Patent Publication Number: US-2012047213-A1

Title: Information processing apparatus, control method of information processing apparatus, and storage medium

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus which can transmit an electronic mail (also called a mail hereinafter). 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     In recent years, a paper original digitizing mechanism of scanning an original by a multifunction machine or the like, and transmitting image data of the scanned original from the multifunction machine or the like to a client terminal is used. When the image data is transmitted from the multifunction machine to the client terminal in this mechanism, an FTP (file transfer protocol) or an SMB (server message block) is used generally. Incidentally, when the FTP is used, it is necessary to set up an FTP server for each of the client terminals, thereby requiring great care. Further, when the SMB is used, it is necessary to form a shared folder for the respective terminals. Therefore, there is a case where the SMB cannot be used due to corporate security policy. 
     To solve such problems, there is a mechanism of transmitting image data by using a mail, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-210187. However, in the mechanism as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-210187 for transmitting the image data by using the mail, it may put a lot of strain on a mail server. 
     Generally, the multifunction machine generally has a large-capacity storage. Consequently, instead of the mechanism of transmitting the mail with the image data attached, a mechanism of previously storing the scanned image data in the multifunction machine itself, and then transmitting the image data therefrom in response to user&#39;s access from the client terminal so as to enable a user at the client terminal to obtain the image data is desired. 
     In such a case, it is conceivable that a fact that the image data has been stored in the multifunction machine is first notified to the user by means of a mail. However, when the user who logged in to the multifunction machine and scanned the original is different from the user who intends to actually obtain the image data, there is a possibility that such a notification is transmitted by means of the mail to the user who cannot log in to the multifunction machine. Thus, for example, when the user who was notified by the mail intends to access from the client terminal to the notified multifunction machine to obtain the image data, there is a possibility that the relevant user cannot obtain the image data because he/she cannot log in to the multifunction machine. 
     This is because an authentication server controls the multifunction machines to which the user can log in so as to prevent that the user can randomly log in to various multifunction machines. In particular, since the plural multifunction machines are generally set up on each floor in a large company, for example, the multifunction machines to which the user can log in can be limited to those set up on, as a shared floor, the floor on which the relevant user works. 
     Consequently, an object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism of changing over, based on transmission destination information of an electronic mail, whether to transmit the electronic mail to which an electronic file has been attached or the electronic mail in which link information for downloading an electronic file has been described. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     To achieve the above object, the present invention is characterized by an information processing apparatus which can transmit an electronic mail, comprising: a transmission destination obtaining unit configured to obtain transmission destination information of the electronic mail; a judgment unit configured to judge whether to attach an electronic file to the electronic mail or describe link information for downloading the electronic file in the electronic mail, based on the transmission destination information obtained by the transmission destination obtaining unit; and a transmission unit configured to transmit the electronic mail to which the electronic file has been attached or the electronic mail in which the link information for downloading the electronic file has been described, based on a result of the judgment by the judgment unit. 
     Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a system configuration diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an image processing system. 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating a hardware constitution of an information processing apparatus which is applicable to an authentication server  200 , a mail server  100  and a client terminal  400 . 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware constitution of a multifunction machine  300 . 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram illustrating a module constitution of the multifunction machine  300 . 
         FIG. 5  is a function block diagram of the multifunction machine  300 . 
         FIG. 6  is a function block diagram of the mail server  100  and the client terminal  400 . 
         FIG. 7  is a view illustrating an example of a user information table to be stored in the authentication server  200 . 
         FIG. 8  is a view illustrating a mail transmission screen. 
         FIG. 9  is a view illustrating the mail transmission screen on which a mail address is added. 
         FIG. 10  is a view illustrating a destination adding screen. 
         FIG. 11  is a view illustrating an address book screen. 
         FIG. 12  is a view illustrating the mail transmission screen on which plural mail addresses are added to the destinations. 
         FIG. 13  is a view illustrating a transmission completion screen. 
         FIG. 14  is a flow chart of a login process for the multifunction machine  300 . 
         FIG. 15  is a flow chart of a destination adding process for the multifunction machine  300 . 
         FIG. 16  is a flow chart of a mail transmission process being a function of the body of the multifunction machine  300 . 
         FIG. 17  is a flow chart of a mail transmission process for a mail transmission module of the multifunction machine  300 . 
         FIG. 18  is a flow chart of a password mail transmission process to be performed when the mail transmission module of the multifunction machine  300  transmits a link mail. 
         FIG. 19  is a flow chart of a link mail flag process. 
         FIG. 20  is a flow chart of a download process to be performed when a download instruction is generated. 
         FIG. 21  is a view illustrating an attachment mail. Here, it should be noted that, in the specification and the drawings, the attachment mail means a mail to which an image file has been attached. 
         FIG. 22  is a view illustrating a link mail. 
         FIG. 23  is a view illustrating an example of a text including a password. 
         FIG. 24  is a view illustrating a download input screen. 
         FIG. 25  is a view illustrating electronic data stored in an HDD (hard disk drive)  304 . 
         FIG. 26  is a view illustrating an example of destination detailed information. 
         FIG. 27  is a flow chart of a mail transmission process being the function of the body of the multifunction machine  300  according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 28  is a flow chart of a link mail flag process according to another embodiment. 
         FIG. 29  is a view illustrating a user table indicating a user who can access the multifunction machine. 
         FIG. 30  is a flow chart of a link mail flag process according to further another embodiment. 
         FIG. 31  is a view illustrating the mail transmission screen on which a list of destinations to which the link mail or the attachment mail can be set. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. 
       FIG. 1  is a system configuration diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an image processing system to which a client terminal  400  (external apparatus), an authentication server  200  and a multifunction machine  300  (information processing apparatus) according to the present invention are applicable. In this system, the single or plural client terminals  400 , the authentication server  200  and the single or plural multifunction machines  300  are communicably connected to others through a LAN (local area network)  600  (network). 
     The multifunction machine  300  has a function (scan function) for scanning a paper original and generating an image file based on the scanned paper original, and a function (mail transmission function) for transmitting a mail to which an image file has been attached to a destination designated by a user. 
     The authentication server  200  holds a user information table (definition file) on which a card ID  601  and user information (a user name  602 , a mail address  603 , and device restriction information  604  (i.e., an IP (Internet Protocol) address indicating the usable multifunction machine  300 )) tied to the card ID as illustrated in  FIG. 7  have been stored. The authentication server  200  searches for the user information corresponding to the card ID transmitted from the multifunction machine  300  by referring to the user information table, and returns, when the user information is present, the user name  602  and the mail address  603  of the relevant user information, and a response flag (authentication success) to the multifunction machine  300 . In this case, the IP address of the multifunction machine is obtained by TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) communication or the like, and it is then judged whether or not a user can use the multifunction machine from which the card ID was transmitted. When the IP address is coincident, and it is thus judged that the multifunction machine is usable, the user name  602  and the mail address  603  are transmitted to the multifunction machine  300 . On the other hand, when the IP address is not coincident, and it is thus judged that the multifunction machine is not usable, the response flag (information indicating authentication failure) is transmitted to the multifunction machine  300 . Incidentally, as the device restriction information  604 , segment information may be stored in addition to the IP address of the multifunction machine  300 . In this case, the user can log in to the multifunction machine  300  corresponding to the segment stored as the device restriction information  604 . Further, when the IP address of the multifunction machine  300  is stored, it is possible to store plural IP addresses. 
     Further, although it is not illustrated, it is possible to previously store on the user information table the IP address at a time when the user logs in to a domain at the client terminal  400 , transmit the stored IP address to the multifunction machine  300  when the login process at the multifunction machine succeeds, compare the IP address received by the multifunction machine  300  with the IP address held by the multifunction machine  300  itself, and transmit a link mail when the compared IP addresses belong to the same segment. That is, in addition to later-described judgment based on “From” and “To”, it is possible to judge whether to transmit the link mail or the attachment file based on the IP addresses of the client terminal  400  and the multifunction machine  300  used by the user. 
