JP6393808B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that temporarily stores image data read from a document in an external storage device and receives image data to be processed from the external storage device when processing such as printing or editing is performed.

  An image forming apparatus that reads an image of a document, generates image data, and performs processing such as printing on the image data, generally has a mechanism for temporarily storing image data before processing in the apparatus. . However, in this embodiment, an image forming apparatus that does not have a large storage such as a low-cost model cannot store a large number of image data.

  Therefore, there is a method in which the storage destination of the image data is an external storage device such as a cloud / server connected to the network. However, in this embodiment, the image data cannot be confirmed unless the external storage device is accessed via the network.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-133867 discloses the following regarding a technique using an external storage device connected to a network as a storage destination of image data. That is, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, the digital camera transmits and stores the created image data to a server via a wireless local area network (LAN), and the server stores thumbnail images based on the received image data. When the image data browsing request is received from the user terminal, the thumbnail image is transmitted. The user terminal displays the received thumbnail image, so that the user can select target image data.

JP 2006-295256 A

  However, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 is applied to an image forming apparatus, and a thumbnail image received from an external storage device via a network is displayed on the image forming apparatus in response to a user request, and is processed by the image forming apparatus. When the image data is selected by the user, it takes a long time from the user request until the thumbnail is displayed, which is inconvenient for the user.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and is an image forming apparatus that temporarily stores image data obtained by reading a document in an external storage device before processing, and lacks user convenience. It is another object of the present invention to provide an image data that can be quickly selected from among image data stored in an external storage device.

  In order to solve the above problems, a first technical means of the present invention includes a communication unit that stores image data and communicates with an external storage device connected to a network, and is stored in the external storage device in response to a user operation. An image forming apparatus that obtains image data and performs necessary processing, and stores reduced image data corresponding to the image data, storage destination of the image data, and association information associated with the reduced image data A storage unit, a display unit that displays at least reduced image data stored in the storage unit, and image data to be processed in a required process among the reduced image data displayed on the display unit in response to a user operation. A selection unit for selecting the corresponding reduced image data, and the required processing is print processing, and image data corresponding to the reduced image data selected by the selection unit is executed. An image including a first deletion unit that deletes the reduced image data stored in the storage unit, and the link information that links the storage destination of the image data and the reduced image data when the image is later deleted from the external storage device; Forming device.

  According to a second technical means of the present invention, in the first technical means, when the required process is a print process, the image data corresponding to the reduced image data selected by the selection unit is externally stored after the print process is executed. A first reception unit that receives a first instruction to be left in the apparatus or a second instruction to delete the image data from the external storage device after the print processing is executed, and the first deletion unit receives a second instruction by the first reception unit; Is received, the image data corresponding to the reduced image data selected by the selection unit is deleted from the external storage device after execution of the printing process, and the reduced image data stored in the storage unit and the storage of the image data are stored. The linking information that links the destination and the reduced image data is deleted.

According to a third technical means of the present invention , in the second technical means, when the required process instructed by the user operation is a print process, the selection unit is configured to communicate with the external storage device via the communication unit. The image data corresponding to the reduced image data selected by the above is acquired from the external storage device and stored in the storage unit, the printing process of the image data stored in the storage unit is executed, and the first reception unit performs the first processing. When the instruction or the second instruction is received, the image processing apparatus further includes a second deletion unit that deletes the image data stored in the storage unit after executing the printing process.

  According to a fourth technical means of the present invention, in any one of the first to third technical means, when the required process instructed by the user operation is an editing process, the fourth technical means and the external storage device via the communication unit By communicating, image data corresponding to the reduced image data selected by the selection unit is acquired from the external storage device and stored in the storage unit, and editing processing of the image data stored in the storage unit according to a user operation is performed. If the required process instructed by the user operation is a print process after executing the edit process, at least the image data that has been subjected to the edit process is stored in the external storage device after the print process is executed. And a second receiving unit that receives a third instruction or a fourth instruction that does not store the image data in the external storage device.

