JP5845845B2 - Image forming apparatus, image forming method, image forming program, and distribution data management system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, an image forming program, and a distribution data management system.

  Conventionally, an image forming apparatus such as an MFP (Multi Function Printer) having at least two functions among a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function is known. Among these functions, the scanner function can digitize various types of originals, which can contribute to paperless use in an office or the like.

  As a technique using the scanner function, for example, the update information of the digitized data accumulated in the image forming apparatus is notified to the user in a timely manner so that the latest information of the data is made known or the same data is duplicated and accumulated. There is a technique for preventing this (see Patent Document 1). As another technique using the scanner function, for example, there is a technique for effectively using the groupware by storing digitized data in a file server or a shared folder connected to a network. Yes (see Patent Document 2).

  However, the conventional technique has a problem that it is difficult to manage data digitized by the scanner function. Specifically, in the prior art, setting and changing of a policy related to data management is performed on the directory, and therefore the management becomes complicated as the number of data increases. As a result, it is difficult for the conventional technique to grasp the update or deletion of the data to be managed.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, an image forming program, and a distribution data management system capable of facilitating management of data digitized by a scanner function. The purpose is to provide.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes user information representing information about a user, distribution data information representing information about distribution data which is an image of a read document, A storage unit that stores distribution destination information representing a distribution destination of the distribution data, a communication unit that communicates with an external device connected to a network, a reading unit that reads the document based on reading conditions for the document, Using the read image of the document as distribution data, identification information for identifying the distribution data is added to the distribution data, and distribution of the distribution data and the identification information is performed based on the distribution destination information. The distribution control unit, the user information, the distribution data information including the identification information, and the distribution destination information are stored in the storage unit. The user information, the distribution data information, and the transmission destination information transmitted to another image forming apparatus via the communication unit; the user information transmitted by another image forming apparatus; User information stored in the storage unit based on the received user information, the distribution data information or the distribution destination information when the distribution data information or the distribution destination information is received by the communication unit; A first update unit that updates distribution data information or distribution destination information, and a transmission request for the distribution destination folder information or distribution data file information to a server device that stores the distributed distribution data and the identification information. The folder information or the file information is sent to the communication unit by a response from the server device to the transmission request. When I received I, on the basis of the folder information or the file information received, and a second updating unit that updates the distribution destination information and distribution data information stored in the storage unit.

  An image forming method according to the present invention is an image forming method that is executed by an image forming apparatus connected to a network, and the image forming apparatus includes user information indicating information about a user and a read document. A storage unit that stores distribution data information that represents information related to distribution data that is an image, a distribution destination information that represents a distribution destination of the distribution data, and a communication unit that communicates with an external device connected to the network A step of reading the original document based on a reading condition for the original document, and using the read image of the original document as distribution data, adding identification information for identifying the distribution data to the distribution data, The distribution data information including the step of distributing the distribution data and the identification information via the communication unit, the user information, and the identification information. Storing the delivery destination information in the storage unit, and transmitting the user information, the delivery data information, and the delivery destination information to another image forming apparatus via the communication unit; The user information, the distribution data information, or the distribution destination information received when the user information, the distribution data information, or the distribution destination information transmitted by another image forming apparatus is received by the communication unit. And updating the user information, distribution data information or distribution destination information stored in the storage unit, and the distribution destination folder for the server apparatus storing the distributed distribution data and the identification information A transmission request for information or file information of the distribution data is made through the communication unit, and the server device responds to the transmission request by the server device. A step of updating distribution destination information or distribution data information stored in the storage unit based on the received folder information or the file information when the rudder information or the file information is received by the communication unit; Including.

The image forming program according to the present invention includes a communication step of communicating with an external device connected to a network, a reading step reading the document based on the reading conditions for originals, the image of the document read As the distribution data, identification information for identifying the distribution data is given to the distribution data, and based on the distribution destination information representing the distribution destination of the distribution data, the distribution data and the identification information are distributed in the communication step. Via the distribution step, user information representing information related to the user, the distribution data information including the identification information, and the transmission destination information to the other image forming apparatus. A transmission control step performed via a communication step, the user information transmitted by another image forming apparatus, and the distribution Data information or the distribution destination information is received by the communication step, the user information, the distribution data information, and the distribution data information or the distribution destination information based on the received user information, the distribution data information, or the distribution destination information. The first update step for updating user information, distribution data information, or distribution destination information stored in a storage unit for storing distribution destination information, and the distribution for a server device that accumulates the distributed data and the identification information. When a transmission request for the file information of the previous folder information or the distribution data is made through the communication step, and the folder information or the file information is received by the communication step in response to the transmission request from the server device Stored in the storage unit based on the received folder information or the file information. Destination information or to perform a second updating step of updating the distribution data information into the computer.

  The distribution data management system according to the present invention is a distribution data management system in which an image forming apparatus and a server apparatus are connected to a network, and the image forming apparatus is read with user information representing information about a user. A storage unit that stores distribution data information that represents information about distribution data that is an image of a document, a distribution destination information that represents a distribution destination of the distribution data, a communication unit that communicates with an external device connected to a network, A reading unit that reads the document based on a reading condition for the document, an image of the read document as distribution data, identification information for identifying the distribution data is added to the distribution data, and the distribution destination information is A distribution control unit that distributes the distribution data and the identification information via the communication unit, the user information, and the identification Distribution data information including information and the distribution destination information are stored in the storage unit, and the communication unit transmits the user information, the distribution data information, and the distribution destination information to another image forming apparatus. The user information, the distribution data information, or the distribution destination information transmitted by another image forming apparatus and the user information received by the communication unit, Based on the distribution data information or the distribution destination information, a first update unit for updating the user information, distribution data information or distribution destination information stored in the storage unit, the distribution data distributed and the identification information A transmission request for the distribution destination folder information or the distribution data file information to the storage server device is made via the communication unit, and before the transmission request is made. When the folder information or the file information is received by the communication unit in response to a response from a server device, the distribution destination information stored in the storage unit based on the received folder information or the file information or A second update unit that updates distribution data information, and the server device includes a communication unit that communicates with an external device connected to a network, the distribution data distributed by the image forming apparatus, and the identification information. When received by the communication unit, a storage unit that stores the received distribution data and the identification information, and a transmission request for folder information or file information of the distribution destination of the distribution data from the image forming apparatus is the communication. The image forming apparatus of the folder information or the file information of the accumulated distribution data when received by a copy unit A transmission control unit that performs transmission on the communication unit via the communication unit.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to easily manage data digitized by a scanner function.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a distribution data management system. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a distribution data information table. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user information table. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a distribution destination information table. FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of a configuration example of the file server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the overall processing flow of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the distribution information update process according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the distribution information monitoring process according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of distribution information comparison processing according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the overall processing flow of the file server according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the distribution information update process according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a login screen. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a dialog screen when input information is invalid. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a management screen. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the overall processing flow of the image forming apparatus and the client PC according to the third embodiment.

