JP6287381B2 - Image processing apparatus, image processing system, image processing method, and program - Google Patents

Description

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

  It is known that image data generated by reading a document using a scanner function is directly stored in a server device via a network.

  However, conventionally, data acquired by an image processing apparatus having a scanner function is sequentially transferred to the server apparatus every time it is acquired. For this reason, on the image device side, the acquired data cannot be associated with the data stored in the server device, which is inferior in convenience at the time of data storage.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and is an image processing apparatus, an image processing system, and an image processing capable of improving convenience when storing data generated by a scanner function in a server apparatus It is an object to provide a method and a program.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention combines a plurality of data with an acquisition unit that acquires the first data from an engine unit that reads a document and generates first data. Receiving a selection of a target to be combined with the first data out of the second data stored in the server device and the first communication unit communicating with the server device having the second combining unit. Communication control for controlling the first communication unit to transmit a reception unit, a request for combining the first data and the selected second data, and the first data to the server device A determination unit that determines whether the second combining unit can be used, and a first combining unit that combines a plurality of data. The communication control unit includes the second combining unit. Is determined to be usable, the join request and The second data stored in the server device when the first communication unit is controlled to transmit the first data to the server device and the second combining unit is determined to be unusable. The second data to be combined with the first data received by the reception unit is acquired from the server device, and the acquired second data and the first data are obtained. The first combining unit is controlled to generate combined combined data, and the first communication unit is controlled to transmit the combined data to the server device .

  According to the present invention, it is possible to improve convenience when storing data generated by the scanner function in the server device.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of an image processing system. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the operation unit. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the MFP. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the server apparatus. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of input processing. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the initial screen. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a storage destination selection screen. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a login screen. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of second data list information. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the join order input screen. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a format input screen. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a list of file names of the second data. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a procedure of image processing. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of combined data generation. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a procedure of image processing. FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of processing executed in the image processing system. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of the input screen.

  Exemplary embodiments of an image processing device, an image processing system, an image processing method, and a program will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  Hereinafter, a case where the image processing apparatus is applied to a multifunction peripheral (MFP) will be described as an example. A multifunction peripheral is a device having at least one of a scanner function, a printer function, a copy function, and a fax function. Note that the image processing apparatus is not limited to a multifunction machine as long as it has at least a scanner function. Note that the image processing apparatus only needs to be connected to at least an apparatus having a scanner function, and is not limited to a configuration having a scanner function in the image processing apparatus.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of an image processing system 1000 according to the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the image processing system 1000 includes an MFP 10, an operation unit 20, a server device 30, and an external device 28. The MFP 10 and the operation unit 20 are connected via a dedicated communication path 41 so that they can communicate with each other. The communication path 41 may be, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard, but may be of any standard regardless of wired or wireless. The communication path 41 may be a network such as the Internet, a telephone line, or the like.

  The MFP 10, the external device 28, and the server device 30 are connected via a network 40 such as the Internet.

  FIG. 1 illustrates the case where the number of operation units 20 connected to the MFP 10 is one, but is not limited thereto, and the number of operation units 20 is arbitrary. Further, the number of MFPs 10 connected to the operation unit 20 is not limited to one, and the number of MFPs 10 is arbitrary. The number of server devices 30 and external devices 28 is also arbitrary.

  The MFP 10 has at least a scanner function. In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which the MFP 10 is an apparatus that can implement various functions such as a scanner function, a copy function, a fax function, and a printer function.

  The scanner function is a function for acquiring first data that is image data of a document by reading the document.

  The copy function is a function of acquiring image data by reading a document and forming an image of the image data on a recording medium. The fax function is a function for transmitting various data such as image data to the external device 28 or the like. The printer function is a function for forming an image on a recording medium based on a print job received from the external device 28 or the like.

  The operation unit 20 receives an input corresponding to a user operation. The operation unit 20 has a unique OS and a screen transition mechanism. The MFP 10 performs an operation according to the input received by the operation unit 20.

  In the present embodiment, the operation unit 20 mainly includes a UI (user interface) function for performing operations and display related to functions (copy function, scanner function, fax function, printer function) provided in the MFP 10 and operations related to login. And an application for providing a UI function and the like for performing display are installed in advance.

  In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the OS layer software on the MFP 10 side and the OS layer software on the operation unit 20 side are different from each other in order to maintain the independence of functions. That is, in the present embodiment, the MFP 10 and the operation unit 20 operate independently of each other with different operating systems. For example, it is possible to use Linux (registered trademark) as the OS layer software on the MFP 10 side and Android (registered trademark) as the OS layer software on the operation unit 20 side.

  As described above, in the image processing system 1000 according to the present embodiment, the MFP 10 and the operation unit 20 operate with different operating systems. For this reason, communication between the MFP 10 and the operation unit 20 is performed as communication between different devices, not communication between processes in a common device. An operation (command communication) for transmitting an input (contents of instruction from the user) received by the operation unit 20 to the MFP 10 and an operation for the MFP 10 notifying the operation unit 20 of an event correspond to this. Here, the function of the MFP 10 can be used when the operation unit 20 performs command communication with the MFP 10.

  In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which power supply to the operation unit 20 is performed from the MFP 10 via the communication path 41. However, the power control of the operation unit 20 may be performed separately (independently) from the power control of the MFP 10.

  Note that the operation unit 20 may be provided integrally with the MFP 10.

  The external device 28 is a device that is connected to the network 40 and exchanges data and signals with the MFP 10. The external device 28 is, for example, a known personal computer.

  The server device 30 registers various data and performs authentication processing for the MFP 10 and the external device 28. The server device 30 permits the authenticated MFP 10 and the external device 28 to access the HDD 35 and use various functions provided in the MFP 10.

  In addition, the server device 30 registers various data in the HDD 35 to open the data stored in the HDD 35 to the external device 28 or the MFP 10 operated by a predetermined user or the like. The server device 30 can also set an access right or the like for the data stored in the HDD 35 and make the data private to some users.

  In the present embodiment, data stored in server device 30 is referred to as second data.

  Next, a hardware configuration will be described.

  First, the hardware configuration of the MFP 10 will be described. The MFP 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 13, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 14, a connection I / F (Interface) 16, an engine unit. 17 and a communication I / F 19, which are connected to each other via a system bus 18.

  The CPU 11 controls the overall operation of the MFP 10. The CPU 11 controls the overall operation of the MFP 10 by executing a program stored in the ROM 12 or the HDD 14 or the like using the RAM 13 as a work area (work area), and the above-described copy function, scanner function, fax function, printer function, Various functions to be described later are realized.

  The connection I / F 16 is an interface for communicating with the operation unit 20 via the communication path 41. The communication I / F 19 is an interface for communicating with the server device 30 and the external device 28 via the network 40.

  The engine unit 17 is hardware that performs processing other than general-purpose information processing and communication for realizing a copy function, a scanner function, a fax function, and a printer function. The engine unit 17 includes a scanner (image reading unit) that executes a scanner function, a plotter (image forming unit) that executes a copy function and a printer function, a fax unit that executes a fax function, and the like. Further, a specific option such as a finisher for sorting printed sheet materials or an ADF (automatic document feeder) for automatically feeding a document can be provided.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the operation unit 20 will be described. The operation unit 20 includes a CPU 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, a flash memory 24, a connection I / F 26, and an operation panel 27, which are connected to each other via a system bus 24A.

