Patent Publication Number: US-2013242329-A1

Title: Image processing system and image processing apparatus for transmitting image data

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an image processing system and an image processing apparatus that transmit image data. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     It is known that image data as a file is conventionally transmitted from an image processing apparatus such as a multi function peripheral (MFP). As a transmission protocol for transmitting a file, it is known that image data is transmitted with, e.g., a server message block (SMB) (refer to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-234126). As another example, it is also known that image data is transmitted with a distributed authoring and versioning (DAV) protocol for world wide web (WWW), i.e., WebDAV. Further, as another example, it is known that the image data is transmitted with a file transfer protocol (FTP). 
     In the case of transmitting the file, authentication information (user name and password) are required in order to access an apparatus at the destination in addition to information (host name) indicating an apparatus that manages a folder serving as a storage destination of the image data, and positional information (path) of the folder. 
     If the apparatus to which the image data is transmitted as a file is in the same domain as an image processing apparatus on the transmission source, the authentication information of a user is in many cases managed in an unified fashion. In this case, the authentication information used for log-in to the image processing apparatus and the authentication information required to access the apparatus to which the file is transmitted, may be common information. 
     If the authentication information is common, the authentication information input by a user to log-in to an image processing apparatus can be taken over (commonly used) as the authentication information for transmitting the image data as a file. Thus, it is possible to suppress troublesome work for a user who individually inputs the authentication information. 
     However, depending on a transmission protocol used for file transmission, the apparatus at the destination may not be in the same domain as the image processing apparatus on the transmission source (that is, can be in another domain). For example, the SMB and WebDAV are transmission protocols that take account of the domain, so that they are used for transmitting the file to the destination in the same domain. Therefore, the apparatus at the destination is limited to that placed in the same domain as the image processing apparatus on the transmission source. Since the FTP is a transmission protocol that does not take account of the domain, the image data can be transmitted as a file to an apparatus in another domain. 
     When transmitting the image data as the file to the apparatus in another domain, even if the authentication information is “taken over”, the authentication information is not common. Therefore, there is a high possibility that the authentication fails when the file is transmitted. In addition, since the authentication information used for log-in to the image processing apparatus is transmitted to an apparatus that is designated as the file transmission destination, there is a danger of leakage of the authentication information. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to provide a system that can switch to take over authentication information or not to take over depending on a transmission protocol when transmitting a file. 
     According to one aspect of the present invention, an image processing system having an image processing apparatus includes a reception unit configured to receive an input of authentication information from a user, an authentication unit configured to authenticate the user based on the authentication information received by the reception unit, a permission unit configured to permit use of the image processing apparatus when the authentication of the authentication unit is successful, a designation unit configured to designate a destination for transmitting image data as a file, a presentation unit configured to present, to the user, the authentication information received by the reception unit as authentication information which is used when the image data is transmitted as the file, a determination unit configured to determine a transmission protocol corresponding to the destination designated by the designation unit, and a control unit configured to control the presentation unit to make a presentation when it is determined that the transmission protocol corresponding to the destination designated by the designation unit is a first transmission protocol, and to control the presentation unit not to make the presentation when the transmission protocol corresponding to the destination designated by the designation unit is a second transmission protocol. 
     Further features and aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments, features, and aspects of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates the entire image processing system according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a block diagram of a configuration of a multi function peripheral (MFP) according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a block diagram of configurations of an authentication server and a file server according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a diagram of an operation screen of the MFP according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates another diagram of the operation screen of the MFP according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates another diagram of the operation screen of the MFP according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates another diagram of the operation screen of the MFP according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates another diagram of the operation screen of the MFP according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates another diagram of the operation screen of the MFP according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a flowchart of a log-in operation of the MFP according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  illustrates a flowchart of an operation for inputting a new destination in the MFP according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a flowchart of an operation for transmitting a file of the MFP according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates another diagram of the operation screen of the MFP according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 14  illustrates another diagram of the operation screen of the MFP according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a flowchart of an operation for transmitting a file of an MFP according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     Various exemplary embodiments, features, and aspects of the invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. 
     The exemplary embodiments do not limit the present invention with claims, and all combinations of features according to the exemplary embodiments are not necessarily essential to solving means of the present invention. 
