Information processing system, data transfer method, and recording medium

An information processing system, a data transfer method, and a recording medium. The information processing system transfers data to storage that is a transfer destination and in response to a data transfer request from a device, the information processing system transfers the data with reference to distribution settings information that designates a storage location of the data in the storage.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is based on and claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) to Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-001097, filed on Jan. 7, 2020, in the Japan Patent Office, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an information processing system, a data transfer method, and a recording medium.

Background Art

A technique of distributing received data to a predetermined distribution destination has been known. A distribution system including a client terminal that inquires about the optimum person in charge when a file is added to a fax reception folder, and a judgment server that answers the person in charge with the least number of unprocessed cases as the optimum person in charge is disclosed.

According to the conventional art described above, distribution settings cannot be changed easily. Further, since the above-mentioned distribution system distributes according to a processing status of the person in charge, setting the distribution destination is not possible.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure describe an information processing system, a data transfer method, and a recording medium. The information processing system transfers data to storage that is a transfer destination. In response to a data transfer request from a device, the information processing system transfer the data with reference to distribution settings information that designates a storage location of the data in the storage.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In describing embodiments illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. However, the disclosure of this specification is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that have a similar function, operate in a similar manner, and achieve a similar result. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Embodiments of the data transfer system is described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a data transfer system.

The data transfer system1according to the present embodiment includes an information processing system10and an image forming apparatus20.

The information processing system10is communicably connected to each of one or a plurality of image forming apparatuses20and devices such as terminals through a network8. The information processing system10includes, for example, basic functions such as user authentication, device authentication, tenant information management, device information management, user information management, screen information management, file management, an external linkage function for linking with external services such as cloud storage, and various functions including an application programming interface (API) for receiving requests from the device and functions as a web service providing system that provides each function to the device such as the image forming apparatus20or a terminal.

The information processing system10is, for example, a platform for providing cloud services including various functions. Further, the information processing system10is implemented by a plurality of information processing apparatuses, and each of the above functions is distributed over the plurality of information processing apparatuses to be operated in cooperation by the plurality of information processing apparatuses. Alternatively, all the functions may be implemented in a single information processing apparatus. Although it is described below that the information processing system10executes the processing of each function, the information processing apparatus included in the information processing system10actually executes the processing.

Further, the information processing system10executes the processing defined in various web application programs (hereinafter referred to as web applications) as the above-mentioned cloud service. The web application is an application program that defines the functions provided by the information processing system10as a web server to the image forming apparatus20which is a web client. Further, the information processing system10determines whether or not the web application can be used by each user or device for each web application as needed.

The information processing system10also includes as a web application, and a workflow application that executes a workflow that defines a processing flow including units called components. One of the workflow applications is a data transfer application that transfers received data to a designated storage area, such as the data transfer application that transfers facsimile data.

The information processing system10executes the process defined in the data transfer application, and transfers the facsimile data received from the image forming apparatus20to the cloud storage4through the network8as described below. The information processing system10distributes and stores the facsimile data for each predetermined folder of the cloud storage4based on set information. Then, the information processing system10transmits a notification mail to the mail address of the notification destination set according to the distribution destination through the mail server7. The cloud storage4is not limited to one, and data may be transferred to a plurality of cloud storages4. One data transfer application may be able to designate the storage areas (storage destinations) of a plurality of cloud storages4as distribution destinations. A different cloud storage4may be designated as a distribution destination for each of the plurality of data transfer applications.

The image forming apparatus20is an apparatus that implements image forming functions such as scan, print, copy, and fax. The image forming apparatus20not only implements the image forming function by itself, but also functions as a web client that uses various functions provided by the information processing system10. A device for transmitting image data to the information processing system10is not limited to the image forming apparatus, and various image data transmission apparatuses may transmit data to the information processing system10.

Further, the image forming apparatus20receives the facsimile data, that is image data from a facsimile2through a telephone line network3. Then, the received facsimile data is printed (image forming), stored in a storage area in the image forming apparatus20, and transmitted to the information processing system10through the network8. Further, the image forming apparatus20includes a transmission application as a device application for transferring image data to the information processing system10. The device such as the image forming apparatus20that receives information not only from the facsimile, and the device may receive image data from various data transmission apparatuses.

The network8is an example of a communication network and mainly refers to the interne, but wireless communication or wired communication may be used, and the network8is not limited to the internet but may be a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a virtual private network (VPN) and the like. The telephone line network3is also an example of a communication network and mainly refers to a fax line or the internet but may be another network as well.

Further, the device identification information indicating one or a plurality of image forming apparatuses20and the user identification information indicating the user are managed so as to belong to one tenant in the tenant information management function of the information processing system10. The tenant indicates a group or an organization to which the user belongs, such as a company or an organization, and the tenant identification information that identifies the tenant is stored in association with the user identification information and the device identification information that belong to the tenant in the information processing apparatus of the information processing system10. Further, the information processing system10executes processing in cooperation with a plurality of image forming apparatuses20belonging to a plurality of tenants.

The cloud storage4is a storage area that is used by an individual on the web. The cloud storage4provides a user of an account with a storage area of capacity identified by contract for each account. For example, a tenant administrator of the tenant who is using the cloud service provided by the information processing system10may use the storage area of the cloud storage4account (tenant account) for which the usage application contract has been made, as a storage area for a link destination (information reference destination/transfer destination) from the information processing system10.

