JP7176426B2 - Image forming apparatus, information processing method and program - Google Patents

Description

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

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus, a method of scanning a document or the like into document data and storing the document data is known.

Then, the accumulated document data are listed, and the image forming apparatus displays the list. A method of printing document data selected from this list is known (see, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-100001).

However, in the conventional method, selection results in an application that stores document data are not handed over to other applications. Therefore, even if document data is selected in one application, the user has to perform the same selection operation again in another application, which is often troublesome for the user.

An object of one aspect of the present invention is to reduce user's trouble.

An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is connected to an image forming apparatus and has an operation device for receiving an operation for the image forming apparatus,
document data is stored in the image forming apparatus, a first operation screen including a list of the document data is displayed, and a first operation is performed on selected data, which is the document data selected from the list by a user. a first application execution unit that executes a first application that performs processing;
a second application execution unit that executes a second application that performs a second process different from the first process on the document data;
a transmission unit configured to transmit, from the first application to the second application, specific data for specifying the selected data selected from the list on the first operation screen of the first application;
and a display unit for displaying a second operation screen of the second application together with the document data that is not selected while the selection data is selected in the list .

Embodiments of the present invention can reduce user effort.

1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus; FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the hardware structural example of an operating device and a main-body part. It is a schematic diagram which shows the example of an external appearance of an operating device. It is a block diagram which shows the software structural example of an operating device and a main-body part. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of overall processing in the first embodiment; FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display example of a first operation screen; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of an application selection screen; FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display example of a second operation screen in the scan application; FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which selection data is selected in the scan application; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of a second operation screen in the FAX application; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which selection data is selected in the FAX application; It is a figure which shows the example of the image data in 2nd Embodiment. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example functional configuration of an image forming apparatus; FIG.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<First embodiment>
<Example of image forming apparatus>
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus. As illustrated, the image forming apparatus 100 is, for example, an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral). Therefore, for example, the image forming apparatus 100 has image processing functions such as a copy function, a scanner function, a facsimile function, and a printer function. Note that the image forming apparatus 100 may further have other functions (for example, an error display function, etc.).

In this example, the image forming apparatus 100 is configured to have an operation device 110 . On the other hand, the image forming apparatus 100 has a configuration other than the operation device 110 (hereinafter referred to as “main unit 120”).

A user inputs various operations to the image forming apparatus 100 through the operation device 110 . Then, the image forming apparatus 100 executes image processing based on the operation by the operation device 110 and the main unit 120 .

<Hardware configuration example>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration example of the operating device and the main body. First, the operation device 110 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit, hereinafter referred to as "CPU 211"), a ROM (Read-Only Memory, hereinafter referred to as "ROM 212"), and a RAM (Random Access Memory, hereinafter referred to as "RAM 213"). ), a flash memory 214, an operation panel 215, a connection interface (hereinafter referred to as “connection I/F 216”), and a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as “communication I/F 217”). Also shown, these hardware resources are interconnected by a bus 218 .

The CPU 211 is an example of an arithmetic device and a control device. The CPU 211 executes various programs stored in the ROM 212, the flash memory 214, etc., using the main storage device such as the RAM 213 as a work area. Through such control and calculation, the CPU 211 controls the operation device 110 and the like and implements various functions.

Flash memory 214 is an example of a non-volatile storage medium. For example, flash memory 214 stores programs, data, and the like.

Operation panel 215 is an example of an input device and an output device. That is, the operation panel 215 displays an operation screen, processing results, and the like. On the other hand, operation panel 215 accepts user operations.

The connection I/F 216 is an interface that communicates with the main unit 120 via the communication path 230 . For example, the connection I/F 216 is a connector, cable, and the like. Specifically, the connection I/F 216 performs communication by USB (Universal Serial Bus) or the like.

A communication I/F 217 is an interface for communicating with an external device via the network 260 . For example, the communication I/F 217 is an antenna or the like. In the illustrated example, the communication I/F 217 connects to a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) AP (access point) (hereinafter referred to as "wireless LAN AP 240") to perform communication.

On the other hand, the main unit 120 has a hardware configuration including, for example, a CPU 221, a ROM 222, a RAM 223, a HDD (Hard Disk Drive, hereinafter referred to as "HDD 224"), an engine unit 225, a connection I/F 226, and a communication I/F 227. is. Also shown, these hardware resources are interconnected by a bus 228 .