     A first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described.  FIG. 1  illustrates a diagram of the entire image processing system. A multi function peripheral (MFP)  101 , an authentication server  102 , and file servers  103  and  104  are communicably connected to each other on a local area network (LAN)  100 . The MFP  101  is an example of an image processing apparatus. The authentication server  102  is an example of an authentication device. The file server  103  and  104  are examples of a file management device. 
     The MFP  101  transmits a file to a folder serving as a destination in the file server  103  or  104 . Alternatively, the MFP  101  can also transmit a file to a folder in a client personal computer (PC) (not illustrated). Further, the MFP  101  transmits image data via a mail server (not illustrated) by email. 
     The MFP  101 , the authentication server  102 , and the file server  103  belong to a domain A as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The file server  104  belongs to a domain B. When transmitting a file from the MFP  101  with the SMB or WebDAV, the file can be transmitted to the file server  103  in the same domain. However, the file cannot be transmitted to the file server  104  in another domain. 
     When transmitting the file from the MFP  101  with the FTP, the file can be transmitted to both the file server  103  in the same domain and the file server  104  in another domain. 
     The image processing system includes the MFP  101 , the authentication server  102 , and the file server  103  and  104 . Alternatively, the image processing system may include only the MFP  101  and the authentication server  102 , or may include only the MFP  101 . 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a block diagram of a configuration of the MFP  101 . A control unit  210  including a central processing unit (CPU)  211  controls the entire operation of the MFP  101 . The CPU  211  reads a control program stored in a read only memory (ROM)  212  and performs various controls such as reading control or transmission control. A random access memory (RAM)  213  is used as a main memory of the CPU  211 , or a temporary storage area such as a work area. 
     With the MFP  101 , one CPU  211  executes processing in flowcharts in  FIGS. 10 to 12  and  15  with one memory (RAM  213  or HDD  214 ). Apparently, another form may be used. For example, the processing in the flowcharts in  FIGS. 10 to 12  and  15  can be executed by causing a plurality of CPUs or a plurality of RAMs or hard disk drives (HDDs) to cooperate with each other. 
     A hard disk drive (HDD)  214  stores image data or various programs. An operation unit interface (I/F)  215  connects an operation unit  219  to the control unit  210 . The operation unit  219  includes a liquid crystal display unit having a touch panel function, or a keyboard, and receives an instruction from a user or inputs of various information as a reception unit. 
     A printer interface (I/F)  216  connects a printer  220  to the control unit  210 . The image data to be printed by the printer  220  is transferred from the control unit  210  via the printer I/F  216 , and is printed on a recording medium by a printer  220 . 
     A scanner interface (I/F)  217  connects a scanner  221  to the control unit  210 . The scanner  221  reads an image on a document, generates image data (image file), and inputs the generated data to the control unit  210  via the scanner I/F  217 . The MFP  101  can transmit the image data (image file) generated by the scanner  221  as a file or can transmit the image data by email. 
     A network interface (I/F)  218  connects the control unit  210  (in the MFP  101 ) to the LAN  100 . The network I/F  218  transmits the image data or the information to an external device (authentication server  102  or file server  103  or  104 ) on the LAN  100 , or receives various information from the external device on the LAN  100 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a block diagram of a configuration of the authentication server  102 . A control unit  310  including a central processing unit (CPU)  311  controls the entire operation of the authentication server  102 . The CPU  311  reads a control program stored in a read only memory (ROM)  312  and executes various control processing. A random access memory (RAM)  313  is used as a main memory of the CPU  311 , or a temporary storage area such as a work area. A hard disk drive (HDD)  314  stores the image data or various programs. 
     A network interface (I/F)  315  connects the control unit  310  (authentication server  102 ) to the LAN  100 . The network I/F  315  transmits or receives information to/from another device on the LAN  100 . Configurations of the file servers  103  and  104  are similar to that of the authentication server  102  ( FIG. 3 ), and a description thereof is thus omitted. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an example of an operation screen displayed on the operation unit  219 . On the operation screen in  FIG. 4 , a user manipulates an operation key  401  or  402 , thereby selecting a function.  FIG. 4  illustrates a state where the operation key  401  is selected. Referring to  FIG. 4 , “scan and transmit” and “copy” are illustrated as functions. However, the MFP  101  may have other functions. 
