JP5961983B2 - Image processing apparatus, processing method thereof, and program. - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of transmitting an image file of a read original, a control method thereof, and a program.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a mechanism for digitizing a paper document is used in which a document is scanned by a multifunction device or the like, and image data of the scanned document is transmitted from the multifunction device to a client PC.

  With this mechanism, when image data is transmitted from a multifunction peripheral to a client PC, FTP or SMB is generally used.

  In this FTP, it is necessary to install an FTP server in each client PC, which is troublesome. In SMB, it is necessary to create a shared folder on the client PC, and there are cases where it cannot be used because it does not match the security policy of the company.

  Therefore, as in Patent Document 1, there is a mechanism for transmitting image data by mail.

JP 2005-210187 A

  However, the mechanism for transmitting image data by e-mail as in Patent Document 1 may place a load on the e-mail server.

  In addition, since the multifunction device has a large capacity storage, the scanned image data is stored in the multifunction device instead of sending the image data attached to the mail, and the user can read from the client terminal. A mechanism for accessing a multifunction device and acquiring image data is desired.

  In that case, it may be possible to notify the user that the image data is stored in the multifunction device by e-mail, but the user who actually logs in the multifunction device and the user who actually acquires the image data are different from the user who scanned the document. In this case, it is conceivable that a user who cannot log in to the MFP is notified by e-mail.

  For example, when a user notified by e-mail tries to access a multifunction machine notified by e-mail from a client terminal in order to acquire image data, the image data cannot be acquired without being able to log in.

  This is because MFPs that can log in with the authentication server are managed so that they cannot log in to various MFPs. Particularly in a large company, since a plurality of multifunction peripherals are installed on each floor, for example, it is possible to restrict the multifunction peripherals that can log in as the floor where the user is and the shared floor.

Therefore, the present invention refers to authentication information used for login of an image processing apparatus, specifies an image processing apparatus to which a mail destination user can log in, transmits an electronic file, and links in the image processing apparatus that can log in It is an object of the present invention to provide a mechanism for preventing electronic files from being stored and downloaded from an image processing apparatus that cannot log in by sending information by e-mail .

To achieve the object of the present invention, a user information capable of identifying a User chromatography THE, and an image processing apparatus information indicating the login image processing apparatus capable of by the user, it is used to log in the image processing apparatus authentication information An image processing apparatus that stores an electronic file communicable with a storage device that stores information, based on a transmission destination acquisition unit that acquires a transmission destination for transmitting the electronic file, and a transmission destination acquired by the transmission destination acquisition unit the storage device in the authentication information stored in the transmission and reference means for referring to the image processing apparatus information signal destination user by log capable image processing apparatus, an image processing obtained by the reference by said reference means and apparatus information, the following image processing apparatus information of the image processing apparatus for storing electronic files, the destination users the image acquired by the destination acquisition section If that is not possible login to the processing apparatus, an image processing apparatus corresponding to the image processing apparatus information obtained by the reference by said reference means, user login destination acquired by the destination acquisition section Electronic file transmission means for transmitting the electronic file to another possible image processing apparatus , and link information for downloading the electronic file transmitted by the electronic file transmission means and stored in the other image processing apparatus The acquisition means acquired from the other image processing apparatus, and the link mail input with the link information acquired by the acquisition means is a user who cannot log in to the image processing apparatus and acquired by the transmission destination acquisition means And a mail transmission means for transmitting to the destination.

In addition, when the transmission destination user acquired by the transmission destination acquisition unit is a user who can log in to the image processing apparatus from the information processing apparatus, the acquisition unit stores the electronic file stored in the image processing apparatus. It further comprises mail generation means for acquiring link information and generating a link mail in which the link information acquired by the acquisition means is input according to the transmission destination.

A transmission setting means for setting the source and destination of the electronic file, a transmission determining means for determining whether the transmission source information and destination information set by the setting means are identical, the transmission determination When the means determines that the transmission destination information and the transmission source information match, the acquisition means acquires link information of an electronic file stored in the image processing apparatus .

When the transmission determination unit determines that the transmission destination information and the transmission source information do not match, it determines whether the transmission destination user is a user who can log in to the image processing apparatus from the information processing apparatus. It further comprises a determination means .

The reference by the reference means is the authentication information stored in the storage device provided in the authentication server, the authentication information stored in the storage device provided in the image processing device, or the storage device provided in the image processing device. By referring to stored login history information, it is determined whether or not the transmission destination user acquired by the transmission destination acquisition unit is a user who can log in to the image processing apparatus.

  Further, the electronic file is a file generated by scanning a paper document.

According to the present invention, referring to authentication information used for logging in to an image processing apparatus, specifying an image processing apparatus to which a mail transmission destination user can log in, transmitting an electronic file, and a link in the image processing apparatus capable of logging in By sending the information by e-mail, it is possible to prevent the electronic file from being stored in the image processing apparatus that cannot be logged in and downloaded.

The figure which shows the system configuration | structure in this embodiment Block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus applicable to the authentication server 200, the mail server 300, and the client PC 400 Block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the controller unit of the multifunction machine 100 Functional block diagram showing functions of the multifunction peripheral 100 and the authentication server 200 Functional block diagram showing functions of mail server 300 and client terminal 400 The figure which shows an example of the user table for managing user information in the authentication server 200 Screen that displays a list of recipients Destination details setting screen Address list screen after adding multiple addresses Address book reference screen when adding a destination A screen to notify the completion of email transmission Change screen for changing attachment settings Image diagram of mail sent to main (To) destination client PC in destination list An image of a mail transmitted to a client PC of a sub (Cc) destination in the destination list. Flow chart for logging in Flow chart for setting the destination Flow chart for sending mail to mail server 300 Flowchart for sending mail according to the second embodiment Flow chart showing the processing of a multifunction device that can log in The figure which shows the outline of the one aspect | mode of embodiment. Flowchart for explaining the processing of the third embodiment

Embodiment 1
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a print system to which a client PC, an authentication server, a multifunction peripheral (image forming apparatus), and a mail server according to the present invention can be applied.

  The client terminal 400, the authentication server 200, the mail server 300, and the multifunction peripheral 100 are communicably connected via a LAN 600 (network).

  The multifunction peripheral 100 scans and digitizes a paper document (paper document), designates a destination designated by the user, attaches electronic data to an electronic mail (hereinafter, mail), and transmits the electronic data to the mail server 300. It has a function. The digitized data is temporarily stored in the HDD of the multi-function device 100, and the data designated for each destination can be attached to the mail, and the mail can be transmitted via the LAN 600. That is, the multifunction peripheral is an image processing apparatus or an image forming apparatus that stores an electronic file.