  According to a fifth technical means of the present invention, in the fourth technical means, when the third instruction is received by the second receiving unit, the image data subjected to the editing process is transmitted via the communication unit after the printing process is executed. And a storage control unit that generates reduced image data corresponding to the image data and stores the reduced image data in the storage unit.

  According to a sixth technical means of the present invention, the fifth technical means further includes a determination unit that determines whether the image data that has undergone the editing process is to be overwritten in the external storage device or saved under a different name in accordance with a user operation. The storage control unit, when it is determined by the determination unit to be overwritten, the image data that has been subjected to the editing process before executing the editing process stored in the external storage device via the communication unit Overwriting the image data, generating reduced image data corresponding to the image data subjected to the editing process, and overwriting the reduced image data corresponding to the image data before executing the editing process stored in the storage unit, When it is determined by the determination unit that the image is to be saved with a different name, the editing process is executed in which the edited image data is stored in the external storage device via the communication unit. The previous image data is saved with a different name, and reduced image data corresponding to the image data that has been subjected to the editing process is generated and saved in the storage unit. The data is stored under a different name, and further, the storage unit stores link information that links the storage destination of the image data stored under the different name and the reduced image data stored under the different name.

  According to the present invention, an image forming apparatus that temporarily stores image data obtained by reading a document in an external storage device before processing, the image data stored in the external storage device without losing user convenience. The image data to be processed can be selected quickly.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system including an image forming apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the image forming apparatus in FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows an example of a detailed information table. It is a figure which shows an example of the selection screen displayed on a display part, when a user selects the image file of a process target. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit when a reduced image shown on the selection screen in FIG. 4 is selected. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed when a “print” button on the screen of FIG. 5 is operated. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed when an “edit” button on the screen of FIG. 5 is operated. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed when the "print" button of the screen of FIG. 7 is operated. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed when the “Save” button on the screen of FIG. 7 or the “Yes” button on the screen of FIG. 8 is operated. 3 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a flow at the time of image reading in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 2. 3 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a flow when image data to be printed or edited is selected in accordance with a user operation and printing or editing is performed in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a flow when image data to be printed or edited is selected in accordance with a user operation and printing or editing is performed in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a flow when image data to be printed or edited is selected in accordance with a user operation and printing or editing is performed in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a flow when image data to be printed or edited is selected in accordance with a user operation and printing or editing is performed in the image forming apparatus of FIG.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system including an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

  The system X shown in the figure is formed by connecting an image forming apparatus 1 and an external storage device such as a cloud 2 or a server 3 via a network. In this system X, the image forming apparatus 1 temporarily stores image data read and created from a document in an external storage device such as the cloud 2 or the server 3 and performs processing such as printing and editing. The data selected as the processing target by the user among the data is received from the corresponding external storage device of the storage destination. The image forming apparatus 1 is characterized by a configuration for the user to select image data to be processed.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the image forming apparatus 1 of FIG.

  The image forming apparatus 1 is, for example, a multifunction machine having a copying function and a scanning function, and as illustrated, a control unit 11, a display unit 12, an operation unit 13, a management unit 14, an image reading unit 15, and an image processing unit 16. A primary storage unit 17, a communication unit 18, a main storage unit 19, and an image forming unit 20.

  The control unit 11 controls each unit of the image forming apparatus 1 by executing a computer program stored in the management unit 14 described later. For example, the control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a ROM (Read Only Memory). And a microcomputer having a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like.

  The display unit 12 displays an operation screen and the like, and includes a display panel such as a small LCD (Liquid Crystal Display).

  The operation unit 13 receives an operation from the user, and includes a touch panel and operation keys provided on the front surface of the display unit 12.

  The management unit 14 stores management information (various control information) for managing processing performed by the image forming apparatus 1 and a computer program executed by the control unit 11, and is an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory). ) Etc.

  The image reading unit 15 reads an image of a document, and includes an automatic document reader.

  The image processing unit 16 performs various types of image processing such as image processing for creating image data based on the image read by the image reading unit 12. The reduced image generation unit 16a of the image processing unit 16 will be described later.

