JP5443148B2 - Data communication apparatus and image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a data communication device for transferring and storing data in a storage unit provided in another device, or storing data in a built-in storage unit, and in particular, a difference between storage units and a difference in communication protocol. It is related with the data communication apparatus which can acquire easily the data which a user requires, without making a user conscious. The present invention also relates to an image processing apparatus provided with such a data communication device.

  In many cases, an image forming apparatus having a printer function or a copy function, which is a kind of image processing apparatus, is connected to a network and used by a plurality of users. Further, there are a copy mode and an image communication mode (typically a facsimile communication mode) like a multi-function peripheral (MFP (Multifunction Peripheral)) which is one of such image forming apparatuses. In some cases, it is referred to as “FAX” or “fax.”), A network-compatible printer mode, and a scanner mode have a plurality of modes.

  As this image communication mode, a facsimile communication mode in which image data is transmitted / received using a public line, an Internet facsimile communication mode in which image data is transmitted / received using an Internet line, and an e-mail communication mode (scan to mail) which is transmitted / received in a format attached to an e-mail. ), Image transfer mode for transferring image data to a storage unit built in the MFP, and image transfer for transferring image data to a specific folder (such as a folder created in a storage unit of a computer other than the MFP) via a network line Mode (scan to folder). Hereinafter, a function in the above-described image transfer mode (a mode in which image data is transferred to a storage unit built in the MFP or a storage unit of a computer other than the MFP and stored) will be referred to as document filing. In addition, if it is such a function, it will not be limited to this name.

  When this document filing function is used, a user name, a file name, a folder, and the like are set, and image data of a scanned document is stored in a storage unit built in the MFP or a storage unit of a computer connected to the MFP via a network. The File management can be suitably performed using the set user name, file name, folder, etc., and image data stored in the storage unit can be read out and printed or transmitted when necessary. Can do. There is a hard disk as such a storage unit.

  With regard to such a document filing function, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-077177 (Patent Document 1) discloses that scan data read by a scanner device is stored in a folder that is not shared on a network of a user's PC (personal computer). Disclosed is a method for storing scan data in a PC that can be stored without going through a server. In this storage method, an operating system and scan data receiving software are stored in the PC, and the scan data receiving software receives the scan data sent from the scanner device to the PC. And stored in a scan data storage folder registered in advance in the PC.

  According to this storage method, the scanner device does not directly access the folder in the PC, but sends the scan data to the scan data reception software in the PC, and the scan data reception software in the PC Since the scan data is stored in the storage destination folder, the scan data read by the scanner device can be stored in a non-public folder other than the folder that the operating system on the PC makes public on the network as a shared folder. .

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-102840 (Patent Document 2) discloses image processing that can record and output image data sent from a computer in response to a request from the image processing apparatus that records and outputs image data. An apparatus is disclosed. The image processing apparatus includes a connection unit that connects to a computer network to which a plurality of computers are connected, and a recording unit that records and outputs image data sent from the computer via the connection unit. The image processing apparatus includes: an access unit that accesses one of a plurality of computers; a selection unit that selects a file to be recorded and output by the recording unit from among files managed by the computer accessed by the access unit; A request unit that requests the computer accessed by the access unit to transmit image data of the file selected by the selection unit. The recording unit records and outputs image data sent from the computer in response to the request unit.

  According to this image processing apparatus, it is possible to record and output image data sent from a computer in response to a request from the image processing apparatus that records and outputs image data.

JP 2002-077177 A JP-A-9-102840

  Recent MFPs and computers can store a large amount of image data as the capacity of a built-in storage unit (hard disk) increases. Also, such MFPs and computers are often shared by many users, and in such a case, a large amount of image data is stored by others on the hard disk built into the MFP and the hard disk of the computer. Is done.

  As described above, when the number of image data stored in the hard disk of the MFP or the hard disk of the computer connected to the MFP via the network is extremely large, it is difficult to specify desired image data. For example, even if a computer and a folder can be specified, if a large amount of image data is stored in one folder, a desired image data file is selected from a list of image data file names in that folder. I will search for it. In addition, since the file naming method is different for each user, it is extremely difficult to guess the contents of the image data having the file name determined by another user and to search for the desired image data file.

  Furthermore, since there are a plurality of hard disks including a hard disk built into the MFP and a hard disk of a computer connected to the MFP via a network, the user needs to recognize the storage destination device. Further, when image data is stored in a hard disk of a computer connected to the MFP via a network, it is necessary to set a communication protocol or obtain access authority set to a folder on the hard disk. In this way, the user must recognize the storage destination device, must identify the set communication protocol, and must have access authority to obtain the desired image data. To make it even more complicated.

  However, Patent Document 1 described above only discloses a technique for storing scan data in a folder that is not set to be shared on the network. Patent Document 2 specifies a computer and inputs a password. Thus, only a technique for requesting transfer of image data from the image processing apparatus side to the computer is disclosed. As described above, the techniques disclosed in these patent documents do not solve the complicated process of the user when reading the image data.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the present invention is a data communication device provided with a communication function for communicating with other devices and a function for storing data, the difference in data storage destination, the difference in communication protocol, and It is an object of the present invention to provide a data communication apparatus and an image processing apparatus that can easily read out desired data without the user being aware of the access authority of the shared folder.