  The authentication server 200 holds a definition file that holds the card ID 601 shown in FIG. 6 and user information (user name 602, mail address 603, multifunction device information 604) associated with the card. The user is searched according to the card ID transmitted from the multifunction device 100. If the user exists, the user name 602, the mail address 603, and the multifunction device information 604 of the user information are returned to the multifunction device 100. The multi-function peripheral information 604 is information for identifying a multi-function peripheral that can be logged in (accessed) with user information having a card. The MFP information may be any information that can be identified, such as the MFP name and the IP address of the MFP.

  The mail server 300 has a general SMTP function, receives mail transmitted from the multifunction peripheral 100, and transfers it to the client terminal 400 having a specified mail address.

A mail client is installed in the client terminal 400, and this mail client can receive mail transferred from the mail server.

  Hereinafter, the hardware configuration of the information processing apparatus applicable to the authentication server 200, the mail server 300, and the client terminal 400 illustrated in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus applicable to the authentication server 200, the mail server 300, and the client terminal 400 illustrated in FIG.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a CPU that comprehensively controls each device and controller connected to the system bus 204. Further, the ROM 202 or the external memory 211 is necessary to realize a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) or an operating system program (hereinafter referred to as an OS), which is a control program of the CPU 201, or a function executed by each server or each PC. Various programs to be described later are stored.

  A RAM 203 functions as a main memory, work area, and the like for the CPU 201. The CPU 201 implements various operations by loading a program or the like necessary for execution of processing from the ROM 202 or the external memory 211 into the RAM 203 and executing the loaded program.

  An input controller 205 controls input from a keyboard (KB) 209 or a pointing device such as a mouse (not shown). A video controller 206 controls display on a display device such as a CRT display (CRT) 210. In FIG. 2, although described as CRT 210, the display device is not limited to the CRT, but may be another display device such as a liquid crystal display. These are used by the administrator as needed.

  A memory controller 207 is connected to the hard disk (HD), flexible disk (FD), or PCMCIA card slot for storing a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, editing files, various data, etc. via an adapter. The access to the external memory 211 such as a compact flash (registered trademark) memory is controlled.

  A communication I / F controller 208 is connected to and communicates with an external device via a network (for example, the LAN 600 shown in FIG. 1), and executes communication control processing on the network. For example, communication using TCP / IP is possible.

  Note that the CPU 201 enables display on the CRT 210 by executing outline font rasterization processing on a display information area in the RAM 203, for example. In addition, the CPU 201 enables a user instruction with a mouse cursor (not shown) on the CRT 210.

  Various programs to be described later for realizing the present invention are recorded in the external memory 211 and executed by the CPU 201 by being loaded into the RAM 203 as necessary. Furthermore, definition files and various information tables used when executing the program are also stored in the external memory 211, and a detailed description thereof will be described later.

  Next, the hardware configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the multifunction peripheral 100 illustrated in FIG.

  In FIG. 3, reference numeral 316 denotes a controller unit which is connected to a scanner unit 314 functioning as an image input device and a printer unit 312 functioning as an image output device, while being connected to a LAN (for example, the LAN 600 shown in FIG. 1) or a public line ( (WAN) (for example, PSTN or ISDN) to input / output image data and device information.

  In the controller unit 316, reference numeral 301 denotes a CPU, which is a processor that controls the entire system. A RAM 302 is a system work memory for the CPU 301 to operate, and is also a program memory for recording a program and an image memory for temporarily recording image data.

  A ROM 303 stores a system boot program and various control programs. A hard disk drive (HDD) 304 stores various programs for controlling the system, image data, and the like.

  An operation unit interface (operation unit I / F) 307 is an interface unit with the operation unit (keyboard) 308. Further, the operation unit I / F 307 serves to transmit the key information (for example, pressing of the start button) input from the operation unit 308 to the CPU 301.

  A network interface (Network I / F) 305 is connected to the network (LAN) 600 and inputs / outputs data. In the present embodiment, in particular, mail is transmitted to the mail server via the network. A modem (MODEM) 306 is connected to a public line and inputs / outputs data such as FAX transmission / reception.

  Reference numeral 318 denotes an external interface (external I / F), which is an I / F unit that accepts external inputs such as USB, IEEE 1394, printer port, and RS-232C. In this embodiment, an IC card for a portable terminal required for authentication A card reader 319 for reading (storage medium) is connected to the external I / F unit 318. The CPU 301 can control reading of information from the IC card of the mobile terminal by the card reader 319 via the external I / F 318, and can acquire information read from the IC card of the mobile terminal. The above devices are arranged on the system bus 309.

  Reference numeral 320 denotes an image bus interface (IMAGE BUS I / F), which is a bus bridge that connects the system bus 309 and an image bus 315 that transfers image data at high speed and converts the data structure.

  The image bus 315 is configured by a PCI bus or IEEE1394. The following devices are arranged on the image bus 315.

  A raster image processor (RIP) 310 develops vector data such as a PDL code into a bitmap image. A printer interface (printer I / F) 311 connects the printer unit 312 and the controller unit 316 and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. A scanner interface (scanner I / F) 313 connects the scanner unit 314 and the controller unit 316 and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.

  An image processing unit 317 performs correction, processing, and editing on input image data, and performs printer correction, resolution conversion, and the like on print output image data. In addition to this, the image processing unit 317 performs image data rotation and compression / decompression processing such as JPEG for multi-valued image data and JBIG, MMR, MH for binary image data.

  The scanner unit 314 illuminates an image on a paper serving as a document (paper document) and scans it with a CCD line sensor, thereby converting the image into an electrical signal as raster image data. The original paper is set on the tray of the original feeder, and when the apparatus user gives a reading start instruction from the operation unit 308, the CPU 301 gives an instruction to the scanner unit 314, and the feeder feeds the original paper one by one to read the original image. Perform the action.

  The printer unit 312 is a part that converts raster image data into an image on paper. The method is an electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum or a photosensitive belt, and ink is ejected from a micro nozzle array directly on the paper. There is an inkjet method for printing an image, but any method may be used. The activation of the printing operation is started by an instruction from the CPU 301. The printer unit 312 has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and has a paper cassette corresponding thereto.

  The operation unit 308 has an LCD display unit, and a touch panel sheet is pasted on the LCD. The operation unit 308 displays an operation screen of the system. When a displayed key is pressed, the position information is displayed on the operation unit I / F 307. To the CPU 301 via The operation unit 308 includes, for example, a start key, a stop key, an ID key, a reset key, and the like as various operation keys.

  Note that the display unit has different display performance depending on the printer, and a printer that can be operated via a touch panel, a printer that simply has a liquid crystal screen and displays a character string (displays the print status and the name of the document being printed). Is structured.

  Here, the start key of the operation unit 308 is used when starting a document image reading operation. At the center of the start key, there are two color LEDs, green and red, which indicate whether or not the start key can be used. Further, the stop key of the operation unit 308 functions to stop the operation in operation. The ID key of the operation unit 308 is used when inputting the user ID of the user. The reset key is used when initializing settings from the operation unit.