  The CPU 21 comprehensively controls the operation of the operation unit 20. The CPU 21 executes programs stored in the ROM 22 or the flash memory 24 using the RAM 23 as a work area, thereby controlling the operation of the entire operation unit 20 and realizing various functions to be described later.

  The connection I / F 26 is an interface for communicating with the MFP 10 via the communication path 41.

  The operation panel 27 accepts various inputs according to user operations, and displays various information and various images such as a logon screen and an input screen described later. In this example, the operation panel 27 is configured by a liquid crystal display device (LCD) having a touch panel function, but is not limited thereto. For example, the operation panel 27 may be configured by an organic EL display device equipped with a touch panel function. Further, in addition to or instead of this, an operation unit such as a hardware key and a display unit such as a lamp may be provided.

  In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which the operation panel 27 is configured to integrally include both a reception function for receiving various inputs and a display function for displaying various information. The configuration is not limited to this. For example, the operation panel 27 may include a device that accepts various inputs and a device that displays various information as separate units.

  The server device 30 includes a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a communication I / F 34, and an HDD 35, which are connected to each other via a system bus 37.

  The CPU 31 comprehensively controls the operation of the server device 30. The CPU 31 controls the overall operation of the server device 30 by executing a program stored in the ROM 32 or the like using the RAM 33 as a work area, and realizes various functions to be described later. The communication I / F 34 is an interface for communicating with the MFP 10 and the external device 28 via the network 40. The HDD 35 stores various data.

  Next, a functional configuration will be described.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the operation unit 20.

  The operation unit 20 includes a control unit 25 and a storage unit 29. The storage unit 29 corresponds to the flash memory 24 and the RAM 23 of FIG. The control unit 25 controls the entire operation unit 20. The control unit 25 may be configured with a CPU or a circuit other than the CPU.

  The control unit 25 includes a display control unit 25A, a communication unit 25B, and a reception unit 25C. Some or all of the display control unit 25A, the communication unit 25B, and the reception unit 25C may be realized by causing a processing device such as a CPU to execute a program, that is, by software, or an IC (Integrated Circuit). Such hardware may be used, or software and hardware may be used in combination.

  The display control unit 25 </ b> A displays various screens on the operation panel 27. The various screens include a login screen displayed at the time of login, an input screen displayed at the time of inputting various data, and the like. In the present embodiment, the input screen is a screen for inputting, for example, selection of the server device 30 that is the target for storing the first data acquired by the MFP 10 and the second data that is to be combined with the first data. including.

  Various data are input via the input screen according to an operation instruction of the operation panel 27 by the user. The accepting unit 25C accepts these data from the operation panel 27.

  The communication unit 25B communicates with the MFP 10 via the communication path 41. In the present embodiment, communication unit 25B transmits various data received by receiving unit 25C to MFP 10.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the MFP 10.

  The MFP 10 includes a control unit 50, a storage unit 52, and an engine unit 17. The storage unit 52 corresponds to the HDD 14 in FIG.

  The control unit 50 controls the entire MFP 10. The control unit 50 may be composed of a CPU or a circuit other than the CPU.

  The control unit 50 includes a reception unit 50A, a communication control unit 50B, a first communication unit 50C, an acquisition unit 50D, an engine control unit 50E, an operation control unit 50F, a first coupling unit 50G, and a determination unit 50H. And including.

  A part or all of the reception unit 50A, the communication control unit 50B, the first communication unit 50C, the acquisition unit 50D, the engine control unit 50E, the operation control unit 50F, the first coupling unit 50G, and the determination unit 50H is, for example, a CPU or the like The processing apparatus may execute the program, that is, may be realized by software, may be realized by hardware such as an IC, or may be realized by using software and hardware in combination.

  The operation control unit 50F controls communication with the operation unit 20 performed via the communication path 41.

  The engine control unit 50E controls the engine unit 17. Specifically, the engine control unit 50E controls the engine unit 17 so as to execute a function according to the designation from the user received by the receiving unit 50A. Under the control of the engine control unit 50E, the engine unit 17 executes processing based on each function such as a scanner function, a printer function, a printing function, a fax function, and a copy function.

  The acquisition unit 50D acquires data obtained by the engine unit 17 executing various functions. When the engine unit 17 executes the scanner function, the acquisition unit 50 </ b> D acquires from the engine unit 17 first data generated by reading (scanning) a document with the scanner function of the engine unit 17.

  The accepting unit 50 </ b> A accepts various data from the operation unit 20. That is, the accepting unit 50A accepts an operation instruction of the operation unit 20 by the user.

  In the present embodiment, the accepting unit 50A specifies the execution target function among the various functions of the engine unit 17, specifies the storage destination of the first data, login information, and the second data to be combined. The selection, the order of combination, the format of the combined data after combining, the file name of the combined data, and the like are received from the operation unit 20.

  By accepting the designation of the execution target function, the accepting unit 50A accepts designation of any one of the functions such as the scanner function, the printer function, the printing function, the fax function, and the copy function.

  The storage destination of the first data is either the MFP 10 or one or a plurality of server devices 30 connected to the network 40. The user operates the operation unit 20 to input the storage destination of the first data. For example, the user operates the operation unit 20 to input the server device 30 as the storage destination of the first data. Thereby, the accepting unit 50A accepts the storage destination of the first data from the operation unit 20.

  In the following description, the server device 30 designated as the storage destination of the first data according to the operation instruction of the operation unit 20 by the user may be referred to as the “storage destination server device 30”.

  The login information is information used when logging in to the server device 30 designated as the storage destination. The server device 30 performs an authentication process to be described later using the login information. The login information includes, for example, a user name and a password. Note that the information included in the login information is not limited to these.

  The combination target with the first data is selected from one or a plurality of second data stored in the storage destination server device 30. The user operates the operation unit 20 to select a combination target with the first data generated (or generated) by the scanner function of the MFP 10. The receiving unit 50A receives from the operation unit 20 selection of a target to be combined with the first data.

  Note that the receiving unit 50A may receive selection of a plurality of second data as a combination target. That is, the user may select one second data as a combination target by operating the operation unit 20, or may select a plurality of second data.

  The joining order indicates the joining order of the first data and each of the one or more second data to be joined. For example, the order of combining is, for example, combining the second data after the first data, combining the second data before the first data, and the like, but is not limited thereto.

  In the present embodiment, data obtained by combining the first data and the one or more second data to be combined is referred to as combined data.

  The format of the combined data may be a known format that handles data in units of pages. The format of the combined data is, for example, PDF (Portable Document Format) or TIFF (Tagged Image File Format), but is not limited thereto.

  The file name of the combined data is the name of the combined data that is the data after combining. The user inputs the file name of the combined data by operating the operation unit 20. The accepting unit 50A accepts the file name of the combined data from the operation unit 20.

  The first communication unit 50C communicates with the server device 30 and the external device 28 via the network 40.

  The communication control unit 50B controls communication of the first communication unit 50C. In the present embodiment, the communication control unit 50B transmits the request for combining the first data and the second data to be combined and the first data to the server device 30 that is the storage destination. The first communication unit 50C is controlled.

