JP4265398B2 - Information processing system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing system in which an information processing apparatus is connected via a network to a multifunction peripheral that acquires image data by a scanner function or a facsimile function, and in particular, registration of objects from the information processing apparatus to the multifunction peripheral, and Regarding deregistration of the object.

  In today's world where open offices and ubiquitous networks are screaming, a form in which input / output devices are installed in many places and these input / output devices are used by a mobile PC (Personal Computer) is becoming established. For example, there is a form in which a document in the mobile PC is printed out by the input / output device, or conversely, the document is taken from the input / output device to the mobile PC.

  When capturing image data acquired by a multifunction device having a scanner function or a facsimile function to a mobile PC, the image data is temporarily stored in a box (logical storage location) in the multifunction device, and then stored in the box from the mobile PC. A method of acquiring image data by accessing is often used. In this case, prior to using the multifunction device, the user registers his / her box in the multifunction device and provides access information (such as the multifunction device's address and box number) necessary for accessing his / her box. Save to PC.

  However, the above system has the following problems.

  A PC user who temporarily uses an unspecified number of multifunction peripherals must register his / her box in the multifunction peripheral and store the box access information in the PC each time the multifunction peripheral is used.

  On the other hand, in an environment where the multifunction device is temporarily used by an unspecified number of PC users, the number of boxes in the multifunction device registered by the PC user increases. Such a problem occurs not only in the box but also in other objects registered in the multifunction peripheral from the PC.

  Accordingly, the present invention provides an information processing system suitable for temporary use of a multifunction machine having a scanner function or a facsimile function.

  The present invention is an information processing system in which an information processing apparatus is connected to a multifunction peripheral that acquires image data by a scanner function or a facsimile function via a network, and is registered in the multifunction peripheral by the information processing apparatus. For an object used for processing the image data in the multifunction device, a history recording unit that records a usage history of the object, and a usage history recorded by the history recording unit satisfies a preset deregistration condition And a registration deletion unit for deleting the registration of the object when it is determined that the object is satisfied.

  In the above configuration, the object is registered in the multifunction device by the information processing apparatus and used for processing image data in the multifunction device. The object is preferably one that is selectively used by the user in the multifunction device. For example, a data box (storage location) in which image data is stored, an instruction file in which a processing procedure for the image data is described, or the like. is there.

  The object registration includes transmitting the object from the information processing apparatus to the multifunction device and storing it, and changing the object prepared in advance from the unregistered state to the registered state. On the other hand, unregistering an object includes deleting the object and changing the object from a registered state to an unregistered state.

  In addition, as the usage history of the object, for example, the elapsed time from the registration (usage period), the elapsed time since the last use, the number of times of use, the number of pages of stored scan data, the number of times of storing fax reception data, For example, whether or not image data is currently stored in the data box. Examples of the registration deletion condition include an elapsed time from registration exceeding a predetermined time, a usage count exceeding a predetermined count, and the like. Here, the registration cancellation condition may be set as appropriate, may be set in advance, or may be set for each registration of the object by the user.

  Further, the registration deletion by the registration deletion unit is preferably performed automatically, but may not be completely automatic. For example, when the use history satisfies the registration deletion condition, the user may select whether or not to delete the registration.

  According to the above configuration, the registration deletion means determines whether or not the usage history of the object satisfies a predetermined registration deletion condition, and when it is determined that the object usage history is satisfied, the registration of the object is deleted. Increase is suppressed.

  In an embodiment of the information processing system of the present invention, the object is a data box in which the image data is stored, and the deregistration unit deregisters the data box and stores the data box in the information processing apparatus. The stored access information necessary for accessing the data box is deleted.

  In the above configuration, the recording medium for realizing the data box is, for example, a hard disk in the multifunction device or a database server connected to the multifunction device via a network. The access information includes an address on the multifunction device network, data box identification information such as a box number, and authentication information such as a password set in the data box.

  In the above configuration, the information processing apparatus stores access information necessary for accessing the data box. Then, the registration deletion unit deletes the access information together with the registration deletion of the data box. For this reason, an increase in unnecessary access information in the information processing apparatus is suppressed.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus connected via a network to a multifunction peripheral that acquires image data by a scanner function or a facsimile function, and an object used for processing the image data in the multifunction peripheral. A registration unit for registering in the multifunction device, a history recording unit for recording a usage history of an object registered by the registration unit, and a usage history recorded by the history recording unit satisfy a preset deregistration condition A registration deletion unit that deletes registration of the object from the multi-function peripheral when it is determined that the object is satisfied.