  The card reader 319 reads information stored in an IC card provided in the mobile terminal under the control of the CPU 301 and notifies the CPU 301 of the read information via the external I / F 318.

  With the configuration described above, the multi-function device 100 can transmit the image data read from the scanner unit 314 to the LAN 600 and print out the print data received from the LAN 600 using the printer unit 312.

  Further, the image data read from the scanner unit 314 can be fax-transmitted on the public line by the modem 306, and the image data received by FAX from the public line can be output by the printer unit 312.

  Hereinafter, functions in each terminal in the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

  In addition, since detailed description of each terminal will be described later with reference to flowcharts, here, description will be given using functional block diagrams described in various terminals.

  The functions of the multifunction peripheral 100 and the authentication server 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the MFP 100, an authentication module 1100 and a scan module 1200 are installed in the HDD 304, the authentication module 1100 has an authentication function 1101, and the scan module 1200 has a scan function 1201 and a mail transmission function 1202. Note that the functions of the authentication module 1100 and the scan module 1200 may be provided as functions in the main body control platform of the multifunction peripheral 100.

  The authentication server 200 includes an authentication service 2100, and the authentication service 2100 includes a user information management function 2101 and a user information response function 2102.

  The multi-function device 100 can communicate with the authentication server 200 via a network. Further, the multi-function device 100 can scan a paper document and convert it into electronic data.

  The authentication function 1101 reads the card ID of the logged-in user via the card reader 319 attached to the multi-function peripheral 100, and includes the card ID so that the user information response function 2102 of the authentication server 200 can receive the card ID. Send a request packet.

  Then, the response flag in the response packet returned by the user information response function 2102 of the authentication server 200 is acquired. If the authentication fails, a message indicating that the authentication has failed is displayed to the user, and the process is terminated. If the authentication is successful, user information (602, 603, 604 in FIG. 6) in the response packet is acquired, and login information including the user name 602 and the mail address 603 is generated. The case of successful authentication is a case where the card ID exists in the authentication table and the requested multifunction device matches the multifunction device information 604.

  In the authentication server 200, when it is determined whether there is a card ID that matches the authentication table, whether the MFP information and the MFP match in the MFP that has received authentication success information as successful authentication. It is also possible to log in to the multi-function peripheral as a successful authentication if they match.

  Further, in order to notify that the user has logged in, the login information is notified to the scan module.

  The scan function 1201 displays a destination setting screen as shown in FIGS. 7 to 12, and accepts a destination of a mail transmission destination and detailed attached information setting for each destination. In response to a scan execution request from the user, a paper document set in the multifunction peripheral 100 is scanned, converted into electronic data, and temporarily stored in the HDD 304.

  The mail transmission function 1202 attaches the electronic data stored in the HDD 304 to a mail for each destination set by the scan function 1201 so that it can be received by the mail reception function 3101 of the mail server 300.

  The user information management function 2101 stores and updates the user information table shown in FIG.

  The user information response function 2102 receives the authentication packet transmitted from the authentication function 1101 of the multifunction peripheral 100, and acquires card information (card ID) from the received authentication packet. User information linked to the card information is searched from the user information table shown in FIG. 6, and user information (user name 602, mail) is sent back to return the user name 602, mail address 603, and multifunction machine information 604 obtained as a result of the search. A response packet including an address 603, MFP information 604) and a response flag is returned.

  Next, functions of the mail server 300 and the client terminal 400 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The mail server 300 has an SMTP service 3100, and the client terminal 400 is installed with a mailer 4100 (mail client software) that can receive mail from the mail server.

  The SMTP service 3100 has a mail receiving function 3101 and a mail transfer function 3102, and the mailer 4100 (mail client software) has a mail receiving function 4101.

  The mail server 300 can communicate with the MFP 100 via a network, and the mail server 300 can communicate with the client terminal 400 via a network.

  The mail reception function 3101 is a function as an SMTP server, and receives mail transmitted from the mail transmission function 1202 on the multifunction peripheral 100.

  The mail transfer function 3102 is a function as an SMTP server, and transfers the mail received by the mail reception function 3101 to the client terminal 400 corresponding to the transfer destination mail address.

  The mail receiving function 4101 receives mail transmitted from the mail server 300 and displays the text and attached file separately for the user.

  Next, one mode of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In one mode shown in FIG. 20, the scan function 1201 and the mail transmission function 1202 are the main body functions of the platform, the scan module 1200 receives the mail transmitted by the mail transmission function, stores the scan data in the HDD 304, and the link A description will be given of a configuration for sending mail.

  FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an outline of one aspect of the present embodiment. In this figure, although it is described as a scan module for convenience, the scan module has an SMTP port and can be rephrased as a scan module because it can transmit mail. That is, the present invention is not limited to the module name. Hereinafter, the CPU 301 executes each function of the module and the platform.

  The multifunction device 100 has a platform such as an operating system, and the platform has a scan function and a mail transmission function as main body functions of the multifunction device 100. It also has an authentication module and a scan module that operate on the platform. Note that the authentication module and the scan module are programs (software) that can be arbitrarily installed in the multifunction peripheral 100.

  (1) The scan function reads an original with the scanner unit 314 and generates image data. (2) The generated image data is attached to an e-mail by an e-mail transmission function, and delivered to the scan module through a local host connection. In the mail transmission function, an address of a transmission destination (To) and a transmission source (From) is set, and an email with image data attached is generated. Note that the sender (From) is set to the email address received from the authentication server 200 when logging into the multifunction peripheral 100. That is, it is a process for setting a transmission destination and a transmission source for transmitting an electronic file by mail (transmission setting).

  (3) The scan module opens the SMTP port No. 25 and receives (acquires) the mail output from the mail transmission function via the SMTP port. Further, the scan module compares the acquired mail addresses (From and To) to determine whether to store the image data in the HDD 304 of the MFP 100 or to store it in another MFP 100.

  (4-1) If From and To match, that is, if the email address of the user who has logged in to the multifunction device 100 is set to From and To, the user accesses the multifunction device 100 to obtain the image data. Since it can be acquired, the image data attached to the mail is acquired and stored in the HDD 304. (5) A link mail including link information for acquiring the image data is generated and transmitted to the mail server 300. In this case, the addresses (From and To) are the same address. Note that in one aspect of the present embodiment, the match between From and To is determined, but the authentication server is inquired of the user with the mail address of To to determine whether the user can log in to the multifunction peripheral 100 (transmit link email). Determination).

  (4-2) When From and To do not match, that is, the mail address of the user who has logged into the multifunction device 100 is set to From, and the mail address of a user different from the user who has logged into the multifunction device 100 is set to To In this case, the user with the mail address set in To may not be able to access the multifunction device 100 to acquire image data, so the authentication server 200 or the authentication table provided in the multifunction device 100 is provided. It is used to determine whether the user can log in to the multifunction device 100. If it is determined that the user cannot log in, the attached data is transmitted to the MFP capable of logging in according to the MFP identification information (the MFP name and IP address) of the MFP capable of logging in by the user having the To mail address acquired from the authentication server 200. Then, the attached data is stored in the HDD 304.