  A data communication device according to an aspect of the present invention stores a transfer unit for transferring data to another device and a communication parameter when the data is transferred to another device in association with information for identifying the data. Parameter storage means for selecting data, selection means for selecting data to be acquired from another device, and reading out communication parameters corresponding to the selected data, and selecting from other devices using the read communication parameters Acquisition means for acquiring the processed data.

  According to this data communication device, data can be transferred to another device and stored in the other device, and thereafter data can be acquired from the other device as necessary. As described above, when transferring data to another device, various communication parameters (data storage destination, communication protocol, and shared folder access authority in the other device) are set, and the data is transferred to the other device. Forward. When acquiring data from another device, the same communication parameters as when the data was transferred are set, and the data is acquired from the other device. Although it is necessary to set communication parameters when acquiring data, setting communication parameters in this way requires complicated processing from the user. Therefore, when such communication parameters are stored and data to be acquired from another device is selected, the communication parameters corresponding to the selected data are read out, and the other communication parameters are read out using the read communication parameters. Get the selected data from the device. As a result, it is possible to easily read out desired data without the user being aware of the difference in data storage destination, the difference in communication protocol, and the shared folder access authority in other devices.

  The data communication apparatus and other apparatuses can be configured to be connected to a network. In this case, the communication parameter is configured to include any one of information for the communication device to identify another device on the network, information about the communication protocol, and information about an access right to the other device. can do.

  Such a communication device does not need to be aware of information for identifying another device on the network, information about a communication protocol, and information about an access right to the other device.

  This data communication apparatus displays storage means for storing data, identification information for identifying data transferred to another apparatus, and identification information for identifying data stored in the storage means The display means, and means for selecting the data to be acquired by specifying the identification information displayed on the display means by the user can be further included.

  In this way, the user can select the data transferred to another device and stored in the other device and the data stored in the storage means provided in the data communication device without the user being aware of the difference in storage destination. Can do. In this case, the user can easily select the data desired to be acquired from another device and the data desired to be acquired from the storage means of the data communication device simply by specifying the identification information displayed on the display means.

  The data communication apparatus can be configured to further include an authentication unit for authenticating the user. In this case, the display means displays means for displaying identification information for identifying data transferred to another device by an authenticated user and identification information for identifying data stored in the storage means. It can comprise so that it may contain.

  In this way, the authenticated user himself can easily select the data transferred to and stored in another device and the data stored in the data communication device. For this reason, the data memorize | stored in the other apparatus or this data communication apparatus by oneself can be easily acquired and processed.

  Further, the data communication apparatus can be configured to further include a management unit for managing the group to which the user belongs. In this case, the display means includes identification information for identifying data transferred to another device by a user of the group to which the authenticated user belongs in addition to the authenticated user, and data stored in the storage means. A means for displaying identification information for identifying can be included.

  In this way, the authenticated user and the user in the group to which the user belongs can easily select the data transferred to and stored in another device and the data stored in the data communication device. . For this reason, the user of the group to which he belongs can easily acquire and process data stored in another device or this data communication device in order to share with the group.

  An image processing apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention includes any of the data communication devices described above.

  According to such an image processing apparatus and a data communication apparatus included in an image forming apparatus which is an example of the image processing apparatus, for example, original data obtained by scanning an original is stored in another apparatus or the data communication apparatus. If necessary, the document data can be easily acquired and processed without setting communication parameters.

  This image processing apparatus can be configured to further include means for displaying the contents of data acquired from another apparatus and the contents of data stored in the storage means in a recognizable manner to the user. .

  According to this image processing apparatus, the contents of the data stored in another apparatus or in this image processing apparatus are displayed as a preview. For example, the data specified by the user by checking the contents before printing is printed. Can be avoided.

  The image processing apparatus can be configured to further include means for forming an image on a recording sheet based on data acquired from another apparatus.

  According to this image processing apparatus, for example, scanned document data can be stored in another apparatus or this data communication apparatus, and can be acquired and printed as necessary.

  According to the data communication device and the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, it is possible to easily read out desired data without the user being aware of the difference in data storage destination, the difference in communication protocol, and the access authority of the shared folder. It is possible to provide a data communication device and an image processing device that can be used.

1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a network image forming system including an information processing apparatus (computer) and an image forming apparatus (MFP) according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a control block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of the computer of FIG. FIG. 2 is a control block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the MFP in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a structure of a user management table stored in the MFP of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a structure of a data management table stored in the MFP of FIG. 1. 2 is a flowchart showing a control structure of a data storage program executed by the MFP of FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a control structure of a data read program executed by the MFP of FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram (part 1) illustrating a display example of a touch panel display of the MFP of FIG. 1; FIG. 8 is a second diagram illustrating a display example of the touch panel display of the MFP in FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a third diagram illustrating a display example of the touch panel display of the MFP in FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is a diagram (No. 4) illustrating a display example of the touch panel display of the MFP in FIG. 1; FIG. 10 is a diagram (No. 5) illustrating a display example of the touch panel display of the MFP in FIG. 1; FIG. 10 is a sixth diagram illustrating a display example on the touch panel display of the MFP in FIG. 1; FIG. 10 is a diagram (No. 7) illustrating a display example of the touch panel display of the MFP in FIG. 1;

  In the following embodiments, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their functions and names are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, it is assumed that the data communication device is a device provided in an image forming apparatus which is a kind of image processing device, and the information processing apparatus that stores data transferred from the data communication device is a computer. The system including these will be described as an image forming system. The image forming apparatus will be described as an MFP. However, the apparatus including the data communication device according to the present embodiment may be an image processing apparatus other than the image forming apparatus, and may be an apparatus other than the image processing apparatus and including a communication unit and a storage unit. It does not matter. That is, the data communication device according to the present embodiment may be a data communication device provided with a communication function for communicating with other devices and a storage function for storing data, and the device provided with the data communication device is not particularly limited. . Such a data communication device or an apparatus including the data communication device often has a display function for displaying data to a user and an operation function for the user to input a request. A touch panel display or the like is a device that has both a display function and an operation function.