The facsimile data transferred from the information processing system10is stored in the storage area of the account of the cloud storage4used by the tenant to which the image forming apparatus20of the transmission source of the facsimile data belongs.

The administrator terminal5is a terminal used by the tenant administrator. The administrator terminal5receives an operation of the tenant administrator and transmits settings information input for each web application to the information processing system10. For example, the administrator terminal5transmits reference destination (storage location) of distribution settings information that describes the method of distributing the facsimile data, which is referenced by the data transfer application, the account information of cloud storage4used for reference as the storage area of cloud storage4, and the like to the information processing system10and set in the data transfer application.

The tenant administrator uses the web browser of the administrator terminal5to access the web application (data transfer application and application administrator setting web page) of the information processing system10, a management site of the tenant, the cloud storage4, and the like and display and input on a web browser. The tenant administrator may use dedicated software other than the web browser. In response to the operation by the tenant administrator, the administrator terminal5accesses the tenant management site to make administrator settings such as registering the device to the tenant, granting and canceling device license to the device, and granting or canceling user license to the registered tenant user.

In addition, the administrator terminal5receives the operation of the tenant administrator and transmits and stores the distribution settings information (table format file, etc.) indicating the setting contents of the distribution destination of the facsimile data referred to by the data transfer application to the cloud storage4.

The user terminal6is a terminal used by the user of the image forming apparatus20. The user terminal6acquires the facsimile data transferred from the information processing system10from the cloud storage4for display in response to the user's operation. In addition, the notification mail transmitted from the information processing system10is received through the mail server7. The user uses the web browser of the user terminal6to access the web application of the information processing system10, the cloud storage4, and the like, and displays and inputs on the web browser. The user may use dedicated software other than the web browser.

The hardware configuration of each device included in the data transfer system1according to the present embodiment is described.

FIG. 2is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the information processing system.

The information processing system10is implemented by a computer, which is one or more information processing apparatuses, and the information processing apparatus includes a central processing unit (CPU)101, a read only memory (ROM)102, a random access memory (RAM)103, a hard disk (HD)104, a hard disk drive (HDD) controller105, a display106, an external device connection interface (I/F)108, a network I/F109, a bus line110, a keyboard111, a pointing device112, a digital versatile disc rewritable (DVD-RW) drive114and a medium I/F116.

Among the above described elements, the CPU101controls the overall operation of the information processing apparatus included in the information processing system10. The ROM102stores a program used for driving the CPU101, such as an initial program loader (IPL). The RAM103is used as a work area of the CPU101. The HD104stores programs such as guest network creation application and various other data. The HDD controller105controls reading or writing of various data from or to the HD104under the control of the CPU101. The display106displays various information such as a cursor, menu, window, characters, or image.

The external device connection I/F108is an interface for connecting various external devices. The external device in this case is, for example, a device such as a universal serial bus (USB) memory or a printer. The network I/F109is an interface for data communication with the image forming apparatus20and the like using the network8. The bus line110is, for example, an address bus or a data bus, which electrically connects the elements such as the CPU101illustrated inFIG. 2.

The keyboard111is an example of an input device provided with a plurality of keys for allowing a user to input characters, numerals, or various instructions. The pointing device112is an example of an input device that allows a user to select or execute a specific instruction, select a target for processing, or move a cursor being displayed. The DVD-RW drive114reads and writes various data from and to a DVD-RW113, which is an example of a removable storage medium. The removable storage medium is not limited to the DVD-RW and may be a digital versatile disc-recordable (DVD-R) or the like. The medium I/F116controls reading or writing (storage) of data to the storage medium115such as a flash memory.

FIG. 3is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus.

The image forming apparatus20includes a main unit21that implements an image forming function, and an operation unit22that receives a user's operation. Reception of the operation by the user includes accepting information (including a signal indicating a coordinate value of a screen or the like) input according to the operation of the user.

The main unit21and the operation unit22are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other through the communication link201. The communication link201may be in compliance with a universal serial bus (USB) standard, for example. The communication link201may be of a standard other than the USB standard regardless of whether the communication link201is wired or wireless.

The main unit21includes a CPU211, a ROM212, a RAM213, a storage device214, a communication I/F215, a connection I/F216, an engine217, an external device I/F218, a system bus219, and the like.

The CPU211is an arithmetic unit that controls the operation of the entire main unit21by executing a program stored in the ROM212or the storage device214or the like with the RAM213as a work area. For example, the CPU211uses the engine217to implement various functions such as copy, scan, fax, and print.

The ROM212is, for example, a non-volatile memory that stores a Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) executed when the main unit21is started, various settings, and the like. The RAM213is a volatile memory used as a work area for the CPU211. The storage device214is, for example, a non-volatile storage device that stores an operating system (OS), an application program, various data, and the like, and is implemented by, for example, a hard disk drive, a solid state drive (SSD), and the like.

The communication I/F215is a network interface such as a wireless LAN or a wired LAN for connecting the main unit21to the telephone line network3and communicating with an external device such as the facsimile2. The connection I/F216is an interface for communicating between the main unit21and the operation unit22through the communication link201.

