JP6299613B2 - Information processing apparatus, image processing apparatus, e-mail service utilization method, e-mail service utilization program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an image processing apparatus, an e-mail service utilization method, and an e-mail service utilization program that can communicate with an e-mail server.

  In general, it is known that an electronic mail server (electronic mail service providing apparatus) provides an electronic mail service to an information processing apparatus (terminal apparatus) through a network such as the Internet. The electronic mail service includes an electronic mail reception service and an electronic mail transmission service.

  Further, the electronic mail server executes an authentication process in which authentication input information received through the network is compared with authentication information stored in advance in a storage unit to determine whether authentication is successful. The authentication input information includes so-called user account information. The e-mail server provides the e-mail service to the transmission source of the authentication input information only when the authentication process is successful.

  In addition, it is known that a printer receives an e-mail and forms an image corresponding to an attached file of the received e-mail (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2002-137505 A

  By the way, the information processing apparatus may have a function of executing the authentication process for enabling use of the information processing apparatus. For example, when the information processing apparatus is an image processing apparatus such as an image forming apparatus or an image reading apparatus, the image processing apparatus may have a function of executing the authentication process for enabling image processing. .

  In the information processing apparatus, it is complicated to individually input the information for authentication processing of the information processing apparatus and the information for authentication processing of the electronic mail server.

  Further, in the information processing apparatus, there is a need for one user to execute reception or transmission of e-mail using the plurality of user accounts in the e-mail service. In this case, it is more complicated to individually input the authentication processing information of the information processing apparatus and the plurality of authentication processing information of the electronic mail server.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus, an image processing apparatus, an e-mail service utilization method, and an information processing apparatus that can simplify an input process of information for authentication processing when an e-mail service is used through an apparatus that can communicate with an e-mail server. To provide an e-mail service utilization program.

  An information processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention can communicate with an e-mail server, and includes a corresponding authentication information storage unit, a second authentication information input unit, a second authentication processing unit, and a first authentication request unit. And an e-mail service utilization unit. Each of the e-mail servers executes a first authentication process for comparing the first authentication input information received through the network with the first authentication information stored in advance in the storage unit to determine whether the authentication is successful. Further, each of the electronic mail servers provides an electronic mail service through the network to the transmission source of the first authentication input information when the first authentication process is successful. The correspondence authentication information storage unit can store second authentication information, a plurality of the first authentication information, and destination information on the network of the electronic mail server corresponding to the first authentication information in association with each other. It is. The second authentication information input unit inputs second authentication input information. The second authentication processing unit executes a second authentication process for comparing the second authentication input information with the second authentication information in the corresponding authentication information storage unit to determine whether authentication is successful or not. The first authentication request unit, when the second authentication process is successful, the first authentication information of the corresponding authentication information storage unit corresponding to the second authentication information used in the successful second authentication process. Is sent to the destination of the destination information corresponding thereto, thereby requesting the electronic mail server for the first authentication process. The e-mail service utilization unit executes an e-mail service utilization process when the first authentication process requested by the first authentication request unit is successful. The e-mail service utilization process includes a process of receiving or transmitting e-mail data through the e-mail service of the e-mail server that is a request destination of the first authentication process that has succeeded.

  An image processing apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention is communicable with the electronic mail server, the correspondence authentication information storage unit, the second authentication information input unit, the second authentication processing unit, A first authentication requesting unit; an e-mail service using unit; and at least one of an image forming unit and an image reading unit. The image forming unit forms an image based on the email data received through the email service. The image reading unit generates image data that is a source of an attached file of the e-mail data transmitted through the e-mail service by reading an image of a document.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first authentication method for determining success or failure of authentication by comparing first authentication input information received through a network with first authentication information stored in a storage unit in advance. When the first authentication process is successful, an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with an e-mail server that provides an e-mail service to the transmission source of the first authentication input information through the network is executed. It is a method to do. The method includes a second authentication information input step, a second authentication processing step, a storage unit reference step, a first authentication request step, and an e-mail service utilization step. The second authentication information input step is a step of inputting second authentication input information. In the storage unit reference step, second authentication information, a plurality of first authentication information, and correspondence authentication information that can be stored in association with destination information on the network of the electronic mail server corresponding to the first authentication information This is a step of referring to information in the storage unit. The second authentication processing step is a step of executing a second authentication processing for comparing the second authentication input information and the second authentication information in the corresponding authentication information storage unit to determine whether authentication is successful or not. In the first authentication requesting step, when the second authentication process is successful, the first authentication information in the authentication information storage unit corresponding to the second authentication information used in the second authentication process that has succeeded is obtained. This is a step of requesting the first authentication processing to the electronic mail server by transmitting to the destination of the destination information corresponding thereto. When the first authentication process in the first authentication requesting process is successful, the e-mail service using step is performed through the e-mail service of the e-mail server that is a request destination of the first authentication process that is successful. This is a step of executing an electronic mail service use process including a process of receiving or transmitting mail data.

  An electronic mail service utilization program according to another aspect of the present invention provides a processor of an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with the electronic mail server, the second authentication information input step, the storage unit reference step, and the second It is a program for executing an authentication processing step, the first authentication requesting step, and the electronic mail service using step.

  According to the present invention, an information processing apparatus, an image processing apparatus, an e-mail service utilization method, and an information processing apparatus that can simplify an input process of information for authentication processing when an e-mail service is used through an apparatus that can communicate with an e-mail server. It becomes possible to provide an e-mail service utilization program.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic mail service system including an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an information processing unit in the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is an external view of an operation display unit in the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of terminal use start processing executed by the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of terminal account registration processing executed by the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of terminal login processing executed by the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of job selection / execution processing executed by the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of an e-mail service use process executed by the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of an e-mail service login process executed by the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a received mail job selection / execution process executed by the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of e-mail creation / transmission processing executed by the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a login screen output by the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a terminal account registration screen output by the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a job selection screen output by the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of an e-mail service use screen output by the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a received mail basic screen output by the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of an initial state of a new transmission e-mail creation screen output by the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of an initial state of a reply e-mail creation screen output by the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a state during editing of a reply e-mail creation screen output by the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 21 is a data configuration diagram of terminal account information referred to by the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 22 is a data configuration diagram of mail account information referred to by the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 23 is a data configuration diagram of server master information referred to by the image processing apparatus according to the embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the following embodiment is an example which actualized this invention, Comprising: It does not have the character which limits the technical scope of this invention.

[First Embodiment]
First, a schematic configuration of the image processing apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The image processing apparatus 10 is an example of an information processing apparatus that can communicate with a plurality of electronic mail servers 7 through a network 70. The electronic mail server 7 is an electronic mail service providing device. Each of the electronic mail servers 7 is a computer that provides an electronic mail service through the network 70.

  Each e-mail server 7 executes server authentication processing in response to a request from an information processing apparatus such as the image processing apparatus 10. The server authentication process includes server authentication input information (first authentication input information) received from the information processing apparatus such as the image processing apparatus 10 via the network 70 and server authentication information (first authentication) stored in the storage unit in advance. Information) and determining the success or failure of authentication.

  The server authentication information includes a mail address that is identification information of an e-mail destination or transmission source. The server authentication process, the server authentication input information, and the server authentication information are examples of the first authentication process, the first authentication input information, and the first authentication information, respectively.