     The mail server  100 , which has the function of a general SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol), receives a mail transmitted from the multifunction machine  300 , and then transfers the received mail to the client terminal  400  at a designated mail address. 
     A mail client, which has been installed in the client terminal  400 , can receive a mail transferred from the mail server. 
     Hereinafter, a hardware constitution of the information processing apparatus which is applicable to the authentication server  200 , the mail server  100  and the client terminal  400  illustrated in  FIG. 2  will be described with reference to  FIG. 2 . 
     Namely,  FIG. 2  is the block diagram illustrating the hardware constitution of the information processing apparatus which is applicable to the authentication server  200 , the mail server  100  and the client terminal  400  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
     In  FIG. 2 , a CPU (central processing unit)  201  is used to totally control respective devices and controllers connected to a system bus  204 . Incidentally, a BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) and an OS (operating system) serving as the control programs of the CPU  201 , and later-described various programs necessary to achieve functions of each server or PS (personal computer) are stored in a ROM (read only memory)  202  or an external memory  211 . 
     A RAM (random access memory)  203  serves as a main memory, a working area and the like of the CPU  201 . Namely, the CPU  201  achieves various operations by loading programs and the like necessary to perform processes from the ROM  202  or the external memory  211  to the RAM  203  and then executing the loaded programs. 
     An input controller  205  controls inputs from a KB (keyboard)  209 , not-illustrated pointing devices such as a mouse, and the like. A video controller  206  controls display on a display such as a CRT (cathode ray tube)  210 . Here, although the CRT  210  is illustrated as the display in  FIG. 2 , of course other displays such as a liquid crystal display and the like may be used as the display, and these displays are selected and used by an administrator as necessary. 
     A memory controller  207  controls access to the external memory  211  such as an HD (hard disk) for storing a boot program, various applications, font data, a user file, an editing file, various data and the like, an FD (flexible disk), a CompactFlash™ memory connected to a PCMCIA (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association) card slot through an adapter, or the like. 
     A communication I/F (interface) controller  208 , which is used to connect/communicate to/with an external device through a network (e.g., the LAN  600  illustrated in  FIG. 1 ), performs a communication control process on the network. For example, TCP/IP communication or the like can be performed in the present embodiment. 
     Incidentally, the CPU  201  performs an outline font expanding (rasterizing) process to, for example, a display information region in the RAM  203 , whereby display on the CRT  210  becomes possible. Further, the CPU  201  enables user instructions using a not-illustrated mouse cursor or the like on the CRT  210 . 
     Later-described various programs for achieving the present invention have been recorded in the external memory  211 , and the recorded programs are loaded onto the RAM  203  as necessary. Thus, the loaded programs are executed by the CPU  201 . Also, definition files, various information tables and the like which are used when the above programs are executed have been stored in the external memory  211 . In any case, these files and tables will later be described in detail. 
     Next, a hardware constitution of the multifunction machine  300  illustrated in  FIG. 1  will be described with reference to  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 3  is the block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware constitution of the multifunction machine  300  illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
     In  FIG. 3 , a controller unit  316  is connected to a scanner unit  314  serving as an image input device and a printer unit  312  serving as an image output device, and is also connected to a LAN (e.g., the LAN  600  illustrated in  FIG. 1 ) and a WAN (wide area network) (e.g., a PSTN (public switched telephone network), an ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) or the like), whereby the controller unit  316  inputs and outputs image data and device information. 
     In the controller unit  316 , a CPU  301  serves as a processor which totally controls the system. A RAM  302  servers as a system working memory which is used for the CPU  301  to operate, serves as a program memory for recording various programs, and also serving as an image memory for temporarily storing various image data. 
     A ROM  303  stores therein a boot program for the system, various control programs and the like, and an HDD (hard disk drive)  304  stores therein various programs for controlling the system, various image data and the like. 
     An operation unit I/F  307  serves as an interface unit for an operation unit (keyboard)  308 . Further, the operation unit I/F  307  transfers key information (e.g., depression of a start button) input from the operation unit  308  to the CPU  301 . 
     A network I/F  305 , which is connected to the network such as the LAN  600 , inputs and outputs various data. A modem  306 , which is connected to the public network such as the WAN, inputs and outputs facsimile transmission data, facsimile reception data and the like. 
     An external I/F  318  serves as an interface unit for accepting external inputs sent by means of a USB (universal serial bus), an IEEE1394 (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1394), a printer port, an RS-232C (Recommended Standard 232C), or the like. In the present embodiment, a card reader  319  for reading an IC card (storage medium) of a portable terminal necessary for authentication is connected to the external I/F  318 . The CPU  301  controls information reading from the IC card of the portable terminal by the card reader  319  through the external I/F  318 , thereby being able to obtain the information read from the IC card of the portable terminal. The above-described devices are disposed on a system bus  309 . 
     An image bus I/F  320  is a bus bridge for connecting the system bus  309  to an image bus  315  to be used to transfer image data at high speed, and thus converting a data structure. 
     The image bus  315  is constituted by a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) bus or an IEEE1394 bus. Here, following devices are disposed on the image bus  315 . 
     An RIP (raster image processor)  310  extracts vector data such as a PDL code or the like into a bitmap image. A printer I/F  311  connects the printer unit  312  and the controller unit  316  to each other, and thus performs synchronous/asynchronous conversion of image data. A scanner I/F  313  connects the scanner unit  314  and the controller unit  316  to each other, and thus performs synchronous/asynchronous conversion of image data. 
     An image processing unit  317  performs correction, processing and editing to input image data, and performs printer correction, resolution conversion and the like to print output image data. In addition, the image processing unit  317  performs image data rotation, compression and extraction processes to multivalued image data according to a JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) format, and compression and extraction processes to binary image data according to a JBIG (Joint Bi-level Image experts Group), MMR (Modified Modified READ (Relative Element Address Designate)) or MH (Modified Huffman) format. 
     The scanner unit  314  converts an image on a paper original into an electrical signal as raster image data, by irradiating the image and then scanning it with a CCD (charge-coupled device) line sensor. After the paper original was set on a tray of a document feeder, when a reading start instruction by a user is issued from the operation unit  308 , the CPU  301  instructs the scanner unit  314  to cause the document feeder to feed and read the paper original one by one. Then, a file of the image data obtained in the reading by the scanner unit  314  is formed, and such file data is stored in the HDD  304  or transmitted to the mail server  100  through the network I/F  305  as a mail attachment file. 
     The printer unit  312  is the unit for converting the raster image data into an image on a paper, in an electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum, a photosensitive belt and the like, an inkjet method of directly printing the image on the paper by discharging inks from a micro-nozzle array, or the like. Such a print operation by the printer unit  312  is started in response to an instruction from the CPU  301 . Incidentally, the printer unit  312  has plural paper feeding stages for enabling the user to select different paper sizes and/or different paper directions, and plural paper cassettes respectively corresponding to the plural paper feeding stages. 
     The operation unit  308  has an LCD (liquid crystal display) unit on which a touch panel sheet has been applied to display a system operation screen including various operation keys and transfer position information indicating a key depression position to the CPU  301  through the operation unit I/F  307 . Here, the operation keys provided on the operation unit  308  include, for example, a start key, a stop key, an ID key, a reset key, and the like. 
     Incidentally, display performance of the display unit is different according to a type of the multifunction machine. The present invention is directed to the multifunction machine which can be operated through a touch panel, that is, a printer which is simply equipped with a liquid crystal screen to display character strings (a printing state, a name of document being printed, and the like). 