The engine217is hardware that performs processing other than general-purpose information processing and communication for implementing the functions such as copy, scan, fax, and print. The engine217includes, for example, a scanner (image reading unit) that scans and reads an image of a document, a plotter (image forming unit) that prints on a sheet material such as paper, and a fax unit that performs fax communication. The engine217may further include optional equipment such as a finisher that sorts the printed sheets, and an automatic document feeder (ADF) that automatically feeds documents to be scanned.

The external device I/F218is an interface for connecting an external device to the main unit21. The external device may include, for example, an integrated circuit (IC) card reader, a mobile sensor, and the like. The system bus219is connected to the above-described components and transmits an address signal, a data signal, various control signals, and the like.

The operation unit22includes a CPU221and a ROM222, a RAM223, a flash memory224, a communication I/F225, an operation panel226, a connection I/F227, an external device I/F228, a camera229, a system bus230, and the like.

The CPU221controls the operation of the entire operation unit22by executing a program stored in the ROM222, the flash memory224, or the like using the RAM223as a work area. The ROM222is, for example, a non-volatile memory that stores the BIOS executed when the operation unit22is started, various settings, and the like. The RAM223is a volatile memory used as a work area for the CPU221. The flash memory224is, for example, a non-volatile storage device that stores an OS, an application program, various data, and the like.

The communication I/F225is a network interface for a wireless LAN or a wired LAN for connecting the operation unit22to the network8and communicating with an external device such as an information processing apparatus.

The operation panel226accepts various inputs according to the user's operation and displays various information. The operation panel226is implemented by, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) equipped with a touch panel function but is not limited to the LCD. The operation panel226may be implemented by, for example, an organic electro luminescence (EL) display device equipped with the touch panel function. In alternative to or in addition to the LCD or the EL display, the operation panel226may include an operation unit such as hardware keys or a display unit such as an indicator lamp.

The connection I/F227is an interface for communicating between the main unit21and the operation unit22through the communication link201. The external device I/F228is an interface such as the USB for connecting an external device.

The camera229is a photographing device that captures an image of the user. The camera229may be installed outside the image forming apparatus20and connected to the operation unit22through an external device I/F228. The system bus230is connected to the above-described components and transmits an address signal, a data signal, various control signals, and the like.

A functional configuration of each device included in the data transfer system1according to the present embodiment is described below.

FIG. 4is a diagram illustrating an example of functions of the information processing system and the image forming apparatus.

The information processing system10includes a data transfer unit11, a settings registration unit12, a device authentication unit13, a license authentication unit14, and a storage unit15. Each unit is included in one or more information processing apparatuses implementing the information processing system10. The functions may be distributed and implemented, for example, an information processing apparatus A including basic functions such as a device authentication unit13and a license authentication unit14, information processing apparatus B including a web application such as a data transfer unit11or a settings registration unit12, and information processing apparatus C including a database for storing various information such as a storage unit15. In addition, other distribution methods may be used, and all the functions may be implemented in one information processing apparatus.

The data transfer unit11transfers the facsimile data. Specifically, the data transfer unit11executes a process defined in a data transfer application (facsimile transfer application or the like). The data transfer unit11acquires the distribution settings information stored in the settings area421of the storage unit42of the cloud storage4, distributes the received facsimile data for each folder based on the acquired distribution settings information, and transmits the data to the data storage area422of the storage unit42of the cloud storage4.

The settings registration unit12registers transfer settings information154indicating the settings used for the process executed by the data transfer unit11. Specifically, the settings registration unit12transmits setting screen data to the administrator terminal5and receives the transfer settings information154from the administrator terminal5. Then, the settings registration unit12stores the received transfer settings information154in the storage unit15. The settings registration unit12is implemented as an administrator setting web page for setting the data transfer application for the tenant administrator.

The device authentication unit13authenticates the image forming apparatus20. Specifically, in response to receiving the device authentication request from the image forming apparatus20, the device authentication unit13determines whether or not the device identification number included in the request is included in the device information153. When the device authentication unit13determines that the device identification number is included in the device information153, the device authentication unit13issues a device authentication ticket indicating that the device authentication is successful. The device identification number is a number for identifying the image forming apparatus20.

The license authentication unit14determines whether or not the tenant has a license to use the web application based on the license information152described below. The license authentication unit14permits the use of the web application when the license authentication unit14determines that the tenant holds the license.

The storage unit15stores various information necessary for executing the process defined in the web application. For example, the storage unit15stores tenant information151, license information152, device information153, transfer settings information154, and transfer history information503.

The license information152indicates a license set for each tenant based on a contract between the organization that opened the tenant and the management company of the information processing system10(cloud service). Specifically, the license information152indicates the number of licenses for using the web application for each tenant. The types of licenses include user license, device license, and the like. For example, one image forming apparatus20is assigned to one device license in the tenant.

The device information153indicates the attributes of the device. In the present embodiment, the device indicates the image forming apparatus20. Specifically, the device information153includes a device identification number or the like that identifies the device. The device information153is registered in association with the tenant information151.

The transfer settings information154is referred to by the data transfer unit11. The transfer settings information154is input by the tenant administrator on the data transfer function setting screen displayed on the administrator terminal5. The details of the data transfer function setting screen is described below. The transfer history information503is also described below.

The image forming apparatus20includes the main unit21and the operation unit22.

The main unit21implements an image forming function that is an internal function of the image forming apparatus20, such as copy, scan, and print. The main unit21includes a web API service unit24, a data reception unit25, and a storage unit26.