     The user who selects the operation key  401  manipulates an operation key  411  or  412 , thereby setting the transmit destination of the image data. If the operation key  411  is operated, contents of an address book stored in the HDD  214  are displayed. The user designates the destination of the image data by referring to the contents registered in the address book. 
     When the operation key  412  is operated, a screen for receiving an input of new destination information from the user is displayed. The user inputs the destination information via the display screen, and designates the destination of the image data. 
     Although not illustrated, an operation key for displaying a list of one-touch keys may be provided. One or a plurality of destinations is assigned in advance to the one-touch key. The user operates a desired one-touch key, thereby designating contents corresponding to the one-touch key as the destination of the image data. 
     An operation key  421  is used for reading and setting of color/monochrome. An operation key  422  is used for setting a reading resolution. An operation key  423  is used for setting a file format of image data to be transmitted. An operation key  424  is used for setting one-sided/two-sided reading. The operation key  425  is used for setting a reading size. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates another example of the operation screen displayed on the operation unit  219 . The operation screen in  FIG. 5  is displayed when the operation key  412  in  FIG. 4  is operated. The user operates one of operation keys  511  to  514 , thereby selecting a transmission method of the image data. If the image data is to be attached to email and transmitted, the user operates the operation key  511 . When transmitting the image data by fax (G3-fax), the user operates an operation key  512 . 
     When transmitting the image data via Internet fax, the user operates an operation key  513 . Via the Internet fax, the image data in a fax format is attached to email and is transmitted. When transmitting the image data as a file, the user operates the operation key  514 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates another example of the operation screen displayed on the operation unit  219 . The operation screen in  FIG. 6  is displayed when the operation key  514  in  FIG. 5  is operated. Information  601  indicates a transmission protocol used for transmitting the image data. The MFP  101  can select one of the SMB, WebDAV, and FTP. Alternatively, a transmission protocol other than the SMB, WebDAV, and FTP can be included as an option. The user can select a desired transmission protocol from an option displayed in a drop-down format. 
     Information  602  and  603  is a host name and a path for specifying a folder serving as the destination of the image data. Information  604  and  605  is authentication information (user name and password) required to access a folder specified by the information  602  and  603 . 
     The user of the MFP  101  inputs new destination information for transmitting a file via the operation screen in  FIG. 6 , and designates the information as the destination of the image data. In order to omit the troublesome operation for inputting the new destination information at each transmission, information similar to that input in  FIG. 6  can be registered in advance in the address book. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates another example of the operation screen displayed on the operation unit  219 . The operation screen in  FIG. 7  is displayed to register the destination information for transmitting the file in the address book. Information  701  to  705  is similar to the information  601  to  605  as above described. The operation screen in  FIG. 7  includes an input field of information  706 . 
     The information  706  indicates whether a user checks the authentication information of the information  704  and  705  at each transmission. If the information  706  is set to “ON”, when actually transmitting the image data, even if the authentication information is registered as the information  704  and  705 , the user is required to check the authentication information. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates another example of the operation screen displayed on the operation unit  219 . The operation screen in  FIG. 8  can be operated only by an administrator, and is not displayed if a general user operates the MFP  101 . The administrator makes a setting about take-over of the authentication information via the operation screen in  FIG. 8 . 
     If the administrator operates an operation key  801 , the authentication information is not taken over. If the administrator operates an operation key  802 , the authentication information is taken over. The take-over of the authentication information means that the authentication information input by the user for log-in to the MFP  101  is presented as authentication information for transmitting the file. 
     If the administrator operates an operation key  803 , the authentication information is not taken over. In place of the take-over, authentication information (described later with reference to  FIG. 9 ) registered in advance for each user is presented as the authentication information for transmitting the file. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates another example of the operation screen displayed on the operation unit  219 . The operation screen in  FIG. 9  is displayed when a general user operates the MFP  101 . The user can register authentication information (user name and password) for transmitting the file by the SMB as information  901  and  902 . Further, the user can register authentication information (user name and password) for transmitting the file by the FTP as information  903  and  904 . 