  An information processing apparatus that stores data transferred from an image forming apparatus including the data communication device according to the present embodiment will be described as a general computer. An example of this computer is a personal computer having a communication function and a storage function.

  Further, in the following embodiment, a network image forming system including a plurality of MFPs and a plurality of computers will be described. However, a network image forming system using only one computer and one MFP communicating with the computer. May be configured. When the apparatus including the data communication device is not an MFP, the network data processing system is used instead of the network image forming system.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, network image formation including a computer that stores data transferred from an MFP, and an MFP that includes a data communication device including a communication function and a storage function for communicating with the computer. Although the system will be described, the present invention is configured by an information processing apparatus having a more general configuration and a data communication apparatus having a communication function for communicating with the information processing apparatus and a storage function for storing data. Any network data processing system may be used.

[Overall system configuration]
With reference to FIG. 1, the overall configuration of a network image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as a network print system) will be described. The network print system includes a computer 100 (PC (1), PC (2)) that stores document data transferred from the MFP, scans the document, and transfers document data created by scanning to the computer 100. MFP 300 (MFP (A), MFP (B), MFP, etc.) that stores original data created by scanning, stores it in a built-in hard disk, reads out the stored original data, and prints an image on recording paper (C)). The plurality of computers 100 and the plurality of MFPs 300 in the network print system are connected so as to be able to communicate (communication between the computer 100 and the MFP 300) via a network line 200 compliant with, for example, IEEE 802.3. The computers 100 having the same reference need not be computers having the same function, and the MFP 300 having the same reference need not be an image forming apparatus having the same function.

  The network line 200 may be further connected to the Internet network. When connected to such an Internet network, the computer 100 and the MFP 300 can download various data (application programs) via the Internet network.

  In the network print system according to the present embodiment, the number of computers 100 and MFPs 300 is not limited to the number shown in FIG. In the following, the computer 100 may be simply referred to as a PC in the drawings and the like.

[Hardware configuration]
<Computer 100>
FIG. 2 shows a configuration of a computer 100 constituting the network print system according to the present embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 2, a computer 100 includes a bus 190, a CPU 110 connected to the bus 190, a ROM (Read-Only Memory) 120 connected to the bus 190, and a RAM (Random) connected to the bus 190. (Access Memory) 130, hard disk (HDD) 140 connected to bus 190, and connected to bus 190, optical disc 182 can be mounted, and information can be written to and read from optical disc 182. An input interface (hereinafter referred to as “input IF”) 150 connected to the optical disc drive 180 and the bus 190 for providing a connection between the mouse 152 and the keyboard 154 and a display connected to the bus 190. 1 A display interface (hereinafter referred to as “display IF”) 160 for providing an interface related to the connection between the network line 2 and the network line 200 by wired or wireless (wired in the present embodiment). Network interface (hereinafter referred to as “network IF”) 170. The computer 100 includes a magnetic disk drive that can be loaded with a magnetic disk and can write information to the magnetic disk and read information from the magnetic disk, instead of / in addition to the optical disk drive 180. It doesn't matter. The network IF 170 may be an interface that connects to the network line 200 wirelessly, including when the computer 100 is a notebook computer.

  The bus 190, the ROM 120, the RAM 130, the hard disk 140, the optical disk drive 180, the input IF 150, the display IF 160, and the network IF 170 all operate in cooperation under the control of the CPU 110, and realize processing by various applications in the computer 100. . In addition to processing that causes the computer 100 to function as a general arithmetic device, these applications store original data transferred from the MFP 300 in the hard disk 140 or original data stored in the hard disk 140 in response to a request from the MFP 300. And the like.

  A computer program for causing the computer 100 to perform the above-described processing and causing the computer 100 to function as a computer in the network printing system according to the present embodiment is stored in the optical disk 182 inserted into the optical disk drive 180 and further stored in the hard disk 140. Transferred. Alternatively, the program may be transmitted to the computer 100 through the network line 200 and stored in the hard disk 140. The program is loaded into the RAM 130 at the time of execution. The program may be loaded directly into the RAM 130 from the optical disk 182 or via the network line 200.

  These programs include a plurality of instructions that cause the computer 100 to perform predetermined processing. Some of the basic functions required to perform this operation are provided by operating system (OS) or third party programs running on the computer 100, or modules of various toolkits installed on the computer 100. Therefore, this program does not necessarily include all functions necessary for realizing the system of this embodiment. This program may include only instructions for executing a predetermined process as the above-described computer 100 by calling an appropriate function or “tool” in a controlled manner so as to obtain a desired result. That's fine. Since the general operation of the computer which is the substance of the computer 100 is well known, it will not be repeated here.

