JP7634128B2 - Information processing device, control method thereof, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an information processing device, a control method thereof, and a program.

In business that uses faxes, fax documents received by MFPs or faxes are digitized using the scanning function or document scanner of the MFP and stored in a file server or the like. Here, MFP is an abbreviation for Multi Function Peripheral, and is an example of an image forming device that has multiple functions such as a copier, scanner, and fax. In this case, in order to improve the efficiency of the digitization and storage work in the file server, a fax reception forwarding system has been built that digitizes fax documents and automatically stores them in the file server according to the attributes of the fax documents. In such a system, a file name is created according to the telephone number of the fax document sender and other attribute information, and the fax document is stored in the file server. In this case, if a file name is duplicated, the existing fax document is overwritten with the new fax document, which may result in the stored fax document being lost.

As a countermeasure against the loss of stored fax documents, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which a fax server assigns a unique identification number as a file name to fax documents received by the fax server and stores them. By using the technique of Patent Document 1, a unique identification number for the communication network or a unique identification number within the fax server is used as the file name for the fax document, making it possible to create unique file names and prevent data loss due to duplicate file names.

JP 2002-64534 A

However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 above did not describe an information processing device that has an acceptance means for accepting from a user the selection of one or more items from among a plurality of items displayed on a setting screen related to the creation of file names, a setting means for performing settings so that a file name is created based on the one or more items selected by the user on the setting screen, and a display control means for performing display control so as not to complete the setting if only items other than a specified item are selected on the setting screen among the plurality of items, and that, after the setting is completed, creates a file name for a file containing received data using values corresponding to each of the one or more items corresponding to the setting.

The purpose of the present invention is to solve the problems of the conventional technology.

A feature of the present invention is to provide a technology for performing display control so as not to complete the settings when only items other than predetermined items are selected on a settings screen among a plurality of items displayed on the settings screen for creating a file name .

In order to achieve the above object, an information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention has the following configuration.
a receiving means for receiving from a user a selection of one or more items from among a plurality of items displayed on a setting screen relating to file name creation;
a setting means for setting so that a file name based on the one or more items selected by a user on the setting screen is created;
a display control means for performing display control so as not to complete the setting when only an item other than a predetermined item is selected on the setting screen among the plurality of items,
After the setting is completed, a file name of the file including the received data is created using values corresponding to each of the one or more items corresponding to the setting .

The present invention provides users with increased flexibility in setting file names while preventing data loss due to duplicate file names without sacrificing user visibility.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same or similar components are designated by the same reference numerals.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an information processing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of an MFP according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a file server according to the first embodiment. 2 is a functional block diagram for explaining the configuration of software modules of the MFP according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating the configuration of a software module of the file server according to the first embodiment. 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating an example of destination information stored in a destination information management unit of the MFP according to the first embodiment. 5 is a view showing an example of a file that stores transfer setting information stored in a transfer setting information management unit of the MFP according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating an example of a status display screen displayed on the operation unit of the MFP according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of a file server setting screen displayed by the MFP according to the first embodiment. 6 is a view showing an example of a setting screen for setting a file naming rule displayed by the MFP according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of a setting screen for setting a folder naming rule displayed by the MFP according to the first embodiment. FIG. FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of a test transmission screen displayed by the MFP according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a process of setting a file server, a file naming rule, and a folder naming rule by the MFP according to the first embodiment. 6 is a sequence diagram for explaining a process in which the MFP according to the first embodiment receives image data by fax and transfers an image file of the received image data to a file server. 6 is a flowchart for describing a fax reception process by the MFP according to the first embodiment. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the process of creating a file name of an image file to be transferred in step S1505 of FIG. 15; 16 is a flowchart for explaining the process of creating a folder name of a file server in which an image file to be transferred is stored, in step S1506 of FIG. 15; 14 is a flowchart for explaining the file naming rule setting process in S1306 of FIG. 13; 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating an example of a confirmation dialog displayed on an MFP according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a flowchart for describing a process for displaying a confirmation dialog by an MFP according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of transfer setting information according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for folder naming rules displayed on an MFP according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention, and not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the present invention.
[Embodiment 1]
First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment, an example of a transfer setting process for a fax document, and a fax reception and an associated file transfer process in a system including an MFP as an example of the image forming apparatus of the present invention and a file server having a file storage function will be described.

Figure 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an information processing system according to embodiment 1 of the present invention.

In this information processing system, an MFP 110 and a file server 120 are connected via a LAN 100.

The MFP 110 is a multifunction device (multifunction processing device) having an operation unit 111, a scanner unit 112, and a printer unit 113, and is capable of receiving faxes by connecting to a public line network 150. In the information processing system according to the first embodiment, the MFP 110 is used as a receiving terminal for fax documents. The file server 120 authenticates the connecting terminal, and stores and manages the received file under a specified file name and folder name. However, the system according to the first embodiment is not limited to the number of constituent devices shown in FIG. 1. For example, the MFP 110 may have a file server function inside, so that the MFP and the file server are configured as the same device. The file server may also be configured as a server on the Internet or as a cloud system.

Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the hardware configuration of the MFP 110 according to the first embodiment.

The operation unit 111 has a display unit with a touch panel function, various hard keys, etc., and displays information to the user according to data from the control unit 200, and inputs information according to user operations to the control unit 200. The scanner unit 112 reads an image of a document, creates image data of the image, and supplies the image to the control unit 200. The printer unit 113 prints an image on paper (sheet) based on the image data received from the control unit 200.

The control unit 200 is electrically connected to the operation unit 111, the scanner unit 112, and the printer unit 113, and is also connected to the LAN 100 via a network interface (I/F) 206. This enables communication via the LAN 100 using a communication protocol such as TCP/IP. In the control unit 200, the CPU 201, the ROM 202, the RAM 203, the HDD 204, the operation unit I/F 205, the network I/F 206, the scanner I/F 207, the image processing unit 208, and the printer I/F 209 are connected via a system bus 211. The CPU 201 executes the boot program in the ROM 202 to load the OS and control programs stored in the HDD 204 into the RAM 203, and generally controls the MFP 110 according to the programs. This control also includes the execution of a program for implementing the flowchart described below. The ROM 202 stores the boot program and various data of the MFP 110. The RAM 203 provides a work memory for the CPU 201 to operate, and also provides an image memory for temporarily storing received image data and the like. The HDD 204 is a hard disk drive, and stores an OS, various programs, and image data. The operation unit I/F 205 is an interface unit for connecting the system bus 211 and the operation unit 111. The network I/F 206 is connected to the LAN 100 and the system bus 211, and inputs and outputs information via the network (LAN) 100. The scanner I/F 207 controls the interface between the scanner unit 112 and the control unit 200. The image processing unit 208 performs image processing such as rotation, color conversion, and image compression/expansion processing on image data input from the scanner unit 112 and image data output to the printer unit 113. A printer I/F 209 receives image data processed by the image processing unit 208, and controls printing by the printer unit 113 according to attribute data attached to the image data. A modem 210 is connected to the public line network 150 and a system bus 211, and performs fax transmission and reception with an external fax terminal (not shown) via the public line network 150. Note that, in the first embodiment, an example of an MFP 110 capable of UI display using the operation unit 111 will be described, but instead of this MFP 110, an information processing device such as a general-purpose computer, or other image processing device may be used.

Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the file server 120 in embodiment 1.

The file server 120 has a CPU 301, a RAM 302, a ROM 303, an input unit 304, a network I/F 305, a hard disk drive (HDD) 306, and a display unit 307, which are connected to each other via a system bus 308 so that they can communicate with each other. The ROM 303 stores a boot program, and when the power is turned on, the CPU 301 reads out the boot program and loads the OS and control programs installed in the HDD 306 into the RAM 302. The CPU 301 executes the programs loaded into the RAM 302, thereby realizing the functions of the file server 120. The CPU 301 also communicates with other devices on the LAN 100 connected via the network I/F 305. The input unit 304 includes a keyboard, a pointing device, and the like, and accepts instructions from the user. The display unit 307 displays menu screens, messages, and the like to the user. The display unit 307 may have a touch panel function.

Figure 4 is a functional block diagram illustrating the configuration of software modules of the MFP 110 according to the first embodiment. These software modules are installed in the HDD 204 of the MFP 110, and are deployed to the RAM 203 at the time of execution and executed under the control of the CPU 201.

The fax receiving unit 401 performs a receiving process when the modem 210 receives a fax. The fax receiving unit 401 receives facsimile data received via the modem 210, converts it to PDF or the like to create a fax document, and stores the fax document as an image file in the HDD 204 by the temporary storage unit 403. The fax receiving unit 401 also creates a control file that includes the reception date and time, which is the date and time when the fax was received, and the sender number, which is the telephone number of an external fax terminal (not shown) connected via the public line network 150. The control file is then stored in the HDD 204 together with the image file (fax document). Note that in the embodiment, the term fax document is used, but it goes without saying that this fax document includes general images.

The transfer unit 402 transfers the image file that the fax receiving unit 401 has saved in the HDD 204 to the file server 120. At this time, the transfer unit 402 reads out the reception date and time and the sender number from the control file that the fax receiving unit 401 has saved in the HDD 204. The transfer unit 402 also acquires the transfer setting information, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 7, from the transfer setting information management unit 404. The transfer unit 402 also transmits the sender number to the destination information management unit 405, and acquires the registered name corresponding to the sender number from the telephone number of the destination information, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 6.

Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of destination information stored in the destination information management unit 405 of the MFP 110 according to the first embodiment.

This destination information is pre-registered in the destination information management unit 405 by the user via the operation unit 111 of the MFP 110. Columns 601 to 603 and column 607 indicate the columns of the data records from row 604 to row 606. Destination ID 601 is an identifier that uniquely identifies each destination. Registered name 602 indicates a specific user name. Phone number 603 indicates the sender number (phone number) corresponding to registered name 602 when receiving a fax. Destination table name 607 indicates the destination table (address book) group to which the destination corresponding to registered name 602 belongs.

Figure 7 is a diagram showing an example of a file that stores transfer setting information stored in the transfer setting information management unit 404 of the MFP 110 according to the first embodiment.

This file stores the items set on the file server setting screen in FIG. 9, the file naming rules setting screen in FIG. 10, and the folder naming rules setting screen in FIG. 11, which will be described later. These setting screens will be described in detail later. The format of this file can be CSV, XML, or another format, and the format is not important.

hostname 701 indicates the host name of the file server 120. In the figure, "sharedserver" is specified as the host name of the file server 120. The IP address of the file server 120 may be used as this host name. folderpath 702 indicates the path that is the starting point of the storage destination folder for the transferred image file. In the figure, "root" is specified as the storage destination folder path. username 703 indicates the login user name for authentication to the file server 120. In FIG. 7, "administrator", which indicates the administrator, is specified as the login user name. password 704 indicates the password for authentication to the file server 120. In the figure, "32942xc45" is specified as the password. The password character string may be obfuscated using an encryption method such as hashing. Filerule 705 indicates the file naming rules when saving image files in the file server 120. Folderrule 706 indicates the folder path naming rules when saving image files in the file server 120. These will be described in more detail later.

The transfer unit 402 creates a file name for the image file to be sent to the file server 120 based on the filename 705, the registration name, telephone number, reception date and time, destination book name, line name, serial number, random number, etc. The transfer unit 402 also creates a folder name for the image file to be sent to the file server 120 and stored based on the foldername 706, the registration name, telephone number, reception date and reception month. The transfer unit 402 then reads out the image file stored in the HDD 204 and sends it to the file server 120 specified by the hostname 701 after giving the image file the above-mentioned file name and folder name. The transfer unit 402 can also perform a test transmission, which will be described later, using the telephone number and reception date and time received from the UI unit 406 and a test fax document previously stored in the HDD 204, with the same processing content as the file transfer processing described above.

The temporary storage unit 403 receives the image file and the control file, and stores and manages them in the HDD 204. The transfer setting information management unit 404 stores and manages the transfer setting information, for example, shown in FIG. 7, set by the UI unit 406 described later, in the HDD 204. The transfer setting information management unit 404 also transmits the stored transfer setting information to the transfer unit 402 in response to a request from the transfer unit 402. The destination information management unit 405 stores and manages the destination information, for example, shown in FIG. 6, set by the UI unit 406 described later, in the HDD 204. The UI unit 406 displays various screens on the display unit of the operation unit 111 via the operation unit I/F 205, and detects the contents input by the user via the pointing device, hardware keys, etc. of the operation unit 111. The UI unit 406 also displays a status display screen, described later with reference to FIG. 8, on the operation unit 111, and accepts a user input as to whether or not to perform transfer settings. The UI unit 406 also displays a file server setting screen, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 9, acquires the file server setting input by the user, transmits it to the transfer setting information management unit 404, and requests the file server setting to be saved. The UI unit 406 also displays a file naming rule setting screen, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 9, on the operation unit 111, acquires the file naming rule input by the user, transmits it to the transfer setting information management unit 404, and requests the file naming rule to be saved. The UI unit 406 also displays a folder naming rule setting screen, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 10, on the operation unit 111, acquires the folder naming rule input by the user, transmits it to the transfer setting information management unit 404, and requests the folder naming rule to be saved. The UI unit 406 also displays a test transmission screen, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 12, on the operation unit 111, acquires the sender's telephone number and the reception date and time input by the user, transmits them to the transfer unit 402, and requests the test transmission.

Figure 5 is a functional block diagram illustrating the configuration of the software modules of the file server 120 according to the first embodiment. These software modules are stored in the HDD 306 of the file server 120, and are deployed to the RAM 302 at the time of execution and executed under the control of the CPU 301.

The communication unit 501 has file transmission services such as SMB (Server Message Block) and WebDAV (Web-based Distributed Authoring and Versioning). The communication unit 501 accepts requests via the LAN 100, processes them, and responds with the processing results. The authentication unit 502 authenticates the client (here, MFP 110) based on the authentication information included in the request for the file transmission service. The file management unit 503 manages files stored in the HDD 306 in response to requests for the file transmission service. The file management unit 503 saves image files in the HDD 306 and reads out image files according to the folder name and file name received from the MFP 110 via the communication unit 501. The file management unit 503 also checks whether a folder with the folder name received from the MFP 110 via the communication unit 501 exists in the HDD 306. The file management unit 503 also creates a folder in the HDD 306 according to the folder name received from the MFP 110 via the communication unit 501.

