Information processing apparatus and control method for controlling information processing apparatus

The present invention is an information processing device and the information processing device in which a destination can be registered from an external device in an address book which is a list of destinations when transmitting or transferring data, and the address book can be referred to by the external device. Regarding the control method for controlling.

An image forming apparatus such as a multifunction device is provided with an address book for registering a destination when transmitting or transferring data. Further, in order to make the address book usable in common by a plurality of image forming devices and the like, it is also possible to distribute the address book to other image forming devices via a network. When distributing an address book to other image forming devices, an address book suitable for each device is generated by distinguishing between an address to be distributed to all image forming devices and an address to be individually distributed to each device. It has also been proposed to distribute the product (for example, Patent Document 1).

Further, as a method of using the address book of the image forming apparatus in a plurality of image forming apparatus, a technique of directly referring to the address book of another image forming apparatus via a network is also known.

<p><patcit num="1"><text>Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2007-188166</text></patcit></p>

<p> If the file management system in the image forming apparatus has a file server function, an external device connected to the image forming apparatus via a network uses the file management system in the image forming apparatus as a normal file server. it can. Protocols provided as a file server function include, for example, SMB, CIFS, WebDAV (Web-based Distributed Authoring and Versioning), and FTP.</p><p> When the image forming apparatus functions as a file server function, the address provided by the image forming apparatus itself in the file server function can be registered and used as a destination in the address book of the image forming apparatus. In that case, it is also possible to specify a loopback address as the address of the file server provided by the image forming apparatus. For example, assume that the file server function of the image forming apparatus (IP address is "168.0.0.1") allows the folder "share" managed by the file management system to be accessed from the outside. In this case, instead of registering the SMB path "\\ 168.0.0.1 \ share" in the address book, you can specify "\\ localhost \ share" or "\\ 127.0.0.1 \ share" as the loopback address. .. But in the address book of the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus itself of Rupuba If you want to register a Kkuadoresu ( "localhost" and "127.0.0.1" and ":: 1"), may occur following such challenges.</p><p> When registering the address book held in the image forming apparatus (server machine) from an external image forming apparatus (client machine), it is conceivable to register the destination which is the loopback address in the address book of the server machine. In this case, there is a problem that it is unclear whether the destination to be registered is the address of the server machine or the destination of the client machine. As a result, even though the client tries to register the loopback address in the address book of the server machine, the loopback address is the address of another image forming device, so that the loopback address may be transferred to the other device. There is also sex.</p><p> In the technique described in Patent Document 1 described above, when the address book is distributed from the server machine to all the image forming devices, the address to be distributed to all the image forming devices and the address to be individually distributed are distinguished from each other. It is possible to distribute the book. However, it distinguishes whether the destination specified by the loopback address points to the server machine, a specific client machine, or the image forming device of the operation source at the time of transmission / transfer processing. Couldn't.</p><p> The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems.</p><p> An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for registering a destination specified by a loopback address in an address book open to an external device so that it can be processed by an appropriate method. Another object of the present invention is to provide a technique for enabling an address book containing a loopback address to be processed by an appropriate method when an external device refers to and uses the address book.</p>

<p> In order to achieve the above object, the information processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention has the following configuration. That is, A public means for publishing the address book stored in the address book storage to an external device via a network, A receiving means for receiving a registration request for registering destination information in the address book, and When the destination information included in the registration request includes a loopback address, it is characterized by having a control means for limiting the registration of the destination information including the loopback address.</p>

<p> According to the present invention, in an information processing device in which an address book can be registered or referred to from an external device via a network, it is possible to set a processing method when a loopback address is specified as a destination in the address book. It becomes. This makes it possible to distinguish which device the intended destination of the loopback address is pointing to.</p>

<figref num="1">The whole block diagram of the system including the image forming apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="2">The block diagram explaining the main configuration of the image forming apparatus which concerns on this embodiment.</figref><figref num="3">The soft block diagram which shows the structure of the MFP control part of the image forming apparatus 101.</figref><figref num="4">The soft block diagram which shows the structure of the MFP control part of the image forming apparatus 102.</figref><figref num="5">The figure which shows an example of the loopback address setting screen which concerns on this embodiment.</figref><figref num="6">The figure which shows an example of the file destination setting screen.</figref><figref num="7">The figure which shows an example of the loopback address confirmation screen.</figref><figref num="8">The flowchart explaining the registration process of the destination in the image forming apparatus 101.</figref><figref num="9">The flowchart explaining the reference process of the destination in the image forming apparatus 101.</figref>

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the following embodiments do not limit the present invention according to the claims, and not all combinations of features described in the present embodiment are essential for the means for solving the present invention. .. In this embodiment, an example of an image forming processing system according to a typical embodiment of the present invention will be described. Further, in the present embodiment, an image forming apparatus such as an MFP will be described as an example of the information processing apparatus, but the information processing apparatus of the present invention is not limited to such an image forming apparatus. For example, it may be an information processing device such as a PC, a communication device, or the like.

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a system including an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, an image forming device 101 that functions as a server, a plurality of image forming devices 102 that function as clients, and a PC 103 are connected via a network 100. Here, the number of these image forming devices and PCs is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. Further, the image forming apparatus 102 has a similar configuration. The image forming apparatus 101 and the image forming apparatus 102 have a network interface that connects to the network 100 and exchanges various data with the network 100. These image forming devices 101 and 102 are image forming devices represented by MFP (Multi Function Peripheral). These image forming devices are configured so that the address book and the image file stored in the built-in storage unit can be accessed from the outside via the network 100.

The PC 103 is a general information processing device (PC) having a network interface that connects to the network 100 and exchanges various data with the network 100, and is equipped with a CPU, ROM, RAM, HDD, and the like. .. The PC 103 has a general browsing program for browsing files and folders on the server via the network 100, and a general mail application for sending and receiving e-mail. The PC 103 can receive a print request to the image forming apparatus 101 and the image forming apparatus 102 and transmission data from the image forming apparatus 101 and the image forming apparatus 102 via the network 100 by the operation of the operator. Further, the PC 103 can make various settings for the image forming apparatus 101 and the image forming apparatus 102 by the operation of the operator.

