JP6996294B2 - Image processing device, image data processing method and program - Google Patents

Description

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

As an example of an image processing apparatus, an MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral) having a print function, a scan function, and a fax function is known. The print function is a function for printing an image related to image data on a sheet such as print paper. The scan function is a function that reads an image from a document and generates image data. The fax function is a function for transmitting and receiving image data via a public telephone line or the like. In addition, the MFP has a copy function achieved by a combination of a scan function and a print function.

Some MFPs are provided with a communication unit that communicates image data with an external device, and can add a cooperation function that executes the above-mentioned basic functions in cooperation with the communication unit for a fee. For example, the scan mail function that attaches the image data read by the scanner function to an e-mail and sends it, the scan upload function that uploads the image data read by the scanner function to a server on the Internet, and the Internet. There is a download print function that downloads image data from the server and prints it on a sheet using the print function.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-333333

In the above-mentioned technology, it may be necessary for the customer to test whether the operation of the image processing device and the communication of image data with an external device can be appropriately performed by the cooperation function of the image processing device.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing apparatus, an image data processing method and a program capable of appropriately performing the above-mentioned test on the customer side.

In order to achieve the above object, the image processing device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a communication unit for communicating image data with an external device, a processing unit for processing image data, and a control unit. , The control unit is a cooperative image data processing that processes image data by a cooperative function in which the communication unit and the processing unit cooperate, and the linked image data processing including the acquisition process for acquiring the image data and the test mode are set. When the control unit determines that the test mode is not set in the discrimination process in the linked image data processing, the control unit executes the discrimination process for determining whether or not the data is acquired, and the image data acquired in the acquisition process. When the first output process for outputting the image data related to the above is executed and it is determined that the test mode is set in the discrimination process, the image data related to the image data acquired in the acquisition process is replaced with the dummy image data. The replacement process and the second output process of outputting the image data related to the dummy image data after the replacement process are executed.

In this image processing device, it is possible to process image data by a cooperation function in which communication of image data between a communication unit and an external device and processing of image data by the processing unit are linked. The content of image data processing by the linkage function differs depending on whether or not the test mode is set. When the test mode is not set, the image data is acquired in the image data processing by the cooperation function, and the image data related to the acquired image data is output. On the other hand, when the test mode is set, the image data is acquired in the image data processing by the cooperation function, but the image data is replaced with the dummy image data and the data related to the dummy image data is output. Will be done.

As a result, when the test mode is set, the data related to the acquired image data is not unnecessarily output, and the data related to the dummy image data is output. As a result, the user can appropriately perform the test related to the cooperation function.

The present invention can be realized not only in the form of an image processing apparatus, but also in the form of, for example, an image data processing method executed by an image processing apparatus and a program executed by the image processing apparatus.

According to the present invention, the customer can appropriately perform a test related to the cooperation function.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the image processing system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the trial function setting screen. It is a sequence diagram of the process executed when the scan upload function is used in "trial mode 1". It is a sequence diagram of the process executed when the scan upload function is used in "trial mode 2". It is a sequence diagram of the process executed at the time of use in "trial mode 1" of a download print function. It is a sequence diagram of other processing executed at the time of use in "trial mode 1" of a download print function. It is a sequence diagram of the process executed at the time of use in "trial mode 2" of a download print function. It is a sequence diagram of the process executed at the time of use in "trial mode 1" of the Internet fax function (transmission). It is a sequence diagram of the process executed at the time of use in "trial mode 2" of the Internet fax function (transmission). It is a sequence diagram of the process executed when the Internet fax function (reception) is used in "trial mode 1". It is a sequence diagram of the process executed when the Internet fax function (reception) is used in "trial mode 2".

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<Image processing system>
The image processing system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a system that enables an MFP (Multi-Function Peripheral) 2 which is an example of an image processing device to execute additional functions other than standard functions, and is an MFP 2, an application server 3, and a storage server. 4 (an example of an external device) is included.

The MFP 2 is provided at a place where a LAN (Local Area Network) 5 is constructed, and is connected to the Internet 6 via the LAN 5. The LAN 5 may be either a wired LAN or a wireless LAN, or may be configured by combining a wired LAN and a wireless LAN.

The application server 3 and the storage server 4 are located on the Internet 6. The functions of the application server 3 and the storage server 4 will be described later.
The application server 3 and the storage server 4 may be connected to the same LAN 5 as the MFP 2. Further, the application server 3 and the storage server 4 may be configured by the same server.

<MFP>
The MFP 2 is an electronic device having a plurality of functions such as a facsimile function, a print function, a scan function, and a copy function. The facsimile function is a function for transmitting and receiving image data via a public telephone line. The print function (image forming function) is a function of printing (printing) an image related to image data on a sheet such as print paper. The scanning function (image scanning function) is a function that scans an image of a document and generates image data. The copy function is a function of reading an image of a document and printing the image on a sheet.

These functions are standard functions of the MFP2, and in addition to the standard functions, it is possible to add a cooperation function realized by cooperation between the standard function and communication via LAN 5 for a fee. Linkage functions include, for example, a scan upload function, a download print function, and an Internet fax function. The scan upload function is a function of reading an image by executing a scan job using the scan function and uploading the read image data to the storage server 4. The download print function is a function of downloading image data from the storage server 4 and printing the image data on a sheet by the print function. The Internet fax function receives an e-mail from an external device, prints the image data attached to the e-mail on a sheet, attaches the image data to the e-mail, and sends the e-mail to an external device. It is a function to send to the device.

In order to realize these multiple functions, the MFP 2 has an image forming unit 11, an image reading unit 12, an operation panel 13, a FAX interface (I / F) 14, a LAN interface (I / F) 15, and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated). It includes a Circuit) 16, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 17 which is a rewritable non-volatile memory such as a flash memory, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 18 which is a volatile memory such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory). The image forming unit 11, the image reading unit 12, the operation panel 13, the FAX interface 14, the LAN interface 15, the ASIC 16, the ROM 17, and the RAM 18 are connected to each other via a bus 19 so as to be capable of data communication.

The image forming unit 11 (an example of a processing unit and a printing unit) is configured to print a color image or a monochrome image related to image data on a sheet such as printing paper that is conveyed one by one on a conveying path. The printing method may be an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method.

The image reading unit 12 (an example of a processing unit and a reading unit) reads an image formed on the sheet and outputs a signal corresponding to the image. The image reading method may be a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) method or a CCD (Charge Coupled Devices) method.

The operation panel 13 includes an operation unit 13A and a display unit 13B. The operation unit 13A includes an operation key (for example, a start key) operated by the user. When the operation key is operated, the operation is received by the operation unit 13A, and a signal (data) corresponding to the content of the operation is output from the operation panel 13 toward the ASIC 16. The display unit 13B is, for example, a liquid crystal display.

The operation unit 13A and the display unit 13B may constitute a touch panel. Images such as various information and operation buttons are displayed on the display unit 13B constituting the touch panel. When the user presses an operation button displayed on the display unit 13B (touch operation), the operation is accepted by the operation unit 13A, and a signal (data) corresponding to the content of the operation is output from the operation panel 13. Will be done. In the following, a case where the operation unit 13A and the display unit 13B form a touch panel will be taken up.

The FAX interface 14 is an interface for connecting to a public telephone line used for facsimile communication, and includes a modem having a built-in NCU (Network Control Unit) and the like.

The LAN interface 15 (an example of a communication unit) is an interface for connecting to the LAN 5.