     The user can further register authentication information (user name and password) for transmitting the file by the WebDAV as information  905  and  906 . The authentication information as registered above is used when selecting “register for each user” in  FIG. 8 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates an example of registering the information  901  to  906  as to one user administered by an identifier “A1001”. However, the information  901  to  906  can be similarly registered as to other users. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates a flowchart of a log-in operation (a series of operations when the user starts to use the MFP  101 ) of the MFP  101 . Operations (steps) in the flowchart in  FIG. 10  are realized by the CPU  211  of the MFP  101  executing a control program stored in the HDD  214 . 
     In step S 1001 , an input of the authentication information (user name and password) are received from the user via the screen displayed on the operation unit  219 . 
     In step S 1002 , the authentication information received in step S 1001  is transmitted to the authentication server  102 , and the user authentication is requested (it is inquired whether the user can use the MFP  101 ). In step S 1003 , it is determined whether contents notified from the authentication server  102  are authentication OK (authentication is successful). If it is determined that the contents are authentication OK (YES in step S 1003 ), the use of the MFP  101  of the user is permitted, and the processing proceeds to step S 1004 . 
     If the contents are not authentication OK (NO in step S 1003 ), the processing ends (or the processing returns to step S 1001 , and a screen for inputting the authentication information is displayed again). In step S 1004 , the authentication information received in step S 1001  is stored in the RAM  213  or the HDD  214 . 
       FIG. 11  illustrates a flowchart of an input operation of a new destination in the MFP  101 . Operations (steps) in the flowchart in  FIG. 11  are realized by the CPU  211  of the MFP  101  executing a control program stored in the HDD  214 . The flowchart in  FIG. 11  starts when the operation screen in  FIG. 4  is displayed. 
     In step S 1101 , it is determined whether the designated destination is a new destination. If the operation key  411  is operated on the operation screen in  FIG. 4 , it is determined that the designated destination is not the new destination (NO in step S 1101 ), and the processing advances to step S 1102 . In step S 1102 , the contents of the address book stored in the HDD  214  are displayed. The user refers to the contents registered in the address book, and designates the contents as the image data. 
     If the operation key  412  is operated on the operation screen in  FIG. 4 , it is determined that the designated destination is the new destination (YES in step S 1101 ), and the processing advances to step S 1103 . In step S 1103 , it is determined whether the new input destination is a file transmission destination. 
     If the operation keys  511  to  513  are operated on the operation screen in  FIG. 5 , it is determined that the new input destination is not the file transmission destination (NO in step S 1103 ), and the processing advances to step S 1104 . In step S 1104 , an input of the destination information about email, fax, or Internet fax is received. 
     If the operation key  514  is operated on the operation screen in  FIG. 5 , it is determined that the new input destination is the file transmission destination (YES in step S 1104 ), and the processing advances to step S 1105 . In step S 1105 , setting contents about the take-over of the authentication information are determined. 
     If the operation key  801  is operated on the operation screen in  FIG. 8 , the processing advances to step S 1107 . If the operation key  802  is operated on the operation screen in  FIG. 8 , the processing advances to step S 1106 . If an operation key  803  is operated on the operation screen in  FIG. 8 , the processing advances to step S 1109 . 
     In step S 1107 , the authentication information is not taken over. The information  604  and  605  is set to blank and the operation screen in  FIG. 6  is displayed. 
     In step S 1106 , the transmission protocol indicated by the information  601  is determined. If the selected transmission protocol is the FTP, the processing advances to step S 1107 . If the selected transmission protocol is the SMB or WebDAV, the processing advances to step S 1108 . In step S 1108 , the authentication information is taken over. Specifically, the authentication information (authentication information stored in step S 1004 ) received in step S 1001  is read, and the operation screen in  FIG. 6  is displayed while the read authentication information is preset as the information  604  and  605 . 
     The SMB and WebDAV are transmission protocols for transmitting the file to the destination in the same domain. Therefore, it is highly possible that the destination of the image data is accessed with the same authentication information as the authentication information used for the log-in to the MFP  101 . In step S 1108 , the authentication information input by the user for log-in to the MFP  101  is preset to the operation screen in  FIG. 6 , thereby the troublesome operation for inputting the same authentication information by the user a plurality of times can be omitted. 
