JP4010241B2 - Image input / output device, data management method in image input / output device, and program thereof - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image input / output device connected to a network, a data management method in the image input / output device, and a program thereof.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, multifunction peripherals having a plurality of functions such as a copy (copying) function, a scanner (reading) function, a printer (image forming) function, and a fax function have become widespread. Such a multifunction device has a large-capacity hard disk, and a part of the storage area of the hard disk is allocated to a specific user to store various data such as print data, scan data, fax data, and document data. Some have a storage function that can be held (hereinafter, a storage area allocated for each user is referred to as a confidential box). Data held in the confidential box can be read out as appropriate, and can be printed as a printed matter, transmitted by fax, or used in other information devices.
[0003]
In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-103367, in an image input apparatus shared by a plurality of terminals, read image information is stored, and a user identification code is set in association with the stored image information. A technique for notifying the storage status of image information when there is an inquiry from the terminal to the image information with the user identification code is disclosed.
[0004]
Further, a plurality of user identification information is grouped as one group information, a shared flag indicating that group access is possible in association with the stored image information is set, and the storage status of the image information is determined using the shared flag. A technique for notifying is also disclosed.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-11-103367
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when a user name, personal identification number, or password is set for each confidential user box assigned to each user, and data read by an image input / output device such as a multifunction peripheral is to be distributed to multiple users Once the data is stored in the user-owned mailbox, the user can retrieve the data from the computer terminal and send it attached to a mail, or store it again in a shared file server or shared folder. It was necessary to notify other users about the storage. For this reason, each user who wants to transmit data needs to recognize the data format that can be processed and viewed by the destination user. In addition, it is necessary for the user himself / herself to transmit after converting the data format, which takes a lot of trouble.
[0007]
When a new image input / output device is connected to the network, the group information registered in another image input / output device connected to the network must be set in the new image input / output device. However, there was a problem that forced the setting work. As a result, the user may forget to set the group information for the new image input / output device or may not set it, and data can be easily transferred from the image input / output device for which no group information is set to the users in the group. Sometimes it was not possible to send.
[0008]
In order to solve at least one of the above-described problems, the present invention provides an image input / output device that facilitates data distribution via a network, a data management method in the image input / output device, and a program therefor The purpose is to provide.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is an image input / output device having an interface for communicating information via a network, and registers and holds a confidential box as a storage area for storing data in the confidential box management information The confidential box information storage means for registering and storing the confidential box as a group member in the group management information, and associating the confidential box with an address specifying the image input / output device in which the confidential box is registered Group management information storage means for registering and holding the data, data storage destination designating means for designating a group as a data storage destination, and members of the group designated by the data storage destination designation means with reference to the group management information The confidential box registered as is extracted and the address associated with the confidential box is extracted. The image output device designated by the scan, characterized in that it comprises a data transmission means for transmitting data by using the interface.
[0010]
Further, in the image input / output device, a confidential box search means for extracting a confidential box with reference to another image input / output device connected to the network, and the other image input / output device in the group management information storage means Group registration information is transmitted to the image input / output device specified by the address associated with the confidential box registered as a member of the group when the confidential box is registered as a member of the group. It is preferable to include a registration request transmission means for requesting registration.
[0011]
The image input / output apparatus further includes a registration request receiving unit that receives information indicating a group, and the group management information storage unit includes a group indicated by the information received by the registration request receiving unit and a transmission source of the information It is preferable to register and hold as group management information in association with an address that designates the image input / output device.
[0012]
In the image input / output apparatus, the group management information storage unit registers and holds in the group management information a data format that can be commonly processed by group members, and the data transmission unit includes the data It is preferable to use the format for data processing.
[0013]
Another aspect of the present invention for solving the above-described problem is a data management method in an image input / output device that communicates information via a network, and manages a confidential box that is a storage area for storing data. A confidential box information storing step for registering information, and a step for registering the confidential box in the group management information as a member of the group, the address specifying the confidential box and the image input / output device in which the confidential box is registered; A group management information storing step for registering in association; a data storage destination specifying step for specifying a group to store data; and a confidential box registered as a member of the specified group with reference to the group management information. Mailbox acquisition process to be extracted and the address associated with the extracted mailbox In the image input and output devices that are specified ,I Data transmission process for transmitting data using an interface. The data transmitted in the data transmission step is stored in the confidential box extracted in the confidential box acquisition step. It is characterized by that.
