Information processing device, non-transitory computer readable recording medium and information processing method for transferring files from a first server to a second server

An information processing device, comprises: a link information obtaining part that obtains link information to a file corresponding to a selected web content in response to detecting a select of at least one of web contents from a first contents screen on which the web contents obtained from a first storage server are laid out; a storage information obtaining part that obtains storage information of a second storage server corresponding to a designated display area in response to detecting a designating operation of the display area of the web content on a second contents screen after the link information is obtained; a file obtaining part that obtains the file corresponding to the selected web content from the first storage server based on the link information; and a file transmitting part that sends the file obtained by the file obtaining part to the second storage server based on the storage information.

This application is based on the application No. 2014-161021 filed in Japan, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an information processing device, a non-transitory computer readable recording medium and an information processing method.

Description of the Background Art

Conventional systems which comprise a contents transfer server to mediate file transfer between a FTP (File Transfer Protocol) server and a mail server which are installed on an internet are introduced (as described for example in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-108952). On such systems, the contents transfer server converts a protocol, thereby realizing the normal file transfer between the FTP server and the mail server. According to the aforementioned disclosed system, when a user would like to transfer a file between the FTP server and the mail server, he or she uses a terminal to run a browser and access an URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the contents transfer server. A contents screen is then displayed based on web contents provided by the contents transfer server. Information such as a list of files stored in the FTP server or a list of files stored in the mail server is displayed on the contents screen. The user may give an instruction such as migration of the file between the FTP server and the mail server on the contents screen displayed by a browser. In response to receiving the instruction, a command based on the instruction is sent to the contents transfer server. In response to receiving the command from the terminal, the contents transfer server downloads or uploads the file from or to the respective FTP server and mail server. The contents transfer server is then allowed to mediate the file transfer between the multiple servers which have different protocols. To be more specific, the conventional system allows the contents transfer server to interpret the user instruction and realize the automatic file transmission between the multiple servers in response to receiving the user operation such as drag-and-drop into the contents screen obtained from the contents transfer server by the browser.

The above-described conventional system requires installation of the contents transfer server to mediate the file transfer between the multiple servers. When the user does not have the access to the contents transfer server, he or she is not allowed to realize the file transfer between the multiple servers with easy operation.

It is required to realize the file transfer between the multiple servers with relatively easy operation without installation of the contents transfer server. In this case, the most likely subject to be added a file transfer function between the multiple servers is the browser which is run based on the user instruction. It is assumed, for example, the user gives an instruction to run the browser and access two servers, a first storage server and a second storage server. Moreover, a first contents screen showing web contents provided by the first storage server and a second contents screen showing web contents provided by the second storage server are displayed at the same time. In this case, if a desired file is allowed to be moved from the first storage server to the second storage server by drag-and-drop from the first contents screen into the second contents screen, this improves usefulness.

The browser, however, is just displaying the web contents provided by the respective first storage server and second storage server. Hence, the browser is not obtaining none of information relating to the substantial files managed at each of the first storage server and second storage server. In response to detecting an operation to select the file shown on the contents screen, the browser interprets that the web content such as an icon image like file icon or a character string like a file name is simply selected. As a result, the browser is not capable of transferring the file managed at the server to another server.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is intended to solve the above conventional problems. Thus, the present invention is intended to provide an information processing device, a non-transitory readable recording medium and an information processing method capable of realizing file transfer between multiple servers relatively easily with a function of a browser without installation of a dedicated server such as a contents transfer server.

First, the present invention is directed to an information processing device.

According to an aspect of the information processing device, the information processing device comprises: a display part on which a variety of information is displayed; a manipulation part that receives a user operation; a browser that displays a contents screen on which web contents are laid out on the display part; a link information obtaining part that obtains link information to a file corresponding to a selected web content in response to detecting a selecting operation of at least one of the web contents on a first contents screen via the manipulation part when the browser is displaying the multiple contents screens including the first contents screen on which the web contents obtained from a first storage server are laid out and a second contents screen on which the web contents obtained from a second storage server are laid out on the display part; a storage information obtaining part that obtains storage information of the second storage server corresponding to a designated display area in response to detecting a designating operation of the display area of the web content on the second contents screen via the manipulation part after the link information is obtained by the link information obtaining part; a file obtaining part that downloads and obtains the file corresponding to the web content selected with the selecting operation from the first storage server based on the link information obtained by the link information obtaining part after the storage information is obtained by the storage information obtaining part; and a file transmitting part that sends the file obtained by the file obtaining part to the second storage server based on the storage information obtained by the storage information obtaining part, thereby uploading the file.

Second, the present invention is directed to a non-transitory computer readable recording medium storing a browser program to be executed by an information processing device including a display part on which a variety of information is displayed and a manipulation part receiving a user operation.

According to an aspect of the non-transitory computer readable recording medium, execution of the browser program by the information processing device causing the information processing device to execute the steps of: (a) obtaining link information to a file corresponding to a selected web content in response to detecting a selecting operation of at least one of the web contents on a first contents screen via the manipulation part when the browser is displaying the multiple contents screens including the first contents screen on which the web contents obtained from a first storage server are laid out and a second contents screen on which the web contents obtained from a second storage server are laid out on the display part; (b) obtaining storage information of the second storage server corresponding to a designated display area in response to detecting a designating operation of the display area of the web content on the second contents screen via the manipulation part after the link information is obtained in the step (a); (c) downloading and obtaining the file corresponding to the web content selected with the selecting operation from the first storage server based on the link information obtained in the step (a) after the storage information is obtained in the step (b); and (d) sending the file obtained in the step (c) to the second storage server based on the storage information obtained in the step (b), thereby uploading the file.

Third, the present invention is directed to an information processing method performed on an information processing device including a display part on which a variety of information is displayed and a manipulation part receiving a user operation.