     If the selected transmission protocol is the FTP, the image data can be transmitted to the destination in another domain. In this case, it is unlikely that the destination of the image data can be accessed with the same authentication information as the authentication information used for log-in to the MFP  101 . If the selected transmission protocol is the FTP, the processing does not proceed to step S 1108  but proceeds to step S 1107 . In step S 1107 , the operation screen in  FIG. 6  is displayed while the information  604  and  605  is set to blank. 
     In step S 1109 , it is determined whether the authentication information is registered in association with the user who currently operates the MFP  101 . Specifically, if the transmission protocol indicated by the information  601  is the SMB, it is determined whether the information  901  and  902  in  FIG. 9  is registered. 
     Similarly, if it is determined that the transmission protocol indicated by the information  601  is the FTP in step S 1109 , it is determined whether the information  903  and  904  in  FIG. 9  is registered. If it is determined that the transmission protocol in the information  601  is the WebDAV in step S 1109 , it is determined whether the information  905  and  906  in  FIG. 9  is registered. 
     If the authentication information is registered (YES in step S 1109 ), the processing advances to step S 1111 . The user name and password registered via the operation screen in  FIG. 9  are preset to the information  604  and  605  and the operation screen in  FIG. 6  is simultaneously displayed. 
     If the authentication information is not registered (NO in step S 1109 ), the processing advances to step S 1110 . In step S 1110 , the user name is read from the authentication information (stored in step S 1004 ) received in step S 1001 , and is preset to the information  604  and the operation screen in  FIG. 6  is simultaneously displayed. In this case, the information  605  is set to blank. In this case, the information  604  may be set to blank. 
     As mentioned above, the operation is switched over. That is, it is determined whether the authentication information to preset the information  604  and  605  in  FIG. 6  on the operation screen in  FIG. 8  depending on contents selected in advance by the administrator. If it is determined that the authentication information is preset, the authentication information to be preset is determined. In particular, if the administrator operates the operation key  802  on the operation screen in  FIG. 8 , it is determined whether to take over the authentication information used for log-in to the MFP  101  depending on the selected transmission protocol and the switch-over is performed. As a consequence, it is possible to prevent occurring of an authentication error or prevent the leakage of authentication information due to the continuing use of improper authentication information can be prevented. 
     If the operation screen in  FIG. 6  is displayed in steps S 1107 , S 1108 , S 1110 , and S 1111 , the information  602  and  603  is set to blank in all the steps. In step S 1112 , input from the user of the information  602  to  605  or change in the preset contents is received. 
     In step S 1113 , it is determined whether contents of the information  601  are changed on the operation screen in  FIG. 6 . The information  601  in  FIG. 6  is in the drop-down format and enables selection of the transmission protocol. When the operation screen in  FIG. 6  is first displayed via steps S 1101  and S 1103 , the SMB is selected as a default. However, if the user changes the transmission protocol via the operation screen in  FIG. 6 , the processing returns to step S 1105  and processing in step S 1105  to S 1112  is executed depending on the transmission protocol after the change. 
     If the transmission protocol is not changed, in step S 1114 , it is determined whether an input of the new destination ends. If the user instructs the end of the input, the processing ends (or, the designation of another destination is continuously received). If the user does not instruct the end of the input, the processing returns to step S 1112 . 
       FIG. 12  illustrates a flowchart of a file transmission operation by the MFP  101 . If a start key (not illustrated) is operated after designating the destination of the image data, the operation starts. Operations (steps) in the flowchart in  FIG. 12  are realized by the CPU  211  of the MFP  101  executing a control program stored in the HDD  214 . 
     In step S 1201 , it is determined whether the designated destination is a file transmission destination. If it is determined that the designated destination is not the file transmission destination (NO in step S 1201 ), in step S 1202 , the image data is transmitted by e-mail, fax, or Internet fax. If it is determined that the designated destination is the file transmission destination (YES in step S 1201 ), the processing advances to step S 1203 . 
     In step S 1203 , it is determined whether the destination was designated by using the address book or newly input. If it is determined that the destination was designated by using the address book, the processing advances to step S 1204 . If it is determined that the destination was newly input, the processing advances to step S 1214 . 