[0014]
Further, in the above data management method, a confidential box search step for extracting a confidential box with reference to another image input / output device connected to the network, and the confidential box of the other image input / output device as a member of the group A registration request transmission step of transmitting information indicating the group to the image input / output device specified by the address associated with the confidential box registered as a member of the group and requesting registration as group management information when registered. Is preferably included.
[0015]
The data management method further includes a registration request receiving step of receiving information indicating a group, wherein the group management information storage step includes a group indicated by the received information and an image input / output device that is a transmission source of the information. It is preferable to register the group management information in association with the designated address.
[0016]
Further, in the data management method, the group management information storage step associates and stores in the group management information a data format that can be commonly processed by group members. In the data transmission step, the data format Is preferably used for data processing.
[0017]
Another form of the present invention for solving the above-described problem is a data management program in an image input / output device that communicates information via a network, and a confidential box that is a storage area for storing data is provided in a computer. A confidential box information storing step for registering in the confidential box management information, and a step for registering the confidential box in the group management information as a member of the group, and specifying the confidential box and the image input / output device in which the confidential box is registered. Registered as a member of the specified group with reference to the group management information, a group management information storing step for registering in association with an address, a data storage destination specifying step for specifying a group as a data storage destination, and the group management information The confidential box acquisition process for extracting the confidential box, and the extracted confidential box The image output device designated by communicating Tagged address ,I Data transmission process for transmitting data using an interface. The data transmitted in the data transmission step is stored in the confidential box extracted in the confidential box acquisition step. Processing is executed.
[0018]
Further, in the data management program, a confidential box search step for extracting a confidential box by referring to another image input / output device connected to a network, and a confidential box of the other image input / output device are grouped in a computer. Registration for requesting registration as group management information by transmitting information indicating the group to the image input / output device specified by the address associated with the confidential box registered as a member of the group. It is preferable to further execute processing including a request transmission step.
[0019]
Further, in the data management program, the computer further executes a registration request receiving step of receiving information indicating a group, and in the group management information storing step, the group indicated by the received information and the transmission source of the information It is preferable that an address specifying an image input / output device is associated and registered as group management information.
[0020]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0021]
<Device configuration>
As shown in FIG. 1, the image input / output device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a control unit 10, a storage unit 12, an operation unit 14, an image reading unit 16, an image control unit 18, an image forming unit 20, and a network interface 22. The fax communication unit 24 is basically configured. Each unit is connected by a bus 26 so as to be able to transmit information to each other.
[0022]
As shown in FIG. 2, the image input / output device 100 a is connected to a network 200 outside the device via a network interface 22, and can communicate with other information processing devices such as the image input / output device 100 b and the communication device 102 via the network 200. Can be connected to. Further, the fax communication unit 24 is connected to the public line 202 outside the apparatus, and can be connected to the other fax machine 104 via the public line 202 so as to be able to transmit and receive.
[0023]
The control unit 10 executes a program stored in the storage unit 12, receives input from the operation unit 14 and the like, and performs various processes such as image reading, image data processing, image data transmission / reception, and image formation. Control over.
[0024]
The storage unit 12 includes a general storage device such as a ROM, a RAM, and a hard disk, and stores and holds programs executed by the control unit 10 and various data. A part of the storage unit 12 is a storage area assigned to each user, and the storage area is a confidential box.
[0025]
The operation unit 14 includes a display device such as a display and an input device such as a touch panel and an operation panel, and accepts presentation of information to the user and input of instructions from the user.
[0026]
The image reading unit 16 scans a document, reads it as image data, and stores it in the storage unit 12. The image reading unit 16 can be realized by a general scanner configuration. The image control unit 18 edits and processes the image data stored in the storage unit 12. The image forming unit 20 forms an image of image data on a print medium. The image forming unit 20 can be realized by a general printer configuration.
[0027]
<Group management information registration process>
The group information registration process in the image input / output device of this embodiment will be described below.
[0028]
The group management information registration process in the present embodiment is performed by programming each step shown in the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 and storing it in the storage unit 12 and executing the program by the control unit 10.
[0029]
In step S <b> 10, when the user inputs an instruction for starting the group information registration process from the operation unit 14, the group information registration screen 300 is displayed on the operation unit 14. FIG. 4 shows an example of the group information registration screen 300.
[0030]
In step S12, the user inputs group management information including group name, group member, and data format information. The group management information is performed using the group information registration screen 300 illustrated in FIG.
[0031]
The group information registration screen 300 is allocated to the user in an image input / output device (hereinafter referred to as a registration processor) that performs group management information registration processing and other image input / output devices connected via a network. Display the confidential box.
[0032]
For example, in FIG. 4, the confidential box registered in the image input / output device connected via the network is displayed on the group member display unit 32 by the reference button 30.