  Exemplary embodiments of an image forming apparatus, an image forming method, an image forming program, and a distribution data management system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited by the following examples. In addition, the embodiments can be appropriately combined within a range that does not contradict the contents.

[System configuration]
The configuration of the distribution data management system will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a distribution data management system. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the distribution data management system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 100a, an image forming apparatus 100b, a file server 200, and a client PC (Personal Computer) 300.

  Further, the image forming apparatus 100a, the image forming apparatus 100b, the file server 200, and the client PC 300 are connected to a network. 1 illustrates an example in which two image forming apparatuses 100a and 100b are connected to the network, the number of image forming apparatuses is not limited to two. Absent.

  The image forming apparatus 100a and the image forming apparatus 100b are image forming apparatuses having a scanner function. That is, the image forming apparatus 100a and the image forming apparatus 100b may be image forming apparatuses such as MFPs having at least two functions including a scanner function among a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a facsimile function. good.

  In the above configuration, when the image forming apparatus 100a receives an operation by the user of the client PC 300, the image forming apparatus 100a reads the document based on the reading conditions. Then, the image forming apparatus 100a distributes the distribution data to the file server 200 using the read image of the document as distribution data. As a result, the file server 200 accumulates the distribution data distributed by the image forming apparatus 100a. Subsequently, the image forming apparatus 100a stores various types of information related to the distributed data that has been distributed in the storage unit, and transmits the various types of information to other image forming apparatuses such as the image forming apparatus 100b.

  In addition, when various types of information related to distributed distribution data is received from another image forming apparatus such as the image forming apparatus 100b, the image forming apparatus 100a stores in the storage unit based on the received various types of information. Update various stored information. In addition, the image forming apparatus 100a requests the file server 200 to transmit distribution destination folder information or distribution data file information.

  As a result, the file server 200 transmits the folder information of the folder storing the distribution data or the file information of the distribution data to the image forming apparatus 100a. Thereafter, when the folder information or file information is received from the file server 200, the image forming apparatus 100a updates various information stored in the storage unit based on the received folder information or file information.

  That is, the image forming apparatus 100a synchronizes with the image forming apparatus 100b, obtains information related to the distribution data from the file server 200, and keeps various information related to the distribution data up-to-date. It is possible to facilitate the management of digitized data. Detailed processing of the image forming apparatus 100a, the image forming apparatus 100b, or the file server 200 will be described later.

[Hardware configuration of image forming apparatus]
Next, the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the image forming apparatus. In the following, the image forming apparatus 100a or the image forming apparatus 100b illustrated in FIG. For example, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a control unit 120, a storage unit 110, an auxiliary storage unit 13, an external storage device I / F (interface) unit 14, a communication unit 101, a reading unit 102, and a display unit 17. And have.

  The control unit 120 includes, for example, a control program that executes control of the entire image forming apparatus 100 and arithmetic processing, a program that defines various processing procedures, and an internal memory for storing necessary data. The control unit 120 is, for example, an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). .

  The storage unit 110 stores, for example, data required for various processes by the control unit 120 and various processing results by the control unit 120. The storage unit 110 is, for example, a semiconductor memory device such as a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), and a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk.

  The auxiliary storage unit 13 stores, for example, data related to various applications. The auxiliary storage unit 13 is a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The external storage device I / F unit 14 is an interface that controls data transmission / reception with an external storage device connected to the image forming apparatus 100 via, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus).

  The communication unit 101 is an interface that controls communication with other devices such as another image forming device connected to the image forming device 100, the file server 200, or the client PC 300 via a network, for example. The reading unit 102 is, for example, a scanner that reads various documents and generates digitized data. The display unit 17 is, for example, an operation panel (for example, a touch panel display) that accepts input of various operations by the user or displays various screens.

[Function of Image Forming Apparatus According to First Embodiment]
Next, functions of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a communication unit 101, a reading unit 102, a storage unit 110, and a control unit 120.

  The communication unit 101 communicates with an external device connected to the network. For example, the communication unit 101 communicates with various devices such as other image forming apparatuses connected to the network, the file server 200, or the client PC 300.

  The reading unit 102 reads a document based on reading conditions for the document. For example, the reading unit 102 acquires a reading condition when reading a document from the storage unit 110 by an operation of the user of the client PC 300, and reads the document based on the acquired reading condition. Here, the reading conditions used are those stored in the storage unit 110 based on a predetermined user operation using the display unit 17. The reading conditions are, for example, the type of document, resolution, reading size, density, and the like. In addition, in the predetermined operation of the user using the display unit 17, in addition to the reading conditions, user information regarding the user, distribution destination information including information on the distribution destination folder of the data after reading, and the like are also accepted. Hereinafter, an image of a document read by the reading unit 102 may be described as “distribution data”.

  The storage unit 110 stores data required for various processes by the control unit 120 and various processing results by the control unit 120, and includes a distribution data information table 111, a user information table 112, and a distribution destination information table 113.

  The distribution data information table 111 stores distribution data information representing information related to distribution data that is an image of a document read by the reading unit 102. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the distribution data information table 111. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the distribution data information table 111 includes distribution data identification information, a distribution source IP (Internet Protocol) address, a user ID, a distribution destination folder name, a file name, a file format, The file size, file update date / time, move / delete flag, rename flag, and update flag are stored in association with each other.

  The distribution data identification information represents identification information of distribution data provided by a distribution control unit 121 described later. The distribution source IP address represents the IP address of the image forming apparatus that distributed the distribution data. The user ID represents information for managing the user value of the client PC 300 used for authentication in connection with the file server 200. The distribution destination folder name represents a distribution destination folder name of distribution data. The file name represents the file name of the distribution data. The file format represents the file format of distribution data. The file size represents the size of distribution data. The file update date and time represents the date and time when the distribution data is updated. The delete / move flag represents flag information whose value is set when distribution data is deleted or moved. The rename flag represents flag information that is set when the distribution data is renamed. The update flag represents flag information whose value is set when distribution data is updated. Note that the file update date / time holds the date / time when the distribution data was generated as an initial value. Further, “0” is held as an initial value in the delete / move flag, rename flag, and update flag.