  Further, each e-mail server 7 provides the e-mail service through the network 70 to the transmission source of the server authentication input information when the server authentication process is successful. The email service includes an email receiving service and an email sending service.

  The e-mail receiving service receives e-mail data D0 destined for the e-mail address corresponding to the server authentication information managed by the device from another e-mail server 7, and the information processing corresponding to the e-mail address It is a service that is sent to the device. Hereinafter, the e-mail reception service and the e-mail transmission service are abbreviated as a reception service and a transmission service, respectively.

  In the receiving service, the e-mail server 7 stores the e-mail data D0 received from the other e-mail server 7 in the storage unit, and notifies the information processing apparatus corresponding to the destination of the reception. Further, the electronic mail server 7 transmits the electronic mail data D0 stored in the storage unit to the information processing apparatus through the network 70 in response to a request from the information processing apparatus that has succeeded in the server authentication process.

  The e-mail transmission service is a service for transferring e-mail data D0 transmitted from the information processing apparatus through the network 70 to another e-mail server 7 corresponding to the destination of the e-mail data. The electronic mail server 7 provides the electronic mail transmission service in response to a request from the information processing apparatus that has succeeded in the server authentication process.

  Hereinafter, e-mail is abbreviated as e-mail. That is, the e-mail server 7, the e-mail service, e-mail data D0, the e-mail receiving service, and the e-mail sending service are referred to as the e-mail server 7, e-mail service, e-mail data D0, e-mail reception Abbreviated as service and e-mail transmission service.

  The image processing apparatus 10 is an example of the information processing apparatus including at least one of the image forming unit 4 and the image reading unit 11. In the present embodiment, the image processing apparatus 10 is a multifunction machine including the image forming unit 4 and the image reading unit 11. As other examples of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, a printer (image forming apparatus), a copier, a facsimile, or the like is also conceivable.

  The image forming unit 4 can form an image based on the email data D0 received through the email service on the recording sheet 9. Further, the image reading unit 11 can generate image data that is a source of the attached file D02 in the email data D0 transmitted through the email service by reading the image of the document 90. Note that the image processing apparatus 10 may include only one of the image forming unit 4 and the image reading unit 11.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image processing apparatus 10 includes a document conveyance reading unit 1, a sheet supply unit 2, a sheet conveyance unit 3, an image forming unit 4, an optical scanning unit 5, a fixing unit 6, an information processing unit 8, and an operation display. Part 80 and the like.

  The document conveyance reading unit 1 includes an image reading unit 11 and an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) 12. The image reading unit 11 includes a document table 111, a reading unit 112, an optical system 113 such as a mirror and a lens, an image sensor 114, and the like.

  The document table 111 is a portion on which a document provided on the upper surface of the image reading unit 11 is placed. The reading unit 112 irradiates the original 90 at the reading position on the original table 111 with light, and reflects the reflected light toward the optical system 113. The reading unit 112 is movable in the sub-scanning direction (left and right direction in the figure). The optical system 113 guides the reflected light from the document 90 to the image sensor 114. The image sensor 114 includes a photoelectric conversion element that outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of received light as image data representing an image of the document 90 to the information processing unit 8.

  The ADF 12 drives each of the plurality of transport rollers 122 to transport the document 90 set on the document placement unit 121 to the discharge tray 123 through the image reading position by the image reading unit 11.

  The sheet supply unit 2 includes a sheet receiving unit 21 and a sheet sending unit 22. The sheet receiving unit 21 is configured to be able to stack a plurality of recording sheets 9. The recording sheet 9 is a sheet-like image forming medium such as paper, coated paper, postcard, envelope, and OHP sheet.

  The sheet sending unit 22 sends the recording sheets 9 placed on the sheet receiving unit 21 one by one toward the conveyance path 30 of the sheet conveying unit 3.

  The sheet conveyance unit 3 includes a registration roller 31, a conveyance roller 32, a discharge roller 33, and the like. The registration roller 31 and the conveyance roller 32 convey the recording sheet 9 supplied from the sheet supply unit 2 toward the image forming unit 4. Further, the discharge roller 33 discharges the recording sheet 9 after image formation from the discharge port of the conveyance path 30 onto the discharge tray 101.

  The image forming unit 4 forms an image on the surface of the recording sheet 9 that is supplied from the sheet sending unit 22 and is moving along the conveyance path 30. The image forming unit 4 includes a drum-shaped photoreceptor 41, a charging unit 42, a developing unit 43, a transfer unit 45, a cleaning unit 47, and the like. The photoconductor 41 is an example of an image carrier.

  The photoconductor 41 rotates, and the charging unit 42 uniformly charges the surface of the photoconductor 41. Further, the electrostatic scanning unit 5 writes an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive member 41 charged by scanning the laser beam, and the developing unit 43 supplies the toner to the photosensitive member 41, whereby the electrostatic latent image is converted into the toner. Develop to image.

  Further, the transfer unit 45 transfers the toner image on the photoconductor 41 to the recording sheet 9 moving on the conveyance path 30. Finally, the cleaning unit 47 removes the toner remaining on the surface of the photoreceptor 41.

  The fixing unit 6 sandwiches the recording sheet 9 on which the toner image is formed between a fixing roller 61 including a heater such as a halogen heater and a pressure roller 62, and sends the recording sheet 9 to a subsequent process. As a result, the fixing unit 6 heats the toner image (image) on the recording sheet 9 and fixes the image on the recording sheet 9.

  The operation display unit 80 includes an information input operation unit 801 including, for example, a touch panel and operation buttons, and a display unit 802 including a liquid crystal display panel and a notification lamp. For example, the operation unit 801 includes a start button 8011 that generates a start event of various processes such as a process of reading an image of the document 90 (scan process).

  The information processing unit 8 displays an operation menu or the like on the display unit 802. Furthermore, the information processing unit 8 performs various types of information processing based on input information input through the operation of the operation unit 801 and detection results of various sensors. Furthermore, the information processing unit 8 controls electrical devices such as peripheral devices and motors according to the result of the information processing. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the information processing unit 8 includes an MPU (Micro Processor Unit) 81, a first storage unit 82, a second storage unit 83, a signal interface 84, a communication unit 85, and the like.

  The MPU 81 is a processor that executes various operations and data processing. The first storage unit 82 and the second storage unit 83 are nonvolatile storage units that store various types of information referred to by the MPU 81. The first storage unit 82 and the second storage unit 83 are also storage units that can read and write various information by the MPU 81.

  The first storage unit 82 mainly stores programs for causing the MPU 81 to execute various processes, information referred to by the MPU 81 that executes the programs, and the like.

  The second storage unit 83 stores data to be processed when the image processing apparatus 10 executes various types of data processing. For example, the second storage unit 83 stores e-mail data D0 received and transmitted through the e-mail server 7.

  The e-mail data D0 includes a body part D00 including information of the notification text and an incidental part D01 including information such as a destination, a transmission source, a subject, and a communication date and time. Further, the email data D0 may include an attached file D02.

  The information processing unit 8 comprehensively controls the image processing apparatus 10 by causing the MPU 81 to execute various programs stored in advance in the first storage unit 82. The information processing unit 8 also includes a non-illustrated non-volatile storage unit such as a RAM that temporarily stores a program for causing the MPU 81 to execute each process described later.

