JP4894705B2 - Data file storage system and communication device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for storing a data file transmitted from one communication device in a designated folder designated in advance of the other communication device.

  A scanner that creates a scan data file by scanning a document is widely known. Some scanners have a function called “Scan To WebDAV”, a function called “Scan To CIFS”, a function called “Scan To FTP”, and the like. A scanner having such a function stores position information (for example, URL (Uniform Resource Locator)) of a designated folder designated in advance by another device (eg, a personal computer). This scanner transmits the scan data file to another device using the position information of the designated folder stored in the scanner as a storage destination. As a result, the scan data file is stored in the designated folder of another device. The following Patent Document 1 discloses a scanner having the function of “Scan To FTP”.

JP 2006-60499 A

  The location information of the specified folder may change. For example, when the user moves the designated folder to another location, the location information of the designated folder changes. In this case, even if a data file (scan data file in the above example) is transmitted using the designated folder before the change as the storage destination, the data file cannot be stored in the designated folder.

  The present specification provides a technique that enables a data file to be stored in a designated folder even if position information of the designated folder changes.

The present invention is a communication device that stores a data file transmitted from another communication device in a designated folder designated in advance. The communication device specifies a data memory capable of storing data files using a hierarchical structure of folders and files, a position information memory storing position information of the specified folder, and specifying position information of the specified folder The position information specifying unit that performs position comparison is performed by comparing the position information stored in the position information memory with the position information specified by the position information specifying unit, thereby specifying that the position information of the designated folder has changed. A change specifying means, a position information sending means for sending the changed position information to the other communication device on the condition that the change specifying means specifies that the position information of the designated folder has changed, and On the condition that the change specifying means specifies that the position information of the designated folder has changed, the position information memo Update means for updating the position information stored in the position information to the changed position information, and the position information-file reception for receiving the changed position information and the specific data file transmitted from the other communication device. And the specified data file in the designated folder specified by the changed position information when the changed position information and the specified data file are received by the position information-file receiving means. Storage control means for storing the specific data file in the data memory.
One technique disclosed in the present specification is a system including a first communication device and a second communication device that is communicably connected to the first communication device. In this system, a data file transmitted from the first communication device is stored in a designated folder designated in advance in the second communication device. The term “communication device” is to be interpreted in the broadest sense, and is a concept that includes all devices capable of communicating (transmitting and / or receiving) information. As examples of the communication device, a personal computer, a server, a printer, a scanner, a multi-function device (multifunction device), a portable terminal, and the like can be given. The “designated folder” may be designated by the user, for example, or may be designated by the first communication device or the second communication device. In the former case, the folder of the second communication device may be specified by the user operating the first communication device, or the folder of the second communication device is specified by the user operating the second communication device. Also good. Further, the folder of the second communication device may be designated by the user operating a communication device other than these.

The first communication device includes a first location information memory, location information-file transmission means, location information reception means, and first update means. The first position information memory stores position information of the designated folder. The position information-file transmission means transmits the position information and the data file stored in the first position information memory to the second communication device. The position information receiving means receives position information transmitted from the second communication device. The first updating means updates the position information stored in the first position information memory to the position information received by the position information receiving means.
The second communication device includes a data memory, position information-file receiving means, storage control means, and position information transmitting means. The data memory can store data files using a hierarchical structure of folders and files. The position information-file receiving means receives position information and a data file transmitted from the first communication device. When the position information and the data file are received by the position information-file receiving means, the storage control means stores the data file so that the data file is stored in the designated folder specified by the position information. Store in data memory. The position information transmitting means transmits the position information of the designated folder to the first communication device.

  In the above system, the location information of the designated folder and the data file are transmitted from the first communication device to the second communication device. As a result, the data file is stored in the designated folder of the second communication device. A system capable of storing a data file transmitted from the first communication device in a designated folder of the second communication device is realized. In this system, the second communication device can transmit the position information of the designated folder to the first communication device. That is, even if the location information of the designated folder changes, the changed location information is notified to the first communication device. Thereby, the 1st communication apparatus can update the positional information on the designation | designated folder which self memorize | stored in the positional information after a change. As a result, even if the position information of the designated folder changes, the data file transmitted from the first communication device can be stored in the designated folder having the changed position information.

The type of data file transmitted from the first communication device to the second communication device is not particularly limited. However, the above technique can be suitably used for a system that stores a scan data file created by the first communication device in a designated folder of the second communication device.
In other words, the first communication device may further include a scanning device that scans a document and creates a scan data file. In this case, the position information-file transmission means transmits the position information stored in the first position information memory and the scan data file created by the scanning device to the second communication device.
According to this configuration, the scan data file created by the first communication device can be stored in the designated folder of the second communication device.

The timing at which the second communication device transmits the location information of the designated folder to the first communication device is not particularly limited. For example, the second communication device may transmit the position information of the designated folder to the first communication device periodically (regardless of whether there is a change). Further, for example, the second communication device may transmit the position information of the designated folder to the first communication device at a predetermined timing (for example, when the power is turned on). In order to reduce the communication load of the network between the first communication device and the second communication device, the following configuration may be employed.
That is, the second communication device may further include a change specifying unit that specifies that the position information of the designated folder has changed. In this case, the position information transmitting unit may transmit the changed position information to the first communication device on condition that the change specifying unit specifies that the position information of the designated folder has changed.
According to this configuration, the changed position information is transmitted from the second communication apparatus to the first communication apparatus when the position information of the designated folder has changed. While the position information of the designated folder does not change, the position information of the designated folder is not transmitted from the second communication apparatus to the first communication apparatus. Therefore, the first communication device and the second communication are compared with the configuration in which the position information of the designated folder is transmitted from the second communication device to the first communication device even though the location information of the designated folder has not changed. It is possible to reduce the network communication load between the devices.

  For example, the second communication device may transmit the location information of the designated folder to the first communication device by using broadcast communication or multicast communication. On the other hand, the second communication device may store identification information (eg, IP address, node name, MAC address, etc.) of the first communication device. In this case, the second communication device transmits the location information of the designated folder to the first communication device by sending the location information of the designated folder to the device specified by the identification information stored therein. (So-called unicast communication may be executed). When employing this unicast communication, the following configuration may be employed.

That is, the first communication device may further include identification information transmitting means for transmitting identification information for identifying itself to the second communication device. In this case, the second communication apparatus further includes identification information receiving means for receiving the identification information transmitted from the first communication apparatus, and identification information storage means for storing the identification information received by the identification information receiving means. It may be. The position information transmission unit may transmit the position information of the designated folder to the first communication device specified by the identification information stored in the identification information storage unit.
According to this configuration, the identification information of the first communication device is automatically stored in the second communication device. For this reason, the user of the second communication device does not need to input the identification information of the first communication device to the second communication device.