  For example, the distribution data information table 111 includes distribution data identification information “ABCD1234”, a distribution source IP address “100.110.120.130”, a user ID “user001”, a distribution destination folder name “folder A”. ”, File name“ File A ”, file format“ JPEG ”, file size“ 123 KB (kilobyte) ”, file update date and time“ 2011/11/1 12:35:00 ”, delete / move flag“ “0”, the rename flag “0”, and the update flag “0” are stored in association with each other.

  The user information table 112 stores user information representing information related to the user. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the user information table 112. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the user information table 112 stores a user ID, a user name, a user IP address, a domain name, and a password in association with each other.

  The user ID represents information for setting a unique value for each record of user information. The user name represents the name of the user. The user IP address represents the IP address of the client PC 300 used by the user. The domain name represents domain information to which the client PC 300 used by the user belongs. The password represents a password used for executing a predetermined login.

  For example, the user information table 112 includes a user ID “user001”, a user name “Taro”, a user IP address “100.110.120.130”, a domain name “ac”, and a password “pass001”. Are stored in association with each other. Note that the user IDs included in the distribution data information table 111 and the user information table 112 are the same, and by searching the user information table 112 based on the user ID of the distribution data information table 111, It is possible to acquire information such as the user name of the user who performs.

  The distribution destination information table 113 stores distribution destination information representing a distribution destination of distribution data. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the distribution destination information table 113. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the distribution destination information table 113 stores a user ID, a distribution destination folder name, and a folder update date in association with each other. The user ID represents information for setting a unique value for each record in the distribution destination information table. The distribution destination folder name represents the folder name of the distribution destination folder of distribution data. The folder update date / time represents the update date / time of the distribution destination folder of the distribution data.

  For example, the distribution destination information table 113 stores a user ID “user001”, a distribution destination folder name “folder A”, and a folder update date “2011/11/5 15:00:45” in association with each other. To do. The user ID is the same information as the user ID included in the distribution data information table 111 or the user information table 112.

  The control unit 120 includes a control program that executes control of the entire image forming apparatus 100, arithmetic processing, and the like, a program that defines various processing procedures, and an internal memory that stores necessary data. The control unit 120 includes a distribution control unit 121, a transmission control unit 122, a first update unit 123, and a second update unit 124.

  The distribution control unit 121 uses the read image of the document as distribution data, adds identification information for identifying the distribution data to the distribution data, and distributes the distribution data and the identification information based on the distribution destination information. To ask. For example, the distribution control unit 121 uses the image of the document read by the reading unit 102 as distribution data, and adds distribution data identification information for identifying the distribution data to property information in the distribution data. Then, the distribution control unit 121 distributes the distribution data and the distribution data identification information given to the distribution data to the file server 200 based on the distribution destination information. Here, the distribution data identification information is distributed in a format such as a text file, for example. Further, the text file including the distribution data identification information has, for example, a hidden file attribute in the folder structure.

  The transmission control unit 122 includes user information representing information related to a user who has performed a distribution data read request operation, distribution data information including distribution data and identification information for identifying distribution data, and distribution destination information. Are stored in the storage unit 110. Then, the transmission control unit 122 requests the communication unit 101 to transmit user information, distribution data information, and distribution destination information to another image forming apparatus.

  For example, in the distribution data distribution by the distribution control unit 121, the transmission control unit 122 includes user information corresponding to distribution data that has been successfully distributed, distribution data information including distribution data identification information, distribution destination information, Is stored in the storage unit 110. That is, user information is stored in the user information table 112, distribution data information is stored in the distribution data information table 111, and distribution destination information is stored in the distribution destination information table 113. However, when storing the user information, the transmission control unit 122 compares the user information to be stored with the user information already stored in the user information table 112, and stores the user information when the same user information does not exist. The target user information is stored as a new record in the user information table 112.

  Then, the transmission control unit 122 requests the communication unit 101 to transmit user information, distribution data information, and distribution destination information to another image forming apparatus. In other words, the transmission control unit 122 requests transmission of these pieces of information so that the user information, distribution data information, and distribution destination information, which are new information, are also held in other image forming apparatuses connected to the network.

  The first update unit 123 receives the received user information, distribution data information, or distribution destination information when the communication unit 101 receives user information, distribution data information, or distribution destination information transmitted by another image forming apparatus. Based on the above, the user information, distribution data information or distribution destination information stored in the storage unit 110 is updated.

  For example, the first update unit 123 receives user information, distribution data information, or distribution destination information transmitted by the transmission control unit and the communication unit of another image forming apparatus different from the image forming apparatus 100 by the communication unit 101. In this case, the user information table 112, the distribution data information table 111 or the distribution destination information table 113 is updated with the received various information. Specifically, if the user information received by the communication unit 101 is not included in the user information table 112, the first update unit 123 stores the user information as a new record. Similarly, since all the distribution data information received by the communication unit 101 is information that is not stored in the distribution data information table 111, the first update unit 123 sets all the received distribution data information as new records as distribution data. Store in the information table 111. Similarly, since all of the delivery destination information received by the communication unit 101 is information that is not stored in the delivery destination information table 113, the first update unit 123 uses all the received delivery destination information as a new record. Stored in the information table 113. In other words, all the image forming apparatuses connected to the network are synchronized, and the same user information, distribution data information, and distribution destination information are held.

  The second updating unit 124 requests the communication unit 101 to transmit a distribution destination folder information or distribution data file information to a server device that stores the distributed data and identification information. The second updating unit 124 then stores the storage unit 110 based on the received folder information or file information when the communication unit 101 receives folder information or file information in response to a transmission request from the server device. The distribution destination information or the distribution data information stored in is updated.

  For example, the second update unit 124 transmits the update date / time, file format, file size, or file name of the distribution destination folder corresponding to each distribution data at an arbitrary timing such as every predetermined time. To the file server 200. At this time, the update unit 124 also requests transmission of identification information for each piece of distribution data.