[0033]
Each confidential box is identified using the network address and registration number of the image input / output device in which the confidential box is registered. In the example of FIG. 4, confidential boxes such as “¥ local ¥ mb ¥ 1” and “http://192.168.0.2/mb/2” are displayed. It is also preferable to perform a process of scrolling the content displayed on the group member display unit 32 by the user operating the scroll button 34.
[0034]
Here, among the indications “¥ local ¥ mb ¥ 1”, “¥ local” indicates a confidential box set in the registration processor, “¥ mb” indicates a confidential box, and “ “1” indicates the number of the confidential box. Of the indications “http://192.168.0.2/mb/2”, “http://192.168.0.2” is the network address (192.168.0.2). "/ Mb" indicates a confidential box, and "/ 2" indicates a confidential box number set in the apparatus.
[0035]
In the present embodiment, the confidential box is expressed using an IP address, but may be expressed using a domain name for easier understanding by the user.
[0036]
The user confirms the displayed confidential box and selects a member (that is, confidential box) to be registered in the group. For example, it is preferable to perform a process of selecting a member to be registered as a group by designating a location where the confidential box is displayed.
[0037]
The group information registration screen 300 is also provided with a group name input unit 36 for inputting a group name to be registered and a format input unit 38 for inputting a data format that can be processed by group members belonging to the group.
[0038]
Using the operation unit 14, the user inputs a group name to be registered to the group name input unit 36, and inputs a data format that can be processed by group members belonging to the group to the format input unit 38.
[0039]
In step S14, a display asking whether or not to end the registration of the group management information is displayed on the operation unit 14, and when the registration of the group management information is further continued, the process is returned to step S12 and the registration of the group management information is ended. If so, the process proceeds to step S16.
[0040]
After inputting the group name and format information and selecting the group members, the registration button 40 confirms the end of the input of the group management information. As a result of the confirmation, the contents input from the group information registration screen 300 are temporarily stored in the storage unit 12 of the image input / output device. If it is desired to redo the input from the beginning, it is preferable that the input content can be canceled by clicking the cancel button 42.
[0041]
The above-described group management information input processing is an example in the present embodiment, and is not limited to this, and may be input processing using a user interface that facilitates input of group management information.
[0042]
In step S16, the input group management information is registered. As group management information, as shown in FIG. 5, a group name, a management device, a group member, and a format used for input / output are associated with an empty area of the group management information provided in the storage unit 12 of each image input / output device. Is remembered. The network address of the registration processor is registered as the management device. The identifier of the confidential box input as belonging to the group is registered in the group member. As a format used for input / output, a data format that can be processed and viewed by users belonging to the group is registered.
[0043]
On the other hand, if the member includes a confidential box of another image input / output device connected to the group network, the registration processor extracts the network address from the information indicating the confidential box and identifies it with the network address. The group name is transmitted to the other image input / output device.
[0044]
Upon receiving the information, the control unit 10 of the image input / output device registers the group name and the management device in the free area of the group management information in the storage unit 12. As the management device, the network address of the registration processor that is the information transmission source is registered.
[0045]
In step S18, it is determined whether or not registration of the group management information of each image input / output device has been completed normally. If the registration of the group management information has been completed normally, the process proceeds to step S20. On the other hand, if the registration of the group management information has not ended normally, the process proceeds to step S32, the fact that registration cannot be performed is displayed on the operation unit 14, and the process ends.
[0046]
In step S20, the network address of the confidential box registered in the group is checked.
[0047]
In step S22, based on the network address of the confidential box investigated in step S20, the confidential box is a confidential box registered in the registration processor or a confidential box registered in another image input / output device. Is determined. If it is a confidential box registered in the registration processing machine, the process proceeds to step S26. On the other hand, if it is a confidential box registered in another image input / output device, the process proceeds to step S24.
[0048]
In step S24, information indicating the confidential box and the group name are transmitted to the image input / output device identified by the network address of the confidential box investigated in step S20, and a change of the confidential box management information is requested. Upon receiving the request, the image input / output device inquires of the confidential box management information in the storage unit 12 and registers the group name in association with the received confidential box.
[0049]
In step S26, the confidential box management information in the storage unit 12 of the registration processor is inquired, and the group name is registered in association with the confidential box investigated in step S20.
[0050]
In step S28, it is determined whether or not the registration of the group name in the confidential box management information has been normally completed. If the registration of the group name has been completed normally, the process proceeds to step S30. If the registration of the group name has not ended normally, the process proceeds to step S32, and a message indicating that registration cannot be performed is displayed on the operation unit 14.