Next, referring to Figure 7, we will explain filerule 705, which is the file naming rule when saving image files to the file server 120.

The format of this naming rule is [item name 1] separator (here "_") [item name 2] separator (here "_") [item name 3]. For example, when adding a new item name, the separator "_" and the added item name are added to the existing naming rule. For example, if "item name 4" is further added in Figure 7, the naming rule becomes [item name 1] _ [item name 2] _ [item name 3] _ [item name 4]. Furthermore, the item name [REGISTNAME] corresponds to the registered name in Figure 6, the item name [FAXNUMBER] corresponds to the telephone number in Figure 6, and [DATE] indicates the date and time of reception. Although not shown, the item name [ADDRESSLISTNAME] indicates the destination list, and the item name [LINENAME] indicates the line name. The item name [SERIAL] indicates a serial number generated by the system, specifically a number such as "00000001", with a different serial number being set each time. The item name [RANDOM] indicates a random number generated by the system, for example a number such as "a761232ed4211cebacd00aa0057b223", with a different random number being set each time. In FIG. 7, [REGISTNAME]_[FAXNUMBER]_[DATE] is specified as the file naming rule, and in this case, the file name will be "Registered name_(sender) phone number_date".

Folderrule 706 indicates the naming rule for the folder path when saving an image file in the file server 120. The format of this naming rule is stored as follows: [item name 1] path separator (here, "/") [item name 2] path separator (here, "/") [item name 3]. When adding a new item name, the path separator ("/") and the additional item name are added to the existing naming rule. For example, when item name 4 is added, the naming rule for the folder path becomes [item name 1] (path separator)/[item name 2]/[item name 3]/[item name 4]. The item name [REGISTNAME] indicates the registered name, the item name [FAXNUMBER] indicates the telephone number, and [DATE] indicates the date and time of reception. In FIG. 7, the naming rules for the folder path are specified as [REGISTNAME]/[FAXNUMBER]/[DATE], and "Registration name/phone number/date" becomes the folder path for the save destination.

Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of a status display screen displayed on the operation unit 111 of the MFP 110 in embodiment 1.

The status display 801 displays the software modules in FIG. 4 operating on the MFP 110 and the operating status of the MFP 110. When the UI unit 406 displays this status display screen, the UI unit 406 checks the operating status of the software modules of the MFP 110 and each part of the system. If the software modules and each part of the system of the MFP 110 are operating normally, the UI unit 406 displays a message indicating that the software modules and each part of the system are operating normally, and if an abnormality occurs, displays the software module or part in which the abnormality occurs and its status. The To Settings Screen button 802 instructs the user to transition to a screen for changing the transfer setting information managed by the transfer setting information management unit 404 of the MFP 110. When the user presses (instructs) the To Settings Screen button 802, a transfer setting change process described later with reference to FIG. 13 is started, and the screen transitions to the file server setting change screen shown in FIG. 9.

In addition, a GUI button for updating the status display 801 according to the latest software module status of the MFP 110 and the operating status of each part of the MFP 110 may be provided on the status display screen shown in FIG. 8.

In addition, in the first embodiment, when the setting screen button 802 is pressed, a transition to the file server setting screen in FIG. 9 occurs, but GUI buttons may be provided on this status display screen to transition directly to each of the screens in FIG. 10, FIG. 11, and FIG. 12 described below.

Figure 9 shows an example of a file server setting screen displayed by the MFP 110 according to the first embodiment.

The host name input box 901 is an input field for inputting the host name of the file server 120 to which the image file (fax document) is to be transferred. The name entered in the host name input box 901 is sent by the UI unit 406 of the MFP 110 to the transfer setting information management unit 404 and saved as hostname 701 (FIG. 7) of the transfer setting information. The folder path input box 902 is an input field for inputting the folder name of the file server 120 to which the image file is to be transferred. The name entered in this input box 902 is sent by the UI unit 406 of the MFP 110 to the transfer setting information management unit 404 and saved as folderpath 702 (FIG. 7) of the transfer setting information. The login user name input box 903 is an input field for inputting the login user name required for authentication on the file server 120 to which the image file is to be transferred. The name entered in this input box 903 is sent to the transfer setting information management unit 404 by the UI unit 406 of the MFP 110 and is saved as the user name 703 (FIG. 7) of the transfer setting information. The login password input box 904 is an input field for entering a login password required for authentication at the file server to which the image file is transferred. In this input box 904, the input characters are displayed as "*" to conceal the contents entered by the user. The display of the input characters is not limited to "*", and may be other symbols such as "●", or may be displayed without being concealed. The password entered in this input box 904 is sent to the transfer setting information management unit 404 by the UI unit 406 of the MFP 110 and is saved as the password 704 (FIG. 7) of the transfer setting information. The cancel button 905 is a button for canceling the change of the transfer setting information on this screen. If the user presses the cancel button 905, the change to the transfer settings made via this screen will be canceled and the screen will transition to the status display screen shown in Figure 8.

The Next button 906 is a button for changing the file server settings in the transfer setting information and for instructing the user to transition to the next screen, which is the file naming rule setting screen shown in FIG. 10 described below. When the user presses the Next button 906, the UI unit 406 of the MFP 110 transmits the file server settings entered on this file server setting screen to the transfer setting management unit 404, and the transfer setting information management unit 404 saves this file server setting. The UI unit 406 then transitions to the file naming rule setting screen described later with reference to FIG. 10.

In this embodiment 1, when the Next button 906 is pressed, the screen transitions to the file naming rule setting screen in FIG. 10. However, this file server setting screen may be provided with GUI buttons for directly transitioning to the screens in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12.

Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for setting a file naming rule displayed by the MFP 110 according to the first embodiment. The file name of the image file to be transferred to the file server 120 is determined according to the file naming rule set by the user via this file naming rule setting screen.

Items 1002 to 1004 are areas for specifying the item names to be used in the file name among the item names of registration name, telephone number, reception date and time, destination book name, line name, serial number, and random number. In this case, registration name, telephone number, and reception date and time are selected. Here, item 1002 indicates the first item name of the file name, item 1003 indicates the second item name of the file name, and item 1004 indicates the third item name of the file name. Here, the method of selecting the file name for each item is provided by a pull-down menu. The options for each pull-down are "None", "Registered name", "Fax number", "Date", "Destination book name", "Line name", "Serial number", and "Random number". Note that the "Line name" is obtained as the registration name 602 corresponding to the telephone number 603 shown in FIG. 6, for example, based on the facsimile number specified as the destination. Also, if "None" is selected, it indicates that the item names below the options will not be generated. For example, if "Registered Name" is selected in the first item 1002 and "None" is selected in the second item 1003, it is determined that the file name after the second item has not been specified, and the file name will be just "Registered Name." Item 1005 is a pull-down menu for selecting the separator symbol that separates each item. Separator options include "hyphen," "underscore," and "space," and any one of these can be selected as the separator.