According to an aspect of the information processing method, the information processing method comprises the steps of: (a) running a browser that displays a contents screen on which web contents are laid out on the display part; (b) obtaining link information to a file corresponding to a selected web content in response to detecting a selecting operation of at least one of the web contents on a first contents screen via the manipulation part when the browser is displaying the multiple contents screens including the first contents screen on which the web contents obtained from a first storage server are laid out and a second contents screen on which the web contents obtained from a second storage server are laid out on the display part; (c) obtaining storage information of the second storage server corresponding to a designated display area in response to detecting a designating operation of the display area of the web content on the second contents screen via the manipulation part after the link information is obtained in the step (b); (d) downloading and obtaining the file corresponding to the web content selected with the selecting operation from the first storage server based on the link information obtained in the step (b) after the storage information is obtained in the step (c); and (e) sending the file obtained in the step (d) to the second storage server based on the storage information obtained in the step (c), thereby uploading the file.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to figures. In the description given below, those elements which are shared in common among figures are represented by the same reference numerals, and these elements are not discussed repeatedly for the same description.

First Preferred Embodiment

FIG. 1shows an exemplary configuration of an information processing system1of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention. The information processing system1comprises an information processing device2constructed by one of MFPs (Multi-functional Peripherals). The information processing device2is equipped with functions including a copy function, a scan function, a printer function a box function, a fax function and a browser function. The information processing device2is connected to a local network3such as LAN (Local Area Network). The local network3is connected to a cloud4such as an Internet.

Multiple storage servers5are installed on the cloud4. Each storage server5includes a storage6which stores and manages electronic files (hereafter, simply “file”) such as document data and/or image data. Each storage server5provides a storage service over the Internet. The storage server5generates a file list screen of the files stored and managed at the storage6as a web page described in a language such as HTML (HyperText Markup Language). The storage server5provides the information processing device2with the generated web page over the internet. The substantial file managed at the storage server5is not included in the web page. The web page includes information like an icon image such as a file icon, a character string such as a file name and/or link information to a storage location of the substantial file as the web content.

In the example ofFIG. 1, two storage servers, a first storage server5aand a second storage server5b, are installed on the cloud4. The number of the storage servers5is not necessarily2. More than 3 storage servers5may be installed. Also, the multiple storage servers5installed on the cloud4may be managed by a different service provider.

An operational panel13is provided with the information processing device2for users to make a variety of inputs. The user is allowed to activate the browser function on the information processing device2by making the inputs through a screen of the operational panel13. The user gives instructions to the browser run on the information processing device2, thereby gaining an access to each first storage server5aand second storage server5b. The user then is allowed to cause the contents screen to be displayed on the operational panel13by obtaining the web page generated by each storage server5aand5b.

FIG. 2is a block diagram showing an exemplary hardware configuration of the information processing device2. The information processing device2includes a controller10, a network interface11, a storage12, the operational panel13, a scanner section14, a printer section15and a fax section16and an internal web server (hereafter “IWS”)17. Each of the above-described parts is allowed to transmit and receive data with each other via a bus line18.

The controller10controls overall operations of each aforementioned part. The controller10includes a CPU10aand a memory10b. The CPU10areads and executes a variety of programs stored in the storage12. Data such as temporal data obtained in response to execution of the program by the CPU10ais stored in the memory10b.

The network interface11connects the information processing device2to the local network3. The network interface11establishes wired or wireless connection to the local network3, thereby communicating with each of the first storage server5aand the second storage server5bover the local network3.

The storage12is formed from a nonvolatile storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), for instance. The storage12stores therein the variety of programs executed by the CPU10a. In the example ofFIG. 2, a basic program21and a browser program22of the variety of programs are shown. The basic program21is automatically read and executed by the CPU10aafter the information processing device2is powered on. The basic program21causes the controller10to serve as an operating system28which is described later. The browser program22is run based on the user instruction as the operating system28is running on the controller10. The browser program22causes the controller10to serve as a browser29which is described later.

Server registration information23is stored in advance in the storage12. The server registration information23is managed by the browser29. Information relating to the multiple storage servers5such as the first storage server5aand the second storage server5bused by the information processing device2is registered in advance as the server registration information23.FIG. 3shows an example of the server registration information23. As shown inFIG. 3, a server name5, a server type and address information such as URL of each storage server5are registered in advance as the server registration information23.

The storage12includes a BOX24used with the BOX function. The BOX24is a storage region in which a file such as a document and an image is stored. The BOX24is assigned to each user or each group, for instance.

The operational panel13includes a display unit13aand a manipulation unit13b. The display unit13aformed from a device such as a color liquid crystal display, for example, is capable of displaying various types of screens. The manipulation unit13bformed with parts such as touch panel keys arranged on the screen of the display area of the display unit13aand push-button keys arranged around the display area of the display unit13b, for example, receives inputs by the user.

The scanner section14optically reads a document placed by the user and generates image data. The scanner section14becomes operative when the scan function, the copy function or the fax function is selected by the user to generate the image data.

The printer section15produces a printed output by forming images on a sheet material such as a printing sheet based on the received image data. The printer section15becomes operative when the print function or the copy function is selected by the user to produce the printed output.

The fax section16transmits and receives fax data over public phone lines, which are not shown inFIG. 2. After the fax data is received by the fax section16, for example, the received fax data is output to the printer section15so that the printed output is produced based on the fax data.

The IWS17generates a screen to display the variety of information in the information processing device2as a web page. It is assumed, for example, the browser is run on a personal computer connected to the local network3, and the browser accesses the information processing device2. In this case, the IWS17generates the screen to display the variety of information in the information processing device2as the web page, and outputs the generated web page to the browser, thereby displaying it. When the browser29is run on the controller10, the IWS17is capable of generating the similar web page and outputting it to the browser29.

FIG. 4is a block diagram showing an exemplary functional configuration of the controller10. The controller10reads and executes the basic program21, thereby serving as the operating system28. In response to detecting the user instruction to run the browser program22through the operational panel13, the operating system28reads and executes the browser program22in the storage12. Thus, the controller10serves as the browser29.

The browser29includes a display controller30and a file transfer controller40as illustrated inFIG. 4. The display controller30obtains and lays out the web contents, thereby creating the contents screen and displaying the created contents screen on the display unit13a. The file transfer controller40controls the file transfer between the multiple servers. The display controller30is one of basic functions equipped with the general browser. On the other hand, the file transfer controller40is an advanced function which is added to the general browser, for instance.

The display controller30includes a contents obtaining part31, a screen creating part32, a screen controller33and a manipulation detecting part34.