  In an embodiment of the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the object is a data box in which the image data is stored, and further includes an access information storage unit that stores access information necessary for accessing the data box. The registration deletion means deletes the registration of the data box and deletes the access information stored by the access information storage means.

  The present invention is also an information processing method executed by an information processing apparatus connected via a network to a multifunction peripheral that acquires image data by a scanner function or a facsimile function, and the processing of the image data in the multifunction peripheral A registration step for registering an object to be used in the MFP, a history recording step for recording a usage history of the object registered by the registration unit, and a usage history recorded in the history recording step are preset. A determination step for determining whether or not a registration deletion condition is satisfied, and a registration deletion step for deleting registration of the object from the multifunction peripheral when it is determined that the determination step satisfies the condition. And

  The present invention also provides an information processing program to be executed by an information processing apparatus connected via a network to a multifunction peripheral that acquires image data by a scanner function or a facsimile function. A registration step of registering an object used for processing image data in the multifunction device, a history recording step of recording a usage history of the object registered by the registration means, and a usage history recorded in the history recording step A determination step for determining whether or not a preset registration deletion condition is satisfied, and a registration deletion step for deleting the registration of the object from the multi-function peripheral when it is determined that the determination step satisfies the condition; Is executed.

  The present invention is also an information processing system in which an information processing apparatus is connected via a network to a multi-function peripheral that stores image data acquired by a scanner function or a facsimile function in a designated data box. A registration request accepting means for accepting a request to register the data box via the information processing apparatus, and registering the data box in the multifunction device in response to the request accepted by the registration request accepting means. Registering means, access information storing means for acquiring and storing access information necessary for accessing the data box registered by the registering means from the registering means, and an access request to the registered data box Access request receiving means for receiving the request via the information processing device, and the access request An access means for accessing the data box registered by the registration means using the access information stored in the access information storage means in response to the access request received by the attaching means. To do.

  In the above configuration, as a mode of storing image data in a designated data box, for example, a mode in which a user designates a data box in which scan data is to be stored on the operation panel of the multifunction device, or a preset rule is used. There is a mode in which the facsimile reception data is distributed to the data box according to the transmission source. In addition, registration by the registration unit and storage by the access information storage unit are preferably performed automatically, but may not be completely automatic. For example, the user may be allowed to select a box number or a storage location of access information.

  In the above configuration, when there is a data box registration request from the user, the registration unit registers the data box in the multifunction peripheral, and the access information storage unit acquires the access information necessary for accessing the data box from the registration unit. And save. For this reason, it is possible to automatically register the data box for the multifunction peripheral and store the access information for the information processing apparatus, thereby reducing the work burden on the user and facilitating the temporary use of the multifunction peripheral.

  The present invention is also an information processing apparatus connected via a network to a multi-function peripheral that stores image data acquired by a scanner function or a facsimile function in a designated data box, and the data box is connected to the multi-function peripheral. A registration request receiving unit that receives a request to register the data box, a registration unit that registers the data box in the multifunction peripheral in response to the request received by the registration request receiving unit, and a registration unit that is registered by the registration unit. Access information storing means for acquiring and storing access information necessary for accessing the data box from the registration means, access request receiving means for receiving an access request to the registered data box, and receiving the access request According to the access request received by the means, the access information storage Using the access information stored in the stage, and having a access means for accessing the data boxes registered by the registration means.

  In one embodiment of the information processing apparatus of the present invention, the multifunction device is provided with a predetermined number of data boxes in advance, and the registration unit obtains a list of registered or unregistered data boxes from the multifunction device. Then, an unregistered data box is selected and registered based on the acquired list.

  Preferably, the registration by the registration unit and the storage by the access information storage unit are automatically executed continuously. According to this configuration, the user's preparatory work regarding the transfer of image data can be made only by inputting a registration request, and the burden on the user is further reduced.

  Preferably, a history recording unit that records a usage history of the data box registered by the registration unit, and whether or not the usage history recorded by the history recording unit satisfies a preset deregistration condition. And a registration deletion means for deleting the registration of the data box from the multi-function peripheral when it is determined that the data box is satisfied.