The ASIC 16 has a built-in CPU 20 (an example of a control unit). The CPU 20 executes programs for various processes based on the information input to the ASIC 16, so that each unit such as the image forming unit 11, the image reading unit 12, the operation panel 13, the FAX interface 14, and the LAN interface 15 can be executed. To control.

The ROM 17 stores a program executed by the CPU 20 and various data.

The RAM 18 is used as a work area when the CPU 20 executes a program.

<Linkage function setting process>
The linkage function is a function that can be added to the MFP 2 for a fee, but the user can use the linkage function for free (trial) only for a certain trial period (trial period).

When the user tries the cooperation function, he / she accesses the website of the server (EWS: Embedded Web Server) incorporated in the MFP 2 by using the web browser of the user terminal such as a PC (Personal Computer) or a tablet. On the top page of this website, a number of buttons are displayed, including a trial setting button that requests the display of the trial function setting screen for setting the trial of the linked function. When the trial setting button is pressed by operating the user terminal, the screen of the web browser switches from the top page to the trial function setting screen.

On the trial function setting screen, as shown in FIG. 2, it is possible to set whether to try the scan upload function, the download print function, or the Internet fax function. In addition, for each linkage function of the scan upload function, download print function, and Internet fax function, there are two modes of processing (job) by the linkage function, "TrialMode 1" and "TrialMode 2". Two modes are available. "Trial mode 1" is a mode in which fixed image data is used for processing by the cooperation function. The "trial mode 2" is a mode in which the user uses arbitrary image data for processing by the cooperation function. In "trial mode 2", there is no limit to the image data used for processing by the cooperation function, but there is a limit to the frequency of execution of the processing, and once the processing by the cooperation function is executed, a predetermined weight period (for example, 5) thereafter. Minutes), processing by the same cooperation function cannot be executed. On the other hand, in "trial mode 1", the image data used for the processing by the cooperation function is limited to the fixed image data, but the frequency of execution of the processing is not limited, and the processing by the same cooperation function is continuously executed. can do.

On the trial function setting screen, the radio button 21 for setting the trial in "trial mode 1" of the scan upload function, the radio button 22 for setting the trial in "trial mode 2" of the scan upload function, and the download print. With the radio button 23 for setting the trial in the function "trial mode 1", the radio button 24 for setting the trial in the "trial mode 2" of the download print function, and the "trial mode 1" of the Internet fax function. A radio button 25 for setting a trial of the Internet fax function and a radio button 26 for setting a trial in the "trial mode 2" of the Internet fax function are displayed. Further, on the trial function setting screen, path input boxes 27, 28, and 29 for inputting the path of the place where the fixed image data (file) used for the "trial mode 1" of each cooperation function are saved are displayed. Reference buttons 31, 32, and 33 for opening a file reference dialog are displayed on the right side of each path input box 27 to 29. Below the path input box 28, a URL input box 34 for inputting the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the download source of the fixed image data used for the "trial mode 1" of the download print function is displayed. Further, on the trial setting screen, the registration button 35 is displayed.

<Scan upload function: Trial mode 1>
When the user tries the scan upload function for the first time in "trial mode 1", after pressing the radio button 21 on the trial function setting screen, the fixed image data is stored in the path input box 27 displayed on the right side of the radio button 21. Enter the path of the saved location. The path may be directly input to the path input box 27 by operating the keyboard on the user terminal, or may be specified in the file reference dialog opened by pressing the reference button 31. When the registration button 35 is pressed after the path is input to the path input box 27, the fixed image data specified by the path input to the path input box 27 is transmitted from the user terminal to the MFP 2. Further, the setting for permitting the trial of the scan upload function in the "trial mode 1" is registered in the ROM 17 of the MFP 2.

When the LAN interface 15 of the MFP 2 receives the fixed image data, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 saves the received fixed image data in the ROM 17 (1: saves the fixed image) as shown in FIG.

The method for saving fixed image data is not limited to this. For example, when the MFP 2 is equipped with a USB interface (Universal Serial Bus), a USB memory may be connected to the USB interface, and fixed image data stored in the USB memory may be transmitted to and stored in the MFP 2. .. In this case, it is preferable that a screen similar to the trial function setting screen is displayed on the operation panel 13 of the MFP 2, and the directory of the fixed image data stored in the USB memory is input on that screen.

After saving the fixed image data, it is not necessary to save the fixed image data when the scan upload function is tried again in "trial mode 1".

After saving the fixed image data, the user who starts the trial of the scan upload function in the "trial mode 1" sets the original in the image reading unit 12 of the MFP 2 (2: original setting). The image reading unit 12 can read a document by both the FB (flatbed) method and the ADF (Auto Document Feeder) method. When reading a document by the FB method, the document is placed in a predetermined position on the contact glass. When reading a document by the ADF method, the document is placed on the document set portion of the ADF.

A standby screen is displayed on the operation panel 13 of the MFP 2 in the standby state. On the standby screen, for example, a plurality of standard function buttons for selecting a standard function such as a copy function and a linkage function button for selecting a linkage function are displayed. When one of the plurality of standard function buttons is pressed, the execution of the process by the standard function corresponding to the pressed standard function button is instructed. When the linkage function button is pressed, the screen displayed on the operation panel 13 is switched from the standby screen to the function selection screen. On the function selection screen, a link function button corresponding to the link function whose trial permission setting is registered in the ROM 17 is displayed. For example, the setting to allow trial in "trial mode 1" or "trial mode 2" of the scan upload function and the setting to allow trial in "trial mode 1" or "trial mode 2" of the download print function are ROM17. When saved in, the function selection screen displays a scan upload button that supports the scan upload function and a download print button that supports the download print function. When one of the linked function buttons is pressed, an instruction to execute a process by the linked function corresponding to the pressed linked function button is input from the operation panel 13 to the CPU 20 (3: application execution).

When the user tries the scan upload function in "trial mode 1", the user presses the scan upload button on the function selection screen. When the scan upload button is pressed, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 controls the LAN interface 15 in order to acquire a command from the application server 3 to a file on the application server 3 specified by the URL stored in the ROM 17. Access (4: Get command).

In response to this access, the screen display command of the document type selection screen is transmitted from the application server 3 to the MFP 2.

When the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 receives the screen display command of the document type selection screen from the application server 3 to the LAN interface 15, the CPU 20 displays the document type selection screen on the operation panel 13 according to the screen display command (5: screen display).

The document type selection screen is a screen in which the user selects the type of document to be uploaded to the storage server 4 by the scan upload function. As the document type, for example, an invoice, a quotation, and other documents other than the invoice and the quotation are set. On the document type selection screen, a document type button corresponding to the document type, that is, an invoice button, a quotation button, and other buttons are displayed. When the user presses one of the document type buttons (6: document type selection), the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 controls the LAN interface 15 in order to acquire a command from the application server 3, and the pressed document type button. Information on the document type corresponding to is transmitted to the application server 3 (7: command acquisition).

In the application server 3, the document type and the information of the transmission destination (upload destination) of the image data by the scan upload function are managed in association with each other. When the application server 3 receives the information of the document type, the destination corresponding to the document type is determined (7.1: destination determination). After that, the application server 3 generates an operation instruction command in which the destination information corresponding to the document type received from the MFP 2 is embedded. Then, the operation instruction command is transmitted from the application server 3 to the MFP 2. The operation instruction command is, for example, a document (file) described in XML (Extensible Markup Language).

When the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 receives the operation instruction command from the application server 3 to the LAN interface 15, it executes a syntax check, a capability check, and a mode check (8: syntax / capability / mode check).