     In step S 1204 , it is determined whether the authentication information is to be checked by the user at each transmission (described as the information  706  in  FIG. 7 ). If it is determined that the authentication information is to be checked by the user at each transmission (YES in step S 1204 ), the processing advances to step S 1205 . if it is determined that the authentication information is not to be checked by the user at each transmission (NO in step S 1204 ), the processing advances to step S 1214 . 
     In step S 1205 , contents of the setting about the take-over of the authentication information are determined. If the operation key  801  is operated on the operation screen in  FIG. 8 , the processing advances to step S 1207 . If the operation key  802  is operated on the operation screen in  FIG. 8 , the processing advances to step S 1206 . If the operation key  803  is operated on the operation screen in  FIG. 8 , the processing advances to step S 1209 . 
     In step S 1207 , the operation screen in  FIG. 13  is displayed. The operation screen in  FIG. 13  is used for checking contents of the authentication information by the user at the transmission time. In step S 1207 , the information registered in the address book as the information  704  and  705  is deleted, and information  1304  and  1305  in  FIG. 13  is displayed in a blank state. In this case, the user needs to input the information  1304  and  1305 . 
     In step S 1206 , the transmission protocol indicated by the information  701  is determined. If it is determined in step S 1206  that the selected transmission protocol is the FTP, the processing advances to step S 1207 . If it is determined in step S 1206  that the transmission protocol is the SMB or WebDAV, the processing advances to step S 1208 . 
     In step S 1208 , the authentication information is taken over. Specifically, the information registered in the address book as the information  704  and  705  is deleted, the authentication information (stored in step S 1004 ) received in step S 1001  is read, preset to the information  1304  and  1305 , and the operation screen in  FIG. 13  is displayed. 
     Since the SMB and WebDAV are transmission protocols for transmitting the file to the destination in the same domain, it is highly possible that the destination of the image data is accessed with the same authentication information as the authentication information used for log-in to the MFP  101 . In step S 1208 , since the authentication information input by the user is preset to the operation screen in  FIG. 13  for log-in to the MFP  101 , it is possible to omit the troublesome operation to input the same authentication information many times by the user. 
     If it is determined in step S 1206  that the selected transmission protocol is the FTP, the image data can be transmitted to the destination in another domain. In this case, it is highly possible that the destination of the image data is accessed with the same authentication information as the authentication information used for log-in to the MFP  101 . If it is determined that in step S 1206  the transmission protocol is the FTP, the processing does not proceed to step S 1208  but proceeds to step S 1207 . In step S 1207 , the operation screen in  FIG. 13  is displayed while the information  1304  and  1305  is set to blank. 
     In step S 1209 , it is determined whether the authentication information is registered in association with the user who currently operates the MFP  101 . Specifically, if the transmission protocol indicated by the information  701  is the SMB in step S 1206 , it is determined whether the information  901  and  902  in  FIG. 9  is registered. 
     Similarly, if the transmission protocol indicated by the information  701  is the FTP in step S 1206 , it is determined whether the information  903  and  904  indicated by  FIG. 9  is registered. If the transmission protocol indicated by the information  701  is the WebDAV is the FTP in step S 1206 , it is determined whether the information  905  and  906  in  FIG. 9  is registered. 
     If the authentication information is registered (YES in step S 1209 ), the processing advances to step S 1211 . In step S 1211 , an operation screen in  FIG. 14  is displayed. The operation screen in  FIG. 14  is used for checking contents of the authentication information by the user at the transmission time, similarly to the screen in  FIG. 13 . Unlike the operation screen in  FIG. 13 , an input field of information  1401  is added to give an instruction indicating whether the authentication information is registered. 
     If “register the authentication information” is turned ON, the user checks the information  1304  and  1305  (inputs or changes the information if necessary) via the operation screen in  FIG. 14 . Then, the finally determined authentication information is registered as the authentication information input via the screen in  FIG. 9  in association with the user. If “register the authentication information” is turned OFF, the registration is not performed. 