  Preferably, the deregistration unit deregisters the data box and deletes the access information stored by the access information storage unit.

  Preferably, the information processing apparatus further includes notification means for notifying a user of information for identifying the data box registered by the registration means.

  Preferably, the registration unit sets authentication information for restricting access to register the data box, and the access information storage unit stores the authentication information. Here, the authentication information is a user name, a password, or the like. According to this configuration, since the registration unit sets a password or the like, it is possible to automatically set access restrictions in the data box. Furthermore, since the access information storage means stores a password or the like, the user of the information processing apparatus does not need to be aware of the password or the like.

  Preferably, the registration request accepting unit and the access request accepting unit accept a request via a common icon displayed on the operation screen. According to this configuration, since the user can execute the registration request and the access request by operating the common icon, the operation burden on the user is reduced.

  The present invention is also an information processing method executed by an information processing apparatus connected via a network to a multi-function peripheral that stores image data acquired by a scanner function or a facsimile function in a designated data box. A registration request accepting step for accepting a request to register the data box in a multifunction device; a registration step for registering the data box in the multifunction device in response to the request accepted in the registration request accepting step; An access information storage step for storing access information necessary for accessing the data box registered in the registration step, an access request reception step for receiving an access request to the registered data box, and the access request reception step. In response to the accepted access request, the access Using the access information stored in the scan information storage step, and having an an access step of accessing the data boxes registered in the registration step.

  The present invention also relates to an information processing program that is executed by an information processing apparatus connected via a network to a multi-function peripheral that stores image data acquired by a scanner function or a facsimile function in a designated data box. A registration request accepting step for accepting a request to register the data box in the multifunction device to the device, and a registration for registering the data box in the multifunction device in response to the request accepted in the registration request accepting step An access information storing step for storing access information necessary for accessing the data box registered in the registration step, an access request receiving step for receiving an access request to the registered data box, and the access Access accepted in the request acceptance step Depending on the calculated, using the access information the stored in the access information storage step, an information processing program for causing execute an access step of accessing the data boxes registered in the registration step.

  According to the present invention, an information processing system suitable for temporary use of a multifunction machine having a scanner function or a facsimile function can be provided.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of an information processing system 100 according to an embodiment. In FIG. 1, a multifunction machine 10 is a device having a scanner function, a facsimile function, and a printer function. The multifunction machine 10 acquires image data by optically reading a document using a scanner function, and acquires image data from another facsimile machine via a telephone line (not shown) using a facsimile function. The multifunction machine 10 is connected to a network N such as a LAN (local area network).

  A user can use the multifunction machine 10 via the network N by connecting a computer (hereinafter referred to as a PC) 20 as an information processing apparatus to the network N. In FIG. 1, two PCs 20 </ b> A and 20 </ b> B are connected to the network N.

  Here, a case where the user of the PC 20 scans an original with the multifunction machine 10 and takes in the obtained image data into the personal computer 20 will be briefly described. First, the user registers his / her data box (hereinafter simply referred to as “box”) in the multi-function device 10, and access information (IP address of the multi-function device 10, box) required to access the box. Number, password, etc.) are stored in the PC 20. Next, the user places a document on the document table of the multifunction device 10, operates the operation display unit of the multifunction device 10, designates his / her box as a storage location of image data, and executes scanning. After scanning, the obtained image data is stored in a designated box. Then, the user accesses the box of the multifunction machine 10 from the PC 20 and captures image data from the box to the PC 20. Access information stored in advance in the PC 20 is used for accessing the box from the PC 20.

  In such a usage mode, if the procedure for registering the box and storing the access information is complicated, the burden on the user is large. In particular, when the user carries the PC 20 to various places and uses the multifunction machine 10 in various places, a very large work load is imposed on the user. In view of this, the information processing system 100 according to the present embodiment provides an environment in which box registration work and access information storage work can be easily performed.

  Further, when the multifunction device 10 is installed in a conference room or the like where an unspecified number of users come and go, the multifunction device 10 is used by many users, so the number of registered boxes in the multifunction device 10 increases. Resulting in. In particular, if the number of boxes that can be registered is limited, it will overflow immediately. For this reason, the administrator must check the usage status of the box at any time and delete a box that is not being used, which places a heavy burden on the administrator. Therefore, in the information processing system 100 according to the present embodiment, an increase in the number of boxes is suppressed and the burden on the administrator is reduced.

