Information processing apparatus in communication with image processing apparatus with chat service, Control method and storage medium therefor

An information processing apparatus that communicates with an image processing apparatus and provides a chat service includes a communication unit that receives image data generated by the image processing apparatus reading an image on a document, an acquisition unit that acquires information for identifying a storage location where the received image data is to be stored, a storage unit that stores the received image data in the storage location based on the acquired information, and a control unit that controls the acquired information to be displayed in a talk room of the chat service.

BACKGROUND

Field

The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, a method for controlling an information processing apparatus, and a storage medium.

Description of the Related Art

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-78084 discusses a technique in which an image processing apparatus scans an image on a document and transmits generated image data to a chat server that provides a chat service. With this technique, image data is uploaded to and shared in a talk room provided by the chat service.

According to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-78084, the image data transmitted from the image processing apparatus is uploaded to the talk room and is assumed to be stored in a folder such as a folder managed by the chat service. Even if the image data has been stored in such a folder, however, a user in the talk room is unable to check if the image data has been stored. Accordingly, in the case where the image data transmitted from the image processing apparatus is stored in a folder, the user who is referring to the talk room has no way of knowing in which folder the desired image data has been stored.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to enabling a user to easily refer to a folder in which image data transmitted from an image processing apparatus is stored.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an information processing apparatus configured to communicate with an image processing apparatus and provide a chat service includes a communication unit configured to receive image data generated by the image processing apparatus reading an image on a document, an acquisition unit configured to acquire information for identifying a storage location where the image data received by the communication unit is to be stored, a storage unit configured to store the image data received by the communication unit in the storage location based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit, and a control unit configured to control the information acquired by the acquisition unit to be displayed in a talk room of the chat service.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The following exemplary embodiments are not intended to be limiting, and not all combinations of features described in the exemplary embodiments are required to implement the features of the present disclosure.

A first exemplary embodiment will now be described. A multifunction peripheral (MFP)10having a printing function, a scanning function, and a facsimile (FAX) function will be described as an example of an image processing apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment.

FIG.1illustrates an example of a configuration of a message application service according to the present exemplary embodiment. The message application service includes an MFP A10and an MFP B11, each serving as the image processing apparatus, a user terminal A20, a user terminal B21, a user terminal C22, a message application server30, and a tenant server40. The message application server30and the tenant server40are considered cloud60devices. The MFP A10and MFP B11, the user terminal A20, user terminal B21, and user terminal C22, the message application server30, and the tenant server40communicate with each other via a network70. The network70is a wireless or wired network composed of a wide area network (WAN) or a local area network (LAN).

The MFP A10and MFP B11each have a function for printing images provided from the message application server30, or a function for reading an image on a document and transmitting generated image data to the message application server30, which is an example of an information processing apparatus. WhileFIG.1illustrates an example with two MFPs, any number of MFPs that would enable implementation of the present embodiment is applicable. The MFP A10and MFP B11have the same configuration, as such, for description purposes, only MFP A10will be described/referenced below.

The user terminal A20, user terminal B21, and user terminal C22are information terminals such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer (PC) that are used by users of the message application service. WhileFIG.1illustrates an example with three user terminals, any number of user terminals that would enable implementation of the present embodiment is applicable. The user operates any one of the user terminal A20, user terminal B21, or user terminal C22to access the message application server30, and exchanges messages with another user or executes an installed application. In the present exemplary embodiment, a public connection on the Internet is used as an example of the communication network. In another exemplary embodiment, a secure connection is used.

The user terminal A20, user terminal B21, and user terminal C22can have the same configuration. As such, for description purposes, only the user terminal A20will be described/referenced below.

As described above, the message application server30is a cloud server located in cloud60, and is an example of the information processing apparatus that provides services using a message application306(described below). The message application server30executes processing associated with exchange of messages, including processing of transmitting and receiving messages and the like to and from the user terminal A20, and processing of displaying a display screen for transmission and reception of the messages. A mechanism for exchanging messages in the message application306will be described below with reference toFIG.7.