The web API service unit24provides the web API to the operation unit22. The web API is an interface for using various functions of the main unit21. The web API includes an API for acquiring the device identification number. The web API service unit24transmits the device identification number stored in the main unit21to the operation unit22in response to the API call from the operation unit22.

The data reception unit25receives the facsimile data from the facsimile2through the telephone line network3. The data reception unit25stores the received facsimile data in the storage unit26.

The storage unit26stores the facsimile data. In addition, the storage unit26stores the device identification number of the image forming apparatus20.

The operation unit22receives an operation from the user and instructs the main unit21to execute various processes. The operation unit22includes an interface for selecting an application program to be started. The operation unit22includes a transfer instruction unit23.

The transfer instruction unit23transfers the facsimile data stored in the storage unit26to the information processing system10. Specifically, when the data reception unit25receives the facsimile data, the transfer instruction unit23registers a data transfer process in a queue stored in the RAM223. The queue is information indicating order of processing to be executed by the transfer instruction unit23. The transfer instruction unit23executes the data transfer process for the information processing apparatus including the data transfer unit11of the information processing system10one by one in the order registered in the queue.

The transfer instruction unit23is implemented by the data transfer application installed in the operation unit22of the image forming apparatus20. The tenant administrator downloads the data transfer application from an external application market server or the like to the operation unit22of the image forming apparatus20and install the data transfer application.

The cloud storage4includes a storage authentication unit41and a storage unit42.

The storage authentication unit41determines whether or not the cloud storage4can be used for each account.

The storage unit42is a storage area set for each account. The storage unit42includes a settings area421and a data storage area422.

The settings area421is an area in which distribution settings information is stored. The distribution settings information is transmitted from the administrator terminal5by the operation of the tenant administrator.

The data storage area422is an area in which the facsimile data transferred from the information processing apparatus including the data transfer unit11of the information processing system10is stored. The data storage area422includes a plurality of folders. In the above-described distribution settings information, which folder to distribute the received data is set for each transmission source.

The operation of the data transfer system1is described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 5is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a data transfer function activation process.

In order to use the processing of the data transfer unit11of the information processing system10, the tenant administrator9activates the data transfer function on the screen for operating the operation unit22of the image forming apparatus20in step S101.

FIG. 6is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation unit function list screen.

The operation unit function list screen301includes a list of buttons for selecting a function. The list of buttons for selecting the function includes the data transfer function selection button302. The data transfer function selection button302is an icon image of the transfer application installed in the image forming apparatus20. The tenant administrator9activates the data transfer function by pressing the data transfer function selection button302.

FIG. 7is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen in the data transfer function activation process.

When the data transfer function is activated, the operation unit22displays an authentication screen. The operation unit22receives user identification information such as a mail address and a password through the authentication screen. The user identification information is transmitted to the information processing system10, and when the authentication function of the information processing system10authenticates that the user identification information indicates the tenant administrator, the operation unit22displays the processing screen303.

Returning toFIG. 5, the transfer instruction unit23of the operation unit22determines whether or not the data transfer function is active in step S102. Specifically, the transfer instruction unit23determines that the data transfer function is active when the transfer instruction unit23stores flag information indicating whether the data transfer function is active or not.

When the transfer instruction unit23determines that the data transfer function is not active, the transfer instruction unit23transmits a device identification number request to the main unit21in step S103. The web API service unit24of the main unit21reads data indicating the device identification number from the storage unit26. In step S104, the web API service unit24transmits data indicating the device identification number to the operation unit22.

In step S105, the transfer instruction unit23of the operation unit22transmits a request for a list of licenses to the information processing apparatus of the information processing system10. The request for the list of licenses includes the device identification number. When the tenant administrator is successfully authenticated by the user identification information and the device identification number does not correspond to the tenant (if the device is not registered in the tenant), the device identification number for the tenant is automatically registered.

In step S106, the license authentication unit14of the information processing system10refers to the license information152and transmits data indicating the list of licenses. Specifically, the license authentication unit14identifies the tenant from the tenant information151associated with the transmitted device identification number. Then, the license authentication unit14acquires list data indicating a list of web applications (web services) contracted by the identified tenant and a list of licenses for each web application (web service) obtained from the license information152and transmits the lists to the image forming apparatus20.

In step S107, the transfer instruction unit23of the operation unit22determines whether or not the web application of the information processing system10that the transfer application of the image forming apparatus20that is the transfer instruction unit23uses as the transfer destination exists and whether or not a valid license is included in the list of contracted web applications and licenses. Specifically, the transfer instruction unit23(data transfer application) searches for the web application corresponding to the application type designated by the data transfer application from the list of contracted web applications. Further, the transfer instruction unit23determines that the list of licenses includes valid licenses when the number of licenses to which device such as the image forming apparatus20is not assigned is 1 or more, out of the licenses contracted by the tenant in the list of web application licenses corresponding to the data transfer application.

Whether the license is within a validity period may be determined in step S106or step S107, when the validity period is set for each license. Further, the license authentication unit14may transmit a signal indicating an error in step S106when the information processing system10does not have a web application corresponding to the data transfer application of the image forming apparatus20.