  The primary storage unit 17 stores the image data created by the image processing unit 16 and includes a RAM (Random Access Memory).

  The reduced image generating unit 16a of the image processing unit 16 is based on the image data stored in the primary storage unit 17, and is used for displaying a reduced image indicating an outline of the image data on the display unit 12 as described later. Generate image data. The reduced image is, for example, a thumbnail image, and the size of the resolution or the like may be defined in advance by the user via the operation unit 13 or based on information stored in the management unit 14 as an initial setting. It may be determined.

  The communication unit 18 is for communicating with an external storage device such as the cloud 2 or the server 3 in FIG. 1 via a network, and transmits the image data stored in the primary storage unit 17 to the external storage device for storage. Let The transmitted image data is erased from the primary storage unit 17.

  The main storage unit 19 stores various information / data. The main storage unit 19 includes a hard disk drive or the like, and stores the reduced image data generated by the reduced image generation unit 16a in association with the storage destination information of the original image data. To do. The storage destination information is, for example, file name information at the storage destination of image data and path information to the storage destination.

  As a method of linking and storing, there is a method of using a detailed information table in which various information such as storage destination information and file name information of the reduced image data is stored for each image data stored in the external storage device.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the detailed information table.

  The detailed information table T in FIG. 3 describes, for each image data saved in the external storage device, file name information T1 of the reduced image data of the data, path information T2 of the save destination of the data, and saved file name information T3. Further, as the information of the original image data, storage date / time information T4, document size information T5, image resolution information T6, reading mode information T7 indicating color or monochrome, and document page number information T8 are described. .

  Returning to the description of FIG.

  The image forming unit 20 performs printing based on image data received from an external storage device, and includes a laser scanning unit and the like.

  In the image forming apparatus 1, processing for image data includes “edit” for processing image data in response to a user operation via the operation unit 13 in addition to printing, and “deletion” for deleting the image data. There is.

  In the image forming apparatus 1 having the above-described configuration, image data received from an external storage device for performing processing such as printing and editing is selected by the following method.

  That is, the image forming apparatus 1 displays a reduced image based on the reduced image data stored in the main storage unit 19 on the display unit 12. On the other hand, the user selects a desired reduced image via the operation unit 13.

  After the selection, the image forming apparatus 1 receives the image data to be processed from the corresponding external storage device via the communication unit 18 based on the storage destination information associated with the selected reduced image data.

  As described above, the image forming apparatus 1 stores image data with a large amount of data in an external storage device such as a cloud or a server and stores only reduced image data with a small amount of data. There are few and can be made cheap. Further, since the reduced image data indicating the outline of the image data is stored not in the external storage device but in the image forming apparatus 1, the reduced image can be displayed quickly, which may cause discomfort to the operating user. Absent.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a selection screen displayed on the display unit 12 when the user selects an image file to be processed.

  In the selection screen P1 in FIG. 4, four reduced images P11 based on the reduced image data stored in the main storage unit 19 are shown, and each file name P12 is shown.

  In the image forming apparatus 1, when the number of reduced image data stored in the main storage unit 19 is large, it is possible to prevent the contents of the reduced image from becoming unclear when all the reduced images are displayed on one screen. It is also possible to reduce the number of reduced images displayed on one screen and divide it into several pages. In this case, the user can select a page on which a desired reduced image is displayed by operating the page switching button P13.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 12 when the reduced image P11 shown on the selection screen P1 in FIG. 4 is selected.

  The screen P2 in FIG. 5 shows an image P21 obtained by adjusting the reduced image selected on the selection screen P1 in FIG. 4 according to the size of the display area of the display unit 12, and a change for changing the processing target Button P22 is shown.

  The screen P2 also includes a “print” button P23, an “edit” button P24, and a “delete” button P25 for selecting a processing method in the image forming apparatus 1.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed when the “print” button P23 on the screen P2 in FIG. 5 is operated.