     Here, the start key on the operation unit  308  is used to start the reading operation of the original image. Two LEDs (light-emitting diodes) consisting of green and red LEDs are provided at the center of the start key, so as to indicate based on a color thereof whether the start key is in a usable state. The stop key on the operation unit  308  is used to stop the operation which is being performed, the ID key on the operation unit  308  is used to input the user ID of the user, and the reset key is used to initialize the setting from the operation unit. 
     Under the control of the CPU  301 , the card reader  319  reads the information (the card ID and the like) stored on the IC card provided within the portable terminal, and notifies the CPU  301  of the read information through the external I/F  318 . 
     By the above constitution, the multifunction machine  300  can transmit the image data read from the scanner unit  314  to the LAN  600 , and also print-output the print data received from the LAN  600  by the printer unit  312 . 
     Moreover, the multifunction machine  300  can facsimile-transmit the image data read from the scanner unit  314  to the WAN by the modem  306 , and also output the image data facsimile-received from the WAN by the printer unit  312 . 
     Subsequently, an outline of the process of the image processing system will be described with reference to  FIG. 4  which is a block diagram illustrating a module constitution of the multifunction machine  300 . Incidentally, it should be noted that a function of each of modules and platform are executed by the CPU  301 . 
     The multifunction machine  300  has the platform such as an operating system and the like, and the platform has the scan function and the mail transmission function as the functions of the body of the multifunction machine  300 . Further, the platform has an authentication module and a mail transmission module respectively operating on the platform. It should be noted that the authentication module and the mail transmission module are programs (software) capable of being arbitrarily installed in the multifunction machine  300 . 
     The scan function is to read the image on the original by the scanner unit  314 , and generate the image file based on the read image. The generated image file is attached to the mail by the mail transmission function, and transferred to the mail transmission module through a local host connection. Incidentally, addresses of a transmission destination (To) and a transmission source (From) are set by the mail transmission function, and the mail to which the image file is attached is generated. Here, the user&#39;s mail address received from the authentication server  200  when the user logs in to the multifunction machine  300  is set to the transmission source (From). 
     The mail transmission module opens a 25-th port in an SMTP port, and receives (obtains) the mail output from the mail transmission function through the SMTP port. Further, the mail transmission module judges whether to transmit the link mail or to transmit an attachment mail by comparing the addresses of the transmission destination (To) and the transmission source (From) of the obtained mail with each other. More specifically, when the transmission source (From) and the transmission destination (To) coincide with each other, that is, when the mail address of the user who logged in to the multifunction machine  300  is set to both the transmission source (From) and the transmission destination (To), the user can obtain the image file by accessing the multifunction machine  300 . Therefore, the image file attached to the mail is obtained, and stored in the HDD  304 . Then, the link mail for downloading the image file is generated, and transmitted to the mail server  100 . In this case, the address of the transmission destination (To) is the same as the address of the transmission source (From). On the other hand, when the transmission source (From) and the transmission destination (To) do not coincide with each other, that is, when the mail address of the user who logged in to the multifunction machine  300  is set to the transmission source (From) and a mail address different from the mail address of the user who logged in to the multifunction machine  300  is set to the transmission destination (To), there is a case where the user of which the mail address has been set to the transmission destination (To) cannot access the multifunction machine  300  to obtain the image file. Therefore, the mail obtained from the mail transmission function is transmitted to the mail server  100  with the image file attached. 
     Incidentally, in addition to local host connection, in a case where a mail is transmitted from an external terminal having an IP address different from the IP address of the multifunction machine  300  to the mail transmission module, it is controlled not to receive the relevant mail. 
     The mail server  100  receives the link mail or the attachment mail from the multifunction machine  300 , and transmits the received mail to the client terminal  400 . 
     The client terminal  400  receives the link mail or the attachment mail. When the link mail is received, the image file stored in the multifunction machine  300  is downloaded by using the link information described in the mail. Incidentally, when the image file is downloaded, for example, the download is started according to the user&#39;s operation of designating the link information described in the mail, and the image file is downloaded from the multifunction machine  300  to the client terminal  400 . 
     Subsequently, functions of the respective terminals according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to  FIGS. 5 and 6 . Here,  FIGS. 5 and 6  are the block diagrams for describing the functions of the various terminals and the apparatus. 
       FIG. 5  is the function block diagram of the multifunction machine  300 . Here, each of the functions illustrated is performed by the CPU  301 . 
     An authentication function  331  reads the card ID of the user who logs in through the card reader  319  mounted on the multifunction machine  300 , transmits an authentication request packet including the card ID to a user information response function (not illustrated) of the authentication server  200 , obtains a response flag in the response packet returned by the user information response function of the authentication server  200 , displays a message indicating a failure of authentication to the user when the response flag indicates the failure of authentication, and ends the process. On the other hand, when the response flag indicates a success of authentication, the authentication function obtains the user information (for example, the user name  602  and the mail address  603  illustrated in  FIG. 7 ) in the response packet, and generates login information including the user name  602  and the mail address  603  being the user information. Since the login information is managed by the platform, the function of the body of the multifunction machine and the module operating on the platform can refer to the login information. Incidentally, when the login information is generated, information indicating the login is notified to the mail transmission module. 
     A scan function  332  generates the image file by scanning the paper original with the scanner unit  314 . Here, the scan function  332  has destination setting screens as illustrated in  FIGS. 8 ,  9 ,  10 ,  11 ,  12  and  13 , whereby the mail transmission destination information and detailed attachment information for each transmission destination are set on these screens. Moreover, the obtained image file is once stored in the HDD. 
     A mail transmission function  333  attaches the image file stored in the HDD to the mail for each transmission destination information (mail address) set by the scan function  332 , and transmits the obtained mail to a mail reception function  334  of the mail transmission module. Incidentally, although the mail transmission function  333  designates a server host name using the mail transmission module as the SMTP server and transmits the attachment mail to the 25-th port of the SMTP port in the local host connection, the mail transmission function  333  may transmit the attachment mail to the mail transmission module through the network (LAN). 
     The mail reception function  334 , which has an ordinary SMTP server function, receives the mail transmitted from the mail transmission function  333 . Incidentally, the mail transmission module opens the 25-th port of the SMTP port to receive the mail, and actually receives the mail through the relevant SMTP port. 
     A mail transmission function  335  transmits the attachment mail received by the mail reception function  334  to a mail reception function  111  of the mail server  100  by using an SMTP command. 
     A mail type discrimination function  336  judges, when the mail is transmitted by the mail transmission function  335 , whether to transmit the attachment mail or transmit the link mail, according to the addresses of the transmission source (From) and the transmission destination (To). More specifically, when the transmission source (From) and the transmission destination (To) coincide with each other, the link mail is generated, and the generated link mail is transmitted by the mail transmission function  335 . On the other hand, when the transmission source (From) and the transmission destination (To) do not coincide with each other, the attachment mail received by the mail reception function  334  is transmitted by the mail transmission function  335 . 
     A download function  337  transmits a download screen of  FIG. 24  to be displayed on the client terminal, in response to a request from the client terminal  400 . When the passwords are coincident, the download function  337  transmits, to the client terminal  400 , the image file requested from the client terminal  400 . Incidentally, when the image file is transmitted, an INI file  2503  (an information file illustrated in  FIG. 25 ) is referred from a folder path included in the link information, the image file is obtained, and the obtained image file is transmitted to the client terminal  400  from which the download was requested. 
       FIG. 6  is the function block diagram of the mail server  100  and the client terminal  400 . Here, the functions of the mail server  100  are performed by the CPU  201  of the mail server  100 , and the functions of the client terminal  400  are performed by the CPU  201  of the client terminal  400 . 