The contents obtaining part31accesses the URL designated by the user, and obtains the web page described in the language such as HTML from the URL. The web page obtained by the contents obtaining part31contains various types of web contents. It is assumed, for example, the contents obtaining part31accesses the first storage server5aor the second storage server5b. In this case, the contents obtaining part31obtains the web page containing information such as the icon image like the file icon, the character string like the file name and/or the link information to the storage location of the substantial file as the web contents.

The screen creating part32places the web contents obtained by the contents obtaining part31at a display position specified by the language such as HTML, thereby creating the contents screen to display on the display unit13a. The contents obtaining part31gains an access to the first storage server5aor the second storage server5b, and obtains the web contents. In this case, the screen creating part32places the web contents including the information such as the icon image like the file icon, the character string like the file name and/or the link information to the storage location of the substantial file at the right position, thereby creating a file list screen of the files managed at the first storage server5aor the second storage server5bas the contents screen.

The screen controller33displays the contents screen created by the screen creating part32on the display unit13a. The screen controller33of the first preferred embodiment is capable of displaying the multiple contents screens on the display unit13a. The screen controller33assigns a tab to each of the multiple contents screens and manages each of the multiple contents screens as a tab screen. The screen controller33displays the contents screen of one of the tabs selected by the user in front of another contents screen so that one contents screen is displayed on the display unit13a.

The manipulation detecting part34detects user operations performed on the manipulation unit13b. After the user makes the operation to designate the URL, the manipulation detecting part34notifies the contents obtaining part31of the URL. As a result, the contents obtaining part31is allowed to access the URL designated by the user and obtain the web page described in the language such as HTML from the URL. The manipulation detecting part34may detect the user operation to activate a new tab. In this case, the manipulation detecting part34gives an instruction to the screen controller33to display the contents screen of the new tab. The screen controller33then displays the contents screen to which the new tab is assigned on the display unit13a. The multiple contents screens may be displayed by the screen controller33. In such a case, the manipulation detecting part34detects the user operation to select the tab. After detecting the user operation to select the tab, the manipulation detecting part34gives the instruction to switch the contents screen displayed at the front of the display unit13ato the screen controller33. The screen controller33then displays the contents screen corresponding to the tab selected by the user at front of another contents screen.

The browser29gains accesses to both the first storage server5aand the second storage server5bat the same time so that the first contents screen and the second contents screen are displayed on the display unit13aat the same time. The web contents obtained by the first storage server5aare laid out on the first contents screen, and the web contents obtained by the second storage server5bare laid out on the second contents screen. The browser29is allowed to display either the first contents screen or the second contents screen at the front based on the user operation.

FIGS. 5A and 5Bare examples of displays when a first contents screen61and a second contents screen62are displayed on the display unit13aat the same time.FIG. 5Ashows an example when the first contents screen61on which the web contents obtained from the first storage server5aare laid out is displayed at the front.FIG. 5Bshows an example when the second contents screen62on which the web contents obtained from the second storage server5bare laid out is displayed at the front.

The first contents screen61shown inFIG. 5Ais displayed based on the web contents obtained from the first storage server5a, for example. A tab61ais assigned to the first contents screen61. The first contents screen61includes a brachymorphic display area61bin which a list of the files stored in the first storage server5ais displayed. The display area61bshows the files stored in a folder accessible by the user who is using the information processing device2in the first storage server5ain a list form. In the example ofFIG. 5A, icon images of 8 files, “File 1” to “File 8,” are shown in the list form. The link information to access the storage location of the substantial file corresponding to each icon image is assigned to each of the 8 icon images. Also, the link information to access the folder (storage location) in which each file of the list is stored is assigned to the display area61bshowing the list of the files. The link information, however, is configured not to be displayed on the first contents screen61.

In the example ofFIG. 5A, a tab62acorresponding to the second contents screen62is displayed next to the tab61acorresponding to the first contents screen61. The tab62bcorresponding to the second contents screen62is behind the tab61acorresponding to the first contents screen61. It is assumed, for example, the user taps the tab62ato select the tab62a. In this case, the screen controller33switches the screen on the display unit13afrom the state shown inFIG. 5Ato the state shown inFIG. 5Bso that the second contents screen62is displayed at the front.

The second contents screen62shown inFIG. 5Bis displayed based on the web contents obtained from the second storage server5b, for instance. The second contents screen62includes a brachymorphic display area62bin which a list of the files stored in the second storage server5bis displayed. The display area62bshows the files stored in a folder accessible by the user who is using the information processing device2in the second storage server5bin a list form. In the example ofFIG. 5B, character strings showing the file names of 5 files, “FILE 1” to “FILE 5,” are shown in a list form. The link information to access the storage location of the substantial file corresponding to each file name is assigned to each of the character strings showing the respective names of the 5 files. Also, the link information to access the folder (storage location) in which each file of the list is stored is assigned to the display area62bshowing the list of the files. The link information, however, is configured not to be displayed on the second contents screen62.

Referring back toFIG. 4, in response to detecting the user operation, the aforementioned manipulation detecting part34is configured to output operation information based on the detected operation to the file transfer controller40. The operation information thereby output includes information such as information relating to the server from which the contents screen on which the user made the operation is obtained (for example, the URL), an operated position where the user made the operation, the web contents that are located on the operated position and/or the display area covering the operated position.

The file transfer controller40becomes operative when the above-described display controller30displays the multiple contents screens. It is assumed, for example, the user makes the operation to move the web contents (for instance, drag-and-drop) from one of the contents screens into another contents screen. In such a case, the file transfer controller40controls to mediate the file transfer between the multiple servers based on the user operation. The file transfer controller40includes a link information obtaining part41, a storage information obtaining part42, a file obtaining part43, a file transmission part44and a server information managing part45.

When the user selects the web content such as the icon image or the file name on the contents screen, the link information obtaining part41obtains link information51assigned to the selected web content. It is assumed, for example, the first contents screen61and the second contents screen62are displayed on the display unit13aby the display controller30as described above. The web contents obtained from the first storage server5aare laid out on the first contents screen61, and the web contents obtained from the second storage server5bare laid out on the second contents screen62. At least one of the web contents included in the first contents screen61may be selected by the user as the first and the second contents screens61and62are displayed. The link information obtaining part41then obtains the link information51obtained from the first storage server5aby the contents obtaining part31. The link information51is assigned to the web content selected by the user.