As described above, the tenant server40is a cloud server located in cloud60and stores and provides each tenant information. The tenant information stored in the tenant server40will be described in detail below with reference toFIG.6.

FIG.2is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the MFP A10. A control unit110including a central processing unit (CPU)111controls the operation of the MFP A10. The CPU111reads control programs stored in a read-only memory (ROM)112or a storage114into a random accessary memory (RAM)113, and performs various types of control such as reading control and printing control. The ROM112stores control programs that can be executed by the CPU111. The ROM112also stores a boot program, font data, and the like. The RAM113is a main storage and is used as a work area or a temporary storage area for loading various control programs stored in the ROM112and the storage114. The storage114stores image data, print data, various programs, various addresses, and various types of setting information. Examples of a medium used as the storage114include a solid-state drive (SSD), a hard disc drive (HDD), or an embedded MultiMedia Card (eMMC).

In the present exemplary embodiment, the MFP A10executes the process illustrated in each of the flowcharts described below by a single CPU111using a single memory (RAM113). This configuration is not seen to be limiting. In another exemplary embodiment, for example, each process can be executed by a plurality of CPUs, RAMs, ROMs, and storages cooperating with each other. In another exemplary embodiment, some of the processes can be executed using a hardware circuit such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

An operation unit interface (I/F)115connects an operation unit116including a display unit such as a touch panel and hardware keys to the control unit110. The operation unit116functions as a display unit that displays information for the user, and also functions as an operation unit that detects an input from the user.

A reading unit I/F117connects a reading unit118, such as a scanner, to the control unit110. The reading unit118reads an image on a document, and the CPU111converts the image into image data such as binary data. The image data generated based on the image read by the reading unit118is transmitted to an external apparatus, or is printed on a recording sheet.

A printing unit I/F119connects a printing unit120, such as a printer, to the control unit110. The CPU111transfers image data (print data) stored in the RAM113to the printing unit120via the printing unit I/F119. The printing unit120prints an image based on the transferred image data on a recording sheet fed from a feeding cassette (not illustrated).

A wireless communication unit I/F121is an I/F for controlling a wireless communication unit122, and connects the control unit110to an external wireless device via a wireless communication. The user terminal A20can be used as the external wireless device.

A communication unit I/F123connects the control unit110to a network100. The control unit110, via the communication unit I/F123, controls a communication unit124to transmit image data and various types of information in the image processing apparatus (MFP A10) to an external apparatus and to receive print data and information on the network100from the information processing apparatus on the network100. Examples of the transmission and reception method via the network100include transmission and reception using an electronic mail (e-mail) and file transmission using other protocols (e.g., a file transfer protocol (FTP), a server message block (SMB) protocol, a Web Distributed Authoring and Versioning (WebDAV) protocol). Additionally, image data and various types of setting data can be transmitted and received over the network100by the user terminal20and the message application server30accessing using HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) communication.

FIG.3is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the user terminal20. As described above, the user terminal20according to the present exemplary embodiment is assumed to be an apparatus such as a smartphone or a tablet PC. However, this is not seen to be limiting. Any other apparatus can be used as the user terminal20as long as the user terminal20is an information processing apparatus that can connect to the network100via Wi-Fi® communication or the like.

A CPU207reads control programs stored in a ROM208, and executes various types of processing for controlling operation of the user terminal20. A RAM209is a main memory and is used as a temporary storage area such as a work area for the CPU207. An HDD210stores various types of data, such as images and/or electronic documents.

An operation panel201includes a touch panel function that can detect a touch operation by the user, and displays various screens provided by an operating system (OS) or an e-mail transmission application. The operation panel201is used to check information stored in the message application server30. The user inputs a touch operation on the operation panel201to input a desired operation instruction to the user terminal20. The user terminal20includes hardware keys (not illustrated) that the user can use to input the operation instruction to the user terminal20.