Preview display 1006 shows what kind of file name will be created according to the selection of items 1002 to 1004. The display content shows the file name according to the selection of items 1002 to 1004. In the example of FIG. 10, "Registered name" is selected in the first item 1002, "Fax number (phone number)" in the second item 1003, "Date" in the third item name 1003, and an underscore "_" as a separator. Therefore, the file name is displayed as a preview of "[Registered name]_[Fax number]_[Date]". Message 1001 is displayed when the specified condition of selecting any one of the received date and time (date), serial number, and random number in items 1002 to 1004 is not met. This is because a uniquely identifiable file name cannot be determined unless any of the received date and time (date), serial number, and random number is selected. In the example of FIG. 10, a date is selected in item 1004, but if no date is selected, for example, message 1001 is displayed as "Please select the received date and time." In addition, in the above-mentioned predetermined conditions, for example, the reception date and time includes time information down to the second. Furthermore, the above-mentioned predetermined conditions may include other information than the above, as long as the information is necessary to uniquely identify the file name.

The Cancel button 1007 instructs the user to cancel the content input via this setting screen. When the user presses the Cancel button 1007, the screen transitions to a status display screen, for example, as shown in FIG. 8. The Back button 1008 instructs the user to return to the previous screen. When the user presses the Back button 1008, the screen transitions to a file server setting screen, for example, as shown in FIG. 9. The Next button 1009 instructs the user to proceed to the next screen. When the user presses the Next button 1009, the screen transitions to a folder naming rules setting screen, for example, as shown in FIG. 11.

Note that the Next button 1009 can be pressed when any of the following items is selected in items 1002 to 1004: date, serial number, or random number. If none of these items is selected, the Next button 1009 is in an unselectable state and cannot be pressed. This makes it possible to prevent file names from being created according to naming rules that do not result in unique file names.

Figure 11 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for setting a folder naming rule displayed by the MFP 110 according to the first embodiment. The folder names of files stored in the file server 120 are determined according to the folder naming rule set on this screen.

Radio button 1101 is a checkbox that allows the user to select whether or not to save image files in separate hierarchical levels. If this button 1101 is checked, a folder name is created according to the naming rules set on this screen, and the image file is saved. If button 1101 is not checked, the image file is saved directly under the folder path specified on the file server setting screen shown in Figure 9.

Items 1102 to 1104 indicate hierarchical names. In this example, the first hierarchy 1102, second hierarchy 1103, and third hierarchy 1104 of folders are included. A method for selecting a folder name corresponding to each hierarchy is provided by pull-down menus 1105 to 1108. In this example, the pull-down options include "None", "Registered name", "Fax number", "Received date", "Received month", "Address book name", and "Line name". Note that if "None" is selected, it indicates that the hierarchy below the option will not be generated. For example, if "Registered name" is selected for the first hierarchy 1102 and "None" is selected for the second hierarchy 1103, it is determined that the folder name below the second hierarchy has not been specified, and the folder name will be only "Registered name". Preview display 1108 shows a preview display of the folder name according to the selection result of items 1102 to 1104. In the example of FIG. 11, "Registered name" is selected in the first layer 1102, "Fax number" is selected in the second layer 1103, and "Received date" is selected in the third layer 1104, so the preview display 1108 shows "[Registered name]/[Fax number]/[Received date]."

The cancel button 1109 instructs the user to cancel the operation via this screen. When the user presses the cancel button 1109, the screen transitions to a status display screen as shown in FIG. 8, for example. The back button 1110 instructs the user to return to the previous screen. When the user presses the back button 1110, the screen transitions to a file naming rule setting screen as shown in FIG. 10, for example. The next button 1111 instructs the user to proceed to the next screen. When the user presses the next button 1111, the screen transitions to a test transmission screen as shown in FIG. 12, for example.

Figure 12 shows an example of a test transmission screen displayed by the MFP 110 according to the first embodiment.

The sender number input box 1201 is an input field for inputting information to be used as the sender's phone number when performing a test transmission. The phone number entered in the sender number input box 1201 is sent to the forwarding unit 402 by the UI unit 406 of the MFP 110 and used as the sender number (phone number) during the test transmission. The received date and time input box 1202 is an input field for inputting the date and time to be used as the received date and time when performing a test transmission. The date and time entered in the received date and time input box 1202 is sent to the forwarding unit 402 by the UI unit 406 of the MFP 110 and used as the received date and time during the test transmission.

The setting confirmation button 1203 is a button for transitioning to a setting confirmation screen (not shown) for displaying the transfer setting information input via the setting screens of FIG. 9, FIG. 10, and FIG. 11. When the user presses the setting confirmation button 1203, the UI unit 406 of the MFP 110 displays a setting confirmation screen for displaying the transfer setting information input in FIG. 9, FIG. 10, and FIG. 11. The test transmission button 1204 is a button for instructing to perform a test transmission using the transfer setting information input in FIG. 9, FIG. 10, and FIG. 11 and the information input in the sender number input box 1201 and the reception date and time input box 1202. When the user presses the test transmission button 1204, the UI unit 406 of the MFP 110 transmits the telephone number in the sender number input box 1201 and the date and time in the reception date and time input box 1202 to the transfer unit 402, and a test transmission request is sent to the transfer unit 402. When the test transmission button 1204 is pressed, the transfer unit 402 performs a test transmission to the file server 120, assuming that a fax document has been received with the received sender number and date and time. When the test transmission is completed, the transfer unit 402 displays a test transmission result screen (not shown) for displaying the results of the test transmission.

The Cancel button 1205 is a button for canceling the setting of the transfer setting information. When the user presses the Cancel button 1205, the screen transitions to the status display screen of FIG. 8. The Back button 1206 is a button for transitioning to the previous screen. When the user presses the Back button 1206, the screen transitions to the previous screen, the folder naming rule setting screen of FIG. 11. The OK button 1207 is a button for ending the setting of the transfer setting information and transitioning to the status display screen shown in FIG. 8. When the user presses the OK button 1207, the UI unit 406 of the MFP 110 transitions to the status display screen shown in FIG. 8.

In the first embodiment, the sender number used during testing is input in sender input box 1201, and the reception date and time is input in reception date and time input box 1202. However, other input boxes or input buttons for specifying the fax document to be used for test transmission may also be provided.

Figure 13 is a flowchart for explaining the process of setting a file server, file naming rules, folder naming rules, etc., by the MFP 110 according to the first embodiment. Each operation (step) shown in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 201 of the MFP 110 expanding a control program stored in the HDD 204 into the RAM 203 and executing it. This flowchart is also executed when the user selects a control program that executes this flowchart via the operation unit 111 of the MFP 110.

First, in S1301, the CPU 201 displays a status display screen, for example, as shown in FIG. 8. Next, the process proceeds to S1302, where the CPU 201 determines whether the Go to Settings Screen button 802 has been pressed on this status display screen. If the Go to Settings Screen button 802 has been pressed, the process proceeds to S1303, where the CPU 201 displays a file server settings screen, for example, as shown in FIG. 9. The user then inputs the name of the file server to be the transfer destination, the folder path, authentication information, etc., via this file server settings screen.