The user selects the web content by, for instance, long taps at least one icon image displayed on the first contents screen61with his or her fingertip. In response to detecting such selecting operation, the manipulation detecting part34outputs operation information including information relating to the web content (icon image) selected by the user to the link information obtaining part41. The link information obtaining part41then obtains the link information51corresponding to the web content from the contents obtaining part31based on the operation information received from the manipulation detecting part34. After obtaining the link information51, the link information obtaining part41temporarily stores the obtained link information51in the storage12as shown inFIG. 4.

The way of obtaining the link information51by the link information obtaining part41is not always obtained from the contents obtaining part31. The link information obtaining part41may obtain the link information51from the screen creating part32or the screen controller33. Alternatively, the link information obtaining part41is allowed to obtain the link information51from the first storage server5aby accessing the first storage server5avia the network interface11. When the link information obtaining part41directly obtains the link information51from the first storage server5aover the internet, the link information51may not be obtained efficiently because of the network load, for example. The link information obtaining part41therefore preferably obtains the link information51obtained in advance by the contents obtaining part31.

FIGS. 6A and 6Bare an example of the user operation of drag-and-drop from one of the multiple contents screen61and62into another. The user selects the web content such as the icon image by log tapping it. The web content is then allowed to be moved corresponding to dragging by the user. The user moves his or her fingertip, thereby dragging the tapped web content.FIG. 6Ashows an example when the web content corresponding to “File 8” is selected by the user. After the user selects the web content corresponding to “File 8,” he or she moves his or her fingertip as illustrated with an arrow F1. The web content corresponding to “File 8” is then moved. The user moves his or her fingertip to near the tab62aassigned to the second contents screen62. In this case, the manipulation detecting part34determines the dragging as the selecting operation of the tab62a, and gives the instruction to the screen controller33to display the second contents screen62at the front. Hence, the screen displayed on the display unit13ais switched from the screen ofFIG. 6AtoFIG. 6B. In this case, the web content of “File 8” is kept being dragged.

After the second contents screen62is displayed, the user may move and drop the web content of “File 8” into the display area62bof the list of the file as shown inFIG. 6Bwith an arrow F2. The manipulation detecting part34then determines the dropping as the designating operation of the storage of the file (location to which the file is moved or copied). The manipulation detecting part34outputs the operation information including the information relating to the display area62binto which the user dropped the web content to the storage information obtaining part42.

The storage information obtaining part42is brought into operation after the link information51is obtained by the link information obtaining part41. In response to receiving the operation information corresponding to the dropping from the manipulation detecting part34, the storage information obtaining part42obtains storage information52corresponding to the display area62binto which the user dropped the web content from the contents obtaining part31. The storage information obtaining part42obtains address information such as the URL which is currently being displayed as the second contents screen62, for example, as the storage information52. The link information to the folder in which the substantial file is stored may be assigned to the display area62binto which the user dropped the web content. In this case, the storage information obtaining part42may obtain the link information as the storage information52. After obtaining the storage information52, the storage information obtaining part42temporarily stores the obtained storage information52in the storage12as shown inFIG. 4.

The way of obtaining the storage information52by the storage information obtaining part42is not always obtained from the contents obtaining part31. The storage information obtaining part42may obtain the storage information52from the screen creating part32or the screen controller33. Alternatively, the storage information obtaining part42is allowed to obtain the storage information52from the second storage server5bby accessing the second storage server5bvia the network interface11. When the storage information obtaining part42obtains the storage information52from the second storage server5bover the internet, the storage information52may not be obtained efficiently because of the network load, for example. The storage information obtaining part42therefore preferably obtains the storage information52obtained in advance by the contents obtaining part31.

After the storage information52is obtained by the storage information obtaining part42, the file obtaining part43becomes operative next. The file obtaining part43reads the link information51in the storage12obtained by the link information obtaining part41, and accesses the first storage server5abased on the read link information51. The file obtaining part43downloads and obtains a substantial file53corresponding to the web content selected by the user from the first storage server5a. To be more specific, the file obtaining part43is configured to directly obtain the substantial file such as the document or the image which is not included in the first contents screen61from the first storage server5a. In response to obtaining the file53corresponding to the web content selected by the user from the first storage server5a, the file obtaining part43temporarily stores the obtained file53in the storage12as illustrated inFIG. 4.

After the file53is obtained by the file obtaining part43, the file transmission part44becomes operative next. The file transmission part44reads the storage information52in the storage12obtained by the storage information obtaining part42, and accesses the second storage server5bbased on the read storage information52. The file transmission part44reads the substantial file53in the storage12, and sends the file53to a storage region (folder) corresponding to the display area62bdesignated by the user, thereby uploading it. As a result, the file53obtained from the first storage server5ais stored in the storage region designated by the user. After the file transmission to the second storage server5b, the file transfer from the first storage server5ato the second storage server5bis complete. In response to the file transfer completion, the file transmission part44deletes the link information51, the storage information52and the file53in the storage12. As a result of this deletion, the storage region in which the link information51, the storage information52and the file53are stored in the storage12is opened.

The file obtaining part43may notify the display controller30of the completion of the file transfer after the file transfer is complete, and the display of the second contents screen62may be brought up-to-date. After the second contents screen62is brought up-to-date by the display controller30, the second contents screen62is switched from the state shown inFIG. 6BtoFIG. 7. A web content62csuch as the file name corresponding to the file which is additionally stored in the second storage server5bthrough the file transfer is added to the second contents screen62ofFIG. 7. The user is allowed to see that the file transfer has completed normally.

The server information managing part45manages the server registration information23in the storage12, and provides the link information obtaining part41or the storage information obtaining part42with the server registration information23as required. It is assumed, for example, multiple contents screens are displayed on the display unit13aby the display controller30. Even in such a case, the screen obtained from the general web server such as an internet search site, for instance, may be displayed instead of the screen obtained from the storage server5. If the user makes the selecting operation of the web content on the screen obtained from the general web server which is not equipped with the storage function, it is not necessary for the link information obtaining part41to obtain the link information51. Even when the user drops into the screen obtained from the general web server to designate the storage, it is not necessary for the storage information obtaining part42to obtain the storage information52.

