JP2002232639A - Device, method and program for reading image and computer readable recording medium with image reading program recorded thereon - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce a user's parameter setting operation in a scan and transmission mode by referring to the past transmission history. SOLUTION: When a retrieval key is pressed down, whether to be retrieval based on a transmission destination, retrieval based on a transmission source or retrieval based on both the transmission destination and source is decided (S405, S407 and S411). When only the transmission source is inputted, a history table is retrieved with the transmission source as a key (S409). When only the transmission destination is inputted, retrieval is performed with the transmission destination as a key (S413). When both the transmission destination and source are inputted, and AND retrieval is performed with both the transmission destination and source as keys (S415). When corresponding job information is detected from the history table, each parameter is displayed on an operation panel (S419). A user instructs to perform retrieval again, to change and input a parameter, to start scanning or to reset display contents by referring to the displayed contents.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus, an image reading method, an image reading program, and a computer-readable recording medium storing the image reading program. An image reading apparatus, an image reading method, an image reading program, and an image reading program that can reduce a user's parameter setting work by referring to parameters related to image reading conditions, image processing conditions, transmission conditions, and the like from a transmission history. The present invention relates to a computer-readable recording medium having stored therein.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a scanner device having a data transfer function and capable of transmitting image data read by a scanner unit to an external device via a communication line or the like. In such a scanner device, generally, when performing scan transmission, predetermined parameters relating to a job such as an image reading condition such as a resolution setting and an image transfer condition such as a transmission file format are set together with a destination setting. , A job is started.

[0003]

However, in such a conventional scanner device, after setting a destination, it is necessary to set predetermined parameters such as scanning conditions every time, which causes a problem that the operation is complicated. Was.

For example, it is often the case that another image is newly transmitted to a destination that has been scanned and transmitted in the past, or the same image is retransmitted to the same destination with some image quality conditions changed. In such a case, transmission is often performed under the same setting conditions as in the past, or scan transmission is performed under similar conditions.

However, in the conventional scanner device, it is necessary to perform setting every time even under the same or similar setting conditions. Therefore, setting work is troublesome, especially when the setting contents such as scanning conditions for the destination are significantly different from the default conditions. Was.

In order to avoid such a problem, for example,
There is also known a technique relating to a scanning device capable of transmitting, with one-touch registration of a destination, scan parameter information together with the destination information, thereby enabling transmission with optimal parameters for each destination. But in this case,
The user must manually perform the registration work in advance, and this registration work requires labor.

The present invention has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and its purpose is to reduce the user's parameter setting work during scan transmission (image reading transmission) by referring to past transmission histories. Image reading device,
The present invention relates to an image reading method, an image reading program, and a computer-readable recording medium storing the image reading program.

[0008]

According to one aspect of the present invention to achieve the above object, an image reading apparatus associates transmission destination information and parameter information when an image reading transmission job is executed. Recording means for recording, destination information obtaining means for obtaining destination information, reading means for reading corresponding parameter information from the recording means based on the obtained destination information, and referring to the read parameter information. And setting means for setting desired parameters for executing the image reading and transmitting job.

According to the present invention, destination information and parameter information when an image reading / transmission job for reading an image and transmitting the read image is executed are recorded in association with each other. Here, the parameter information is information relating to parameters for setting at least one of an image reading condition, an image processing condition, and an image transfer condition. At the time of executing the image reading transmission job, transmission destination information is obtained, and corresponding parameter information is read from the recording unit based on the obtained transmission destination information. Therefore, the user can obtain the parameter information of the same destination (or the destination including the same destination information) transmitted in the past only by setting the destination information.

Then, the parameters for executing the image reading and transmitting job are set with reference to the read parameter information. Therefore, when the parameters for executing the image reading and transmitting job are the same as or close to the read parameter information, the burden on the user required for the parameter setting work is reduced.

Therefore, by referring to the past transmission history, it is possible to provide an image reading apparatus capable of reducing a user's parameter setting work at the time of image reading and transmitting.

Preferably, when a plurality of pieces of the acquired destination information are recorded in the recording means, the setting means selects one piece of parameter information from the corresponding parameter information read by the reading means. The information processing apparatus includes a selection unit, and sets a desired parameter based on the selected parameter information.

[0013] According to this, when a plurality of pieces of acquired transmission destination information are recorded in the recording means, the user selects one piece of parameter information from the corresponding parameter information. Then, a desired parameter is set based on the selected parameter information. For this reason, it is possible to select the optimum parameter desired by the user from the past transmission history when executing the current job.