  In the present embodiment, various functions relating to the simplification of the box registration work and the access information storage work and the suppression of the box increase are mainly realized by the PC 20. However, the various functions described above may be appropriately realized by the multifunction machine 10 or other devices.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the multifunction machine 10. In FIG. 2, the multifunction machine 10 includes a scanner device 11, a facsimile device 12, a printer device 13, an image data storage unit 14, an operation display unit 15, a network interface unit 16, and a device control unit 17.

  The scanner device 11 acquires image data by optically reading a document placed on a document table. The facsimile machine 12 transmits / receives image data to / from other facsimile machines via a telephone line. The printer device 13 prints image data acquired by the scanner device 11, the facsimile device 12, or the like.

  The image data storage unit 14 is a storage medium that stores image data read by the scanner device 11, image data received by the facsimile device 12, and image data received from the PC 20 via the network N. In the form, it is a hard disk device.

  The operation display unit 15 is a user interface that displays various information and receives an operation instruction from a user. In this embodiment, the touch panel and operation buttons such as a numeric keypad are used. The network interface unit 16 is an interface for exchanging data with the network N.

  The device control unit 17 writes and reads image data to and from the image data storage unit 14. Further, the device control unit 17 manages boxes using the box management table. Further, the device control unit 17 controls the overall operation of the multifunction machine 10.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of the box management table. In the box management table of FIG. 3, box numbers from 1 to 200 are prepared. Therefore, in the present embodiment, 200 boxes can be registered. Each box is associated with a registration flag indicating the registration state of the box. The registration flag “0” indicates that the box is not registered, and the registration flag “1” indicates that the box is registered. Each box is associated with a password for access restriction set in the box. However, the password may not be set. Furthermore, each box is associated with a file name of image data stored in the box. Each file name is associated with a physical storage location where the file is stored, that is, a physical address of the image data storage unit 14.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the PC 20. 4, the PC 20 includes a display device 21, an input device 22, a network interface unit 23, a UI control unit 24, a box registration unit 25, an access information storage unit 26, an access unit 27, a history recording unit 28, and a box registration deletion unit. 29.

  The display device 21 is a display that displays various types of information on a screen. The input device 22 is a keyboard, a mouse, or the like that receives user operation inputs. The network interface unit 23 is an interface for exchanging data with the network N.

  The UI control unit 24 controls the display device 21 and the input device 22 and provides a GUI (Graphical User Interface) environment. Then, a box registration request and a box access request are accepted through a user operation on the GUI screen. Also, the box number of the registered box is displayed on the display device 21.

  The box registration unit 25 registers a box in the multifunction machine 10 in response to a box registration request from the user. The access information storage unit 26 acquires and stores access information necessary for accessing the box registered by the box registration unit 25 from the box registration unit 25. The access unit 27 accesses the registered box using the access information stored in the access information storage unit 26 in response to a user access request to the box.

  The history recording unit 28 records the use history of the box registered by the box registration unit 25. The box registration cancellation unit 29 determines whether or not the usage history recorded by the history recording unit 28 satisfies a preset registration cancellation condition. If it is determined that the usage history is satisfied, registration is performed by the box registration unit 25. The registered box is deleted from the multifunction machine 10. Further, the box registration deletion unit 29 deletes the registration of the box and deletes the access information stored in the access information storage unit 26.

  In the present embodiment, the above-described units 24 to 29 are realized by executing the information processing program according to the present embodiment stored in a storage medium such as a ROM or a hard disk on the CPU and RAM. However, the implementation | achievement aspect of each said parts 24-29 is not limited to this.

  The operation of the information processing system 100 having the above-described configuration will be described in detail separately for box registration, scanning, image data fetching to a PC, and box registration deletion.

[When registering user box]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the information processing system 100 at the time of box registration.

  When the information processing program according to the present embodiment is activated by the user in the PC 20, the UI control unit 24 displays the device operation screen 60 shown in FIG. 6 on the display device 21 (S11). The device operation screen 60 includes a device display area 61 on the left side of the screen and a file display area 62 on the right side of the screen. In the device display area 61, a device icon 63 indicating a device and service icons 64, 65, 66 indicating services provided by the device are displayed in a tree structure. In the device display area 61, a drive icon 67 indicating the hard disk drive of the PC 20 is also displayed. On the other hand, a file icon indicating a file is displayed in the file display area 62.