The first communication device may further include identification information determination means for determining whether identification information for identifying itself is stored in the identification information storage means of the second communication device. In this case, the identification information transmitting unit may transmit identification information for identifying itself to the second communication device on the condition that the determination is negative by the identification information determining unit.
According to this configuration, the first communication device does not transmit the identification information for identifying itself to the second communication device when the identification information for identifying itself is stored in the second communication device (identification information storage unit). . The information already stored in the second communication device is prohibited from being transmitted to the second communication device. Useless information is not transmitted from the first communication device to the second communication device. As a result, the communication load on the network between the first communication device and the second communication device can be reduced.

  A single second communication device for constructing the above system is also useful. This communication device is a communication device (the second communication device described above) that stores a data file transmitted from another communication device (the first communication device described above) in a designated folder that is designated in advance. This communication apparatus includes the above-described data memory, position information-file receiving means, storage control means, and position information transmitting means.

The communication apparatus may further include a change specifying unit that specifies that the position information of the designated folder has changed. In this case, the position information transmitting unit may transmit the changed position information to the other communication device on the condition that the change specifying unit specifies that the position information of the designated folder has changed.
According to this configuration, it is possible to reduce the communication load on the network between the communication device and the other communication device.

The communication device further includes a communication determination unit that determines whether or not communication with the other communication device is possible on the condition that the change specifying unit specifies that the position information of the designated folder has changed. You may have. For example, the communication determination means may determine whether or not communication with the other communication device is possible by transmitting a predetermined signal to the other communication device and monitoring the presence or absence of a return signal. Good. In this case, the position information transmission unit may transmit the changed position information to the other communication device on the condition that the determination is positive by the communication determination unit.
For example, in the state where the power of the other communication device is turned off, the other communication device cannot communicate. In this case, the communication determination unit makes a negative determination, and the changed position information is not transmitted to the other communication device. The event that the changed position information is transmitted toward a communication apparatus that cannot receive the position information does not occur. As a result, the communication load of the network between this communication apparatus and said other communication apparatus can be reduced.

The communication determination unit may determine again whether or not communication with the other communication device is possible when a predetermined period has elapsed since the negative determination.
According to this configuration, after the other communication device shifts from the communication disabled state to the communication enabled state, the changed position information can be transmitted from the communication device to the other communication device.

  Various methods can be adopted as a method for specifying that the position information of the designated folder has changed. For example, the following method can be employed. In other words, the communication device may further include a second position information memory that stores position information of the designated folder, and a position information specifying unit that specifies (latest) position information of the specified folder. In this case, the change specifying means specifies that the position information of the designated folder has changed by comparing the position information stored in the second position information memory with the position information specified by the position information specifying means. May be. In addition, the communication device updates the position information stored in the second position information memory to the changed position information on condition that the change specifying unit specifies that the position information of the designated folder has changed. You may have further the 2nd update means to do.

The change specifying unit may be able to specify that the designated folder has been deleted. The communication apparatus may further include a second position information memory that stores position information of the designated folder. In this case, on the condition that the change specifying unit specifies that the designated folder has been deleted, the communication apparatus uses the position information stored in the second position information memory and the information indicating the deletion to You may have further the deletion information transmission means transmitted to a communication apparatus.
According to this configuration, it is possible to notify the other communication device that the designated folder has been deleted.

  The communication apparatus may further include a first input unit that allows the user to input folder position information. The second position information memory may store the position information of the designated folder by storing the position information input to the first input means.

  The second position information memory may store the position information of the designated folder by storing the position information of the folder storing the predetermined file. In this case, the communication apparatus may further include a second input unit that allows the user to store the predetermined file in the folder.

A computer program for realizing the second communication device is also useful. This computer program causes a computer mounted on the communication device to execute storage control processing and position information transmission processing. In the storage control process, when location information and a data file transmitted from another communication device are received, the data file is stored in a designated folder specified by the location information. Remember. In the position information transmission process, the position information of the designated folder is transmitted to the other communication device.
By using this computer program, the second communication device can be realized.

The computer program may cause the computer to further execute a change specifying process for specifying that the position information of the designated folder has changed. In this case, in the position information transmission process, the changed position information may be transmitted to the other communication device on the condition that the change specifying process specifies that the position information of the designated folder has changed.
According to this computer program, it is possible to realize a communication apparatus that prohibits transmission of position information to the other communication apparatus even though the position information of the designated folder has not changed.

  A single first communication device for constructing the above system is also useful. This communication device is a communication device (first communication device) that stores a data file in a designated folder designated in advance of another communication device (second communication device). The communication apparatus includes the first position information memory, the position information-file transmission unit, the position information reception unit, and the first update unit.

The communication device may further include a scanning device that scans a document and creates a scan data file. In this case, the position information-file transmission means may transmit the position information stored in the first position information memory and the scan data file created by the scanning device to the other communication device.
According to this configuration, the scan data file created by itself can be stored in the designated folder of the other communication device.

Here, the main features of the techniques described in the following examples are summarized.
(Mode 1) There are a plurality of first communication devices. The second communication device stores an identification information file including identification information (for example, an IP address, a MAC address, a node name, etc.) that identifies each first communication device.
(Mode 2) The identification information file is stored in the designated folder.
(Mode 3) Each first communication device writes identification information for identifying itself to an identification information file by transmitting identification information for identifying itself to the second communication device.
(Mode 4) The second communication device has means for allowing the user to delete the identification information of the first communication device from the identification information file. When the identification information of the first communication device is deleted from the identification information file, the second communication device transmits a predetermined command to the first communication device. As a result, the first communication device can know that the identification information for identifying itself has been deleted from the second communication device. The first communication device has means for displaying that the identification information for identifying itself has been deleted from the second communication device.
(Mode 5) The first communication device has means for allowing the user to delete the position information of the designated folder of the second communication device from the first position information storage means. The first communication device identifies itself from the identification information file stored in the designated folder of the second communication device when the location information of the designated folder of the second communication device is deleted from the first location information storage means Delete the identification information.

(Mode 6) The designated folder of the second communication device is a shared folder. The “shared folder” means a folder that allows access from another device (first communication apparatus). That is, another device can store a file in the shared folder, delete a file stored in the shared folder, or write information to a file stored in the shared folder.

(First embodiment)
Embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a multi-function device system 10 of this embodiment. The multi-function device system 10 includes a multi-function device 20 and a PC (personal computer) 60. In FIG. 1, one multi-function device 20 and one PC 60 are shown. However, there are actually a plurality of multi-function devices 20 and a plurality of PCs 60. Each multi-function device 20 is communicably connected to each PC 60.

(Configuration of multi-function device)
The multi-function device 20 includes an operation unit 22, a display unit 24, a memory 26, a control unit 34, a scanner 40, a FAX communication unit 42, a printing unit 44, a receiver 46, and an input / output port 48. The operation unit 22 includes a plurality of keys. The user can input various information and instructions to the multi-function device 20 by operating the operation unit 22. The display unit 24 can display various information.