[0051]
In step S30, it is determined whether registration has been completed for all confidential boxes to be registered. If registration has been completed for all confidential boxes, the process proceeds to step S34. On the other hand, if registration has not been completed for all the confidential boxes, the process returns to step S20, and the registration process of the group name for the next confidential box is performed.
[0052]
In step S34, a registration end screen indicating that registration to the group management information and confidential box management information has been completed normally is displayed on the operation unit 14. This completes the process.
[0053]
For example, the image input / output devices 100a and 100b are connected via a network, the network address of the image input / output device 100a is (192.168.0.1), and the network address of the image input / output device 100b is ( As shown in FIG. 6 (a), confidential box management information is set in the image input / output device 100a, and the image input / output device 100b has FIG. 6 (b). Assume that confidential box management information is set as shown in FIG. Assume that personal information such as a user name, network address information, and a password is registered in association with each confidential box management information.
[0054]
In the group member display section 32 of the group information registration screen 300, user names corresponding to confidential boxes set in the image input / output devices 100a and 100b are displayed. When the user sets group information of the group name “Work” from the image input / output device 100a, “\ local \ mb ¥ 1” and “http: //192.1” displayed on the group member display unit 32 are displayed. When “168.0.2 / mb / 2” is selected, a character “xdw” indicating the xdw format is input to the format information input unit 38 and the registration button 40 is pressed, the group management information is registered.
At this time, it is also preferable that the scroll button 39 allows the user to select one of a plurality of data formats that can be processed by the image input / output device 100a.
[0055]
That is, as shown in FIG. 5A, the group “Work” is registered in the number 2 of the group management information of the image input / output device 100a. Since “Work” is registered from the image input / output device 100a, “local” is registered in the management device. In addition, “\ local \ mb ¥ 1” indicating a confidential box “sato” registered in the image input / output device 100a and “http:” indicating a confidential box “fish” registered in the image input / output device 100b. //192.168.0.2/mb/2 "is set in the member information. Furthermore, “xdw” is registered as format information.
[0056]
On the other hand, in response to an instruction from the image input / output device 100a, the image input / output device 100b registers a group name in the group management information. Since the group “Work” is registered from the image input / output device 100a, as shown in FIG. 5A, the management device of the group management information of the image input / output device 100b indicates the image input / output device 100a. http://192.168.0.1 "is registered. Nothing is registered in the member information and format information.
[0057]
Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the group name to which the confidential box belongs is registered in the group name of the confidential box management information of each image input / output device.
[0058]
In the example of FIG. 6, the group name “Work” is registered in the confidential box of the user name “sato” in the image input / output device 100 a that belongs to the group “Work”. In addition, “Work” is also registered in the confidential box of the user names “fish” and “saru” in the image input / output device 100b.
[0059]
FIG. 5 also shows “Group” group management information registered from the image input / output device 100b. In “Group”, the confidential boxes number 2 and 3 of the image input / output device 100b (corresponding to the confidential boxes of the user names “raku” and “saru” in FIG. 6) and the confidential box number 2 of the image input / output device 100a. (Corresponding to the confidential box of the user name “nao” in FIG. 6) belongs.
[0060]
In FIG. 6, the group name “Group” is registered in the confidential box of the user name “nao” in the image input / output device 100 a that belongs to the group “Group”. Furthermore, “Group” is also registered in the confidential box of the user names “raku” and “saru” in the image input / output device 100b.
[0061]
<Group management information update processing>
Next, update processing of already registered group management information will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0062]
The group management information update process in the present embodiment is performed by programming each process shown in the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 and storing it in the storage unit 12 and executing the program by the control unit 10.
[0063]
In step S36, an update process confirmation screen is displayed on the operation unit 14 of the image input / output device, and it is confirmed whether or not the user performs the update process of the group management information. When updating the group management information, the process proceeds to step S38. If no update is performed, the process ends.
[0064]
The group management information update process can be performed from any image input / output device connected to the network. Therefore, the user may instruct the start of the group management information update process from any one of the image input / output devices connected to the network.
[0065]
In step S38, in response to an instruction to start the group management information update process, information already registered in the group management information to be updated is displayed, and input of update contents of the group management information is prompted. Upon receiving an update processing start instruction from the user, the control unit 10 of the image input apparatus (hereinafter referred to as an update processor) causes the operation unit 14 to display an input screen for a group name to be updated, and the user is to be updated. Prompt for group name. The user can input a group name to be updated using the operation unit 14.