A camera204captures an image in response to an image capturing instruction from the user. The captured image is stored in a predetermined area of the HDD210. The camera204can also be used to obtain an image of a QR Code® to enable the user to acquire information associated with the QR Code®.

The user terminal20can exchange data with various peripheral devices via a near-field communication (NFC) communication unit205, a Bluetooth® communication unit206, and a wireless LAN communication unit211.

The Bluetooth® communication unit206in the user terminal20can support Bluetooth® Low Energy.

FIG.4is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the message application server30. A CPU301reads a control program stored in a ROM302and the message application306stored in an HDD305, and executes various types of processing for controlling operation of the message application server30.

The ROM302stores a control program. A RAM303is a main memory and is used as a temporary storage area such as a work area for the CPU301. The HDD305stores various types of data such as a message, an image, channel information, and an application. Data can be exchanged with various devices such as the user terminal20and the MFP A10via a communication unit304. The communication unit304can establish a wired communication using Ethernet®, or can establish a wireless communication such as Wi-Fi® communication. The message application306is installed in the HDD305and is executed by the CPU301. A chatbot application307is also installed in the HDD305.

FIG.5is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the tenant server40. A CPU401reads a control program stored in a ROM402, and executes various types of processing for controlling tenant information601. The tenant information601to be stored will be described below with respect toFIG.6. The ROM402stores a control program. A RAM403is a main memory and is used as a temporary storage area such as a work area for the CPU401. An HDD405stores the tenant information601and the like. Data can be exchanged with various devices such as the message application server30via a communication unit404.

FIG.6illustrates an example of the tenant information601stored in the HDD405in the tenant server40. The tenant information601includes one or more pieces of group information. For description purposes, two pieces of group information602and610are included in the example illustrated inFIG.6. Depending on the configuration of the message application306, only one piece of group information can be included in one piece of tenant information. In such a case, the tenant information601and the group information are equivalent.

Both the group information602and the group information610include pieces of information constituting each piece of group information. Specifically, for example, the group information602is associated with user information603, channel information604, printer information606, cooperative application information607, and file information608.

The user information603indicates information about each user belonging to a group. The channel information604indicates information for grouping the user information603, and stores a list605of user information corresponding to each channel. Each channel refers to a talk room for exchanging messages among a plurality of associated users.

The printer information606indicates information for identifying the MFP A10. An application that uses the group information602can transmit commands, such as a print command, to any MFP by referring to the printer information606. The printer information606can indicate an internet protocol (IP) address or media access control (MAC) address of the MFP, or can indicate an identification (ID) that can uniquely identify the MFP. The ID can be issued by the MFP A10when information about the MFP A10is registered in the message application server30. The printer information606is associated with the corresponding group. In another exemplary embodiment, the printer information606can be associated with a corresponding channel or cooperative application information described below. For example, an application1can be associated with the MFP A10, and an application2can be associated with the MFP A10and MFP B11. The printer information606can also be associated with the tenant information601. Specifically, in the case of tenant information1illustrated inFIG.6, printers that are indicated in the printer information606and are commonly associated in the tenant information1are used.

The cooperative application information607indicates information about cooperative applications that cooperate with the message application306corresponding to the group information602. If the chatbot application307is associated as a cooperative application to cooperate with the group information602, information about the chatbot application307is stored in the cooperative application information607.

The file information608indicates information about folders and files stored in association with the group information602. Each folder can store a folder or a file. For example, “folder_U1_1” stores two files, i.e., “file_U1_1_1” and “file_U1_1_2”.

The file information608stores dedicated folders609for all users and channels included in the group information602. Each dedicated folder is created by the message application306with an event such as addition of a user or creation of a channel as a trigger. A user dedicated folder stores a file uploaded by the user, a folder created by the user, a file privately transmitted to another user, and the like. A channel dedicated folder stores a file uploaded to a corresponding channel by the user belonging to the channel, a folder created by the user, and the like.