  The memory 26 can store an address book 28 and a program 30. The memory 26 also has a storage area 32 in which various information other than the address book 28 and the program 30 can be stored. FIG. 2 shows an example of the contents stored in the address book 28. The address book 28 stores a combination of a name 100, a destination 102, a type 104, and a flag 106. Hereinafter, one combination is referred to as “combination information”. In the example of FIG. 2, there are six pieces of combination information 110, 112, 114, 116, 118, and 120. The user can input the name 100, the destination 102, and the type 104 into the multi-function device 20 by operating the operation unit 22. As a result, one combination information is written in the address book 28. The combination information may be written in the address book 28 of the multi-function device 20 when the user inputs the combination information to the PC 60. In this case, the combination information is transmitted from the PC 60 to the multi-function device 20.

  The user can input various destinations 102. For example, in the case of the combination information 110, 112, and 114, the address of a folder (also referred to as a path name) existing in another device is designated as the destination 102. In the case of the combination information 116, an e-mail address is designated as the destination 102. In the case of the combination information 118, a telephone number is designated as the destination 102. In the case of the combination information 120, a facsimile number is designated as the destination 102. The type 104 means a communication format. For example, in the case of the combination information 110, 112, and 114, “CIFS (Common Internet File System)” is designated as the type 104. The flag 106 is managed by the multi-function device 20 and is not input by the user. There are three types of flags: “delete1”, “delete2”, and “exist”. When new combination information is written in the address book 28, an “exist” flag is written.

  The control unit 34 shown in FIG. 1 executes various processes according to the program 30 stored in the memory 26. The contents of the process executed by the control unit 34 will be described in detail later. The scanner 40 can scan a document and create scan data. The FAX communication unit 42 transmits / receives a facsimile according to an instruction from the control unit 34. The printing unit 44 can print various data. For example, the printing unit 44 can print the facsimile data received by the FAX communication unit 42. The printing unit 44 can print scan data created by the scanner 40. The handset 46 is used when a user calls. The input / output port 48 is connected to an input / output port 78 of the PC 60 via a LAN (Local Area Network) 49. The multi-function device 20 can communicate with the PC 60 via the input / output port 48 and the LAN 49.

(PC configuration)
The PC 60 includes an operation unit 62, a display unit 64, a control unit 66, a memory 68, and an input / output port 78. The operation unit 62 includes a mouse and a keyboard. The user can input various information and instructions to the PC 60 by operating the operation unit 62. The display unit 64 can display various information. The control unit 66 executes various processes according to the program 74 stored in the memory 68. The contents of the process executed by the control unit 66 will be described in detail later. The memory 68 can store data using the hierarchical structure of the folder 70 and the file 72. This situation will be described in detail later. The input / output port 78 is connected to the input / output port 48 of the multi-function device 20 via the LAN 49. The PC 60 can communicate with the multi-function device 20 via the input / output port 78 and the LAN 49.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of the contents stored in the memory 68 of the PC 60. The PC 60 of this embodiment has a node name “bbb-server”. This node name is included in the combination information 112 of the address book 28 in FIG. In the example of FIG. 3, shared folders 130, 132, 134, and 140 included in the memory 68 are shown. The “shared folder” means a folder that allows access from another device (for example, the multi-function device 20). That is, another device can store a file in the shared folder or delete a file stored in the shared folder. Also, other devices can write information into files stored in the shared folder. The user of the PC 60 can set a desired folder as a shared folder.

  The folder 130 is the highest folder. The folder 130 has a folder name “user”. Two folders 132 and 140 exist as lower folders of the folder 130. That is, the folder 130 stores two folders 132 and 140. The folder 132 has a folder name “mike”. The folder 140 has a folder name “ken”. A folder 134 exists as a lower folder of the folder 132. That is, the folder 132 stores the folder 134. The folder 134 has a folder name “shared”. A Nodes file 138 exists as a lower file of the folder 134. That is, the folder 134 stores the Nodes file 138. The Nodes file 138 has a file name “Nodes.doc”. As will be described in detail later, the folder 134 functions as a folder for storing the scan data file 150 created by the multi-function device 20. In the example of FIG. 3, an executable file 136 exists as a lower file of the folder 134. The executable file 136 is used in a second embodiment to be described later. Here, the description of the executable file 136 is omitted.

  Hereinafter, the term “address” is used to mean an absolute address of a folder (or file). For example, the address of the folder 132 is “user \ mike”. When the folder 132 is viewed from the outside of the PC 60, the address of the folder 132 is “bbb-server \ user \ mike”. For example, the address of the Nodes file 138 is “(bbb-server \) user \ mike \ shared \ Nodes.doc”. On the other hand, the term “folder name” (or “file name”) is used to mean the relative address of a folder (or file). For example, the folder name of the folder 132 is “mike”. For example, the file name of the Nodes file 138 is “Nodes.doc”. Note that the term “address” is to be interpreted in the broadest sense, and is a concept that includes any data that specifies the location of a folder or file. For example, URL (Uniform Resource Locator), UNC (Universal Naming Convention), path name, and the like are included in the “address”.

(Multi-function device address book management process)
Next, the contents of the address book management process executed by the multi-function device 20 will be described. This process is executed by the control unit 34 of the multi-function device 20. FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of the address book management process. When changing the contents of the address book 28, the user can add an operation for displaying the address book 28 on the display unit 24 to the operation unit 22. Thereby, the address book management process of FIG.

  The control unit 34 displays the address book 28 on the display unit 24 (S10). FIG. 5 shows an example of the display contents of the display unit 24. On the display unit 24, the name 160, the destination 162, and the type 164 are displayed in association with each other. The example of FIG. 5 corresponds to the contents shown in FIG. That is, the information 170 in FIG. 5 corresponds to the combination information 110 in FIG. 2, and the information 172 in FIG. 5 corresponds to the combination information 112 in FIG. 5 corresponds to the combination information 116 in FIG. 2, the information 178 in FIG. 5 corresponds to the combination information 118 in FIG. 2, and the information 180 in FIG. 5 corresponds to the combination information 120 in FIG. In S10, information corresponding to the flag 106 of “delete2” is not displayed. That is, information corresponding to the combination information 114 in FIG. 2 is not displayed. Further, a comment “This folder has been deleted” is attached to the information corresponding to the flag 106 of “delete1”. For example, the combination information 110 in FIG. 2 includes a flag 106 of “delete1”. For this reason, the above-mentioned comment is attached to the information 170 in FIG. In the information 170 and 172 corresponding to the combination information 110 and 112 whose type 104 is “CIFS”, “Shared Folder” is displayed in the type 164 column.