Next, the process proceeds to S1304, where the CPU 201 determines whether the user has pressed the Cancel button 905 or the Next button 906 on this file server setting screen. If it determines that the Next button 906 has been pressed, the process proceeds to S1305, and if it determines that the Cancel button 905 has been pressed, the process returns to S1301. In S1305, the CPU 201 stores the file server setting information entered via this file server setting screen in the HDD 204 of the MFP 110.

Next, the process proceeds to S1306, where the CPU 201 displays a file naming rule setting screen, for example as shown in FIG. 10. The user then executes file naming rule setting processing, inputting file naming rule setting information via this setting screen. Next, the process proceeds to S1307, where the CPU 201 determines which button the user has pressed on this file naming rule setting screen. If it is determined in S1307 that the Next button 1009 has been pressed, the process proceeds to S1308, but as described above, there are cases where the Next button 1009 cannot be pressed. This file naming rule setting processing will be described later with reference to FIG. 18. On the other hand, if it is determined that the Cancel button 1007 has been pressed, the process proceeds to S1301, and if it is determined that the Back button 1008 has been pressed, the process proceeds to S1303.

Figure 18 is a flowchart explaining the process of setting file naming rules in S1306 of Figure 13.

First, in S1801, CPU 201 acquires information selected from items 1002 to 1004 on a file naming rule setting screen shown in FIG. 10, for example. Next, the process proceeds to S1802, where CPU 201 determines whether or not an item that allows a unique file name to be set has been selected based on the information acquired in S1801. Note that the items that will make the file name unique are "date," "serial number," and "random number," as described above, and it is determined whether one or more of these items are included. If one or more unique items are included, it is determined that an item that allows a unique file name to be set has been selected, and the process proceeds to S1805. In S1805, CPU 201 stores the file naming rule determined on this screen in HDD 204.

On the other hand, if the CPU 201 determines in S1802 that the file name does not include an item that will make the file name unique, the process proceeds to S1803. In S1803, the CPU 201 displays a warning message in message 1001 in FIG. 10, which prompts the user to select an item that will make the file name unique. In FIG. 10, message 1001 displays "Please select the date and time of receipt," but a message that prompts the user to select another item that will make the file name unique may also be displayed.

Next, the process proceeds to S1804, where the CPU 201 prevents the user from pressing the Next button 1009. Specifically, the Next button 1009 is grayed out to make it invalid (the button cannot be pressed), and transition to the next screen is prevented. This makes it possible to prevent a non-unique file name from being assigned to an image file. In this way, when a unique file name is specified on the file naming rules setting screen, the Next button 1009 becomes pressable, and when the user presses the Next button 1009, the file naming rules are finalized and the process proceeds to S1308.

In S1308, the CPU 201 displays a folder naming rule setting screen, for example, as shown in FIG. 11. Then, in S1309, the user executes a folder naming rule setting process to input folder naming rule setting information via this setting screen. Then, the process proceeds to S1310, where the CPU 201 determines which button the user pressed on this folder naming rule setting screen. If it is determined in S1310 that the user pressed the Next button 1111, the process proceeds to S1311. Here, if the user presses the Cancel button 1109, the process proceeds to S1301, and if the user presses the Back button 1110, the process proceeds to S1306. In S1311, the CPU 201 stores, for example, the information input by the user on the folder naming rule setting screen in the HDD 204.

Next, the process proceeds to S1312, where the CPU 201 displays a test transmission screen, for example, as shown in FIG. 12. The process proceeds to S1313, where the CPU 201 determines which button the user pressed on this test transmission screen. If the user has not pressed any button, S1312 is executed. If the CPU 201 determines that the user has pressed the OK button 1207, this process ends. On the other hand, if the CPU 201 determines that the user has pressed the Cancel button 1205, the process proceeds to S1301. If the CPU 201 determines that the user has pressed the Back button 1206, the process proceeds to S1309. If the CPU 201 determines that the user has pressed the Test Transmission button 1204, the process proceeds to S1314. In S1314, the CPU 201 performs a transmission test based on the contents set on the file server setting screen (FIG. 9), the file naming rule setting screen (FIG. 10), the folder naming rule setting screen (FIG. 11), and the test transmission screen (FIG. 12), and proceeds to S1312.

Next, the fax reception process by the MFP 110 according to this embodiment will be described. The following will focus on the process in which the MFP 110 receives a fax document and transfers the fax document as an image file. Here, the previously described transfer setting information (FIG. 7) and destination information (FIG. 6) are used to transfer the received fax document to the file server 120 as an image file. At this time, a file name and folder name are created for the fax document (image file) and transferred to the file server 120. Note that the destination information has been registered in advance by the user via the operation unit 111 of the MFP 110 in the destination information management unit 405 as shown in FIG. 6. Here, a description of the process of registering the destination information will be omitted.

Figure 14 is a sequence diagram that explains the process in which the MFP 110 according to the first embodiment receives image data (document data) by fax and transfers the image file of the received image data to the file server 120.

At 1401, a fax image is sent from an external fax terminal to the MFP 110. When the MFP 110 receives this fax image, the fax receiving unit 401 and the forwarding unit 402 perform fax reception processing.

Figure 15 is a flowchart explaining fax reception processing by the MFP 110 according to the first embodiment. Note that each operation shown in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 201 of the MFP 110 expanding a control program stored in the HDD 204 into the RAM 203 and executing it.

First, in S1501, CPU 201 receives a fax from an external fax terminal via public line 150 using modem 210. CPU 201 also uses modem 210 to acquire the telephone number of the external fax terminal as the sender number, and further acquires the date and time of fax reception as the reception date and time. Next, the process proceeds to S1502, where CPU 201 converts the fax document received in S1501 into an image file such as PDF. CPU 201 also creates a control file that lists the sender telephone number and reception date and time acquired in S1501. Then, the image file containing the fax document is temporarily stored in HDD 204 together with the control file.

Next, the process proceeds to S1503, where the CPU 201 determines whether the image file was successfully temporarily stored in the HDD 204. If the image file was successfully stored, the process proceeds to S1504, where the CPU 201 acquires the sender's telephone number and the date and time of reception that were temporarily stored in the HDD 204. On the other hand, if the image file has not been temporarily stored, error processing is performed and the process ends. An example of a temporary storage failure here is insufficient capacity of the HDD 204. The error processing here may include sending the fax document to the printer unit 113 via the printer I/F 209 to have it printed, and displaying a status display screen (Figure 8) on the operation unit 111 to display the error status.

Then, the process proceeds to S1505, where the CPU 201 creates a file name for the image file when it is transferred to the file server 120, by referencing the sender number and reception date and time acquired in S1504, the transfer setting information (FIG. 7), and the destination information (FIG. 6). The details of the process of S1505 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 16.

Figure 16 is a flowchart that explains the process of creating a file name for an image file to be transferred in S1505 of Figure 15. Note that each operation shown in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 201 of the MFP 110 expanding a control program stored in the HDD 204 into the RAM 203 and executing it, so here the operations will be explained as being mainly performed by the CPU 201.