  Here, the PC 20 automatically searches for a device connected to the network N using SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), which is a network management protocol used in the TCP / IP network, It shall automatically recognize the function. Here, since the multifunction device 10 is searched as a device, a device icon 63 indicating the multifunction device 10 is created. Since the printer function, facsimile function, and scanner function are recognized, a print icon 64, a FAX icon 65, and a box icon 66 are created as service icons. At this point, since the box is not registered, the attribute of the box icon 66 is “unregistered”, and this attribute is displayed next to the box icon 66.

  Next, when the user double-clicks the box icon 66 on the device operation screen 60 (S12), the UI control unit 24 determines whether the attribute of the box icon 66 is “registered” (S13). Here, since it is not “registered” (S13: NO), the UI control unit 24 recognizes that the operation by the user is a box registration request (S14). That is, the UI control unit 24 receives a box registration request from the user through an operation on the box icon 66. The procedure when the attribute of the box icon 66 is “registered” (S13: YES) will be described in detail later.

  Next, the UI control unit 24 notifies the box registration unit 25 of a box registration request. In response to this notification, the box registration unit 25 registers a box in the multifunction machine 10. Specifically, a box is registered by the following procedure.

  First, the box registration unit 25 requests the MFP 10 for a list of registered boxes (S15). In response to this request, the device control unit 17 of the multifunction machine 10 creates a list of registered boxes with reference to the box management table of FIG. 3 (S16). Then, the created list is transmitted to the box registration unit 25 (S17). The box registration unit 25 searches for an unregistered box based on the list received from the device control unit 17, and selects the searched unregistered box as a box to be registered (S18). Here, the box with box number “4” in FIG. 3 (hereinafter referred to as “box # 4”) is in an unregistered state, so box # 4 is selected. Next, the box registration unit 25 generates a password for restricting access to the box # 4 (S19). Here, it is assumed that the password “k489j” has been generated.

  Note that although the box registration unit 25 automatically selects a box to be registered here, the box may be selected by the user. The selection may be made on the multifunction device 10 side.

  Although the box registration unit 25 automatically generates a password here, the user may be allowed to input the password. Alternatively, the user may select whether or not to set a password.

  Next, the box registration unit 25 transmits a request to register the box # 4 together with the generated password to the device control unit 17 (S20). In response to this request, the device control unit 17 updates the box management table (S21). Specifically, the registration flag corresponding to box number “4” is changed from “0” (unregistered state) to “1” (registered state), and “k489j” is set to the password corresponding to box number 4. . FIG. 7 shows a box management table after box # 4 registration.

  When the update of the box management table is completed, the device control unit 17 transmits a notification that the box registration is completed to the box registration unit 25 (S22).

  When the box registration unit 25 receives the notification from the device control unit 17, it passes the access information necessary for accessing the box to the access information storage unit 26. Here, the access information is an address on the network of the multifunction machine 10, a box number “4”, and a password “k489j”. The access information storage unit 26 stores the access information acquired from the box registration unit 25 (S23).

  The box registration unit 25 notifies the UI control unit 24 that box # 4 has been registered. In response to this notification, the UI control unit 24 notifies the user that the box with the box number “4” has been registered. Specifically, the UI control unit 24 causes the display device 21 to display a confirmation dialog indicating that the box number “4” has been registered (S24). Thereby, the user can recognize that the box # 4 is registered as his / her box. Further, the UI control unit 24 sets the attribute of the box icon 66 to “registered”, and changes the display next to the box icon 66 on the device operation screen 60 from “unregistered” to the box number “4” (S25). . FIG. 8 shows the changed device operation screen 70.

  Note that notification of the box number to the user is not essential. For example, when a facsimile document from a predetermined transmission source is stored in box # 4, the user does not necessarily need to recognize the box number. In addition, even when a box is registered in association with a user name, user authentication is performed in the multifunction device 10, and the user's box number is displayed on the touch panel of the multifunction device, the user is notified of the box number in the PC 20. It is unnecessary.

[When scanning]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the information processing system 100 at the time of scanning.