The CPU 221 is an example of an arithmetic device and a control device. That is, as shown in the figure, the arithmetic device and control device for the main unit 120 preferably have a hardware configuration different from that of the CPU 211 for the operation device 110 .

Like the CPU 221, the ROM 222 and the RAM 223 are examples of storage devices for the main unit 120. FIG. Therefore, the CPU 221 uses the main storage device such as the RAM 223 to execute processing based on programs and the like stored in auxiliary storage devices such as the ROM 222 and the HDD 224 .

The engine unit 225 is a processing device or the like for realizing image processing functions such as a copy function, a scanner function, a facsimile function, and a printer function. Specifically, the engine unit 225 is, for example, a processing IC (Integrated Circuit). Specifically, the engine unit 225 has a scanner that scans and reads an original, a plotter that prints on sheet materials such as paper, a communication unit that performs facsimile communication, or a combination thereof. The engine unit 225 may include a device for sorting printed sheet materials, a so-called finisher, an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) for automatically feeding documents, or the like.

The connection I/F 226 is an interface that communicates with the operating device 110 via the communication path 230 . For example, the connection I/F 216 is a connector, cable, and the like. Specifically, the connection I/F 226 performs communication by USB or the like.

A communication I/F 227 is an interface for communicating with an external device via the network 260 . For example, the communication I/F 227 is the cable 250 or the like.

<Example of operating device>
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the appearance of the operating device. For example, the operating device 110 is a device having an appearance as illustrated. Specifically, the operation device 110 displays operation screens for various functions provided by the image forming apparatus through the operation panel 215 or the like, for example. In this example, the operation screen accepts operations for functions of "copy", "scanner", "fax" and "printer". The illustrated example is a so-called top screen. For example, when the "copy" button is pressed, the operation screen displays an operation screen for making detailed settings for the "copy" function.

Furthermore, the illustrated example is an example of a configuration in which "store document data" can be set.

Also, when a button is pressed on the operation screen, the next screen to be displayed or the set values to be set are set according to the menu configuration or the like.

When the "store document data" button is pressed, the document data storage application is activated. The document data accumulation application is an application for printing document data accumulated by scanning and previously accumulated document data. For example, the document data storage application is Document Box (registered trademark).

Note that the operation device 110 is not limited to being realized by the operation panel 215 as shown. For example, the operation panel 215 may have hard keys and the like in addition to the touch panel. That is, the configuration that serves as an interface for operating the operation screen may be a configuration other than that illustrated.

<Software configuration example of operating device and main unit>
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a software configuration example of the operating device and the main unit. The illustrated example shows a hierarchical structure of software configured by programs installed in the operation device 110 and the main unit 120 .

First, the body portion 120 will be described. In this example, a program for constructing an application layer 421, a service layer 422 and an OS layer (operating system layer, hereinafter referred to as "OS layer 423") is installed in an auxiliary storage device or the like in the main unit 120. .

Programs classified in the application layer 421 operate hardware resources of the image forming apparatus 100 to realize various functions. Specifically, programs classified into the application layer 411 are, for example, a copy application, a facsimile application, a scanner application, a printer application, and the like.

Programs classified into the service layer 422 are programs interposed between the application layer 421 and the OS layer 423 . For example, the programs classified into the service layer 422 use the hardware resources of the main unit 120 by the programs of the application layer 421, or notify the application layer 421 of the state of the hardware resources of the main unit 120. Realize an interface etc.

Also, the programs classified into the service layer 422 receive operation requests for hardware resources, or arbitrate the received operation requests. In addition, the programs partitioned in the service layer 422 send errors detected in hardware resources to the application layer 421 as error notifications. The operation request received by the service layer 422 includes, for example, an operation request such as reading by a scanner or printing by a plotter.

It should be noted that the role of the interface realized by the programs classified into the service layer 422 is the same for the application layer 411 of the operation device 110 . That is, a program classified into the application layer 411 of the operation device 110 can access the service layer 422 to operate the hardware resources of the main unit 120 to realize image processing functions and the like.