  The combining request includes a combining instruction for the second data selected as a combining target and the first data acquired by the acquiring unit 50D, and various types of information received by the receiving unit 50A. Specifically, the join request includes a join instruction, identification information of the selected second data to be joined, a join order, a join data format, a join data file name, and the like.

  In addition, the communication control unit 50B controls the first communication unit 50C so as to transmit the login information received by the receiving unit 50A to the server device 30 designated as the storage destination of the first data.

  The determination unit 50H determines whether or not the second combining unit provided in the server device 30 designated as the storage destination of the first data can be used. The second combining unit is provided in the server device 30 and is a functional unit that combines a plurality of data. The detailed description of the second combining unit will be given in the description part of the server device 30.

  For example, the determination unit 50H transmits the login information received from the operation unit 20 and a determination request as to whether or not the second combining unit is available to the storage destination server device 30. The server device 30 stores in advance usage information indicating which of the various functions provided in the server device 30 can be used for each user name and password. Then, the server device 30 determines whether the usage information corresponding to the login information received from the MFP 10 includes information indicating the availability of the second combining unit provided in the server device 30. Then, when the information indicating the availability of the second combining unit is included, the server device 30 transmits the information indicating the availability to the MFP 10 that is the transmission source. The determination unit 50H of the MFP 10 determines that it can be used when receiving information indicating that the server device 30 can be used via the first communication unit 50C. In addition, when the information indicating that the second combining unit can be used is not included, the server device 30 transmits information indicating that the second combining unit cannot be used to the MFP 10 that is the transmission source. The determination unit 50H of the MFP 10 determines that use is not possible when information indicating that the use is not possible is received from the server device 30 via the first communication unit 50C.

  Note that the storage unit 52 of the MFP 10 may store in advance, for each user name and password, identification information of the server device 30 connected to the network 40 and usage information of various functions provided in each server device 30. . Then, the determination unit 50H makes a determination similar to the above using the usage information stored in the storage unit 52, thereby determining whether or not the second combining unit provided in the storage destination server device 30 can be used. Or just judge.

  The first combining unit 50G is a functional unit that combines a plurality of data. The first combining unit 50G has the same function as the second combining unit provided in the server device 30.

  When the determination unit 50H determines that the second combining unit provided in the designated server device 30 can be used, the communication control unit 50B transmits the combining request and the first data to the server device 30. The first communication unit 50C is controlled.

  On the other hand, when the determination unit 50H determines that the second combining unit provided in the designated server device 30 is unusable, the communication control unit 50B acquires the first acquired by the acquiring unit 50D based on the combining request. The first combining unit 50G is controlled so as to generate combined data obtained by combining the data and the second data selected as the combination target. Then, the communication control unit 50B controls the first communication unit 50C so as to transmit the generated combined data to the designated server device 30.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the server device 30.

  The server device 30 includes a control unit 36 and a storage unit 38. The storage unit 38 corresponds to the HDD 35 in FIG.

  The storage unit 38 stores one or a plurality of second data. In addition, the server device 30 stores a user name, a password, and a destination in advance.

  The user name and password are used when logging in to the server device 30. The destination indicates a communication address of each of the MFP 10 and the external device 28 used by the user having the corresponding user name. The destination may be the IP address of each of the MFP 10 and the external device 28, or the mail address of a user who operates each of the MFP 10 and the external device 28. The user name may be information that can uniquely identify the user.

  The control unit 36 controls the entire server device 30. The control unit 36 may be configured by a CPU or a circuit other than the CPU.

  The control unit 36 includes a second communication unit 36A, an authentication unit 36B, a second coupling unit 36C, and a registration unit 36D. Part or all of the second communication unit 36A, the authentication unit 36B, the second combining unit 36C, and the registration unit 36D may be realized by causing a processing device such as a CPU to execute a program, that is, by software. It may be realized by hardware such as an IC, or may be realized by using software and hardware together.

  The second communication unit 36A communicates with the MFP 10 and the external device 28. In the present embodiment, the second communication unit 36A receives login information, a combination request, first data, combined data, and the like from the MFP 10. Further, the second communication unit 36A transmits various data to the MFP 10 in response to a request from the MFP 10 or the like. In addition, the second communication unit 36A provides information indicating a result of the combination for each transmission source user destination of each piece of data (first data, one or a plurality of second data) included in the combined data. To be notified.

  The authentication unit 36 </ b> B executes an authentication process for login authentication of the MFP 10 or the external device 28 connected to the server device 30 via the network 40. For example, the second communication unit 36A receives login information including a user name and a password from the MFP 10 or the external device 28. The authentication unit 36B performs an authentication process by determining whether or not the combination of the user name and the password included in the login information received by the second communication unit 36A is stored in the storage unit 38. The authentication process performed by the authentication unit 36B may be a known authentication process and is not limited to the above method.

  The second combining unit 36C combines a plurality of data. In the present embodiment, the second combining unit 36C, based on the combining request received from the MFP 10, the second data selected as the combination target among the second data stored in the storage unit 38, The first data received from the MFP 10 is combined.

  The registration unit 36D stores the combined data generated by the second combining unit 36C, the first data received from the MFP 10, and the like in the storage unit 38.

  Next, the flow of image processing executed by the image processing system 1000 will be described.

  First, the flow of input processing executed by the operation unit 20 will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of input processing executed by the operation unit 20.

  First, the display control unit 25A displays an initial screen on the operation panel 27 (step S100). FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of an initial screen displayed on the operation panel 27 of the operation unit 20. As shown in FIG. 6, the initial screen includes a plurality of images for designating use of various functions installed in the MFP 10. For example, when the “scanner” image area displayed on the operation panel 27 is instructed by an operation instruction from the user, the operation panel 27 receives an instruction to use the scanner function. In this case, the operation panel 27 outputs an instruction to use the scanner function to the control unit 25.

  Returning to FIG. 5, the accepting unit 25C determines whether or not an instruction to use the scanner function (scanner use instruction) has been accepted from the operation panel 27 (step S102).

  If negative in step S102 (step S102: No), the process proceeds to step S150, and the control unit 25 executes normal processing (step S150). The normal process is a process for transmitting a use instruction for a function other than the scanner function instructed to use (for example, a fax function, a printer function, etc.) to the MFP 10 and displaying a setting screen when each function is executed. Then, this routine ends.

  On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made in step S102 (step S102: Yes), the process proceeds to step S104. In step S104, the communication unit 25B transmits an instruction to use the scanner function to the MFP 10 (step S104).

  Next, the display control unit 25A displays a storage destination selection screen on the operation panel 27 (step S106). The storage destination selection screen is an input screen for selecting the storage destination of the first data obtained by executing the scanner function. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a storage destination selection screen displayed on the operation panel 27 of the operation unit 20. The storage destination selection screen includes identification information of the MFP 10 connected to the operation unit 20 and identification information of each of the one or more server devices 30 connected to the MFP 10 via the network 40. The user instructs the display area of the identification information of each of the MFP 10 and the one or more server devices 30 included in the storage destination selection screen displayed on the operation panel 27. As a result, the user instructs the storage destination of the first data. The operation panel 27 outputs the selected storage destination identification information to the control unit 25.

  Returning to FIG. 5, the accepting unit 25C repeats the negative determination until the storage destination instruction is accepted from the operation panel 27 (step S108: No). When the storage destination instruction is accepted (step S108: Yes), the process proceeds to step S110. .