Specifically, in the syntax check, the CPU 20 checks, for example, whether the XML syntax of the operation instruction command is correct, or whether the combination of parameters included in the operation instruction command is correct. For example, image data generated by image scanning (scanning) (hereinafter referred to as "scanned image data") even though the operation instruction command includes a parameter for setting the color mode of the image scanning mode. If the operation instruction command includes a parameter that specifies TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) as the format format, the CPU 20 determines that the combination of parameters included in the operation instruction command is incorrect.

In the capability check, the CPU 20 checks, for example, whether the MFP 2 supports the format specified by the operation instruction command.

In the mode check, the CPU 20 checks, for example, whether a document is set and whether another job using the scanning function is being executed.

If there is a problem in the results of the syntax check, the ability check, and the mode check, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 displays an error screen on the operation panel 13 and ends this series of processing.

If there is no problem in the results of the syntax check, the ability check, and the mode check, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 controls the image reading unit 12 to read the document (9: scan execution). While this scan is being executed, a screen containing the message "scanning" is displayed on the operation panel 13. Then, the CPU 20 generates scanned image data (file) in the format specified by the operation instruction command from the signal output from the image reading unit 12 by executing the reading of the document.

After that, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 checks whether the MFP 2 is connected to the Internet 6 before transmitting the image data (10: Connection check before transmission).

Further, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 replaces the scanned image data generated by reading the original with the fixed image data stored in the ROM 17 (11: the scanned image is replaced with the fixed image). Either "10: connection check before transmission" or "11: replacement of scanned image with fixed image" may be executed first.

When the MFP 2 is not connected to the Internet 6, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 displays an error screen on the operation panel 13 and ends this series of processing.

When the MFP 2 is connected to the Internet 6, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 controls the LAN interface 15 and replaces the scanned image data with the scan image data in the storage server 4 specified from the destination information included in the operation instruction command. Data is transmitted (12: fixed image transmission).

After transmitting the fixed image data, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 controls the LAN interface 15 in order to acquire the command from the application server 3, and the file on the application server 3 specified by the URL included in the operation instruction command. (13: Get command).

In response to this access, a screen display command for the completion screen is transmitted from the application server 3 to the MFP 2.

When the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 receives the screen display command of the completion screen from the application server 3 to the LAN interface 15, the CPU 20 displays the completion screen on the operation panel 13 according to the screen display command (14: screen display). On the completion screen, the message "Completed" is displayed. After that, when the OK button displayed on the completion screen is pressed or the display of the completion screen continues for a certain period of time, the CPU 20 switches the display of the operation panel 13 from the completion screen to the standby screen and ends a series of processing. do.

<Scan upload function: Trial mode 2>
When the user tries the scan upload function for the first time in "trial mode 2", the user presses the radio button 22 on the trial function setting screen and then presses the registration button 35. When the registration button 35 is pressed, the setting for permitting the trial of the scan upload function in the "trial mode 2" is registered in the ROM 17 of the MFP 2.

After that, as shown in FIG. 4, a document is set in the image reading unit 12 of the MFP 2 (1: document set).

Further, the user presses the cooperation function button on the standby screen displayed on the operation panel 13. When the linkage function button is pressed, the screen displayed on the operation panel 13 switches from the standby screen to the function selection screen. The user presses the scan upload button on the function selection screen. When the scan upload button is pressed, an instruction to execute the process by the scan upload function is input from the operation panel 13 to the CPU 20 (2: application execution).

If the setting for permitting the trial of the scan upload function in "trial mode 1" is registered in ROM 17, the setting for permitting the trial of the scan upload function in "trial mode 2" is not registered in ROM 17. The user cannot try the scan upload function in "trial mode 2". When adopting a configuration that allows both the trial of the scan upload function in "trial mode 1" and the trial of the scan upload function in "trial mode 2" to be adopted, the button for selecting them is displayed on the function selection screen. It should be displayed.

After that, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 determines whether or not the process by the scan upload function in the "trial mode 2" can be executed (3: execution feasibility determination). When the CPU 20 starts and executes the process by the scan upload function in the "trial mode 2", the CPU 20 determines that the process can be executed. When the process by the scan upload function in the "trial mode 2" has been previously executed, the CPU 20 determines whether or not a predetermined weight period has elapsed from the end of the last executed process. Then, the CPU 20 determines that the process by the scan upload function in the "trial mode 2" can be executed if the weight period has elapsed, and if the weight period has not elapsed, the CPU 20 determines in the "trial mode 2". It is determined that the process by the scan upload function of is infeasible.

When the process by the scan upload function in the "trial mode 2" cannot be executed, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 displays an error screen on the operation panel 13 and ends this series of processes. On the error screen at this time, for example, a message such as "It takes 3 minutes to use" is displayed. Further, the error screen may display an advertisement for the linkage function, for example, a feature (advantage) of each linkage function, a cost for officially adding each linkage function to the MFP 2, and the like (price of the linkage function). By displaying the advertisement, it is possible to recommend the user to purchase the cooperation function.

When the process by the scan upload function in "trial mode 2" can be executed, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 controls the LAN interface 15 in order to acquire the command from the application server 3, and the URL stored in the ROM 17 is stored. Access the file on the application server 3 specified in (4: Get command).

In response to this access, the screen display command of the document type selection screen is transmitted from the application server 3 to the MFP 2.

When the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 receives the screen display command of the document type selection screen from the application server 3 to the LAN interface 15, the CPU 20 displays the document type selection screen on the operation panel 13 according to the screen display command (5: screen display).

When one of the document type buttons is pressed by the user on the document type selection screen (6: document type selection), the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 controls the LAN interface 15 to acquire a command from the application server 3 and presses the button. Information on the document type corresponding to the created document type button is transmitted to the application server 3 (7: command acquisition).

When the application server 3 receives the information of the document type, the destination corresponding to the document type is determined (7.1: destination determination). After that, the application server 3 generates an operation instruction command in which the destination information corresponding to the document type received from the MFP 2 is embedded. Then, the operation instruction command is transmitted from the application server 3 to the MFP 2.

When the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 receives the operation instruction command from the application server 3 to the LAN interface 15, it executes a syntax check, a capability check, and a mode check (8: syntax / capability / mode check).

If there is a problem in the results of the syntax check, the ability check, and the mode check, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 displays an error screen on the operation panel 13 and ends this series of processing.

If there is no problem in the results of the syntax check, the ability check, and the mode check, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 controls the image reading unit 12 to read the document (9: scan execution). Then, the CPU 20 generates scanned image data (file) in the format specified by the operation instruction command from the signal output from the image reading unit 12 by executing the reading of the document.

After that, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 checks whether the MFP 2 is connected to the Internet 6 before transmitting the scanned image data (10: Connection check before transmission).

When the MFP 2 is not connected to the Internet 6, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 displays an error screen on the operation panel 13 and ends this series of processing.

When the MFP 2 is connected to the Internet 6, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 controls the LAN interface 15 and transmits scan image data to the storage server 4 specified from the destination information included in the operation instruction command (11). : Send scanned image).

After transmitting the scanned image data, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 controls the LAN interface 15 in order to acquire the command from the application server 3, and the file on the application server 3 specified by the URL included in the operation instruction command. (12: Get command).

In response to this access, a screen display command for the completion screen is transmitted from the application server 3 to the MFP 2.