  The user can input a destination addition command or a destination change command by operating the operation unit 22. If these commands are input, YES is determined in S12. When the destination addition command is input, the user can input new combination information (name, destination, and type) by operating the operation unit 22. In this case, the control unit 34 stores new combination information in the address book 28 (S14). When a destination change command is input, the user can change the contents of the existing combination information by operating the operation unit 22. In this case, the control unit 34 stores the changed combination information in the address book 28 (S14). When S14 ends, the control unit 34 forcibly executes Nodes registration processing (S16). As will be described in detail later, the Nodes registration process is a process periodically executed at a predetermined interval. In a state where the Nodes registration process is not executed in the middle of the interval, the control unit 34 starts the Nodes registration process. In a state where the Nodes registration process is being performed, the control unit 34 waits for the Nodes registration process to end, and then restarts the Nodes registration process. When S16 ends, the process returns to S10. As a result, the address book 28 including the added or changed combination information is displayed on the display unit 24.

  The user can input a destination deletion command by operating the operation unit 22. If this command is input, YES is determined in S18. When the destination deletion command is input, the user can designate one existing combination information by operating the operation unit 22. In this case, the control unit 34 determines whether or not the flag 106 of the designated combination information is “delete1” (S20). For example, when the information 170 of FIG. 5 is designated (when the combination information 110 of FIG. 2 is designated), YES is determined in S20. In this case, the control unit 34 deletes the designated combination information 110 from the address book 28 (S22). When S22 ends, the process returns to S10.

  On the other hand, in the case of NO in S20, the combination information flag 106 designated by the user is “exist”. This is because the combination information having the flag 106 of “delete2” cannot be specified because it is not displayed in S10. If NO in S20, the control unit 34 changes the flag 106 of the designated combination information from “exist” to “delete2” (S24). For example, when the information 172 of FIG. 5 is designated (when the combination information 112 of FIG. 2 is designated), the control unit 34 changes the flag 106 of the combination information 112 from “exist” to “delete2”. When S24 ends, the control unit 34 forcibly executes Nodes registration processing (S26).

  The user can input an end command by operating the operation unit 22. If this command is input, YES is determined in S28. In this case, the control unit 34 clears the display content of the display unit 24 and ends the address book management process. On the other hand, in the case of NO in S28, the control unit 34 returns to S12 and monitors the input of the command.

(Nodes registration process for multi-function devices)
Next, the contents of Nodes registration processing executed by the multi-function device 20 will be described. This process is executed by the control unit 34 of the multi-function device 20. FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of Nodes registration processing.

  The control unit 34 sleeps for a certain period of time (S40), and thereafter repeatedly executes the process. Thereby, Nodes registration processing is executed at a predetermined interval. The control unit 34 reads one combination information having the “CIFS” type 104 from the address book 28 (S42). Note that in the process of S42, the combination information having the “delete1” flag 106 is not read. That is, only the combination information having the “exist” or “delete2” flag 106 is read out. Next, the control unit 34 tries to open the destination 102 of the combination information read in S42 (S44). For example, when the combination information 112 is read in S42, an attempt is made to open the address of “¥¥ bbb-server ¥ user ¥ mike ¥ shared” (that is, the folder 134 (see FIG. 3) of the PC 60). “Attempting to open an address” means attempting to access a folder having that address. For example, if there is no folder having the address read in S42, it cannot be opened. Further, even if the folder having the address read in S42 is not a shared folder, it cannot be opened. In these cases, NO is determined in S46. In this case, the process proceeds to S60.

  On the other hand, in the case of YES in S46, the control unit 34 can acquire the file name and folder name existing in the folder having the address read in S42. For example, when an attempt is made to open the address in the above example (folder 134 of PC 60 (see FIG. 3)), the control unit 34 obtains the file name (for example, “Nodes.doc”) stored in the folder 134. can do. Note that when nothing is stored in the folder 134, information indicating that nothing is stored in the folder can be acquired. In the case where S46 is YES, the control unit 34 determines whether or not a Nodes file exists (S48). That is, the control unit 34 determines whether or not the file name “Nodes.doc” has been acquired as a result of the process of S44. In the case of NO here, the control unit 34 stores the Nodes file in the folder having the address read in S42 (S50). Specifically, the control unit 34 sends a command to the device (for example, PC 60) having the folder so that the document file named “Nodes.doc” is stored in the folder having the address read in S42. Send. As a result, the device receives the command and address, and stores the Nodes file in the folder having the address. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, a Nodes file 138 is stored in the folder 134 of the PC 60. When S50 ends, the process proceeds to S54.

  In the case of YES in S48, the control unit 34 determines whether or not its own node name exists in the Nodes file (S52). In the case of NO here, the control unit 34 writes its own node name in the Nodes file (S54). Even when a Nodes file is newly created in S50, the process of S54 is executed. The process of S54 is performed as follows. That is, the control unit 34 has the Nodes file so that its own node name (node name of the multi-function device 20) is written in the Nodes file stored in the folder having the address read in S42. A command is transmitted to a device (for example, PC 60). As a result, the device having the Nodes file receives the above command and writes the node name of the multi-function device 20 in the Nodes file. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the node name of the multi-function device 20 is written in the Nodes file 138 stored in the folder 134 of the PC 60. FIG. 7 shows an example of the contents of the Nodes file 138. In this example, there are three node names “mfp001”, “mfp002”, and “mfp003”. FIG. 7 shows a state in which the node name 194 “mfp004” is written in the process of S54. The ID 192 is written by the PC 60. How ID 192 is used will be described in detail later.

  FIG. 8 also shows an example of the contents of the Nodes file 138. As shown in this example, the Nodes file may include multiple IDs 192. In the process of S54, the node name is written in association with the latest ID (ID 192 having the largest numerical value). For example, when the process of S54 is executed on the Nodes file 138 shown in FIG. 8, the node name is written in association with the ID “002”.

  In the case of YES in S52, the control unit 34 determines whether or not the flag 106 of the combination information read in S42 is “delete2” (S56). For example, when the combination information read in S42 is the combination information 114 in FIG. 2, the control unit 34 determines YES in S56. In this case, the control unit 34 deletes its own node name (node name of the multi-function device 20) from the Nodes file (S58). Specifically, the control unit 34 removes the node name of the multi-function device 20 from the Nodes file stored in the folder having the address read out in S42. For example, the command is transmitted to the PC 60). As a result, the above device receives the above command and deletes the node name of the multi-function device 20 from the Nodes file. Further, the control unit 34 deletes the combination information read in S42 from the address book 28 (S58). In the process of S24 in FIG. 4 described above, the combination information is not deleted even though the combination information to be deleted is specified by the user (the flag 106 is changed to “delete2”). The combination information in which the flag 106 is changed to “delete2” in the process of S24 of FIG. 4 is deleted from the address book 28 in the process of S58 of FIG. That is, the combination information is deleted from the address book 28 and the node name of the multi-function device 20 is deleted simultaneously from the Nodes file stored in the address included in the combination information. .