  The second update unit 124 receives the distribution data identification information, the update date and time of the distribution destination folder, the file format, the file size, or the file name by the communication unit 101 in response to the transmission request from the file server 200. In addition, it is determined whether or not each piece of received information matches the information stored in the storage unit 110. Thereby, the 2nd update part 124 updates the delivery destination information table 113 or the delivery data information table 111 suitably.

  Specifically, the second update unit 124 determines whether or not the folder update date and time in the distribution destination information table 113 matches the update date and time of the received distribution destination folder. At this time, if the folder update date and time match, the second update unit 124 ends the process because there is no change in all the distribution data under the distribution destination folder.

  On the other hand, if the folder update date / time does not match, the second update unit 124 determines whether the distribution data identification information recorded in the text file held in the image forming apparatus 100 matches the received distribution data identification information. Determine whether or not. At this time, if the distribution data identification information does not match, the second update unit 124 updates the “delete / move flag” of the distribution data information table 111 storing the corresponding distribution data identification information to “1”. That is, since the distribution data corresponding to the corresponding distribution data identification information has been deleted or moved, the “delete / move flag” is updated to “1”. Further, the second update unit 124 updates the “folder update date / time” in the distribution destination information table 113 to the update date / time of the received distribution destination folder.

  On the other hand, when the distribution data identification information matches, the second update unit 124 determines whether or not the file format and file size of the distribution data information table 111 match the received file format and file size. . At this time, if the file format and the file size do not match, the second update unit 124 updates the “update flag” of the distribution data information table 111 storing the corresponding distribution data identification information to “1”. That is, since the distribution data corresponding to the corresponding distribution data identification information has been updated in some way, the “update flag” is updated to “1”. Note that a certain error may be allowed for the file size.

  On the other hand, when the file format and the file size match, the second update unit 124 determines whether or not the file name of the distribution data information table 111 matches the received file name. At this time, when the file names do not match, the second update unit 124 updates the “rename flag” of the distribution data information table 111 storing the corresponding distribution data identification information to “1”. That is, since the file name of the distribution data corresponding to the corresponding distribution data identification information is changed, the “rename flag” is updated to “1”.

  On the other hand, when the file names match, the second update unit 124 obtains the file update date / time of the corresponding distribution data from the file server 200 using the distribution data identification information because only the file update date / time is different. Then, the “file update date” in the distribution data information table 111 is updated.

[Configuration of File Server According to Embodiment 1]
Next, the function of the file server according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of a configuration example of the file server according to the first embodiment. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the file server 200 includes a communication unit 201, a storage unit 202, a storage unit 203, and a transmission control unit 204.

  The communication unit 201 communicates with an external device connected to the network. For example, the communication unit 201 is an interface for communicating with an image forming apparatus connected to a network. The accumulation unit 202 accumulates the received distribution data and identification information when the distribution data and identification information distributed by the image forming apparatus are received by the communication unit 201. For example, the storage unit 202 stores the received distribution data and distribution data identification information when the communication unit 201 receives the distribution data distributed by the image forming apparatus 100 and the distribution data identification information of the distribution data. It accumulates in 203. At this time, the distribution data identification information is received in a text file format having a hidden file structure in the folder structure.

  When the communication unit 201 receives a transmission request for folder information or file information of the distribution data distribution destination from the image forming apparatus 100, the transmission control unit 204 forms an image of the accumulated distribution data folder information or file information. The communication unit 201 is requested to transmit to the device 100. For example, the transmission control unit 204 receives the distribution data identification information of the distribution data from the image forming apparatus 100, the update date / time of the distribution destination folder, the file format, the file size, or the file name transmission request received by the communication unit 201. In addition, the communication unit 201 is requested to transmit to the image forming apparatus 100 the distribution data identification information stored in the storage unit 203, the update date and time of the distribution destination folder, the file format, the file size, or the file name.

[Overall Processing Flow of Image Forming Apparatus According to First Embodiment]
Next, the overall processing flow of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the overall processing flow of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.

  For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8, when the second update unit 124 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed (Yes in step S101), the distribution data identification information of the distribution data and the update of the distribution destination folder are performed from the file server 200. The date / time, file format, file size, or file name is acquired, it is determined whether or not the information matches the information stored in the storage unit 110, and the information stored in the storage unit 110 is updated (step S110). Note that the image forming apparatus 100 executes the process of step S101 again after the process of step S110.

  On the other hand, when the second update unit 124 determines that the predetermined time has not elapsed (No at Step S101), the first update unit 123 receives user information, distribution data information, or distribution destination information from another image forming apparatus. Is received by the communication unit 101 (step S102). At this time, if the first update unit 123 determines that user information, distribution data information, or distribution destination information has been received from another image forming apparatus by the communication unit 101 (Yes in step S102), the received user information, The user information table 112, the distribution data information table 111, or the distribution destination information table 113 is updated with the distribution data information or the distribution destination information (step S109). Note that the image forming apparatus 100 executes the process of step S101 again after the process of step S109.

  On the other hand, when the first update unit 123 determines that user information, distribution data information, or distribution destination information is not received by the communication unit 101 from another image forming apparatus (No in step S102), the reading unit 102 It is determined whether user information, reading conditions, and delivery destination information have been received (step S103). At this time, when the reading unit 102 determines that the user information, the reading condition, and the distribution destination information are received (Yes in step S103), the reading unit 102 reads the document based on the reading condition and generates digitized distribution data. (Step S104). When the reading unit 102 determines that the user information, the reading condition, and the delivery destination information are not received (No at Step S103), the image forming apparatus 100 executes the process at Step S101.

  Further, the distribution control unit 121 adds distribution data identification information for identifying distribution data that is an image of the document read by the reading unit 102 to the distribution data (step S105). Then, based on the distribution destination information, the distribution control unit 121 distributes distribution data and distribution data identification information to the file server 200 via the communication unit 101 (step S106).

  In addition, the transmission control unit 122 registers user information corresponding to the distributed distribution data, distribution data information, and distribution destination information in the user information table 112, the distribution data information table 111, and the distribution destination information table 113, respectively. (Step S107). Then, the transmission control unit 122 transmits user information, distribution data information, and distribution destination information to another image forming apparatus via the communication unit 101 (step S108). Note that the image forming apparatus 100 executes the process of step S101 again after the process of step S108.

[Distribution Information Update Processing Flow According to Embodiment 1]
Next, the flow of the distribution information update process according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the distribution information update process according to the first embodiment. The distribution information update process refers to the process in step S108 shown in FIG. In FIG. 9, the distribution information update process between the image forming apparatus 100a and the image forming apparatus 100b when the distribution data is distributed by the image forming apparatus 100a will be described as an example.