<MFP 300>
-MFP configuration-
Referring to FIG. 3, MFP 300 configuring the network print system according to the present embodiment is connected to bus 390, CPU 310 connected to bus 390, ROM 320 connected to bus 390, and bus 390. The RAM 330, the hard disk (HDD) 340 connected to the bus 390, the input IF 350 and the display IF 360, which are connected to the bus 390 and provide an interface related to the connection with the touch panel display 380, are connected to the bus 390. And a network IF 370 that provides a connection to the network line 200 by wire or wireless (wired in the present embodiment).

  The bus 390, the ROM 320, the RAM 330, the hard disk 340, the input IF 350, the display IF 360, and the network IF 370 operate in cooperation under the control of the CPU 310, and in the MFP 300, print processing, FAX transmission / reception processing, scanner processing (document filing). Processing), copy processing, and processing by an application. These processes are executed by the CPU 310 controlling each component constituting the MFP 300 (not shown in FIG. 3). In addition, when the user designates storing original data in the hard disk 140 of the computer 100, the application designates transferring original data to the computer 100 or storing original data in the hard disk 340. Processing for reading original data from the computer 100 or reading original data from the hard disk 340 when it is specified that the original data is stored in the hard disk 340 or the original data stored in the hard disk 140 or the hard disk 340 is designated. including.

  A computer program for causing MFP 300 to operate as an image forming apparatus in the network print system according to the present embodiment is stored in hard disk 340. Alternatively, the program may be transmitted from a server computer that provides an application through the network line 200 and stored in the hard disk 340. The program is loaded into the RAM 330 at the time of execution. The program may be loaded directly into the RAM 330 via the network line 200.

  The MFP 300 includes an operation panel provided with hardware keys (such as a numeric keypad and a start button) that are numeric keys and other various operation buttons, and a touch panel display 380 as an operation device.

  The touch panel display 380 displays a button for selecting a mode in the MFP 300, a button for selecting a menu in each mode, a current state of the MFP 300, a destination designation state, a job processing state, and the like. Such a selection button (software button) is displayed on the display area of the touch panel display 380. When the area where the selection button is displayed is pressed with a finger, the touch panel detects the pressed position. By collating the display position of the selection button with the position where the touch panel is pressed on the program, it is possible to select a mode or the like of the MFP 300 or to instruct an operation. The touch panel display 380 includes a liquid crystal panel and a touch panel.

-Image forming unit in MFP-
The MFP 300 includes, for example, a document reading unit, an image forming unit, a paper feeding unit, and a paper discharge processing device. In MFP 300, image data received from another apparatus or original data read and created by the original reading unit is subjected to various image processing by CPU 310, and this data is output to the image forming unit. The MFP 300 has a so-called laser type (electrophotographic type) printing function that uses laser light for photosensitivity. However, another type of printing function may be provided.

  The image forming unit prints an image indicated by data on a recording sheet, and includes, for example, a photosensitive drum, a charging device, a laser scanning unit, a developing device, a transfer device, a cleaning device, a fixing device, and a charge eliminating device. It has. For example, the image forming unit is provided with a conveyance path, and the recording paper fed from the paper feeding unit is conveyed along the conveyance path. The paper feeding unit pulls out the recording paper stored in the paper cassette or the recording paper placed on the manual feed tray one by one, and sends the recording paper to the conveyance path of the image forming unit.

  While the recording paper is being transported along the transport path of the image forming unit, the recording paper passes between the photosensitive drum and the transfer device, and further passes through the fixing device, and printing on the recording paper is performed. .

  The photosensitive drum rotates in one direction, and its surface is cleaned by a cleaning device and a static eliminator and then uniformly charged by a charging device. The laser scanning unit modulates laser light based on data to be printed, and repeatedly scans the surface of the photosensitive drum in the main scanning direction with the laser light to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum. . The developing device supplies toner to the surface of the photosensitive drum to develop the electrostatic latent image, and forms a toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum.

  The transfer device transfers the toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum to a recording sheet passing between the transfer device and the photosensitive drum. The fixing device includes a heating roller for heating the recording paper and a pressure roller for pressing the recording paper. The recording paper is heated by the heating roller and is pressed by the pressure roller, whereby the toner image transferred onto the recording paper is fixed on the recording paper. The recording paper discharged (printed) from the fixing device is discharged to a paper discharge tray. In the paper discharge processing apparatus, there are cases in which a plurality of recording papers are sorted into each paper discharge tray and discharged, a process of punching each recording paper, and a process of stapling a bundle of recording papers. For example, when creating multiple copies of printed matter, each recording sheet is sorted and discharged to each discharge tray so that a portion of the printed matter is assigned to each discharge tray. Punching processing or stapling processing is performed on a bundle of recording paper on the paper discharge tray to create a printed material. Such various processes are performed under the control of the CPU 310. The punching process may be performed for each recording sheet.

-Basic functions (modes) of MFP-
The MFP 300 uses such a printing function to realize a printer mode in which print data is received from a computer connected to the network line 200 via the network line 200 and an image is formed on a recording sheet.

  Further, the MFP 300 realizes a copy mode in which an original is read as data by an original reading unit and an image is formed on a recording sheet based on the data.

  Further, the MFP 300 realizes a facsimile transmission mode in which a document is read as data by a document reading unit and the data is transmitted to another apparatus. The MFP 300 also realizes a facsimile reception mode in which an image is formed on a recording sheet based on data received from another device. On the touch panel display 380 of the MFP 300, the facsimile transmission mode is displayed as a fax / image transmission mode.