  The signal interface 84 is an interface circuit that relays signal exchange between the MPU 81 and the sensors and control target devices. The MPU 81 inputs detection signals from various sensors via the signal interface 84. Further, the MPU 81 exchanges signals with the operation display unit 80 via the signal interface 84.

  The communication unit 85 is an interface that controls communication when the MPU 81 transmits and receives data to and from the email server 7 and other devices via a network 70 such as a LAN and the Internet. The MPU 81 exchanges data with other devices through the communication unit 85.

  By the way, the image processing apparatus 10 (information processing apparatus) may have a function of executing an authentication process (terminal authentication process) for enabling its own use. For example, the image processing apparatus 10 such as an image forming apparatus or an image reading apparatus may have a function of executing an authentication process for enabling image processing.

  In an information processing apparatus such as the image processing apparatus 10, it is complicated to individually input authentication processing information of the information processing apparatus and the server authentication processing information of the e-mail server 7. The authentication processing information includes so-called user account information.

  In addition, in the information processing apparatus, there is a need for one user to perform reception or transmission of e-mail using the plurality of user accounts in the e-mail service. In this case, the operation of individually inputting the authentication processing information of the information processing apparatus and each of the plurality of authentication processing information in the e-mail server 7 is more complicated.

  If the image processing apparatus 10 or an information processing apparatus having the same function as that is employed, when using an e-mail service through an apparatus communicable with the e-mail server 7, it is easy to input information for the authentication process. Can be

[Information about user authentication]
Next, information related to user authentication stored in the first storage unit 82 will be described with reference to FIGS. The first storage unit 82 stores terminal account information D1, mail account information D2, and server master information D3. For example, each of the terminal account information D1, the mail account information D2, and the server master information D3 is a database that forms one record for each related information.

  FIG. 21 shows an example of the data structure of the terminal account information D1. The terminal account information D1 includes terminal authentication information D11 unique to each user of the image processing apparatus 10 and registered mail account information D12 associated therewith. For example, the terminal authentication information D11 includes a terminal user ID (D110) and a terminal password D111.

  The terminal authentication information D11 is recorded in the first storage unit 82 by, for example, the terminal account registration process described later.

  The registered mail account information D12 is information for associating the terminal authentication information D11 with one or more mail account information D2. The registered mail account information D12 includes identification information of one or more mail account information D2, and is associated with the terminal authentication information D11.

  The identification information of the mail account information D2 in this embodiment is a mail account number D20 corresponding to each mail account information D2. The registered mail account information D12 is added to or deleted from the terminal account information D1 by, for example, the terminal account registration process or other information editing process.

  The mail account information D2 includes a mail account number D20, a server number D30 and server authentication information D21 associated with the mail account number D20. The server number D30 is an example of identification information of each email server 7. The mail account information D2 is information that associates the email server 7 with the server authentication information D21.

  The server authentication information D21 is information necessary for each of the email servers 7 to execute an authentication process. The information processing apparatus such as the image processing apparatus 10 can request the email server 7 for an authentication process, and can receive the email service only when the authentication process is successful. The server authentication information D21 includes an email address D210 and an email password D211.

  The server master information D3 includes a server number D30 and destination information D31 corresponding thereto. The destination information D31 is information representing a destination of communication on the network 70. The destination information D31 is, for example, an IP address.

  In the example shown in FIG. 23, the server master information D3 includes a server number D30, destination information D31 and other email service related information D32, D33 associated with the server number D30.

  For example, the email service related information D32, D33 includes communication setting information D32 and mark information D33. The communication setting information D32 is information regarding communication conditions such as a communication protocol and a communication port in the e-mail service. The mark information D33 is information such as the name or mark (icon image) of the e-mail service.

  The server master information D3 includes the server numbers D30 of all the email servers 7 accessible by the image processing apparatus 10 and the corresponding destination information D31. The server master information D3 is information stored in the first storage unit 82 in advance.

  In the terminal account information D1 and the mail account information D2, the terminal authentication information D11 and the server authentication information D21 are associated with each other using the mail account number D20 as a key. Further, in the mail account information D2 and the server master information D3, the server authentication information D21 and the destination information D31 of the email server 7 are associated with each other using the server number D30 as a key.

  That is, the first storage unit 82 is an example of a corresponding authentication information storage unit that can store the terminal authentication information D11, the plurality of server authentication information D21, and the destination information D31 corresponding to the server authentication information D21 in association with each other.

  The destination information D31 is information on the destination on the network 70 of the e-mail server 7. The server authentication information D21 corresponds to authentication information (first authentication information) stored in the storage unit of the email server 7 in advance. The terminal authentication information D11 is authentication information (second authentication information) on the image processing apparatus 10 side.

  Therefore, the information processing unit 8 searches the terminal account information D1, the mail account information D2, and the server master information D3, thereby obtaining one terminal authentication information D11 corresponding to one terminal user ID (D110), one or more pieces of information. Server authentication information D21 and one or more pieces of destination information D31 can be specified.

[Method of using email service by image processing apparatus 10]
Next, an example of a method in which the information processing unit 8 of the image processing apparatus 10 executes image processing while using the email service will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following description, S101, S102,... Represent processing procedure identification codes. In addition, the process of the information processing part 8 shown below is implement | achieved when MPU81 runs the computer program memorize | stored in the 1st memory | storage part 82. FIG.

  The information processing unit 8 executes basic processing, terminal account registration processing, terminal login processing, job selection / execution processing, and the like in order to execute image processing while using the e-mail service.

[Basic processing]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the basic process. The information processing unit 8 executes the basic processing when detecting that a predetermined start operation has been performed on the operation unit 801.

<Step S101>
In the basic process, first, the information processing unit 8 causes the display unit 802 to display a login screen g1 as shown in FIG. The login screen g1 shown in FIG. 13 serves both as a screen for accepting an operation for starting the terminal account registration process and a screen for accepting an operation for starting the terminal login process.

  For example, the login screen g1 includes an information input frame g11, a registration operation icon g12, a login operation icon g13, and a logout operation icon g01. The information input frame g11 is a user interface for inputting information through an operation on the operation display unit 80.

<Steps S102 and S103>
Further, the information processing unit 8 acquires input information according to an operation on the operation display unit 80 through the information input frame g11 (S102). At this time, the information processing unit 8 monitors whether any of the registration operation icon g12, the login operation icon g13, and the logout operation icon g01 has been operated (S103), and the process S102 until any of the icons is operated. Continue the information input process.

  The information input by the information processing unit 8 in step S102 is information for user authentication in the image processing apparatus 10. This input information includes, for example, a user ID and a password. Hereinafter, the input information for user authentication in the image processing apparatus 10 is referred to as terminal authentication input information Di. The terminal authentication input information Di is an example of second authentication input information.

  When the registration operation icon g12 or the login operation icon g13 is operated, the information processing unit 8 determines that the information input through the information input frame g11 is confirmed. Further, the information processing unit 8 executes the next process using the information input through the information input frame g11.

  Steps S101 to S103 are realized by the MPU 81 executing the terminal authentication information input program Pr1. The MPU 81 that executes the terminal authentication information input program Pr1 is an example of a second authentication information input unit. Steps S101 to S103 are an example of a second authentication information input step.

<Steps S104 and S105>
When the information processing unit 8 detects that the registration operation icon g12 has been operated, the information processing unit 8 executes terminal account registration processing (S104). Further, when the information processing unit 8 detects that the login operation icon g13 has been operated, the information processing unit 8 executes the terminal login process (S105). Details of the terminal account registration process and the terminal login process will be described later.