First, in S1601, the CPU 201 acquires the filenamerule 705 (file naming rule) stored in the HDD 204. Next, the process proceeds to S1602, where the CPU 201 acquires destination information (FIG. 6) based on the telephone number. Here, the telephone number 603 is used as a key to search for and acquire the registered name 602. Next, the process proceeds to S1603, where the CPU 201 determines whether or not a registered name 602 corresponding to the telephone number 603 exists. If the registered name 602 exists, the process proceeds to S1604, where the corresponding registered name is acquired, and the process proceeds to S1606. On the other hand, if the registered name 602 does not exist, the process proceeds to S1605, where the CPU 201 acquires a default registered name that has been set in advance, and the process proceeds to S1606. Note that, as an example of this default registered name, it is assumed that "not applicable" or the like is set. In addition, this default registered name may be stored in advance in the ROM 202 or the HDD 204. Also, an input box for setting a default registration name may be provided, for example, on the file naming rules setting screen of FIG. 10, so that the user can change the default name. In S1606, the CPU 201 creates a file name using the registration name, sender telephone number, reception date and time, destination book name, line name, etc., in accordance with the file naming rules acquired in S1601.

Then, the process proceeds to S1506 in FIG. 15. In S1506, the CPU 201 creates a folder name for the transfer based on the sender's telephone number and the reception date and time acquired in S1504, the transfer setting information (FIG. 7), and the destination information (FIG. 6). Details of the process in S1506 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 17.

Figure 17 is a flowchart explaining the process of creating a folder name of the file server 120 in which the image file to be transferred is stored, in S1506 of Figure 15. Note that each operation shown in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 201 of the MFP 110 expanding a control program stored in the HDD 204 into the RAM 203 and executing it, so here the main body of the operation will be explained as the CPU 201.

First, in S1701, the CPU 201 acquires the folder name 706 stored in the HDD 204. Next, the process proceeds to S1702, where the CPU 201 acquires the destination information and searches for and acquires the corresponding registered name using the telephone number acquired in S1504 as a key. The process proceeds to S1703, where the CPU 201 determines whether or not a registered name corresponding to the telephone number exists. If it is determined that a registered name exists, the process proceeds to S1704, where the CPU 201 acquires the corresponding registered name, and proceeds to S1706. On the other hand, if it is determined in S1703 that a registered name corresponding to the telephone number does not exist, the process proceeds to S1705, where the CPU 201 acquires a default registered name that has been set in advance, and proceeds to S1706. Note that an example of the default registered name is set to "not applicable." The default registered name may also be stored in advance in the ROM 202 or the HDD 204. In addition, an input box for setting a default registration name may be provided, for example, on the folder naming rules setting screen of FIG. 11, so that the default name stored in the HDD 204 or the like can be changed by user input.

In S1706, the CPU 201 creates a folder name using the registered name, sender telephone number, reception date and time, etc., in accordance with the folder name 706 acquired in S1701. The process then proceeds to S1707, where the CPU 201 sets the folder path 703 at the beginning of the folder name, and ends this process.

Returning to FIG. 14 again, at 1402, the MFP 110 performs authentication processing with the file server 120. This authentication processing is executed from S1507 in FIG. 15.

At S1507 in FIG. 15, the CPU 201 reads the transfer setting information (FIG. 7) from the HDD 204 and acquires the hostname 701, the username 703, and the password 704. The CPU 201 then accesses the address specified by the hostname 701 and sends the username 703 and the password 704, together with an authentication request, to the file server 120 as the user name and password, respectively. The process then proceeds to S1508.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 14, at 1402, when the communication unit 501 of the file server 120 receives an authentication request from the MFP 110, it obtains the user name and password from the authentication request and sends them to the authentication unit 502. The authentication unit 502 uses the authentication information stored in the HDD 306 to match the user ID and password, and sends the authentication result to the communication unit 501. In response, the communication unit 501 sends the received authentication result to the MFP 110.

Thus, in S1508 of FIG. 15, the CPU 201 determines whether or not an authentication result has been received from the file server 120. If it determines that an authentication result has not been received, S1508 is executed, and if an authentication result has been received, the process proceeds to S1509, where the CPU 201 determines whether the authentication result received in S1508 is a successful authentication result. If the CPU 201 determines that the authentication is a successful authentication result, the process proceeds to S1510, but if not, error processing is performed and the process ends. Examples of error processing here include displaying a status display screen (FIG. 8) on the operation unit 111 to display the error status.

In step 1403 in FIG. 14, if the MFP 110 is successfully authenticated, the MFP 110 queries the file server 120 as to whether or not a folder with the name of the folder created in step S1506 exists, and if not, requests the creation of the folder. At this time, the MFP 110 executes the process of step S1510 in FIG. 15.

At S1510, the CPU 201 sends the name of the folder created at S1506 to the file server 120 and sends a request to confirm the existence of a file with that folder name.

In step 1403 of FIG. 14, when the communication unit 501 of the file server 120 receives a request to confirm the existence of a folder from the MFP 110, it sends the folder name included in the request to confirm the existence of the folder to the file management unit 503 and requests the file management unit 503 to perform a process to confirm the existence of the folder. The file management unit 503 then determines whether a folder with the received folder name exists in the HDD 306, and sends the confirmation result to the communication unit 501 as the folder existence confirmation result. The communication unit 501 then sends the folder existence confirmation result to the MFP 110. The process then proceeds to step S1511 of FIG. 15.

At S1511, the CPU 201 determines whether a folder existence confirmation result has been received from the file server 120. If it is determined that a folder existence confirmation has not been received, the process proceeds to S1511 again. If it is determined in S1511 that a folder existence confirmation has been received, the process proceeds to S1512. At S1512, the CPU 201 determines, from the folder existence confirmation received in S1511, whether a folder with the folder name created in S1506 exists on the file server 120. If it is determined here that a folder with the same name exists, the process proceeds to S1515, but if it is determined that a folder with the same name does not exist, the process proceeds to S1513.

In S1513, the CPU 201 sends the name of the folder created in S1506 to the file server 120 and makes a request to create the folder.

Returning to the explanation of FIG. 14 again, at 1403, when the communication unit 501 of the file server 120 receives a folder creation request from the MFP 110, it sends the folder name included in the folder creation request to the file management unit 503 and requests the creation of a folder with the folder name. The file management unit 503 creates a folder with the received folder name in the HDD 306 and sends the created response to the communication unit 501. When the communication unit 501 receives the folder creation response, it sends the folder creation response to the MFP 110.

At S1514, CPU 201 determines whether a folder creation response has been received from file server 120. If a folder creation response has not been received, executes S1514, and if a folder creation response has been received, proceeds to S1515. At S1515, CPU 201 reads out the fax document stored in HDD 204, and transmits it to file server 120 along with the file name created at S1505 and the folder name created at S1506, and transmits a file save request.

This corresponds to 1404 in FIG. 14. At 1404, the MFP 110 transmits a fax document (image file) to the file server 120, specifying the file name created at S1505 and the folder name created at S1506. When the communication unit 501 of the file server 120 receives this file save request, it acquires the file, folder name, and file name from the file save request. The communication unit 501 then transmits the acquired file, folder name, and file name to the file management unit 503, requesting that the file be stored under the specified folder name and file name. The file management unit 503 stores the received file in the location of the specified folder name and file name in the HDD 306, and transmits a storage response to the communication unit 501. The communication unit 501 transmits the storage response to the MFP 110 as a file transmission response.

