (STP4-3).

  Next, the document issuance or receipt scheduled date is specifically displayed (STP5). For example, in the case of ABC Electric, an estimate is registered on May 21, a purchase order is registered on May 27, an invoice is registered on June 8, and a goods receipt is registered on June 18. Is done. This data is driven by the schedule management function unit 6 described above, refers to a virtual folder, retrieves event information of ABC Electric from the classification by customer, reads out document information linked to ABC Electric, and displays it in time series It is.

  Next, when a document is issued or received (STP6), a matrix screen display position is acquired (STP7). This process is also a process according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 6B, and a specific issue or receipt confirmation date is displayed in the document workflow (STP8). In addition, the processing progress display is performed in accordance with the progress status (STP9). For example, as shown in FIG. 17, a document display relating to ABC Electric is displayed together with date information, and the history of processing can be confirmed as time passes.

  This is the same for DEF trading, for example. In this case, the purchase order is registered on May 27 before the estimate is recorded. Therefore, the purchase order is registered before the estimate is recorded, and it is understood that there is a problem in the processing procedure.

  As described above, according to this example, it is possible to detect that there is a problem in processing for each customer by arranging and displaying the time-series managed documents based on the customer name. In addition, by displaying the problematic processing in, for example, red or yellow, it is possible to perform feature display that is easy for the user to understand.

It should be noted, content that can be managed by the document workflow of this example, not only the management of the presence or absence of the above-mentioned document, management of appointments and performance of management and documentation of the receipt date for planned and actual date of issuance of the document, further documents It is also possible to manage due dates for processing elements scheduled due to issuance or receipt, complete document workflow, and uncompleted identification management.

In this example, an assistant icon is used to easily perform operations when using each function of the MFP. This will be specifically described below.
FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining the system of this example. As shown in the figure, the processing is started by designating data desired to be printed from the scheduler screen on which the time series information is displayed and handing the data to the assistant icon 30. Note that the processing performed by the assistant icon 30 in this example is printing processing, FAX transmission, mail transmission, data deletion, and PC acquisition, as shown in FIG.

  For example, when printing is instructed, the printer driver is automatically activated, print processing is performed, and a print history is held. Further, when FAX transmission is instructed, the FAX driver is activated, acquires transmission destination information, performs transmission processing, and holds a transmission history. The other functions using the assistant icon 30 are as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating specific processing using the assistant icon 30. The example shown in the figure is an example in which the assistant icon 30 is used when the indoor conference information registered in the scheduler is printed. In this case, when the target indoor meeting is designated on the display screen and the assistant icon 30 is activated, the screen shown in FIG. Select the desired process from “Bring to my PC”.

  For example, when “send by e-mail” is selected, the mailer is activated and the MFP driver is displayed. The user automatically starts mail transmission processing by checking the “OK” button on the displayed screen. That is, the schedule management function unit 6 refers to the virtual folder, searches for the link of the indoor conference, and the documents of “Differentiation Statement Composition Plan.ppt” and “Product Planning Proposal Document. The stored address of the storage unit (HDD) 16 is searched, and the corresponding document is read from the address. The document read out in this way is automatically attached to an e-mail and transmitted to the other party via, for example, a public line.

  In the above example, the example of mail transmission has been described. However, when printing processing is instructed, the printer driver is automatically activated, and when facsimile transmission is instructed, the FAX driver is automatically activated. Corresponding processing using the control unit 7 and the printer control unit 19 can be automatically performed as well.

  As described above, according to this example, by using the assistant icon 30, each function of the multifunction device 1 can be automatically activated and output processing can be performed, so that a very convenient multifunction device can be obtained. it can.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and for example, a configuration for ensuring the security of time-series managed documents can be added. FIG. 21 shows an example in which the multifunction device 1 is provided with a security ensuring function. For example, MDSR (Multi Dimensional Space Rotation) 31 encryption technology is used for the network to which the multifunction device 1 and the client PC are connected. Ensure the security of registered data.

  For example, in this example, an authentication procedure involving security gates is placed on the entire path of the multifunction device 1, and the index information of the file managed by the storage unit (HDD) 16 is encrypted to ensure a semi-invisible state. To do. With this configuration, it is possible to ensure the security of various types of information such as documents registered in the multifunction device 1.

  In order to ensure security, when starting the operation of the MFP 1 of this example, it may be configured to perform fingerprint collation and voiceprint authentication for the operator, and by using account authentication at the time of mail reception together with security. Securement can be made more reliable.