     Initially, the functions of the mail server  100  will be described. The mail reception function  111 , which has the ordinary SMTP server function, receives the mail transmitted from the mail transmission function  335  of the multifunction machine  300 . A mail transfer function  112 , which has the ordinary SMTP server function, transfers the mail received by the mail reception function  111  to a mail reception function  411  of the client terminal  400  corresponding to the mail address of the transmission destination. 
     Next, the function of the client terminal  400  will be described. 
     The mail reception function  411  is the function of mail client software which can receive the mail transferred from the mail server  100  (SMTP server). Namely, the mail reception function  411  can receive the mail transmitted from the SMTP server, and thus obtain the image file attached to the received mail. 
     Subsequently, the user information table stored in the authentication server  200  will be described with reference to  FIG. 7 . The user information table, which is stored in the external memory  211  of the authentication server  200 , can be achieved by various forms such as a definition file, a database, and the like. In the present embodiment, the information is held as the comma-delimited definition file. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the user information table includes the card ID  601 , the user name  602 , the mail address  603  and the client IP address (device restriction information)  604  in a comma-delimited manner. 
     The card ID  601  is the information which is unique for each card. For example, a product serial number or the like is presented by an IC card or the like as the card ID  601 . The user name  602  is the information for indicating the authenticated user name (user ID), and the mail address  603  is the information for indicating the mail address of the authenticated user (i.e., the user of the multifunction machine  300 ). The device restriction information  604  is the information for specifying the multifunction machine that the user corresponding to the user name  602  can use (login). More specifically, one or plural IP addresses of the multifunction machines  300  are stored as the device restriction information. In case of enabling the user to log in to all the multifunction machines  300 , a null value is stored as the device restriction information. Incidentally, as described above, the segment information indicating the area of the multifunction machine  300  to which the user can log in may be stored as the device restriction information. 
     Subsequently, flow charts illustrated in  FIGS. 14 ,  15 ,  16 ,  17 ,  18  and  19  respectively indicating detailed processes according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to  FIGS. 7 to 13 . Here,  FIGS. 8 to 13  respectively illustrate examples of the screens to be displayed on the display of the operation unit  308  provided on the multifunction machine  300 . 
     Initially, the login process of the multifunction machine  300  will be described with reference to  FIG. 14 . Here, it should be noted that respective processes in steps S 1401 , S 1402 , S 1404 , S 1405  and S 1406  are performed by the CPU  301  of the multifunction machine  300 , and a process in a step S 1403  is performed by the CPU  201  of the authentication server  200 . 
     In the step S 1401 , when a card is passed over the card reader  319  mounted on the multifunction machine  300 , an input of the card ID from the card reader  319  is accepted by the authentication function  331  of the multifunction machine  300 . Although the authentication is performed using the card ID in the present embodiment, it is also possible to accept an input of, other than the card ID, logged in user information including a user name and a password and perform the authentication based on the accepted logged in user information. In other words, an input of user discrimination information such as the card ID or the like capable of discriminating the user is accepted. 
     In the step S 1402 , a user authentication request packet which includes an authentication request flag and the card ID obtained by the authentication function  331  is generated for the user authentication, and the generated packet is transmitted to the authentication server  200 . 
     In the step S 1403 , the authentication request packet transmitted from the multifunction machine  300  is received by the user information response function of the authentication server  200 , and the card ID is obtained from the received authentication request packet. Then, the corresponding user is searched for in the user information table ( FIG. 7 ) by using the obtained card ID as a key, the user name  602  and the mail address  603  both illustrated in  FIG. 7  are obtained, an authentication response packet including the user name  602  and the mail address  603  is generated, and the generated authentication response packet is transmitted to the multifunction machine  300 . Incidentally, when the user could be searched, the authentication response packet which includes the response flag indicating a success of authentication is transmitted. On the other hand, when the user could not be searched, the authentication response packet which includes the response flag indicating a failure of authentication is transmitted. Further, when the multifunction machine is coincident with the device restriction information, the authentication response packet which includes the response flag indicating a success of authentication is transmitted. On the other hand, when the multifunction machine is not coincident with the device restriction information, the authentication response packet which includes the response flag indicating a failure of authentication is transmitted. 
     In the step S 1404 , the authentication response packet is received from the authentication server  200 , and the user information indicating the user name and the mail address is obtained from the received packet by the authentication function  331 . Then, the login information is generated based on the obtained user information, and the generated login information is set to a login context which is managed by the platform. 
     In the step S 1405 , a success of login is notified from the platform to the scan function  332 . Incidentally, in the present embodiment, since it is judged based on the mail transmission destination information whether to transmit the link mail or transmit the attachment mail, the success of login is not notified to the mail transmission module. However, it is of course possible to notify the mail transmission module of the success of login. 
     In the step S 1406 , the user name and the mail address in the login information are obtained and stored in the RAM  302  by the scan function  332  (that is, the mail address of the user is obtained). 
     Incidentally, although the authentication is performed by using the authentication server  200  in the present embodiment, it is also possible to provide the function of the authentication server within the multifunction machine  300  and thus perform the authentication process in the multifunction machine  300 . In this case, the user information table illustrated in  FIG. 7  is stored in the HDD  304  of the multifunction machine  300 , so that the authentication module performs the authentication process by referring to the stored user information table. 
     Subsequently, a destination adding process for mail transmission in the multifunction machine  300  will be described with reference to  FIG. 15 . Here, it should be noted that respective processes in steps S 1501 , S 1502 , S 1503 , S 1504 , S 1505 , S 1506 , S 1507 , S 1508 , S 1509 , S 1510 , S 1511  and S 1512  are performed by the CPU  301  of the multifunction machine  300 . 
     In the step S 1501 , the authentication succeeds by the input of the card ID or the input of the user name and the password, and the user logs in to the multifunction machine  300 . Then, the mail transmission screen as illustrated in  FIG. 8  is displayed on the display unit of the multifunction machine  300  by the scan function  332 . Here, the mail transmission screen illustrated in  FIG. 8  includes a user name display section  801  for displaying the user name stored in the RAM  302 , a destination adding button  802  for adding the destination, a destination list  803  for displaying the added destination, and a transmission button  804  for transmitting the mail. 
     In the step S 1502 , the user name stored in the RAM  302  is displayed in the user name display section  801  of the mail transmission screen by the scan function  332 . 
     In the step S 1503 , a blank list to be used to store the mail transmission destination is generated and stored (held) in the RAM  302  by the scan function  332 . 
     In the step S 1504 , the mail address of the logged in user stored in the RAM  302  is stored as a main address in the blank address list generated in the step S 1503  by the scan function  332 . More specifically, the mail address is stored as destination detailed information ( FIG. 26 ) in the RAM  302  without user&#39;s destination adding instruction. In this regard, “all data” are held as attachment file information in the destination detailed information. An example of the screen on which the mail address of the logged in user has been added (set) is illustrated in  FIG. 9 . 
     Incidentally, the mail address of the logged in user is automatically added to the address in the present embodiment. However, it is also possible to provide “an adding button for adding user oneself to address” on the screen illustrated in  FIG. 9 , and add the mail address of the logged in user to the destination when this button is depressed by a user. 
     In the step S 1505 , depression of the destination adding button  802  is detected. When plural destinations are added (when the destination adding button  802  is depressed), the processes in the steps S 1506 , S 1507 , S 1508 , S 1509 , S 1510 , S 1511  and S 1512  are repeatedly performed for each destination. Incidentally, when plural destinations are not added (when the destination adding button  802  is not depressed but the transmission button  804  is depressed), the processes in steps S 1506 , S 1507 , S 1508 , S 1509 , S 1510 , S 1511  and S 1512  are omitted, and the process illustrated in  FIG. 16  is performed. 