  Further, the MFP 300 implements a document filing mode in which document data created by reading a document by a document reading unit is stored in the hard disk 340. The document data may be stored in another device (computer, external storage unit) via the network line 200 instead of the hard disk 340 of the MFP 300.

  In this case, FTP (File Transfer Protocol) and / or SMB (Server Message Block), which are communication protocols for transferring a file to a specified location via the network line 200, are used. Using this protocol, document data can be transferred to a shared folder shared on the network.

  FTP is a communication protocol for transferring files over a network, and is often used mainly on the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network). SMB is a communication protocol for sharing files via a network. Which communication protocol is used is determined according to the operation of the user depending on the type of OS in the computer 100 and the like. In the following description, it is assumed that both communication protocols are used in any computer 100 (PC (1) and PC (2)). Also, other communication protocols may be used.

  As described above, the MFP 300 includes a copy mode, a fax / image transmission mode, a document filing, and a printer mode as basic functions (modes). In the printer mode, when print data is received from a personal computer connected to the network line 200, the MFP 300 automatically switches to the printer mode and forms an image on a recording sheet based on the print data. For this reason, the screen for selecting the printer mode is not displayed on the touch panel display 380 of the MFP 300.

[Management table data structure]
MFP 300 constituting the network print system according to the present embodiment manages a group to which a user who has logged in to MFP 300 belongs, and original data stored in a group shared folder by another user who belongs to the same group as the logged-in user. Allow access to Therefore, the MFP 300 stores the user management table shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4, this user management table includes a field for storing user information as a user ID when logging in to MFP 300, and a field for storing a group to which a user identified by the user information belongs. Is provided. For example, “Jiro Suzuki” with user ID “USER002” and “Saburo Takahashi” with “USER003” belong to the same technical department. In this manner, the group to which the logged-in user belongs can be recognized from the user information (user ID) of the user who has logged into the MFP 300.

  Further, MFP 300 configuring the network print system according to the present embodiment manages document data transferred from MFP 300 to computer 100 and stored in hard disk 140 and information about the document data stored in hard disk 340, and the document The information is used when reading data. Therefore, the MFP 300 stores the data management table shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5, this data management table uses a data ID as a key to identify a field for storing a user ID for identifying a user who stores document data identified by the data ID, and a storage destination device. A field for storing PC identification information, a field for storing a communication protocol used at the time of transfer, a field for storing account information for PC connection, a field for storing a folder name, and a file name And a field to be stored.

  Document data used in the network print system can be uniquely specified by the data ID. The PC identification information is a host name or IP address assigned to uniquely identify the computer 100 and MFP 300 in this network print system (IP address in FIG. 5). When MFP 300 stores document data in hard disk 340 incorporated therein (for example, data IDs “D000009” and “D000010”), the IP address is not stored. Although it is not assumed that the original data is stored in the hard disk 340 of another MFP 300, in this case, the IP address of the MFP 300 is stored.

  The communication protocol is “FTP” or “SMB” described above. Unlike the login information (user information and login password) to the MFP 300, the account information for connecting to the PC is a user account for acquiring access authority to the shared folder set in the hard disk 140 of the computer 100 from the MFP 300 And password.

  The folder name is the name of a folder set in the hard disk 140 or the hard disk 340, and the file name is the name of a file given by the user to the document data stored in the hard disk 140 or the hard disk 340. In the data management table shown in FIG. 5, only document data related to the engineering department is shown.

  For example, Jiro Suzuki of USER002 transfers data with file names “200909130 Technical Conference Material” and “December Technical Conference Material (1)” to the technical department shared folder of PC (1) using SMB as a communication protocol. And memorize it. Further, Jiro Suzuki of USER002 transfers the data with the file name “COMMAND hierarchy” to the technical department shared folder of the PC (2) by using FTP as a communication protocol and stores it. In addition, Jiro Suzuki of USER002 transfers the data with the file name “TOOL blueprint” using the SMB as a communication protocol and stores it in the Suzuki folder of the engineering department of PC (1).

  In addition, Saburo Takahashi of USER003 stores the data with the file name “December Technical Conference Material (2)” in the technology department shared folder of PC (1) by using SMB as a communication protocol for storage. . Furthermore, Saburo Takahashi of USER003 stores the data with the file name “December Technical Conference Material (4)” in the technology department shared folder of PC (2) using FTP as a communication protocol for storage. . Furthermore, Saburo Takahashi of USER003 stores data with the file name “December Technical Conference Material (3)” in the technical department shared folder of the hard disk 340 of the MFP 300.

  This technical department shared folder is a group shared folder that is permitted to be accessed by users of the group belonging to the group. For example, the technical department shared folder can be accessed by a user belonging to the technical department by inputting account information for PC connection (the user account is “ACCGI” and the password is “PWGI”). On the other hand, a personal shared folder called Engineering Department Suzuki Folder and Engineering Department Tanaka is set in the computer 100. It is a folder that can be accessed only by the individual user. For example, the technical department Suzuki folder can be accessed only by Jiro Suzuki by entering account information for PC connection (user account is “ACCSUZU” and password is “PWSUZU”).