When the selecting operation of the web content by the user is detected, the link information obtaining part41reads the server registration information23in the storage12via the server information managing part45. The link information obtaining part41determines whether or not the contents screen on which the user made the selecting operation of the web content is the screen obtained from the storage server5which is registered in advance with the server registration information23. The contents screen on which the user made the selecting operation of the web content may be the screen obtained from the storage server5registered in advance with the server registration information23. In this case, the link information obtaining part41obtains the link information51assigned to the web content selected by the user. The contents screen on which the user made the selecting operation of the web content may not be the screen obtained from the storage server5registered in advance with the server registration information23. In this case, the link information obtaining part41does not obtain the link information51.

When the dropping by the user to designate the storage is detected, the storage information obtaining part42reads the server registration information23in the storage12via the server information managing part45. The storage information obtaining part42determines whether or not the contents screen on which the user made the designating operation of the storage is the screen obtained from the storage server5which is registered in advance with the server registration information23. The contents screen on which the user made the designating operation of the storage may be the screen obtained from the storage server5registered in advance with the server registration information23. In this case, the storage information obtaining part42obtains the storage information52relating to the storage region selected by the user. The contents screen on which the user made the designating operation of the storage may not be the screen obtained from the storage server5registered in advance with the server registration information23. In this case, the storage information obtaining part42does not obtain the storage information52. The storage information obtaining part42deletes and discards the link information51obtained by the link information obtaining part41in the storage12. As a result, the process by the file transfer controller40is back to the initial state. If the user selects the web content after that, the above-described process is performed again from the beginning.

FIG. 8is a flow diagram explaining an exemplary sequential procedure to transfer the file between the multiple servers5aand5bby the browser29with the above-described configuration. The browser29run on the information processing device2sends a contents obtaining request to the first storage server5abased on the user instruction, and obtains the web contents from the first storage server5a. The browser29displays the first contents screen61as illustrated inFIG. 5Abased on the web contents obtained from the first storage server5a. The browser29then sends the contents obtaining request to the second storage server5bbased on the user instruction, and obtains the web contents from the second storage server5b. The browser29displays the second contents screen62as illustrated inFIG. 5Bbased on the web contents obtained from the second storage server5b. Thus, the multiple contents screens61and62are displayed on the display unit13aat the same time.

In response to detecting the web content selecting operation by the user on the first contents screen61(process P1), the browser29obtains the link information51to the file corresponding to the selected web content (process P2). After detecting the selecting operation of the tab62aby the user, the browser29switches the screen displayed on the display unit13afrom the first contents screen61to the second contents screen62(process P3). In response to detecting the designating operation of the storage by the user on the second contents screen62(process P4), the browser29obtains the storage information52of the second storage server5bcorresponding to the display area62bon which the designating operation is made (process P5).

After obtaining both the link information51and the storage information52, the browser29starts the process to download and obtain the substantial file53corresponding to the web content selected by the user from the first storage server5a(process P6). To be more specific, the browser29sends the file obtaining request to the first storage server5abased on the link information51, and receives the substantial file53from the first storage server5a. The browser29then stores the file53obtained from the first storage server5a(process P7). After the download of the file53, the browser29starts the upload of the file53to the second storage server5b(process P8). More specifically, after sending the file transmission request to the second storage server5bbased on the storage information52, the browser29sends the file53. After upload to the second storage server5b, the browser29deletes the file53in the storage12(process P9). At deleting the file53, the browser29also deletes the link information51and the storage information52in the storage12.

Through the above-described process, the file53stored in the first storage server5ais transferred to the second storage server5b. In the above-described process, the user is not required to press a button such as a download button on the first contents screen61to give the instruction to start the download of the file53or designate the storage of the downloaded file53for download of the file53. Also, the user is not required to press a button such as an upload button on the second contents screen62to give the instruction to start the upload of the file53or designate the folder to which the file53is uploaded for upload of the file53. To be more specific, the user makes a simple operation to move the web content on the first contents screen61to the second contents screen62so that the file53corresponding to the selected web content is automatically transferred to the second storage server5bfrom the first storage server5a. As a result, the operability in file transfer between the different servers5aand5bis extremely improved.

Detailed sequential procedure of the process performed by the browser29is explained next.FIGS. 9 and 10are flow diagrams explaining an exemplary detailed sequential procedure of the process performed by the browser29. This process is repeatedly performed by the browser29after the browser29is started to run.

Upon the start of the process, the browser29is put into a standby state until detecting the web content selecting operation by the user (step S10). In response to detecting the web content selecting operation (when a result of step S10is YES), the browser29determines whether or not the multiple contents screens (tab screens) are displayed on the display unit13a(step S11). The multiple contents screens may not be displayed (when a result of step S11is NO). The browser29returns to step S10without carrying out the following process. The multiple contents screens may be displayed (when a result of step S11is YES). In this case, the browser29brings the link information obtaining part41into operation. The link information obtaining part41refers the server registration information23(step S12), and determines if the contents screen on which the web content selecting operation is detected is the screen obtained from the storage server5registered with the server registration information23(step S13). If the screen is not obtained from the registered server (when a result of step S13is NO), the process returns to step S10. The screen may be obtained from the registered server (when a result of step S13is YES). In this case, the link information obtaining part41obtains the link information51to the substantial file corresponding to the web content selected by the user, and temporarily stores the obtained link information51(step S14).

Another tab may be selected by the user (when a result of step S15is YES). In this case, the browser29switches the contents screen displayed at the front on the display unit13ato the contents screen corresponding to the tab selected by the user (step S16). If the selecting operation of another tab by the user is not detected (when a result of step S15is NO), the process in step S16is skipped.