Programs classified into the OS layer 423 are programs called so-called basic software. Programs classified into the OS layer 423 provide basic functions for controlling hardware resources of the main unit 120 . First, a program classified into the service layer 422 converts an operation request for hardware resources issued by a program classified into the application layer 421 into a command that can be interpreted by the OS layer 423 and passes the command to the OS layer 423 . Then, the program classified in the OS layer 423 executes the command, thereby realizing the image processing function based on the operation request to the hardware resources. Also, when a program partitioned in OS layer 423 is executed, hardware resources receive detected errors. The hardware resource then passes the received error notification to service layer 422 which forwards it to application layer 421 .

Next, the operating device 110 will be described. In this example, the operating device 110 is installed with a program for constructing an application layer 411, a service layer 412, and an OS layer 413, for example, in an auxiliary storage device or the like.

However, the functions realized by the programs classified into the application layer 411 and the types of operation requests that the service layer 412 can accept are different from those of the main unit 120 . Specifically, in the operation device 110 , programs classified into the application layer 411 mainly provide user interface functions for performing operations and displays related to image processing functions realized by the main unit 120 .

In this example, the OSs of the operation device 110 and the main unit 120 operate independently. Also, as long as the operation device 110 and the main unit 120 can communicate with each other, the respective OSs do not have to be of the same type. For example, the operation device 110 may use Android (registered trademark), and the main unit 120 may use Linux (registered trademark).

As described above, in the image forming apparatus 100, for example, the operation device 110 and the main unit 120 are controlled by different OSs. Therefore, communication between the operation device 110 and the main unit 120 is not communication between processes within one device, but communication between different devices. For example, the communication may be command communication in which the operation device 110 receives a user operation and transmits it to the main unit 120, or event communication in which the main unit 120 instructs the operation device 110 to display a display screen (for example, an error notification or an error message). cancellation notice, etc.).

<Overall processing example>
FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of overall processing in the first embodiment.

In step S101, the home application AP1 receives an operation from the user UR to activate the document storage application AP2. Specifically, the home application AP1 displays a home screen as shown in FIG. 3 and accepts an operation of pressing a button for "accumulate document data".

In step S102, the home application AP1 instructs the OS 501 to start the document storage application AP2.

In step S103, the OS 501 activates the document storage application AP2, which is an example of the first application.

In step S104, the document storage application AP2 displays an operation screen (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "first operation screen"). For example, assume that the first operation screen is as follows.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display example of the first operation screen. For example, the illustrated first operation screen PN1 is displayed to the user by an operation device or the like.

The first operation screen PN1 displays document data accumulated in the image forming apparatus as a list LST, for example, as illustrated. Therefore, in the list LST, the file name and data amount of each document data are displayed as a list. Note that the list LST may be in a format other than that illustrated. That is, the list LST may have items other than those shown.

On the first operation screen PN1, the document data can be selected by pressing the selection box SEL. In the illustrated example, when the selection box SEL is checked, document data is selected.

For example, a document storage application can print selected document data. Specifically, when the start button BTN1 is pressed on the first operation screen PN1, printing is started.

In step S105, the document storage application AP2 accepts an operation of selecting document data.

In step S106, the document storage application AP2 holds the document data selected in step S105 (hereinafter referred to as "selected data").

That is, in step S105, the operation of the selection box SEL is accepted on the first operation screen PN1. Then, the operation result of the selection box SEL is held in step S106.

On the other hand, on the document storage application, that is, on the first operation screen PN1, it is possible to cause the selected document data to be processed other than printing using another application. In the example described below, it is assumed that another application to be activated can be selected by pressing the send screen button BTN2 on the first operation screen PN1.

In step S107, the document storage application AP2 accepts an operation of pressing the send screen button BTN2.

In step S108, the document storage application AP2 displays a screen for selecting another application (hereinafter referred to as "application selection screen").

In step S109, the document storage application AP2 accepts an operation to select another application.

For example, the application selection screen is the following screen.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display example of the application selection screen. The application selection screen PN2 is a screen for selecting an application (hereinafter referred to as "second application") to be used separately from the document storage application AP2.

In the following, an example will be described in which there are two types of processing: "email transmission", which is a process of attaching the selected data to an email and transmitting it, and "fax transmission", which is a process of transmitting the selected data by FAX communication. Note that the predetermined processing to be performed on the selection data may be of a type other than the one illustrated.