  When the “print” button P23 on the screen P2 in FIG. 5 is operated, the image processing apparatus 1 refers to the detailed information table T1 in FIG. 3 and stores it associated with the displayed reduced image (reduced image data). Based on the previous information, the image data is received via the communication unit 18 and stored in the primary storage unit 17. At the same time, the image processing apparatus 1 displays a screen P3 including an erasure confirmation dialog P31 for confirming whether or not to delete the image data to be printed after printing as shown in FIG.

  In the setting dialog P31, the above-described message P32 for confirming whether or not to delete, the “Yes” button P33, the “No” button P34, and the “Cancel” button P35 are shown.

  When the “Yes” button P <b> 33 is operated, the image forming apparatus 1 performs print processing in the image forming unit 20 based on the image data received from the external storage device and stored in the primary storage unit 17, and then the image data is temporarily processed. It deletes from the memory | storage part 17 and deletes it from the external storage device of a preservation | save destination. At this time, the reduced image of the image data, that is, the reduced image data and information associated with the reduced image data are also deleted from the main storage unit 19.

  When the “No” button P34 is operated, the image forming apparatus 1 includes the printing process in the image forming unit 20 and the image data from the primary storage unit 17 among the processes when the “Yes” button P33 is operated. Only the deletion process is executed.

  When the “Cancel” button P35 is operated, the image forming apparatus 1 displays the screen P2 of FIG. 5 on the display unit 12 again without performing the printing process in the image forming unit 20. In this case, the image data stored in the primary storage unit 17 may be deleted from the primary storage unit 17 when the button P35 is operated, or after subsequent printing processing. It may be deleted.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed when the “edit” button P24 on the screen P2 in FIG. 5 is operated.

  Here, at the stage where the “edit” button P24 on the screen P2 in FIG. 5 is operated, the image forming apparatus 1 refers to the detailed information table T1 in FIG. 3 and displays the reduced image (reduced image data) being displayed. It is assumed that the image data of the storage destination associated with is received via the communication unit 18 and stored in the primary storage unit 17.

  A screen P4 in FIG. 7 shows an editing palette P41 for editing image data.

  When an editing operation is performed using the editing palette P41 or the like, in the image forming apparatus 1, the image processing unit 16 receives from the external storage device and stores it in the primary storage unit 17 based on the corresponding image data. An edited image in which the user's editing operation is added to the image P21 in FIG. 5 is created. On the screen P4, the edited image P42 is shown, and the edited result is displayed as a preview. The edited content is stored in the primary storage unit 17.

  The screen P4 also shows a “print” button P43 for printing the edited image data and a “save” button P44 for saving the edited image data without printing.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed when the “print” button P43 on the screen P4 in FIG. 7 is operated.

  When the “print” button P43 on the screen P4 in FIG. 7 is operated, the image processing apparatus 1 includes a save confirmation dialog P51 for confirming whether to save the edited result after printing as shown in FIG. P5 is displayed on the display unit 12.

  In the setting dialog P51, the above-described message P52 for confirming whether or not to save, the “Cancel” button P53, the “No” button P54, and the “Yes” button P55 are shown.

  When the “Cancel” button P53 is operated, the image forming apparatus 1 displays the screen P4 of FIG. 7 again on the display unit 12 without performing the printing process in the image forming unit 20, and the previous state. Return to.

  When the “No” button P54 is operated, in the image forming apparatus 1, the image processing unit 16 generates data in which the edited content stored in the primary storage unit 17 and the original image data are combined, and based on the image data. The image forming unit 20 performs printing processing. Thereafter, the editing content and the original image data stored in the primary storage unit 17 are deleted from the primary storage unit 17.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed when the “Save” button P44 on the screen P4 in FIG. 7 or the “Yes” button P55 on the screen P5 in FIG. 8 is operated.

  When the “Save” button P44 on the screen P4 in FIG. 7 or the “Yes” button P55 on the screen P5 in FIG. 8 is operated, the image processing apparatus 1 selects a method for saving the editing results as shown in FIG. A screen P6 including a storage method selection dialog P61 is displayed on the display unit 12.