  In step S110, the communication unit 25B transmits the information indicating the storage destination of the first data received in step S108 to the MFP 10 (step S110).

  Next, the control unit 25 determines whether or not the storage destination transmitted to the MFP 10 in step S110 is the MFP 10 (step S112). If an affirmative determination is made in step S112 (step S112: Yes), this routine is terminated. If a negative determination is made in step S112 (step S112: No), the process proceeds to step S114.

  The display control unit 25A displays a login screen on the operation panel 27 (step S114). FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a login screen displayed on the operation panel 27 of the operation unit 20. The login screen includes characters for prompting the user name and password, an instruction button for inputting a login instruction, an instruction button for inputting cancellation, and the like. A user name and password are input according to an operation instruction on the operation panel 27 by the user, and an instruction button for inputting a login instruction is specified. Then, the operation panel 27 outputs the login information including the user surface and the password to the control unit 25. A user name for operating the operation unit 20 may be stored in the storage unit 29 in advance. In this case, the login information may be in a form that does not include the user name.

  Returning to FIG. 5, the accepting unit 25C repeats negative determination until accepting login information from the operation panel 27 (step S116: No). When accepting login information (step S116: Yes), the accepting unit 25C proceeds to step S118.

  In step S118, the communication unit 25B transmits the login information received in step S116 to the MFP 10 (step S118).

  Next, the communication unit 25B determines whether authentication abnormality information indicating an authentication abnormality has been received from the MFP 10 (step S120). When the authentication abnormality information is received (step S120: Yes), the process returns to step S114. On the other hand, if authentication normal information indicating normal authentication is received (step S120: No), the process proceeds to step S122.

  The display control unit 25A displays a combination / new storage input screen on the operation panel 27 (step S122). The join / new save input screen is a screen for allowing the user to select either a join instruction or a new save instruction. The combination instruction indicates the combination of the first data and the second data stored in the server device 30. The new save instruction indicates that the first data is stored in the server device 30 without being combined with other data. The user selects either a join instruction or a new save instruction on the join / new save input screen displayed on the operation panel 27. Then, the operation panel 27 outputs the selected combination instruction or new save instruction to the control unit 25. The receiving unit 25C of the control unit 25 receives a join instruction or a new save instruction from the operation panel 27.

  The accepting unit 25C repeats the negative determination until a join instruction or a new save instruction is accepted from the operation panel 27 from the operation panel 27 (step S124: No), and when a join instruction or a new save instruction is accepted (step S124: Yes), the step Proceed to S126. The communication unit 25B transmits the combining instruction or the new saving instruction received in step S124 to the MFP 10 (step S126).

  Next, the communication unit 25B determines whether or not the instruction received from the operation panel 27 in step S124 is a combination instruction (step S128). When the instruction received from the operation panel 27 is a combination instruction (step S128: Yes), the process proceeds to step S130. In step S130, the second data list information stored in the server device 30 of the first data received in step S108 is received from the MFP 10 (step S130).

  Next, the display control unit 25A displays the list information of the second data received in step S130 on the operation panel 27 (step S132). FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the second data list information displayed on the operation panel 27 of the operation unit 20. As shown in FIG. 9, the list information of the second data includes, for example, the file name of the second data. The user selects the second data to be combined with the first data from the list information of the second data displayed on the operation panel 27. Then, the operation panel 27 outputs the identification information of the selected second data to be combined to the control unit 25.

  In FIG. 9, “new” indicates that the first data is not newly combined with the second data and is newly stored. Therefore, this “new” character may be included in the combined / newly saved input screen.

  In addition, the display control unit 25A sets the second data file name list of the second data stored in the server device 30 designated as the storage destination as the second data whose elapsed time from the storage in the server device 30 is less than the threshold value. It is preferable to display a list of file names of the data on the operation panel 27. By this processing, the amount of data processing is reduced, and it is possible to reduce the processing impossibility of the image processing system 1000 and the processing speed.

  Returning to FIG. 5, the accepting unit 25 </ b> C repeats the negative determination until the selected connection target is accepted from the operation panel 27 (step S <b> 134: No). For example, the receiving unit 25C determines whether or not the identification information of the selected second data to be combined has been received from the operation panel 27, thereby determining step S134. When the selected combination target is received (step S134: Yes), the process proceeds to step S136.

  In step S136, the identification information of the second data to be combined received in step S134 is transmitted to the MFP 10 (step S136).

  Next, the display control unit 25A displays a combination order input screen on the operation panel 27 (step S138). The combination order input screen is a screen for inputting the combination order of the first data and one or a plurality of second data selected as a combination target. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a join order input screen displayed on the operation panel 27 of the operation unit 20. For example, the combination order input screen indicates “add after” indicating that the first data is combined after the second data, or indicates that the first data is combined before the second data “ Includes characters such as “append before”. The user designates a character display area indicating a desired combination order displayed on the operation panel 27. As a result, the operation panel 27 receives the combination order from the user and outputs it to the control unit 25.

  In FIG. 10, “replacement” indicates that the second data designated as the combination target is replaced with the first data. This “replacement” character may be included in the combination / new storage input screen.

  Returning to FIG. 5, the receiving unit 25C repeats the negative determination until the selected combination order is received from the operation panel 27 (step S140: No). When the selected combination order is received (step S140: Yes), the process proceeds to step S142. The communication unit 25B transmits the combination order received in step S140 to the MFP 10 (step S142).

  Next, the display control unit 25A displays a format input screen for inputting the data format of the combined data on the operation panel 27 (step S144). FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a format input screen displayed on the operation panel 27 of the operation unit 20. The format input screen includes a list of known formats that handle data in units of pages. The user selects the format of the combined data from the list of formats included in the format input screen. Then, the operation panel 27 receives the selected format and outputs it to the control unit 25.

  Returning to FIG. 5, the accepting unit 25 </ b> C repeats the negative determination until it accepts the combined data format from the operation panel 27 (step S <b> 146: No). When accepting the format of the combined data (step S146: Yes), accepting unit 25C transmits the accepted format to MFP 10 (step S148), and ends this routine.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S128 that the instruction received from the operation panel 27 is a new storage instruction (step S128: No), the process proceeds to step S152. In step S152, the display control unit 25A displays a file name input screen on the operation panel 27. The file name input screen is a screen for inputting the file name of the first data stored in the server device 30. The user inputs a file name when storing the first data in the server device 30 via the file name input screen displayed on the operation panel 27. The receiving unit 25C of the control unit 25 receives a fill name from the operation panel 27.

  At this time, the display control unit 25A may display a file name input screen including a list of file names of the second data stored in the server device 30 designated as the storage destination. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a list of file names of the second data displayed on the operation panel 27 of the operation unit 20. For example, the user selects a desired file name from the list of file names of the second data displayed on the operation panel 27. In this case, the accepting unit 25C accepts the selected file name from the operation panel 27.

  When receiving unit 25C of control unit 25 receives a fill name from operation panel 27, communication unit 25B transmits the received file name to MFP 10 (step S154). Then, this routine ends.