  When “scan” is selected by the user from among “copy”, “fax”, and “scan” on the menu screen displayed on the operation display unit 15 of the multifunction machine 10, the device control unit 17 stores it in the user. A box selection screen for prompting selection of the box number of the destination box is displayed on the operation display unit 15 (S31). In the box selection screen, when box # 4 is selected by the user's numeric keypad input (S32), the device control unit 17 holds the selection result “box # 4” as a storage destination box. Next, when the user presses the start button of the operation display unit 15 (S33), the device control unit 17 causes the scanner device 11 to execute an image reading operation (S34).

  Then, the device control unit 17 stores the image data read by the scanner device 11 in a free area of the image data storage unit 14 (S35). Here, the device control unit 17 recognizes a free area based on the box management table. The device control unit 17 determines the file name of the image data according to a predetermined rule (S36). Here, it is assumed that the image data is stored in the storage area of the physical address “0061 to 0080” of the image data storage unit 14, and the file name is determined to be “scan_4_1”.

  Next, the device control unit 17 updates the box management table (S37). Specifically, the file name “scan — 4 — 1” is added to the file name field of box # 4, and the addresses “0061 to 0080” are added to the corresponding physical address field. FIG. 10 shows a box management table after image data is stored in box # 4.

[When importing image data to a PC]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the information processing system 100 when image data is taken into the PC.

  In the PC 20, the information processing program according to the present embodiment is in an activated state, and the device operation screen 70 shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the display device 21.

  When the user double-clicks the box icon 66 on the device operation screen 70 (S41), the UI control unit 24 determines whether or not the attribute of the box icon 66 is “registered” (S42). Here, since it is “registered” (S42: YES), the UI control unit 24 recognizes that the operation by the user is a request for browsing the file in the box (S43). That is, the UI control unit 24 receives a box browsing request from the user through an operation on the box icon 66. The procedure in the case where the attribute of the box icon 66 is “unregistered” is as described in the section “At the time of box registration”.

  Next, the UI control unit 24 notifies the access unit 27 of a box browsing request. When the access unit 27 receives the notification from the UI control unit 24, the access unit 27 refers to the access information stored in the access information storage unit 26, and attaches the password “k489j” to the multifunction machine 10 in the box # 4. A file browsing request is transmitted (S44). When the password is set by the user, the user inputs the password.

  When the device control unit 17 of the MFP 10 receives the browsing request from the access unit 27, the device control unit 17 determines whether or not the received password “K489j” matches the password of the box # 4 in the box management table (FIG. 10) ( S45). Here, since the passwords match (S45: YES), the device control unit 17 refers to the box management table (FIG. 10), and accesses the file names of all the image data stored in the box # 4 to the access unit 27. (S46). If the passwords do not match (S45: NO), an error is notified to the viewing requesting PC 20. For this reason, the user or PC 20 who does not know the password of the box # 4 cannot access the box # 4. That is, box # 4 is a so-called confidential box. If no password is set in box # 4, the password determination in step S45 is omitted.

  The access unit 27 of the PC 20 passes the file name received from the device control unit 17 to the UI control unit 24. Then, the UI control unit 24 displays the file icon 68 of the file name “scan_4_1” in the file display area 62 of the device operation screen 80 as shown in FIG. 12 (S47).

  When the user drags and drops the file icon 68 to the drive icon 67 indicating the hard disk device of the PC 20 on the device operation screen 80 of FIG. 12, the UI control unit 24 indicates that the file “scan_4_1” should be taken into the hard disk device. It is recognized that there has been a data fetch request (S48). Then, the access unit 27 is notified of the data fetch request. In response to this notification, the access unit 27 transmits a request to the effect that the file “scan_4_1” should be transmitted to the multifunction machine 10 (S49).

  In response to a request from the access unit 27, the device control unit 17 of the MFP 10 refers to the box management table in FIG. 10 to identify the physical address “0061 to 0080” in which the file “scan_4_1” is stored, and Image data is read from the physical addresses “0061 to 0080” of the data storage unit 14 (S50). Then, the read image data is transmitted to the access unit 27 (S51).

  The access unit 27 of the PC 20 stores the image data received from the device control unit 17 in the hard disk device of the PC 20 (S52).

[When unregistering user box]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the information processing system 100 when the box registration is deleted. Here, it is assumed that the registration deletion condition, which is a condition for deleting the box registration, is “the elapsed time after box registration has exceeded one hour”.