The browser29determines if the designating operation of the location to which the file is copied by the user is detected (step S17). When the designating operation by the user is not detected (when a result of step S17is NO), the browser29returns to step S15to repeat the above-described process. The designating operation by the user may be detected (when a result of step S17is YES). In this case, the browser29brings the storage information obtaining part42into operation. The storage information obtaining part42refers the server registration information23(step S18), and determines if the contents screen on which the designating operation by the user is made is the screen obtained from the storage server5registered with the server registration information23(step S19). If the screen is not obtained from the registered server (when a result of step S19is NO), the storage information obtaining part42discards the link information51obtained by the link information obtaining part41(step S20), and the process returns to step S10. The screen may be obtained from the registered server (when a result of step S19is YES). In this case, the storage information obtaining part42obtains the storage information52relating to the storage region such as the location to which the file is copied designated by the user (step S21). The browser29then starts a file copy (step S22).

FIG. 10is a flow diagram explaining the detailed exemplary sequential procedure of the file copy (step S22). Upon the start of the process, the browser29brings the file obtaining part43into operation. The file obtaining part43reads the link information51obtained by the link information obtaining part41(step S30), and sends the file obtaining request to the first storage server5abased on the link information51(step S31). The file obtaining part43starts downloading the file53from the first storage server5a(step S32), and starts storing the downloaded file53(step S33). The file obtaining part43is put into the standby state until the download of the file53is complete (step S34). After the download is complete, the substantial file53corresponding to the web content selected by the user is stored in the storage12. The process by the file obtaining part43is then complete.

The browser29then brings the file transmission part44into operation. The file transmission part44reads the storage information52obtained by the storage information obtaining part42(step S35), and sends the file transmission request to the second storage server5bbased on the storage information52(step S36). The file transmission part44starts uploading the file53to the second storage server5b(step S37). The file transmission part44is put into the standby state until the upload of the file53is complete (step S38). After the upload is complete, the file transmission part44deletes the file53stored in the storage12(step S39), then deletes the link information51and the storage information52(step S40). The process by the file transmission part44is then complete, and the whole process relating to the file transfer is complete.

The above-described process is performed by the browser29run on the information processing device2. As a result, the file transfer between the first storage server5aand the second storage server5bis realized without installation of a dedicated server such as a conventional contents transfer server.

As described above, the file transfer is realized between the multiple servers relatively easily with the function of the browser without installation of the dedicated server such as the contents transfer server.

Second Preferred Embodiment

A second preferred embodiment is described next. According to the first preferred embodiment as described above, the browser29run on the information processing device2manages the multiple contents screens61and62as the tab screens. The browser29detects the drag-and-drop from one of the contents screens61and62into another contents screen, and transfers the file. On the other hand, the browser of the second preferred embodiment run on the information processing device2displays only one contents screen on the display unit13a. The overall configuration of the image processing system1and the hardware configuration of the information processing device2of the second preferred embodiment are the same as those of the first preferred embodiment.

FIG. 11is a block diagram showing an exemplary functional configuration of the controller10of the information processing device2. After the information processing device2is powered on, the controller10reads and executes the basic program21, thereby serving as the operating system28. In response to detecting an execution instruction of the browser program22by the user through the operational panel13, the operating system28reads and executes the browser program22in the storage12. As a result, the controller10runs a first browser29a. The first browser29aaccesses the URL designated by the user via the network interface11, and obtains the web contents from the URL, thereby displaying the first contents screen on the display unit13a.

The operating system28detects again the execution instruction of the browser program22by the user as the first browser29ais running. The operating system28then reads and executes the browser program22in the storage12. The controller10then starts running a second browser29b. To be more specific, the first browser29aand the second browser29bare running at the same time on the controller10. The second browser29baccesses the URL designated by the user via the network interface11, and obtains the web contents from the URL, thereby displaying the second contents screen on the display unit13a. On the display unit13a, the multiple contents screens including the first contents screen by the first browser29aand the second contents screen by the second browser29bare displayed at the same time.

The first contents screen displayed by the first browser29amay be the screen on which the web contents obtained by the first storage server5aare laid out, and the second contents screen displayed by the second browser29bmay be the screen on which the web contents obtained by the second storage server5bare laid out. The user, for example, may move the web content from the first contents screen to the second contents screen. In this case, the first browser29aand the second browser29bof the second preferred embodiment work together to perform the file transfer. The first browser29aand the second browser29bhave the same configuration as the browser29of the first preferred embodiment.

FIGS. 12 and 13show an example of the operation of moving the web content by the user. As shown inFIG. 12, a first contents screen71and a second contents screen72are displayed on the display unit13a. It is assumed that the user selects at least one of the web contents on the first contents screen71as the screens are displayed. In this case, the first browser29abrings the link information obtaining part41into operation to obtain the link information51to the substantial file corresponding to the web content selected by the user, which is the same as the first preferred embodiment. In the example ofFIG. 12, the icon image of “File 8” is selected by the user.

The user drags to move the selected icon image (web content) to the second contents screen72as shown with an arrow F3with selecting the icon image of “File 8.” In this case, the first browser29anotifies the second browser29bof the event. This communication may be directly sent between the first browser29aand the second browser29bor may be sent via the operating system28.

In response to receiving the notification of the event from the first browser29a, the second browser29bactivates the second contents screen72, thereby detecting the user operation by taking over by the first browser29a. It is assumed, for example, that the user starts dragging on the first contents screen71and still continuing on the second contents screen72. The second browser29bthen maintains and receives the dragging of the icon image detected by the first browser29a. Thus, the screen on the display unit13ais switched fromFIG. 12toFIG. 13.

When the user drops the icon image into a display area72bin which a list of files is displayed on the second contents screen72, the second browser29bdetermines the dropping as the designating operation of the storage of the file (location to which the file is moved or copied). The second browser29bthen brings the storage information obtaining part42into operation to obtain the storage information52corresponding to the display area72binto which the user dropped, which is the same as the first preferred embodiment. After the storage information obtaining part42obtains the storage information52, the second browser29bnotifies the first browser29aof the completion of obtaining the storage information52.

In response to receiving the completion of obtaining the storage information52, the first browser29afinds that the user operation to instruct the file transfer is completed normally, then brings the file obtaining part43into operation. The file obtaining part43of the first browser29areads the link information51which is obtained in advance by the link information obtaining part41, and accesses the first storage server5a. The file obtaining part43then downloads and obtains the substantial file53corresponding to the web content selected by the user from the first storage server5a. The file obtaining part43stores the file53obtained from the first storage server5ain the storage12. After the download of the file53is complete, the first browser29anotifies the second browser29bof the completion of the download.