When the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 receives the screen display command of the completion screen from the application server 3 to the LAN interface 15, the CPU 20 displays the completion screen on the operation panel 13 according to the screen display command (13: screen display). After that, when the OK button displayed on the completion screen is pressed or the display of the completion screen continues for a certain period of time, the CPU 20 switches the display of the operation panel 13 from the completion screen to the standby screen.

Further, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 sets a timer in response to receiving a screen display command on the LAN interface 15, starts measuring the elapsed time after that by the timer (14: timer set), and performs a series of processes. To finish. The elapsed time measured by the timer is used in the above-mentioned "3: Executionability determination" to determine whether or not the weight period has elapsed.

<Download print function: Trial mode 1>
When the user tries the download print function for the first time in "trial mode 1", after pressing the radio button 23 on the trial function setting screen, the fixed image data is stored in the path input box 28 displayed on the right side of the radio button 23. Enter the path of the saved location. After inputting the path in the path input box 28, the user presses the registration button 35. When the registration button 35 is pressed, the fixed image data specified by the path input in the path input box 27 is transmitted from the user terminal to the MFP 2. Further, the setting for permitting the trial of the download print function in the "trial mode 1" is registered in the ROM 17 of the MFP 2.

When the LAN interface 15 of the MFP 2 receives the fixed image data, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 saves the received fixed image data in the ROM 17 (1: saves the fixed image) as shown in FIG.

After saving the fixed image data, it is not necessary to save the fixed image data when the download print function is tried again in the "trial mode 1".

After that, the user presses the cooperation function button on the standby screen displayed on the operation panel 13 of the MFP 2. When the linkage function button is pressed, the screen displayed on the operation panel 13 switches from the standby screen to the function selection screen. The user presses the download print button on the function selection screen. When the download print button is pressed, an instruction to execute the process by the download print function is input from the operation panel 13 to the CPU 20 (2: application execution).

In response to this, the CPU 20 controls the LAN interface 15 to access the file on the application server 3 specified by the URL stored in the ROM 17 in order to acquire the command from the application server 3 (3: Command acquisition).

In response to this access, the screen display command of the document type selection screen is transmitted from the application server 3 to the MFP 2.

When the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 receives the screen display command of the document type selection screen from the application server 3 to the LAN interface 15, the CPU 20 displays the document type selection screen on the operation panel 13 according to the screen display command (4: screen display).

The document type selection screen is a screen in which the user selects the type of the document to be downloaded from the storage server 4 by the download print function, and the items displayed on the screen are as described above for the document type selection screen. When the user presses one of the document type buttons on the document type selection screen (5: document type selection), the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 controls the LAN interface 15 to acquire a command from the application server 3 and presses the button. Information on the document type corresponding to the created document type button is transmitted to the application server 3 (6: command acquisition).

When the application server 3 receives the information of the document type, the image data of the received document type is extracted from the downloadable image data stored in the storage server 4, and the list of the extracted image data ( File list) is created (6.11: File list creation). After that, the application server 3 generates a screen display command in which the list of image data is embedded. Then, the screen display command is transmitted from the application server 3 to the MFP 2.

When the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 receives the screen display command from the application server 3 on the LAN interface 15, the CPU 20 causes the print file selection screen to be displayed on the operation panel 13 according to the screen display command (7: screen display).

On the print file selection screen, a list of file names of downloadable image data (print files) is displayed. The print file selection screen is a screen in which the user selects one image data from the list. The user can select the image data of the file name by pressing one file name from the list. When image data is selected on the print file selection screen (8: print file selection), the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 controls the LAN interface 15 in order to acquire a command from the application server 3, and the selected image data. Identification information (input print file ID) is transmitted to the application server 3 (9: command acquisition).

When the application server 3 receives the identification information of the image data, an operation instruction command in which the information of the place where the image data of the identification information is stored is embedded is generated. Then, the operation instruction command is transmitted from the application server 3 to the MFP 2.

When the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 receives the operation instruction command from the application server 3 to the LAN interface 15, it executes a syntax check, a capability check, a mode check, and a connection check (10: syntax / capability / mode / connection check). The mode check is a check to see if another job that uses the print function is running. The connection check is a check to see if the MFP 2 is connected to the Internet 6.

If there is a problem in the results of the syntax check, the ability check, the mode check, and the connection check, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 displays an error screen on the operation panel 13 and ends this series of processing.

If there is no problem in the results of the syntax check, capability check, mode check, and connection check, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 controls the LAN interface 15 to the storage server 4 specified from the storage location information included in the operation instruction command. Access (11: Download print file) and download image data from the storage server 4.

After that, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 replaces the image data downloaded from the storage server 4 with the fixed image data stored in the ROM 17 (12: replaces the print file with the fixed image).

Then, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 controls the image forming unit 11 to print the fixed image data (13: print execution).

After printing the fixed image data, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 controls the LAN interface 15 in order to acquire the command from the application server 3, and the file on the application server 3 specified by the URL included in the operation instruction command. (14: Get command).

In response to this access, the screen display command of the completion screen is transmitted from the application server 3 to the MFP 2.

When the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 receives the screen display command of the completion screen from the application server 3 to the LAN interface 15, the CPU 20 displays the completion screen on the operation panel 13 according to the screen display command (15: screen display). After that, when the OK button displayed on the completion screen is pressed or the display of the completion screen continues for a certain period of time, the CPU 20 switches the display of the operation panel 13 from the completion screen to the standby screen and ends a series of processing. do.

<Download print function: Trial mode 1 (URL)>
When the user tries the download print function for the first time in "trial mode 1", after pressing the radio button 23 on the trial function setting screen, the fixed image data is stored in the URL input box 34 displayed on the right side of the radio button 23. You can also start the trial of the download print function in "trial mode 1" by inputting the URL of the download source and pressing the registration button 35. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6, the URL input to the URL input box 34 is stored in the ROM 17 of the MFP 2 (1: the URL of the fixed image is stored).

After saving the URL of the download source of the fixed image data, it is not necessary to save the URL when the download print function is tried again in "trial mode 1".

In addition, the difference between the sequence shown in FIG. 6 and the sequence shown in FIG. 5 is that there is no problem in the results of the syntax check, the ability check, the mode check, and the connection check in the processing according to the sequence shown in FIG. In this case, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 downloads the fixed image data (11: fixed image download) from the storage server 4 specified by the URL stored in the ROM 17. Further, in the process according to the sequence shown in FIG. 6, since the fixed image data is downloaded from the storage server 4, the image data downloaded from the storage server 4 by the MFP 2 and the fixed image data stored in the ROM 17 are combined. No replacement is done. Since the other processes are the same for the sequence shown in FIG. 5 and the sequence shown in FIG. 6, the description of these processes will be omitted.

<Download print function: Trial mode 2>
When the user tries the download print function for the first time in "trial mode 2", the user presses the radio button 23 on the trial function setting screen and then presses the registration button 35. When the registration button 35 is pressed, the setting for permitting the trial of the download print function in the "trial mode 2" is registered in the ROM 17 of the MFP 2.

After that, the user presses the cooperation function button on the standby screen displayed on the operation panel 13 of the MFP 2. When the linkage function button is pressed, the screen displayed on the operation panel 13 switches from the standby screen to the function selection screen. The user presses the download print button on the function selection screen. When the download print button is pressed, an instruction to execute the process by the download print function is input from the operation panel 13 to the CPU 20 (1: application execution).