Thus, in S1516 of FIG. 15, the CPU 201 determines whether a file transmission response has been received from the file server 120. If a file transmission response has not been received, the process proceeds to S1516 again, but if a file transmission response has been received, the process ends.

When the MFP 110 receives a fax through the process described above, it creates a file name for the received image file (fax document) according to the file naming rules of the transfer setting information, the sender number, the date and time of reception, the registered name of the destination information corresponding to the sender number, etc. The MFP 110 also creates a folder name according to the folder path and folder naming rules of the transfer setting information, the sender number, the date and time of reception, the registered name of the destination information corresponding to the sender number, etc. The MFP 110 also checks the file server 120 for the existence of the created folder, and if the same folder does not exist on the file server 120, it requests the creation of the folder and stores the image file in the location of the created folder name and file name.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, by setting the file naming rule and folder naming rule in advance, a desired file name can be given to an image file received by fax and stored in a desired folder on the file server. In addition, the file naming rule and folder naming rule can search for destination information from the telephone number of the sender of the received fax and obtain and use the registered name corresponding to the destination information. In addition, in the file naming rule, a separator can be set to separate each item. Furthermore, in the file naming rule, items can be selected so that the file name is unique in a format that the user can recognize. This can improve work efficiency while increasing the flexibility of file name setting for the user.

In addition, the desired folder can be created on the file server where the image files are saved, reducing the effort required for users to search for the desired image files.

[Embodiment 2]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, an example of file name setting process control different from that of the first embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the naming rule is saved without executing the item check process (S1802) of the file naming rule setting process in FIG.

Figure 19 is a diagram showing an example of a confirmation dialog displayed on the MFP 110 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Note that the configuration and system configuration of the MFP 110 and file server 120 according to the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment described above, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

Message 1901 indicates the message to be displayed in this confirmation dialog. Yes button 1902 is pressed when the user agrees with the contents displayed in this confirmation dialog. When the user presses the Yes button, the screen transitions to, for example, the folder naming rule setting screen shown in FIG. 11 described above. No button 1903 is instructed when the user does not agree with the contents displayed in this confirmation dialog. When the user presses the No button 1903, the screen transitions to, for example, the file naming rule setting screen shown in FIG. 10.

Figure 20 is a flowchart explaining the process of displaying a confirmation dialog by the MFP 110 according to the second embodiment. Note that each operation shown in this flowchart is realized by the CPU 201 of the MFP 110 expanding a control program stored in the HDD 204 into the RAM 203 and executing it, so the main subject of the operation will be explained here as the CPU 201. The process shown in this flowchart is performed when the folder naming rule setting screen is displayed in S1309 of Figure 13.

First, in S2001, the CPU 201 acquires the information of the filenamereule 705 stored in the transfer setting information (Figure 7). Next, the process proceeds to S2002, where the CPU 201 determines whether the display conditions of the confirmation dialog are met based on the naming rules acquired in S2001. Here, the details of the display conditions of the confirmation dialog will be explained using the transfer setting information.

Figure 21 is a diagram showing an example of forwarding setting information according to the second embodiment. In Figure 21, 2101 to 2106 are the same as the forwarding setting information 701 to 706 in Figure 7 according to the first embodiment described above, so the description will be omitted.

Dialogue rule 2107 indicates the conditions for displaying the confirmation dialog. This condition is specified by displaying a display setting screen (not shown) for the confirmation dialog via the UI unit 406, or by the Web browser via a display setting screen (not shown) for the confirmation dialog. In the dialogue rule 2107, the following can be specified: "Registered name", "Fax number", "Date", "Address book name", "Line name", "Serial number", "Random number", etc. In FIG. 21, [REGISTNAME] (registered name) and [FAXNUMBER] (fax number) are specified, and if these are not included in the filenamerule 2105, the above conditions are met and the confirmation dialog is displayed.

If the CPU 201 determines in S2002 of FIG. 20 that the display conditions for the confirmation dialog are met, the process proceeds to S2003, where a confirmation dialog such as that shown in FIG. 19 is displayed, and the process ends. On the other hand, if the CPU 201 determines in S2002 that the display conditions are not met, the process ends without displaying such a confirmation dialog.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, by specifying any condition, it is possible to impose restrictions on subsequent processing (in the second embodiment, a confirmation dialog is displayed). Therefore, for example, by setting conditions to be confirmed by the user according to the linked system or device, it becomes possible to carry out processing according to the system or device, thereby improving user convenience.

[Embodiment 3]
In the above-described first embodiment, the folder naming rule is set via a folder naming rule setting screen as shown in Fig. 11. In this third embodiment, an example will be described in which the folder naming rule is set via a setting screen different from that of the above-described first embodiment. Note that the configurations and system configurations of the MFP 110 and file server 120 according to the third embodiment are the same as those of the above-described first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

Figure 22 is a diagram showing an example of a folder naming rule setting screen displayed on the MFP 110 according to the third embodiment of the present invention. This screen is displayed as the folder naming rule setting screen to be displayed on the operation unit 111 in S1306 of Figure 13, and the folder name when transferred to the file server 120 is determined according to the folder naming rule set on this screen.

In Figure 22, 2201 to 2203 show options for folder naming rules, and the one naming rule that is checked will be applied as the folder naming rule. When naming rule 2201 is selected, a folder name consisting of "Registration name/Fax number/Date" is generated. When naming rule 2202 is selected, a folder name consisting of "Date/Registration name/Fax number" is generated. When naming rule 2203 is selected, a folder name consisting of "Fax number/Registration name/Date" is generated.

The Cancel button 2204 indicates that processing via this screen should be cancelled. When the user presses the Cancel button 2204, the screen transitions to, for example, the status display screen shown in FIG. 8. The Back button 2205 instructs the user to return to the previous screen. When the user presses the Back button 2205, the screen transitions to, for example, the file naming rule setting screen shown in FIG. 10. The Next button 2206 indicates that the user can proceed to the next screen. When the user presses the Next button 2206, the screen transitions to, for example, the test transmission screen shown in FIG. 12.

In the transfer setting process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 13 described above, the folder naming rule setting screen shown in FIG. 19 is used instead of the folder naming rule setting screen of FIG. 11 in the first embodiment. Then, in S1309, the folder naming rule setting screen shown in FIG. 22 is displayed. Then, in S1310, it is determined which button the user pressed on this folder naming rule setting screen. If the user pressed the Next button 2206, the process proceeds to S1311. If the user pressed the Cancel button 2204, the process proceeds to S1301. Also, if the user pressed the Back button 2205, the process proceeds to S1306. In S1311, the CPU 201 stores the information entered on the folder naming rule setting screen of FIG. 22 in the HDD 204.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. In addition, when setting a folder name, the user can select and set a desired naming rule from among predetermined folder naming rules, which has the effect of simplifying user operations. This makes it easy to set up a folder for storing received fax documents.