  When receiving a registration completion notification from the multifunction machine 10, the history recording unit 28 of the PC 20 starts recording (timekeeping) the elapsed time after box registration (S61). The box registration deletion unit 28 determines whether or not the elapsed time counted by the history recording unit 28 has exceeded one hour (S62). When the elapsed time exceeds one hour (S62: YES), that is, when the usage history satisfies the registration deletion condition, a request for deleting the registration of the box # 4 is transmitted to the multifunction machine 10 (S63).

  Upon receiving the registration deletion request, the device control unit 17 of the multifunction machine 10 updates the box management table (S64). Specifically, the registration flag corresponding to the box number “4” in the box management table of FIG. 9 is changed from “1” (registered state) to “0” (unregistered state). As a result, the box # 4 is empty, and one box that can be used by another user is added. In addition, the device control unit 17 deletes the password, file name, and physical address corresponding to the box number “4”. This increases the free space in the image data storage unit 14. As a result of the above update, the box management table after deregistration of box # 4 returns to the state shown in FIG.

  When the update of the box management table is completed, the device control unit 17 transmits a notification to the effect that the deregistration is completed to the box deregistration unit 29 (S65).

  In response to this notification, the box registration deletion unit 29 deletes the access information of box # 4 stored in the access information storage unit 26 (S66). Then, the box registration deletion unit 29 notifies the UI control unit 24 that registration of box # 4 has been deleted. In response to the notification, the UI control unit 24 sets the attribute of the box icon 66 to “unregistered” and displays this attribute next to the box icon 66 (S67). Therefore, the screen state of the device operation screen returns to FIG. Thereby, the user can recognize that the registration of the box # 4 has been deleted.

  As described above, according to the information processing system 100 according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

  In response to a user box registration request, the box registration unit 25 automatically registers a box in the multifunction machine 10 and the access information storage unit 26 automatically stores the access information. Work becomes easy. In particular, in this embodiment, since the user only has to double-click the box icon 66 subordinate to the device icon 63, the burden on the user is greatly reduced. As a result, it is possible to reduce the work load on the PC user who temporarily uses the boxes of the multifunction machine 10 installed in an unspecified number of places.

  Since the box registration request and the access request to the registered box are received through the same box icon 66, the box registration operation and the access operation by the user are very simple.

  The box registration deletion unit 29 automatically deletes the box when the use history of the box satisfies the registration deletion condition. Thereby, an increase in unnecessary boxes can be prevented. In addition, since it is not necessary for the user or the administrator to monitor the usage status of the box or delete the unused box, the burden on the user or the administrator is reduced. In particular, the burden on the administrator when the multifunction machine 10 is temporarily used by an unspecified number of PC users is greatly reduced. In the present embodiment, the box is registered by a very simple operation, and thus the user tends to forget to deregister the box. Therefore, in the configuration in which a box can be easily registered, the effect obtained by automatically deleting the box is particularly great.

  Further, since the box registration deletion unit 29 automatically deletes the access information together with the box registration deletion, it is possible to prevent an increase in unnecessary access information in the PC 20. In addition, it is possible to reduce the burden on the user accompanying the deletion of the access information. In particular, in the present embodiment, the access information is automatically stored in the PC 20 without the user's awareness, so the user often does not know the presence of the access information. Therefore, in the configuration in which the access information is automatically stored in the PC 20, the effect obtained by automatically deleting the access information is particularly great.

  In addition, since the box registration unit 25 automatically sets a password when registering the box, access to the box can be restricted without imposing a load on the user. Further, when accessing the box, the access unit 27 automatically transmits the password to the multi-function device 10, so that the user does not need to be aware or input the password.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, it cannot be overemphasized that this invention is not limited to said embodiment. For example, in the above embodiment, the box is used to store the image data acquired by the scanner function, but the image data acquired by the facsimile function or the image data acquired from various communication devices on the network N is used. It may be used for storage.

  The object registered in the multifunction machine 10 is a box in the above embodiment, but may be another object. Here, an object that is selectively used by the user in the multifunction machine 10 is suitable as the object. For example, there is an instruction file in which a processing procedure (job flow) for image data in the multifunction machine 10 is described. Here, the processing procedure described in the instruction file includes, for example, sending a fax to a predetermined destination after scanning, sending an e-mail to a predetermined destination after scanning, converting to a predetermined file format after scanning, and a predetermined box And so on.