  The control unit 34 determines whether or not the processing after S44 has been executed for all the combination information having the “CIFS” type 104 (excluding the combination information having the flag 106 of “delete1”) (S60). . In the case of NO here, the control unit 34 returns to S42 and reads other combination information. On the other hand, in the case of YES in S60, the control unit 34 returns to S40 and sleeps.

(Scanning of multi-function devices)
Next, the contents of the scan process executed by the multi-function device 20 will be described. This process is executed by the control unit 34 of the multi-function device 20. FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of the scanning process. When the user stores the scan data in a folder of another device, the user can add an operation for executing the scan data to the operation unit 22. Thereby, the scanning process of FIG. 9 is executed by the control unit 34.

  The user can input an address book display command by operating the operation unit 22. If this command is input, YES is determined in S80. In this case, the control unit 34 displays the address book 28 on the display unit 24 (S82). The display content here is almost the same as the display content in FIG. 5 (S10 in FIG. 4). However, in S82, only the combination information having the “exist” flag 106 is displayed. That is, in S82, the information 170 of FIG. 5 is not displayed. This is different from the display process of S10. When S82 ends, the control unit 34 waits until a destination address is selected (S84). The user can select one or a plurality of combination information from the combination information displayed in S <b> 82 by operating the operation unit 22. In this case, YES is determined in S84, and the process proceeds to S88.

  The user can directly input the destination address to the operation unit 22 instead of selecting the destination address (combination information) from the address book 28. In this case, YES is determined in S86, and the process proceeds to S88. In S88, the control unit 34 scans a document prepared by the user and creates a scan data file. Specifically, the control unit 34 assigns a file name to the scan data created by the scanner 40. The file name may be a fixed value determined in advance, or may be a value that varies from scan to scan. In the latter case, the file name may include a scan date and time. In the following, the scan data file name is “xxx.jpeg”. Next, the control unit 34 transmits the scan data file toward the destination address of the combination information selected in S84 (or the destination address input in S86) (S90).

  For example, when the combination information selected in S84 is the combination information 112 of FIG. 2, the control unit 34 sets “user \ mike \ shared \ xxx.jpeg” to “bbb-server” (that is, the PC 60). Send address and scan data file. More specifically, a command (hereinafter referred to as a “scan data storage command”) is sent to the PC 60 so that the scan data file (xxx.jpeg) is stored in the folder 134 having the address “user \ mike \ shared”. ). As a result, the scan data file 150 (see FIG. 3) is stored in the folder 134 of the PC 60. For example, when the combination information selected in S84 is the combination information 116 of FIG. 2, the control unit 34 attaches a scan data file to the email address “aaa.bbbb@cccc.com”. Sending email Further, for example, when the combination information selected in S84 is the combination information 118 of FIG. 2, the control unit 34 performs FAX communication so that the scan data is facsimile-transmitted to the facsimile number “012-345-6789”. The unit 42 is instructed. When S90 ends, the scanning process ends. The user can input an end command by operating the operation unit 22. In this case, it is determined YES in S92, and the scan process ends without executing the scan.

(PC scan data storage processing)
Next, the content of scan data storage processing executed by the PC 60 will be described. This process is executed by the control unit 66 of the PC 60. FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of the scan data storage process.

  The control unit 66 monitors reception of a scan data storage command (transmitted from the multi-function device 20 in S90 of FIG. 9) from the multi-function device 20 (S110). The scan data storage command includes a scan data file and a folder address. If YES in S110, the control unit 66 stores the scan data file received in S110 in the folder having the address received in S110 (S112). For example, when the address received in S110 is “user \ mike \ shared”, the control unit 66 stores the scan data file 150 (see FIG. 3) in the folder 134. That is, the control unit 66 stores the scan data file 150 in the memory 68 as a lower file of the folder 134.

(PC folder monitoring process)
Next, the contents of the folder monitoring process executed by the PC 60 will be described. This process is executed by the control unit 66 of the PC 60. 11 and 12 show flowcharts of the folder monitoring process. The user can input the address of the folder to be monitored to the PC 60 by operating the operation unit 62. As a result, the folder monitoring process shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is executed by the control unit 66.

  The control unit 66 stores the address of the folder (hereinafter referred to as “designated folder”) designated (input) as a shared folder by the user in the monitoring address storage area (S130). A predetermined storage area of the memory 68 is used as a monitoring address storage area. FIG. 13 shows an example of the stored contents of the monitoring address storage area 200. The monitoring address storage area 200 stores a combination of ID 212 and address 214. In the example of FIG. 13, the folder 134 of FIG. 3 is a designated folder (user \ mike \ shared). At the time when the process of S130 is executed, an initial value (“001” in this embodiment) is used as the ID 212.

  At the time when the process of S130 is executed, the Nodes file may or may not be stored in the designated folder. For example, when the timing of adding the address of the folder 134 to the address book 28 of the multi-function device 20 is earlier than the timing when the user inputs the folder 134 of FIG. Then, the Nodes file 138 is stored in the designated folder (folder 134). In this case, the control unit 66 writes the initial value “001” in the ID 192 (see FIG. 7) of the Nodes file 138. On the other hand, for example, when the timing of adding the address of the folder 134 to the address book 28 of the multi-function device 20 is later than the timing when the user inputs the folder 134 of FIG. At this point, the Nodes file 138 is not stored in the designated folder (folder 134). In this case, the control unit 66 waits until the Nodes file 138 is stored in the designated folder (folder 134). When the Nodes file 138 is stored in the designated folder (folder 134), the control unit 66 writes the initial value “001” in the ID 192 of the Nodes file 138. Subsequently, the control part 66 performs the process after S132.

  Further, for example, the Nodes file 138 stored in the designated folder (folder 134) may be deleted while the processing from S132 is executed. Also in this case, the control unit 66 stops the processing after S132 and waits until the Nodes file 138 is stored again in the designated folder (folder 134). When the Nodes file 138 is stored again in the designated folder (folder 134), the control unit 66 writes the ID 212 (see FIG. 13) stored in the monitoring address storage area 200 into the ID 192 of the Nodes file 138. Subsequently, the control part 66 performs the process after S132.

  Although not shown in the flowchart, the control unit 66 collects a log (change history) of the designated folder. This log collection process is executed according to a predetermined program 74 stored in the memory 68. A predetermined storage area of the memory 68 is used as a log storage area. FIG. 14 shows an example of the contents stored in the log storage area 210. The log storage area 210 stores a combination of ID 212 and address 214. Each time the designated folder address changes, a combination is added to the log storage area 210. For example, in the state of FIG. 3, the folder 134 is a lower folder of the folder 132. When the folder 134 is moved as indicated by a dashed arrow, the folder 134 becomes a lower folder of the folder 140. In this case, the address of the folder 134 changes to “user \ ken \ shared”. As a result, the changed address is stored in the log storage area 210. The address after the change is indicated by ID “002” in FIG. When the changed address is stored in the log storage area 210, the control unit 66 increments (plus 1) the ID corresponding to the changed address.