Examples of the dedicated folders609include a “folder_user1” folder storing folders and files that are privately used by a user1, and a “folder_channel1” folder that is shared among users belonging to a channel1. The user can check the stored files in the corresponding channel, and can download the files to the user terminal20.

In a case where the message application306refers to a user list corresponding to the tenant information601, the message application306refers to the group information602stored in the HDD405of the tenant server40via the communication unit304, and obtains the list of the user information603. The same applies for the channel information604, the printer information606, the cooperative application information607, and the file information608.

FIGS.7A and7Billustrate examples of a screen displayed on the operation panel201of the user terminal20by the message application306cooperating with the chatbot application307.

A screen701is an example of a message screen displayed on the operation panel201of the user terminal20by the message application306corresponding to the group information602. The example illustrates a case where the users indicated by the user information603have accessed the message application306associated with the group information602.

An area702displays the user information603indicating the user who has accessed the message application server30and has received data displayed on the screen701. The area702also displays the group information602indicating the group to which the user belongs.

An area703displays the user information603and channel information604corresponding to the group information602corresponding to the user1who has accessed the message application server30. The user can select any communication partner from the area703and can exchange messages with the selected communication partner. In this case, if the channel information604is selected, the user can exchange messages with all members belonging to the channel, as indicated by an area705. An area719displays the folder corresponding to the user1who has accessed the message application server30, and the folders and files corresponding to the channel to which the user1belongs.

A button704enables adding a cooperative application. When the button704is selected, the cooperative application is installed on the message application server30.

The area705displays a talk room. A history of messages received from the communication partner with whom the user is currently exchanging messages is displayed in the area705. Specifically, a message transmitted from the communication partner selected in the area703is displayed on the area705.

A message706indicates a message transmitted by the user1. Each message can include just characters, or can include information associated with the file information608. For example, each message can be provided with a link or the like for a file.

A message707indicates a message for starting a cooperative application. In the present exemplary embodiment, an example will be described where the chatbot application307is installed in the cooperative application information607. The chatbot application307is started with the text “I would like to scan documents” as a trigger, and a screen711is then displayed. While in the present exemplary embodiment, the chatbot application307is started with text as the trigger, in another exemplary embodiment, the chatbot application307can be started by selecting the chatbot application307on the area705or the like.

The screen711is an example of a scan button generation screen displayed on the operation panel201of the user terminal20by the chatbot application307.

A window712is a window for making a reading setting (scan setting) used in reading processing (scan processing) to read an image on a document and generate image data.

A pull-down menu713enables the user to set the size of the document to be read. Reading settings such as file format, density, and double-sided document can be entered via the window712.

A pull-down menu714is a setting item for designating an MFP that executes the reading processing. The pull-down menu714displays a list of printer information corresponding to the channel or group in which the chatbot application307is started in the tenant information601. The list of printer information corresponding to the user who has started the chatbot application307is displayed. In this example, the MFP A10(printer1) is selected.

A setting field715is a field for setting the name of a button. The user can manually input a character string into the setting field715, or can select a name from among channel names or the like. The button will be described below.

A setting field716is a setting field for designating a condition for deleting a button. The setting field716enables the user to select a condition for deleting (hiding) a button from among conditions such as “delete after a lapse of time”, “delete based on the number of times of execution”, and “delete based on the number of buttons”. If “delete after a lapse of time” is selected, a button that is set in the window712and is registered in the MFP A10is deleted (hidden) when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the registration. The user can input and determine any period as the predetermined period of time. If “delete based on the number of times of execution” is selected, a button that is set in the window712and is registered in the MFP A10is deleted (hidden) when the button has been selected a predetermined number of times since the registration and the reading processing has been executed the predetermined number of times. The user can input and determine any number as the predetermined number of times. If “delete based on the number of buttons” is selected, a registered button is deleted (hidden) when the number of buttons registered in the MFP A10has reached a predetermined number. The user can input and determine any number as the predetermined number.