     In the step S 1506 , after the depression of the destination adding button  802  was detected, the destination adding screen illustrated in  FIG. 10  is displayed by the scan function  332 . 
     In the step S 1507 , it is judged whether or not an address book reference button  1001  is depressed by the user to add the destination. When it is judged that the address book reference button  1001  is depressed, the process advances to the step S 1509 . On the other hand, when it is judged that the address book reference button  1001  is not depressed but an address input section  1002  is designated, the process advances to the step S 1508 . 
     In the step S 1508 , an input of the address (half-width alphanumeric character) designated according to a user&#39;s operation is accepted by the scan function  332 . More specifically, a character string of the address input and displayed on the touch panel of the display unit of the multifunction machine  300  is accepted according to user&#39;s designation. 
     In the step S 1509 , the address book screen illustrated in  FIG. 11  is displayed by the scan function  332  in response to the depression of the address book reference button  1001 . Here, the destination names and the mail addresses to be displayed on the address book screen have previously been stored as address book files in the HDD  304  of the multifunction machine  300 . Although the destination name and the mail address to be displayed on the address book screen have previously been stored as the address book files in the present embodiment, it is also possible to previously store the information of the address book in an external server such s the authentication server  200  or the like, and periodically download the information from the external server such as the authentication server  200  or the like. Alternatively, it is possible to receive the destination name and the mail address from the external server when the address book reference button  1001  is depressed. 
     In the step S 1510 , the address of the destination added by the scan function  332  is selected according to a user&#39;s instruction. In case of referring to the address book, when the plural destinations are selected on the address book screen illustrated in  FIG. 11 , it is possible to add the plural destinations in a lump. 
     In the step S 1511 , it is detected by the scan function  332  that an adding button  1101  is depressed by a user&#39;s operation, and the process advances to the step S 1512 . 
     In the step S 1512 , the mail address accepted in the step S 1508  or the destination (destination name and mail address) selected in the step S 1510  is displayed on the mail transmission screen by the scan function  332 . An example of the mail transmission screen on which the destination has been added is illustrated in  FIG. 12 . Incidentally, when a “main” switching button  1003  illustrated in  FIG. 10  is designated, “main/sub” is set to “main”. In a default state, there is no check in the “main” switching button  1003 , and “sub” is set. Further, the destination has been stored in the RAM  302 . 
     Subsequently, a mail transmission process by the mail transmission function  333  provided as the function of the body of the multifunction machine  300  will be described with reference to  FIG. 16 . Here, it should be noted that respective processes in steps S 1601 , S 1602 , S 1603  and S 1604  are performed by the CPU  301  of the multifunction machine  300 . 
     In the step S 1601 , it is detected by the scan function  332  whether or not the transmission button  804  is depressed. When it is detected that the transmission button  804  is depressed, the process in the step S 1602  is repeatedly performed by the number of times corresponding to the number of pages of the original to be scanned. 
     In the step S 1602 , the original is scanned (original reading) and an image file is generated by the scan function  332 . 
     In the step S 1603 , the scanned images of all the pages scanned are obtained to generate the image file being one file, by the scan function  332 . A new mail is generated, and the mail address of the logged in user obtained in the step S 1406  is set as the transmission source (From) of the mail (transmission source setting) by the mail transmission function  333 . Further, the mail address of “main” stored in the RAM  302  is obtained as the destination of the mail, and the obtained mail address is set to the transmission destination (To) (transmission destination setting). Also, the mail address of “sub” stored in the RAM  302  is obtained, and the obtained mail address is set to the transmission destination (Cc) (transmission destination setting). Furthermore, the image file stored in the HDD  304  is attached to the mail. In the step S 1604 , the transmission source and the transmission destination are set, and the attachment mail is transmitted (output) to the transmission module through the local host connection by the mail transmission function  333 . When the transmission is completed, the transmission completion screen illustrated in  FIG. 13  is displayed. Incidentally, a document arbitrarily designated by the administrator and a document previously set are inserted into a mail text. 
     Further, order of the setting of the mail address and the setting of the attachment of electronic data is arbitrarily determined when the new mail is generated. 
     Subsequently, the mail transmission process by the mail transmission module of the multifunction machine  300  will be described with reference to  FIG. 17 . Here, it should be noted that respective processes in steps S 1701 , S 1702 , S 1703 , S 1704 , S 1705 , S 1706 , S 1707 , S 1708 , S 1709 , S 1710 , S 1711  and S 1712  are performed by the CPU  301  of the multifunction machine  300 . 
     In the step S 1701 , the attachment mail is received from the mail transmission function  333  through the SMTP port by the mail reception function  334  (electronic mail obtaining). Namely, the process in this step is the process of obtaining the electronic mail in which the mail address of the logged in user is set to the transmission source (e.g., From) and the mail address of the user provided with the image file is set to the transmission destination (e.g., To) and to which the image file is attached. 
     In the step S 1702 , a value of the maximum capacity of the attachment file previously set in the mail transmission module is obtained by the mail reception function  334  (size obtaining). Here, it should be noted that the value of the maximum capacity of the attachment file can arbitrarily be changed by the administrator. 
     In the step S 1703 , it is judged by the mail reception function  334  whether or not an attachment file size (image file size) of the attachment mail received in the step S 1701  exceeds the value (size) of the maximum capacity of the attachment file obtained in the step S 1702  (size judgment). When it is judged that the attachment file size exceeds the value (size) of the maximum capacity, the process advances to the step S 1704  to store the image file, not the mail to which the image file has been attached, in the multifunction machine  300 , and transmit the link mail in which the link information for downloading the stored image file has been described. On the other hand, when it is judged that the attachment file size does not exceed the value (size) of the maximum capacity (size or smaller), the process advances to a step S 1713  to attach the image file to the mail and transmit the obtained mail. Incidentally, when it is judged that the attachment file size exceeds the value (size) of the maximum capacity, it may be considered as a case where the attachment file size is equal to or larger than the size, and, when it is judged that the attachment file size does not exceed the value (size) of the maximum capacity, it may be considered as a case where the attachment file is lower than the size. That is, it may be judged whether or not the attachment file size exceeds a predetermined value (predetermined size). 
     Further, even when the size of the attachment file (image file) does not exceed the value of the maximum capacity, it is possible, for the purpose of reducing transmission of the attachment mail, to set, in the setting of the mail transmission module, the value (size) of the maximum capacity to a null value, “9999999” or the like so as to advance the process to the step S 1704  even in the case where the size is small. 
     In the step S 1704 , the process from the step S 1705  to the step S 1712  is repeatedly performed by the number of times corresponding to the number of the destinations set in the attachment mail received by the mail reception function  334 . 
     In the step S 1705 , the destination list is obtained, by the mail type discrimination function  336 , from the mail header information of the attachment mail received in the step S 1701 . Further, the obtained destination is held on the RAM  302 . Then, the destination is obtained one by one from the destination list held on the RAM  302 . 
     In the step S 1706 , it is judged by the mail type discrimination function  336  whether to transmit the mail as the link mail or transmit the mail as the attachment mail. Here, the judged result (i.e., “ON” or “OFF” of a link mail flag) is associated with each destination in the destination list held on the RAM  302  and then managed. Incidentally, the detail of the process in the step S 1706  will be described with reference to the flow chart illustrated in  FIG. 19 . 
     In the step S 1707 , a mail text to be transmitted is generated by the mail type discrimination function  336 . More specifically, the mail text includes a comment  2101  as illustrated in  FIG. 21  and comments  2201  and  2202  as illustrated in  FIG. 22 . Incidentally, the mail address obtained from the transmission source “From” of the attachment mail received in the step S 1701  is described to “transmission user”, and the mail address obtained from the transmission destination “To” or “Cc” of the attachment mail received in the step S 1701  is described to “destination”. 