  In (4-3), link information for acquiring the image data is acquired, and the link information is transmitted to the original multifunction device. The link information is a URL or the like that includes information for identifying image data. The destination of the attached mail received in (3) is set, a mail describing the received link information is generated, and the mail is transmitted to the mail server 300 (5).

  In addition to the local host connection, when an email is sent to the scan module from an external terminal having an IP address different from the IP address of the multifunction device 100, control is performed so as not to receive it.

  The mail server 300 receives the link mail from the multifunction device 100 and transmits it to the client terminal 400.

  (6) The client terminal 400 receives the link mail. In the case of a link mail, the image data is downloaded according to the link information for acquiring (downloading) the image data stored in the MFP 100 described in the mail. When downloading image data, for example, when the user specifies link information of an email, the download is started and downloaded from the multifunction device 100 to the client terminal 400.

  In addition, when there is no MFP that can log in to the user corresponding to To's e-mail address, you can set whether to send an e-mail with attached image data, or not send (prohibit) a link e-mail or attached e-mail. In accordance with this setting, a mail transmission process is performed when there is no multifunction machine that can log in by the user corresponding to the mail address of To.

  Next, this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. Note that characteristic steps in the present embodiment are, for example, steps S1719 to S1724.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart of user authentication processing according to the embodiment of the present invention. Each process will be described together with the number of steps.

  Note that step S1501, step S1502, and step S1504 to step S1506 are executed by the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral 100. In addition, step S1503 is executed by the CPU 201 of the authentication server 200.

  In step S1501, the card reader reads the card ID by holding the card over the card reader 319 connected to the multifunction peripheral 100 as a user operation. The authentication function 1101 of the multifunction peripheral 100 acquires the card ID read by the card reader 319. In addition to the card ID, the user ID may be used when the user ID is stored in the card.

  In the case where the user name and password are held in the user information table as shown in FIG. 6 held by the authentication server 200, the user name and password are sent from the operation unit of the multifunction peripheral 100 to the user. Alternatively, the user name and password may be acquired.

  In step S1502, when the authentication function 1101 acquires a card ID (or a user name password), the authentication function 1101 generates a user authentication request packet including an authentication request flag for user authentication and a card ID, and transmits the user authentication request packet to the authentication server 200.

  In step S <b> 1503, the user information response function 2102 acquires a card ID from the authentication request packet transmitted from the multifunction device 100. Further, the user information table in FIG. 6 is searched using the acquired card ID as a key (for example, 001 to 009), the user name 602, the mail address 603, and the MFP information 604 are acquired, and an authentication response packet including the same is generated. The response is returned to the multifunction device 100.

  In step S1504, the authentication function 1101 receives an authentication response packet from the authentication server 200. The user name and e-mail address (user information) are acquired from the received packet. Also, login information is generated based on the acquired user information, and is notified to the scan function 1201 of the multifunction peripheral 100.

  In step S <b> 1505, when the login information is notified from the authentication function 1101, the scan function 1201 acquires the user name and mail address in the login information and stores them in the RAM 302.

  Next, FIG. 16 is a flowchart when a destination is added in the embodiment of the present invention. Each process will be described together with the number of steps.

  Note that steps S1601 to S1618 are executed by the CPU 301 of the multifunction machine 100.

  When logging in to the multifunction device 100 in step S1506, in step S1601, the scan function 1201 displays a mail transmission screen as shown in FIG. 7 on the operation screen of the operation unit 308 of the multifunction device 100.

  In step S <b> 1602, the scan function 1201 holds the logged-in user name in the RAM 302 in order to display the logged-in user name in the MFP 100 in FIG. 7.

  In step S <b> 1603, the scan function 1201 acquires the mail address corresponding to the displayed user name from the login information and stores it in the RAM 302.

  In step S1604, the scan function 1201 displays the user name held in step S1602 on the mail transmission screen shown in FIG. Note that the maximum capacity of the attached file is read and displayed on the setting information (maximum capacity of the attached file) stored in the setting file that can be referred to by the scan module 1200. Note that the maximum capacity of the attached file is information that can be changed by the administrator depending on the operation.

  In step S <b> 1605, the scan function 1201 generates an empty destination list for holding a mail transmission destination and stores it in the RAM 302.

  In step S1606, the scan function 1201 adds the mail address of the login user stored in the RAM 302 in step S1603 as the main address to the destination list generated in step S1605 (destination setting).

  At that time, [all data] (attachment) is held as attachment file information in the destination detailed information (providing method). In the present embodiment, “all data” (attachment) is designated as the default attached information of the main destination, but a configuration in which the default value can be changed by application settings may be used. That is, it is a process of setting a method for providing all data (electronic data (file) generated in step S1705) to a user (client terminal 400) by attaching it to an email.

  The main address may be designated by the user from the address book held in the multi-function device 100 without setting the login user's address as a default setting.

  In step S1607, the processing in steps S1608 to S1619 is processing for adding a new destination (destination setting). When adding a plurality of destinations, Steps S1608 to S1619 are repeated as many times as the number of times the user's designation is accepted.

  In step S1608, when a new destination is added, pressing of the [add destination] button on the mail transmission screen shown in FIG. 7 is accepted.

  In step S1609, the scan function 1201 accepts that the [add destination] button has been pressed, and displays the add destination screen shown in FIG.

  In step S1610, whether or not the pressing of the [reference address book] button on the destination addition screen shown in FIG. 8 is accepted in order to display the reference screen by searching from the address book already existing in the multi-function peripheral 100 when adding the destination. Determine. If the pressing of the address book reference button is accepted, the process proceeds to step S1612. If the address book reference button is not pressed and the instruction to the address input field on the destination addition screen in FIG. The process moves to step S1611.

  In step S1611, input of a destination address is directly accepted from the address input field on the destination addition screen in FIG. For input, a soft keyboard is displayed on the operation unit to allow the user to input.

  In step S1612, the scan function 1201 displays the address book screen shown in FIG. In the address book screen, the mail address data managed by the multifunction device 100 is acquired and displayed.

  In step S1613, selection of a destination address to be added is accepted from the address book screen of FIG.

  In step S1614, when the [Add] button on the address book screen in FIG. 10 is pressed, the address selected in step S1613 is acquired. Although only one destination can be set on the destination addition screen of FIG. 8, in the case of referring to the address book, when a plurality of destinations are selected on the address book screen of FIG. 10, a configuration in which a plurality of destinations can be added at once. There may be.