  When the file name of the second data stored in the server device 30 is specified as the file name received by the receiving unit 25C when new saving is specified, the communication unit 25B Information such as a number may be attached to the name and transmitted to the server device 30. Note that this processing may be performed on the server device 30 side. For example, when the server apparatus 30 receives the same file name as the second data already stored from the MFP 10 as the file name of the first data to be newly stored, the second data already stored is stored. The file name of the first data designated by the same file name received from the MFP 10 is assigned with information such as a number different from the second data and stored. do it.

  Next, processing executed by the MFP 10 will be described.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of image processing executed by the MFP 10. FIG. 13 shows a procedure for accepting an instruction to use the scanner function from the operation unit 20. When an instruction other than the instruction to use the scanner function is received from the operation unit 20, a known process for executing a process according to the received function may be executed.

  First, the receiving unit 50A receives an instruction to use the scanner function from the operation unit 20 (step S200). Next, the receiving unit 50A receives information indicating the storage destination of the first data from the operation unit 20 (step S202).

  Next, the control unit 50 determines whether or not the information indicating the storage destination received in step S202 is the MFP 10 (step S204).

  When the information indicating the storage destination is the MFP 10 (step S204: Yes), the engine control unit 50E executes the scanner function (step S250). Specifically, the engine control unit 50E controls the engine unit 17 so as to read a document placed on a document table (not shown) and generate first data. Through the processing in step S250, the engine unit 17 reads the document, generates first data, and outputs the first data to the control unit 50. The acquisition unit 50D acquires the first data from the engine unit 17.

  The acquisition unit 50D stores the acquired first data in the storage unit 52 (step S252), and ends this routine.

  On the other hand, when the information indicating the storage destination received in step S202 is not the MFP 10 (step S204: No), the process proceeds to step S206. That is, the negative determination in step S204 is a case where the storage destination of the first data received from the operation unit 20 is any server device 30 connected via the network 40.

  Next, the accepting unit 50A accepts login information from the operation unit 20 (step S206). The first communication unit 50C transmits the received login information to the storage destination server device 30 received in step S202 (step S208).

  When the first communication unit 50C receives the authentication result for the transmitted login information from the server device 30, the first communication unit 50C determines whether the received authentication result indicates normal authentication (step S210). When the authentication result indicates an authentication abnormality (step S210: No), the first communication unit 50C transmits information indicating the authentication abnormality to the operation unit 20 (step S248). The process returns to step S206.

  When the authentication result indicates normal authentication (step S210: Yes), normal authentication information indicating normal authentication is transmitted to the operation unit 20, and the process proceeds to step S212. In step S212, the receiving unit 50A receives a join instruction or a new save instruction from the operation unit 20, and determines whether the received instruction is a join instruction or a new save instruction (step S212).

  When the instruction received from the operation unit 20 is a new storage instruction (step S212: new storage), the process proceeds to step S242. In step S242, the first communication unit 50C transmits a new storage instruction to the server device 30 that is the storage destination received in step S202 (step S242).

  Next, the accepting unit 50A accepts the file name of the first data from the operation unit 20 (step S244). Next, the first communication unit 50C transmits the received file name as the file name of the first data to be newly stored to the storage destination server device 30 (step S246). And it progresses to step S232 mentioned later.

  On the other hand, when the instruction received from the operation unit 20 is a combining instruction (step S212: combining), the process proceeds to step S214. In step S214, the first communication unit 50C transmits a combining instruction to the storage destination server device 30 received in step S202 (step S214).

  Next, the first communication unit 50C obtains the list information of the second data stored in the server device 30 from the storage destination server device 30 (step S216). For example, the first communication unit 50 </ b> C transmits an acquisition request for the list information of the second data stored in the server device 30 to the server device 30 that is the storage destination. When receiving the acquisition request, the server device 30 transmits a list of identification information (for example, file name and file format) of the second data stored in the storage unit 38 of the server device 30 to the MFP 10. The MFP 10 receives the list and acquires the list information of the second data.

  Next, the first communication unit 50C transmits the list information of the second data acquired in step S216 to the operation unit 20 (step S218).

  Next, the receiving unit 50A receives, from the operation unit 20, selection of a target to be combined with the first data among the second data stored in the storage destination server device 30 (step S220). For example, the reception unit 50A receives the selection information of the combination target by acquiring the identification information of the second data to be combined from the operation unit 20.

  Note that the first communication unit 50C sets the second data file name list stored in the server device 30 specified as the storage destination as the list of file names that have been stored in the server device 30 and whose elapsed time is less than the threshold value. It is preferable to obtain a list of file names of the second data from the server device 30. In this case, the accepting unit 50A can accept selection of a target to be combined with the first data out of the second data whose elapsed time after being stored in the server device 30 is less than the threshold.

  Next, the accepting unit 50A accepts the combination order from the operation unit 20 (step S222). Next, the receiving unit 50A receives the combined data format after combining from the operation unit 20 (step S224).

  Next, the first communication unit 50C generates a connection request (step S226). Specifically, the first communication unit 50C receives the combination instruction, the identification information of the second data to be combined, the combination order, and the format of the combined data received from the operation unit 20 through the processes of steps S202 to S224. , Including the file name of the combined data. As described above, the combination instruction is an instruction to combine the first data and the second data selected as the combination target.

  Next, the determination unit 50H determines whether or not the second combining unit 36C provided in the storage destination server device 30 can be used (step S228).

  When it is determined that the second combining unit 36C can be used (step S228: Yes), the communication control unit 50B performs the first communication so as to transmit the combining request generated in step S226 to the storage destination server device 30. The unit 50C is controlled (step S230).

  Next, the engine control unit 50E executes the scanner function similarly to step S250 (step S232). The execution unit 50D acquires the first data from the engine unit 17 by executing the scanner function.

  The first communication unit 50C controls the first communication unit 50C to transmit the first data to the storage destination server device 30 (step S234). Then, this routine ends.

  On the other hand, when the determination unit 50H determines that the second combining unit 36C is not usable in the process of step S228 (step S228: No), the process proceeds to step S236. In step S236, the engine control unit 50E executes the scanner function in the same manner as in step S250 (step S236). The execution unit 50D acquires the first data from the engine unit 17 by executing the scanner function.

  Next, the first combining unit 50G generates combined data based on the combining request generated in step S226 (step S238). In this case, the first combining unit 50G transmits the identification information of the second data to be combined and the data acquisition request included in the combining request to the storage destination server device 30. Receiving the identification information of the second data and the data acquisition request, the server device 30 reads the second data identified by the identification information from the storage unit 38 and transmits it to the MFP 10. Thereby, the first combining unit 50G obtains the second data to be combined from the server device 30. Then, the first combining unit 50G combines the first data and the second data to be combined to generate combined data.

  For example, the first combining unit 50G reads the combining order, the combined data format, and the combined data file name included in the combining request. Next, the data format of each of the first data acquired by the acquisition unit 50D and the selected second data to be combined is converted into a format included in the combining request. Then, the first combining unit 50G combines the converted first data and second data in the combining order included in the combining request, and generates combined data. The first combining unit 50G gives the file name included in the combining request as the file name of the generated combined data.

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of combined data generation.

  For example, it is assumed that Tiff is specified as the format of the combined data. In this case, the first combining unit 50G, based on the combining request, combines the first data 61A obtained by reading the original for two pages and the second data 62A for three pages whose format is Tiff in the combining order. Combine according to By this combination, the first combining unit 50G generates combined data 64A having a format Tiff (FIG. 14A).