  For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the image forming apparatus 100a transmits a signal for executing update of the user information table, the distribution data information table, and the distribution destination information table to the broadcast address (step S201). Further, the image forming apparatus 100b receives a signal transmitted by the image forming apparatus 100a (step S202). Then, the image forming apparatus 100b transmits a response signal for the received signal to the image forming apparatus 100a (step S203).

  Further, the image forming apparatus 100a receives the response signal transmitted by the image forming apparatus 100b (step S204). As a result, the image forming apparatus 100a recognizes that communication with the image forming apparatus 100b is possible. Then, the image forming apparatus 100a acquires the user information stored in the user information table 112, and transmits the acquired user information to the image forming apparatus 100b (step S205). Further, the image forming apparatus 100b receives the user information transmitted by the image forming apparatus 100a, and updates the user information in the user information table 112 of the image forming apparatus 100b (step S206).

  Subsequently, the image forming apparatus 100a acquires the distribution data information stored in the distribution data information table 111, and transmits the acquired distribution data information to the image forming apparatus 100b (step S207). Further, the image forming apparatus 100b receives the distribution data information transmitted by the image forming apparatus 100a, and updates the distribution data information in the distribution data information table 111 of the image forming apparatus 100b (step S208).

  Thereafter, the image forming apparatus 100a acquires the distribution destination information stored in the distribution destination information table 113, and transmits the acquired distribution destination information to the image forming apparatus 100b (step S209). Further, the image forming apparatus 100b receives the distribution destination information transmitted by the image forming apparatus 100a, and updates the distribution destination information in the distribution destination information table 113 of the image forming apparatus 100b (step S210).

[Distribution Information Monitoring Processing Flow According to Embodiment 1]
Next, the flow of the distribution information monitoring process according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the distribution information monitoring process according to the first embodiment. The distribution information monitoring process refers to the process in step S110 shown in FIG.

  For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the second update unit 124 acquires the folder update date and time from the distribution destination information table 113 (step S301). Then, the second update unit 124 requests the file server 200 to transmit the folder update date and time via the communication unit 101 (step S302). Subsequently, the second update unit 124 receives, via the communication unit 101, the folder update date and time of the folder in which the distribution data is stored in response to the transmission request from the file server 200 (step S303). Here, the second update unit 124 compares the folder update date and time acquired from the distribution destination information table 113 with the folder update date and time received from the file server 200 (step S304).

  At this time, if the second update unit 124 determines that the folder update date / time is different (Yes at Step S305), the second update unit 124 acquires the distribution data identification information, the file format, the file size, and the file name from the distribution data information table 111 (Step S305). S306). On the other hand, if the second update unit 124 determines that the folder update date / time is the same (No at step S305), the distribution data under the distribution destination folder of the file server 200 is not changed, and thus the second update unit 124 performs the processing. finish.

  Thereafter, the second update unit 124 requests the file server 200 to transmit file information such as distribution data identification information, file format, file size, and file name via the communication unit 101 (step S307). Then, the second update unit 124 receives the distribution data identification information, the file format, the file size, and the file name via the communication unit 101 in response to the transmission request from the file server 200 (step S308). Here, the second update unit 124 distributes the distribution data identification information, the file format, the file size, and the file name acquired from the distribution data information table 111, and the distribution data identification information, the file format, and the file size received from the file server 200. And the file name are compared (step S309).

  At this time, if the file information is different as a result of the comparison (Yes in step S310), the second update unit 124 updates each piece of distribution data information in the distribution data information table 111 (step S312). On the other hand, if the file information is the same as a result of the comparison (No in step S310), the second update unit 124 changes the file update date and time of the distribution data since the file update date and time is different. From the file server 200 (step S311), and the file update date and time of the distribution data information table 111 is updated (step S312).

[Delivery Information Comparison Processing Flow According to Embodiment 1]
Next, the flow of the distribution information comparison process according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a flow of distribution information comparison processing according to the first embodiment. The distribution information comparison process refers to the process in step S309 shown in FIG.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the second updating unit 124 notifies the file server 200 whether or not there is a text file in which the distribution data identification information is recorded in the file server 200. (Step S401). At this time, when the second update unit 124 receives a response from the file server 200 and determines that the corresponding text file exists (Yes in step S401), the second update unit 124 and the distribution data identification information held in the image forming apparatus 100 Then, it is determined whether or not the distribution data identification information acquired from the file server 200 matches (step S402). On the other hand, when the second update unit 124 receives a response from the file server 200 and determines that the corresponding text file does not exist (No in step S401), the distribution data is not normally distributed. Therefore, the process ends.

  If the second update unit 124 determines that the distribution data identification information does not match (No at Step S402), the second update unit 124 sets the deletion / movement flag corresponding to the corresponding distribution data identification information held in the image forming apparatus 100 to “ It is determined to update to 1 ″ (step S403). On the other hand, if the second update unit 124 determines that the distribution data identification information matches (Yes in step S402), the file format and file size held in the image forming apparatus 100, the file format acquired from the file server 200, and It is determined whether the file size matches (step S404).

  At this time, if the second update unit 124 determines that the file format and the file size do not match (No at Step S404), the second update unit 124 sets an update flag corresponding to the corresponding distribution data identification information held in the image forming apparatus 100 to “ It is determined to update to 1 ″ (step S405). On the other hand, if the second update unit 124 determines that the file format and the file size match (Yes in step S404), the file name held in the image forming apparatus 100 matches the file name acquired from the file server 200. It is determined whether or not to perform (step S406).

  At this time, if the second update unit 124 determines that the file names do not match (No at Step S406), the rename flag corresponding to the corresponding distribution data identification information held in the image forming apparatus 100 is set to “1”. It is decided to update (step S407). On the other hand, when the second update unit 124 determines that the file names match (Yes in step S406), the second update unit 124 ends the process.

[Overall Process Flow of File Server According to Embodiment 1]
Next, the overall processing flow of the file server 200 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the overall processing flow of the file server 200 according to the first embodiment.