  In step S1615, the scan function 1201 displays the address selected in step S1614 in the address input field of the address addition screen in FIG. When a plurality of addresses are selected on the address book screen, it is possible to edit the plurality of addresses by pulling down the address input field in FIG. At this time, when [Set to main (To)] on the address addition screen in FIG. 8 is checked, it is added as the main address. When the check is not added, it is added as a sub (Cc (carbon copy)) address. The destination (address) set as “main” is set in the mail so that it can be identified as the destination (To) of the transmission information (header part) of the mail. Further, the destination (address) set as sub is set in the mail so that it can be identified as Cc (carbon copy) of the mail destination information (header part). That is, it is a process of setting a transmission destination for sending an electronic file by mail (transmission setting).

  In step S1616, when an address is displayed in the address input field, an input for setting an attached file to be added to the added address is accepted.

  For the setting of the attached file, “all data (attached)” and “link URL” can be set. “All data” is a setting for attaching all scanned data to an email (setting for attaching electronic data (file) generated in step S1705 to an email). The “link URL” is a setting for writing link information (acquisition information for acquiring electronic data) including a storage destination from which electronic data generated by scanning a document can be acquired in an email. In other words, the attachment file setting (attachment setting) sets a method of providing electronic data (file) to the user (client terminal 400) using at least one of all data and link URL. In addition, “all data” is a first method of attaching image data (file) to an email, and “link URL” is a second method of adding image file information corresponding to image data (file). Is also possible.

  In step S1617, when all the settings for adding an address have been completed, the user accepts pressing of the [Add] button on the FIG. 8 address addition screen.

  In step S1618, when the [Add] button is pressed in step S1617, the scan function 1201 displays the mail transmission screen of FIG. 9 displaying the addresses additionally set in steps S1611 to S1617. Information including the address and setting information (main / sub and attached settings) added at this time is added to the destination list of the RAM 302 generated in step S1605.

  Next, FIG. 17 is a flowchart from document scanning to mail transmission in the embodiment of the present invention. Each process will be described together with the number of steps.

  Steps S1701 to S1725 are executed by the CPU 301 of the multifunction peripheral 100.

  In step S1701, the user accepts pressing of the [Send] button on the mail transmission screen in FIG.

  In step S1702, when the [Send] button is pressed in step S1701, the scan function 1201 starts reading processing of a document (paper document) set in the scanner unit 314 of the multifunction peripheral 100. Specifically, the scan module 1200 issues a document reading request to the main body control platform of the multifunction peripheral 100, and issues a document reading request from the main body control platform to the scanner unit.

  Note that the processing in steps S1703 to S1704 is repeated for the number of documents.

  In step S <b> 1703, the scanner unit 314 of the multifunction peripheral 100 reads the set originals one by one from the scan function 1201 according to the original reading request.

  In step S <b> 1704, the scanner unit 314 of the multifunction peripheral 100 passes the scanned original electronic data (image data) to the scan function 1201. Upon receiving the electronic data, the scan function 1201 stores electronic data for one document in the HDD 304 of the multifunction peripheral 100.

  In step S1705, when all the reading of the document is completed, all electronic data is converted into a single electronic data (one file) in a predetermined file format (TIFF or PDF) and stored in the HDD 304 (image file acquisition). ). That is, it is a process of saving an electronic file. After storing the electronic data (one file) in the HDD 304, the scan function 1201 generates and holds a URL associated with the storage location of the electronic data. That is, it is a process for generating a URL (link information) (link information generation) in accordance with storage of an electronic file.

  The URL created here is used when downloading the electronic data generated in step S1704 from the client PC. Also, the electronic data stored in the HDD 304 in step S1704 is automatically deleted after a predetermined time has elapsed.

  In step S1706, the scan function 1201 acquires [maximum capacity of attached file] displayed on the mail transmission screen shown in FIG.

  In step S1707, the scan function 1201 determines whether there is a destination to which the electronic data stored in step S1705 needs to be attached from the destination list generated in step S1605.

  In step S1708, if there is a destination to which electronic data should be attached in step S1707, the scan function 1201 acquires the file size (data amount) of the electronic data (one file) saved in step S1704 (size). Acquisition).

  In step S1709, the scan function 1201 determines whether the file size acquired in step S1708 exceeds the maximum capacity (predetermined size) of the attached file stored in the RAM 302 in step S1706 (size determination).

  In the present embodiment, since the mails for the destinations in the destination list are transmitted, even if the file size of the electronic data (one file) is small, the total file size becomes large. Therefore, when electronic data (one file) is sent to all destinations, it is determined whether “number of destinations × file size of electronic data (one file)” exceeds the maximum capacity of the attached file. In this form, if “the number of destinations × the file size of electronic data (1 file)” exceeds the maximum capacity of the attached file, the process proceeds to step S1710, and “the number of destinations × the file size of electronic data (1 file)”. If does not exceed the maximum capacity of the attached file, the process proceeds to step S1712.

  In step S1710, when the scan function 1201 determines in step S1709 that the file size acquired in step S1708 exceeds the maximum capacity of the attached file, the scan function 1201 displays the attachment setting change screen shown in FIG. That is, the attached setting change screen is a change screen for changing the method of providing image data (file).

  In step S1711, an attachment setting change instruction corresponding to a user operation is received via the attachment setting change screen, and the attachment setting is changed for each of the main (main) and sub (sub) destination categories.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in the case of main, it is possible to select from [all data] [link URL]. Even if the size of the file acquired in step S1708 exceeds the [maximum capacity of attached file held] in the memory in step S1706, it is permitted to attach all data only to the main destination.

  In the present embodiment, it is configured to allow attachment of all data only to the main destination. However, it is also possible not to permit attachment of all data even to the main destination. is there. This is described in the setting file that can be referred to by the scan module 1200 held by the multi-function peripheral 100, whether or not to allow attachment of all data to the main destination. Even if it is a main destination, when it is not permitted to attach all data, control is performed in the same manner as a sub destination.

  In the case of a sub destination, attachment of all data is not permitted, and therefore [link URL] is selected. If the setting is made here, the attachment setting of the destination belonging to each of main and sub is changed and stored in the destination list generated in step S1605.

  In step S1712, mail is generated according to the attachment setting for each destination in the destination list by repeating the processing from step S1713 to step S1724 (e-mail generation). In the description of this flowchart, since the scan function 1201 and the mail transmission function 1202 are functions realized in the scan module, the mail transmission function 1202 refers to the electronic data generated by the scan function 1201 and the data stored in the RAM 302. It is possible to operate.

  In step S1713, the mail transmission function 1202 acquires one piece of destination information (mail address and setting information (attached information)) from the destination information stored in the destination list. That is, it is a process (transmission destination acquisition) for acquiring the transmission destination of the electronic mail.

  In step S1714, the mail transmission function 1202 acquires the attachment setting from the destination information acquired in step S1715.