If the setting for permitting the trial of the download print function in "trial mode 1" is registered in ROM 17, the setting for permitting the trial of the download print function in "trial mode 2" is not registered in ROM 17. The user cannot try the download print function in "trial mode 2". When adopting a configuration that allows both the trial of the download print function in "trial mode 1" and the trial of the download print function in "trial mode 2" to be adopted, the button for selecting them is displayed on the function selection screen. It should be displayed.

After that, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 determines whether or not the process by the download print function in the "trial mode 2" can be executed (2: execution feasibility determination). When the CPU 20 starts and executes the process by the download print function in the "trial mode 2", the CPU 20 determines that the process can be executed. When the process by the download print function in the "trial mode 2" has been previously executed, the CPU 20 determines whether or not a predetermined weight period has elapsed from the end of the last executed process. Then, the CPU 20 determines that the process by the download print function in the "trial mode 2" can be executed if the weight period has elapsed, and if the wait period has not elapsed, the CPU 20 determines in the "trial mode 2". It is determined that the processing by the download print function of is infeasible.

When the process by the download print function in the "trial mode 2" cannot be executed, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 displays an error screen on the operation panel 13 and ends this series of processes. On the error screen at this time, for example, a message such as "It takes 3 minutes to use" is displayed. Further, the error screen may display an advertisement for the linkage function, for example, a feature (advantage) of each linkage function, a cost for officially adding each linkage function to the MFP 2, and the like (price of the linkage function). By displaying the advertisement, it is possible to recommend the user to purchase the cooperation function.

When the process by the download print function in "trial mode 2" can be executed, the CPU 20 controls the LAN interface 15 in order to acquire the command from the application server 3 and specifies it by the URL stored in the ROM 17. Access the file on the application server 3 to be downloaded (3: Get command).

In response to this access, the screen display command of the document type selection screen is transmitted from the application server 3 to the MFP 2.

When the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 receives the screen display command of the document type selection screen from the application server 3 to the LAN interface 15, the CPU 20 displays the document type selection screen on the operation panel 13 according to the screen display command (4: screen display).

When the user presses one of the document type buttons on the document type selection screen (5: document type selection), the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 controls the LAN interface 15 to acquire a command from the application server 3 and presses the button. Information on the document type corresponding to the created document type button is transmitted to the application server 3 (6: command acquisition).

When the application server 3 receives the document type information, a list of image data corresponding to the document type information is created (6.1: file list creation). After that, the application server 3 generates a screen display command in which the list of image data is embedded. Then, the screen display command is transmitted from the application server 3 to the MFP 2.

When the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 receives the screen display command from the application server 3 on the LAN interface 15, the CPU 20 causes the print file selection screen to be displayed on the operation panel 13 according to the screen display command (7: screen display).

When the user selects one image data on the print file selection screen (8: print file selection), the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 controls the LAN interface 15 to acquire a command from the application server 3, and the user selects the data. The identification information (input print file ID) of the image data is transmitted to the application server 3 (9: command acquisition).

When the application server 3 receives the identification information of the image data, an operation instruction command in which the information of the place where the image data of the identification information is stored is embedded is generated. Then, the operation instruction command is transmitted from the application server 3 to the MFP 2.

When the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 receives the operation instruction command from the application server 3 to the LAN interface 15, it executes a syntax check, a capability check, a mode check, and a connection check (10: syntax / capability / mode / connection check).

If there is a problem in the results of the syntax check, the ability check, the mode check, and the connection check, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 displays an error screen on the operation panel 13 and ends this series of processing.

If there is no problem in the results of the syntax check, capability check, mode check, and connection check, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 controls the LAN interface 15 and follows the storage location information included in the operation instruction command, and the image data is stored from the storage server 4. Download (11: Print file download).

After that, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 controls the image forming unit 11 to print the fixed image data (12: print execution).

After printing the fixed image data, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 controls the LAN interface 15 in order to acquire the command from the application server 3, and the file on the application server 3 specified by the URL included in the operation instruction command. (13: Get command).

In response to this access, a screen display command for the completion screen is transmitted from the application server 3 to the MFP 2.

When the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 receives the screen display command of the completion screen from the application server 3 to the LAN interface 15, the CPU 20 displays the completion screen on the operation panel 13 according to the screen display command (14: screen display). After that, when the OK button displayed on the completion screen is pressed or the display of the completion screen continues for a certain period of time, the CPU 20 switches the display of the operation panel 13 from the completion screen to the standby screen.

Further, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 sets a timer in response to receiving a screen display command on the LAN interface 15, starts measuring the elapsed time after that by the timer (15: timer set), and performs a series of processes. To finish. The elapsed time measured by the timer is used in the above-mentioned "2: Executionability determination" to determine whether or not the weight period has elapsed.

<Internet fax function (send): Trial mode 1>
When the user tries the Internet fax function for the first time in "trial mode 1", after pressing the radio button 25 on the trial function setting screen, the fixed image data is stored in the pass input box 29 displayed on the right side of the radio button 23. Enter the path of the saved location. The user presses the registration button 35 after inputting the pass in the pass input box 29. When the registration button 35 is pressed, the fixed image data specified by the path input in the path input box 29 is transmitted from the user terminal to the MFP 2. Further, the setting for permitting the trial of the Internet fax function in the "trial mode 1" is registered in the ROM 17 of the MFP 2.

When the LAN interface 15 of the MFP 2 receives the fixed image data, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 saves the received fixed image data in the ROM 17 (1: saves the fixed image) as shown in FIG.

After saving the fixed image data, it is not necessary to save the fixed image data when the Internet fax function is tried again in "trial mode 1".

After that, the user sets the original in the image reading unit 12 of the MFP 2.

Further, the user presses the cooperation function button on the standby screen displayed on the operation panel 13 of the MFP 2. When the linkage function button is pressed, the screen displayed on the operation panel 13 switches from the standby screen to the function selection screen. The user presses the Internet fax button on the function selection screen. When the Internet fax button is pressed, an instruction to execute processing by the Internet fax function is input to the CPU 20 from the operation panel 13 (2: application execution).

When the Internet fax button is pressed, the screen displayed on the operation panel 13 switches from the standby screen to the destination input screen (3: destination input screen display). On the destination input screen, an address input box for inputting the e-mail address of the e-mail destination is displayed. In addition, a start button is displayed on the destination input screen.

The user inputs the e-mail address of the destination of the e-mail in the address input box (4: input the destination), and then presses the start button (5: presses the start button).

When the start button is pressed, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 executes a mode check (6: mode check). In the mode check, the CPU 20 checks, for example, whether a document is set and whether another job using the scanning function is being executed.

If there is a problem with the result of the mode check, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 displays an error screen on the operation panel 13 and ends this series of processing.

If there is no problem in the mode check result, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 controls the image reading unit 12 to read the document (7: scan execution). Then, the CPU 20 generates scanned image data in a format format (for example, PDF format) specified by a predetermined operation instruction command from the signal output from the image reading unit 12 by executing the reading of the document.

After that, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 replaces the scanned image data generated by reading the original with the fixed image data stored in the ROM 17 (8: replaces the scanned image with a fixed image).

Further, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 checks whether the MFP 2 is connected to the Internet 6. It should be noted that this pre-transmission connection check may be executed after the scanned image is replaced with the fixed image, or may be executed before that. Further, it may be checked whether the MFP 2 is connected to the Internet 6 before scanning the original.

When the MFP 2 is not connected to the Internet 6, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 displays an error screen on the operation panel 13 and ends this series of processing.

When the MFP 2 is connected to the Internet 6, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 attaches fixed image data to an e-mail, controls the LAN interface 15, and addresses the e-mail to which the fixed image data is attached on the destination input screen. Send to the e-mail address entered in the input box (9: Send fixed image attached e-mail).