  For example, as illustrated in FIG. 12, the storage unit 202 receives the distribution data distributed by the image forming apparatus 100 and the distribution data identification information of the distribution data via the communication unit 201 (Yes in step S501). The received distribution data and distribution data identification information are stored in the storage unit 203 (step S502). At this time, when the distribution data and the distribution data identification information are not received by the communication unit 201 (No in step S501), the transmission control unit 204 transmits the distribution data identification information of the distribution data and the distribution destination folder from the image forming apparatus 100. It is determined whether or not a transmission request for the update date / time, file format, file size, or file name has been received by the communication unit 201 (step S503).

  At this time, when the transmission control unit 204 receives a transmission request from the image forming apparatus 100 via the communication unit 201 (Yes in step S503), the transmission data identification information, the update date and time of the distribution destination folder, the file format, The file size or file name is appropriately transmitted to the image forming apparatus 100 (step S504). On the other hand, when the transmission control unit 204 has not received a transmission request from the image forming apparatus 100 via the communication unit 201 (No in step S503), the transmission control unit 204 executes the process of step S501 again.

[Effects of Example 1]
As described above, when the distribution data is distributed to the file server 200, the image forming apparatus 100 transmits user information, distribution data information, and distribution destination information to other image forming apparatuses. In addition, when the image forming apparatus 100 receives user information, distribution data information, and distribution destination information transmitted by another image forming apparatus, the user information, distribution data information, and distribution destination held in the image forming apparatus 100 are received. Update information. Further, the image forming apparatus 100 acquires the folder information of the distribution destination or the file information of the distribution data from the file server 200 that is the distribution destination of the distribution data, and uses the distribution destination information or the distribution data information held in the image forming apparatus 100. Update. As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 synchronizes with other image forming apparatuses connected to the network and obtains information related to the distribution data from the file server 200 storing the distribution data, thereby obtaining user information, Since the distribution data information and the distribution destination information are held, the management of data digitized by the scanner function can be facilitated.

  In the first embodiment, a case has been described in which various types of information are held in synchronization with each image forming apparatus during normal operation. However, various types of information can be held in synchronization even when the image forming apparatus is in a predetermined state. . Therefore, in the second embodiment, a case will be described in which various types of information are held in synchronization even when the image forming apparatus is in a predetermined state.

  Specifically, when the image forming apparatus 100 is in a predetermined state, the first update unit 123 requests the communication unit 101 to send a transmission request for user information, distribution data information, or distribution destination information to another image forming apparatus. To do. The first update unit 123 receives the received user information, distribution data when user information, distribution data information, or distribution destination information is received by the communication unit 101 in response to a transmission request from another image forming apparatus. Based on the information or the delivery destination information, the user information, delivery data information, or delivery destination information stored in the storage unit 110 is updated. Note that the predetermined state is, for example, when the main power of the image forming apparatus 100 is turned on or when the image forming apparatus 100 returns from a communication interruption.

[Distribution Information Update Processing Flow According to Second Embodiment]
The flow of the distribution information update process according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of the distribution information update process according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 13, the distribution information update process between the image forming apparatus 100a and the image forming apparatus 100b when the main power of the image forming apparatus 100a is turned on will be described as an example.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 13, when the main power of the image forming apparatus 100a is turned on (Yes in step S601), the image forming apparatus 100a has information related to distribution data, that is, the user information table 111 and distribution data information. A signal for updating the table 112 and the distribution destination information table 113 is transmitted to the broadcast address (step S602). Further, when the main power of the image forming apparatus 100a is not turned on (No in step S601), the image forming apparatus 100a enters a state of waiting for turning on the main power.

  The image forming apparatus 100b receives the signal transmitted by the image forming apparatus 100a, acquires user information from the user information table 111 of the image forming apparatus 100b, and transmits the acquired user information to the image forming apparatus 100a. Transmit (step S603). Further, the image forming apparatus 100a receives the user information transmitted by the image forming apparatus 100b (step S604).

  Then, the image forming apparatus 100a updates the user information in the user information table 111 of the image forming apparatus 100a (step S605). The image forming apparatus 100a updates the user information table according to newer user information based on the file update date and time, the access history, and the like. Subsequently, the image forming apparatus 100a transmits a signal requesting distribution destination information to the image forming apparatus 100b (step S606). The image forming apparatus 100b receives the signal transmitted by the image forming apparatus 100a, acquires the distribution destination information from the distribution destination information table 113 of the image forming apparatus 100b, and uses the acquired distribution destination information as the image forming apparatus 100a. (Step S607).

  Further, the image forming apparatus 100a receives the distribution destination information transmitted by the image forming apparatus 100b (step S608). Then, the image forming apparatus 100a determines whether or not the distribution destination information in the distribution destination information table 113 of the image forming apparatus 100a matches the received distribution destination information (step S609). At this time, if the image forming apparatus 100a determines that the distribution destination information matches (Yes in step S609), the image forming apparatus 100a ends the processing because the distribution data information is the latest. On the other hand, when the image forming apparatus 100a determines that the distribution destination information does not match (No in step S609), the image forming apparatus 100a updates the distribution destination information in the distribution destination information table 113 of the image forming apparatus 100a (step S610). The image forming apparatus 100a updates the distribution destination information table according to newer distribution destination information based on the file update date and time, the access history, and the like.

  Subsequently, the image forming apparatus 100a transmits a signal requesting distribution data information to the image forming apparatus 100b (step S611). The image forming apparatus 100b receives the signal transmitted by the image forming apparatus 100a, acquires distribution data information from the distribution data information table 111 of the image forming apparatus 100b, and uses the acquired distribution data information as the image forming apparatus 100a. (Step S612). Further, the image forming apparatus 100a receives the distribution data information transmitted by the image forming apparatus 100b (step S613). Then, the image forming apparatus 100a updates the distribution data information in the distribution data information table 111 of the image forming apparatus 100a (step S614).

[Effects of Example 2]
As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 can hold user information, distribution data information, and distribution destination information in synchronization with other image forming apparatuses even when the power is turned on or when returning from communication interruption. Management of data digitized by the function can be facilitated.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the image forming apparatuses cooperate to keep the user information, the distribution data information, and the distribution destination information in the latest state has been described. However, the user information, distribution according to the request from the client PC operated by the user Data information and distribution destination information can be kept up-to-date. Thus, in the third embodiment, a case will be described in which user information, distribution data information, and distribution destination information are kept in the latest state according to a request from a client PC operated by the user.