  In step S1715, the mail transmission function 1202 generates a mail text as shown in FIG. 13 or 14 so that the user can acquire the image data. The user who sent the email is described in the email body. In the [Destination] field in the mail text, the destination (mail address) included in the destination list and the information to be attached specified by the attachment setting are described. This is because when the mail is sent, since the sender is the multifunction device 100, the From is the multifunction device 100, and both the main address and the sub address are set to the mail To. This is to allow the user to recognize which user sent as the actual To and which user sent as the actual Cc.

  In step S1716, the mail transmission function 1202 acquires attachment information from the destination information acquired in step S1715, and determines whether image data needs to be attached.

  In step S1717, the mail transmission function 1202 attaches the image data saved in step S1705 to the mail as an attached file when it is determined in step S1718 that the image needs to be attached. At this time, the mail address of the user who has logged into From is set as mail. That is, it is a process for setting a transmission source for sending an electronic file by mail (transmission setting).

  In step S1718, the mail transmission function 1202 acquires attached information from the destination information acquired in step S1713, and determines whether a link URL needs to be attached using the attached information.

  In step S1719, if the mail transmission function 1202 determines in step S1718 that the link URL needs to be attached, the mail transmission function 1202 inquires the authentication server 200 about the MFP information that the user of the destination information can log in to obtain. Specifically, the e-mail address of the destination information is transmitted to the authentication server 200, and the authentication server 200 acquires the multi-function device information having the same e-mail address from the authentication table of FIG. By doing so, the MFP information that can be logged in is acquired.

  Here, the mail address is configured to be transmitted. However, when the user name (user ID) is included as the destination information, the MFP information that can be logged in by transmitting the user name to the authentication server 200 is also displayed. It is possible to obtain. In the present embodiment, the MFP information is acquired using the authentication server 200. However, when the MFP has an authentication table, the authentication table is referred to. It may be a configuration. In addition, when there is a log-in history (user name, card ID, email address of the login user) in each multifunction device, an inquiry was made to each multifunction device, and an email address that matched this login history existed. In such a case, the configuration may be such that it is determined that the MFP can log in.

  Further, the MFP information is information for identifying the MFP, but may be a group to which the MFP belongs. That is, the information for identifying the multifunction device includes the multifunction device group.

  In step 1720, the mail transmission function 1202 determines whether the MFP information acquired in step S1719 matches the MFP information (multifunction device name or IP address) held in advance by the MFP 100. It is determined whether the destination is for a user who can log in to the MFP. If it is determined that the user corresponding to the destination information is a multifunction machine that can log in, the process proceeds to step S1723. If it is determined that the user corresponding to the destination information is not a multifunction machine capable of logging in, the process proceeds to step S1721. That is, it is a process for determining whether or not the transmission destination user acquired in the transmission destination acquisition process can log in to the multifunction peripheral (image processing apparatus) from the information processing apparatus and download the electronic file.

  In step S1721, the electronic data is transmitted to the multifunction peripheral acquired in step S1719 so that the user can download the image data stored in step S1705 to the destination information. That is, when it is determined that the electronic file cannot be downloaded, the electronic file is stored in the multifunction peripheral (image processing apparatus) that can log in to the transmission destination user acquired in the transmission destination acquisition process. This is a transmission (electronic file transmission) process.

  Here, the electronic data storage processing of the destination MFP will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19 is a flowchart of the electronic data storage process of the destination MFP.

  In step S1901, electronic data is received. In step S1902, the received electronic data is stored in the HDD 304. In step S1903, a URL (link information) for linking the stored data is generated. In step S1904, the generated URL is transmitted to the MFP to which the electronic data is transmitted.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 17, in step S <b> 1722, the URL is received from the multifunction peripheral to which the electronic data is transmitted. That is, in accordance with transmission of an electronic file by electronic file transmission processing, link information for downloading the transmitted electronic file from the image processing apparatus at the storage destination is received from the multifunction machine (image processing apparatus) at the storage destination (link information) Receive) processing.

  In step S1723, the URL received in step S1722 or the link URL generated in step S1705 is attached (input) to the mail. At this time, the mail address of the user who has logged into From is set as mail. That is, it is a process of generating a link mail (mail generation) in which the received link information is input. Moreover, it is a process which produces | generates the link mail into which the link information produced | generated by the link information production | generation process was input. Further, it is a process for setting a transmission source for transmitting an electronic file by mail (transmission setting). The transmission source may be set at any timing that can be set when creating a mail.

  In the present embodiment, when the electronic data is stored in a multifunction device that can be logged in by the user of the destination information, the URL is generated by the multifunction device. However, the storage destination HDD stores the electronic data. The information may be acquired, and a URL may be generated from the acquired storage destination information and the IP address of the storage destination MFP by the MFP that has scanned the document. That is, in step S1723, the link information of the electronic data stored in the MFP that can be logged in by the user corresponding to the destination information is input to the mail.

  In step S1724, the mail transmission function 1202 transmits the mail data generated in steps S1713 to S1723 with the address of the destination information acquired in step S1715 set to To. In other words, it is determined that the electronic mail transmitted by the electronic file transmission process is transmitted from the storage destination multifunction peripheral (image processing apparatus) and the link mail to which the link information is input is transmitted, and the electronic file can be downloaded by the determination process. In this case, a link mail in which link information for downloading an electronic file stored in the multifunction peripheral (image processing apparatus) is input is transmitted (mail transmission).

  The mail is sent to the mail server 300 so that the mail receiving function 3101 can receive the mail, and the mail receiving function 3101 that receives the mail uses the general SMTP protocol to receive the destination client terminal 400. Send to.

  In this embodiment, since both main and sub are set to the mail To and transmitted, the sending user and the destination are described in the mail text. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration.

  For example, as is possible with a normal mailer, when sending mail to the main destination, the mail address of the user who has logged into From is set, and the main destination is set to To. Then, according to the attachment setting, the electronic data is attached or the URL is described and transmitted to the mail server 300. In this case, the information on the sending user in the mail text need not be described.

  Also. When sending mail to the sub address, the mail address of the user who has logged into From is set, the mail address given to the multifunction device 100 is set to To, and the sub address is set to Cc. In the [Destination] field in the mail text, the main destination (mail address) and the information attached to the main specified in the attachment setting are described. Further, according to the attachment setting, the electronic data is attached or the URL is described and transmitted to the mail server 300. In this case, when the multi-function device 100 receives this mail, it is automatically deleted, or the mail server 300 is configured not to send it to the multi-function device 100. In this case, the information on the sending user in the mail text need not be described.

  In the above, since the mail information to be transmitted may be different between the main and the sub (electronic data, URL, etc.), separate mail is created and transmitted with the main and sub, but the attached electronic data However, if both main and sub can be transmitted in the same manner, it is also possible to transmit by one mail. In this case, the main address is set in To, the sub address is set in Cc, the mail address of the login user is set in From, and the electronic data or URL information corresponding to the attachment setting is added and transmitted.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, the sub is configured to have the same attachment setting. However, the attachment setting may be changed for each sub destination. That is, for a sub, all the addresses of the sub are set in the Cc of one mail and transmitted, but if the attachment setting is different for each sub destination, a mail is created and transmitted for each sub destination. Configure as follows.