  In the setting dialog P61, the above-described message P62 for prompting selection of a method for saving the editing result, an “overwrite” button P63, a “save as” button P64, and a “cancel” button P65 are displayed.

  When the “overwrite save” button P63 is operated, in the image forming apparatus 1, the image processing unit 16 generates data in which the edited content stored in the primary storage unit 17 is combined with the original image data, and generates a reduced image. The unit 16a newly generates reduced image data based on the data. Then, the image forming apparatus 1 overwrites and saves the generated data on the current reduced image data stored in the main storage unit 19 and the image data stored in the external storage device.

  When the “Save As” button P64 is operated, in the image forming apparatus 1, as described above, in the primary storage unit 17, data that is a combination of the edited content stored in the primary storage and the original image data, and new reduced image data are displayed. Is generated. Then, the image forming apparatus 1 transmits the combined data to the external storage device via the communication unit 18 and stores it separately from the original, and associates the new reduced image data with the new storage destination information. Separately stored in the storage unit 19.

  When the “Cancel” button P65 is operated, the image forming apparatus 1 displays the screen P4 in FIG. 7 and the screen P5 in FIG. 8 on the display unit 12 again, and returns to the previous state.

  When the “delete” button P24 in FIG. 5 is operated, the image processing apparatus 1 refers to the detailed information table T1 in FIG. 3 and stores it in association with the reduced image (reduced image data) being displayed. Are deleted from the external storage device. At this time, the selected reduced image, that is, the reduced image data and information associated with the data are also deleted from the main storage unit 19.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a flow at the time of image reading in the image forming apparatus 1 of FIG.

  As shown in the drawing, when the image forming apparatus 1 reads an image of a document with the image reading unit 15 (step S1), the image forming unit 16 generates image data based on the read image (step S2), and further generates the image data. Based on the image data, reduced image data is generated by the reduced image generation unit 16a (step S3). Then, the image forming apparatus 1 transmits the image data to the external storage device via the communication unit 18 (step S4), and for the reduced image data, the file name / path on the external storage device of the transmission destination, that is, the storage destination. The information is associated with the information and stored in the main storage unit 19 (step S5).

  FIGS. 11 to 14 are flowcharts for explaining an example of a flow when the image forming apparatus 1 in FIG. 2 selects image data to be printed or edited and performs printing or editing in accordance with a user operation. is there.

  When the image forming apparatus 1 receives a browsing request operation for image data stored in the external storage device, the image forming apparatus 1 acquires a plurality of reduced image data from the main storage unit 19 as shown in FIG. 11 (step S11). A reduced image is generated by the image processing unit 16 and resized to fit the display area (step S12). Then, for example, by displaying the selection screen P1 of FIG. 4 on the display unit 12, a plurality of resized reduced images are displayed (step S13).

  When a selection operation for any one of the plurality of reduced images is received (step S14), it is determined whether or not the selected reduced image before resizing is suitable for the display area of the display unit 12 (step S15).

  When it is suitable (in the case of YES at step S15), the reduced image based on the reduced image data stored in the main storage unit 19 is resized by the image processing unit 16 (step S16), and displayed on the display unit 12 (step). S17).

  If it is not suitable (NO in step S5), the path information / file name information of the storage destination associated with the selected reduced image (reduced image data) is acquired with reference to the detailed information table T1 in FIG. Then, based on such information, the image data is received from the external storage device via the communication unit 18 and stored in the primary storage unit 17 (step S19). In the image forming apparatus 1, a reduced image suitable for the display area of the display unit 12 is re-created by the image processing unit based on the image data stored in the primary storage unit 17, and is displayed on the display unit 12 as a single image ( Step S17).

  Note that the single display of the reduced image is performed by displaying the screen P2 in FIG.

  Following step S17, the image forming apparatus 1 determines whether to perform print processing, edit processing, or deletion processing as processing for the selected reduced image (step S21). This determination is made based on, for example, an operation on the buttons P23 to P25 on the screen P2 in FIG.