After sending the e-mail, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 displays the completion screen on the operation panel 13. On the completion screen, the message "Completed" is displayed. After that, when the OK button displayed on the completion screen is pressed or the display of the completion screen continues for a certain period of time, the CPU 20 switches the display of the operation panel 13 from the completion screen to the standby screen and ends a series of processing. do.

<Internet fax function (send): Trial mode 2>
When the user tries the Internet fax function for the first time in "trial mode 2", the user presses the radio button 26 on the trial function setting screen and then presses the registration button 35. When the registration button 35 is pressed, the setting for permitting the trial of the Internet fax function in the "trial mode 2" is registered in the ROM 17 of the MFP 2.

After that, the user sets the original in the image reading unit 12 of the MFP 2.

Further, the user presses the cooperation function button on the standby screen displayed on the operation panel 13 of the MFP 2. When the linkage function button is pressed, the screen displayed on the operation panel 13 switches from the standby screen to the function selection screen. The user presses the Internet fax button on the function selection screen. When the Internet fax button is pressed, an instruction to execute processing by the Internet fax function is input to the CPU 20 from the operation panel 13 (1: application execution).

If the setting for permitting the trial of the Internet fax function in "Trial Mode 1" is registered in ROM 17, the setting for permitting the trial of the Internet fax function in "Trial Mode 2" is not registered in ROM 17. The user cannot try the Internet fax function in "Trial Mode 2". When adopting a configuration that allows both the trial of the Internet fax function in "Trial mode 1" and the trial of the Internet fax function in "Trial mode 2" to be adopted, the button for selecting them is displayed on the function selection screen. It should be displayed.

After that, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 determines whether or not the processing by the Internet fax function in the "trial mode 2" can be executed (2: execution feasibility determination). When the CPU 20 starts and executes the process by the Internet fax function in the "trial mode 2", the CPU 20 determines that the process can be executed. When the processing by the Internet fax function in the "trial mode 2" has been previously executed, the CPU 20 determines whether or not a predetermined weight period has elapsed from the end of the last executed processing. Then, the CPU 20 determines that the processing by the Internet fax function in the "trial mode 2" can be executed if the wait period has elapsed, and if the wait period has not elapsed, the CPU 20 determines in the "trial mode 2". Judges that the processing by the Internet fax function of is infeasible.

When the processing by the Internet fax function in the "trial mode 2" cannot be executed, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 displays an error screen on the operation panel 13 and ends this series of processing. On the error screen at this time, for example, a message such as "It takes 3 minutes to use" is displayed. Further, the error screen may display an advertisement for the linkage function, for example, a feature (advantage) of each linkage function, a cost for officially adding each linkage function to the MFP 2, and the like (price of the linkage function). By displaying the advertisement, it is possible to recommend the user to purchase the cooperation function.

When the processing by the Internet fax function in the "trial mode 2" can be executed, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 switches the screen displayed on the operation panel 13 from the standby screen to the destination input screen (3: destination input screen display). The user inputs the e-mail address of the destination of the e-mail in the address input box displayed on the destination input screen (4: destination input), and then presses the start button (5: presses the start button).

When the start button is pressed, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 executes a mode check (6: mode check).

If there is a problem with the result of the mode check, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 displays an error screen on the operation panel 13 and ends this series of processing.

If there is no problem in the mode check result, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 controls the image reading unit 12 to read the document (7: scan execution). Then, the CPU 20 generates scanned image data in a format format (for example, PDF format) specified by a predetermined operation instruction command from the signal output from the image reading unit 12 by executing the reading of the document.

After that, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 checks whether the MFP 2 is connected to the Internet 6. Note that this connection check may be executed before scanning the original.

When the MFP 2 is not connected to the Internet 6, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 displays an error screen on the operation panel 13 and ends this series of processing.

When the MFP 2 is connected to the Internet 6, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 attaches the scanned image data to an e-mail, controls the LAN interface 15, and addresses the e-mail to which the scanned image data is attached on the destination input screen. Send to the e-mail address entered in the input box (8: Send e-mail with scanned image attached).

After sending the e-mail, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 displays the completion screen on the operation panel 13. On the completion screen, the message "Completed" is displayed. After that, when the OK button displayed on the completion screen is pressed or the display of the completion screen continues for a certain period of time, the CPU 20 switches the display of the operation panel 13 from the completion screen to the standby screen.

Further, after the e-mail is transmitted, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 sets a timer, starts measuring the elapsed time by the timer (9: timer set), and ends a series of processes. The elapsed time measured by the timer is used in the above-mentioned "2: Executionability determination" to determine whether or not the weight period has elapsed.

<Internet fax function (reception): Trial mode 1>
When the Internet fax function is tried for the first time in "trial mode 1", the fixed image data is stored in the ROM 17 of the MFP 2 (1: the fixed image is stored) as shown in FIG. The storage of the fixed image data is as described with reference to FIG.

When an e-mail is received from an external device such as an MFP other than the MFP 2 to the LAN interface 15 of the MFP 2 (2: IFAX mail reception) during the trial for the Internet fax function in the "trial mode 1", the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 receives the e-mail. Execute a mode check (3: mode check). In the mode check, the CPU 20 checks, for example, whether the original is set and whether another job using the print function is being executed.

Further, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 executes the analysis of the e-mail. E-mail analysis involves checking the syntax of the e-mail data, retrieving the subject and body of the e-mail, and retrieving the image data attached to the e-mail.

If there is a problem with the mode check result and there is no problem with the e-mail analysis result, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 saves each data obtained by the analysis in the ROM 17, displays an error screen on the operation panel 13, and causes this. Ends a series of processes.

If there is a problem with the e-mail analysis result, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 displays an error screen on the operation panel 13 regardless of the mode check result, and ends this series of processing.

If there is no problem in the mode check result and the e-mail analysis result, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 executes the capacity check (4: capacity check). In the ability check, before rasterizing the image data attached to the e-mail, it is determined from the data structure whether the image data is in TIFF format.

After that, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 rasterizes the image data attached to the e-mail (5: print image creation).

Then, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 replaces the rasterized image data with the fixed image data stored in the ROM 17 (6: replaces the printed image with the fixed image).

After that, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 controls the image forming unit 11 to print the fixed image data (7: print execution).

After printing the fixed image data, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 displays the completion screen on the operation panel 13. After that, when the OK button displayed on the completion screen is pressed or the display of the completion screen continues for a certain period of time, the CPU 20 switches the display of the operation panel 13 from the completion screen to the standby screen and ends a series of processing. do.

<Internet fax function (reception): Trial mode 2>
When an e-mail is received from an external device such as an MFP other than the MFP 2 to the LAN interface 15 of the MFP 2 (1: IFAX mail reception) during the trial for the Internet fax function in the "trial mode 1", the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 receives the e-mail. It is determined whether or not the processing by the Internet fax function in the "trial mode 2" can be executed (2: Executionability determination). When the CPU 20 starts and executes the process by the Internet fax function in the "trial mode 2", the CPU 20 determines that the process can be executed. When the processing by the Internet fax function in the "trial mode 2" has been previously executed, the CPU 20 determines whether or not a predetermined weight period has elapsed from the end of the last executed processing. Then, the CPU 20 determines that the processing by the Internet fax function in the "trial mode 2" can be executed if the wait period has elapsed, and if the wait period has not elapsed, the CPU 20 determines in the "trial mode 2". Judges that the processing by the Internet fax function of is infeasible.