1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of an information processing system 100 according to an embodiment. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a multifunction machine 10. It is a figure which shows an example of a box management table. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of PC20. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of the information processing system 100 at the time of box registration. It is a figure which shows the device operation screen. It is a figure which shows the box management table after box # 4 registration. It is a figure which shows the device operation screen. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of the information processing system 100 at the time of a scan. It is a figure which shows the box management table after the image data storage to box # 4. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of the information processing system 100 at the time of image data capture. It is a figure which shows the device operation screen. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of the information processing system 100 at the time of box registration deletion.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Information processing system, 10 MFP, 11 Scanner apparatus, 12 Facsimile apparatus, 13 Printer apparatus, 14 Image data storage part, 15 Operation display part, 16 Network interface part, 17 Device control part, 20 PC (information processing apparatus), 21 display device, 22 input device, 23 network interface unit, 24 UI control unit, 25 box registration unit, 26 access information storage unit, 27 access unit, 28 history recording unit, 29 box registration deletion unit.

Claims (6)

An information processing apparatus connected via a network to a multifunction peripheral that stores image data acquired by a scanner function or a facsimile function in a designated data box,
  Registration request accepting means for accepting a request to register the data box in the multifunction device;
  In response to the request received by the registration request receiving means, a registration means for registering the data box in the multifunction device;
  Access information storage means for acquiring and storing access information necessary for accessing the data box registered by the registration means, from the registration means;
  An access request accepting means for accepting an access request to the registered data box;
  An access means for accessing the data box registered by the registration means using the access information stored in the access information storage means in response to the access request received by the access request reception means;
  History recording means for recording the use history of the data box registered by the registration means;
  It is determined whether or not the usage history recorded by the history recording unit satisfies a preset deregistration condition, and when it is determined to satisfy, the registration of the data box is erased from the multifunction peripheral, Deregistration means for deleting the access information stored by the access information storage means;
  An information processing apparatus comprising: The information processing apparatus according to claim 1,
  The information deletion apparatus, wherein the registration deletion unit deletes the access information after receiving a notification that the registration deletion is completed from the multifunction peripheral. An information processing program to be executed by an information processing apparatus connected via a network to a multi-function peripheral that stores image data acquired by a scanner function or a facsimile function in a designated data box.
  A registration request receiving step for receiving a request to register the data box in the multifunction device;
  A registration step of registering the data box in the multifunction peripheral in response to the request received in the registration request reception step;
  An access information storage step for storing in the information processing apparatus access information necessary for accessing the data box registered in the registration step;
  An access request receiving step for receiving an access request to the registered data box;
  In response to the access request received in the access request reception step, using the access information stored in the access information storage step, an access step for accessing the data box registered in the registration step;
  A history recording step for recording a usage history of the data box registered in the registration step;
  It is determined whether or not the usage history recorded in the history recording step satisfies a preset deregistration condition, and when it is determined that the registration is completed, the registration of the data box is erased from the multifunction peripheral. A deregistration step for deleting the access information stored in the information processing apparatus in the access information storage step;
  An information processing program for executing An information processing program according to claim 3,
  In the deregistration step, the access information is deleted after receiving a notification that the deregistration is completed from the multifunction peripheral. An information processing system including a multifunction device that stores image data acquired by a scanner function or a facsimile function in a designated data box, and an information processing device connected to the multifunction device via a network,
  The information processing apparatus includes:
  Registration request accepting means for accepting a request to register the data box in the multifunction device;
  In response to the request received by the registration request receiving means, a registration means for registering the data box in the multifunction device;
  Access information storage means for acquiring and storing access information necessary for accessing the data box registered by the registration means, from the registration means;
  An access request accepting means for accepting an access request to the registered data box;
  An access means for accessing the data box registered by the registration means using the access information stored in the access information storage means in response to the access request received by the access request reception means;
  History recording means for recording the use history of the data box registered by the registration means;
  It is determined whether or not the usage history recorded by the history recording unit satisfies a preset deregistration condition, and when it is determined to satisfy, the registration of the data box is erased from the multifunction peripheral, Deregistration means for deleting the access information stored by the access information storage means;
  An information processing system comprising: The information processing system according to claim 5,
  The information deletion system, wherein the registration deletion unit deletes the access information after receiving a notification that the registration deletion is completed from the multifunction peripheral.

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