The network 100 will be described using a LAN (Local Area Network) as an example in the present embodiment, but may be another network system such as the Internet.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a main configuration inside the image forming apparatus 101 and the image forming apparatus 102 according to the present embodiment.

The image forming apparatus 101 and the image forming apparatus 102 are image forming apparatus (MFP) having various functions such as scanning, printing, copying, transmission / reception, and boxing. The image forming apparatus 101 and the image forming apparatus 102 include a CPU 201, a memory 202, an external interface 203, a storage unit 204, a scanner unit 205, a printer unit 206, an operation unit 207, and the like. The CPU 201 controls the operation of the entire image forming apparatus, reads and executes a program stored in the memory 202 and the storage unit 204, executes the program, and instructs each unit to realize operations such as scanning, printing, and transmission / reception. The memory 202 has a ROM for storing various programs executed by the CPU 201, a RAM for temporarily storing data necessary for control, and the like. Various programs include operation control unit 301, address book processing unit 302, loopback address processing unit 303, transmission control unit 304, reception transfer control unit 305, file server control unit 306, address book disclosure unit 310, and external address book reference unit. Includes 410 (Figs. 3 and 4). The external interface 203 exchanges information with other image forming devices, the PC 103, and the like via the network 100 and the like. The storage unit 204 is composed of a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk, stores an image file or the like generated in each process, and stores control information and setting information used in each process. Further, the storage unit 204 includes an address book storage unit 307, a transmission setting storage unit 308, an image file storage unit 309, and the like, which will be described later. When reading and writing data to the storage unit 204, it is performed via the memory 202. In addition, various programs may be stored in the storage unit 204 instead of the ROM of the memory 202. In that case, the program installed in the storage unit 204 is loaded into the RAM of the memory 202 and executed at the time of execution.

The scanner unit 205 illuminates the document placed on the platen, optically reads the document image, converts the image into an electric signal, and creates image data. In the present embodiment, the printer unit 206 forms image data on the recording paper by coordinating the laser exposure unit, the image forming unit, the fixing unit, and the paper feeding / conveying unit. However, the printer unit 206 is not limited to this, and may be, for example, an inkjet printer or a printer of another type. The operation unit 207 includes a touch panel, various keys, a display unit, and the like that are operated by the user and used to input various operation instructions and the like. The internal bus 208 connects each unit, and image data is transferred and instructions and set values are transmitted / received to each unit via the internal bus 208.

FIG. 3 is a soft block diagram showing the configuration of the MFP control unit of the image processing device 101 that functions as a server according to the present embodiment. The MFP control unit 300 has an address book publishing function that publishes the address book stored in the address book storage unit 307 so that it can be referred to by an external device via a network.

In FIG. 3, 301 to 306 and 310 are processing modules constituting the MFP control unit 300. These processing modules are application programs executed by CPU 201 or modules that operate as a part of the programs. Further, the storage unit 204 and 307 to 309 provided in the storage unit 204 are information storage units for storing programs and various data included in the MFP control unit 300. Further, the information stored in the storage unit 204 and 307 to 309 provided in the storage unit 204 is configured to be accessible according to specific key operations and conditions. The arrows in FIG. 3 indicate the main data and processing flow. Hereinafter, each processing module will be described.

The operation control unit 301 operates according to the instruction of the CPU 201, and controls the operation unit 207 having the touch panel unit and the key input unit of the image forming apparatus 101. That is, the information issued by the user operating the operation unit 207 is transmitted to each unit via the operation control unit 301, and the image forming apparatus 101 operates accordingly. The address book processing unit 302 operates according to the instruction of the CPU 201. That is, a new destination is registered in the address book stored in the address book storage unit 307 according to the request from the operation control unit 301 and the request from the image forming apparatus 102 or the PC 103 input from the external interface 203 via the network 100. To do. It also performs processing such as referencing the destination registered in the address book. In addition, it is also possible to update or delete the destination of the address book stored in the address book storage unit 307.

The loopback address processing unit 303 operates according to the instruction from the CPU 201. If the new destination to be registered by the address book processing unit 302 contains a loopback address, the address book processing unit 302 instructs the loopback address processing unit 303. As a result, the loopback address processing unit 303 allows or prohibits the registration of the loopback address in the address book of the address book storage unit 307. In addition, a setting for converting the loopback address to a specific device-specific address and a process for prohibiting the reference of the loopback address permitted to be registered in the address book from an external device are performed. These explanations will be described in detail later.

The transmission control unit 304 operates according to the instruction from the CPU 201. The transmission control unit 304 sends an image file to a destination selected from the address book stored in the address book storage unit 307 according to a request from the operation control unit 301 or an instruction set in advance in the transmission setting storage unit 308. The image file stored in the storage unit 309 is transmitted.

The reception transfer control unit 305 operates according to the instruction from the CPU 201. The reception transfer control unit 305 defines an operation method (print, save, transfer, etc.) when image data is received via the external interface 203 in accordance with a request from the operation control unit 301, and stores the image data in the transmission setting storage unit 308. To do. When the reception transfer control unit 305 receives the image data via the network 100 and meets the transfer conditions set in the transmission setting storage unit 308, the reception transfer control unit 305 refers to the address book storage unit 307 to obtain the destination of the transfer destination. Then, the image file converted for transmission acquired from the image file storage unit 309 is transferred to the destination.