When the processing by the Internet fax function in the "trial mode 2" cannot be executed, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 displays an error screen on the operation panel 13 and ends this series of processing. On the error screen at this time, for example, a message such as "It takes 3 minutes to use" is displayed. Further, the error screen may display an advertisement for the linkage function, for example, a feature (advantage) of each linkage function, a cost for officially adding each linkage function to the MFP 2, and the like (price of the linkage function). By displaying the advertisement, it is possible to recommend the user to purchase the cooperation function.

When the processing by the Internet fax function in "trial mode 2" can be executed, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 executes e-mail analysis, mode check (3: mode check), and ability check (4: ability check).

After that, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 rasterizes the image data attached to the e-mail (5: print image creation).

Then, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 controls the image forming unit 11 to print the rasterized image data (6: print execution).

After printing the image data, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 displays the completion screen on the operation panel 13. After that, when the OK button displayed on the completion screen is pressed or the display of the completion screen continues for a certain period of time, the CPU 20 switches the display of the operation panel 13 from the completion screen to the standby screen and ends a series of processing. do.

Further, after printing the image data, the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 sets a timer, starts measuring the elapsed time by the timer (7: timer set), and ends a series of processes. The elapsed time measured by the timer is used in the above-mentioned "2: Executionability determination" to determine whether or not the weight period has elapsed.

<Action effect>
As described above, in addition to the standard functions such as the facsimile function, the print function, the scan function, and the copy function, the MFP 2 can add the cooperation function realized by the cooperation between the standard function and the communication via the LAN 5 for a fee. However, two modes, "trial mode 1" and "trial mode 2", are prepared as processing (job) modes by the cooperation function. In the "trial mode 2", image data is acquired in the process by the cooperation function, and the acquired image data is output, that is, transmitted to the storage server 4 or printed on a sheet. On the other hand, in "trial mode 1" which is an example of the test mode, the image data is acquired in the processing by the cooperation function, but the image data is replaced with the fixed image data which is the dummy image data, and the fixed image data is generated. It is output.

As a result, in the "trial mode 1", the acquired image data is not unnecessarily output, and the fixed image data which is the dummy image data is output. As a result, the user can appropriately perform the test related to the cooperation function. In addition, since it is possible to prevent unintended unnecessary image data from being output during the test in the "trial mode 1", information security can be improved.

Then, in the "trial mode 2", the user can use arbitrary image data for the processing by the cooperation function, but once the processing by the cooperation function is executed, the same cooperation function is used for a predetermined period (for example, 5 minutes) thereafter. There is a limitation that the processing by can not be executed. On the other hand, in "trial mode 1", the image data used for the processing by the cooperation function is limited to the fixed image data, but the frequency of execution of the processing is not limited, and the processing by the same cooperation function is continuously executed. can do.

As a result, the user can select whether to try the cooperation function in "trial mode 1" or "trial mode 2", and when "trial mode 1" is set, the data output by the cooperation function is performed. You can do more tests.

Further, in the "trial mode 1", the image data in a printable state is actually acquired by reading the original, downloading from the storage server 4, or rasterizing the image data attached to the e-mail, and then the image data is obtained. The image data is replaced with fixed image data which is dummy image data. As a result, not only the data output test but also the image data acquisition test is performed. Therefore, when the "trial mode 1" is set, more image data acquisition tests can be performed in addition to the data output test by the cooperation function.

<Modification example>
Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention can also be implemented in other embodiments.

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the "trial mode 2" has a limitation that once the processing by the cooperation function is executed, the processing by the same cooperation function cannot be executed for a predetermined weight period (for example, 5 minutes) thereafter. In "Trial Mode 1", there is no such limitation, and processing by the same cooperation function can be continuously executed. However, even in "trial mode 1", once the processing by the cooperation function is executed, there is a limitation that the processing by the same cooperation function cannot be executed for a shorter period (for example, 1 minute) than in the case of "trial mode 2". It may be provided.

Further, the limitation by providing such a weight period may be, for example, a limitation that every time the processing by the cooperation function is executed a predetermined number of times, the processing by the same cooperation function cannot be executed during the subsequent predetermined weight period. .. In this case, in the "trial mode 1", it is preferable to set the number of predetermined times to be larger than that in the "trial mode 2".

The limitation on the execution of the process by the cooperation function is not limited to the limitation by providing the weight period, and may be the limitation by setting the upper limit of the number of times the process is executed by the linkage function. That is, in the "trial mode 2", the upper limit of the number of times the process is executed by the cooperation function is set to the first number, and in the "trial mode 1", the upper limit of the number of times the process is executed by the cooperation function is larger than the first number. It may be set to 2 times.

Further, the restriction on the execution of the process by the cooperation function may be the restriction by the period during which the process by the cooperation function can be executed. That is, in "trial mode 2", the period during which the processing by the cooperation function can be executed is set to the first period after the processing is executed for the first time, and in "trial mode 1", the period during which the processing by the cooperation function can be executed. May be set to a second period, which is longer than the first period after the process is executed for the first time.

In the "trial mode 1", the fixed image data registered in advance by the user is used, but a single dummy data that cannot be selected by the user is stored in the ROM 17 of the MFP2, and the dummy data is the "trial mode". It may be used in 1 ”.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the CPU 20 of the MFP 2 executes each process is taken up. However, the MFP 2 may include a plurality of CPUs, and the plurality of CPUs may cooperate to execute each process.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the MFP2 having an image forming function and an image reading function is taken up as an example of the image processing device, but the image processing device may be a single-function printer having a printer function. It may be a single-function scanner having a scanner function.

In addition, various design changes can be made to the above-mentioned configuration within the scope of the matters described in the claims.

1: Image processing system 2: MFP
3: Application server 4: Storage server 11: Image forming unit 12: Image reading unit 15: LAN interface 20: CPU

Claims (15)