     In step S 1211 , the information registered in the address book as the information  704  and  705  is deleted. The user name and password registered via the operation screen in  FIG. 9  are preset to the information  1304  and  1305 , and the operation screen in  FIG. 14  is simultaneously displayed. 
     If the authentication information is not registered (NO in step S 1209 ), the processing advances to step S 1210 . In step S 1210 , the information registered as the information  704  and  705  is deleted. The user name is preset to the information  1304  from the authentication information (stored in step S 1004 ) received in step S 1001  and the operation screen in  FIG. 14  is displayed. At this time, the information  1305  is set to blank. The information  1304  may also be set to blank. 
     The switch-over is performed corresponding to the contents selected in advance by the administrator on the operation screen in  FIG. 8  to preset or not to preset the authentication information to the information  1304  and  1305  in  FIG. 13  or  14 . If the authentication information is preset, it is determined what is to be preset. In particular, if the administrator operates the operation key  802  on the operation screen in  FIG. 8  corresponding to the selected transmission protocol, the switch-over is performed to take over or not to take over the authentication information used for log-in to the MFP  101 . As a consequence, it is possible to prevent occurring of an authentication error or leakage of the authentication information due to the continuous use of improper authentication information. 
     In steps S 1207 , S 1208 , S 1210 , and S 1211 , if the operation screen in  FIG. 13  or  14  is displayed, the information registered in the address book as the information  701 ,  702 , and  703  is preset to the information  1301 ,  1302 , and  1303 . In step S 1212 , input of the information  1304  and  1305  from the user or change of preset contents is received. In step S 1213 , it is determined whether a transmission instruction is issued from the user. If it is determined that the transmission instruction is issued from the user (YES in step S 1213 ), the processing advances to step S 1214 . If it is determined that the transmission instruction is not issued from the user (NO in step S 1213 ), the processing returns to step S 1212 . 
     In step S 1214 , the image data is transmitted by the transmission protocol corresponding to the set destination. Specifically, a connection to the file server indicated by the information  1302  in  FIG. 13  or  14  is made to identify a folder serving as the storage destination of the image data by using the path indicated in the information  1303  in  FIG. 13  or  14 . 
     The file server is logged in (the folder is accessed) using the authentication information set as the information  1304  and  1305  in  FIG. 13  or  14 , and the image data is transmitted to the file server (stored to the folder). If determined as NO in step S 1204  and the processing then advances to step S 1214 , the authentication information set as the information  704  and  705  in  FIG. 7  is used for log-in to the file server (access to the folder). 
     In step S 1215 , it is determined whether it is instructed to register the authentication information set as the information  1304  and  1305  in  FIG. 14  as the authentication information input via the operation screen in  FIG. 9 . 
     If “register the authentication information” is ON with the information  1401 , it is determined that the instruction of the registration is issued (YES in step S 1215 ) and the processing advances to step S 1216 . In step S 1216 , the authentication information set as the information  1304  and  1305  in  FIG. 14  is registered as the authentication information input via the screen in  FIG. 9 , in association with the user. If the information  1401  indicates “register the authentication information” is OFF, it is determined that the instruction indicating the registration is not issued (NO in step S 1215 ), step S 1216  is skipped, and the processing ends. 
     The registration in step S 1216  is performed if the transmission in step S 1214  is successful. If the transmission in step S 1214  is not successful, the registration in step S 1216  may not be performed. In steps S 1207  and S 1208 , the operation screen in  FIG. 13  is displayed without an input field of the information  1401 . Therefore, the instruction about “register the authentication information” is not issued (NO in step S 1215 ). If the processing is performed via step S 1207  or S 1208 , steps S 1215  and S 1216  are skipped, and the processing ends. 
     A second exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described. The SMB and the WebDAV are transmission protocols which takes account of the domain, and are used for transmitting the file to the destination in the same domain. Therefore, if the image data is going to be transmitted to the destination in another domain via the SMB or WebDAV, it is highly possible that a transmission error occurs. If only the transmission error occurs, the user may perform a re-transmission operation. However, if the authentication information is “taken over” according to the first exemplary embodiment, the authentication information used for log-in to the MFP  101  can be externally leaked. 
     Therefore, according to the present exemplary embodiment, even if the selected transmission protocol is the SMB or WebDAV, when the designated destination is not in the same domain, the authentication information is not taken over. 