[0066]
The control unit 10 of the update processor receives the input of the group name to be updated, inquires the contents of the group management information recorded in the storage unit 12, and if there is a registration in the member and data format, The contents are displayed on the update processing screen 302.
[0067]
If there is no member registered in the update target group of the group management information of the update processor, the network address of the management device associated with the group name is inquired, and the member information is displayed in the image input / output device indicated by the network address. Request to provide In the image input / output device that has received the request, the group management information in the storage unit 12 is inquired, the information on the member and data format associated with the group name to be updated is checked, and the contents are transmitted to the update processor. Is done. The control unit 10 of the update processor receives the member and data format information and displays the contents on the update processing screen 302.
[0068]
FIG. 8 shows an example of the update process screen 302. The group name to be updated, the already registered members, and the data format are displayed on the group name display section 44, registered member display section 46, and data format display section 48, respectively.
[0069]
Also, the confidential box management information of the update processor and other image input / output devices connected to the network is inquired, and the confidential box that does not yet belong to the group to be updated is displayed on the unregistered member display unit 50. The user can also perform a process of scrolling the contents displayed on the registered member display unit 46 and the unregistered member display unit 50 by operating the scroll buttons 52 and 54.
[0070]
In the example of FIG. 8, the confidential box indicating the member is displayed using the IP address of the image input / output device, but is not limited to this. For example, you may display using a domain name instead of an IP address.
[0071]
Next, the user uses the operation unit 14 to input the updated contents of the group name, member, and data format. The user inputs update contents from the update processing screen. The input update content is temporarily stored in the storage unit 12 of the update processor.
[0072]
For example, when changing the group name in the example of the update processing screen 302 in FIG. 8, the user inputs a new group name to the group name display unit 44 of the update processing screen 302 using the operation unit 14. When changing the data format, a new data format is input to the data format display section 48.
[0073]
In addition, the display of the confidential box displayed on the registered member display unit 46 can be confirmed, and the confidential box that is no longer required to be registered as a member can be selected. In this example, a confidential box that is no longer required among the confidential boxes in the registered member display section 46 can be selected and moved to the unregistered member display section 50 by the delete button 56. On the other hand, a confidential box that needs to be newly registered among the confidential boxes in the unregistered member display section 50 can be selected and transferred to the registered member display section 46 by the add button 58.
[0074]
In step S40, a display asking whether or not to end the input of update information is displayed on the operation unit 14, and if further input of information is continued, the process returns to step S38, and if input of information is to be ended, step S40 is performed. The process proceeds to S42.
[0075]
When the input of the update content is completed, the user instructs the confirmation of the update content with the update button 60. For example, in the example of the update processing screen 302 of FIG. 8, the group name input to the group name display unit 44, the data format input to the data format display unit 48, and the confidential box selected in the registered member display unit 46 are displayed. It is temporarily stored in the storage unit 12 as new group management information. Further, when it is desired to cancel the update contents, the update contents may be returned to the initial state by the cancel button 62.
[0076]
The group management information input process described above is merely an example in the present embodiment, and the present invention is not limited to this. Any input process using a user interface that facilitates the input of group management information may be used.
[0077]
In step S42, the input group management information is updated. Based on the group management information temporarily stored in the storage unit 12 of the update processor, the group management information of each image input / output device is updated.
[0078]
The control unit 10 of the update processor inquires the contents of the group management information recorded in the storage unit 12 and changes the group name to be updated to the newly input group name.
[0079]
Next, the member and data format of the group management information are inquired. If the member and data format are registered, the contents are changed to the newly input member and data format.
[0080]
On the other hand, if there is no registration in the group management information member and data format of the update processor, the network address registered in the management device of the group management information is referred to the image input / output device identified by the network address. The newly inputted group name to be updated, the newly entered group name, the data format, and the confidential box information are transmitted. In the image input / output device that is the information transmission destination, the group management information in the storage unit 12 is inquired, the group name to be updated is changed to the newly input group name, and the data associated with the group name Change the format and group name to the newly entered data format and group name.
[0081]
In step S44, it is determined whether or not the update of the group management information of each image input / output device has been completed normally. If the update of the group management information has been completed normally, the process proceeds to step S46. On the other hand, if the registration of the group management information has not ended normally, the process proceeds to step S60, and after the fact that registration is not possible is displayed on the operation unit 14, the process ends.
[0082]
In step S46, the network address of the confidential box newly selected as the update target is checked.
[0083]
In step S48, based on the network address of the confidential box investigated in step S46, the confidential box is a confidential box registered in the update processor or a confidential box registered in another image input / output device. Is determined. If it is a confidential box registered in the update processor, the process proceeds to step S52. On the other hand, if it is a confidential box registered in another image input / output device, the process proceeds to step S50.