  Specifically, when the communication unit 101 receives an update request for user information, distribution data information, or distribution destination information stored in the storage unit 110 by the client PC 300 operated by the user, the first update unit 123 In addition, the communication unit 101 is requested to transmit user information, distribution data information, or distribution destination information to other image forming apparatuses. The first update unit 123 receives the received user information, distribution data, when user information, distribution data information, or distribution destination information is received by the communication unit 101 in response to a transmission request from another image forming apparatus. Based on the information or the delivery destination information, the user information, delivery data information, or delivery destination information stored in the storage unit 110 is updated.

  The second updating unit 124 requests the communication unit 101 to send a transmission request for folder information or file information to the server device after the updating process by the first updating unit 123. The second updating unit 124 then stores the storage unit 110 based on the received folder information or file information when the communication unit 101 receives folder information or file information in response to a transmission request from the server device. The distribution destination information or the distribution destination data information stored in is updated.

[Various screens]
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a login screen. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a dialog screen when input information is invalid. For example, in the client PC 300, the user inputs a user name and password on the login screen shown in FIG. 14, and performs an operation of pressing a login button. At this time, if the input information of the user name or password is invalid, the dialog screen shown in FIG. 15 is displayed. When the authentication of the input information is completed, the first update unit 123 executes the distribution information update process described above.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a management screen. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, a drop-down button of “distribution source image forming apparatus” for selecting which image forming apparatus information is to be displayed is arranged on the management screen. In addition, on the management screen, a “Move / Delete” button for displaying information on distribution data for which a move / delete flag is set and a “Rename” for displaying information on distribution data for which a rename flag is set. ] Button is arranged. In addition, the management screen includes an “update” button for displaying information on distribution data for which an update flag is set, and a “narrow” button for displaying information on distribution data after an arbitrary date. Has been placed. By pressing the move / delete button, rename button, update button, or filter button, corresponding information is displayed in the “file name”, “delivery date”, and “file size” on the right side.

  In addition, an “update information” button for accessing the file server 200 and requesting the image forming apparatus 100 to acquire and update various types of information is arranged on the management screen. In addition, in the initial display, information on distribution data that has been distributed by the logged-in user is displayed, and even when distribution data is distributed to a plurality of file servers, it is displayed on the same page. When a user having administrator authority logs in, the distribution data information distributed by all users can be browsed. The management screen also includes an address bar “address” for displaying an address where the distribution data exists when the information of the distribution data displayed in this way is clicked.

[Overall Processing Flow of Image Forming Apparatus and Client PC According to Embodiment 3]
Next, the overall processing flow of the image forming apparatus 100 and the client PC 300 according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the overall processing flow of the image forming apparatus 100 and the client PC 300 according to the third embodiment.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 17, the client PC 300 accesses the management site (step S701). In accessing the management site, there is a predetermined address on the management site. For example, an address “http://100.110.120.125” which is a combination of the IP address of the image forming apparatus and a fixed character string. / Admintool "is used. In addition, the image forming apparatus 100 generates a login screen in response to access from the client PC 300, and outputs the generated login screen (step S702). In addition, the client PC 300 displays the login screen generated by the image forming apparatus 100 (step S703). Then, the client PC 300 receives input of a user name and a password by a user operation, and transmits login information to the image forming apparatus 100 (step S704).

  Further, the image forming apparatus 100 receives the login information transmitted by the client PC 300 (step S705). Then, the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether login is possible based on the user name and password in the user information table (step S706). At this time, if the image forming apparatus 100 determines that login is impossible (No in step S706), the image forming apparatus 100 generates a dialog screen indicating that login is not possible, and outputs the generated dialog screen (step S707). Further, the client PC 300 receives the dialog screen generated by the image forming apparatus 100 and displays the dialog screen (step S708).

  On the other hand, when the image forming apparatus 100 determines that login is possible (Yes in step S706), the image forming apparatus 100 executes the distribution information update process described above (step S709). Subsequently, the image forming apparatus 100 executes the distribution information monitoring process described above (step S710). After that, the image forming apparatus 100 generates a management screen reflecting the distribution data information after the distribution information update process and the distribution information monitoring process are executed, and outputs the generated management screen (step S711). In addition, the client PC 300 receives and displays the management screen transmitted by the image forming apparatus 100 (step S712). As described above, the distribution information monitoring process may be executed when the “update information” button is pressed on the management screen.

[Effects of Example 3]
As described above, the image forming apparatus 100 can receive the request from the client PC 300 and can hold user information, distribution data information, and distribution destination information in synchronization with other image forming apparatuses. Management of digitized data can be facilitated.

  Although the embodiments of the image forming apparatus 100 and the file server 200 according to the present invention have been described so far, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms other than the above-described embodiments. Therefore, different embodiments of (1) configuration and (2) program will be described.

(1) Configuration Information including processing procedures, control procedures, specific names, various data, parameters, and the like shown in the above documents and drawings can be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise specified. For example, in the example of the management screen illustrated in FIG. 16, the case where the file name, the delivery date and time, and the file size are displayed has been described. However, the information to be displayed is not limited thereto.

  Each component of the illustrated image forming apparatus 100 or file server 200 is functionally conceptual and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as illustrated. In other words, the specific form of distribution or integration of each device is not limited to the illustrated one, and all or a part thereof is functionally or physically distributed or arbitrarily distributed in arbitrary units according to various burdens or usage conditions. Can be integrated.

(2) Program An image forming program executed by the image forming apparatus 100 of the above embodiment is provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like. For example, an image forming program executed by the image forming apparatus 100 is a file in an installable format or an executable format, such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), or the like. The program may be recorded on a readable recording medium and provided as a computer program product.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Distribution data management system 100 Image forming apparatus 101 Communication part 102 Reading part 110 Storage part 111 Distribution data information table 112 User information table 113 Distribution destination information table 120 Control part 121 Distribution control part 122 Transmission control part 123 1st update part 124 1st 2 update unit 200 file server 201 communication unit 202 storage unit 203 storage unit 204 transmission control unit 300 client PC

Japanese Patent No. 4405939 JP 2010-056770 A

Claims (6)