The file server control unit 306 provides a file server function that allows an external image forming device 102 or PC 103 to access an image file stored in the image file storage unit 309 via the network 100. The file server control unit 306 operates according to the instruction from the CPU 201, supports protocols such as SMB, WebDAV, and FTP, and performs data control according to the corresponding protocols. Under the control of the file server control unit 306, the image forming apparatus 102 and the PC 103 can read / write the image files and folders managed by the image file storage unit 309 of the storage unit 204 via the external interface 203. There is. Further, by controlling the file server control unit 306, the image file transmitted from the transmission control unit 304 or the reception transfer control unit 305 of the image forming device 101 or the image forming device 102 can be stored in the image file storage unit 309. ..

The address book publishing unit 310 operates according to the instruction from the CPU 201. The address book publishing unit 310 accesses the address book stored in the address book storage unit 307 of the storage unit 204 of the image forming apparatus 101 via the address book processing unit 302, and publishes the address book to the outside via the external interface 203. .. The destination registered in the address book published by the image forming apparatus 101 is referred to by the image forming apparatus 102 or the PC 103. In particular, the image forming apparatus 102 can transmit an image file or the like by designating the referenced destination. By linking the image forming apparatus 101 and the image forming apparatus 102 in this way, the address book stored in the address book storage unit 307 of the image forming apparatus 101 is shared by the image forming apparatus 101 and the image forming apparatus 102. It will be available. Therefore, if the address book is stored in one image forming device that functions as a server, it is not necessary to store the address book in an external image forming device.

Further, the address book publishing unit 310 holds a setting (external disclosure setting) for whether or not to publish the address book to an external device. If the external disclosure setting is valid, it is possible to refer to the destination registered in the address book from an external device such as the image forming device 102 or the PC 103. Further, when the external disclosure setting is valid, a new destination can be registered in the address book stored in the address book storage unit 307 from an external device. On the other hand, if the external disclosure setting is invalid, the destination registered in the address book cannot be referenced from an external device, and a new destination cannot be registered in the address book. The external disclosure setting is preset by the administrator via the operation unit 207 of the image forming apparatus 101.

The address book storage unit 307 stores the address book in the storage unit 204. The address book stored in the address book storage unit 307 includes information such as a destination name, a transmission method, a transmission protocol, a host name, a folder path, a user name, and a password. This address book is used to acquire a destination at the time of transmission processing of transmission control unit 304 and at the time of reception and transfer processing by reception transfer control unit 305. The address book is registered in the address book storage unit 307 by the address book processing unit 302. Further, the address book storage unit 307 also registers a loopback address processing method that defines a processing method when the destination information of the address book includes a loopback address.

The transmission setting storage unit 308 stores transmission setting information, reception transfer setting information, and the like in the storage unit 204. The transmission setting information and the reception transfer setting information provided in the transmission setting storage unit 308 include information such as a transmission destination, a transmission time, and a transmission file setting information. These transmission setting information and reception / transfer setting information are referred to and used at the time of transmission processing of transmission control unit 304 and at the time of reception and transfer processing by reception / transfer control unit 305.

The image file storage unit 309 stores the image file in which the image data is stored and the management information related to the image file in the storage unit 204. The image file storage unit 309 stores the image data obtained by converting the image data scanned by the scanner unit 205 according to the instruction from the operation control unit 301 and the image data received by the reception transfer control unit 305. Further, according to an instruction from the operation control unit 301, the image file stored in the image file storage unit 309 can be output to the printer unit 206 for printing. Further, under the control of the file server control unit 306, it is possible to refer to and register the image file stored in the image file storage unit 309 via the network 100.

FIG. 4 is a soft block diagram showing the configuration of the MFP control unit 400 of the image processing device 102 according to the present embodiment. The feature of the image forming apparatus 102 is that it can communicate with the image forming apparatus 101 (address book publishing unit 310) and refer to the destination registered in the address book of the image forming apparatus 101. In FIG. 4, the parts common to FIG. 3 described above are indicated by the same symbols, and their description will be omitted.

The processing module constituting the MFP control unit 400 is an application program used by the CPU 201 or a module that operates as a part of the program. Further, the storage unit 204 and 307 to 309 provided in the storage unit 204 are information storage units for storing programs and various data included in the MFP control unit 400. Further, the information stored in the storage unit 204 and 307 to 309 provided in the storage unit 204 can be accessed by operating a specific key or a condition. The arrows in Fig. 4 show the main data and processing flow.

The external address book reference unit 410 operates according to the instruction from the CPU 201. The external address book reference unit 410 refers to the destination registered in the address book with respect to the address book publishing unit 310 of the image forming apparatus 101 via the external interface 203 and the network 100 in response to an instruction from the operation control unit 301. Request to do. It also requests that a new destination be registered in the address book of the image forming apparatus 101. Further, the external address book reference unit 410 receives the destination registered in the address book distributed from the address book publishing unit 310 of the image forming apparatus 101, and receives an image via the address book processing unit 302 of the image forming apparatus 102. It can be stored in the address book storage unit 307 of the forming device 102. By linking the address book publishing unit 310 of the image forming apparatus 101 and the external address book reference unit 410 of the image forming apparatus 102 in this way, the address book stored in the address book storage unit 307 of the image forming apparatus 101 can be stored. The image forming apparatus 102 becomes available.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a loopback address setting screen for defining a loopback address processing method displayed on the operation unit 207 of the image forming apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment.

The information displayed and set on the loopback address setting screen is stored in the address book storage unit 307 of the storage unit 204 managed by the address book processing unit 302. This loopback address setting screen is a setting screen for the administrator of the image forming apparatus 101 to predefine the behavior when the loopback address is specified as the destination.

The radio button 501 is selected (checked) by the administrator when prohibiting the registration of the loopback address. When this radio button 501 is checked, it is uniformly prohibited to newly register the destination in the address book stored in the address book storage unit 307. When the radio button 501 is checked in the present embodiment, when a request for registration of the loopback address is received from an external device (image forming device 102 or PC 103) or the own device (image forming device 101), the request source Notify the error. Then, it is prohibited to store the destination including the loopback address in the address book storage unit 307 in the first place.