  When such a data management table is stored, when Jiro Suzuki of USER002 logs in to the MFP 300, “200013130 Technical Conference Materials”, “December Technical Conference Materials (1)”, “ In addition to the data of the file names "COMMAND hierarchy" and "TOOL blueprint", "December technical meeting document (2)" stored in the technical department shared folder by Saburo Takahashi of USER003 belonging to the technical department of the same group "December technical conference material (4)" and "December technical conference material (3)" are displayed on the touch panel display 380 in an accessible manner. At this time, as will be described later, whether the data is stored in the hard disk 140 of the computer 100 or the data stored in the hard disk 340 of the MFP 300 is displayed on the touch panel display 380 without being distinguished.

  In the following, the PC identification information, communication protocol, account information for PC connection, folder name and file name in FIG. 5 are collectively referred to as transfer parameters.

Software configuration
MFP 300 scans a document and transfers document data created to the computer 100. In this case, the MFP 300 stores the data ID, user ID, and transfer parameter for the transferred document data in the format of the data management table in FIG. Thereafter, when the user who has logged in at MFP 300 reads out the document data stored in computer 100 or MFP 300, the document data stored by login user and the document data stored in the group shared folder of the group to which the login user belongs are included. A list is displayed on the touch panel display 380. When desired document data is selected from the list display and transfer is requested, the transfer parameter of the selected document data is read from the data management table, and the selected document data is transferred to the hard disk using the transfer parameter. 140 or the hard disk 340. The read document data is displayed as a preview or printed. The CPU 310 of the MFP 300 executes a program described below so that such processing is executed.

  A control structure of a computer program executed by MFP 300 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. In parallel with such a computer program, the MFP 300 executes a program that realizes a general function as an image forming apparatus (multifunction machine). However, the program is not directly related to the essential part of the present invention, and details thereof will not be described here.

  FIG. 6 shows a program for storing document data, which is executed by CPU 310 of MFP 300 (hereinafter simply referred to as “CPU 310”).

  In S3000, CPU 310 displays a login screen for MFP 300 on touch panel display 380. At this time, CPU 310 displays a user information (user ID) input unit and a login password input unit or a fingerprint input unit on touch panel display 380.

  In S3010, CPU 310 determines whether or not to log in the user who has logged in. At this time, on the login screen displayed on the touch panel display 380, the CPU 310 inputs user information and a login password, or inputs the user's fingerprint (may be other biological information). The user who wants to use the MFP 300 has logged in. Based on the user information and the login password or the user's fingerprint, the CPU 310 is a user who has previously logged in as the authentication destination, and the password or the user's fingerprint matches the registered information. Login is allowed. At this time, the user information and the login password or the user's fingerprint data are transmitted to the login server, and it is determined whether or not the login server permits the login, and the MFP 300 receives the determination result. It doesn't matter. When login is permitted by CPU 310, it is determined that login authentication has been performed. If it is determined that login authentication is to be performed for the user who wants to use MFP 300 (YES in S3010), the process proceeds to S3020. Otherwise (NO in S3010), this process ends.

  In S3020, CPU 310 displays an initial screen of MFP 300 on touch panel display 380. At this time, the CPU 310 uses a mode selection software button for selecting one of three modes of a copy mode, a fax / image transmission mode, and a document filing mode, as well as a “scan to folder” as a shortcut key. A software button and a software button for “read folder data” are displayed so that the user can select them. Note that “scan to folder” and “read folder data” are functions in the document filing mode (“scan to folder” may be a fax / image transmission mode).

  In S3030, CPU 310 determines whether or not “scan to folder” is selected by the user. If it is determined that “scan to folder” has been selected by the user (YES in S3030), the process proceeds to S3040. Otherwise (NO at S3030), the process ends.

  In S3040, CPU 310 displays an access authentication screen for the shared folder on touch panel display 380. At this time, CPU 310 displays a user account input unit and a password input unit for PC access authentication on touch panel display 380. Further, when the original data is stored in the hard disk 340 of the MFP 300, this access authentication is not required, so the CPU 310 also displays on the touch panel display 380 a software button for selecting the original data to be stored in the hard disk 340. .

  In S3050, CPU 310 determines whether or not hard disk 340 of MFP 300 has been selected as the transfer destination of document data by the user. If it is determined that the hard disk 340 of MFP 300 has been selected as the document data transfer destination by the user (YES in S3050), the process proceeds to S3070. If not (NO in S3050), the process proceeds to S3060.

  In S3060, CPU 310 determines whether or not PC access authentication is performed for the logged-in user. At this time, when the user inputs a user account and a password on the PC access authentication screen displayed on touch panel display 380, CPU 310 transmits the user account and password to computer 100 and permits access by computer 100. Or not, and MFP 300 receives the determination result. If it is determined that PC access authentication is performed for the user who has logged into MFP 300 (YES in S3060), the process proceeds to S3070. Otherwise (NO in S3060), the process returns to S3060.

  In step S3070, CPU 310 displays a screen for setting the transfer destination (computer 100 or MFP 300), folder, and file name of the scanned document data on touch panel display 380. At this time, when the hard disk 340 is selected as the transfer destination in S3050 (because access authentication is not performed in S3060), it is preferable that the computer 100 cannot be selected as the transfer destination.