  If it is determined in step S21 that the printing process is to be performed, that is, if the “print” button P23 on the screen P2 in FIG. 5 is operated, the image processing apparatus 1 performs the process as shown in FIG. It is determined whether the target image data is already stored in the primary storage unit 17 (step S22).

  If stored (in the case of YES), the process proceeds to step S25 as it is. On the other hand, if not saved (in the case of NO), the detailed information table T1 in FIG. 3 is referred to, and the path information / file of the save destination associated with the reduced image (reduced image data) selected in step S14. Name information is acquired (step S23), image data is received from the external storage device via the communication unit 18 based on these information, stored in the primary storage unit 17 (step S24), and the process proceeds to step S25. Transition.

  In step S25, the image processing apparatus 1 displays the screen P3 in FIG. 6 and, based on the user's operation on the buttons P33 and P34 on the screen P3, deletes the image data from the external storage device after printing the image data. Determine whether or not.

  When the “Yes” button P33 on the screen P3 is operated and it is determined to be deleted after printing (YES in step S25), the image forming unit 20 performs printing processing based on the image data stored in the primary storage unit 17 ( In step S26), the print-processed image data is deleted from the external storage device of the storage destination, the reduced image of the image data, that is, the reduced image data is deleted from the main storage unit 19, and the reduced image data is linked to the reduced image data. The attached information, that is, the record for the image in the detailed table T of FIG. 3 is also deleted (step S27). At this time, the image data stored in the primary storage unit 17 for the printing process is also deleted from the storage unit 17.

  If the “No” button P34 on the screen P3 is operated and it is determined not to be deleted after printing (NO in step S25), the image forming apparatus 1 uses the image data stored in the primary storage unit 17 based on the image data. Printing processing is performed by the image forming unit 20 (step S28). At this time, the print-processed image data is not deleted from the external storage device of the storage destination, but is deleted from the primary storage unit 17.

  If it is determined in step S21 in FIG. 11 that the editing process is to be performed, that is, if the “edit” button P24 on the screen P2 in FIG. 5 is operated, the image processing apparatus 1 performs the processing as shown in FIG. Then, it is determined whether or not the image data to be processed is already stored in the primary storage unit 17 (step S29).

  If stored (in the case of YES), the process directly proceeds to step S32. On the other hand, if not saved (in the case of NO), the detailed information table T1 in FIG. 3 is referred to, and the path information / file of the save destination associated with the reduced image (reduced image data) selected in step S14. Name information is acquired (step S30), image data is received from the external storage device via the communication unit 18 based on these information, stored in the primary storage unit 17 (step S31), and the process proceeds to step S32. Transition.

  In step S <b> 32, the image forming apparatus 1 accepts an editing operation from the user and stores the editing content in the primary storage unit 17.

  Following step S32, the image forming apparatus 1 determines whether to print or save the edited result (step S33). This determination is made based on, for example, an operation on the buttons P43 and P44 on the screen P4 in FIG.

  If it is determined in step S33 that printing is to be performed, that is, if the “print” button P43 on the screen P4 in FIG. 7 is operated, the image processing apparatus 1 displays the screen P5 in FIG. Based on the user's operation to the buttons P54 and P55 of P5, it is determined whether or not to save the edited result after printing (step S34).

  If it is determined in step S34 that the data is not saved after printing, that is, if the “No” button P54 on the screen P5 in FIG. 8 is operated, the image forming apparatus 1 stores the edited contents stored in the primary storage unit 17 and The image processing unit 16 generates data obtained by combining the original image data, and the image forming unit 20 performs print processing based on the image data (step S35). Thereafter, the editing content and the original image data stored in the primary storage unit 17 are deleted from the primary storage unit 17.

  If it is determined in step S34 that the image is to be saved after printing, that is, if the “Yes” button P55 on the screen P5 in FIG. 8 is operated, the image forming apparatus 1 displays the screen P6 in FIG. 12 and based on the user's operation on the buttons P63 and P64 on the screen P6, it is determined whether the edited result is to be overwritten or saved under a different name (step S36).