       FIG. 15  illustrates a flowchart of a file transmission operation of the MFP  101 . The flowchart in  FIG. 15  corresponds to the flowchart in  FIG. 12 . Operations (steps) in the flowchart in  FIG. 15  are realized by the CPU  211  of the MFP  101  executing a control program stored in the HDD  214 ++. Steps S 1201  to S 1216  are similar to those according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
     In step S 1501 , it is determined whether an apparatus at the destination indicated by the information  702  is in the same domain as the MFP  101 . In the example in  FIG. 1 , the file server  103  is in the same domain as the MFP  101 . However, the file server  104  is not in the same domain. 
     If it is determined that the apparatus at the destination indicated by the information  702  is in the same domain as the MFP  101  (YES in step S 1501 ), the processing advances to step S 1208 . In step S 1208 , the authentication information (stored in step S 1004 ) received in step S 1001  is read, is preset to the information  1304  and  1305 , and the operation screen in  FIG. 13  is displayed. 
     If it is determined that the apparatus at the destination indicated by the information  702  is not in the same domain as the MFP  101  (NO in step S 1501 ), the processing advances to step S 1207 . In step S 1207 , the authentication information is not taken over, and the operation screen in  FIG. 13  is displayed with the information  1304  and  1305  blank. 
     Thus, according to the second exemplary embodiment, even if the selected transmission protocol is the SMB or WebDAV (in step S 1206 ), when the apparatus at the destination is not in the same domain (NO in step S 1501 ), the authentication information is not taken over. As a consequence, when the file is transmitted out of the domain using the SMB or WebDAV, it is possible to prevent the leakage of the authentication information. 
     According to the first and second exemplary embodiments, the image data transmitted in step S 1214  is generated by reading the document by the scanner  221  in step S 1214 . However, the image data may be generated according to another exemplary embodiment. For example, the document may be read by using another user operation as trigger before operating the start key. 
     The image data generated by the scanner  221  is transmitted, in the above description. However, the present invention can be applied to the transmission of the image data input by another method (e.g., fax reception from outside). 
     In step S 1001 , the MFP  101  receives an input of the authentication information from the user. In step S 1002 , the authentication server  102  authenticates the user based on the authentication information received by the MFP  101 . If the authentication of the user is OK (successful) (in step S 1003 ), the MFP  101  permits use of the MFP  101 . 
     The MFP  101  designates the destination to which the image data is transmitted as a file ( FIG. 4 ). In steps S 1108  and S 1208 , the MFP  101  presents to the user the authentication information received in step S 1001  which is used when the image data is transmitted as a file. In steps S 1106  and S 1206 , the MFP  101  determines the transmission protocol corresponding to the designated destination. If the MFP  101  determines that the transmission protocol corresponding to the designated destination is a first transmission protocol (SMB or WebDAV), in steps S 1108  and S 1208 , the authentication information is presented. 
     If the transmission protocol corresponding to the designated destination is a second transmission protocol (FTP) in step S 1106  or S 1206 , in steps S 1107  and S 1207 , the MFP  101  does not present the authentication information. 
     Other Embodiments 
     Embodiments of the present invention can also be realized by a computer of a system or apparatus that reads out and executes computer executable instructions recorded on a storage medium (e.g., non-transitory computer-readable storage medium) to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment (s) of the present invention, and by a method performed by the computer of the system or apparatus by, for example, reading out and executing the computer executable instructions from the storage medium to perform the functions of one or more of the above-described embodiment (s). The computer may comprise one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), micro processing unit (MPU), or other circuitry, and may include a network of separate computers or separate computer processors. The computer executable instructions may be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or the storage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, one or more of a hard disk, a random-access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a storage of distributed computing systems, an optical disk (such as a compact disc (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), or Blu-ray Disc (BD)™), a flash memory device, a memory card, and the like. 
     Thus, switch-over is performed whether to take over or not take over the authentication information, depending on the transmission protocol when the file is transmitted, thereby improving the convenience of the user as well as preventing the leakage of the authentication information. 
     While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all modifications, equivalent structures, and functions. 
     This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-058653 filed Mar. 15, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.