A storage unit for storing user information representing information relating to a user, delivery data information representing information relating to delivery data that is an image of a read document, and delivery destination information representing a delivery destination of the delivery data;
A communication unit that communicates with an external device connected to the network;
A reading unit that reads the document based on reading conditions for the document;
Using the read image of the document as distribution data, identification information for identifying the distribution data is added to the distribution data, and distribution of the distribution data and the identification information is performed based on the distribution destination information. A delivery control unit that performs via
The user information, the distribution data information including the identification information, and the distribution destination information are stored in the storage unit, and other image formation of the user information, the distribution data information, and the distribution destination information is performed. A transmission control unit that performs transmission to the device via the communication unit;
When the user information, the distribution data information, or the distribution destination information transmitted by another image forming apparatus is received by the communication unit, the received user information, the distribution data information, or the distribution destination information Based on the first update unit that updates the user information, distribution data information or distribution destination information stored in the storage unit,
A transmission request for the distribution destination folder information or the distribution data file information is sent to the server device that stores the distributed data and the identification information via the communication unit, and the server device responds to the transmission request from the server device. When the folder information or the file information is received by the response by the response, the distribution destination information or the distribution data information stored in the storage unit is obtained based on the received folder information or the file information. An image forming apparatus comprising: a second updating unit that updates the image forming apparatus.   The first update unit sends a request for transmission of the user information, the distribution data information, or the distribution destination information to the other image forming apparatus via the communication unit when the image forming apparatus is in a predetermined state. When the user information, the distribution data information, or the distribution destination information is received by the communication unit in response to a transmission request from the other image forming apparatus, the received user information, the distribution data The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein user information, distribution data information, or distribution destination information stored in the storage unit is updated based on the information or the distribution destination information. The first update unit, when an update request for user information, distribution data information, or distribution destination information stored in the storage unit by an information processing apparatus operated by the user is received by the communication unit, A transmission request for the user information, the distribution data information or the distribution destination information to another image forming apparatus is made via the communication unit, and the user information, the response to the transmission request from the other image forming apparatus, User information stored in the storage unit based on the received user information, the distribution data information or the distribution destination information when the distribution data information or the distribution destination information is received by the communication unit; Update distribution data information or distribution destination information,
The second update unit makes a transmission request for the folder information or the file information to the server device via the communication unit after the update process by the first update unit, and responds to the transmission request from the server device. When the folder information or the file information is received by the communication unit, the distribution destination information or the distribution data information stored in the storage unit is updated based on the received folder information or the file information. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. An image forming method executed by an image forming apparatus connected to a network,
The image forming apparatus includes:
A storage unit for storing user information representing information relating to a user, delivery data information representing information relating to delivery data that is an image of a read document, and delivery destination information representing a delivery destination of the delivery data;
A communication unit that communicates with an external device connected to the network,
Reading the document based on reading conditions for the document;
Using the read image of the document as distribution data, identification information for identifying the distribution data is added to the distribution data, and distribution of the distribution data and the identification information is performed based on the distribution destination information. A process performed through
The user information, the distribution data information including the identification information, and the distribution destination information are stored in the storage unit, and other image formation of the user information, the distribution data information, and the distribution destination information is performed. Transmitting to the device via the communication unit;
When the user information, the distribution data information, or the distribution destination information transmitted by another image forming apparatus is received by the communication unit, the received user information, the distribution data information, or the distribution destination information Originally, updating the user information, distribution data information or distribution destination information stored in the storage unit;
A transmission request for the distribution destination folder information or the distribution data file information is sent to the server device that stores the distributed data and the identification information via the communication unit, and the server device responds to the transmission request from the server device. When the folder information or the file information is received by the response by the response, the distribution destination information or the distribution data information stored in the storage unit is obtained based on the received folder information or the file information. An image forming method comprising: an updating step. A communication step of communicating with an external device connected to the network;
A reading step reading the document based on the reading conditions for originals,
Using the read image of the original as distribution data, identification information for identifying the distribution data is added to the distribution data, and the distribution data and the identification are based on the distribution destination information indicating the distribution destination of the distribution data. A distribution step of distributing information via the communication step;
User information representing information related to a user, information related to the distribution data, transmission data information including the identification information, and transmission of the distribution destination information to another image forming apparatus via the communication step Control steps;
When the user information, the distribution data information, or the distribution destination information transmitted by another image forming apparatus is received by the communication step, the received user information, the distribution data information, or the distribution destination information is displayed. A first updating step for updating the user information, the distribution data information or the distribution destination information stored in a storage unit for storing the user information, the distribution data information and the distribution destination information;
A transmission request for the distribution destination folder information or the distribution data file information is sent to the server device that stores the distributed data and the identification information via the communication step, and the server device responds to the transmission request from the server device. When the folder information or the file information is received by the response in response, the distribution destination information or the distribution data information stored in the storage unit is obtained based on the received folder information or the file information. An image forming program for causing a computer to execute a second updating step for updating. A distribution data management system in which an image forming apparatus and a server apparatus are connected to a network,
The image forming apparatus includes:
A storage unit for storing user information representing information relating to a user, delivery data information representing information relating to delivery data that is an image of a read document, and delivery destination information representing a delivery destination of the delivery data;
A communication unit that communicates with an external device connected to the network;
A reading unit that reads the document based on reading conditions for the document;
Using the read image of the document as distribution data, identification information for identifying the distribution data is added to the distribution data, and distribution of the distribution data and the identification information is performed based on the distribution destination information. A delivery control unit that performs via
The user information, the distribution data information including the identification information, and the distribution destination information are stored in the storage unit, and other image formation of the user information, the distribution data information, and the distribution destination information is performed. A transmission control unit that performs transmission to the device via the communication unit;
When the user information, the distribution data information, or the distribution destination information transmitted by another image forming apparatus is received by the communication unit, the received user information, the distribution data information, or the distribution destination information Based on the first update unit that updates the user information, distribution data information or distribution destination information stored in the storage unit,
A transmission request for the distribution destination folder information or the distribution data file information is sent to the server device that stores the distributed data and the identification information via the communication unit, and the server device responds to the transmission request from the server device. When the folder information or the file information is received by the response by the response, the distribution destination information or the distribution data information stored in the storage unit is obtained based on the received folder information or the file information. A second updating unit for updating,
The server device
A communication unit that communicates with an external device connected to the network;
An accumulator that accumulates the received distribution data and the identification information when the distribution data and the identification information distributed by the image forming apparatus are received by the communication unit;
The folder information or the file information of the distribution data stored in the image forming apparatus when a transmission request for the distribution destination folder information or file information of the distribution data is received from the image forming apparatus by the communication unit. A transmission data management system comprising: a transmission control unit that performs transmission on the communication unit via the communication unit.

Images