  Further, when the information processing unit 8 detects that the logout operation icon g01 has been operated, the information processing unit 8 ends the processing related to the use of the image processing apparatus 10.

<Step S106>
When the terminal account registration process or the terminal login process ends, the information processing unit 8 executes the job selection / execution process (S106). As will be described later, the job to be selected includes an email job that uses the email service. In the job selection / execution process, the selected job is executed. Details of the job selection / execution process will be described later.

  Then, the information processing unit 8 outputs a screen including the logout operation icon g01 as needed to the operation display unit 80, and repeats the process of step S106 until it is detected that the logout operation icon g01 has been operated.

[The terminal account registration process]
Next, the terminal account registration process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the terminal account registration process.

<Step S201>
In the terminal account registration process, first, the information processing section 8 outputs a terminal account registration screen g2 as shown in FIG. The terminal account registration screen g2 shown in FIG. 14 includes a first information input frame g21, a second information input frame g22, a registration operation icon g23, and a cancel operation icon g24. The first information input frame g <b> 21 and the second information input frame g <b> 22 are portions where information input by an operation on the operation display unit 80 is displayed. The terminal account registration screen g2 shown in FIG. 14 also includes a logout operation icon g01.

<Steps S202 and S203>
Furthermore, the information processing unit 8 inputs information according to the operation on the operation display unit 80 through the first information input frame g21 and the second information input frame g22 (S202). At that time, the information processing unit 8 monitors whether any of the registration operation icon g23 and the cancel operation icon g24 is operated (S203), and performs the information input process of step S202 until any icon is operated. continue.

  Information input by the information processing unit 8 through the first information input frame g21 is terminal authentication input information Di, and includes, for example, a user ID and a password. The initial value of the information input through the first information input frame g21 is the terminal authentication input information Di input through the information input frame g11 of the login screen.

  Information input by the information processing unit 8 through the second information input frame g22 is other information related to the user of the image processing apparatus 10. For example, the server authentication information D21 and the corresponding server number D30 are input through the second information input frame g22.

  In the following description, information input by the information processing unit 8 through the first information input frame g21 and the second information input frame g22 is referred to as terminal account registration input information Die. The terminal account registration input information Die includes terminal authentication input information Di.

  Note that when the information processing unit 8 detects that the logout operation icon g01 has been operated, the information processing unit 8 ends the processing related to the use of the image processing apparatus 10. The description about the termination process is omitted in the flowcharts.

<Step S204>
When the information processing unit 8 detects that the registration operation icon g23 is operated, the information processing unit 8 checks whether or not the terminal account registration input information Die input in step S202 satisfies a predetermined allowable condition. For example, the allowable condition includes a condition that the terminal authentication input information Di in the terminal account registration input information Die does not overlap with the terminal authentication information D11 already stored in the first storage unit 82. It is also conceivable that the allowable condition includes a condition that the type and number of characters and symbols constituting the terminal account registration input information Die are within a predetermined range.

<Step S205>
When the terminal account registration input information Die satisfies the allowable condition, the information processing unit 8 stores the terminal account registration input information Die in the first storage unit 82 as part of the terminal account information D1 and the mail account information D2. Record (see FIGS. 21 and 22). Thereby, the terminal account registration process is completed.

  More specifically, the terminal authentication input information Di input through the first information input frame g21 is recorded in the second storage unit 83 as the terminal authentication information D11 of the terminal account information D1. Further, the mail account number D20 and the server authentication information D21 input through the second information input frame g22 are stored in the second storage unit 83 as registered mail account information D12 and server authentication information D21 corresponding to the added terminal authentication information D11. To be recorded.

<Step S206>
On the other hand, when the terminal account registration input information does not satisfy the allowable condition, the information processing unit 8 outputs an error message to the operation display unit 80. Thereafter, the information processing unit 8 executes the process from the above-described step S201 again.

  Steps S201 to S206 are realized by the MPU 81 executing the terminal account registration program Pr2. Here, the MPU 81 that executes the processes of steps S201 to S203 inputs the server authentication information D21 (first authentication information) according to the operation on the operation unit 801. Further, the MPU 81 executing step S205 records the input server authentication information D21 and terminal authentication information D11 (second authentication information) in the first storage unit 82 in association with each other.

[The terminal login process]
Next, the terminal login process will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of the terminal login process. When the information processing unit 8 detects that the login operation icon g13 is operated after inputting the terminal authentication input information Di through the information input frame g11 of the login screen g1, the information processing unit 8 executes the terminal login process (see FIG. 13).

<Step S301>
In the terminal login process, the information processing unit 8 first executes a terminal authentication process. The terminal authentication process refers to the information in the first storage unit 82, and compares the terminal authentication input information Di with the terminal authentication information D11 of the terminal account information D1 in the first storage unit 82 to determine whether or not the authentication is successful. (Second authentication process). As described above, the first storage unit 82 is an example of a corresponding authentication information storage unit that can store the terminal authentication information D11, the plurality of server authentication information D21, and the destination information D31 corresponding to the server authentication information D21 in association with each other. It is.

  When the terminal authentication process is successful, the information processing unit 8 ends the terminal login process. In the following description, the terminal authentication information D11 used for the verification when the terminal authentication process in step S301 is successful, that is, the terminal authentication information D11 used in the successful terminal authentication process is a login terminal. This is called authentication information.

<Step S302>
On the other hand, when the terminal authentication process fails, the information processing unit 8 outputs an error message to the display unit 802. Thereafter, the information processing section 8 shifts the process to the above-described step S101.

  The terminal login process including the terminal authentication process is realized by the MPU 81 executing the terminal authentication program Pr3. The MPU 81 that executes the terminal authentication program Pr3 is an example of a second authentication processing unit. Step S301 is an example of a second authentication processing step.

[Job selection / execution processing]
Next, the job selection / execution process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of the job selection / execution process.

<Step S401>
In the job selection / execution process, first, the information processing section 8 causes the display section 802 to display a job selection screen g3 as shown in FIG.

  The job selection screen g3 shown in FIG. 15 includes operation icons corresponding to various jobs such as copying, scanning image data transmission, scanning image data storage, facsimile transmission, Internet connection and use of the e-mail service. Hereinafter, an operation icon corresponding to the email service is referred to as an email icon g30.

<Step S402>
Further, the information processing unit 8 monitors which operation icon is operated on the job selection screen g3.

<Steps S403 and S404>
When the information processing unit 8 detects that the e-mail icon g30 has been operated, the information processing unit 8 executes e-mail data processing described later (S403). When the information processing unit 8 detects that another operation icon has been operated, the information processing unit 8 executes a job corresponding to the operated operation icon (S404). Details of the first period email data processing (S403) will be described later.

  Note that when the information processing unit 8 detects that the logout operation icon g01 on the job selection screen g3 has been operated, the information processing unit 8 ends the processing related to the use of the image processing apparatus 10. The description about the termination process is omitted in the flowcharts.

  The information processing unit 8 repeats the processing from step S401 until the logout operation icon g01 is operated after step S403 or step S404.

  The processes in steps S401 to S404 are realized by the information processing unit 8 executing the job selection / execution program Pr4.