In response to receiving the download completion, the second browser29bfinds that the substantial file53corresponding to the web content selected by the user is obtained by the first browser29a, and brings the file transmission part44into operation. The file transmission part44of the second browser29breads the storage information52which is obtained in advance by the storage information obtaining part42, and accesses the second storage server5b. The file transmission part44then sends and uploads the file53obtained by the first storage server5ato the second storage server5b.

FIG. 14is an exemplary sequential procedure of the process performed when the first and second browsers29aand29bhaving the above-described configuration work together to transfer the file between the multiple servers5aand5b. In the example ofFIG. 14, the information processing device2runs the first browser29aat first (process P10). The first browser29asends the contents obtaining request to the first storage server5abased on the user instruction, and obtains the web contents from the first storage server5a. The first browser29adisplays the first contents screen71as illustrated inFIG. 12based on the web contents obtained from the first storage server5a(process P11).

The information processing device2runs the second browser29bat next based on the new browser startup instruction by the user (process P12). The second browser29balso sends the contents obtaining request to the second storage server5bbased on the user instruction, and obtains the web contents from the second storage server5b. The second browser29bdisplays the second contents screen72as illustrated inFIG. 13based on the web contents obtained from the second storage server5b(process P13). Thus, the multiple contents screens71and72are displayed on the display unit13aat the same time.

After the first browser29adetects the web content selecting operation by the user on the first contents screen71(process P14), the link information obtaining part41of the first browser29aobtains the link information51(process P15). After detecting the dragging of moving the web content selected by the user to the second contents screen72, the first browser29aoutputs a notification75notifying of the event to the second browser29bwhich is displaying the second contents screen72. This notification75is to notify the second browser29bfrom the first browser29athat the file transfer operation by the user is still going on.

In response to detecting the designating operation of the storage of the file by the user (process P16), the second browser29bwhich has received the notification75from the first browser29aobtains the storage information52relating to the storage (process P17). The second browser29bthen outputs a notification76notifying that the obtaining process of the storage information52is complete to the first browser29a(process P18).

After receiving the notification76from the second browser29b, the first browser29astarts the process to download and obtain the substantial file53corresponding to the web content selected by the user from the first storage server5abased on the link information51obtained in process P15(process P18). To be more specific, the first browser29asends the file obtaining request to the first storage server5abased on the link information51, and receives the substantial file53from the first storage server5a. The first browser29athen stores the file53obtained from the first storage server5a(process P19). After the download of the file53, the first browser29aoutputs a notification77of the download completion to the second browser29b.

In response to receiving the notification77from the first browser29a, the second browser29breads the file53in the storage12(process P20), and starts upload of the file53to the second storage server5bwith the storage information52obtained in process P17(process P21). More specifically, after sending the file transmission request to the second storage server5b, the second browser29bsends the file53. After the upload to the second storage server5b, the second browser29bdeletes the file53in the storage12(process P22). At deleting the file53, the second browser29balso deletes the link information51and the storage information52in the storage12.

Through the above-described process, the first browser29aand the second browser29bwork together so that the file53stored in the first storage server5ais transferred to the second storage server5b. In the above-described process, the user is not required to press the button such as the download button to give the instruction to start the download of the file53or designate the storage of the downloaded file53for download of the file53. Also, the user is not required to press the button such as the upload button to give the instruction to start the upload of the file53or designate the folder to which the file53is uploaded for upload of the file53. To be more specific, the user makes the simple operation to move the web content on the first contents screen71to the second contents screen72so that the file53corresponding to the selected web content is automatically transferred to the second storage server5bfrom the first storage server5ain cooperation among the first and second browsers29aand29b. As a result, the operability in file transfer between the different servers5aand5bis extremely improved.

Detailed sequential procedure of the process performed by the first and second browsers29aand29bis explained next.FIGS. 15, 16 and 17are flow diagrams explaining an exemplary detailed sequential procedure of the process performed by the first and second browsers29aand29b. This process is repeatedly performed by each of the first and second browsers29aand29bafter the multiple browsers29aand29bare started to run on the information processing device2. Although the process explained below is described as the one performed by the first browser29a, the process by the second browser29bis the same.

Upon the start of the process, the first browser29ais put into the standby state until detecting the user operation on the first contents screen71(step S50). In response to detecting the user operation (when a result of step S50is YES), the first browser29adetermines whether or not the notification of the event is received from another browser (for instance, the second browser29b) (step S51). If it is not during the event (when a result of step S51is NO), the first browser29adetermines if the user operation is the web content selecting operation (step S52). The operation may be the web content selecting operation (when a result of step S52is YES). In this case, the first browser29aperforms the file obtaining process (step S53). If the operation is not the web content selecting operation (when a result of step S52is NO), the first browser29aperforms the process corresponding to the user operation (step S54). The process corresponding to the user operation includes a process such as update of the first contents screen71, for example.

The notification of the event may be received from another browser when the user operation is detected (when a result of step S51is YES). In this case, the first browser29adetermines if the user operation is the designating operation of the storage such as the location to which the file is copied (step S55). When the user operation is the designating operation of the storage (when a result of step S55is YES), the first browser29aperforms a file transmission (step S56). If the operation is not the designating operation of the storage (when a result of step S55is NO), the first browser29aperforms the process corresponding to the user operation (step S57) which is the same as step S54.

FIG. 16is a flow diagram explaining an exemplary detailed sequential procedure of the file obtaining process (step S53). Upon start of the file obtaining process (step S53), the first browser29abrings the link information obtaining part41into operation. The link information obtaining part41refers the server registration information23(step S60), and determines if the first contents screen71is the screen obtained from the storage server5registered with the server registration information23(step S61). If the screen is not obtained from the registered server (when a result of step S61is NO), the file obtaining process is complete. The screen may be obtained from the registered server (when a result of step S61is YES). In this case, the link information obtaining part41obtains the link information51to the substantial file corresponding to the web content selected by the user, and temporarily stores the obtained link information51(step S62).