[Other embodiments]
In the first embodiment, the registration name, telephone number, and date can be specified as the folder name, but for example, if two fax lines are connected to the modem 210 of the MFP 110, the line number may be specified as the folder name.

In addition, in the above embodiments 1 to 3, the settings screen is in a wizard format and multiple screens are used to perform settings, but it is also possible to configure all settings to be performed on a single screen.

In addition, in the above embodiments 1 to 3, the user controls the operation unit 111 of the MFP 110 to display and operate the setting screen on the operation unit 111, but it is also possible to operate the setting screen from a web browser on a general-purpose personal computer.

Other Embodiments
The present invention can also be realized by executing the following process: That is, software (programs) that realize the functions of the above-described embodiments are supplied to a system or device via a network or various storage media, and the computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or device reads and executes the programs.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, in order to disclose the scope of the present invention, the following claims are appended.

110...MFP, 111...operation unit, 120...file server, 201, 301...CPU, 204, 306...HDD, 402...transfer unit, 403...temporary storage unit, 404...transfer setting information management unit, 405...destination information management unit.

Claims (40)

a receiving means for receiving from a user a selection of one or more items from among a plurality of items displayed on a setting screen relating to file name creation;
a setting means for setting so that a file name based on the one or more items selected by a user on the setting screen is created;
a display control means for performing display control so as not to complete the setting when only an item other than a predetermined item is selected on the setting screen among the plurality of items,
After the setting is completed, a file name of the file including the received data is created using the values corresponding to each of the one or more items corresponding to the setting.
23. An information processing apparatus comprising: The information processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the setting means performs setting so that a file name is created based on one or more items including the specified item based on the selection of one or more items including the specified item on the setting screen accepted by the acceptance means and the selection of a specified button on the setting screen. The information processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that the display control means, as a display control for preventing the setting from being completed, controls so that the user cannot select the specified button when only an item other than the specified item is selected on the setting screen among the plurality of items. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the display control means controls the display to not complete the settings by displaying a message on the setting screen prompting the user to select one or more items including the specified item on the setting screen. 5. An information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined item is an item that causes the information processing device to create a file name based on the predetermined item, thereby causing the created file name to be different each time the file name is created. An information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a file name created by the information processing device based on the specified items does not overlap with a file name created by the information processing device based on the specified items before the file name was created. 7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined item is an item related to a date and time of receiving the data. The information processing device according to claim 7, characterized in that the specified item is an item related to the date and time of receipt of the data, and based on the item, the date and time of receipt of the data is used as a value corresponding to the item to create a file name of a file containing the data. 9. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data is data received by fax. 2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined item is a plurality of items. 2 . The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the predetermined item is an item for which the setting can be completed when the predetermined item is selected on the setting screen. A providing means for providing a setting screen for creating a file name,
On the setting screen, it is possible to select one or more items from a plurality of items that can be used to create a file name, and a message is displayed prompting the user to select an item that will make the created file name unique.
23. An information processing apparatus comprising : 13. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the items that make the created file name a unique file name include an item related to date and time. 14. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the file name is created using values corresponding to one or more items selected on the setting screen. 15. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the data contained in the file having the file name is data received by fax. 16. The information processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the item for making the created file name a unique file name is a plurality of items. 17. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is an apparatus having a function of receiving a fax. 18. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit for storing the created file with the file name in an external file server. 18. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit for storing the created file having the file name in a specified area within the information processing apparatus. On the computer,
a receiving step of receiving from a user a selection of one or more items from among a plurality of items displayed on a setting screen relating to file name creation;
a setting procedure for setting so that a file name is created based on the one or more items selected by a user on the setting screen;
a display control step of performing display control so as not to complete the setting when only an item other than a predetermined item is selected on the setting screen among the plurality of items;
Run the command,
A program characterized in that, after the setting is completed, a file name of a file containing received data is created using values corresponding to each of the one or more items corresponding to the setting. The program described in claim 20, characterized in that the setting procedure performs setting so that a file name is created based on one or more items including the specified item on the setting screen accepted in the reception procedure and based on the selection of one or more items including the specified item on the setting screen and the selection of a specified button on the setting screen. The program according to claim 21, characterized in that the display control procedure, as a display control for preventing the setting from being completed, controls so that the user cannot select the specified button when only an item other than the specified item is selected on the setting screen among the multiple items. The program according to any one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that the display control procedure controls to display a message on the setting screen prompting the user to select one or more items including the specified item on the setting screen as display control to prevent the setting from being completed. 24. The program according to claim 20, wherein the predetermined item is an item that causes the computer to create a file name based on the predetermined item, thereby causing the created file name to be different each time it is created. 25. The program according to claim 20, wherein a file name created by the computer based on the specified items does not overlap with a file name created by the computer based on the specified items before the file name was created. 26. The program according to claim 20, wherein the predetermined item is an item related to a date and time of receipt of the data. The program described in claim 26, characterized in that the specified item is an item related to the date and time of receipt of the data, and based on the item, the date and time of receipt of the data is used as a value corresponding to the item to create a file name of a file containing the data. 28. The program according to claim 20, wherein the data is data received by fax. 21. The program according to claim 20, wherein the predetermined item is a plurality of items. 21. The program according to claim 20, wherein the predetermined item is an item for which the setting can be completed when the predetermined item is selected on the setting screen. On the computer,
Execute a procedure to provide a setting screen for creating file names;
On the setting screen, it is possible to select one or more items from a plurality of items that can be used to create a file name, and a message is displayed prompting the user to select an item that will make the created file name unique.
A program characterized by: 32. The program according to claim 31, wherein the items that make the created file name a unique file name include an item related to date and time. 33. The program according to claim 31, wherein the file name is created using values corresponding to one or more items selected on the setting screen. 34. The program according to claim 31, wherein the data contained in the file having the file name is data received by fax. 35. The program according to claim 31, wherein the item for making the created file name a unique file name is a plurality of items. 36. The program according to claim 31, wherein the information processing apparatus having the computer is an apparatus having a function of receiving a fax. 37. The program according to claim 31, further causing the computer to execute a storage procedure for storing the file with the created file name in an external file server. The program according to any one of claims 31 to 37, further comprising a storage procedure for storing the created file with the file name in a specified area within an information processing device having the computer. A control method for controlling an information processing device, comprising:
a receiving step in which a receiving means of the information processing device receives from a user a selection of one or more items from among a plurality of items displayed on a setting screen relating to file name creation;
a setting step in which a setting means of the information processing device performs setting so that a file name based on the one or more items selected by a user on the setting screen is created;
a display control step of performing display control so as not to complete the setting when only an item other than a predetermined item is selected on the setting screen among the plurality of items, by a display control means of the information processing device;
A control method characterized in that after the setting is completed, a file name of a file containing received data is created using values corresponding to each of the one or more items corresponding to the setting. A control method for controlling an information processing device, comprising:
a provision step of the providing means of the information processing device providing a setting screen for creating a file name;
On the setting screen, it is possible to select one or more items from a plurality of items that can be used to create a file name, and a message is displayed prompting the user to select an item that will make the created file name unique.
A control method comprising :

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