A button717enables transmitting a button registration request to the MFP A10. If the button717is selected, information about settings made in the window712and the button registration request are transmitted to the MFP A10.

Deleting (hiding) a button as described above makes it possible to adjust the number of buttons displayed on the operation unit116of the MFP A10. This addresses difficulties that can occur for the user to select a button due to an increase in the number of buttons being displayed.

A button718enables canceling a setting. If the button718is selected, the setting made in the window712is discarded, and the screen returns to the screen701.

A screen720is a screen displayed on the operation panel201of the user terminal20by the message application306when the user selects “doc.pdf”, which is a file uploaded to the channel1, from an area723.

A file name of a file selected by the user is displayed in an area721. In the present exemplary embodiment, the area721displays a file name. In another exemplary embodiment, a path where the file is stored can be displayed.

A window722is a file display window for displaying a file, and displays “doc.pdf”, which is the file selected by the user. The window722can provide a display method and a function suitable for the selected file format. For example, if a text file is selected, the window722is displayed as a window including a text display function as well as functions for inserting and deleting characters. If the user selects a folder instead of a file in the area723, a list of folders and files stored in the selected folder is displayed on the file display window722.

FIG.8illustrates an example of a home screen808displayed on the operation unit116. The operation unit116includes a touch panel801for displaying an operation screen and light-emitting diodes (LEDs)809and810.

The touch panel801also functions as a reception unit that receives an instruction from the user as a touch panel. The user directly touches a screen displayed on the touch panel801with the user's finger or an object such as a stylus to provide an instruction to execute each function based on the displayed screen. The home screen808is an initial screen for providing an instruction to execute each function of the MFP A10and for selecting a screen display to make various settings for functions to be executed by the MFP A10, such as copy, facsimile (fax), scan, and media print.

A status check button805is a button for displaying a screen (status check screen) to check the state of the MFP A10. The status check screen enables display of a transmission history and the like. The term “button” used herein refers to a demarcated region in a display area on the touch panel, and a touch on the demarcated region refers to a selection of the button.

A button802is a scan execution button corresponding to the channel1created when the button717is selected. If the condition in the setting field716is satisfied, the button802is deleted. In other words, the button802on the home screen808is hidden. Setting information stored in association with the button802is also deleted.

A button803is a “Scan” button for displaying a scan selection screen (not illustrated) from the MFP A10. The scan selection screen is a screen on which a transmission method such as e-mail transmission, file transmission by SMB, FTP, or HTTP, or Internet fax (I-fax) transmission is selected and displayed. Each transmission setting screen is displayed by the user touching a displayed selection display screen.

A button804is an “Address Book” button for displaying an address book screen for the MFP A10.

The LEDs809and810are LEDs that notify the user of the state of the MFP A10.

The LED809remains on while an e-mail is being received or a print job is being executed. The LED810turns on if an error has occurred in the MFP A10.

A button806is a “Stop” button that, when selected, results in cancellation of various operations and is a resident key that is constantly displayed on the operation unit116.

A button807is a “Home” button that, when selected, results in displaying the home screen808, and is a resident key that is constantly displayed on the operation unit116.

A button811is a “Menu” button for displaying a screen (not illustrated) to make environmental settings such as a used language, as well as settings for each function.

FIG.9is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of scan processing and path notification processing. According to the present exemplary embodiment, each operation (step) of the MFP A10inFIG.9is executed by the CPU111loading a control program stored in the ROM112or the storage114into the RAM113and executing the control program.

In step S901, the user issues a scan execution instruction, and the user terminal20, after receiving the scan execution instruction, transmits the scan execution instruction to the message application server30. The chatbot application307, based on the scan execution instruction, can be started with a chat text in the message707as a trigger, or can be started by selecting the chatbot application307.

In step S902, the CPU301of the message application server30sends a printer information acquisition request to the tenant server40.

In step S903, the CPU401of the tenant server40transmits the printer information606to the message application server30.