  For example, when the folder name of the designated folder is changed, the address of the designated folder also changes. For example, when the folder name “shared” of the folder 134 in FIG. 3 is changed to “shared100”, the address of the folder 134 is “user \ mike \ shared100”. Also in this case, a combination is added to the log storage area 210. When the designated folder is deleted, information (DELETE) indicating the deletion is stored in the log storage area 210. For example, the ID “003” in FIG. 14 means that the designated folder 134 existing as a lower folder of the folder 140 has been deleted.

  The controller 66 sleeps after executing the process of S130 of FIG. 11 (S132). Next, the control unit 66 reads an address corresponding to the latest ID in the log storage area 210 (S134). For example, if the ID “002” in FIG. 14 is the latest ID, “user \ ken \ shared” is read. The control unit 66 compares the latest address (or DELETE) read in S134 with the address stored in the monitoring address storage area 200, and determines whether the address has changed (S136). If YES here, the process proceeds to S138. On the other hand, if NO, the process proceeds to S170 of FIG.

  In S138, the control unit 66 determines whether or not DELETE corresponds to the latest ID. In the case of NO here, the control unit 66 stores the latest address read in S134 in the monitoring address storage area 200 (see FIG. 13) (S140). In this process, the ID corresponding to the latest address is also stored in the monitoring address storage area 200. For example, when the latest address is “user \ ken \ shared” in FIG. 14, the combination of ID “002” and “user \ ken \ shared” is stored in the monitoring address storage area 200. Next, the control unit 66 executes the process of S142. If YES in S138, the control unit 66 skips S140 and executes the process of S142.

  In S142, the control unit 66 selects one node name included in the Nodes file 138 stored in the designated folder (folder 134 in this example) (S142). For example, in the example of FIG. 7, there are three node names “mfp001”, “mfp002”, and “mfp003”. The control unit 66 selects one node name (for example, “mfp001”) from these three node names. Next, the control unit 66 determines whether or not communication with the multi-function device is possible by transmitting a packet to the multi-function device having the node name selected in S142 and monitoring the reply (S144). . When a reply packet is obtained, the control unit 66 determines YES in S144. In this case, the process proceeds to S146. If no reply packet is obtained after the predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 66 determines NO in S144. In this case, S146 and S148 are skipped and the process proceeds to S150.

  In S146, the control unit 66 transmits either the CHANGE command or the DELETE command to the multi-function device selected in S142. If NO is determined in S138, a CHANGE command is transmitted in S146. If YES is determined in S138, a DELETE command is transmitted in S146. An address before the change and an address after the change are added to the CHANGE command. For example, the address of the designated folder changes from “user \ mike \ shared” (ID “001”) to “user \ ken \ shared” (ID “002”), and the Nodes file 138 of FIG. 7 exists. And In this case, the control unit 66 transmits the old address “user \ mike \ shared”, the new address “user \ ken \ shared”, and the CHANGE command to the multi-function device selected in S142 (for example, “mfp001”). To do. As a result, the multi-function device updates the old address to the new address in the process of S206 in FIG.

  The address of the deleted folder is added to the DELETE command. For example, it is assumed that the folder 134 of “user \ mike \ shared” has been deleted. In this case, the control unit 66 transmits an address “user \ mike \ shared” and a DELETE command to the multi-function device (for example, “mfp001”) selected in S142. As a result, the multi-function device updates the address flag in the process of S212 in FIG.

  When executing the process of S146, the control unit 66 rewrites the Nodes file 138 (S148). For example, in the case of the above example (in the case where the address of the designated folder has changed from ID “001” to ID “002”), the control unit 66 newly adds ID “002” to the Nodes file 138, and “Mfp001” is stored in association with the ID “002”. As a result, as shown in FIG. 8, the combination of ID “002” and “mfp001” is stored in the Nodes file 138. In this case, “mfp001” associated with the ID “001” is deleted.

  The control unit 66 determines whether or not the processes after S142 have been executed for all the node names included in the Nodes file 138 (S150). In the case of NO here, the control unit 66 returns to S142 and selects the next node name. For example, the control unit 66 selects “mfp002”. Next, the control unit 66 determines whether or not communication with the multi-function device having the node name “mfp002” is possible (S144). In the case of YES here, the control unit 66 transmits a command (S146) and rewrites the Nodes file 138 (S148). As a result, as shown in FIG. 8, the combination of ID “002” and “mfp002” is stored in the Nodes file 138.

  Next, the control unit 66 selects “mfp003”. For example, when communication with the multi-function device having the node name “mfp003” is impossible (NO in S144), the processes in S146 and S148 are not executed. In this case, as shown in FIG. 8, the combination of ID “001” and “mfp003” is maintained. If the control unit 66 executes the processing from S142 on all the node names included in the Nodes file 138 (YES in S150), the control unit 66 returns to S132 and sleeps. The controller 66 repeats the processes after S134 every predetermined time.

  For example, consider a case where the designated folder changes from “user \ ken \ shared” (ID “002”) to another address (new address) in the state where the Nodes file 138 shown in FIG. 8 exists. In this case, in the process of S146, the control unit 66 transmits the old address “user \ ken \ shared”, the new address, and the CHANGE command to the multi-function device having the node name “mfp001”. Similarly, the control unit 66 transmits the old address “user \ ken \ shared”, the new address, and the CHANGE command to the multi-function device having the node name “mfp002”. However, the control unit 66 transmits “user \ mike \ shared” as the old address to the multi-function device having the node name “mfp003” (also transmits a new address and a CHANGE command). This is because “mfp003” is associated with the ID “001” (that is, “user \ mike \ shared” (see FIG. 14)).

  The same can be said when a DELETE command is transmitted in the process of S146. That is, the control unit 66 transmits an address “user ¥ ken ¥ shared” and a DELETE command to the multi-function device having the node name “mfp001” or “mfp002”. However, the control unit 66 transmits the address “user \ mike \ shared” and the DELETE command to the multi-function device having the node name “mfp003”.

  Subsequently, the processing after the determination of NO in S136 will be described with reference to FIG. The controller 66 checks the contents of the Nodes file 138 to determine whether there is a node name associated with an ID other than the latest ID (S170). For example, if the Nodes file 138 shown in FIG. 7 exists, NO is determined in S170. In this case, the process returns to S132 in FIG. On the other hand, if the Nodes file 138 shown in FIG. 8 exists, YES is determined in S170. This is because there is a node name associated with the ID “001” other than the latest ID “002”.