When the transfer instruction unit23determines that the license list includes valid license, the transfer instruction unit23transmits an activation request of the data transfer function to the information processing system10in step S108. The activation request of the data transfer function includes the device identification number.

In step S109, the license authentication unit14activates the data transfer function. Specifically, the license authentication unit14selects one license to which no device is assigned from the licenses of the tenant and registers the license in association with the received device identification number. As a result, the number of unassigned licenses is reduced by one.

In step S110, the license authentication unit14transmits a success signal to the image forming apparatus20. In step S111, the transfer instruction unit23of the operation unit22activates the data transfer function. Specifically, the transfer instruction unit23stores the value of the flag information indicating whether the data transfer function is active or not active as “active”.

As a result, when the tenant administrator receives an operation to activate the data transfer function from the next time onward, the transfer instruction unit23determines that the data transfer function is active in the process of step S102.

In step S112, the transfer instruction unit23displays the top screen of the data transfer function.

When the transfer instruction unit23determines in the process of step S107that the valid license is not included in the license list, the transfer instruction unit23displays an error in step S113. Specifically, the transfer instruction unit23displays an error screen.

FIG. 8is a diagram illustrating an example of the error screen in the data transfer function activation process.

On the error screen304, a message indicating that the valid license is not found is displayed.

Returning toFIG. 5, when the transfer instruction unit23determines that the data transfer function is active in step S102, the transfer instruction unit23displays the top screen of the data transfer function in step S114.

FIG. 9is a diagram illustrating an example of the top screen of the data transfer function.

On the top screen305, a message indicating the content of the data transfer function is displayed. The top screen305is displayed when it is determined that the data transfer function is active, and when the icon is pressed while the transfer application is operating after the data transfer function is activated. Since the data transfer in the data transfer function is triggered by the reception of facsimile data, the top screen305does not include a display prompting the operation for transfer. The top screen305may include a display that accepts operations such as execution of batch transfer of stored untransmitted facsimile data and settings for transfer (time of batch transfer, specification of file format at the time of transfer, etc.).

The operation of setting the data transfer function by the tenant administrator is described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 10is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a data transfer function setting process.

In response to the operation of the tenant administrator, the administrator terminal5generates and transmits the distribution settings information to the cloud storage4in step S201. The distribution settings information is a file containing tabular data such as an Excel file. On the operation screen for operating the cloud storage4displayed on the web browser of the administrator terminal5, the administrator terminal5transmits the file to the cloud storage4by the operation of storing the file in the desired folder of the tenant administrator.

FIG. 11is a diagram illustrating an example of the distribution settings information.

The distribution settings information501includes, as items, a “sender number”, a “distribution destination folder name”, and a “notification destination mail address”.

The “sender number” indicates fax number of the sender of the facsimile data received by the image forming apparatus20.

The “distribution destination folder name” indicates the folder name of the storage location of the facsimile data in the distribution destination. For the folder name, a company name, an organization name, or the like corresponding to the facsimile number of the sender of the facsimile data can be set.

The “notification destination mail address” indicates the mail address of the destination of the notification mail. The mail address is an address that can be viewed on terminals such as the user terminal6and the administrator terminal5.

Returning toFIG. 10, when the distribution settings information is received from the administrator terminal5, the cloud storage4stores the received distribution settings information in the settings area421of the storage unit42. The settings area421is a folder for storing the distribution settings information selected on the web browser of the administrator terminal5. When the storage destination folder is selected by the web browser of the administrator terminal5, the information indicating the storage destination of the distribution settings information is displayed in a uniform resource locator (URL) display field of the web browser. The information (URL) indicating the storage destination of the distribution settings information is transmitted to the administrator terminal5in step S202.

In step S203, the administrator terminal5receives an operation of the tenant administrator and transmits a display request of the management screen to the information processing system10. In step S204, the settings registration unit12of the information processing system10transmits data indicating the management screen of the web application (data transfer application) to the administrator terminal5.

The administrator terminal5displays the management screen. In step S205, the administrator terminal5receives an operation of the tenant administrator and transmits a display request of the function list screen. The function list screen is a screen indicating a list of target functions managed by the tenant to which the tenant administrator belongs.

In step S206, the settings registration unit12of the information processing system10transmits data indicating the function list screen to the administrator terminal5. The administrator terminal5displays the function list screen.

FIG. 12is a diagram illustrating an example of the function list screen.

The function list screen306includes a list of buttons for selecting a target function managed by the tenant to which the tenant administrator belongs. The list of buttons includes a data transfer function selection button307. The target function managed by the tenant is a contracted web application (web service), and the management screen of the contracted web application can be opened by the web browser of the administrator terminal5.

Returning toFIG. 10, when the data transfer function selection button307is pressed, the administrator terminal5transmits the data transfer function selection signal to the information processing system10in step S207. In step S208, the settings registration unit12of the information processing system10transmits data indicating the data transfer function setting screen to the administrator terminal5. The administrator terminal5displays the data transfer function setting screen.

FIG. 13is a diagram illustrating an example of the data transfer function setting screen according to a first embodiment.

The data transfer function setting screen308includes a storage account selection button309, a data storage folder selection button310, a distribution settings storage destination selection button311, an undefined data storage folder name input field312, undefined data notification destination mail address input field313, and an error notification destination mail address input field314.