In step S904, the CPU301of the message application server30starts the chatbot application307, which results in the window712being displayed on the user terminal20.

In step S905, the user terminal20receives input of the scan setting displayed on the window712. In step S906, upon selection of the button717, the user terminal20transmits the input scan setting to the message application server30.

In step S907, the CPU301of the message application server30generates scan button generation information based on the data received in step S906, and transmits the generated scan button generation information to the MFP A10. The scan button generation information includes a uniform resource locator (URL) of a destination of image data generated by scanning. In other words, the scan button generation information includes a URL for the MFP A10to access the message application server30.

In step S908, the CPU111generates the scan execution button802based on the received scan button generation information.

In step S909, the user selects the scan execution button802. Selection of the scan execution button802by the user initiates the chatbot application307to start monitoring the scan job status of the MFP A10. In step S910, the CPU111executes scanning of a document based on the scan setting received in step S907.

In step S911, the CPU111of the MFP A10transmits each scanned image to the message application server30based on the URL of the destination received in step S907.

In step S912, the message application server30executes the chatbot application307, thereby storing the received image data in the HDD305and counting the number of files of the transmitted scanned images. In the present exemplary embodiment, images are stored in the message application server30. In other exemplary embodiment, images can be stored in, for example, a cooperating storage server (not illustrated). A name preliminarily set by the user in the MFP A10can, for example, be used as a file name of each scanned image. In another exemplary embodiment, the file name of each scanned image can be an automatically given name that combines a date and a unique number not used for other files, such as “20210520_0001.pdf”.

In step S913, the message application server30, upon detection of completion of a scan job, executes the chatbot application307, thereby acquiring the number of pieces of image data transmitted from the MFP A10. The number of pieces of image data can be acquired by counting the number of pieces of image data received in step S912, or can be acquired from the scan job status of the MFP A10. When the message application server30executes the chatbot application307and determines that a plurality of pieces of image data is transmitted, the message application server30creates a new folder and stores the image data in the newly created folder. A name of each created folder can be, for example, a combination of a function name and a unique number not used for other folders, such as “SCAN0001”, or a combination of a date and a unique number not used for other folders, such as “20210520_0001”.

The folder name can be freely determined by the user. In such a case, the user can input the folder name on the MFP A10, or can input the folder name in the window712.

In step S914, the message application server30executes the chatbot application307to provide the user with a message indicating a URL or link of the folder in which the image data is stored.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the processing of determining whether to create a folder and creating a folder in step S913and the processing of providing a notification to the user in step S914are executed by the chatbot application307. In another exemplary embodiment, the processing can be executed by the MFP A10.

FIG.10is a flowchart illustrating an example of folder path notification processing. The flowchart is started when the message application server30executes the chatbot application307and detects completion of a scan job by the MFP A10.

In step S1001, the message application server30executes the chatbot application307, thereby determining whether the message application server30has received a plurality of pieces of image data from the MFP A10. If it is determined that a plurality of pieces of image data is received (YES in step S1001), the processing proceeds to step S1002. If it is determined that only one piece of image data is received (NO in step S1001), the processing proceeds to step S1004. In another exemplary embodiment, the determination can be skipped, and the processing can always proceed to step S1002. In other words, a folder can be created regardless of the number of pieces of image data received from the MFP A10.

In step S1002, the message application server30executes the chatbot application307to create a folder on the message application306.

Specifically, the folder to be created is displayed in the area719, and is managed and provided by the message application server30. The created folder can be referred to on the message application306. The name of the created folder can be set via the window712, or can be set via the operation unit116of the MFP A10. If the folder name is set via the operation unit116of the MFP A10, the message application server30receives information indicating the folder name from the MFP A10.

While the present exemplary embodiment illustrates an example where the received image data is stored in a newly created folder, this is not seen to be limiting. In another exemplary embodiment, for example, if there is already a folder with a folder name designated by the user, the image data can be stored in the existing folder without generating a new folder. In another exemplary embodiment, if there is no folder with a folder name designated by the user, a new folder can be created, and the image data can be stored in the newly created folder.