  In S3080, CPU 310 determines whether or not transfer setting is completed. At this time, when the transfer destination is selected, the folder name and the file name are input, and the “OK” button is pressed, the CPU 310 determines that the transfer setting is completed. If it is determined that the transfer setting has been completed (YES in S3080). The process moves to S3090. If not (NO in S3080), the process returns to S3070 and waits until it is determined that the transfer setting is completed. When the transfer destination is selected, the PC identification information of the transfer parameter is automatically selected, and when the folder name is input in addition to the transfer destination, the communication protocol is automatically selected. Further, as an example, the communication protocol may be set for each folder of the computer 100.

  In S3090, CPU 310 determines whether or not the document has been scanned. If it is determined that the document has been scanned (YES in S3090), the process proceeds to S3100. If not (NO in S3090), the process returns to S3090 and waits until it is determined that the document has been scanned.

  In S3100, CPU 310 creates document data (image data) of the scanned document.

  In S3110, CPU 310 transfers the document data together with an instruction to store the set file name in the set transfer destination folder. The document data transferred in this way is stored in the hard disk 140 of the computer 100 or the hard disk 340 built in the MFP 300. In this case, the destination folder name is notified from the MFP 300 to the computer 100. If the folder name is correct in response to the notification, an OK signal is transmitted from the computer 100 to the MFP 300, and the file name is notified from the MFP 300 to the computer 100. In response to this notification, an OK signal is transmitted from the computer 100 to the MFP 300. Further, MFP 300 transmits a transmission notification signal before transmitting document data to computer 100. Further, when transmission of document data is transmitted and transmission of document data ends, a transmission end signal is transmitted from MFP 300 to computer 100, and an OK signal is transmitted from computer 100 to MFP 300 in response to the signal.

  In S3120, CPU 310 stores the data ID, user ID and transfer parameters (PC identification information, communication protocol, account information for PC connection, folder name and file name) for the transferred document data in the data management table (FIG. 5). ) Is stored.

  FIG. 7 shows a program for reading document data, which is executed by the CPU 310. In the flowchart of FIG. 7, the same steps as those in FIG. 6 are given the same step numbers. The contents of those processes are the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.

  In S3500, CPU 310 determines whether or not “read folder data” is selected by the user. If it is determined that “folder data read” is selected by the user (YES in S3500), the process proceeds to S3510. Otherwise (NO at S3510), this process ends.

  In S3510, CPU 310 refers to the user management table (FIG. 4) and identifies the group to which this login user belongs.

  In S3520, CPU 310 refers to the data management table (FIG. 5) to specify the document data transferred by the login user and the document data transferred to the shared folder of the group to which the user belongs.

  In S 3530, CPU 310 displays a list screen of document data related to the login user on touch panel display 380.

  In S3540, CPU 310 determines whether or not the document data to be read has been selected by the user. If it is determined that the document data to be read is selected by the user (YES in S3540), the process proceeds to S3550. If not (NO in S3540), the process returns to S3540 and waits until the original data to be read is selected.

  In S3550, CPU 310 refers to the data management table (FIG. 5) and reads the transfer parameter of the selected document data.

  In S3560, CPU 310 transfers the document data selected by the user from computer 100 or reads from hard disk 340 using the read transfer parameter. In this case, the folder name of the transmission source is notified from the MFP 300 to the computer 100. If the folder name is correct in response to the notification, an OK signal is transmitted from the computer 100 to the MFP 300, and the file name is notified from the MFP 300 to the computer 100. In response to this notification, an OK signal is transmitted from the computer 100 to the MFP 300. Further, MFP 300 transmits a data transfer request signal to computer 100. In response to this, the computer 100 transfers the document data to the MFP 300. Further, when reception of the document data is completed, a transfer end signal is transmitted from MFP 300 to computer 100, and an OK signal is transmitted from computer 100 to MFP 300 in response to the signal.

  In S 3570, CPU 310 displays a preview of the document data transferred from computer 100 or the document data read from hard disk 340.

  In S3580, CPU 310 determines whether a print request has been detected. If it is determined that a print request has been detected (YES in S3580), the process proceeds to S3590. Otherwise (NO at S3580), the process ends. In S3590, CPU 310 executes print processing.

[Operation]
The operation of the network print system according to the present embodiment based on the above-described structure and flowchart will be described using screen examples of touch panel display 380 shown in FIGS. In the screen example of the touch panel display 380, a button that is in a selected state and highlighted is represented by a double frame.

-Original data storage operation-
When the screen shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the touch panel display 380 of the MFP 300 (S3000), the user who wants to execute the “scan to folder” process in the MFP 300 sends the user information (user ID) to the user information input unit. , Enter the login password in the login password input section, and press the “OK” button. When login authentication is performed based on the input information (YES in S3010), the screen shown in FIG. 9 is displayed on touch panel display 380 (S3020).

  When the user presses the “scan to folder” button in FIG. 9 (YES in S3030), the screen shown in FIG. 10 is displayed on touch panel display 380 (S3040).

  The user who requests the hard disk 140 of the computer 100 as the transfer destination inputs the user account in the user account input unit for PC access authentication and the password in the password input unit, and presses the “OK” button. If PC access authentication is performed based on the input information (YES in S3060), the screen shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on touch panel display 380 (S3070).

  The user selects the transfer destination computer 100, inputs the folder name, inputs the file name, presses the “OK” button (YES in S3080), and scans the document (S3090). The document data is created (S3100), the document data is transferred to the set transfer destination folder using the set communication protocol, and the document data is stored with the set file name (S3110).