The storage account selection button309is a graphical user interface (GUI) for selecting an account of the cloud storage4registered in advance by the tenant administrator. In the data transfer process described below, the facsimile data is distributed and transferred to the storage area set for the account selected here. The GUI is a button, an input item, or the like on the web page of the setting screen to be displayed on the web browser of the administrator terminal5, but the GUI may be implemented by a dedicated application as well as the web browser.

The data storage folder selection button310is a GUI for selecting a folder to which the facsimile data is transferred in the storage area set for the account selected by the storage account selection button309. In the data transfer process described below, the facsimile data is further distributed and transferred to the folder indicated by the “distribution destination folder name” of the distribution settings information in the folder selected here.

The distribution settings storage destination selection button311is a GUI for selecting a location in which the distribution settings information is stored in the cloud storage4. The location where the distribution settings information is stored is indicated by, for example, a combination of a path name and a file name.

The undefined data storage folder name input field312is a GUI for inputting the folder name of the distribution destination of the facsimile data transmitted from the sender number not defined in the distribution settings information.

The undefined data notification destination mail address input field313is a GUI for inputting a mail address of the destination of the notification mail when the facsimile data is transmitted from the sender number not defined in the distribution settings information.

The error notification destination mail address input field314is a GUI for inputting the mail address of the destination of the notification mail when an error occurs in the data transfer function.

Returning toFIG. 10, the administrator terminal5transmits the storage account information, the data storage area information, the distribution settings storage destination information, the undefined data distribution information, the error notification destination information, input by the tenant administrator to the information processing system10.

The storage account information indicates an account selected by pressing the storage account selection button309. The storage account information includes, for example, an ID that identifies the account and a password for authentication.

The data storage area information indicates a storage area selected by pressing the data storage folder selection button310.

The distribution settings storage destination information indicates a location selected by pressing the distribution settings storage destination selection button311.

The undefined data distribution information indicates the folder name input in the undefined data storage folder name input field312and the mail address input in the undefined data notification destination mail address input field313.

The error notification destination information indicates the mail address entered in the error notification destination mail address input field314.

In step S210, the settings registration unit12of the information processing system10stores the received information as transfer settings information154in the storage unit15. In step S211, the settings registration unit12transmits data indicating the setting completion screen to the administrator terminal5.

The operation of the image forming apparatus20for receiving the facsimile data is described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 14is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a data reception process.

In response to an operation of transmitting the facsimile, the facsimile2transmits facsimile data to the image forming apparatus20in step S301. The facsimile data includes image data and metadata. The metadata indicates attributes of the image data and includes at least a fax number of transmission source.

In response to receiving the facsimile data through a fax line, the internet, or the like, the data reception unit25of the main unit21of the image forming apparatus20stores the facsimile data and the storage information in the storage unit26in step S302. Specifically, the data reception unit25converts the image data included in the received facsimile data into a general-purpose data format such as a Portable Document Format (PDF) and saves the converted image data as facsimile data.

In addition, the data reception unit25generates storage information based on the metadata included in the facsimile data.

FIG. 15is a diagram illustrating an example of the storage information.

The storage information261includes, as items, a “facsimile data ID”, a “sender number”, and “reception time”.

The “facsimile data ID” identifies the received facsimile data. The data reception unit25assigns the facsimile data ID when inserting a record into the storage information261.

The “sender number” is the fax number of the transmission source of the facsimile data. The data reception unit25extracts the fax number of the transmission source from the metadata and sets as the “sender number”.

The “reception time” is the time when the facsimile data was received. The data reception unit25sets the time when the facsimile data and the storage information are stored in the “reception time”.

Returning toFIG. 14, the data reception unit25transmits a signal (reception notification) notifying that the facsimile data has been received to the operation unit22in step S303. The reception notification includes the facsimile data ID.

In step S304, the transfer instruction unit23of the operation unit22adds the data transfer process to the queue. Specifically, the transfer instruction unit23adds a record indicating a process of transferring the received facsimile data to the end of waiting line of queue information stored in the RAM223.

An operation of the data transfer system1for transferring facsimile data is described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 16is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a data transfer process.

The transfer instruction unit23of the operation unit22starts the data transfer process when a preceding process in the queue is completed. In step S401, the transfer instruction unit23transmits a request for the device identification number to the main unit21.

In step S402, the web API service unit24acquires the device identification number stored in the storage unit26and transmits the acquired device identification number to the operation unit22.

In step S403, the transfer instruction unit23of the operation unit22transmits a device authentication request to the information processing system10. The device authentication request includes the device identification number.

In step S404, the device authentication unit13of the information processing system10authenticates the device. Specifically, the device authentication unit13determines whether or not the device identification number is included in the device information153. In step S405, when the device authentication unit13determines that the device identification number is included in the device information153, the device authentication unit13transmits a device authentication ticket indicating that the device authentication is successful to the image forming apparatus20.

In step S406, the transfer instruction unit23of the operation unit22transmits a request to transmit the facsimile data to the main unit21. The request to transmit the facsimile data includes the facsimile data ID. In step S407, the main unit21acquires the facsimile data from the storage unit26based on the facsimile data ID included in the received request and transmits the acquired facsimile data to the operation unit22.

In step S408, the transfer instruction unit23of the operation unit22transmits the facsimile data together with the device authentication ticket to the information processing system10.