When the mail transmission button BTN3 is pressed on the application selection screen PN2, the selected data becomes subject to processing for mail transmission. On the other hand, when the FAX transmission button BTN4 is pressed on the application selection screen PN2, the selected data becomes a processing target for FAX transmission.

Note that the application selection screen PN2 may be displayed without switching the screen. For example, the application selection screen PN2 may be displayed in the space SPS or may be displayed as a popup or the like.

Next, when the mail transmission button BTN3 is pressed in step S109 (this is "when using mail transmission" in FIG. 5), the document accumulation application AP2 proceeds to step S110. On the other hand, when the FAX transmission button BTN4 is pressed in step S109 ("if FAX transmission is used" in FIG. 5), the document storage application AP2 proceeds to step S116.

In step S110, the document storage application AP2 instructs the OS 501 to activate the scan application AP3. Also, the document storage application AP2 transmits the selection data to the scan application AP3 via the OS501.

In step S111, the OS 501 activates the scan application AP3, which is an example of the second application. Also, the OS 501 notifies the scan application AP3.

That is, in steps S110 and S111, data such as the ID of the selected document is transmitted to the scan application AP3 via the OS501.

Specifically, first, if the type of OS 501 is Android (registered trademark) or the like, a plurality of applications can be activated. Then, for example, by using the "Intent" function (hereinafter simply referred to as "intent") of the OS 501, data used by one application can be passed to the other application via the OS 501. FIG. For example, using an intent makes it possible to specify the action of a newly activated application, that is, the second application.

Data specifying the selected data to be handed over to the second application by the intent function (hereinafter referred to as "specific data") is, for example, the ID (Identification) of the document. Note that the specific data may be a file name, an identification number, or the like.

Also, it is desirable that the data transmitted by the intent include bibliographic information.

When the bibliographic information is transmitted, step S201 or step S202 is performed.

In step S201, the scan application AP3 requests the print module M3 to process the image data, for example, based on the bibliographic information. Then, for example, when the bibliographic information indicates "print content: confidential, print position: upper right", the printing module M3 adds confidential printing to the upper right position of the transmitted image data. After that, the print module M3 transfers the image data with the print added to the request source application.

In step S202, the FAX application AP4 requests the print module M3 to process the image data based on the bibliographic information, as in step S201.

Note that the scan application AP3 may transfer the bibliographic information to the scan distribution module M1, and the scan distribution module M1 may request processing to the print module M3 based on the bibliographic information. Alternatively, the scan application AP3 or the scan delivery module M1 may transfer the bibliographic information to the print module M3, and the print module M3 may determine whether to process the bibliographic information.

In step S112, the scan application AP3 displays, for example, the following second operation screen.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display example of the second operation screen in the scan application. An example in which the scan application is the second application and the illustrated mail operation screen PN3 is the second operation screen of the second application will be described below.

In this example, the destination can be set by inputting an e-mail address or the like in the e-mail setting section SETM. The document data selected on the first operation screen is taken over as the target selection data. Therefore, it is possible to omit the operation of selecting the document data again in the second application.

Moreover, it is desirable to be able to confirm which document data is currently selected on the second operation screen. For example, when the stored document button BTN5 is pressed, it is desirable that the following confirmation screen is displayed.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which selection data is selected in the scan application. The illustrated confirmation screen SLD shows an example displayed with the selected data checked. That is, the user can confirm which document data is selected on the confirmation screen SLD or the like as shown.

It should be noted that the confirmation screen SLD does not have to be configured as illustrated. That is, the confirmation screen SLD only needs to show the user the selected data, that is, the data to be processed by the second application, and may be a message or the like displaying the file name of the selected data.

In step S113, the scan application AP3 receives settings such as parameters.

In step S114, the scan application AP3 instructs the scan delivery module M1 to execute scan delivery processing based on the set parameters.

In step S115, the scan distribution module M1 executes scan distribution processing.

Note that the parameters are, for example, resolution, color, aggregation, file format, double-sided setting, and the like. Therefore, in step S115, processing for converting the target document data may be performed according to the parameters. For example, it is assumed that document data is stored under the conditions of "600 dpi" and "color" by the document storage application AP2. Then, in step S113, when the parameters are set to "200 dpi" and "black and white", the scan application AP3 converts the document data to "200 dpi" and "black and white".

Further, in step S115, an image addition process or the like for adding an image input in advance may be performed.