[0084]
In step S50, information indicating the confidential box and the newly input group name are transmitted to the image input / output device identified by the network address of the confidential box investigated in step S46, and the update of the confidential box management information is requested. Is done. Upon receiving the request, the image input / output device inquires of the confidential box management information in the storage unit 12 and updates the group name associated with the received confidential box to the newly input group name.
[0085]
In step S52, the confidential box management information in the storage unit 12 of the update processor is inquired, and the group name before update associated with the confidential box investigated in step S20 is updated to the newly input group name.
[0086]
In step S54, it is determined whether or not the registration of the group name in the confidential box management information has been normally completed. If the group name registration has been completed normally, the process proceeds to step S58. If the registration of the group name has not ended normally, the process proceeds to step S60, and a message indicating that updating is not possible is displayed on the operation unit 14.
[0087]
In step S58, it is determined whether or not the update has been completed for all confidential boxes to be registered. If updating has been completed for all confidential boxes, the process proceeds to step S62. On the other hand, if the update has not been completed for all confidential boxes, the process returns to step S46, and the group name update process for the next confidential box is performed.
[0088]
In step S62, a registration end screen indicating that the update process to the group management information and the confidential box management information has been normally completed is displayed on the operation unit 14. This completes the process.
[0089]
<Registering group management information in a new image input / output device>
The group management information update process described above can also be performed when a new image input / output device is connected to the network.
[0090]
When a new image input / output device is connected to the network, a confidential box is assigned to a user who uses the image input device, and the confidential box is registered in the storage unit 12 as confidential box management information. Thereafter, group management information can be registered in the newly connected image input device by executing the steps S36 to S62 of the float chart of FIG.
[0091]
<Processing on image data>
Next, processing when reading image data in the image input / output device will be described. In the image input / output device according to the present embodiment, the read image data can be stored in the confidential box of the member belonging to the group designated by the user.
[0092]
The image data reading and storing process in the present embodiment is performed by programming each process shown in the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 and storing it in the storage unit 12 and executing the program by the control unit 10.
[0093]
In step S64, the user instructs activation of image data reading processing from the operation unit 14 of the image input / output device. The user can instruct activation of the reading process from any of the image input / output devices connected to the network.
[0094]
In step S <b> 66, the control unit 10 of the image input / output device (hereinafter referred to as a reading processor) instructed to start the reading process causes the operation unit 14 to display a reading process condition input screen 304. The user sets a reading condition from the condition input screen 304 and designates a storage destination for storing the read image data.
[0095]
FIG. 10 shows an example of a condition input screen 304 for reading processing. On the condition input screen 304, the resolution, the document type, the image type, the document size, and the file name in the reading process can be input. As for the conditions of these reading processes, it is also preferable that an appropriate condition is selected from predetermined conditions by a selection button 64 as shown in FIG. In order to prevent forgetting to set the reading conditions, it is also preferable to set reference conditions in advance and change these conditions as necessary.
[0096]
In step S68, the storage destination of the read image data is input. For example, on the condition input screen 304 in FIG. 10, the user uses the operation unit 14 to select whether the image data storage destination is a confidential box or a group using the confidential box reference button 68 or the group reference button 70. .
[0097]
In step S70, in response to selection of the storage destination by the confidential box reference button 68 or the group reference button 70, the control unit 10 proceeds to step S72 when the selection is a confidential box, and the selection is a group. In that case, the process proceeds to step S76.
[0098]
In step S <b> 72, a confidential box list is acquired from the confidential box management information registered in the storage unit 12 of the reading processor, and the confidential box list is displayed on the operation unit 14.
[0099]
In step S74, the user selects a confidential box as a storage destination of image data from the confidential box list.
[0100]
On the other hand, if the group reference button 70 is selected, a list of groups is acquired from the group management information registered in the storage unit 12 of the reading processor in step S76.
[0101]
In step S78, the acquired list of groups is displayed on the operation unit 14. In step S80, the user selects a group to store image data from the group list.
[0102]
When the input of the reading conditions and the storage destination of the image data is completed by the above processing, an instruction to read the image data is received by the scan button 72 in step S82. When the user wants to start reading image data, the user can instruct the start of the reading process with the scan button 72. In addition, when there is an error in the input of the reading conditions and the storage destination of the image data, it is preferable that the input process can be performed again by the cancel button 74.