     In the step S 1708 , it is judged by the mail type discrimination function  336  whether the link mail flag determined in the step S 1706  is “ON” or “OFF”. When it is judged that the link mail flag is “ON”, the process advances to the step S 1710  to transmit the link mail. On the other hand, when it is judged that the link mail flag is “OFF”, the process advances to the step S 1709  to transmit the attachment mail. 
     In the step S 1709 , by the mail type discrimination function  336 , a new mail is generated, the attachment file, i.e., the image file, of the attachment mail received in the step S 1701  is attached to the generated new mail, the mail text generated in the step S 1707  is inserted into the new mail, the mail address of the transmission source “From” of the attachment mail received in the step S 1701  is set to the destination source “From” of the new mail, and the transmission destination information (mail address) obtained in the step S 1705  is set to the transmission destination “To” of the new mail. Further, an arbitrary character string is set to the subject. Incidentally, although the new mail is generated in the present embodiment, it is also possible to edit the attachment mail received in the step S 1701  to change the mail text and/or the destination. That is, the process in this step is the process of transmitting the mail to which the image file has been attached, when the mail addresses of the transmission source and the transmission destination are not coincident. 
     In the step S 1710 , the image file attached to the attachment mail received in the step S 1701  is obtained by the mail type discrimination function  336 , and the obtained image file is stored in the HDD  304  of the multifunction machine  300  (storage). When, the image file is stored in the HDD  304 , a new folder  2502  is created, and the image file is stored in the created new folder  2502 , as illustrated in  FIG. 25 . That is, the process in this step is the step of storing the image file attached to the mail to the folder of the HDD  304  for enabling the client terminal to download, when the mail addresses of the transmission source and the transmission destination are coincident. 
     Then, an INI file  2503  (information file) in which the file name of the stored image file has been described is generated and stored. Further, a password generated in a later-described step S 1805  is described to the INI file  2503 . Incidentally, the stored image file is deleted after elapsing of a predetermined period. 
     In the step S 1711 , link information  2501  (e.g., URL (Uniform Resource Locator)) for downloading the electronic data by accessing the multifunction machine  300  is generated, by the mail type discrimination function  336 , from the path of the folder  2502  of the storage destination of the image file stored in the step S 1710  and the IP address of the multifunction machine  300 . Incidentally, for example, as the folder path of the link information  2501 , a hash generated using the folder path may be used for security reason. 
     The new mail is generated, the text generated in the step S 1707  and the link information generated in this step are inserted into the generated new mail, the mail address of the transmission source “From” of the attachment mail received in the step S 1701  is set to the destination source “From” of the new mail, and the mail address of the transmission destination obtained in the step S 1705  is set to the transmission destination “To” of the new mail. Although the new mail is generated in the present embodiment, it is also possible to edit the attachment mail received in the step S 1701  to change the mail text and/or the destination. 
     In the step S 1712 , the mail generated in the step S 1709  or the step S 1711  is transmitted to the mail server  100  by the mail transmission function  335  (first transmission). The example of the mail generated in the step S 1709  is illustrated in  FIG. 21 , and the example of the mail generated in the step S 1811  is illustrated in  FIG. 22 . In each of  FIGS. 21 and 22 , the information necessary for transmission/reception is set to the header portion. That is, the process in this step is the step of transmitting the mail in which the link information including the storage location of the image file has been described to download the held (stored) image file from the client terminal (information processing apparatus). 
     In the step S 1713 , the attachment mail received in the step S 1701  is transmitted (transferred) to the mail server  100  as it is (that is, while the image file is being attached to the mail). Incidentally, as well as the step S 1709 , it is also possible to transmit the new attachment mail by newly creating the mail, setting the mail address, inserting the mail text, setting the subject, and attaching the electronic data to the mail. 
     Subsequently, a password mail transmission process to be performed when the mail transmission module of the multifunction machine  300  transmits the link mail will be described with reference to  FIG. 18 . Here, it should be noted that respective processes in steps S 1801 , S 1802 , S 1803 , S 1804 , S 1805 , S 1806  and S 1807  are performed by the CPU  301  of the multifunction machine  300 . 
     In the step S 1801 , setting information for setting whether or not to perform password transmission previously set in the mail transmission module is obtained, and it is judged based on the obtained setting information whether or not to perform the password transmission. When it is judged to perform the password transmission, the process advances to the step S 1802 . On the other hand, when it is judged not to perform the password transmission, the process ends immediately. 
     In the step S 1802 , the processes in the steps S 1803  to S 1807  are repeatedly performed by the number of times corresponding to the number of destinations held on the RAM  302  in the step S 1704 . 
     More specifically, in the step S 1803 , by the mail transmission function  335 , the destination and the link mail flag are obtained each one by one from the destination list which was held on the RAM  302  in the step S 1704  and in which the link mail flag was stored in the step S 1706 . 
     In the step S 1804 , it is judged by the mail transmission function  335  whether the obtained link mail flag is “ON” or “OFF”. When it is judged that the link mail flag is “ON”, the process advances to the step S 1805  because the link mail flag was transmitted in the step S 1712 . On the other hand, when it is judged that the link mail flag is “OFF”, the processes in the steps S 1805  to S 1807  are skipped because the attachment mail generated in the step S 1709  was transmitted in the step S 1712 . 
     In the step S 1805 , the password (permission information) for permitting the download of the image file using the link information is generated as a hash based on a time stamp and the like by the mail transmission function  335  (password generation). 
     In the step S 1806 , the password is stored in the INI file  2503  by the mail transmission function  335  so as to associate the password generated in the step S 1805  with the link information. Thus, when the download of the image file is requested using the link information, the folder  2502  is specified, whereby it is possible to obtain the password from the INI file  2503  stored in the folder  2502 . Consequently, it is possible to judge whether or not the obtained password and a later-described password received from the client terminal  400  are coincident. 
     In the step S 1807 , a new mail is created by the mail transmission function  335 , a message ( 2301  in  FIG. 23 ) including the password generated in the step S 1805  is inserted into the text of the new mail, the mail address of the transmission source (From) of the attachment mail received in the step S 1701  is set to the transmission source (From) of the new mail, and the mail address of the transmission destination obtained in the step S 1803  is set to the transmission destination (To) of the new mail. Then, the obtained new mail (password mail) is transmitted to the mail server  100  (second transmission). 
     Incidentally, although it is permitted using the password to obtain the electronic data in the present embodiment, it is also possible, even if the password is not used, to request the user name and the password to the client terminal  400  when the user accesses the multifunction machine  300  according to the link information. In this case, the user name and the password input by the user&#39;s operation from the client terminal  400  are obtained by the multifunction machine  300 , and it is judged by asking the authentication server  200  whether or not the user is the user who can log in. Then, when it is judged by the multifunction machine that the user is the user who can log in, it is permitted to download the image file, and the download is actually started. 
     Subsequently, a so-called link mail flag process in the step S 1706  will be described with reference to  FIG. 19 . Here, it should be noted that respective processes in steps S 1901 , S 1902  and S 1903  are performed by the CPU  301  of the multifunction machine  300 . 
     In the step S 1901 , the transmission source (From) is obtained from the attachment mail received in the step S 1701 , and it is thus judged whether or not the mail addresses of the transmission source (From) of the attachment mail and the transmission destination obtained in the step S 1705  are coincident (that is, the mail addresses of the transmission source and the transmission destination are compared with each other). That is, the process in this step is the process of judging whether or not to cause the user on the transmission destination to download the image file. 
     When it is judged that the mail addresses are coincident, the link mail flag is set to “ON” in the step S 1903 , and the obtained data is associated with the mail address used in the judgment and stored in the destination list in the RAM  302 . 