  In the case where S170 is YES, the control unit 66 selects one node name associated with an ID other than the latest ID (S172). For example, in the example of FIG. 8, “mfp003” is selected. Next, the control unit 66 determines whether or not communication with the multi-function device having the node name “mfp003” selected in S172 is possible (S174). If YES here, the process proceeds to S176. In the case of NO here, S176 and S178 are skipped and the process proceeds to S180.

  In S176, the control unit 66 transmits either the CHANGE command or the DELETE command to the multi-function device selected in S172. This process is the same as the process of S146 of FIG. For example, in the case of the example of FIG. 8, the control unit 66 sends an old address “user \ mike \ shared” (ID “001”) and a new address “user \” to the multi-function device having the node name “mfp003”. ken \ shared "(ID" 002 ") and a CHANGE command are transmitted.

  When executing the process of S176, the control unit 66 rewrites the Nodes file 138 (S178). For example, in the case of the above example, the control unit 66 stores “mfp003” in association with the ID “002” of the Nodes file 138. As a result, the node name corresponding to the ID “001” does not exist. In this case, the control unit 66 may delete the ID “001” from the Nodes file 138. In this case, the control unit 66 may delete the ID “001” and the corresponding address from the log storage area 210 (see FIG. 14).

  The control unit 66 determines whether or not the processing after S172 has been executed for all untransmitted node names (node names associated with IDs other than the latest ID) included in the Nodes file 138 ( S180). In the case of NO here, the process returns to S172, another node name is selected, and the processes after S174 are executed. On the other hand, if YES in S180, the process returns to S132 in FIG.

(Multi-function device address update processing)
Next, the contents of the address update process executed by the multi-function device 20 will be described. This process is executed by the control unit 34 of the multi-function device 20. FIG. 15 shows a flowchart of the address update process.

  The control unit 34 monitors the reception of an external command (S200). For example, when the process of S146 in FIG. 11 or S176 in FIG. 12 is executed by the PC 60, a CHANGE command may be transmitted to the multi-function device 20. In this case, the control unit 34 determines YES in S202. The control unit 34 determines whether the old address received together with the CHANGE command exists in the address book 28 (S204). If NO here, the subsequent processing is skipped. In the case of YES here, the control unit 34 executes a process of updating the address book 28 (S206). That is, the control unit 34 updates the old address included in the address book 28 to the new address. For example, when the old address is “user \ mike \ shared” and the new address is “user \ ken \ shared”, the control unit 34 sets the destination 102 of the combination information 112 shown in FIG. 2 to “bbb-server”. Rewrite to "\ user \ ken \ shared".

  Further, for example, when the process of S146 in FIG. 11 or S176 in FIG. 12 is executed by the PC 60, a DELETE command may be transmitted to the multi-function device 20. In this case, the control unit 34 determines YES in S208. The control unit 34 determines whether the address received together with the DELETE command exists in the address book 28 (S210). If NO here, the subsequent processing is skipped. In the case of YES here, the control unit 34 executes a process of updating the address book 28 (S212). That is, the control unit 34 changes the flag 106 included in the address book 28 from “exist” to “delete1”. For example, when the address received together with the DELETE command is “user \ mike \ shared”, the control unit 34 changes the flag 106 of the combination information 112 shown in FIG. 2 from “exist” to “delete1”. Note that, when another type of command is received, the control unit 66 executes processing corresponding to the command (S214).

  According to the present embodiment, when the address of the designated folder for storing the scan data file (folder 134 in FIG. 3 in the above example) changes, the changed address is transmitted from the PC 60 to the multi-function device 20. The multi-function device 20 can update the address of the designated folder. The system 10 is realized that can store the scan data file in the designated folder even after the address of the designated folder of the PC 60 is changed. The PC 60 transmits the changed address to the multi-function device 20 when the address of the designated folder has changed. Compared to a configuration in which the address of the designated folder is transmitted from the PC 60 to the multi-function device 20 even though the address of the designated folder has not changed, the network communication load between the multi-function device 20 and the PC 60 is reduced. Can do.

(Second embodiment)
In this embodiment, the method in which the user designates the designated folder of the PC 60 and the method in which the PC 60 monitors the designated folder are different from the first embodiment. The user operates the operation unit 62 of the PC 60 (for example, drag and drop) to move the executable file into the folder for storing the scan data file. For example, FIG. 3 shows a state in which an executable file 136 is stored in the folder 134. The control unit 66 monitors the address of the folder 134 storing the executable file 136 according to a predetermined program 74 stored in the memory 68.

(PC folder monitoring process)
The contents of the folder monitoring process of this embodiment will be described. This process is executed by the control unit 66 of the PC 60. FIG. 16 shows a flowchart of the folder monitoring process. When the executable file 136 is stored in a folder (folder 134 in this embodiment), the control unit 66 executes folder monitoring processing.

  The control unit 66 reads the address “user \ mike \ shared” of the folder 134 in which the executable file 136 is stored (S230). Next, the control unit 66 stores the address read in S232 in the monitoring address storage area 200 (see FIG. 13). In this embodiment, the concept of ID 212 is not used. That is, the monitoring address storage area 200 stores only addresses. In the present embodiment, even the Nodes file 138 does not use the concept of ID 192 (see FIG. 7). Next, the control unit 66 sleeps (S234). After the sleep for a certain time, the control unit 66 executes the processes after S236.

  In S236, the control unit 66 reads the address of the folder 134 that stores the executable file 136 (S236). For example, when the folder 134 is moved as indicated by the dashed arrow in FIG. 3, the address of the folder 134 that stores the executable file 136 is “user \ ken \ shared”. In this case, this address is read in S236. The control unit 66 compares the address stored in the monitoring address storage area 200 with the address read in S236 (S238). If the two addresses match, the process returns to S234.

  On the other hand, when the two addresses do not match, the control unit 66 transmits a CHANGE command (S240). As described above, the Nodes file 138 of this embodiment does not include the ID 192 (see FIG. 7). The Nodes file 138 includes only the node name of each multi-function device. In S240, the control unit 66 reads the old address (address stored in the monitoring address storage area 200) and the new address (read in S236) toward each multi-function device having the node name included in the Nodes file 138. Address) and a CHANGE command. As a result, the multi-function device updates the old address to the new address in the process of S266 in FIG. Subsequently, the control unit 66 updates the old address stored in the monitoring address storage area 200 to the new address read in S236 (S242). When S242 ends, the process returns to S234.

(Multi-function device address update processing)
Next, the contents of the address update process of this embodiment will be described. This process is executed by the control unit 34 of the multi-function device 20. FIG. 17 shows a flowchart of the address update process.