Note that the scan application AP3 may issue a request to another module such as a print module to perform conversion processing, image addition processing, and the like.

On the other hand, when using FAX transmission, the following processing is performed.

In step S116, the document storage application AP2 instructs the OS 501 to activate the FAX application AP4. Also, the document storage application AP2 transmits the selection data to the FAX application AP4 via the OS501.

In step S117, the OS 501 activates the FAX application AP4, which is an example of the second application. Also, the OS 501 notifies the FAX application AP4.

That is, data such as the ID of the selected document is transmitted to the FAX application AP4 via the OS 501 in steps S116 and S117, as in steps S110 and S111. That is, data such as an ID is transmitted by an intent or the like, as in steps S110 and S111.

In step S118, the FAX application AP4 displays, for example, the following second operation screen.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of the second operation screen in the FAX application. An example in which the FAX application is the second application and the illustrated FAX operation screen PN4 is the second operation screen in the second application will be described below.

In this example, the destination can be set by inputting a FAX number or the like in the FAX number setting field SETF. The document data selected on the first operation screen is taken over as the target selection data. Therefore, it is possible to omit the operation of selecting the document data again in the second application.

Moreover, it is desirable to be able to confirm which document data is currently selected on the second operation screen. For example, when the stored document button BTN5 is pressed, it is desirable that the following confirmation screen is displayed.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a state in which selection data is selected in the FAX application. The illustrated confirmation screen SLD shows an example displayed with the selected data checked. That is, the user can confirm which document data is selected on the confirmation screen SLD or the like as shown.

In step S119, the FAX application AP4 receives settings of parameters and the like, for example, similarly to step S113.

In step S120, the FAX application AP4 instructs the FAX transmission/reception module M2 to perform FAX transmission processing based on the set parameters, for example, similar to step S114.

In step S121, the FAX transmission/reception module M2 executes FAX distribution processing.

Note that, in step S121, image addition processing, conversion processing, and the like may be performed in the same manner as in step S115.

<File save format example>
Note that the first application preferably saves the document data in the RAW data format. That is, it is desirable that the first application reads the document data and saves the document data in a state before conversion processing or the like.

In the second application, parameters different from those in the first application may be set as in step S113 or step S119. For example, once the resolution is converted to a low resolution, it is often difficult to generate high-resolution document data only from the converted data.

In such a case, it may take time and effort to read the document data again. Therefore, it is desirable that the first application saves the document data in a RAW data format that can easily handle various settings.

When the document data is saved in such a data format, even if various settings are made in the second application, it is possible to increase the possibility that the document data can be converted into the document data with the set conditions.

<Second embodiment>
The second embodiment can be implemented, for example, with a hardware configuration similar to that of the first embodiment. In the following, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described, and redundant description will be omitted.

In the second embodiment, for example, the following image addition processing is performed.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of image data in the second embodiment. First, it is assumed that document data such as first image data IMG1 is accumulated in the image forming apparatus by a document accumulation application.

In some cases, the user performs an operation to add second image data IMG2 as shown, for example, to such first image data IMG1 and perform printing. Information to which the second image data IMG2 is added is hereinafter referred to as "bibliographic information".

Scanned images may be processed for printing.

Therefore, in the second embodiment, not only the ID of the selected document is included in the information to be transmitted by the intent, but also the so-called print setting (for example, setting to add printing, tint block, etc.) that is performed when storing the document. ), the bibliographic information that indicates the print settings is also transmitted to the application to be launched.

Also, for example, the data generated by the scan before the second image data is added, that is, the first image data IMG1, and the data indicating the image to be added in the print settings, that is, the second image data IMG2 are specified. Therefore, the bibliographic information is managed as separate data.

In this manner, image addition processing is performed to generate the third image data IMG3 by adding the second image data IMG2 to the first image data IMG1. Then, the third image data IMG3 is to be printed.

As described above, when image addition processing is performed, the image forming apparatus generates document data before image addition processing (hereinafter referred to as “pre-addition data”) and document data after processing (hereinafter referred to as “pre-addition data”). hereinafter referred to as "post-addition data").

That is, the image forming apparatus preferably stores both the first image data IMG1, which is an example of pre-addition data, and the third image data IMG3, which is an example of post-addition data.