     On the other hand, when it is judged that the mail addresses are not coincident, the link mail flag is set to “OFF” in the step S 1902 , and the obtained data is associated with the mail address used in the judgment and stored in the destination list in the RAM  302 . 
     Incidentally, in the present embodiment, it is judged in the step S 1901  whether or not the mail addresses of the transmission source and the transmission destination are coincident. However, it is also possible, in a case where the “@ . . . ” (domain name) portions of the mail addresses of the transmission source and the transmission destination are coincident, to advance the process to the step S 1903  so as to transmit the link mail. This is because, in a company that every multifunction machines disposed therein can be accessed by the company members from the in-company network, it is necessary to enable the company members to access the multifunction machines from the in-company client terminals. 
     Thus, the user, who has logged in to the multifunction machine  300 , can surely access the relevant multifunction machine  300 . Therefore, it is possible to transmit the link mail, and obtain the image file while preventing the transmission of the large-sized mail such as the attachment mail. When the transmission destination is an external user or a user of group company (i.e., not the own company), the relevant user cannot access the multifunction machine  300 . Therefore, it is possible to properly obtain the image file by transmitting not the link mail but the attachment mail to which the image file has been attached. That is, it is possible to cause the user who can access the multifunction machine to directly download the image file from the multifunction machine, and cause the user who cannot access the multifunction machine to obtain the image file by transmitting the attachment mail. Therefore, it is possible to enable the user to surely obtain the electronic data while reducing the transmission of the large-sized mail. 
     In particular, a facsimile number for facsimile transmission and the like, in addition to the mail address for mail transmission, can generally be registered in the address book of the multifunction machine  300 , and the user can freely maintain (register and delete) the contents of the address book. For this reason, there is a case where the mail address of the user who cannot access the multifunction machine  300  has been registered in the address book. Here, even in a case where the mail address of the user who cannot access the multifunction machine is set to the mail transmission destination in the same manner as that for the mail address of the user who can access the multifunction machine, it is possible to properly obtain the image file. 
     Incidentally, although it is judged in the present embodiment whether to transmit the link mail or the attachment mail by using the mail address, it is also possible, as described above, to previously store the IP address at the time when the user logs in to the domain at the client terminal  400  to the user information table ( FIG. 7 ) in the authentication server, transmit the relevant IP address to the multifunction machine  300  when the login process at the multifunction machine succeeds, compare the IP address received by the multifunction machine  300  with the IP address held by the multifunction machine  300  itself, and transmit the link mail when the compared IP addresses belong to the same segment. In other words, even in an environment that the client terminal  400  cannot access the multifunction machine  300  to download the image file because the client terminal  400  and the multifunction machine  300  respectively belong to the different segments, it is possible to obtain the image file attached to the mail. 
     Subsequently, a download process to be performed when, after the mail was transmitted by the mail transmission module of the multifunction machine  300 , it is instructed by the user who received the transmitted mail to download the image file will be described with reference to  FIG. 20 . Here, it should be noted that respective processes in steps S 2001 , S 2002 , S 2003 , S 2006 , S 2010  and S 2011  are performed by the CPU  301  of the multifunction machine  300 , and respective processes in steps S 2004 , S 2005 , S 2007 , S 2008 , S 2009 , S 2012  and S 2013  are performed by the CPU  201  of the client terminal  400 . 
     Incidentally, although it is illustrated that the process in  FIG. 20  is performed subsequent to the process in  FIG. 18 , it is possible to perform the process in  FIG. 20  asynchronously with the mail transmission process. Namely, since the download can be requested at any time if the mail has been received, the process in  FIG. 20  is performed when the download is requested even in the case where the mail transmission process of the multifunction machine  300  is being performed by another user. 
     In the step S 2001 , in accordance with the IP address of the multifunction machine included in the link information (URL) described in the mail (link mail) received by the mail reception function  411  of the client terminal  400 , the download request is transmitted to the multifunction machine to which the relevant IP address has been set, and the download request transmitted from the client terminal  400  is received by the multifunction machine  300  (download request reception). Then, the INI file held in the folder is referred by the download function  337  of the multifunction machine  300 , from the folder path included in the link information (URL) obtained when the download request is received. Incidentally, the download request based on the link information can be performed by the input to the address section of the web browser on the client terminal  400 . 
     In the step S 2002 , it is judged by the download function  337  whether or not the password has been stored in the INI file. When it is judged that the password has been stored in the INI file, the process advances to the step S 2003 . On the other hand, when it is judged that the password is not stored in the INI file, the process advances to the step S 2010 . 
     In the step S 2003 , since the password is necessary for the image file, a download input screen illustrated in  FIG. 24  is transmitted to the client terminal  400  by the download function  337 . 
     In the step S 2004 , the download input screen is received by the client terminal  400 , and the received screen is displayed on the CRT  210  (display unit) of the client terminal. At this time, the web browser is used to display the download input screen. Then, the input of the password included in the mail transmitted in the step S 1807  is accepted on the download input screen. 
     In the step S 2005 , it is detected by a file reception function  412  ( FIG. 6 ) that a login button  2401  ( FIG. 24 ) is depressed, and the accepted password is transmitted to the multifunction machine  300 . 
     In the step S 2006 , it is judged by the download function  337  whether or not the password received from the client terminal  400  coincides with the password stored in the INI file. When it is judged that the received password coincides with the stored password, a download start process notification is transmitted to the client terminal  400 , and the process advances to the step S 2008 . On the other hand, when it is judged that the received password does not coincide with the stored password, an error screen is transmitted to the client terminal  400 , and the process advances to the step S 2007 . 
     In the step S 2007 , the error screen is received by the file reception function  412 , the received error screen is displayed, and the process ends. 
     In the step S 2008 , the download start process notification is received by the file reception function  412 , and a download dialog (not illustrated) for instructing whether or not to start the download is displayed. Here, a storage button (not illustrated) and a cancel button (not illustrated) are provided in the download dialog, a download start notification is transmitted to the multifunction machine  300  when the storage button is depressed in the step S 2009 , and the process advances to the step S 2010 . On the other hand, when the cancel button is depressed, the process immediately ends. 
     In the step S 2010 , the download start notification is received from the client terminal  400 , and the image file stored in the folder (i.e., the image file of the file name stored in the INI file) is obtained by the download function  337 . 
     In the step S 2011 , the obtained image file is transmitted to the client terminal  400  by the download function  337  (image file transmission). 
     In the step S 2012 , the image file transmitted from the multifunction machine  300  is received by the file reception function  412 . 
     In the step S 2013 , the image file received by the file reception function  412  is stored in a predetermined storage destination. Here, the storage destination can arbitrarily be designated by the user. 
     As just described, according to the present embodiment, the transmission of the link mail for downloading the image file from the multifunction machine (information processing apparatus) and the transmission of the mail to which the image file has been attached are changed over based on the transmission destination information of the obtained mail. Thus, for example, it is possible even for the user who cannot log in to the multifunction machine to obtain the image file, and it is also possible to reduce the load on the network. 
     In particular, the mail transmission destination address and the mail transmission source address are compared with each other in the present embodiment. Thus, by storing the image file in the multifunction machine, and by transmitting the mail for downloading the image file from the multifunction machine or the mail to which the image file has been attached, for example, it is possible even for the user who cannot log in to the multifunction machine to easily obtain the image file. 
     Further, by changing the image file obtaining method on the basis of the mail transmitter and the mail receiver, and by enabling the multifunction machine accessible user to directly access the multifunction machine and obtain the image file, it is possible to reduce the transmission of the attachment mails. 
     Although the present embodiment has been described as above, it is also possible to adopt a constitution other than the above-described constitution to achieve the present invention. 
     Hereinafter, another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. Incidentally, detailed descriptions of the portions common to those in the above-described embodiment will be omitted because these portions perform the same processes as those in the above-described embodiment. 