  In the data management table (FIG. 5), the data ID, user ID, and transfer parameters (PC identification information, communication protocol, account information for PC connection, folder name, and file name) are stored for the transferred document data (S3120). ).

-Original data reading operation-
The operation until the MFP 300 logs in is as described above. In the following description, it is assumed that Jiro Suzuki whose user ID is “USER002” logs in to MFP 300.

  When the user presses the “read folder data” button in FIG. 9 (YES in S3500), the group to which this user belongs is specified with reference to the user management table (FIG. 4) (S3510). At this time, the group to which the login user Jiro Suzuki belongs is specified as the engineering department.

  With reference to the data management table (FIG. 5), the original data transferred by Jiro Suzuki himself and the original data transferred to the shared folder of the technical department are specified (S3520). As shown in FIG. 5, when the data management table is stored, the manuscript data transferred by Jiro Suzuki himself is “200909130 technical conference material”, “December technical conference material (1)”, “COMMAND hierarchy” and The original data transferred to the shared folder of the engineering department, which are the four “TOOL design drawings”, are “December Technology Conference Material (2)”, “December Technology Conference Material (4)”, and “December Technology”. Meeting material (3) ". The screen shown in FIG. 12 is displayed on the touch panel display 380 as a list of document data related to the user with the file names of these document data (S3530).

  When the logged-in user Jiro Suzuki selects original data (file ID “D000003”) with the file name “December Technical Conference Material (1)” shown in FIG. 12 by pressing the touch panel display 380 with the fingertip ( As shown in FIG. 13, the file name “December Technical Conference Material (1)” is highlighted. Transfer parameters (PC identification information, communication protocol, PC connection account information) having a data ID “D000003” are read from the data management table (FIG. 5) (S3550).

  Using this transfer parameter, the document data with the data ID “D000003” is transferred from the computer 100 (PC (1)) (S3560). The document data with the transferred data ID “D000003” is previewed on the touch panel display 380 as shown in FIG. 14 (S3570).

  When the user presses the “print” button in FIG. 14 (YES in S3580), the document data having the file name “December Technical Conference Material (1)” is printed (S3590).

  As described above, according to the network print system according to the present embodiment, transfer parameters for storing document data created by MFP 300 in the hard disk of computer 100 or the hard disk of MFP 300 are stored. The transfer parameters include PC identification information, communication protocol, account information for PC connection, folder name, and file name. Thereafter, when the stored document data is read, a list of document data stored by the user who logged in to MFP 300 and the document data stored in the group shared folder of the group to which the logged-in user belongs is displayed on touch panel display 380. The In this way, the user can easily display desired document data because the user can display the document data related to himself / herself without being conscious of which device including MFP 300 itself and network-connected computer 100 is stored. Can find out. Furthermore, PC identification information, communication protocol, and PC connection account information are read from the data storage table simply by selecting document data from the list. For this reason, the user does not need to specify the IP address of the computer, does not need to specify the communication protocol, and does not need to receive access authentication of the computer 100, and can easily transfer it to the MFP 300.

<Modification>
14 may be displayed as a list of thumbnail images before being transferred from the computer 100 or read from the hard disk 340. In this way, the user can easily select document data to be read.

  The embodiment disclosed herein is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. The scope of the present invention is indicated by each of the claims after taking into account the description of the detailed description of the invention, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the wording described therein are intended. Including.

100 Client computer 200 Network line 300 MFP
110, 310 CPU
120, 320 ROM
130, 330 RAM
140, 340 HDD
150, 350 input I / F
160, 360 Display I / F
162 Display 380 Touch panel display 170, 370 Network I / F
180 Optical disk drive 190, 390 bus

Claims (8)

A transfer means for transferring data to another device;
Parameter storage means for storing communication parameters when data is transferred to the other device in association with information for identifying the data;
Selection means for selecting data transferred to the other apparatus by the transfer means and acquired from the other apparatus using the identification information ;
A data communication device, comprising: an acquisition unit configured to read a communication parameter corresponding to the selected data and acquire the selected data from the other device using the read communication parameter. Wherein the data communications device with another device connected to the network,
The communication parameter includes any one of information for the data communication device to identify the other device on a network, information about a communication protocol, and information about an access right to the other device. Item 12. A data communication device according to Item 1. Storage means for storing data;
Display means for displaying identification information for identifying data transferred to the other device and identification information for identifying data stored in the storage means;
Said by the user identification information displayed to specify the display means, and means for selecting the data to be acquired, the data communication apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2. It said data communication apparatus further comprises authentication means for authenticating the user,
The display means is means for displaying identification information for identifying data transferred to the other device by the authenticated user and identification information for identifying the data stored in the storage means. including, data communication apparatus according to claim 3. It said data communication apparatus further comprises a managing means for managing a group to which the user belongs,
The display means is stored in the storage means and identification information for identifying data transferred to the other device by a user of a group to which the authenticated user belongs in addition to the authenticated user further comprising means for displaying identification information for identifying the data, the data communication apparatus according to claim 4.   An image processing apparatus comprising the data communication device according to claim 1.   7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising means for displaying any one of the contents of data acquired from the other apparatus and the contents of data stored in the storage means in a recognizable manner for a user. The image processing apparatus described. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising means for forming an image on a recording sheet based on data acquired from the other apparatus.

Images