  In step S1725, the mail transmission function 1202 issues a mail transmission completion notification to the scan function 1201 when mail transmission to all the destinations in the destination list is completed. Upon receiving the mail transmission completion notification, the scan function 1201 displays a mail transmission completion dialog as shown in FIG.

  The scan function 1201 deletes the electronic data file attached to the mail from the electronic data stored in step S1705.

  In the present embodiment, the processing is realized in the multifunction peripheral. However, the processing may be realized by an information processing apparatus to which electronic data is transmitted from the multifunction peripheral.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the electronic file is stored in the image processing apparatus according to the mail transmission destination, and the link mail for downloading the stored electronic file is transmitted to the image processing apparatus that cannot be accessed by the user. It is possible to prevent electronic files from being stored and not downloaded.

[Embodiment 2]
In the first embodiment, the number of destinations in the destination list is created, and the mail is sent to the mail server 300. However, in the present embodiment, all the data (one file is stored) for all destinations in the destination list. The processing when image data can be transmitted will be described.

  More specifically, since the attachment setting when the destination is set in the destination list is the default all data setting, all the destinations are all the data setting unless the user changes the attachment setting. For this reason, when the size of the data to be attached is small, a process is performed in which a plurality of destinations are set for one mail and the data is attached and transmitted without creating as many mails as the number of destinations.

  Hereinafter, Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

  Regarding the other drawings, the first embodiment and the second embodiment are equivalent, and the description thereof is omitted.

  In FIG. 18, the CPU 301 executes each step of the multifunction machine 100.

  In addition, it is realizable by replacing the process of step S1709 of FIG. 17 with the process of FIG. Accordingly, the same processing as in FIG. 17 is assigned the same step number, and the description thereof is omitted. That is, the processing of FIG. 18 is performed when the capacity (size) of image data does not exceed the maximum capacity (predetermined size) of the attached file, and the attachment settings (providing methods) for a plurality of destinations set in the destination list match. In addition, it is a process for generating mail so that image data (file) is sent to a plurality of destinations by one mail (e-mail generation).

  In step S1801, the file size (size) acquired in step S1708 is processing that does not exceed the maximum size (size) of the attached file. It is determined whether the attachment setting for all destinations in the destination list is a setting for all data (a file in which image data for each scanned page is combined into one). That is, it is determined whether or not the default setting is used.

  If the attachment setting for all destinations is the setting for all data, the process proceeds to step S1802. If the attachment setting for all destinations is not the setting for all data, the process proceeds to step S1712.

  In step S1802, the data (file) generated in step S1705 is acquired, and a mail attached with the acquired data (file) is generated (e-mail generation).

  In step S1803, the main address is set in To of the generated mail, and the sub address is set in CC. At this time, the address of the user who has logged into From may be set.

  In step S1804, the mail with the data attached in step S1802 and the destination (TO or CC) set in step S1803 is transmitted to the mail server 300.

  As described above, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, in this embodiment, all destinations are all data settings (normal file attachment), and all data (files) have a predetermined size (maximum capacity of attached file). ), The transmission efficiency can be improved because it can be transmitted by one mail.

[Embodiment 3]
Next, another embodiment of S1719 to S1723 will be described with reference to FIG. This is particularly useful when the form described with reference to FIG. 20 or the mail address of the user who has logged into the multifunction peripheral is set in the From field.

  This is because when From and To match, an email is sent to the user who has logged in to the multifunction device. Therefore, when a link mail is sent, the information processing device logs in to the multifunction device and saves the saved file. This is because it can be downloaded.

  In other words, if From and To match, there is no need to inquire whether or not the From user can log in to the multifunction peripheral in which the file is stored (whether or not authorized) to the authentication server or the like. , Wasteful processing can be omitted.

  Hereinafter, the processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Note that the same steps as those in FIG. 17 are assigned the same step numbers and description thereof is omitted. The steps whose description is omitted can be realized by using the above-described processing.

  The following steps are executed by the CPU of the multifunction machine.

  In step S2101, the mail address of the destination (To) set in FIG. 8 or the To mail address of the attached mail received in (3) described in FIG. 20 is acquired. That is, it is a process for determining whether the transmission destination set in the transmission setting process matches the transmission source (transmission determination).

  In step S2102, the From mail address set in the mail to be sent or the From mail address of the attached mail received in (3) described with reference to FIG. 20 is acquired.

  In step S2103, the addresses of To and From acquired in steps S2101 and S2102 are compared to determine whether or not the mail addresses match. If the e-mail addresses match, it is determined that the user of To is a user who can log in to the multi-function peripheral (because the user who has logged in to the multi-function peripheral transmits to himself / herself), and the process proceeds to step S2104.

  If the email addresses do not match, the process moves to step S1719. When the emails do not match, the email address of a user different from the user who has logged in to the MFP is set as the destination (To), or the address of the MFP system user (system user name, etc.) is set in From This is the case. In addition, since the process of step S1719 and step S1719 has been mentioned above, description is abbreviate | omitted. Note that step S1719 is a process for inquiring of the authentication server whether or not the user of the transmission destination is a user who can log in to the multifunction peripheral (image processing apparatus) according to the transmission destination acquired in the transmission destination acquisition process. .

  After the process of step S1719, the process of step S1720 is performed. That is, in step S1720, when it is determined in the transmission determination process that the transmission destination and the transmission source do not match, the transmission destination user logs in to the multifunction peripheral (image processing apparatus) from the information processing apparatus and stores the electronic file. This is a process for determining whether or not download is possible.

  In step S2104, the link of the attached data saved in (4-1) of FIG. 20 is acquired. Alternatively, the link generated in step S1705 is acquired. That is, in the transmission determination process, when it is determined that the transmission destination and the transmission source match, the link information for downloading the electronic file stored in the multifunction peripheral (image processing apparatus) is acquired (link information acquisition) process. is there.

  Note that the link (4-1) is a URL at which the saved data can be downloaded and acquired, as in step S1705. For example, the link starts with HTTP and includes identification information of the data. That is, the link information of the link mail transmitted in the mail transmission process is the link information acquired in the link information acquisition process.

  As described above, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment and the second embodiment, in the present embodiment, the number of inquiries to determine whether or not the transmission destination user can log in to the authentication server or the like is reduced. Network load and processing can be made more efficient.

  It should be noted that the configuration and contents of the various data described above are not limited to this, and it goes without saying that the various data and configurations are configured according to the application and purpose.

  Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention can take an embodiment as, for example, a system, apparatus, method, program, or recording medium, and specifically includes a plurality of devices. The present invention may be applied to a system including a single device.