  For example, assume that PDF is specified as the format of the combined data. In this case, the first combining unit 50G, based on the combining request, reads the first data 61B obtained by reading the original for two pages and the second data for one page whose format is JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group). 62B is combined according to the combination order after format conversion to PDF. Through this combination, the first combining unit 50G generates combined data 64B having a format of PDF (FIG. 14B).

  Returning to FIG. 13, next, the first communication unit 50 </ b> C transmits the combined data to the storage destination server device 30 (step S <b> 240). Then, this routine ends.

  Next, processing executed by the server device 30 will be described.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of image processing executed by the server device 30.

  First, the second communication unit 36A determines whether login information has been received from the MFP 10 (step S300). When login information is not received (step S300: No), this routine is terminated. If login information is received (step S300: Yes), it will progress to step S302.

  In step S302, the authentication unit 36B executes an authentication process using the user name and password included in the login information received in step S300 (step S302). The second communication unit 36A transmits an authentication result indicating normal authentication or abnormal authentication to the MFP 10 (step S304).

  If the result of the authentication process in step S302 is an authentication error (step S306: No), this routine is terminated. On the other hand, when the result of the authentication process in step S302 is normal authentication (step S306: Yes), the process proceeds to step S308.

  In step S308, the second communication unit 36A receives an instruction from the MFP 10, and determines whether the received instruction is a combination instruction or a new save instruction (step S308).

  When the received instruction is a combining instruction (step S308: combining), the second communication unit 36A transmits the second data list information stored in the storage unit 38 to the MFP 10 (step S310).

  Next, the second communication unit 36A determines whether or not a connection request has been received from the MFP 10 (step S312). When a join request is received from the MFP 10 (step S312: Yes). The second communication unit 36A receives the first data from the MFP 10 (step S314).

  Next, the second combining unit 36C generates combined data based on the combining request received in step S312 (step S316).

  For example, the second combining unit 36C acquires, from the storage unit 38, second data corresponding to the identification information of the selected second data to be combined, which is included in the combining request received in step S312. Then, the second combining unit 36C converts the acquired second data and the first data received in step S314 into a format included in the combining request. Then, the second combining unit 36C combines the second data whose format has been converted and the first data in the combining order included in the combining request, and generates combined data. The second combining unit 36C gives the file name included in the combining request to the combined data.

  Next, the registration unit 36D stores the combined data in the storage unit 38 (step S318). The combined data becomes second data when stored in the storage unit 38. For this reason, the combined data is stored in the storage unit 38 of the server device 30, and is then provided as the second data to be combined to the MFP 10 that has logged in to the server device 30 next time.

  Note that when the second data having the same file name as the generated combined data is stored in the storage unit 38, the registration unit 36 </ b> D stores the second data stored in the storage unit 38 and the file of the combined data to be stored. Give the name a different number. For example, it is assumed that the file name of the second data is “AAA” and the file name of the combined data to be stored is “AAA”. In this case, the registration unit 36D sets the file name of the second data stored in the storage unit 38 as “AAA_1” and the file name of the combined data as “AAA_2”.

  Next, the second communication unit 36A reads the user ID of each transmission source of each data (first data, one or a plurality of second data) included in the combined data (step S320). Then, the second communication unit 36A notifies the information indicating the combination result to the destination corresponding to the read user ID (step S322). For example, the second communication unit 36A reads the creator of each data in the combined data from the attribute information included in each data. Then, the second communication unit 36A notifies the destination (e-mail address or IP address) corresponding to the user name that matches the creator using the known e-mail software, communication software, or the like, with information indicating the combination result.

  Then, this routine ends.

  On the other hand, if the second communication unit 36A does not receive a connection request from the MFP 10 in step S312, the process proceeds to step S324. The second communication unit 36A receives the combined data combined by the first combining unit 50G in the MFP 10 from the MFP 10 (step 324). The registration unit 36D stores the received combined data in the storage unit 38 as second data (step S326). In step S326, as in step S318, the registration unit 36D assigns a different number or the like to each file name when the second data having the same file name as the combined data is stored in the storage unit 38. To do.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S308 that a new storage instruction has been received (step S308: new storage), the process proceeds to step S328.

  In step S328, the second communication unit 36A receives the file name from the MFP 10 (step S328). Next, the second communication unit 36A receives the first data from the MFP 10 (step S330). Next, the registration unit 36D adds the file name received in step S328 to the first data received in step S330, and stores it in the storage unit 38 as second data (step S332). That is, when the first data is also stored in the storage unit 38, the first data is provided as the second data to be combined to the MFP 10 that has logged into the server device 30 next time.

  When the second data having the same file name as the file name assigned to the received first data is stored in the storage unit 38, the registration unit 36D is different for each file name as in step S318. Give a number etc. Then, this routine ends.

  As described above, the MFP 10 according to the present embodiment includes the acquisition unit 50D, the first communication unit 50C, the reception unit 50A, and the communication control unit 50B. The acquisition unit 50D reads the document and acquires the first data from the engine unit 17 that acquires the first data. The first communication unit 50C communicates with the server device 30 via the network 40. The accepting unit 50 </ b> A accepts, from the operation unit 20, selection of a target to be combined with the first data among the second data stored in the server device 30. The communication control unit 50 </ b> B controls the first communication unit 50 </ b> C so as to transmit a request for combining the first data and the selected second data and the first data to the server device 30.

  As described above, the MFP 10 according to the present embodiment stores the second data stored in the server device 30 before transferring the first data acquired by the scanner function to the server device 30 that stores the first data. The selection of the object to be combined is accepted. Then, the MFP 10 transmits a request for combining the first data and the selected second data, and the first data to the server device 30. Therefore, on the server device 30 side, the first data and the second data can be combined using the received combination request and the first data.

  Therefore, the MFP 10 according to the present embodiment can improve the convenience of storing the first data generated by the scanner function in the server device 30.

  Here, functions that can be executed by the server device 30 may be limited for each user who operates the operation unit 20. For this reason, the user who operates the operation unit 20 may not be able to use the second coupling unit 36 </ b> C provided in the server device 30.

  As described above, the MFP 10 according to the present embodiment includes the determination unit 50H and the first combining unit 50G. The determination unit 50H determines whether or not the second combining unit 36C of the storage destination server device 30 can be used. The first combining unit 50G combines a plurality of data. If the communication control unit 50B determines that the second combining unit 36C of the server device 30 can be used, the communication control unit 50B controls the first communication unit 50C to transmit the combining request and the first data to the server device 30. . When the communication control unit 50B determines that the second combining unit 36C of the server device 30 is not usable, the communication control unit 50B combines the first data and the selected second data to be combined based on the combining request. The first combining unit 50G is controlled so as to generate data. Then, the communication control unit 50B controls the first communication unit 50C so as to transmit the combined data to the server device 30.

  As described above, the MFP 10 according to the present embodiment executes a part of the functions executed by the server device 30 on behalf of the user according to the use conditions or contract conditions of the user. That is, when the second combining unit 36 </ b> C of the server device 30 cannot be used, the combined data is generated using the first combining unit 50 </ b> G provided in the MFP 10 and transmitted to the server device 30.