When the radio button 502 allows the loopback address to be registered in the address book of the image forming apparatus 101 and prohibits the use of the registered loopback address by referring to it from an external device such as the image forming apparatus 102. Is selected (checked) by the administrator. When this radio button 502 is checked, unlike the case where the radio button 501 is checked, the loopback address is allowed to be registered in the address book of the image forming apparatus 101. However, when the image forming apparatus 102 is requested to refer to the loopback address registered in the address book of the image forming apparatus 101 via the address book publishing unit 310, it is prohibited to refer to the loopback address. Will be done. The image forming apparatus 101 itself is permitted to refer to and use the loopback address registered in the address book stored in the address book storage unit 307.

The radio button 503 is selected (checked) by the administrator when there is a request to register the loopback address in the address book of the image forming apparatus 101, and when converting the address (destination) to a specific device and registering the loopback address. To. When the radio button 503 is checked, when the registration request of the loopback address (for example, "127.0.0.1") is received, the loopback address is converted into the IP address of the specific device and registered in the address book. When this radio button 503 is selected (checked), one of the radio buttons 5031, 5032, and 5033 can be further selected.

When the radio button 5031 is selected (checked), the loopback address (for example, "127.0.0.1") is registered as it is as the destination specified by the loopback address. As a result, when the loopback address registered in the address book is referred to and the image file is transmitted / transferred using the loopback address, the loopback is sent to the device performing the transmission process. .. That is, when the device that performs the transmission process is the image forming device 102 (external address book reference unit 410), the image file is transmitted to the image forming device 102. When the device that performs the transmission process is the image forming apparatus 101, the image file is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 101.

When the radio button 5031 is checked in this way, a situation occurs in which the destination differs depending on the device that performs the transmission process that performs the image file transmission process. Therefore, a user who has little knowledge of the loopback address may be confused. In the present embodiment, in order to warn the user who has instructed the destination registration request that such a situation will occur, when the radio button 5031 is checked, a warning screen is displayed when the loopback address is registered. I have to. For example, a warning screen with a message such as "If a loopback address is registered in the address book, a file may be sent to an unintended destination when referenced from an external device" is displayed.

When the radio button 5032 is selected (checked), the loopback address is converted to the IP address ("168.0.0.1") of the image forming apparatus 101 storing the address book and registered. As a result, the transmission / transfer process using the IP address registered in the address book of the image forming apparatus 101 with reference to the image forming apparatus 101 is performed on the image forming apparatus 101. When the radio button 5032 is checked in this way, the loopback address is converted to the unique destination of the image forming apparatus 101 and registered in the address book. When the image file is transmitted by referring to the destination registered in the address book, the image file is always transmitted to the image forming apparatus 101 regardless of the device performing the transmission process.

However, if the loopback address is uniformly converted to the unique destination of the image forming apparatus 101 under any circumstances, the following problems occur. For example, if a user who is not aware of which device the address book is actually stored in makes a loopback address registration request, it may cause confusion. It is assumed that the user who operates in front of the image forming apparatus 102 has instructed to register the loopback address in the address book of the image forming apparatus 101. If the radio button 5032 is checked at this time, the loopback address is converted to the destination of the image forming apparatus 101 and registered. In such a case, a user who operates the address book without knowing that it is stored in a remote device (a device different from the operating device 102, that is, an image forming device 101) may be confused. There is sex. Further, consider a case where the user of the image forming apparatus 102 refers to the destination registered in the address book and transmits an image file from the image forming apparatus 101. In this case, a situation may occur in which the image file is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 101 even though the user has instructed the image forming apparatus 102 to transmit the image file. In consideration of such a case, in the present embodiment, when the radio button 5032 is checked, the user who has instructed the registration is warned that the above-mentioned situation may occur. A warning screen is displayed.

Further, if the radio button 5032 is checked and the unique destination of the image forming apparatus 101 is always registered regardless of the device performing the transmission process, a user who is proficient in the knowledge of the loopback address may be confused. For example, the transmission destination intended by the user who has instructed to register the loopback address to be registered in the address book may not be the unique destination of the image forming apparatus 101 or the unique destination of the image forming apparatus 102. is there. For example, the user wants to use the address book by changing the transmission destination of the image file depending on the original purpose of the loopback address, that is, the device operated when referring to the destination registered in the address book. It is possible that it is. In consideration of such a situation, in the present embodiment, when the radio button 5032 is checked, a message notifying that the loopback address is converted to the destination peculiar to the image forming apparatus 101 and registered in the address book is registered. Is displayed.

When the radio button 5033 is selected (checked), the loopback address is translated into the IP address of the (requesting) image forming device requesting the destination to be registered in the address book of the image forming device 101. be registered. It is assumed that a request for registering a destination in the address book of the image forming apparatus 101 is made by the own apparatus (operation unit 207 of the image forming apparatus 101). In this case, the loopback address is converted to the IP address (168.0.0.1) of the image forming apparatus 101 and registered. As a result, the transmission / transfer process using this IP address is always performed on the image forming apparatus 101.

On the other hand, it is assumed that the operation unit 207 of the image forming apparatus 102 requests to register the destination in the address book of the image forming apparatus 101. In this case, the loopback address is converted to the IP address (168.0.0.2) of the image forming apparatus 102 and registered. As a result, the transmission / transfer process using this IP address is performed on the image forming apparatus 102.

When the radio button 5033 is checked in this way, the loopback address is converted to the device-specific destination of the registration request source and registered in the address book. As a result, when the image file transmission process is performed using the registered destination, the image file is always transmitted to the device of the destination registration request source.

However, if the loopback address is uniformly converted to the device-specific destination of the registration request source under any circumstances, the user who is proficient in the knowledge of the loopback address may be confused as described above. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a message notifying that the loopback address is automatically converted to the device-specific destination of the registration request source is displayed.