For example, the image forming apparatus preferably sets different IDs for the first image data IMG1 and the third image data IMG3 and stores them.

It is desirable that the image data to be read out is divided according to the type of the second application to be executed thereafter.

For example, a plurality of applications for executing printing may be installed. For example, there are applications that perform processing such as billing, tallying, department management, or a combination of these for print processing. Therefore, when a button for executing printing is pressed, a list of applications for printing may be displayed for selection.

For example, when the data is printed again, that is, read out by a document accumulation application or the like, the first image data IMG1 is the target. On the other hand, when read out by a scan application, a FAX application, or the like, the third image data IMG3 is the target.

In the case of reprinting, there is a process of adding the second image data IMG2 at a later stage. desirable.

On the other hand, when there is no processing to add the second image data IMG2 in the latter stage, such as a scan application or a FAX application, the second image data IMG2 is added like the third image data IMG3. Document data is preferably used.

As described above, the image forming apparatus preferably selects data to be handed over to the second application from data before addition and data after addition based on the type of the second application.

Note that the second image data IMG2 may be any image as long as it is an image that is input in advance. Also, the second image data IMG2 may be added in the form of a background pattern or the like.

The post-addition data need not be data in which the first image data IMG1 and the second image data IMG2 are integrated like the illustrated third image data IMG3. That is, it is sufficient to know the position, size, image type, color, etc. where the second image data IMG2 is image-formed. Therefore, the bibliographic information and the like may be associated with the selected data and transmitted.

For example, the third image data IMG3 may be generated by performing predetermined processing on the first image data IMG1, such as adding a header or footer or embedding predetermined information.

For example, the following information may be inherited by the intent function or the like via the OS.

なお、「書誌情報」は、上記（表１）のような形式に限られない。すなわち、「書誌情報」の形式は、行われる処理の内容等によって異なってもよい。例えば、「書誌情報」は、上記（表１）のように付加する画像が特定できる程度の情報でもよい。

The "bibliographic information" is not limited to the format shown in Table 1 above. That is, the format of the "bibliographic information" may differ depending on the content of the processing to be performed. For example, the "bibliographic information" may be information to the extent that the image to be added can be specified as shown in Table 1 above.

On the other hand, when performing the processing as shown in FIG. 12 and the like, the "bibliographic information" has a format such as, for example, "printing content: confidential, printing position: upper right". That is, it is information used by the print module or the like to perform processing. Specifically, based on the bibliographic information, the print module identifies the position, size, image type, color, etc., at which the second image data IMG2 is to be formed, and adds them to the first image data IMG1. , to generate the third image data IMG3. Therefore, in such a case, "the bibliographic information has a format indicating the position, size, type and color of the image, etc. where the image is formed.

In such a case, image addition processing is performed on the side of the second application that is taken over by the intent function. Therefore, in addition to the "document ID" or "document name" specifying the selected data, "bibliographic information" or the like may be further transmitted to the second application.

In addition, in the second application, a different application may be executed in order to perform image addition processing.

<Example of functional configuration>
FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration example of the image forming apparatus. For example, as illustrated, the image forming apparatus 100 has a functional configuration including a first application execution unit FN1, a second application execution unit FN2, a transmission unit FN3, and a display unit FN4.

The first application executing unit FN1 first causes the image forming apparatus 100 to accumulate document data. Then, the first application execution unit FN1 puts the accumulated document data into a state in which it can be used by a plurality of applications. For example, when the first application execution unit FN1 reads an image formed on paper or the like, it can generate document data and store the document data in the image forming apparatus 100 . In this way, the first application execution unit FN1 executes the first application A1 that accumulates document data, makes it available for use in a plurality of applications, and lists the accumulated document data. A first application execution procedure is performed. For example, the first application execution unit FN1 is realized by the CPU 211 or the like.

The second application execution unit FN2 performs a second application execution procedure for executing a second application A2 that performs predetermined processing on document data. For example, the second application execution unit FN2 is implemented by the CPU 211 or the like.

The transmission unit FN3 performs a transmission procedure for transmitting selection data DS selected from the document data displayed on the list on the first operation screen of the first application A1 from the first application A1 to the second application A2.

The display unit FN4 performs a display procedure for displaying the second operation screen of the second application A2 with the transmitted selection data DS selected.