  For this reason, the user can store the combined data in the server device 30 without being aware of which function provided in the server device 30 can be used and regardless of the usage restrictions. That is, the MFP 10 according to the present embodiment can further improve user convenience in addition to the above effects.

  In addition, the combining process for combining a new document with an existing document such as second data can be performed on a document in a format that handles data in units of pages. For example, when the format of the second data is JPEG, a new document cannot be combined with the second data.

  As described above, in MFP 10 according to the present embodiment, accepting unit 50A accepts a format for handling data in units of pages from operation unit 20 as the format of combined data. That is, the combination request used in the present embodiment includes the format of combined data. Then, after the first combining unit 50G of the MFP 10 and the second combining unit 36C of the server device 30 convert the first data and the selected second data to be combined into the accepted format, Join.

  For this reason, the user who operates the operation unit 20 uses the second data as a target to be combined with the first data, regardless of the format of the second data stored in the server device 30. You can choose. For this reason, the MFP 10 can further improve convenience.

  This function is particularly effective when the communication speed between the MFP 10 and the server device 30 is low. For example, this is particularly effective when image data such as JPEG having a high compression rate is stored in the server device 30 and the first data of the explanatory document read from the original is further combined with this image data.

  In the present embodiment, the accepting unit 50A accepts from the operation unit 20 the joining order of the first data and the second data selected as the joining target. The combination request includes this combination order, and the first combining unit 50G of the MFP 10 and the second combining unit 36C of the server device 30 include the first data and one or more second selected combination targets. Are combined according to the received combining order.

  For this reason, MFP 10 and server device 30 of the present embodiment combine the first data and each of the selected one or more second data in any combination order designated by the user. be able to. Therefore, the MFP 10 and the server device 30 can further improve convenience in addition to the above effects.

  Further, in the image processing system 1000 according to the present embodiment, the processes shown in FIGS. 5, 13, and 15 are executed, so that each of a plurality of users who operate the operation unit 20 is stored in the server device 30. One data can be combined.

  FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of processing executed by the image processing system 1000 according to the present embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 16A, for example, it is assumed that a plurality of second data 62C, 62D, and 62E are stored in the storage unit 38 of the server device 30. The second data 62C is data stored in the server device 30 by the user C (first data before being stored). The second data 62D is data stored in the server device 30 by the user D. The second data 62E is data stored in the server device 30 by the user E.

  Then, it is assumed that the MFP 10 acquires the first data 61F and accepts selection of the second data 62C, 62D, and 62E as a combination target in accordance with another user F operation instruction. Further, it is assumed that Tiff is specified as the format of the combined data.

  In this case, the second combining unit 36C of the server device 30 generates combined data 64G that combines the second data 62C, 62D, and 62E converted into Tiff and the first data 61F in the specified combining order. To do. Then, as described above, the second communication unit 36A of the server device 30 transmits information indicating the combination result to each user destination of each data included in the combined data 64G. For example, as shown in FIG. 16 (C), information indicating that the merging of documents is completed is transmitted with the mail addresses of the users C, D, and E as destinations. Note that information indicating the combination result may also be transmitted to the user F.

  For this reason, the image processing system 1000 according to the present embodiment can easily notify the user regarding the combined data of the combined status of the combined data.

  Further, as described above, in the present embodiment, the operation unit 20 displays a file name input screen on the operation panel 27 when receiving an input of a new storage for storing the first data in the server device 30 without combining them. To display. Then, as described above, the file name input screen may include a list of file names of second data stored in the server device 30 designated as the storage destination as the destination. Here, it is assumed that the same file name as the file name of the second data already stored is selected as the file name of the combined data in accordance with the operation instruction of the operation unit 20 by the user.

  In this case, as described above, the registration unit 36D of the server device 30 assigns different numbers to the file names of the second data stored in the storage unit 38 and the combined data to be stored. For example, the registration unit 36D gives a number to the file name so as to be in ascending order in the order stored in the storage unit 38 of the server device 30.

  In this function, a plurality of users sequentially store first data in the server device 30 at different timings, and a plurality of second data as the stored first data are stored at predetermined timings such as the end of the month or the end of the year. This is particularly effective when combined data is used. For example, an activity report, a daily business report, and the like may be created by a plurality of users, but it is desired to be periodically combined as one piece of data.

  If the image processing system 1000 according to the present embodiment is used, the second data list information stored in the storage destination server device 30 is displayed on the operation unit 20 operated by the user. For this reason, the user can store the same file name as the second data to be combined in the future among the second data stored in the server device 30. Can be specified as a name. When the data is combined as one data, the server device 30 generates combined data when the user operates the operation unit 20.

  For this reason, the convenience for the user can be further improved.

  Note that the first combining unit 50G and the second combining unit 36C in the present embodiment read the page numbers of the pages included in the first data to be combined, and the first page in the read page number order (ascending order). It is preferable that the pages included in the data are arranged and combined with the second data.

  When the joining order is not included in the joining request, the first joining unit 50G and the second joining unit 36C use the time stamp indicating the file name and the update date and the like to combine the first data and the first data to be joined. The order of combination with the data of 2 may be determined.

  In this case, for example, the first combining unit 50G and the second combining unit 36C arrange the first data and one or more second data to be combined in alphabetical order of file names, What is necessary is just to combine. In addition, for example, the first combining unit 50G and the second combining unit 36C combine the first data and one or more second data to be combined in ascending order by update date and time. do it.

  If the first combining unit 50G and the second combining unit 36C receive the selection of the second data to be combined from the operation unit 20 by determining the combining order using the file name, the time stamp, and the like, the first combining unit 50G and the second combining unit 36C The coupling unit 50G and the second coupling unit 36C can automatically perform the coupling process. For this reason, the convenience can be further improved.

  In the present embodiment, when the selection of the second data to be combined is received from the user, the display control unit 25A of the operation unit 20 operates the list information of the second data stored in the server device 30. The case where it displays on the panel 27 was shown.

  However, the display control unit 25A may display the update date range of the second data on the operation panel 27 when the user selects the second data to be combined (see step S132 in FIG. 5).

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input screen displayed on the operation panel 27 of the operation unit 20. As illustrated in FIG. 17, for example, the display control unit 25 </ b> A displays an input screen for inputting a date such as a calendar on the operation panel 27. When the user selects a date while referring to the calendar displayed on the operation panel 27, the operation panel 27 outputs the selected date to the control unit 25 as identification information of the second data to be combined. Receiving the date from the operation unit 20, the MFP 10 transmits a combination request including information indicating the date and the subsequent date as identification information of the second data to be combined to the storage destination server device 30. The server device 30 sets the second data having the update date after the date indicated as the identification information of the second data to be combined among the second data stored in the storage unit 38 as the combination target. What is necessary is just to read.

  As described above, the identification information of the second data to be combined is represented by the update date and time, so that the convenience can be improved even when the number of second data to be specified as the combination target is large. Can be planned.

  Note that various types of information stored in advance in the image processing system 1000 of the above embodiment may be stored in another server device (not shown) connected to the network 40 or a storage medium such as an external hard disk.

  Further, in the image processing system 1000 of the above-described embodiment, the system configuration in which each of the MFPs 10, the operation unit 20, the server device 30, and the external device 28 are connected is an example, depending on the application and purpose. Needless to say, there are various system configuration examples.