1 is a system configuration diagram of a multifunction machine for explaining an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an internal system of a multifunction machine. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an external configuration of a multifunction peripheral and schematic diagrams of input and output. It is a figure which shows a system configuration more concretely. It is a figure which shows the structure of the scheduler of calendar cooperation. It is a flowchart explaining a scheduler cooperation document management function. It is a flowchart explaining the registration process to a scheduler. It is a schematic diagram explaining the registration process to a scheduler. It is a flowchart explaining the registration process to a scheduler. 1 is a diagram illustrating a system in which a multifunction peripheral collectively manages information on paper media and electronic media. FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the creation process of a virtual folder. (A) is a figure which shows the structure of the file name of a document file, (b) is a figure explaining operation which performs a manual link setting. It is a flowchart explaining the setting process of an automatic link. It is a figure which shows the link structure by which the link setting was carried out automatically or manually. It is a figure which shows the display relationship of a daily transaction, a scheduler, and a virtual folder. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a virtual folder. It is a figure explaining a document workflow. (A), (b) is a flowchart explaining the creation process of a document workflow. It is a figure explaining the process by an assistant icon. It is a figure explaining the process by an assistant icon. FIG. 2 is a system configuration diagram for ensuring the security of data registered in a multifunction peripheral.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Multifunction machine 2 ... Router 3 ... Scanner part 3
4 ... MFP main part 5 ... Printer part,
6 ... Schedule management function unit 7 ... FAX communication control unit 8 ... Schedule display unit 10 ... MFP control unit 11 ... Reading mechanism control unit 12 ... Display operation control unit 13 ... LAN communication control unit 14 ... Internet communication control unit 15 ... Storage device control unit 16 ... Storage device unit (HDD)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 18 ... Display operation part 19 ... PPR control part 20 ... Printing mechanism part 25 ... Facsimile apparatus 27 ... Scheduler 28 ... Virtual folder 30 ... Assistant icon

Claims (6)

In a multi-function system having a multi-function printing apparatus having various functions including a print function and a plurality of client devices connected to the multi-function printing apparatus via a network,
The multi-function printing apparatus includes:
Input means for inputting print data and various data;
Storage means for storing data input via the input means;
Management means for managing data stored in the storage means in time series ;
Display information generating means for displaying the input data managed in chronological order as a scheduler with a schedule added to a calendar;
Have
The client device includes display means for displaying the display information generated by the display information generation means ,
The print data which the client device has created have a registration means for registering said scheduler,
A multi-function system , wherein the print data is input to the multi-function printing apparatus based on a display screen by the display means . The multi-function printing apparatus can further set a classification type key according to specific information included in the input data, and can access an input data group linked by the key in the virtual folder of the storage unit by designating the key Storage folder control means for controlling storage,
Virtual folder display information generating means for generating display information for displaying the virtual folder;
Output means for outputting virtual folder display information to the client device,
The multi-function system according to claim 1, wherein the client device also displays input data for each classification type linked by the virtual folder. In a multi-function printing device connected to multiple client devices via a network,
Input means for inputting print data and various data;
Storage means for storing data input via the input means;
Management means for time-series management of data stored in the storage means;
Display information generating means for displaying the input data managed in chronological order as a scheduler with a schedule added to a calendar;
Output means for outputting the display information to the client device;
A multi-function printing apparatus , comprising: a registration unit that causes the scheduler to register print data created by the client device. Further, a storage folder control that sets a classification type key in accordance with specific information included in the input data and controls the storage of the input data group linked by the key so as to be accessible in the virtual folder of the storage means. Means,
Virtual folder display information generating means for generating display information for displaying the virtual folder;
4. The multifunction printing apparatus according to claim 3 , further comprising an output unit that outputs the virtual folder display information to the client device so that the client device displays the data for each classification linked by the virtual folder. . A program used for a multi-function printer connected to a plurality of client devices via a network,
An input function for inputting print data and various data;
A function of storing data input by the function in a storage means;
A function of managing data stored in the storage means in time series;
A function of generating display information for displaying the input data managed in time series as a scheduler with a schedule added to a calendar;
A function of outputting the display information to the client device;
A computer-executable program having at least a function of causing the scheduler to register print data created by the client device . A function of setting a classification type key according to the specific information included in the input data, and storing and controlling the input data group linked by the key by the designation of the key so as to be accessible in the virtual folder of the storage means;
A function of generating display information for displaying the virtual folder;
The client device is the virtual folder display information according to claim 5, wherein computer-executable program having at least a function of outputting to the client device so as to display the data for each linked the classification by the virtual folder.