In response to receiving the facsimile data, which is the image data, the data transfer unit11stores transfer history information of the image data in the storage unit15. The transfer history information indicates the transfer operation of image data, including the transfer status. Specifically, the data transfer unit11stores the transfer status included in the transfer history information as “accepted” which indicates that the transfer instruction has been received.

In step S409, the data transfer unit11transmits a license authentication request to the license authentication unit14.

In step S410, the license authentication unit14executes license authentication. Specifically, the license authentication unit14identifies the device identification number based on the device authentication ticket and determines whether or not the device corresponding to the device identification number is assigned to the license of the tenant corresponding to the device identification number. As a result, the license authentication unit14determines whether or not the data transfer function is active.

Alternatively, the license authentication unit14may determine whether or not the corresponding license is within the valid period.

When the license authentication is successful, the license authentication unit14transmits a signal indicating that the license authentication is successful to the data transfer unit11in step S411.

In step S412, the data transfer unit11transmits a request to transmit the distribution settings information to the cloud storage4. Specifically, the data transfer unit11includes the storage destination information of the distribution settings information included in the transfer settings information154and the storage account information in the request to transmit the distribution settings information.

The storage authentication unit41of the cloud storage4authenticates based on the received storage account information. Specifically, the storage authentication unit41determines whether or not to allow reading of data from the settings area421. In step S413, when the storage authentication unit41determines that the reading is permitted, the cloud storage4transmits the distribution settings information stored in the settings area421to the information processing system10. The data transfer unit11updates the transfer status included in the transfer history information stored in the storage unit15to “processing” which indicates that the transfer process is in progress.

In step S414, the data transfer unit11of the information processing system10transmits the facsimile data to the cloud storage4. Specifically, the data transfer unit11distributes the facsimile data to each folder based on the received distribution settings information and transmits the facsimile data to the cloud storage4together with the information for designating the distributed folders.

The distribution settings information is an Excel file or the like including tabular data. When the data transfer unit11(web application) acquires the Excel file, the data transfer unit11converts the Excel format (table format) to the JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) format. Furthermore, using the fax number, folder name, and mail address included in the conversion result, the data transfer unit11transmits a PDF file of the facsimile data, stores the PDF file in a folder with a folder name corresponding to the sender number (fax number) of the received facsimile data, and sends a mail to the corresponding mail address. If the folder with the folder name corresponding to the sender number does not exist in the storage destination, the data transfer unit11causes the cloud storage4to create a folder with the corresponding folder name and store the PDF file of facsimile data in the created folder.

In the case of facsimile data received from a sender number not defined in the distribution settings information, the data transfer unit11designates the folder name included in the undefined data distribution information as the storage location.

Further, the data transfer unit11may transmit information for designating the file name after transfer together with the facsimile data. The file name includes, for example, name of the sender, date, and number. Further, the data transfer unit11may change the file name by using the name, date and number of the transmission source, and then transmit the file. The name of the sender is the same as the name of the folder of the distribution destination. Alternatively, name of the sender may be included in the metadata of the facsimile data. Further, when the facsimile data in which the sender number is not defined in the distribution settings information is transferred, the sender number may be used instead of the sender name.

The storage authentication unit41of the cloud storage4authenticates based on the received storage account information. Specifically, the storage authentication unit41determines whether or not to allow writing of data to the data storage area422. Then, when the storage authentication unit41determines that writing is permitted, the cloud storage4stores the received facsimile data in the designated folder of the data storage area422.

In step S415, the cloud storage4transmits a signal indicating that the data transfer is successful to the information processing system10. The data transfer unit11updates the transfer status included in the transfer history information stored in the storage unit15to “completed”, which indicates the completion of transfer.

In step S416, the data transfer unit11sends a notification mail indicating the completion of the transfer and the distribution destination of the facsimile data to the mail server7. Specifically, the data transfer unit11transmits a notification mail addressed to the “notification destination mail address” of the distribution settings information. The mail server7sends the received notification mail to the designated destination.

If an error occurs in any of the above processes, the data transfer unit11sends a notification mail indicating the occurrence of the error to the mail address included in the error notification destination information.

FIG. 17is a diagram illustrating an example of the notification mail.

The notification mail701is an example of the notification mail when the facsimile data in which the sender number is defined in the distribution settings information is transferred. For example, when the facsimile data is distributed to a folder called “ABC”, a path name and a file name including “ABC” are included in a body of the notification mail.

FIG. 18is a diagram illustrating another example of the notification mail.

The notification mail702is an example of the notification mail when the facsimile data in which the sender number is not defined in the distribution settings information is transferred. For example, when the facsimile data is distributed to a folder called “undefined”, a path name and a file name including “undefined” are included in a body of the notification mail. The destination of the notification mail702is a mail address included in the undefined data distribution information.

According to the data transfer system1of the present embodiment, the tenant administrator sets the distribution destination for the transfer of facsimile data by storing the distribution settings information in the cloud storage4. As a result, the distribution destination can be flexibly changed without changing the settings of the image forming apparatus20and the information processing system10. In addition, the distribution destination can be easily changed at any time from a terminal such as the administrator terminal.

Further, when executing data transfer by the web application of the information processing system10, by using the device identification number sent from the device to check whether a valid device license corresponding to the web application is assigned to the device, management of the availability of web applications for each device for each tenant and implementation of subscriptions for device applications become possible. Further, when managing the validity of the device application installed on the device based on the license information on the information processing system10, communication between the information processing system10and the device only for confirming the license is unnecessary.