[E-mail data processing]
Next, the e-mail data processing will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the electronic mail data processing. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of an email service login process included in the email data process.

<Step S501>
In the e-mail data processing, first, the information processing unit 8 executes e-mail service login processing. The e-mail service login process is a process for requesting an e-mail server 7 for an authentication process in order to receive provision of the e-mail service. The e-mail service login process is executed when the authentication process (S301) of the terminal login process is successful.

  Steps S601 to S604 shown in FIG. 10 are an example of the electronic mail service login process.

<Step S601>
In the electronic mail service login process, first, the information processing unit 8 refers to the terminal account information D1, and determines whether or not the mail account number D20 exists in the registered mail account information D12 corresponding to the login terminal authentication information. To do. This determination process is a process of searching the terminal account information D1 using the terminal user ID (D110) as a key.

  If the mail account number D20 corresponding to the login terminal authentication information does not exist, the information processing unit 8 ends the terminal login process.

<Step S602>
When the mail account number D20 corresponding to the login terminal authentication information exists, the information processing unit 8 requests the server authentication process to the email server 7 corresponding to the mail account number D20.

  More specifically, the information processing unit 8 refers to the mail account information D2 and the server master information D3, and determines the mail account information D2 corresponding to the login terminal authentication information, the destination information D31 of the email server 7, and the email The service related information D32 and D33 are specified.

  Further, the information processing unit 8 requests the e-mail server 7 for the server authentication process by transmitting the specified server authentication information D21 to the destination of the specified destination information D31. At that time, the information processing unit 8 executes a process for requesting the server authentication process under the communication conditions represented by the communication setting information D32 of the specified email service related information D32 and D33. Further, the information processing unit 8 receives the result of the server authentication process from the email server 7.

  In the terminal account information D1, the login terminal authentication information may be associated with a plurality of mail account numbers D20. In this case, in step S602, the information processing section 8 executes the server authentication process request for a plurality of email addresses D210 corresponding to the plurality of email account numbers D20.

  Steps S601 and S602 are realized by the MPU 81 executing the server authentication request program Pr5. The MPU 81 that executes the server authentication request program Pr5 is an example of a first authentication request unit that requests the server authentication process (first authentication process) from the email server 7 when the terminal authentication process is successful. Steps S601 and S602 are examples of the first authentication request step.

  Furthermore, steps S601 and S602 are also examples of a storage unit reference step that refers to information in the first storage unit 82, which is an example of the correspondence authentication information storage unit.

<Step S603>
If the server authentication process is successful, the information processing unit 8 executes a received e-mail information acquisition process. The received e-mail information acquisition process is a process of acquiring information of received e-mail data that has reached the e-mail server 7 from the e-mail server 7 that is the request destination of the successful server authentication process. The received e-mail data is e-mail data D0 whose destination is the e-mail address D210 of the server authentication information D21 used in the server authentication process.

  In the received e-mail information acquisition process, the information processing unit 8 requests the e-mail server 7 to transmit the incidental part D01 of the received e-mail data as information of the received e-mail data. Information of D01 is acquired. The information processing unit 8 ends the electronic mail service login process after step S603.

  If the login terminal authentication information is associated with a plurality of mail account numbers D20, the process of step S603 is executed for each of the plurality of email addresses D210 corresponding to the plurality of mail account numbers D20.

  Note that step S603 is realized by the MPU 81 executing the received electronic mail information acquisition program Pr6. The MPU 81 that executes the received e-mail information acquisition program Pr6 is an example of the received e-mail information acquisition unit. Step S603 is an example of a received e-mail information acquisition step.

<Step S604>
If the server authentication process fails in step S602, the information processing unit 8 outputs an error message to the display unit 802. The information processing unit 8 shifts the process to step S106 (the job selection / execution process) after step S604.

<Step S502>
If the server authentication process is successful, the information processing unit 8 causes the display unit 802 to display an e-mail service basic screen g4 as shown in FIG. The e-mail service basic screen g4 includes information on the incidental part D01 of the received e-mail data acquired from the e-mail server 7.

  The email service basic screen g4 shown in FIG. 16 includes an email address display field g41, a received email summary display field g42, a received email multiple selection field g43, a delete icon g44, a new mail icon g45, a folder selection icon g46, and a cancel. An icon g02 and the like are included.

  The e-mail address display field g41 is a part where an e-mail address D210 corresponding to the login terminal authentication information is displayed. When there are a plurality of e-mail addresses D210 corresponding to the login terminal authentication information, the e-mail address display field g41 is an operation icon for selecting one e-mail address D210 to be displayed as information on the received mail data. But there is.

  The e-mail service basic screen g4 shown in FIG. 16 also includes the mark information D33 of the e-mail service corresponding to the selected e-mail address D210.

  The received e-mail summary display field g42 is a portion where information of the incidental part D01 of the received e-mail data is displayed. The received email summary display field g42 is also an operation icon for selecting one received email data to be displayed in detail.

  In the example shown in FIG. 16, the information of the incidental part D01 of the received e-mail data includes a subject name D011, a sender e-mail address D012, attached file presence / absence information D013, a received date D014, and the like. Further, the example shown in FIG. 16 is an example in the case where the login terminal authentication information and the three email addresses D210 are associated with each other in the terminal account information D1 and the mail account information D2.

  The received email multiple selection column g43 is a check box for selecting one or a plurality of the received email data to be deleted.

  The delete icon g44 is an operation icon for causing the information processing unit 8 to execute processing for deleting the received email data selected in the received email multiple selection field g43 from the email server 7.

  The new mail icon g45 is an operation icon for causing the information processing unit 8 to execute an e-mail creation / transmission process for creating and sending new e-mail data for transmission.

  The folder selection icon g46 is an operation icon for selecting a folder for saving the email data D0 in the email server 7.

  A cancel icon g02 on the email service basic screen g4 is an operation icon for canceling the email data processing.

<Step S503>
Next, the information processing unit 8 monitors what operation is performed on the operation unit 801 while the electronic mail service basic screen g4 is displayed.

<Step S504>
When the information processing unit 8 detects that the one received email data is selected by operating the received email summary display field g42, the information processing unit 8 acquires the selected received email data from the email server 7. The acquired received mail data is stored in the second storage unit 83.

<Step S505>
Further, the information processing unit 8 executes a received mail job selection / execution process to be described later. The received mail job selection / execution process is a process related to the received e-mail data acquired from the e-mail server 7 in step S504. After step S505, the information processing section 8 shifts the process to step S502.

<Step S506>
On the other hand, when the information processing unit 8 detects that the new mail icon g45 has been operated, it executes the e-mail creating / sending process. Details of the e-mail creation / transmission process will be described later. After step S506, the information processing section 8 shifts the process to step S502.

<Step S507>
When the information processing unit 8 detects that an operation different from the operation of the received e-mail summary display field g42 or the new e-mail icon g45 is performed during the display of the e-mail service basic screen g4, the detected operation is changed. Perform the corresponding process. After step S507, the information processing section 8 shifts the process to step S502.

  For example, when the information processing unit 8 detects that one e-mail address D210 is selected by an operation on the e-mail address display field g41, the incidental unit of the received e-mail data corresponding to the selected e-mail address D210. The information of D01 is displayed in the received email summary display field g42 on the email service basic screen g4.