When the radio button 504 is selected (checked), it means to confirm with the operator (the user who has instructed to newly register the destination) when registering the loopback address. In this case, when the operator instructs to register the address, if the loopback address (for example, "127.0.0.1") is specified via the operation unit 207, the loopback address confirmation screen shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the operation unit 207. Display on. At this time, the loopback address confirmation screen is displayed, and a message warning the user that a problem may occur if the loopback address is registered in the address book stored in the address book storage unit 307 is also displayed. For example, a message such as "If a loopback address is registered in the address book, a file may be sent to an unintended destination when referenced from an external device" is displayed.

As a result, the processing method to be performed for the loopback address registration request is confirmed. The description of FIG. 7 will be described in detail later, but the address specified by the operator by any of the radio buttons 701 to 703 in FIG. 7 is newly registered in the address book storage unit 307. At this time, a confirmation screen may be displayed, and a warning screen (a screen that warns the user what kind of problem will occur when the loopback address is registered in the address book of the image forming apparatus 101) may be displayed.

When the OK button 510 is pressed after the setting is completed using the loopback address setting screen of FIG. 5, the loopback address processing unit 303 of the image forming apparatus 101 processes the set loopback address. Is registered in the address book storage unit 307.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a destination registration screen for registering a destination in an address book, which is displayed on the operation unit 207 of the image forming apparatus 101 or 102.

The information displayed and set on the destination registration screen is stored in the address book storage unit 307 of the storage unit 204 managed by the address book processing unit 302. This file destination setting screen is a setting screen for an operator using the image forming apparatus 101 or 102 to register the destination of the file destination in the address book. Here, a case where the operator operates the destination registration screen displayed on the operation unit 207 of the image forming apparatus 102 to newly register the destination in the address book of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described as an example.

"Name" 601 is the name of the destination set when registering the newly registered destination. The "protocol" 602 selects and sets the protocol used for file transmission from, for example, SMB, WebDAV, FTP, and the like. In Figure 6, "SMB" is set. "Host name" 603 sets the IP address and server name of the file transmission destination. In this "host name" 603, a character string that identifies a specific device on the network, such as an IPv4 or IPv6 IP address, a server name, or an FQDN, is set. A loopback address can also be specified for this "host name" 603. Figure 6 shows an example where the loopback address (\\ localhost) is set. "Folder path" 604 specifies the path of the shared folder of the server to which the file is sent. In the image forming apparatus 101 and the image forming apparatus 102, the folder path of the image file storage unit 309 to be published as a file server can be specified by being controlled by the file server control unit 306. "User name" 605 and "password" 606 contain information on "user account" and "password" used for user authentication when accessing the path specified by "host name" 603 and "folder path" 604, respectively. Set.

Consider a case where the administrator presses the registration button 610 on the image forming apparatus 102 after the setting is completed using this destination registration screen. In this case, the destination is registered in the address book storage unit 307 of the image forming apparatus 101 by the address book processing unit 302 via the external address book reference unit 410 and the address book publishing unit 310 of the image forming apparatus 102. At that time, if the loopback address is set in the "host name" 603, the loopback address processing unit 303 of the image forming apparatus 101 identifies the loopback address, and the loopback recorded in the address book storage unit 307 is recorded. Get the address processing method. The processing method of this loopback address is set by the administrator using the loopback address setting screen of FIG.

The loopback address processing unit 303 first recognizes that the request source for destination registration is the image forming apparatus 102. Subsequently, the loopback address processing unit 303 determines whether or not "loopback address registration prohibition" is set as the loopback address processing method. This corresponds to the setting of radio button 501 in FIG. If this setting is made, error information indicating that the loopback address cannot be registered is returned to the address book processing unit 302. In this way, an error is displayed on the operation unit 207 of the image forming apparatus 102 via the address book publishing unit 310 and the external address book reference unit 410.

Further, the loopback address processing unit 303 determines whether or not "prohibit the use / distribution of the loopback address from the outside" is set as the loopback address processing method. This corresponds to the setting of radio button 502 in FIG. If this setting is made, registration of the loopback address is permitted. However, when there is a request to refer to the registered loopback address from an external device such as the image forming device 102 or a PC, the loopback address is used by the external device by prohibiting the reference of the loopback address. Prohibit doing.

Further, the loopback address processing unit 303 determines whether or not the "loopback address specific address translation setting" is set as the loopback address processing method. This corresponds to the radio button 503 in Figure 5. If this is selected, the loopback address is converted to a specific device-specific address and registered according to the selection of the radio buttons 5032, 5033 previously selected by the administrator. When the radio button 5031 is selected, the loopback address is registered in the address book without converting to a specific address.

Further, the loopback address processing unit 303 determines whether or not "address confirmation at the time of loopback address registration" is set as the loopback address processing method. This corresponds to the radio button 504 in FIG. If this is set, an instruction to confirm to the operator who instructed the registration of the destination how to register in response to the loopback address registration request is returned to the address book processing unit 302. As a result, the loopback address confirmation screen illustrated in FIG. 7 is displayed on the operation unit 207 of the image forming apparatus 102 via the address book publishing unit 310 and the external address book reference unit 410. At this time, even if the loopback address confirmation screen is displayed and a warning screen (a screen that warns the user what kind of problem will occur when the loopback address is registered in the address book of the image forming apparatus 101) is displayed. Good. For example, a message such as "If a loopback address is registered in the address book, a file may be sent to an unintended destination when referenced from an external device" is displayed.

FIG. 7 shows the operator confirming the loopback address when the loopback address is specified for the host name on the file destination setting screen (FIG. 6) displayed on the operation unit 207 of the image forming apparatus 101 or 102. It is a figure which shows an example of the loopback address confirmation screen to perform. On this screen, the radio button 504 "Confirm when registering the loopback address" in FIG. 5 is selected (checked), and the destination including the loopback address is registered in the address book of the image forming apparatus 101 on the registration screen in FIG. Displayed when you request that. The information set by using this loopback address confirmation screen is stored in the address book storage unit 307 of the storage unit 204.