Hereinafter, a description is given of a second embodiment of the present disclosure, with reference to drawings. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the distribution settings information is input to the settings registration unit12of the information processing system10. The description of the second embodiment is given of the differences from the first embodiment. The same reference numerals are given to the same or corresponding functions or configurations as those of the first embodiment, and redundant descriptions thereof are omitted appropriately.

FIGS. 19A and 19Bare diagrams illustrating an example of a data transfer function setting screen according to the second embodiment.

The data transfer function setting screen315according to the present embodiment is a screen displayed by the settings registration unit12on the web browser of the administrator terminal5and includes a distribution settings information input field316.

The distribution settings information input field316is a GUI to input the value of each item of the distribution settings information. The input distribution settings information is stored in the storage unit15of the information processing system10as a part of the transfer settings information154.

In the data transfer function setting process according to the present embodiment, the processes of steps S201and S202ofFIG. 10are unnecessary. Further, in step S209, the distribution settings information is transmitted instead of the storage destination information of the distribution settings information.

In the data transfer process according to the present embodiment, the processes of steps S412and S413ofFIG. 16are unnecessary. In the process of step S414, the data transfer unit11distributes and transfers the facsimile data based on the distribution settings information included in the transfer settings information154.

According to the data transfer system1of the present embodiment, since it is not necessary to store the distribution settings information in the cloud storage4, for example, a burden of the setting work when there are few distribution destinations is reduced.

The distribution settings information described in each embodiment may be linked with an address book stored in the image forming apparatus20. For example, the “fax number” and the “contact name” included in the address book are assigned to the “sender number” and the “distribution destination folder name” of the distribution settings information.

For example, in the data transfer function activation process, the settings registration unit12of the information processing system10receives the address book data stored in the image forming apparatus20and may include the distribution settings information based on the received address book data in the transfer settings information154. For example, between S111and S112, the image forming apparatus20may transmit the address book data to the information processing system10, and the information processing system10may additionally execute a process of including the distribution settings information in the transfer settings information154.

Alternatively, in the data transfer process, the transfer instruction unit23of the information processing system10may transmit information indicating the “contact name” included in the address book together with the facsimile data to the information processing system10.

Instead of receiving the input of the storage destination information of the cloud storage4on the data transfer function setting screen, the settings registration unit12of the information processing system10may accept the designation of the device identification number and the device name of one or more image forming apparatuses20by the tenant administrator and may receive the address book data of the image forming apparatus20.

In various processes for transmitting the device identification number, the information processing system10may receive an authentication ticket associated with the device identification number and transmit the received authentication ticket instead of the device identification number.

In each of the above-described embodiments, examples are described in which one account of the cloud storage4is used and data is distributed and stored in the area allocated to the account. Alternatively, different storage accounts may be used for each distribution destination.

In the above described case, instead of registering the storage account information from the data transfer function setting screen, the storage account information may be included in the distribution settings information. Specifically, the distribution settings information includes the account ID and password for each distribution destination, and the data transfer unit11transmits the account ID and password of the distribution destination to the cloud storage4together with the facsimile data.

In this way, the transferred facsimile data cannot be viewed without the storage account information for each user, which is highly secure.

In each of the above-described embodiments, examples of transferring facsimile data have been described, but the present disclosure is not limited to these examples, and the present disclosure is applicable to systems for transferring various types of data such as mails and files.

The apparatuses or devices described in each embodiment are merely one example of plural computing environments that implement one or more embodiments disclosed herein. In some embodiments, information processing system10includes multiple computing devices, such as a server cluster. The plurality of computing devices are configured to communicate with one another through any type of communication link, including a network, shared memory, etc., and perform the processes disclosed herein. Similarly, image forming apparatus20may include multiple computing devices configured to communicate with one another.

Further, the information processing system10and the image forming apparatus20are configured to share the disclosed processing steps, for example, the processing steps of the sequence disclosed inFIG. 5, 10, 14 or 16in various combinations. The elements of the information processing system10and the image forming apparatus20may be combined into one server or may be divided into a plurality of apparatuses.

Each function of the embodiments described above can be implemented by one or a plurality of processing circuitry. Processing circuitry includes a programmed processor, as a processor includes circuitry. A processing circuit also includes devices such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), digital signal processor (DSP), field programmable gate array (FPGA), and conventional circuit components arranged to perform the recited functions.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the image forming apparatus20is described as an example of a device for receiving data. Alternatively, the device is not limited to the image forming device as long as the device has a communication function. The device includes, for example, projectors (PJ), output devices such as digital signage, head up display (HUD) devices, industrial machines, medical devices, network home appliances, connected cars, notebook personal computers (PCs), mobile phones, tablet terminals, game machines, personal digital assistants (PDAs), digital cameras, wearable PCs, desktop PCs, and the like.

Further, the application program mounted on the image forming apparatus20may be mounted on an information processing device such as a user's PC, a mobile terminal, or a smartphone. Accordingly, the above-mentioned operation unit22may be provided by a device other than the image forming apparatus20.

The cloud storage4is an example of storage for storing data. The storage does not have to be cloud storage and may be a single device or may include a plurality of devices.