  When the information processing unit 8 detects that the delete icon g44 is operated after one or more of the received mail data is selected by an operation on the received email multiple selection field g43, the selected received mail data A process for requesting the email server 7 to delete is executed.

  When the information processing unit 8 detects that a folder has been selected by an operation on the folder selection icon g46, the information on the incidental part D01 of the received email data corresponding to the selected folder is displayed on the email service basic screen. The received e-mail summary display field g42 of g4 is displayed.

  Further, when detecting an operation on the stop icon g02, the information processing section 8 returns the process to step S401 and executes the job selection / execution process again.

  Steps S502 to S507 shown above are executed when the server authentication process (first authentication process) succeeds after the terminal authentication process succeeds.

  Note that steps S502 to S507 are realized by the MPU 81 executing the e-mail service utilization program Pr7. The MPU 81 that executes the e-mail service use program Pr7 is an example of an e-mail service use unit that executes e-mail service access processing. The e-mail service utilization process includes a process of receiving (S504) or transmitting (S506) e-mail data D0 through the e-mail service of the e-mail server 7 that is the request destination of the successful server authentication process. Steps S504 and S506 are an example of an e-mail service use step.

  In addition, the MPU 81 that executes steps S502 and S503 outputs information on the received email data (S502), and selects the received email data to be received according to an operation on the operation unit 801. It is an example. The received e-mail data selected in steps S502 and S503 is e-mail data D0 to be received in step S504 of the e-mail service utilization process.

[Select / execute received mail job]
Next, an example of the received mail job selection / execution process will be described with reference to FIG.

<Step S701>
In the received mail job selection / execution process, first, the information processing section 8 causes the display section 802 to display a received mail basic screen g5 including detailed information of the received e-mail data acquired in step S504.

  The received mail basic screen g5 shown in FIG. 17 includes a received electronic mail detail display field g50, a reply icon g51, a print icon g52, an attached file print icon g53, a preview icon g54, an attached file display field g55, an attached file selection part g56, and a cancel. An icon g02 and the like are included.

  The received e-mail detail display field g50 is a portion where information on the body part D00 and the accompanying part D01 of the received mail data selected in step S503 is displayed.

  The reply icon g51 is an operation icon for causing the information processing unit 8 to execute reply email creation processing for creating reply email data D0 for the received email data selected in step S503.

  The print icon g52 is an operation icon for causing the image forming unit 4 to execute the print processing of the image based on the received mail data selected in step S503.

  The attached file print icon g53 is an operation icon for causing the image forming unit 4 to execute the print processing of the image based on the attached file D02 in the received mail data selected in step S503.

  The preview icon g54 is an operation icon for causing the information processing unit 8 to execute a preview process for causing the display unit 802 to display an image based on the received mail data selected in step S503.

  The attached file display field g55 is a portion where the file name D020 of the attached file D02 is displayed when the received mail data selected in step S503 includes the attached file D02.

  The attachment file selection unit g56 is a check box for selecting one or more attachment files D02 when the received mail data selected in step S503 includes the attachment file D02.

<Step S702>
Next, the information processing unit 8 monitors what operation is performed on the operation unit 801 while the received mail basic screen g5 is displayed.

  When detecting an operation on the print icon g52, the information processing section 8 executes e-mail body print control (S703, S704) described later, and further executes attached file print control (S705, S706) as necessary.

  When the information processing unit 8 detects an operation on the attachment file print icon g53 after the attachment file D02 is selected by an operation on the attachment file selection unit g56, the information processing unit 8 executes the attachment file print control (S705, S706).

  Further, when the information processing unit 8 detects an operation on the preview icon g54, the information processing unit 8 executes the preview process (S707 to S709).

  Further, when detecting an operation on the reply icon g51, the information processing section 8 executes the reply e-mail creation / transmission process (S710, S711).

  When the information processing unit 8 detects an operation on the stop icon g02 on the received mail basic screen g5, the information processing unit 8 returns the process to step S502 and executes again the processing after the output of the email service basic screen g4 in the email data processing. To do.

<Steps S703 and S704>
In the e-mail body print control, first, the information processing unit 8 converts the body portion D00 of the received mail data acquired from the e-mail server 7 in step S504 into print job data for image formation (S703).

  Further, the information processing section 8 causes the image forming section 4 to execute the print processing based on the print job data generated in step S703 (S704).

<Steps S705 and S706>
In the attached file print control, first, the information processing unit 8 converts the attached file D02 selected by the operation on the attached file selecting unit g56 on the received mail basic screen g5 into print job data for image formation (S705). ).

  Further, the information processing section 8 causes the image forming section 4 to execute the print processing based on the print job data generated in step S705 (S706).

  If the attached file D02 is not selected by an operation on the attached file selection unit g56 on the received mail basic screen g5, the attached file print control (S705, S706) is skipped.

<Steps S707 to S709>
In the preview process, first, the information processing unit 8 converts the body part D00 of the received mail data acquired from the email server 7 in step S504 into display data on the display unit 802 (S707).

  Furthermore, when the attached file D02 is selected by an operation on the attached file selection unit g56 in step S702, the information processing unit 8 converts the selected attached file D02 into display data on the display unit 802 (S708). The display required data is stored in the second storage unit 83.

  Further, the information processing unit 8 causes the display unit 802 to display a preview image based on the display data generated in steps S707 and S708 (S709).

<Steps S710 and S711>
In the reply e-mail creation / transmission process, first, the information processing unit 8 executes a reply mail initial setting process (S710).

  The reply mail initial setting process is a process of setting the information of the received mail data acquired from the email server 7 in step S504 as a part of the initial value of the new email data D0. For example, in the reply mail initial setting process, the subject D011, the sender email address D012, the destination email address, and the body part D00 of the received email data are the subject name D011 and the destination email address of the new email data D0, respectively. Are set as part of the initial values of the sender e-mail address D012 and the body part D00.

  Further, the information processing section 8 executes the e-mail creation / transmission process using the new e-mail data D0 including the information set in step S710 as initial data (S711). The email creation / transmission process in step S711 is the same as the process in step S506, except that the initial data including the information set in step S710 is used.

  After step S706, S709 or S711, the received mail job selection / execution process ends.

  The information processing unit 8 that executes the processes of steps S701 and S702 is an example of an image formation target selection unit. That is, the information processing unit 8 that executes the processes of steps S701 and S702 performs one or both of the body part D00 and the attached file D02 in the e-mail data D0 received through the e-mail service in accordance with the operation on the operation unit 801. It is selected as an object of image formation by the image forming unit 4.

[Email creation / sending process]
Next, an example of the e-mail creation / transmission process will be described with reference to FIG. The e-mail creation / transmission process is executed when the new mail icon g45 on the e-mail service basic screen g4 or the reply icon g51 on the received mail basic screen g5 is operated.

<Step S801>
In the e-mail creation / transmission process, first, the information processing section 8 causes the display section 802 to display an e-mail creation screen g6 as shown in FIGS.

  FIG. 18 shows an example of the initial state of the e-mail creation screen g6 for new transmission. On the other hand, FIG. 19 shows an example of the initial state of the reply e-mail creation screen g6. The e-mail creation screen g6 includes a transmission e-mail detail display field g60, a template icon g61, an image attachment icon g62, an image deletion icon g63, a transmission icon g64, an attached file display field g65, a stop icon g02, and the like.