  Further, the program in the present invention is a program that allows a computer to execute the processing methods of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 15 to 19 and 21, and the storage medium of the present invention has the processing method in FIGS. 15 to 19 and 21. A computer executable program is stored. Note that the program in the present invention may be a program for each processing method of each device in FIGS. 15 to 19 and 21.

  As described above, a recording medium that records a program that implements the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus stores the program stored in the recording medium. It goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by executing the reading.

  In this case, the program itself read from the recording medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the recording medium storing the program constitutes the present invention.

  As a recording medium for supplying the program, for example, a flexible disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD-ROM, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, EEPROM, silicon A disk, solid state drive, or the like can be used.

  Further, by executing the program read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) operating on the computer based on an instruction of the program is actually It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the processing and the processing is included.

  Furthermore, after the program read from the recording medium is written to the memory provided in the function expansion board inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion board is based on the instructions of the program code. It goes without saying that the case where the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. In this case, by reading a recording medium storing a program for achieving the present invention into the system or apparatus, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

  Furthermore, by downloading and reading a program for achieving the present invention from a server, database, etc. on a network using a communication program, the system or apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

  In addition, all the structures which combined each embodiment mentioned above and its modification are also included in this invention.

100 MFP 200 Authentication Server 300 Mail Server 400 Client PC
600 LAN
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1100 Authentication module 1200 Scan module 2100 Authentication service 3100 SMTP service 4100 Mailer 201 CPU
203 RAM
301 CPU
302 RAM

Claims (8)

A user information capable of identifying a User chromatography THE, and an image processing apparatus information indicating the login image processing apparatus capable of by the user, the electronic that can communicate with a storage device for storing authentication information used to log in the image processing apparatus An image processing apparatus for storing a file,
A transmission destination acquisition means for acquiring a transmission destination for transmitting the electronic file;
Based on said destination obtained by the destination obtaining unit, the storage device in the authentication information stored in the reference means for referring to the image processing apparatus information of the transmission can log image processing apparatus by Shin destination user When,
In accordance with the image processing apparatus information obtained by reference by the reference means and the image processing apparatus information of the image processing apparatus that stores the electronic file, the user of the transmission destination acquired by the transmission destination acquisition means sends the image processing apparatus to the image processing apparatus. If that is not possible login, an image processing apparatus corresponding to the image processing apparatus information obtained by the reference by said reference means, other user can login destination acquired by the destination acquisition section An electronic file transmission means for transmitting the electronic file to the image processing apparatus;
Acquisition means for acquiring link information for downloading the electronic file transmitted by the electronic file transmission means and stored in the other image processing apparatus;
A mail transmission unit that transmits a link mail in which the link information acquired by the acquisition unit is input to a transmission destination acquired by the transmission destination acquisition unit that is a user who cannot log in to the image processing apparatus. An image processing apparatus. When the transmission destination user acquired by the transmission destination acquisition unit is a user who can log in to the image processing apparatus from the information processing apparatus, the acquisition unit stores link information of an electronic file stored in the image processing apparatus Get
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a mail generation unit configured to generate a link mail in which the link information acquired by the acquisition unit is input according to the transmission destination. Transmission setting means for setting a transmission destination and a transmission source of the electronic file;
Transmission determination means for determining whether or not the transmission destination information and the transmission source information set by the transmission setting means match;
The link information of the electronic file stored in the image processing apparatus is acquired by the acquisition unit when the transmission determination unit determines that the transmission destination information and the transmission source information match. Item 3. The image processing apparatus according to Item 1 or 2. When the transmission determination unit determines that the transmission destination information and the transmission source information do not match, it determines whether the transmission destination user is a user who can log in to the image processing apparatus from the information processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a determination unit. The reference by the reference means is the authentication information stored in the storage device provided in the authentication server, the authentication information stored in the storage device provided in the image processing device, or the storage device provided in the image processing device. 5. The log-in history information stored therein is referred to, and it is determined whether or not the transmission destination user acquired by the transmission destination acquisition means is a user who can log in to the image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to any one of the above.   The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electronic file is a file generated by scanning a paper document. A user information capable of identifying a User chromatography THE, and an image processing apparatus information indicating the login image processing apparatus capable of by the user, the electronic that can communicate with a storage device for storing authentication information used to log in the image processing apparatus A processing method of an image processing apparatus for storing a file,
The image processing apparatus is
A transmission destination acquisition step for acquiring a transmission destination for transmitting the electronic file;
See step wherein based on the destination acquired by the destination acquisition step, referring to the storage device in the authentication information stored in the image processing apparatus information of the transmission can log image processing apparatus by Shin destination user When,
In accordance with the image processing device information obtained by the reference in the reference step and the image processing device information of the image processing device that stores the electronic file, the transmission destination user acquired in the transmission destination acquisition step sends the image processing device information to the image processing device. When it is determined that login is not possible , the image processing apparatus corresponds to the image processing apparatus information obtained by reference in the reference step, and the transmission destination user acquired in the transmission destination acquisition step can log in. An electronic file transmission step of transmitting the electronic file to another image processing apparatus;
An acquisition step of acquiring link information for downloading the electronic file transmitted by the electronic file transmission step and stored in the other image processing device, from the other image processing device;
A mail transmission step of transmitting the link mail in which the link information acquired in the acquisition step is input to the transmission destination acquired by the transmission destination acquisition step, which is a user who cannot log in to the image processing apparatus. A processing method characterized by the above. A user information capable of identifying a User chromatography THE, and an image processing apparatus information indicating the login image processing apparatus capable of by the user, the electronic that can communicate with a storage device for storing authentication information used to log in the image processing apparatus A program that can be executed by an image processing apparatus that stores a file,
The image processing apparatus;
A transmission destination acquisition means for acquiring a transmission destination for transmitting the electronic file;
Based on said destination obtained by the destination obtaining unit, the storage device in the authentication information stored in the reference means for referring to the image processing apparatus information of the transmission can log image processing apparatus by Shin destination user When,
In accordance with the image processing apparatus information obtained by reference by the reference means and the image processing apparatus information of the image processing apparatus that stores the electronic file, the user of the transmission destination acquired by the transmission destination acquisition means sends the image processing apparatus to the image processing apparatus. If that is not possible login, an image processing apparatus corresponding to the image processing apparatus information obtained by the reference by said reference means, other user can login destination acquired by the destination acquisition section An electronic file transmission means for transmitting the electronic file to the image processing apparatus;
Acquisition means for acquiring link information for downloading the electronic file transmitted by the electronic file transmission means and stored in the other image processing apparatus;
The link mail in which the link information acquired by the acquisition unit is input is functioned as a mail transmission unit that is a user who cannot log in to the image processing apparatus and transmits to the transmission destination acquired by the transmission destination acquisition unit. A program characterized by

Images