Here, the operator operates the image forming apparatus 102 and specifies the loopback address in the "host name" 603 of the file destination setting screen (FIG. 6) displayed on the operation unit 207 of the image forming apparatus 102. , The case of registering in the address book of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described as an example.

When radio button 701 is selected, it always specifies the IP address of the source device. Therefore, in this case, the loopback address (for example, "127.0.0.1") is registered as it is in the destination of the address book. As a result, when the image file is transmitted / transferred using this address, the image file is transmitted to the device itself that performs the transmission process.

When the radio button 702 is selected, the IP address of the device that holds the address book is specified. That is, the loopback address is converted into the IP address (168.0.0.1) of the image forming apparatus 101 storing the address book and registered. As a result, in the transmission / transfer process using this address, the image file is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 101.

When radio button 703 is selected, the IP address of the device being operated is specified. That is, the loopback address is converted into the address of the image forming apparatus operating the address book and registered. As described above, when the address book of the image forming apparatus 101 is operated via the operation unit 207 of the image forming apparatus 102, the loopback address is the IP address of the image forming apparatus 102 (168.0.0.2). Registered at. As a result, in the transmission / transfer process using this address, the image file is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 102.

In this way, after the setting of the destination registration screen is completed, the operator presses the OK button 710. As a result, the designated address is registered from the external address book reference unit 410 of the image forming apparatus 102 to the address book storage unit 307 of the image forming apparatus 101.

When re-entering the destination address without converting the loopback address on the loopback address confirmation screen of FIG. 7, the operator presses the cancel button 711. As a result, the file transmission destination setting screen shown in FIG. 6 is displayed again on the operation unit 207 of the image forming apparatus 102. In this state, the address can be re-entered in the "host name" 603.

Next, a series of processing flows when the operator operates the image forming apparatus 102 to register the destination including the loopback address in the address book of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a process of registering the destination in the address book in the image forming apparatus 101. The program that executes this process is stored in the memory 202 or the storage unit 204 of the image forming apparatus 101, is expanded in the RAM of the memory 202 at the time of execution, and is executed under the control of the CPU 201 of the image forming apparatus 101.

Specifically, the registration process by the image forming apparatus 101 when a request for registering the destination in the address book is received from the image forming apparatus 102 will be described.

In S11, the address book processing unit 302 receives a request for newly registering a destination in the address book storage unit 307 from the image forming apparatus 102 input from the external interface 203 via the network 100. The received request includes information (destination name, transmission method, transmission protocol, host name, folder path, user name, password, etc.) for being registered in the address book stored in the address book storage unit 307. These data are input via the touch panel unit and the key input unit of the operation unit 207 of the image forming apparatus 102.

In S12, the address book processing unit 302 determines whether or not the destination included in the request received in S11 includes the loopback address. Specifically, when the destination is described by an IPv4 address, if "127.0.0.1" is specified for the destination, it is determined that the loopback address is included. When the destination is described by an IPv6 address, if ":: 1" is specified for the destination, it is determined that the loopback address is included. When the destination is described as a host name, if "localhost" is specified for the destination, it is determined that the loopback address is included. If it is determined that the loopback address is included (YES in S12), the process proceeds to S13.

In S13, the address book processing unit 302 determines whether or not the address book publishing unit 310 publishes the address book stored in the address book storage unit 307 to an external device (whether or not the external publishing setting is valid). ) Is judged. The address book publishing unit 310 manages the external disclosure setting for publishing the address book of the address book storage unit 307 to the image forming apparatus 102 or the PC 103 connected to the network 100. The address book processing unit 302 acquires this external disclosure setting, proceeds to S14 if it determines that the setting is valid, and proceeds to S19 if it determines that the setting is not valid. It should be noted that the setting of whether or not to publish the address book is performed by the administrator setting in advance in the image forming apparatus 101.

In S14, when the received destination includes the loopback address, the address book processing unit 302 requests the loopback address processing unit 303 to process the loopback address. Upon receiving the request, the loopback address processing unit 303 confirms the loopback address processing method stored in the address book storage unit 307, and determines how to register the destination including the loopback address. The loopback address processing method stored in the address book storage unit 307 is set in advance by the administrator on the loopback address setting screen of FIG.

In S15, the loopback address processing unit 303 determines whether or not the setting for prohibiting the registration of the loopback address is set as a result of confirming the loopback address processing method in S14. This determination is made in advance based on the settings on the setting screen of FIG. If the radio button 501 is checked on the setting screen shown in Fig. 5 and the item "Loopback address registration prohibited" is set as the loopback address processing method, it is prohibited to register the loopback address in the address book. Judging that, proceed to S20.

In S16, the loopback address processing unit 303 confirms the loopback address processing method in S14, and as a result, determines whether or not the loopback address is set to be converted into the address of the specific device. This determination is made based on whether or not the item "Convert loopback address to specific device address" of the radio button 503 is set on the setting screen of FIG. If the item "Convert loopback address to specific device address" is set, it is determined that the loopback address is converted to a destination unique to another device and registered, and the process proceeds to S21.

In S17, the loopback address processing unit 303 determines whether or not the user is set to confirm how to register the loopback address as a result of confirming the loopback address processing method in S14. .. This confirmation includes whether to register the loopback address or convert it to another address and register it. This determination proceeds to S21 if the item "Confirm loopback address at registration" of the radio button 504 is set on the setting screen of FIG.