  The transmitted e-mail detail display field g60 is a part where information of the body part D00 and the incidental part D01 of the new e-mail data D0 for transmission is displayed.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the reply e-mail creation screen g6 includes a transmission e-mail detail display field g60 in which the initial data set in step S710 is preset.

  The template icon g61 is an operation icon for causing the information processing unit 8 to execute template selection / insertion processing. In the template selection / insertion process, in accordance with an operation on the operation unit 801, a text to be inserted into the text part D00 is selected from a plurality of preset sample texts, and the selected sample text is the text of the email data D0 for transmission. This is processing to be inserted into the part D00. The content of the body part D00 after the sample text is inserted is displayed in the transmitted electronic mail detail display field g60.

  The image attachment icon g62 is an operation icon for causing the information processing unit 8 and the image reading unit 11 to execute attached image data addition processing. The attached image data adding process is a process in which the image reading unit 11 reads the image data of the document 90, and the information processing unit 8 adds the image data of the document 90 as the attached file D02 of the e-mail data D0 for transmission. is there.

  The transmission icon g64 is an operation icon for causing the information processing unit 8 to execute processing for transmitting the e-mail data D0 for transmission through the e-mail server 7.

  The attached file display field g65 is a portion where the file name D020 of the attached file D02 added in accordance with the operation of the image attachment icon g62 is displayed. When the image data of the original 90 is added as the attached file D02, the information processing unit 8 displays the file name D020 of the attached file D02, the corresponding attached file selecting unit g66, and the attached file display field g65. The attached file selection part g66 is a check box for selecting one or more attached files D02.

  The image deletion icon g63 is an operation icon for causing the information processing unit 8 to execute a process of deleting the image data of the document 90 that is the attached file D02 selected by the operation on the attached file selecting unit g66.

  A cancel icon g02 on the email creation screen g6 is an operation icon for canceling the email creation / transmission process.

<Step S802>
Next, the information processing unit 8 monitors what operation is performed on the operation unit 801 during display of the e-mail creation screen g6.

<Step S803>
When the information processing unit 8 detects that a data editing operation has been performed on the transmission email detail display field g60, the information processing unit 8 edits the content of the email data D0 for transmission according to the operation. Thereafter, the information processing section 8 shifts the process to step S801.

<Step S804>
Further, when detecting an operation on the template icon g61, the information processing section 8 executes the template selection / insertion process. Thereafter, the information processing section 8 shifts the process to step S801.

<Step S805>
Further, when detecting an operation on the image attachment icon g62, the information processing unit 8 causes the image reading unit 11 to execute a document scanning process (image reading process). In this document scanning process, the image reading unit 11 generates image data of the document 90. In this document scanning process, the image reading unit 11 generates image data that is a source of the attached file D02 of the email data D0 transmitted through the email service.

<Step S806>
Further, the information processing section 8 generates an attachment file D02 in a preset data format from the image data of the document 90 obtained in step S805, and uses the attachment file D02 as the attachment file D02 of the e-mail data D0 for transmission. Add as Thereafter, the information processing section 8 shifts the process to step S801.

<Step S807>
Further, when the information processing unit 8 detects that the image deletion icon g63 is operated after the attachment file D02 is selected by the operation of the attachment file selection unit g66 on the e-mail creation screen g6, the selected attachment file D02 is selected. Execute the process to delete.

  The e-mail data D0 created by the processes in steps S801 to S807 is stored in the second storage unit 83.

<Step S808>
When the information processing unit 8 detects an operation on the transmission icon g64, the information processing unit 8 checks whether or not the e-mail data D0 created by the processes in steps S801 to S807 satisfies a necessary condition as data for transmission. .

  When the created e-mail data D0 does not satisfy the necessary conditions, the information processing unit 8 displays an error message on the display unit 802 and repeats the processing from step S801.

<Step S809>
When the created e-mail data D0 satisfies the necessary conditions, the information processing unit 8 transmits the created e-mail data D0 through the e-mail server 7. This completes the e-mail creation / transmission process.

  When the information processing unit 8 detects an operation on the cancel icon g02 on the e-mail creation screen g6, the information processing unit 8 returns the process to step S701 and executes the received mail job selection / execution process again.

  As described above, the image processing apparatus 10 which is an example of an information processing apparatus has a function of executing the terminal authentication process (S301) for enabling use of the image processing apparatus 10 itself.

  Furthermore, if the terminal account information D1, the mail account information D2, and the server master information D3 are registered in the first storage unit 82 in advance, then only the terminal authentication information D11 is input in step S102, and the corresponding E The server authentication process request to the mail server 7 is automatically executed (S602). Therefore, the complicated operation of individually inputting the terminal authentication information D11 and the server authentication information D21 every time the image processing apparatus 10 is used is unnecessary.

  Further, in the image processing apparatus 10, there is a need for one user to use the e-mail service for a plurality of server authentication information D21. Even in this case, simply by inputting the terminal authentication information D11 in step S102, the server authentication processing request for the corresponding plurality of server authentication information D21 is automatically executed (S602).

  Therefore, if the image processing apparatus 10 or an information processing apparatus having the same function as that is adopted, when the e-mail service including reception or transmission of the e-mail data D0 is used, information input processing for authentication processing is performed. Can be simplified.

  The image forming unit 4 of the image processing apparatus 10 has a function of forming an image based on the email data D0 received through the email service (S703 to S706). Further, the image reading unit 11 of the image processing apparatus 10 has a function of generating image data that is a source of the attached file D02 in the email data D0 transmitted through the email service by reading an image of the document 90 ( S804, S805).

  Therefore, according to the image processing apparatus 10, it is possible to easily execute processing in which image processing is linked to the e-mail service corresponding to the plurality of server authentication information D21.

  Further, the image processing apparatus 10 has a function of selecting one or both of the body part D00 and the attached file D02 in the received e-mail data D0 as an image forming target (S701, S702). Therefore, the degree of freedom of the image forming process based on the email data D0 is high.

  Further, the image processing apparatus 10 has a function of acquiring information of the received email data that has reached the email server 7, outputting the information, and selecting the received email data to be received. (S603, S502, S503). Therefore, the storage capacity of the second storage unit 83 that stores the email data D0 can be small.

[Application example]
In steps S102 and S202, it is also conceivable that the terminal authentication input information Di is input by a method other than the input of characters or symbols according to the operation on the operation unit 801.

  For example, it is conceivable that the information processing unit 8 inputs biological information such as a user's fingerprint information or a face image as terminal authentication input information Di through the biological information input device. In this case, the image processing apparatus 10 includes the biological information input device such as a fingerprint reading sensor or a camera that captures a face image.

  It is also conceivable that the image processing apparatus 10 is configured by an independent apparatus for each part of functions related to the e-mail service. For example, the part that stores the terminal account information D1, the mail account information D2, and the server master information D3 in the first storage unit 82 is stored independently from the main body of the image processing apparatus 10 that includes the image reading unit 11 and the image forming unit 4. It can be considered as a device.

  Further, a part that realizes some functions such as the terminal authentication process and the server authentication process request process in the information processing unit 8 is provided from the main body of the image processing apparatus 10 including the image reading unit 11 and the image forming unit 4. It is also conceivable to be composed of independent devices.

  The operation display unit 80 is a terminal device such as a tablet computer or a portable information terminal (for example, a smart phone) capable of wireless communication with the main body of the image processing apparatus 10 including the image reading unit 11 and the image forming unit 4. It is also conceivable.