The first browser29adetects that the web content selected by the user is dragged to the second contents screen72(when a result of step S63is YES). The first browser29athen notifies the second browser29bwhich is displaying the second contents screen72of the event (step S64). The first browser29ais put into the standby state until receiving some kind of notification from the second browser29b. To be more specific, the first browser29adetermines if the notification of completion of the obtaining process of the storage information52is received from the second browser29b(step S65). The notification of completion of the obtaining process of the storage information52may not be received (when a result of step S65is NO). In this case, the first browser29adetermines whether or not the event completion notification is received from the second browser29b(step S66). The completion of the event means that the event is complete without obtaining the storage information52by the second browser29bafter the first browser29adetects the web content selecting operation. In response to receiving no event completion notification (when a result of step S66is NO), the first browser29areturns to step S65to repeat the same process. The event completion notification may be received from the second browser29b(when a result of step S66is YES). The first browser29athen completes the file obtaining process. The link information obtained in step S62may be discarded.

After receiving the notification of completion of the obtaining process of the storage information52(when a result of step S65is YES), the first browser29abrings the file obtaining part43into operation. The file obtaining part43reads the link information51obtained in step S62(step S67), and sends the file obtaining request to the first storage server5abased on the link information51(step S68). The file obtaining part43starts downloading the file53from the first storage server5a(step S69), and starts storing the downloaded file53(step S70). The file obtaining part43is put into the standby state until the download of the file53is complete (step S71). After the download is complete, the first browser29anotifies the second browser29bof the completion of the download (step S72). Thus, the file obtaining process is complete.

FIG. 17is a flow diagram explaining an exemplary detailed sequential procedure of the file transmission (step S56). Upon start of the file transmission (step S56), the first browser29abrings the storage information obtaining part42into operation. The storage information obtaining part42refers the server registration information23(step S80), and determines if the first contents screen71is the screen obtained from the storage server5registered with the server registration information23(step S81). If the screen is not obtained from the registered server (when a result of step S81is NO), the first browser29asends the event completion notification to the second browser29bwhich has notified of the event (step S82), then completes the file transmission. The screen may be obtained from the registered server (when a result of step S81is YES). In this case, the storage information obtaining part42obtains the storage information52corresponding to the display area into which the user dropped, and temporarily stores the storage information52(step S83). The first browser29asends the notification of completion of the obtaining process of the storage information52to the second browser29bwhich has notified of the event (step S84).

The first browser29ais put into the standby state until the download completion notification is received from the second browser29b(step S85). In response to receiving the download completion notification (when a result of step S85is YES), the first browser29abrings the file transmission part44into operation. The file transmission part44reads the storage information52obtained in step S83(step S86), and sends the file transmission request to the second storage server5bbased on the storage information52(step S87). The file transmission part44reads the file53obtained by the second browser29b(step S88), then starts uploading the file53to the second storage server5b(step S89). The file transmission part44is put into the standby state until the upload of the file53is complete (step S90). After the upload is complete (when a result of step S90is YES), the file transmission part44deletes the file53stored in the storage12(step S91), then deletes the link information51and the storage information52(step S92). As described above, the file transmission is complete.

It is assumed, for example, the first and the second browsers29aand29bare run on the controller10of the information processing device2, and the first contents screen71and the second contents screen72are displayed on the display unit13a. In this case, the first and the second browsers29aand29bperform the above-described process, thereby working together to realize the automatic file transfer between the first storage server5aand the second storage server5bcorresponding to the user operation. Also in the second preferred embodiment, the same working-effect as the first preferred embodiment is realized as the installation of the dedicated server such as the conventional contents transfer server is not necessary and the user is only required to make some simple operations. Everything else other than the above-described points is the same as the first preferred embodiment.

While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments. Various modifications may be applied to the present invention.

The first storage server5aand the second storage server5bof the above-described preferred embodiments are installed, for example, on the cloud4on the internet. However, this is given not for limitation. To be more specific, one or both of the aforementioned first storage server5aand second storage server5bmay be installed under the local network3.

The first storage server5aand the second storage server5bof the above-described preferred embodiments are installed outside of the information processing device2. Either of the first storage server5aor the second storage server5bmay be embedded in the information processing device2. To be more specific, the browsers29,29aand29brun on the information processing device2internally access the IWS17loaded with the information processing device2, thereby obtaining the web contents from the IWS17and displaying the contents screens. The IWS17is capable of generating the web contents to display, for instance, the list of the files stored in the BOX24included in the storage12, and outputting the generated web contents to the browsers29,29aand29b. In this case, the IWS17and the storage12loaded with the information processing device2fulfill the same function as the aforementioned storage server5. The browsers29,29aand29bdisplay the contents screen provided by the IWS17and the contents screen obtained from the external storage server5on the display unit13a. The browsers29,29aand29bthen performs the operations explained in each of the above-described preferred embodiments with displaying the screens, thereby realizing the file transfer between the BOX24which is embedded in the information processing device2and the external storage server5.

In the preferred embodiments described above, the information processing device2is shown to be one of the MFPs with the multiple functions relating to the image processing such as scan function and print function, for example. The information processing device2of the present invention is not necessarily the device such as the MFPs including the multiple functions. To be more specific, the information processing device2may be a device with a single function relating to the image processing such as a device including a scanner or a printer. Alternatively, the information processing device2is not necessarily equipped with the image processing function. The information processing device2may be one of the general personal computers, tablets or smartphones. The functions of the above-described browsers29,29aand29bare equipped with the device so that the automatic file transfer between the multiple servers5aand5bis realized.

As the multiple contents screens are displayed by the browsers29,29aand29bon the display unit13a, the user may make a series of operations such as drag-and-drop of the web content. In the above-described preferred embodiments, the automatic file transfer is carried out in response to receiving drag-and-drop of the web content. The user may give the instruction on file transfer not only with the series of operations such as drag-and-drop. It is assumed, for example, the user copies or cuts the web content shown on the first contents screen, then switches the screen to the second contents screen. The user may paste the copied or cut web content in the second contents screen. In also this case, the above-described browsers29,29aand29bare capable of realizing the automatic file transfer.