In step S1003, the message application server30executes the chatbot application307to store the image data received from the MFP A10in the folder created in step S1002.

In step S1004, the message application server30executes the chatbot application307to acquire a URL to be notified to the user. Specifically, if the plurality of pieces of image data is received from the MFP A10, a URL used to refer to a folder in which the plurality of pieces of image data is stored is acquired. In this case, any information can be acquired as long as the information can identify a folder that is a storage location, such as a path for referring to the folder. If one piece of image data is received from the MFP A10, a URL used to refer to the image data is acquired. The information acquired in this case can also be any information, such as a file path, as long as the information can identify and refer to the image data.

In step S1005, the message application server30executes the chatbot application307to transmit a message including the URL acquired in step S1004to the channel that is the destination. In another exemplary embodiment, the destination of the message can be the user who issued a scan button generation instruction.

FIGS.11A and11Billustrate screens displayed on the operation panel201of the user terminal20by the message application306when a notification about a URL is provided.

A message1101is a message sent when it is determined that only one piece of image data is received in step S1001. The message1101includes a message indicating that the image data transmitted from the MFP A10is stored, and a file name1102of the stored image data. The file name1102functions as a link associated with the URL used to refer to the image data. The link enables the user to select the image data by performing an operation such as clicking or tapping the link. The image data can be displayed by selecting the file name1102as well as by selecting any location within the message area of the message1101.

A URL can be used instead of a file name as a character string displayed as the link in the message1101.

An image1103is an image displayed in a case where the user selects the file name1102and accesses the URL associated with the file name1102, and is based on the image data received from the MFP A10. The image1103can be displayed by an image display application or the like installed in the user terminal20, or can be displayed by the message application306.

As described above, when image data is uploaded, an icon or message for each image data is displayed in the talk room. When the user who is referring to the talk room selects the icon or a link, the image corresponding to the selected icon or link is displayed or downloaded.

If the image processing apparatus transmits a plurality of pieces of image data to a chat server and uploads the image data to the talk room, a plurality of icons or links corresponding to the plurality of pieces of image data, respectively, is displayed in the talk room. Accordingly, the number of icons or links to be displayed increases as the number of pieces of image data to be shared increases, which could make it difficult for the user to refer to messages exchanged in the talk room.

To address any difficulties, if a plurality of pieces of image data is received in step S1004, the plurality of pieces of image data is stored in a folder, and only an icon or link corresponding to the folder in which the plurality of pieces of image data is stored is displayed in the talk room (channel). This enhances the user's experience with respect to referring to messages exchanged in the talk room.

A message1104is a message sent when it is determined that a plurality of pieces of image data is received in step S1001. The message1104includes a message indicating that the plurality of pieces of image data received from the MFP A10is stored in a folder, and a folder name1105of the folder in which the plurality of pieces of image data is stored. The folder name1105functions as a link associated with the URL used to access the folder. A list of scanned images in the folder can be displayed by selecting the folder name1105as well as by selecting any location within the message area of the message1104. A URL can be used instead of a folder name as a character string displayed as the link in the message1104.

A list1106is a list of data that is stored in the folder indicated by the URL associated with the folder name1105, and is displayed by the message application306when the user selects the folder name1105. In the list1106, a data file name, a file size, and the like are displayed. The user can refer to selected data by selecting data in the list1106. For example, when image data included in the list1106is selected, an image based on the selected image data, such as the image1103, is displayed. The list of data can be displayed by a file management application or the like installed in the user terminal20. As described above, the list of data is displayed such that the user can select data stored in the storage location by selecting the corresponding URL.

The execution of the above-described processing enables the user to easily refer to a folder in which image data transmitted from the image processing apparatus is stored.

Other Embodiments

While exemplary embodiments have been described, these embodiments are not seen to be limiting. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-134623, filed Aug. 20, 2021, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.