S18 is a process when it is determined that all the processes of S15 to S17 are NO. This process is a process when "Prohibit use / distribution of loopback address from the outside" of the radio button 502 is set on the setting screen of FIG. When the item of the radio button 502 is set, it is permitted to register the destination information including the loopback address in the address book of the image forming apparatus 101. Instead, it prohibits the use of the loopback address registered in the address book of the image forming apparatus 101 from an external device (for example, from the image forming apparatus 102). That is, only the image forming apparatus 101 can refer to and use the loopback address registered in the address book. The address book processing unit 302 sets the destination information (destination name, transmission method, transmission protocol, host name, folder path, user name, password, etc.) including the loopback address in the address book according to the destination information registration request received in S11. Register in the storage unit 307.

If it is determined that the registration request received in S11 does not include the loopback address (NO in S12), the process proceeds to S19. Further, when it is determined by the address book publishing unit 310 that the address book stored in the address book storage unit 307 is not published to an external device (NO in S13), the process proceeds to S19. In S19, the address book processing unit 302 registers the destination information (destination name, transmission method, transmission protocol, host name, folder path, user name, password, etc.) included in the received registration request in the address book storage unit 307. ..

S20 is a process when the item "Prohibit loopback address registration" is set on the setting screen of FIG. In S20, the loopback address processing unit 303 generates an error message stating that "the loopback address cannot be registered", and transmits the generated message to the image forming apparatus 102 via the external interface 203 and the network 100. .. As a result, an error message is displayed on the operation unit 207 of the image forming apparatus 102 that has received the message, and it is prohibited to newly register the loopback address in the address book of the image forming apparatus 101. As a modified example, instead of prohibiting registration, a message such as "If a loopback address is registered in the address book, a file may be sent to an unintended destination when referenced from an external device". Display a warning screen. Then, after this warning, the loopback address may be registered, for example, according to the user's selection.

S21 is a process when the item "Destination to a specific device" is set on the setting screen of FIG. In S21, the loopback address processing unit 303 determines to which destination the destination including the loopback address received in S11 is rewritten and registered based on the setting of the items of the radio buttons 5031 to 5033 set in FIG. .. When the item of the radio button 5031 is set, the address book processing unit 302 registers the destination including the loopback address in the address book storage unit 307 as it is. When the item of the radio button 5032 is set, the address book processing unit 302 converts the IP address (168.0.0.1) of the image forming apparatus 101 in which the address book is registered and registers it. When the item of the radio button 5033 is set, the address book processing unit 302 converts the IP address of the device that sent the registration request of the address book and registers it. In this example, since the request source for registering the destination in the address book is the image forming apparatus 102, the IP address (168.0.0.2) of the image forming apparatus 102 is converted and registered. If the registration request source in S11 is the operation control unit 301 of the image forming apparatus 101, the IP address of the image forming apparatus 101 is converted and registered. If the registration requesting source is PC103, the IP address of PC103 is converted. Convert to and register.

According to the present embodiment, when the radio button 5031 is selected, the registration of the loopback address in the address book is permitted as a result, and when the file transmission process is performed using the registered address. It is possible that the user will be sent to an unintended destination. In consideration of such a problem, even when the radio button 5031 is selected, the reference of the loopback address from the external device may be prohibited as selected by the radio button 502.

S22 is a process when the item "Confirm when registering the loopback address" is set on the setting screen of FIG. In S22, the loopback address processing unit 303 acquires the information of the loopback address confirmation screen (Fig. 7) stored in the address book storage unit 307, and operates the address book registration screen (Fig. 6). It is transmitted to the device (image forming device 102 in this example). The image forming apparatus 102 displays a loopback address confirmation screen based on the received information, and causes the user to confirm which destination is to be registered. At this time, a confirmation screen may be displayed, and a warning screen (a screen that warns the user what kind of problem will occur when the loopback address is registered in the address book of the image forming apparatus 101) may be displayed. When one of the radio buttons 701 to 703 is selected by the user on the confirmation screen of FIG. 7 displayed on the operation unit of the image forming apparatus 102 and the OK button 710 is pressed, the image forming apparatus 102 is set to the selected setting. Information indicating the above is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 101, and the process proceeds to S23.

In S23, the loopback address is changed to the destination specified by the user and the address book is registered based on the information of the items set via the confirmation screen of FIG. When the information transmitted in S22 indicates the "always source device" of the radio button 701, the address book processing unit 302 registers the loopback address in the address book storage unit 307 as it is. When the information transmitted by S22 indicates "fixed address book possession device" of radio button 702, the address book processing unit 302 changes the loopback address to 168.0.0.1 and the address book storage unit 307. Register with. When the information transmitted by S22 indicates "fixing the device during operation" of the radio button 703, the address book processing unit 302 changes the loopback address to 168.0.0.2 and the address book storage unit 307. Register with.

According to the present embodiment, when the radio button 701 is selected on the confirmation screen of FIG. 7, the registration of the loopback address in the address book is permitted as a result. Then, when the file transmission process is performed with reference to the registered loopback address, a situation may occur in which the file is transmitted to a destination not intended by the user. In consideration of such a situation, even when the radio button 701 is selected, the reference of the loopback address from the external device may be prohibited as in the case where the radio button 502 is selected.

According to the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 101 functioning as a server capable of publishing an address book follows a registration request in the address book of a destination received from its own apparatus or another apparatus (102 or 103). It can be newly registered in the address book storage unit 307. Furthermore, when the destination to be registered in the address book is a loopback address, the registration of the destination in the address book is restricted according to the loopback address processing method.

For example, it is possible to uniformly prohibit the registration of the loopback address in the image forming apparatus 101 which is a server machine. As a result, it is possible to prevent the transmission destination when the file transmission process is actually performed using the address from not matching the destination intended by the user who registers the address. Also, whether the user who registered the loopback address intends to register the destination of the device that instructed the registration request, or whether the user intends to register the destination of the image forming apparatus 101 that holds the address book, loopback. It is possible to recognize whether to register the address for its original purpose. The original use of this loopback address is to use the destination of the device to be operated when using the registered address.

Further, the loopback address can be converted into another address (the image forming apparatus 101 which is the apparatus in which the address book is registered, or the apparatus which transmitted the registration request of the address book) and registered. This makes it possible to prevent the file destination from changing depending on the device referenced when using the address book.