A communication unit that communicates image data with an external device,
A processing unit that processes image data,
Equipped with a control unit
The control unit
The cooperative image data processing that processes image data by the cooperative function in which the communication unit and the processing unit cooperate, and includes the acquisition process for acquiring image data, and the cooperative image data processing.
Execute the discrimination process to determine whether the test mode is set, and
The control unit is used in the linked image data processing.
A command reception process for receiving a command from the external device to the communication unit is executed.
When it is determined in the discrimination process that the test mode is not set,
The first output process for outputting the image data related to the image data acquired in the acquisition process is executed.
When it is determined in the discrimination process that the test mode is set,
The replacement process of replacing the image data related to the image data acquired in the acquisition process with the dummy image data, and the replacement process.
After the replacement process, the second output process of outputting the image data related to the dummy image data is executed .
When the command is received by the communication unit in the command reception process and it is determined in the discrimination process that the test mode is set, at least one of the acquisition process and the second output process. To check if it is feasible, execute the check process ,
Image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 .
The processing unit is a reading unit that reads an image from a document.
The cooperation function includes a function of transmitting image data from the communication unit to the external device.
The acquisition process includes a reading process for acquiring image data from the reading result of the reading unit.
The first output process includes a first transmission process of transmitting image data related to the image data acquired in the acquisition process from the communication unit to the external device.
The second output process includes a second transmission process of transmitting the dummy image data replaced by the replacement process from the communication unit to the external device.
In the check process, the control unit
A read check process for checking whether the read process can be executed, and a read check process.
A connection check process for checking whether the communication unit and the external device are connected so as to be able to communicate image data is executed.
Image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2 .
When it is determined in the discrimination process that the test mode is set,
The read check process is executed, and
After the read check process, the read process is executed.
After the reading process, the replacement process is executed.
After the replacement process, the second transmission process is executed.
Image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3 .
The control unit
When it is determined in the discrimination process that the test mode is set,
After the read check process and after the connection check process, the read process is executed.
After the reading process, the replacement process is executed.
After the replacement process, the second transmission process is executed.
Image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3 .
The control unit
When it is determined in the discrimination process that the test mode is set,
After the read check process, the read process is executed.
After the reading process, the connection check process is executed.
Image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 .
The processing unit is a printing unit that prints an image related to image data on a sheet.
The cooperation function includes a function of receiving image data from the external device to the communication unit and causing the printing unit to print an image related to the image data.
The acquisition process includes a reception process of receiving the image data from the external device to the communication unit.
The first output process includes a first print process of printing an image related to the image data received in the reception process on a sheet by the printing unit.
The second output process includes a second print process of printing an image related to the dummy image data replaced by the replacement process on a sheet by the printing unit.
In the check process, the control unit
A print check process for checking whether the second print process can be executed, and a print check process.
A connection check process for checking whether the communication unit and the external device are connected so as to be able to communicate image data is executed.
Image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6 .
The control unit
When it is determined in the discrimination process that the test mode is not set, the linked image data processing is executed under a high restriction condition in which the limit of the number of times or the period is high.
When it is determined in the discrimination process that the test mode is set, the linked image data processing is executed under a low limit condition in which the limit of the number of times or the period is lower than the high limit condition .
Image processing device. A communication unit that communicates image data with an external device,
A processing unit that processes image data,
With the control unit
Equipped with
The control unit
The cooperative image data processing that processes image data by the cooperative function in which the communication unit and the processing unit cooperate, and includes the acquisition process for acquiring image data, and the cooperative image data processing.
Execute the discrimination process to determine whether the test mode is set, and
When it is determined in the discrimination process that the test mode is not set, the linked image data processing is executed under a high restriction condition in which the limit of the number of times or the period is high.
When it is determined in the discrimination process that the test mode is set, the linked image data processing is executed under the low limit condition in which the limit of the number of times or the period is lower than the high limit condition.
The control unit is used in the linked image data processing.
When it is determined in the discrimination process that the test mode is not set,
The first output process for outputting the image data related to the image data acquired in the acquisition process is executed.
When it is determined in the discrimination process that the test mode is set,
The replacement process of replacing the image data related to the image data acquired in the acquisition process with the dummy image data, and the replacement process.
After the replacement process, the second output process of outputting the image data related to the dummy image data is executed.
Image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7 or 8 .
The high restriction condition is a condition that a weight period during which the linked image data processing is not executed is provided every time the linked image data processing is executed a predetermined number of times.
The image processing apparatus, wherein the low restriction condition is a condition that the predetermined number of times is large and the weight period is short as compared with the high restriction condition. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7 or 8 .
The high restriction condition is a condition that the upper limit of the number of executions of the linked image data processing is set to the first number.
The low limit condition is a condition that the upper limit of the number of executions of the linked image data processing is set to the second number of times, which is larger than the first number of times.
Image processing device. The image processing apparatus according to claim 7 or 8 .
The high restriction condition is a condition that the period during which the linked image data processing can be executed is set as the first period.
The low restriction condition is a condition that the period during which the linked image data processing can be executed is set to a second period longer than the first period.
Image processing device. A communication unit that communicates image data with an external device,
A method of processing image data in an image processing apparatus including a processing unit for processing image data.
The cooperative image data processing that processes image data by the cooperative function in which the communication unit and the processing unit cooperate, and includes the acquisition process for acquiring image data, and the cooperative image data processing.
Execute the discrimination process to determine whether the test mode is set, and
In the linked image data processing,
A command reception process for receiving a command from the external device to the communication unit is executed.
When it is determined in the discrimination process that the test mode is not set,
The first output process for outputting the image data related to the image data acquired in the acquisition process is executed.
When it is determined in the discrimination process that the test mode is set,
The replacement process of replacing the image data related to the image data acquired in the acquisition process with the dummy image data, and the replacement process.
After the replacement process, the second output process of outputting the image data related to the dummy image data is executed .
When the command is received by the communication unit in the command reception process and it is determined in the discrimination process that the test mode is set, at least one of the acquisition process and the second output process. To check if it is feasible, execute the check process ,
Image data processing method. A communication unit that communicates image data with an external device,
With a processing unit that processes image data
It is a method of processing image data in an image processing apparatus including.
The cooperative image data processing that processes image data by the cooperative function in which the communication unit and the processing unit cooperate, and includes the acquisition process for acquiring image data, and the cooperative image data processing.
Execute the discrimination process to determine whether the test mode is set, and
When it is determined in the discrimination process that the test mode is not set, the linked image data processing is executed under a high restriction condition in which the limit of the number of times or the period is high.
When it is determined in the discrimination process that the test mode is set, the linked image data processing is executed under the low limit condition in which the limit of the number of times or the period is lower than the high limit condition.
In the linked image data processing,
When it is determined in the discrimination process that the test mode is not set,
The first output process for outputting the image data related to the image data acquired in the acquisition process is executed.
When it is determined in the discrimination process that the test mode is set,
The replacement process of replacing the image data related to the image data acquired in the acquisition process with the dummy image data, and the replacement process.
After the replacement process, the second output process of outputting the image data related to the dummy image data is executed.
Image data processing method. A communication unit that communicates image data with an external device,
A processing unit that processes image data,
A program installed on the computer of an image processing device equipped with
To the computer
The cooperative image data processing that processes image data by the cooperative function in which the communication unit and the processing unit cooperate, and includes the acquisition process for acquiring image data, and the cooperative image data processing.
Execution of the discrimination process to determine whether the test mode is set,
In the linked image data processing,
The communication unit is made to execute a command reception process for receiving a command from the external device.
When it is determined in the discrimination process that the test mode is not set,
The first output process for outputting the image data acquired in the acquisition process is executed .
When it is determined in the discrimination process that the test mode is set,
The replacement process of replacing the image data acquired in the acquisition process with dummy image data, and
After the replacement process, a second output process for outputting the image data related to the dummy image data is executed .
When the command is received by the communication unit in the command reception process and it is determined in the discrimination process that the test mode is set, at least one of the acquisition process and the second output process. Is to be executed, a check process to check whether it is feasible .
program. A communication unit that communicates image data with an external device,
A processing unit that processes image data,
A program installed on the computer of an image processing device equipped with
To the computer
The linked image data processing, which is a linked image data process for processing image data by a linked function in which the communication unit and the processing unit cooperate, and includes the acquisition process for acquiring image data, and the linked image data processing.
Execution of the discrimination process to determine whether the test mode is set,
When it is determined in the discrimination process that the test mode is not set, the linked image data processing is executed under a high restriction condition in which the limit of the number of times or the period is high.
When it is determined in the discrimination process that the test mode is set, the linked image data processing is executed under a low limit condition in which the limit of the number of times or the period is lower than the high limit condition.
In the linked image data processing,
When it is determined in the discrimination process that the test mode is not set,
The first output process for outputting the image data acquired in the acquisition process is executed.
When it is determined in the discrimination process that the test mode is set,
The replacement process of replacing the image data acquired in the acquisition process with dummy image data, and
After the replacement process, a second output process for outputting the image data related to the dummy image data is executed.
program.

Images