  The information processing apparatus, the image processing apparatus, the e-mail service utilization method, and the e-mail service utilization program according to the present invention are within the scope of the invention described in each claim. It is also possible to configure by freely combining them, or by appropriately modifying the embodiments and application examples or omitting some of them.

1: Document transport reading unit 2: Sheet feeding unit 3: Sheet transport unit 4: Image forming unit 5: Optical scanning unit 6: Fixing unit 7: E-mail server (E-mail server)
8: Information processing unit 9: Recording sheet 10: Image processing device 11: Image reading unit 21: Sheet receiving unit 22: Sheet sending unit 30: Conveying path 31: Registration roller 32: Conveying roller 33: Discharging roller 41: Photoconductor 42 : Charging unit 43: Developing unit 45: Transfer unit 47: Cleaning unit 61: Fixing roller 62: Pressure roller 70: Network 80: Operation display unit 81: MPU
82: First storage unit 83: Second storage unit 84: Signal interface 85: Communication unit 90: Document 101: Discharge tray 111: Document table 112: Reading unit 113: Optical system 114: Image sensor 121: Document placement unit 122 : Conveying roller 123: Paper discharge tray 801: Operation unit 802: Display unit 8011: Start button D0: E-mail data (E-mail data)
D00: body part D01: incidental part D011: subject name D012: sender email address D013: attached file presence / absence information D014: received date D02: attached file D020: file name D1: terminal account information D11: terminal authentication information D111: terminal password D12: Registered mail account information D2: Mail account information D20: Mail account number D21: Server authentication information D210: Email address D211: Email password D3: Server master information D30: Server number D31: Destination information D32: Communication setting information ( Email service related information)
D33: Mark information (E-mail service related information)
Di: terminal authentication input information Die: terminal account registration input information Pr1: terminal authentication information input program Pr2: terminal account registration program Pr3: terminal authentication program Pr4: job selection / execution program Pr5: server authentication request program Pr6: reception E-mail information acquisition program Pr7: E-mail service utilization program g1: Login screen g2: Terminal account registration screen g3: Job selection screen g4: E-mail service basic screen g5: Received mail basic screen g6: E-mail creation screen

Claims (5)

When the first authentication process is executed in which the first authentication process is performed by comparing the first authentication input information received through the network with the first authentication information stored in advance in the storage unit to determine the success or failure of the authentication. An information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a plurality of e-mail servers that provide an e-mail service to the transmission source of the first authentication input information through the network,
The second association with each possible corrective authentication the authentication information and a plurality of the first authentication information and the destination information and the mark information on the network of a plurality of said electronic mail server corresponding to the first authentication information An information storage unit;
A second authentication information input unit for inputting second authentication input information;
A second authentication processing unit that executes a second authentication process for comparing the second authentication input information with the second authentication information in the corresponding authentication information storage unit to determine whether authentication has succeeded;
When the second authentication process is successful, a plurality of the first authentication information corresponding to the plurality of first authentication information in the corresponding authentication information storage unit corresponding to the second authentication information used in the second authentication process that has succeeded. A first authentication requesting unit that requests the first authentication processing to a plurality of the e-mail servers by transmitting to the destination of the destination information
When the first authentication request unit the first authentication processing request succeeds for a plurality of said electronic mail server, the received e-mail data from multiple said e-mail server is a request destination of the successful first authentication process A receiving e-mail information acquisition unit for acquiring the information of
A plurality of the received email data information obtained from the plurality of email servers and the mark information of the email server corresponding to the information are displayed on the display unit, and are received according to the operation on the operation unit. A received data selector for selecting the received email data;
An information processing apparatus comprising: an e-mail service using unit that receives the received e-mail data selected by the received data selection unit from the corresponding e-mail server through the e-mail service . The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising an image forming unit that forms an image based on the e-mail data received through the e-mail service. According to the procedure for the operation unit, further comprising the one or both of the body portion and attachment the in the electronic mail data received through e-mail service, an image forming target selection unit for selecting as a target for the image formation by the image forming section The information processing apparatus according to claim 2. When the first authentication process is executed in which the first authentication process is performed by comparing the first authentication input information received through the network with the first authentication information stored in advance in the storage unit to determine the success or failure of the authentication. An image processing apparatus capable of communicating with a plurality of e-mail servers providing an e-mail service to the transmission source of the first authentication input information through the network,
The second association with each possible corrective authentication the authentication information and a plurality of the first authentication information and the destination information and the mark information on the network of a plurality of said electronic mail server corresponding to the first authentication information An information storage unit;
A second authentication information input unit for inputting second authentication input information;
A second authentication processing unit that executes a second authentication process for comparing the second authentication input information with the second authentication information in the corresponding authentication information storage unit to determine whether authentication has succeeded;
When the second authentication process is successful, a plurality of the first authentication information corresponding to the plurality of first authentication information in the corresponding authentication information storage unit corresponding to the second authentication information used in the second authentication process that has succeeded. A first authentication requesting unit that requests the first authentication processing to a plurality of the e-mail servers by transmitting to the destination of the destination information
When the first authentication request unit the first authentication processing request succeeds for a plurality of said electronic mail server, a plurality the e-mail server is a request destination of the successful first authentication process, the electronic mail A received e-mail information acquisition unit for acquiring information of received e-mail data reaching the server through the e-mail service;
A plurality of the received email data information obtained from the plurality of email servers and the mark information of the email server corresponding to the information are displayed on the display unit, and are received according to the operation on the operation unit. A received data selector for selecting the received email data;
An email service utilization unit that receives the received email data selected by the received data selection unit from the corresponding email server through the email service;
The image processing apparatus and an image forming unit that forms an image based on the electronic mail data received through the electronic mail service. When the first authentication process is executed in which the first authentication process is performed by comparing the first authentication input information received through the network with the first authentication information stored in advance in the storage unit to determine the success or failure of the authentication. An e-mail service utilization method executed by an information processing apparatus capable of communicating with a plurality of e-mail servers that provide an e-mail service to the transmission source of the first authentication input information through the network,
A second authentication information input step of inputting second authentication input information;
The second association with each possible corrective authentication the authentication information and a plurality of the first authentication information and the destination information and the mark information on the network of a plurality of said electronic mail server corresponding to the first authentication information A storage unit reference step for referring to information in the information storage unit;
A second authentication process step of executing a second authentication process for comparing the second authentication input information with the second authentication information in the corresponding authentication information storage unit to determine whether the authentication is successful;
When the second authentication process is successful, a plurality of the corresponding authentication information by referring to the information in the storage unit, the corresponding authentication information storage unit corresponding to successful the second the second authentication information used by authentication processing A first authentication requesting step for requesting the first authentication processing to a plurality of the electronic mail servers by transmitting the first authentication information to a plurality of destinations corresponding to the first authentication information;
Wherein when the first authentication process is successful for a plurality of said electronic mail server, a successful first authentication process incoming e-mail data has been reached to the electronic mail server from the plurality the e-mail server is a request destination of Obtaining information on
A plurality of the received email data information obtained from the plurality of email servers and the mark information of the email server corresponding to the information are displayed on the display unit, and are received according to the operation on the operation unit. Selecting the received email data;
Receiving the selected received email data from the corresponding email server through the email service, using the email service.

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