  If it is determined in step S36 that the edited result is to be overwritten, that is, if the “overwrite” button P63 on the screen P6 in FIG. 9 is operated, in the image forming apparatus 1, the image processing unit 16 performs the primary processing. The storage unit 17 generates data obtained by combining the edited content stored in the memory and the original image data, and the reduced image generation unit 16 a newly generates reduced image data based on the data and stores the data in the main storage unit 19. The current reduced image data being saved is overwritten and saved (step S37). Further, the image forming apparatus 1 transmits the combined data that is the editing result, that is, the edited image data, to the external storage device via the communication unit 18, overwrites and saves (step S38), and proceeds to step S42.

  If it is determined in step S36 that the editing result is to be saved under another name, that is, if the “save as” button P64 on the screen P6 in FIG. 9 is operated, the image processing unit 16 in the image forming apparatus 1 performs the primary The storage unit 17 generates data that combines the edited content stored in the memory and the original image data, and the reduced image generation unit 16a newly generates reduced image data based on the data (step S39). Further, the image forming apparatus 1 transmits the combined data that is the editing result, that is, the edited image data, to the external storage device via the communication unit 18, and saves the image data before editing with an alias (step S40). . Further, the image forming apparatus 1 stores the reduced image data of the edited result in the main storage unit 19 in association with the file name / path information on the external storage device of the transmission destination, that is, the storage destination (step S41), and step S42. Migrate to

  In step S <b> 42, the image forming apparatus 1 performs a printing process of the edited image in the image forming unit 20 based on the edited image data.

  If it is determined in step S33 that the image is to be saved, that is, if the “save” button P44 on the screen P4 in FIG. 7 is operated, the image forming apparatus 1 performs steps S43 to S48 as shown in FIG. Perform the process. In addition, since the process of step S43-S48 is the same as the process of step S36-S41, respectively, the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Returning to the description of FIG.

  If it is determined in step S21 that the deletion process is to be performed, that is, if the “delete” button P25 on the screen P2 in FIG. 5 is operated, the image processing apparatus 1 stores the detailed information table T1 in FIG. The target image data is deleted from the external storage device of the storage destination, the reduced image of the image data, that is, the reduced image data is deleted from the main storage unit 19, and the information associated with the reduced image data, that is, The record for the image in the detail table T in FIG. 3 is also deleted (step S49).

  As described above, the image forming apparatus of the present invention transmits a document reading unit, an image processing unit that creates image data of the scanned document, and the created image data to an external storage device connected to a network. A communication unit that stores the image data stored in the external storage device in response to a user operation and performs a required process, and the reduced image data is obtained based on the created image data. A reduced image generation unit to be created, a storage unit that stores the reduced image data, at least a storage destination of the image data that is the source of the reduced image data, and a display unit that displays an operation screen. The reduced image data stored in the storage unit is displayed on the display unit, and image data for performing the required processing is selected. Thereby, the image data to be processed can be quickly selected from the image data stored in the external storage device without losing user convenience.

  The required processing is printing processing or editing processing.

  The reduced image processing unit creates reduced image data based on the image data subjected to the editing process, and the communication unit transmits the image data subjected to the editing process to the external storage device. The reduced image storage unit may store the generated reduced image data and the storage destination of the image data subjected to the editing process that is the source of the reduced image data in association with each other. Thereby, the edited data can be handled in the same manner as the read data.

  It should be possible to select whether or not to overwrite when storing and storing the image data subjected to the editing process and the reduced image data. Depending on the edited image data, there may be cases where the original data before editing is necessary or unnecessary, so both can be handled by the above-described configuration.

  It is also possible to print the image data that has undergone the editing process.

  Further, it is preferable to generate a unique file name when the image data is stored in the external storage device. Since saving with the same file name is usually impossible, it can be avoided by the above-described configuration.