The first application A1 performs, for example, a process of accumulating document data as a first process. On the other hand, by the second application A2, for example, processing such as e-mail transmission or FAX transmission is performed using the stored document data as the second processing.

When the user operates the first application A1, that is, even if the selection data DS is selected on the first operation screen, the user has to select the selection data again unless the selection data is transmitted to the second application A2. On the other hand, with the illustrated functional configuration, the selection data DS can be transmitted from the first application A1 to the second application A2. By doing so, the selection data DS can be transmitted when the second application A2 is activated on the first application A1. By doing so, the second application A2 can be started in a state where data to be processed has already been selected. Therefore, the user can save the trouble of checking the content of each document data again or searching for the document data to be processed in the second application A2. Therefore, with the functional configuration as illustrated, the user's work can be reduced.

<Other embodiments>
All or part of each process according to the present invention may be written in a low-level language or a high-level language and implemented by a program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method. That is, the program is a computer program for causing a computer such as an image forming apparatus or an image forming system to execute each process.

Therefore, when the information processing method is executed based on the program, the arithmetic device and control device of the computer perform calculation and control based on the program in order to execute each process. In addition, a storage device included in the computer stores data used for processing based on a program in order to execute each processing.

Also, the program can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium and distributed. Note that the recording medium is a medium such as a magnetic tape, flash memory, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, or magnetic disk. Additionally, the program can be distributed over telecommunications lines.

Note that the embodiments according to the present invention may be implemented by an image forming system. Also, the image forming system may perform each process redundantly, distributed, in parallel, virtualized, or a combination thereof.

Although an example of the embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. That is, various modifications and improvements are possible within the scope of the present invention.

100 Image forming apparatus 110 Operation device 120 Main unit A1 First application A2 Second application AP1 Home application AP2 Document storage application AP3 Scan application AP4 Fax application BTN1 Start button BTN2 Send screen button BTN3 Mail send button BTN4 Fax send button BTN5 Stored documents button DS Selection data FN1 First application execution part FN2 Second application execution part FN3 Transmission part FN4 Display part IMG1 First image data IMG2 Second image data IMG3 Third image data LST List M1 Scan distribution module M2 FAX transmission/reception module PN1 First operation Screen PN2 Application selection screen PN3 Mail operation screen PN4 FAX operation screen SEL Selection box SETF FAX number setting part SETM Mail setting part SLD Confirmation screen SPS Space UR User

JP 2006-237877 A

Claims (7)

An image forming apparatus connected to an image forming apparatus and having an operation device for receiving an operation for the image forming apparatus,
document data is stored in the image forming apparatus, a first operation screen including a list of the document data is displayed, and a first operation is performed on selected data, which is the document data selected from the list by a user. a first application execution unit that executes a first application that performs processing;
a second application execution unit that executes a second application that performs a second process different from the first process on the document data;
a transmission unit configured to transmit, from the first application to the second application, specific data for specifying the selected data selected from the list on the first operation screen of the first application;
and a display unit that displays a second operation screen of the second application together with the document data that is not selected while the selection data is selected in the list . 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a confirmation screen for confirming the selected data in the list is displayed on the second operation screen. The first application is
3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the document data is stored in a RAW data format, which is a state before the first processing . when the image data is set to be added, storing both the pre-addition data before the image data is added and the post-addition data after the image data is added;
The transmission unit is
Based on the type of the second application, transmitting the data before addition or the data after addition including bibliographic information indicating at least one of the position, size, image type and color where the image data is formed . The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The operating device activates a plurality of applications,
5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific data is transmitted/received via an OS in the plurality of applications. An information processing method performed by an image forming apparatus connected to an image forming apparatus and having an operation device for receiving an operation for the image forming apparatus,
An image forming apparatus causes the image forming apparatus to accumulate document data, displays a first operation screen including a list of the document data, and selects data as the document data selected from the list by a user. a first application execution procedure for executing a first application that performs a first process for the
a second application executing procedure in which the image forming apparatus executes a second application for performing second processing different from the first processing on the document data;
a transfer procedure in which the image forming apparatus transfers specific data for specifying the selected data selected from the list on the first operation screen of the first application from the first application to the second application;
an image forming apparatus displaying a second operation screen of the second application together with the document data that is not selected while the selection data is selected in the list . A program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method according to claim 6.

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