[0103]
In step S84, it is determined whether the image data storage destination is designated. If the image data storage destination is specified, the process proceeds to step S86, and the image data is read. On the other hand, if the image data storage destination is not designated, the process returns to step S68.
[0104]
In step S86, the image data of the document is read by the image reading unit 16 of the image input / output device.
[0105]
In step S88, it is determined whether a confidential box or a group is designated as the image data storage destination. If a confidential box is designated, the process proceeds to step S90. If a group is designated, the process proceeds to step S92.
[0106]
In step S90, the image data read in step S86 is stored in the designated confidential box of the reading processor.
[0107]
In step S92, the group management information is referred to, and the member information of the corresponding group is acquired. The control unit 10 of the reading processor refers to the group management information registered in the storage unit 12 and confirms whether or not a member is registered in the group that is the transmission destination of the image data.
[0108]
When members are registered in the group management information, those members are acquired as image data storage destinations. If no member is registered in the group management information, the image input / output device identified by the network address registered in the management device of the group management information is requested to extract the member, and the group of the image input / output device is requested. The member of the group that is the transmission destination of the image data is acquired from the management information.
[0109]
In step S94, the image data is stored in the confidential box which is each member. At this time, if the storage destination is a confidential box registered in an image input / output device other than the reading processor, the image input / output device identified by the network address of the confidential box has image data and information indicating the confidential box. Send. The image input / output device that is the transmission destination receives the information and stores the image data in the corresponding confidential box.
[0110]
At this time, since the data format that can be processed by the members belonging to the group is registered in the group management information, the read image data can be converted into the data format and stored.
[0111]
In step S96, a display indicating that the reading process has been normally completed is displayed on the operation unit 14.
[0112]
For example, when the image input / output device 100a is a reading processor and the group name “Work” is specified as the image data storage destination, in the example of the group management information illustrated in FIG. 5, the image input / output device 100a is associated with the group name “Work”. The image data is stored in the selected member. That is, in the confidential box management information shown in FIG. 6, the image data is stored in the confidential box of the user name “sato” of the image input / output device 100a indicated by “¥ local ¥ mb ¥ 1”. Furthermore, the image data is stored in the image input / output device 100b identified by the network address (192.168.0.2) of the confidential box expressed by “http://192.168.0.2/mb/2”. The image data is stored in the confidential box of the corresponding user name “fish”.
[0113]
In addition, when the mail address of the user is registered in the confidential box management information, it is also preferable to transmit to each user that the image data has been stored.
[0114]
In the present embodiment, the processing and storage of image data read from a document have been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when image data is printed on a printer from a computer or the like, the image data is stored in a group confidential box, or when image data is transmitted from a fax, the image data is stored in a group confidential box. The same processing can be performed in the case of setting.
[0115]
In addition, the image data is not stored in the confidential box of all members belonging to the group, but only the image data storage information is stored, and when each member accesses the image data, the actual data is stored based on the image data storage information. It is also possible to read out the image data from the storage area in which the image data is stored and make it usable. Thereby, useless use of the storage area by storing the same image data in a plurality of confidential boxes can be avoided.
[0116]
As described above, according to the present invention, image data is automatically converted into a data format that can be viewed by members belonging to the group to be transmitted to and stored in the confidential box. Thus, it is not necessary to send it as an e-mail attachment or to notify another user that the data has been stored by storing it again in a shared file server or shared folder. Also, the user does not need to recognize the data format conversion.
[0117]
In addition, when a new image input / output device is connected to the network, group management information registered in another image input / output device already connected to the network can be easily set in the new image input / output device. it can. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the user from forgetting to set the group management information in the new image input / output device or not setting it.
[0118]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the burden of processing and transferring image data by a user. It is also possible to easily set and register image data management information in the image input / output device.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image input / output device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a connection mode of a network in the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a flowchart of group management information registration processing according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a group information registration screen.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating registration contents of group management information.
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining registered contents of confidential box management information.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a flowchart of group management information update processing according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of an update processing screen.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart of image data reading processing according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a condition input screen in reading processing.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 control unit, 12 storage unit, 14 operation unit, 16 image reading unit, 18 image control unit, 20 image forming unit, 22 network interface, 24 fax communication unit, 26 bus, 30 reference button, 32 group member display unit, 34 Scroll button, 36 Group name input section, 38 Format information input section, 39 Scroll button, 40 Registration button, 42 Cancel button, 44 Group name display section, 46 Registered member display section, 48 Data format display section, 50 Unregistered member Display unit, 52, 54 Scroll button, 56 Delete button, 58 Add button, 60 Update button, 62 Cancel button, 64 Select button, 68 Mailbox reference button, 70 Group reference button, 72 Scan button, 74 Cancel button, 100, 100 a, 100b Image input / output device, 102 communication device, 104 fax device, 200 network, 202 public line, 300 group information registration screen, 302 update processing screen, 304 condition input screen.