  It is also possible to delete the reduced image data and the image data stored in the external storage device in response to a user operation.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image forming apparatus, 2 ... Cloud, 3 ... Server, 11 ... Control part, 12 ... Display part, 13 ... Operation part, 14 ... Management part, 15 ... Image reading part, 16 ... Image processing part, 16a ... Reduced image Generation unit, 17 ... primary storage unit, 18 ... communication unit, 19 ... main storage unit, 20 ... image forming unit.

Claims (6)

An image forming apparatus that includes a communication unit that stores image data and communicates with an external storage device connected to a network, acquires the image data stored in the external storage device in response to a user operation, and performs a required process. And
A storage unit that stores reduced image data corresponding to the image data, a storage destination of the image data, and association information associated with the reduced image data;
A display unit that displays at least reduced image data stored in the storage unit;
A selection unit that selects the reduced image data corresponding to the image data to be processed in the required processing from among the reduced image data displayed on the display unit in response to the user operation;
When the required processing is printing processing, and the image data corresponding to the reduced image data selected by the selection unit is deleted from the external storage device after execution of printing processing, stored in the storage unit An image forming apparatus comprising: a first deletion unit that deletes the reduced image data and the storage destination of the image data and the association information associated with the reduced image data. When the required process is a printing process, the first instruction to leave the image data corresponding to the reduced image data selected by the selection unit in the external storage device after executing the printing process or the image data is printed A first receiving unit that receives a second instruction to be deleted from the external storage device after execution of the process;
The first deletion unit, when receiving the second instruction by the first reception unit, stores the image data corresponding to the reduced image data selected by the selection unit after the execution of the printing process in the external storage 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus deletes the reduced image data stored in the storage unit and the association information associated with the storage destination of the image data and the reduced image data. Corresponding to the reduced image data selected by the selection unit by communicating with the external storage device via the communication unit when the required processing instructed by the user operation is the printing process. Acquiring the image data from the external storage device, storing the image data in the storage unit, and executing a printing process of the image data stored in the storage unit;
The apparatus according to claim 2 , further comprising a second deletion unit that deletes the image data stored in the storage unit after execution of the printing process when the first instruction or the second instruction is received by the first reception unit. The image forming apparatus described in 1. When the required process instructed by the user operation is an editing process, the communication corresponding to the reduced image data selected by the selection unit is performed by communicating with the external storage device via the communication unit. Image data is acquired from the external storage device and stored in the storage unit, and the editing processing of the image data stored in the storage unit is executed according to the user operation,
If the required process instructed by the user operation is a printing process after the editing process is executed, at least the image data on which the editing process has been executed is stored in the external storage device after the printing process is executed. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second accepting unit that accepts a third instruction to save or a fourth instruction not to save the image data in the external storage device. 5.   When the third instruction is received by the second reception unit, the image data that has been subjected to the editing process is stored in the external storage device via the communication unit after the execution of the printing process, and the The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a storage control unit that generates reduced image data corresponding to the image data and stores the reduced image data in the storage unit. In accordance with the user operation, further comprising a determination unit that determines whether the image data that has been subjected to the editing process is to be overwritten in the external storage device or stored under a different name,
The storage control unit
If it is determined by the determination unit that the image is to be overwritten, the image data that has been subjected to the editing process is stored in the external storage device via the communication unit before the editing process is performed. Reduced image data corresponding to the image data before overwriting the image data and generating reduced image data corresponding to the image data that has been subjected to the editing process and executing the editing process stored in the storage unit Overwriting,
If it is determined by the determination unit to save with another name, the image data that has been subjected to the editing process is stored in the external storage device via the communication unit before the editing process is performed. The image data is saved under a different name, and the reduced image data corresponding to the image data that has been subjected to the editing process is generated, and the image data that has been stored in the storage unit and that has not yet been executed corresponds to the image data. The reduced image data is stored under a different name, and further, linking information in which the image data stored under a different name and the reduced image data stored under a different name are linked is stored in the storage unit. The image forming apparatus according to 5.

Images