     A mail transmission process to be performed by the mail transmission function  333  provided as the function of the body of the multifunction machine  300  according to another embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 27 . Namely,  FIG. 27  is the flow chart of the mail transmission process to be performed by the mail transmission function  333  being the function of the body of the multifunction machine  300  according to the present embodiment. 
     In any case, since the respective processes in the steps S 1601 , S 1602  and S 1604  are the same as those already described with reference to  FIG. 16 , the description thereof will be omitted here. Here, it should be noted that respective processes in steps S 2701 , S 2702 , S 2703  and S 2704  are performed by the CPU  301  of the multifunction machine  300 . 
     In the step S 2701 , the scanned images of all the pages scanned are obtained to generate the image file being one file, by the scan function  332 . Then, by the mail transmission function  333 , a new mail is generated, and the generated image file is attached to the generated mail. 
     In the step S 2702 , the mail address of the administrator of the multifunction machine  300  (for example, “Admin@xxxxx@coljp” of Administorator being the administration user previously set in the multifunction machine) stored in the HDD  304  of the multifunction machine  300  is obtained. 
     In the step S 2703 , the mail address of “main” stored in the RAM  302  is obtained as the destination of the mail. 
     In the step S 2704 , the mail address obtained in the step S 2702  is set to the transmission source (From) of the new mail, and the mail address of “main” obtained in the step S 2703  is set to the transmission destination (To) (transmission destination setting). 
     Incidentally, when the mail address of “sub” is obtained as the destination of the mail, the obtained mail address is set to the transmission destination (Cc). 
     Further, order of the setting of the mail address and the setting of the attachment of electronic data is arbitrarily determined when the new mail is generated. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 27 , when the mail address of the administrator of the multifunction machine  300  is set to the mail transmission source (From), any one of later-described processes illustrated in  FIGS. 28 ,  29  and  30  is performed to judge whether to transmit the link mail or transmit the attachment mail. 
     Subsequently, another embodiment of the link mail flag process in  FIG. 19  will be described with reference to  FIG. 28 .  FIG. 28  is the flow chart of the link mail flag process according to another embodiment. 
     In any case, since the respective processes in the steps S 1902  and S 1903  are the same as those already described with reference to  FIG. 19 , the description thereof will be omitted here. Here, it should be noted that a process in a step S 2801  is performed by the CPU  301  of the multifunction machine  300 . 
     In the step S 2801 , the mail address of the logged in user is obtained from the login information stored in the RAM  302 , and it is judged whether or not the obtained mail address and the mail address of the transmission destination (To) set in the mail are coincident. When it is judged that these mail addresses are coincident, the process advances to the step S 1903 . On the other hand, when it is judged that these mail addresses are not coincident, the process advances to the step S 1902 . That is, the process in this step is the process of judging whether or not to cause the user of the transmission destination to download the image file. 
     Incidentally, it is also possible to first judge whether or not the mail addresses of the transmission source (From) and the transmission destination (To) respectively set in the mail are coincident, and perform the judgment in the step S 2801  when it is judged that the mail addresses of the transmission source (From) and the transmission destination (To) are not coincident. When it is judged that the mail addresses of the transmission source (From) and the transmission destination (To) are coincident, the mail is transmitted to the mail address of the user same as the logged in user of the multifunction machine  300 . Therefore, when the mail addresses of the transmission source (From) and the transmission destination (To) are coincident, it is possible to download the image file from the multifunction machine  300 , thereby transmitting the link mail. 
     Subsequently, further another embodiment of the link mail flag process in  FIG. 19  or  28  will be described with reference to  FIGS. 29 and 30 .  FIG. 30  is the flow chart of the link mail flag process according to further another embodiment. 
     In any case, since the respective processes in the steps S 1902  and S 1903  are the same as those already described with reference to  FIG. 19 , the description thereof will be omitted here. Here, it should be noted that a process in a step S 3001  is performed by the CPU  301  of the multifunction machine  300 . 
     In the step S 3001 , it is judged whether or not the transmission destination (To) set in the mail is present in the user table capable of accessing the multifunction machine illustrated in  FIG. 29 . When it is judged that the transmission destination (To) set in the mail is present in the user table capable of accessing the multifunction machine illustrated in  FIG. 29 , since it is possible from the client terminal  400  to access and log in to the multifunction machine  300 , the process advances to the step S 1903  to download the image file. On the other hand, when it is judged that the transmission destination (To) set in the mail is not present in the user table capable of accessing the multifunction machine illustrated in  FIG. 29 , since it is impossible from the client terminal  400  to access and log in to the multifunction machine  300 , the process advances to the step S 1902  to cause to obtain the image file by the mail. That is, the process in this step is the process of judging whether or not to cause the user of the transmission destination to download the image file. 
       FIG. 29  is the view illustrating the user table which has been stored for each multifunction machine  300  and indicates the user who can access the own multifunction machine. On the user table, the user information (user names, and mail addresses) of the users who can access the multifunction machine has been stored. 
     Incidentally, as described with reference to  FIGS. 28 to 30 , it is judged whether to transmit the link mail or transmit the attachment mail, on the basis of the judgment as to whether or not the mail address obtained from the user information of the logged in user and the transmission destination (To) are coincident and on the basis of the judgment as to whether or not the transmission destination (To) has been stored in the user table. Besides, as illustrated in  FIG. 31 , it is also possible to cause the user to set whether the transmission destination is the transmission destination to which the link mail is transmitted or the transmission destination to which the attachment mail is transmitted on the mail transmission screen indicating the destination list to be displayed on the operation unit  308  of the multifunction machine  300 , and thus judge according to such setting whether to transmit the link mail or transmit the attachment mail. 
     As just described, other embodiments have been described. In these embodiments, the transmission of the link mail for downloading the image file from the multifunction machine (information processing apparatus) and the transmission of the mail to which the image file has been attached are changed over based on the transmission destination of the mail. Thus, for example, it is possible even for the user who cannot log in to the multifunction machine to obtain the image file, and it is also possible to reduce the load on the network. 
     In particular, the mail transmission destination address and the mail transmission source address are compared with each other. Thus, by storing the image file in the multifunction machine, and by transmitting the mail for downloading the image file from the multifunction machine or the mail to which the image file has been attached, for example, it is possible even for the user who cannot log in to the multifunction machine to easily obtain the image file. 
     Further, by changing the image file obtaining method on the basis of the mail transmitter and the mail receiver, and by enabling the multifunction machine accessible user to directly access the multifunction machine and obtain the image file, it is possible to reduce the transmission of the attachment mails. 
     In the embodiments described as above, the transmission destination and the transmission source are discriminated based on the mail address. However, it is also possible to discriminate based on, not the mail address, but the user name to be added together with the mail address. In this case, it is desirable that the user name is unique. 
     Further, in the embodiments described as above, the image file which is generated by reading the image on the original is used as the example of the electronic file. However, the present invention is not limited to the transmission of the image file, but can be applied to the transmission of various kinds of electronic files such as a voice file, a moving image file and the like. 
     Aspects of the present invention can also be realized by a computer of a system or apparatus (or devices such as a CPU or MPU) that reads out and executes a program recorded on a memory device to perform the functions of the above-described embodiments, and by a method, the steps of which are performed by a computer of a system or apparatus by, for example, reading out and executing a program recorded on a memory device to perform the functions of the above-described embodiments. For this purpose, the program is provided to the computer for example via a network or from a recording medium of various types serving as the memory device (e.g., computer-readable medium). 
     While the present invention has been described with reference to the 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 such modifications and equivalent structures and functions. 
     This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Applications No. 2010-182468, filed Aug. 17, 2010, and No. 2011-080043 filed Mar. 31, 2011 which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.