  The control unit 34 monitors the reception of an external command (S260). For example, when the process of S240 in FIG. 16 is executed by the PC 60, a CHANGE command may be transmitted to the multi-function device 20. In this case, the control unit 34 determines YES in S262. The control unit 34 determines whether or not the old address received together with the CHANGE command exists in the address book 28 (S264). If NO here, the subsequent processing is skipped. In the case of YES here, the control unit 34 executes a process for updating the address book 28 (S266). That is, the control unit 34 updates the old address included in the address book 28 to the new address. Note that, when another type of command is received, the control unit 66 executes processing corresponding to the command (S268).

  According to the present embodiment, it is possible to realize the system 10 that can store the scan data file in the designated folder even after the address of the designated folder of the PC 60 is changed.

  Specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, but these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes of the specific examples illustrated above. The modifications of the above embodiment are listed below.

(1) In the second embodiment, the executable file 136 is stored in the folder 134 when the user operates the operation unit 62 of the PC 60. However, the multi-function device 20 may open the folder 134 of the PC 60 (that is, the “CIFS” address in the address book 28) and store the executable file 136 in the folder 134. In this case, when the address of the designated folder is input to the multi-function device 20, the executable file 136 is automatically stored in the designated folder of the PC 60.

(2) A communication format other than CIFS may be used. For example, FTP (File Transfer Protocol), SMB (Server Message Block), WebDAV (Web Distributed Authoring and Versioning protocol), or the like may be used.

(3) In each of the above embodiments, the scan data file created by the multi-function device 20 is stored in the designated folder of the PC 60. However, the technology of each of the above embodiments can also be used in a system that stores other types of data files in the designated folder of the PC 60. For example, a system that stores facsimile data received by the multi-function device 20 in a designated folder of the PC 60 may be realized.

(4) In each of the embodiments described above, the PC 60 transmits the changed address to the multi-function device 20 when the address of the designated folder has changed. However, the PC 60 may transmit the address of the designated folder to the multi-function device 20 at a predetermined timing (for example, periodically) regardless of whether there is a change.

(5) In each of the above embodiments, the PC 60 specifies a device included in the Nodes file 138 and transmits a CHANGE command or a DELETE command to the specified device. That is, the PC 60 transmits a CHANGE command and a DELETE command by unicast communication. However, the PC 60 may transmit a CHANGE command or a DELETE command to each device using broadcast communication (without specifying a destination). In this case, the Nodes file becomes unnecessary.

  The technical elements described in this specification or the drawings exhibit technical usefulness alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technology illustrated in the present specification or the drawings achieves a plurality of objects at the same time, and has technical utility by achieving one of the objects.

The configuration of the multi-function device system is shown. An example of the contents stored in the address book of the multi-function device is shown. An example of the storage contents of the PC memory is shown. 6 shows a flowchart of address book management processing of a multi-function device. An example of the display content of the display part of a multi-function device is shown. The flowchart of Nodes registration processing of a multi-function device is shown. An example of a Nodes file is shown. An example of a Nodes file is shown. 2 shows a flowchart of scan processing of a multi-function device. The flowchart of the scan data storage process of PC is shown. The flowchart of the folder monitoring process of PC is shown. 12 is a flowchart continued from FIG. 11. An example of the storage contents of the monitoring address storage area is shown. An example of the storage content of a log storage area is shown. 6 shows a flowchart of address update processing of a multi-function device. The flowchart of the folder monitoring process of PC is shown. 6 shows a flowchart of address update processing of a multi-function device.

Explanation of symbols

10: Multi-function device system 20: Multi-function device 26: Memory 28: Address book 30: Program 34: Control unit 40: Scanner 60: PC
66: Control unit 68: Memory 70: Folder 72: File 74: Program 130, 132, 134, 140: Folder 136: Executable file 138: Nodes file 150: Scan data file 200: Monitoring address storage area 210: Log storage area

Claims (7)

A communication device that stores a data file transmitted from another communication device in a designated folder that is designated in advance by itself,
A data memory capable of storing data files using a hierarchical structure of folders and files;
A location information memory for storing location information of the designated folder;
Position information specifying means for specifying position information of the designated folder;
Change specifying means for specifying that the position information of the designated folder has changed by comparing the position information stored in the position information memory with the position information specified by the position information specifying means;
Position information transmitting means for transmitting the changed position information to the other communication device on condition that the change specifying means specifies that the position information of the designated folder has changed,
Update means for updating the position information stored in the position information memory to the position information after the change on the condition that the change specifying means specifies that the position information of the designated folder has changed,
Position information-file receiving means for receiving the changed position information and a specific data file transmitted from the other communication device;
When the changed location information and the specific data file are received by the location information-file receiving means, the specific data file is stored in the designated folder specified by the changed location information. in so that the storage control means for storing the specific data file to the data memory,
A communication device comprising: On condition that the position information of the specified folder that has changed is specified by the change specification means, further comprises a communication determining means for determining whether it is capable of communicating with the other communication apparatus,
The communication determining means transmits a packet to the other communication device, determines that communication with the other communication device is possible when a reply packet is obtained, and if the reply packet is not obtained, Determining that communication with the other communication device is not possible,
Wherein the position information transmitting means includes a feature to be transmitted by said communication determination means on condition that it is determined to be capable of communicating with the other communication apparatus, the location information after the change to the other communication device The communication device according to claim 1 . The communication determination unit, when a predetermined period after it is determined that not able to communicate with the other communication device has passed, and wherein the determining whether it is capable of communicating with the other communication apparatus again The communication apparatus according to claim 2 . The change specifying means can specify that the designated folder has been deleted,
Remove the can before Symbol specified folder is deleted transmitting condition that specified by the change specification means, and information indicating a deletion and the position information stored in the position information memory to said other communication device the communication apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by further comprising an information transmitting unit 3. Further comprising a first input device configured to allow the user to input the positional information of the folder,
The position information memory, said by storing the position information inputted to the first input means, a communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by storing the position information of the specified folder . The position information memory by storing the position information of the folder containing the predetermined file, the communication device according to any one of the four claims 1, characterized by storing the position information of the specified folder . A computer program for a communication device that stores a data file transmitted from another communication device in a designated folder designated in advance of the data file,
The communication device includes a data memory capable of storing a data file using a hierarchical structure of folders and files, and a position information memory for storing position information of the designated folder,
The computer program stores the following processes on a computer mounted on the communication device , that is,
Position information specifying processing for specifying position information of the designated folder;
A change specifying process for specifying that the position information of the designated folder has changed by comparing the position information stored in the position information memory with the position information specified in the position information specifying process;
A position information transmission process for transmitting the changed position information to the other communication device on the condition that the change specifying process specifies that the position information of the designated folder has changed,
An update process for updating the position information stored in the position information memory to the position information after the change on the condition that the change specifying process specifies that the position information of the designated folder has changed,
When the changed location information and a specific data file transmitted from the other communication device are received, the specific data file is stored in the designated folder specified by the changed location information. A storage control process for storing the specific data file in the data memory ;
A computer program that executes

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