Claims (11)

An image input / output device including an interface for communicating information via a network,
Confidential box information storage means for registering and holding a confidential box, which is a storage area for storing data, in the confidential box management information;
Group management information for registering and holding a confidential box as a member of a group in group management information, and registering and holding the confidential box in association with an address specifying an image input / output device in which the confidential box is registered Storage means;
A data storage destination specifying means for specifying a group to store data;
A confidential box registered as a member of the group designated by the data storage destination designation unit with reference to the group management information is extracted, and the image input / output device designated by an address associated with the confidential box is connected to the image input / output device. Data transmission means for transmitting data using an interface;
An image input / output device comprising: The image input / output device according to claim 1.
A confidential box search means for extracting a confidential box with reference to other image input / output devices connected to the network;
When the confidential box of the other image input / output device is registered as a group member in the group management information storage means, the image input / output specified by the address associated with the confidential box registered as a member of the group Registration request transmission means for transmitting information indicating the group to the apparatus and requesting registration as group management information;
An image input / output device comprising: The image input / output device according to claim 1 or 2,
A registration request receiving means for receiving information indicating a group;
The group management information storage means associates a group indicated by the information received by the registration request receiving means with an address that designates an image input / output device that is a transmission source of the information, and registers and holds it as group management information. A characteristic image input / output device. The image input / output device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The group management information storage means associates and stores in the group management information a data format that can be commonly processed by the members of the group,
The image input / output apparatus, wherein the data transmission means uses the data format for data processing. A data management method in an image input / output device that communicates information via a network,
A confidential box information storage step of registering a confidential box, which is a storage area for storing data, in the confidential box management information;
A group management information storage step of registering a confidential box as a member of a group in group management information, wherein the confidential box is registered in association with an address specifying an image input / output device in which the confidential box is registered;
A data storage destination designating process for designating a group to store data;
A confidential box acquisition step of extracting a confidential box registered as a member of the specified group with reference to the group management information;
The image output device specified by the address associated with the extracted confidential box, and a data transmission step of transmitting data using the interface,
Only including,
A data management method comprising storing the data transmitted in the data transmission step in a confidential box extracted in the confidential box acquisition step . The data management method according to claim 5,
A confidential box search process for extracting a confidential box with reference to other image input / output devices connected to the network;
When a confidential box of the other image input / output device is registered as a member of a group, information indicating the group to the image input / output device specified by an address associated with the confidential box registered as a member of the group A registration request transmission step for requesting registration as group management information,
A data management method comprising: In the data management method according to claim 5 or 6,
Including a registration request receiving step of receiving information indicating a group,
In the group management information storing step, a group indicated by the received information and an address designating an image input / output device as a transmission source of the information are associated and registered as group management information. In the data management method as described in any one of Claims 5-7,
The group management information storage step associates a group with a data format that can be commonly processed by group members and registers and holds the group in the group management information.
A data management method characterized in that, in the data transmission step, the data format is used for data processing. A data management program in an image input / output device that communicates information via a network,
On the computer,
A confidential box information storage step of registering a confidential box, which is a storage area for storing data, in the confidential box management information;
A group management information storage step of registering a confidential box as a member of a group in group management information, wherein the confidential box is registered in association with an address specifying an image input / output device in which the confidential box is registered;
A data storage destination designating process for designating a group to store data;
A confidential box acquisition step of extracting a confidential box registered as a member of the specified group with reference to the group management information;
The image output device specified by the address associated with the extracted confidential box, and a data transmission step of transmitting data using the interface,
Only including,
A data management program for executing a process of storing the data transmitted in the data transmission step in the confidential box extracted in the confidential box acquisition step . The data management program according to claim 9, wherein
On the computer,
A confidential box search process for extracting a confidential box with reference to other image input / output devices connected to the network;
When a confidential box of the other image input / output device is registered as a member of a group, information indicating the group to the image input / output device specified by an address associated with the confidential box registered as a member of the group A registration request transmission step for requesting registration as group management information,
A data management program for further executing a process including: In the data management program according to claim 9 or 10,
Causing the computer to further execute a registration request receiving step of receiving information indicating the group;
A data management program characterized in that, in the group management information storing step, a group indicated by the received information and an address designating an image input / output device as a transmission source of the information are associated and registered as group management information.

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