Furthermore, when the loopback address is converted to another address and registered, the user who requested the registration is inquired as to which address to convert. Then, it is possible to change the loopback address to another address according to the result of the inquiry. As a result, the loopback address can be converted in consideration of to which device the user who requested the registration of the loopback address tried to register the destination.

Furthermore, when the loopback address is converted to another address and registered, it is possible to determine which address to convert by the preset loopback address processing method (that is, the setting of the radio button 503). did.

Note that FIG. 8 describes a case where the image forming apparatus 102 requests that a new destination be registered in the address book of the image forming apparatus 101. However, the same can be applied to the case where the image forming apparatus 101 newly registers the destination in the address book of the own apparatus.

Next, a series of processing flows when referring to the destination registered in the address book of the image forming apparatus 101 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The program that executes this process is stored in the memory 202 or the storage unit 204 of the image forming apparatus 101, is expanded in the RAM of the memory 202 at the time of execution, and is executed under the control of the CPU 201 of the image forming apparatus 101.

The flowchart of FIG. 9 starts processing by receiving a request for referring to a destination registered in the address book of the image forming apparatus 101 functioning as a server from the own device or an external device (image forming apparatus 102 or PC 103). .. The request to refer to the destination registered in the address book is, for example, a request to be referred to when transmitting an image file input from the scanner unit 205 or the storage unit 204, or a transfer stored in the transmission setting storage unit 308. Requests to be referred to when setting conditions.

In S31, the address book processing unit 302 receives a request for referring to a specific destination registered in the address book of the address book storage unit 307 via the external interface 203 or the operation control unit 301. The accepted request includes an identifier that specifies which destination is to be referred to among the plurality of destinations registered in the address book. Note that the destination registered in the address book of the address book storage unit 307 may include a loopback address. In this embodiment, a case where a request for referring to a specific destination registered in the address book storage unit 307 is received will be described, but it is a request for collectively referencing the address book of the address book storage unit 307. You may.

In S32, the address book processing unit 302 determines whether the request received in S31 is a request from an external device (image forming device 102 or PC 103) or a request received from its own device (image forming device 101). Specifically, if the request is received via the external interface 203, it is determined that the request is from the external device, and if the request is received via the operation control unit 301, it is determined that the request is from the own device. To do.

In S33, the address book processing unit 302 gives an instruction to the loopback address processing unit 303, and loops whether or not the destination registered in the address book, which is specified by the received reference request, is the loopback address. The back address processing unit 303 determines. If it is determined that the loopback address is used, the process proceeds to S34, the loopback address processing method stored in the address book storage unit 307 is confirmed, and the external device refers to the loopback address registered in the address book. Decide if it's okay.

In S35, the loopback address processing unit 303 determines whether or not the setting prohibiting the external use of the loopback address is set as a result of confirming the loopback address processing method in S34. This determination is made based on the preset settings on the setting screen of FIG. If the radio button 502 is checked on the setting screen shown in FIG. 5 and "Prohibit external use of loopback address" is selected, it is determined that reference and use of the loopback address based on the reference request from the external device is prohibited. Then proceed to S35.

In S36, the address book processing unit 302 prohibits the reference of the loopback address based on the reference request of the destination received in S31. Specifically, the loopback address processing unit 303 generates an error message stating that "the loopback address cannot be referenced", and sends the generated message to the image forming apparatus 102 via the external interface 203 and the network 100. Send. As a result, an error message is displayed on the operation unit 207 of the image forming apparatus 102 that has received the message, and reference to the loopback address registered in the image forming apparatus 101 is prohibited. As a modification, a warning screen may be displayed instead of prohibiting the reference of the loopback address. In this case, the loopback address may be made visible when the user specifies to continue referencing on the warning screen.

As another modification, the loopback address may be referenced from the outside, but the purpose of use, that is, transmission / transfer of the image file using the loopback address may be prohibited.

In this embodiment, an example of accepting a request for referring only to a specific destination registered in the address book has been described in S31. However, if it is possible to collectively refer to the destinations registered in the address book in S31, the list of destinations other than the loopback address specified by the processing unit 303 is the request received in S31. It may be sent to the requester.

When it is determined that the reference request of the destination registered in the address book is a request from the own device (NO in S32), or the loopback address is included in the destination registered in the address book of the image forming apparatus 101. If it is determined that it is not included (NO in S33), the process proceeds to S37. In S37, the address book processing unit 302 of the image forming apparatus 101 transmits the address book stored in the address book storage unit 307 to the request source via the operation control unit 301 or the external interface 203.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 101 functioning as a server can publish the address book stored in the own apparatus to an external apparatus. Then, the image forming apparatus 102 that functions as a client can refer to the destination registered in the address book published by the image forming apparatus 101. In this way, the address book publishing unit 310 of the image forming apparatus 101 and the address book reference unit 410 of the image forming apparatus 102 cooperate to form an image of the address book stored in the address book storage unit 307 of the image forming apparatus 101. Device 102 becomes available. Therefore, if you have an address book in one device that functions as a server, you do not need to have an address book in another device by referring to the destination registered in the address book from an external device. ..

Further, according to the present embodiment, when the address book owned by the image forming apparatus 101 contains a loopback address, it is prohibited to use (use) the address book including the loopback address from the outside. Was made possible. Therefore, when the image forming apparatus 101 having the address book and the apparatus using the address book are different, it is possible to prevent the file from being transmitted to the destination unintended by the user. That is, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the user refers to the destination of the image forming device 102 even though the user intends to send the image to the image forming device 101, and as a result, the image is transmitted to the image forming device 102.

(Other Examples) The present invention is also realized by executing the following processing. That is, software (program) that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment is supplied to the system or device via a network or various storage media, and the computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or device reads the program. This is the process to be executed.