  In the image processing system 1000 of the above-described embodiment, a program for executing each of the processes executed by the operation unit 20, the MFP 10, and the server device 30 is an installable format or an executable format file. The program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), and the like.

  In addition, in the image processing system 1000 of the above-described embodiment, a program for executing each of the processes executed by the operation unit 20, the MFP 10, and the server device 30 is stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet. However, it may be configured to be provided by being downloaded via a network. In addition, in the image processing system 1000 of the above-described embodiment, a program for executing each of the processes executed by the operation unit 20, the MFP 10, and the server device 30 is provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet. May be.

  Further, in the image processing system 1000 of the above-described embodiment, a program for executing each of the processes executed by the operation unit 20, the MFP 10, and the server device 30 is provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like. May be.

  In the image processing system 1000 of the above-described embodiment, the operation unit 20, the MFP 10, and the server device 30 have a module configuration including a functional unit for executing the above-described processes. As actual hardware, a CPU (processor) reads out and executes a program for executing each of the processes from the storage medium, and the functional units are loaded onto the main storage device. To be generated.

  In addition, although several embodiment of this invention was described above, these embodiment is shown as an example and is not intending limiting the range of invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

10 MFP
17 engine unit 30 server device 36A second communication unit 36C second combination unit 38 storage unit 50A reception unit 50B communication control unit 50C first communication unit 50D acquisition unit 50G first combination unit 50H determination unit 1000 image processing system

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-272576 JP 2013-243729 A

Claims (9)

An obtaining unit that obtains the first data from an engine unit that reads a document and generates first data;
A first communication unit that communicates via a network with a server device having a second combining unit that combines a plurality of data;
A receiving unit for receiving selection of a combination target with the first data among the second data stored in the server device;
A communication control unit for controlling the first communication unit so as to transmit a request for combining the first data and the selected second data and the first data to the server device;
A determination unit for determining whether the second combining unit is available;
A first combining unit for combining a plurality of data;
Equipped with a,
The communication control unit
When the determination unit determines that the second combining unit can be used, the first communication unit is controlled to transmit the combining request and the first data to the server device, and the second combining unit If the second data stored in the server device is determined to be unusable, the second data to be combined with the first data selected by the receiving unit is selected from the second data stored in the server device. Obtaining from the server device, controlling the first combining unit to generate combined data obtained by combining the acquired second data and the first data, and transmitting the combined data to the server device Controlling the first communication unit,
Image processing device. The receiving unit further receives a joining order of the first data and the selected second data;
The join request includes the join order.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 . An image processing system comprising a server device having a second combining unit for combining a plurality of data, and an image processing device,
The image processing apparatus includes:
An acquisition unit for reading the document and acquiring the first data from an engine unit for acquiring the first data;
A first communication unit that communicates with the server device via a network;
A receiving unit for receiving selection of a combination target with the first data among the second data stored in the server device;
A communication control unit for controlling the first communication unit so as to transmit a request for combining the first data and the selected second data and the first data to the server device;
A determination unit for determining whether the second combining unit is available;
A first combining unit for combining a plurality of data;
With
The communication control unit
When the determination unit determines that the second combining unit can be used, the first communication unit is controlled to transmit the combining request and the first data to the server device, and the second combining unit If the second data stored in the server device is determined to be unusable, the second data to be combined with the first data selected by the receiving unit is selected from the second data stored in the server device. Obtaining from the server device, controlling the first combining unit to generate combined data obtained by combining the acquired second data and the first data, and transmitting the combined data to the server device And controlling the first communication unit,
The server device
A storage unit for storing a plurality of the second data;
A second communication unit that receives the combination request and the first data from the image processing apparatus via a network;
With
The second coupling unit of the server device is
The plurality of the second data stored in the storage unit, you coupled with the second data shown in the binding request, the first data received, and
Images processing system. An acquisition step of acquiring the first data from an engine unit that reads a document and generates first data;
An accepting step of accepting selection of a combination target with the first data among the second data stored in the server device having a second combining unit that combines a plurality of data;
The first communication that communicates with the server device via the network so as to transmit the request for combining the first data and the selected second data and the first data to the server device. Communication control step for controlling the unit,
A determination step of determining whether or not the second coupling unit can be used;
Only including,
The communication control step includes
When it is determined in the determining step that the second combining unit is available, the first communication unit is controlled to transmit the combining request and the first data to the server device, and the second combining unit If it is determined that the second data stored in the server device is unusable, the second data to be combined with the first data that has been selected is acquired from the server device. And controlling a first combining unit that combines a plurality of data so as to generate combined data obtained by combining the acquired second data and the first data, and transmits the combined data to the server device. Controlling the first communication unit to transmit,
Image processing method. On the computer,
An acquisition step of acquiring the first data from an engine unit that reads a document and generates first data;
An accepting step of accepting selection of a combination target with the first data among the second data stored in the server device having a second combining unit that combines a plurality of data;
The first communication that communicates with the server device via the network so as to transmit the request for combining the first data and the selected second data and the first data to the server device. Communication control step for controlling the unit,
A determination step of determining whether or not the second coupling unit can be used;
Was executed,
The communication control step includes
When it is determined in the determining step that the second combining unit is available, the first communication unit is controlled to transmit the combining request and the first data to the server device, and the second combining unit If it is determined that the second data stored in the server device is unusable, the second data to be combined with the first data that has been selected is acquired from the server device. And controlling a first combining unit that combines a plurality of data so as to generate combined data obtained by combining the acquired second data and the first data, and transmits the combined data to the server device. Controlling the first communication unit to transmit,
program. An obtaining unit that obtains the first data from an engine unit that reads a document and generates first data;
A first communication unit that communicates via a network with a server device having a second combining unit that combines a plurality of data;
A receiving unit that receives selection of a plurality of second data to be combined with the first data among the second data stored in the server device;
A communication control unit for controlling the first communication unit so as to transmit a request for combining the first data and the selected second data and the first data to the server device;
An image processing apparatus comprising: On the computer,
Obtaining the first data from an engine unit that reads a document and generates first data;
Receiving a selection of a plurality of second data to be combined with the first data among the second data stored in the server device having a second combining unit that combines the plurality of data;
The first communication that communicates with the server device via the network so as to transmit the request for combining the first data and the selected second data and the first data to the server device. Controlling the part,
A program for running An obtaining unit that obtains the first data from an engine unit that reads a document and generates first data;
A first communication unit that communicates via a network with a server device having a second combining unit that combines a plurality of data;
An accepting unit that accepts selection of a target to be combined with the first data out of second data that is stored in the server device and has an elapsed period of time less than a threshold value after being stored in the server device;
A communication control unit for controlling the first communication unit so as to transmit a request for combining the first data and the selected second data and the first data to the server device;
An image processing apparatus comprising: On the computer,
Obtaining the first data from an engine unit that reads a document and generates first data;
Combining with the first data among the second data stored in the server device having a second combining unit for combining a plurality of data and having an elapsed period of time less than a threshold after being stored in the server device Receiving a selection of objects;
The first communication that communicates with the server device via the network so as to transmit the request for combining the first data and the selected second data and the first data to the server device. Controlling the part,
A program for running

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