Preferably, the setting means includes changing means for changing part or all of the read parameter information, and sets the changed parameter information as a desired parameter.

According to this, the contents of part or all of the read parameter information are changed, and the changed parameter information is set as a desired parameter. Therefore, even if the parameter information read from the past transmission history is different from the desired parameter, it is possible to appropriately change the parameter information.

Preferably, when the acquired destination information matches a part of the head of the destination information recorded in the recording means, the reading means preferably sets a parameter corresponding to the destination information whose part of the head matches. It is characterized by reading information.

[0017] According to this, only the first part of the information is input as the destination information, the destination information starting with the partial destination information is searched, and the corresponding parameter information is read. Therefore, the burden on the user required for inputting the destination is reduced.

Preferably, the image reading apparatus further includes transmission source information acquisition means for acquiring transmission source information, the parameter information recorded in the recording means includes transmission source information, and the reading means includes The corresponding parameter information is read from the recording means based on the destination information and the acquired transmission source information.

According to this, when executing the image reading transmission job, the transmission source information is obtained together with the transmission destination information. Then, the corresponding parameter information is read based on both. For this reason, it becomes possible to read out the parameter desired by the user more accurately.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an image reading apparatus acquires recording means for associating transmission source information and parameter information when an image reading transmission job is executed, and transmission source information. Source information obtaining means, reading means for reading corresponding parameter information from the recording means based on the obtained source information, and a desired information for executing an image reading transmission job by referring to the read parameter information. Setting means for setting parameters.

According to the present invention, the source information and the parameter information when the image reading and transmitting job for reading the image and transmitting the read image is executed are recorded in association with each other. When executing the image reading transmission job,
Source information is obtained, and the corresponding parameter information is read from the recording unit based on the obtained source information. For this reason, the user can obtain the parameter information of the same transmission source (or the transmission source including the same transmission source information) transmitted in the past only by setting the transmission source information.

The parameters for executing the image reading and transmitting job are set with reference to the read parameter information. Therefore, when the parameters for executing the image reading and transmitting job are the same as or close to the read parameter information, the burden on the user required for the parameter setting work is reduced.

Therefore, by referring to the past transmission history, it is possible to provide an image reading apparatus capable of reducing a user's parameter setting work at the time of image reading transmission.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, an image reading method includes a recording step of recording destination information and parameter information when an image reading / transmitting job is executed, and acquiring the destination information. Destination information obtaining step, a reading step of reading corresponding parameter information recorded in the recording step based on the obtained destination information, and an image reading transmission job is executed with reference to the read parameter information. Setting a desired parameter for setting.

According to the present invention, destination information and parameter information when an image reading and transmitting job for reading an image and transmitting the read image is executed are recorded in association with each other. When executing the image reading transmission job,
The transmission destination information is obtained, and the corresponding parameter information is read from the recording unit based on the obtained transmission destination information. Therefore, the user can obtain the parameter information of the same destination (or the destination including the same destination information) transmitted in the past only by setting the destination information.

The parameters for executing the image reading and transmitting job are set with reference to the read parameter information. Therefore, when the parameters for executing the image reading and transmitting job are the same as or close to the read parameter information, the burden on the user required for the parameter setting work is reduced.

Therefore, by referring to the past transmission history, it is possible to provide an image reading method that can reduce the user's parameter setting work at the time of image reading transmission.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, an image reading program includes a recording step of recording destination information and parameter information when an image reading / transmission job is executed, and acquiring the destination information. Destination information obtaining step, a reading step of reading corresponding parameter information recorded in the recording step based on the obtained destination information, and an image reading transmission job is executed with reference to the read parameter information. And setting steps for setting desired parameters for the computer.

According to the present invention, by referring to the past transmission history, it is possible to provide an image reading program which can reduce a user's parameter setting work at the time of image reading and transmitting.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, a computer-readable recording medium records the above-described image reading program.

According to the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable recording medium storing an image reading program capable of reducing a user's parameter setting operation at the time of image reading and transmitting by referring to a past transmission history. Becomes possible.

[0032]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of an image reading apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 1, an image reading apparatus 100 includes a scanning unit 101 that reads a document image, an image processing unit 103 that performs image processing on the read image, and various types of information such as a destination, scan conditions, and transmission conditions. An operation panel unit 105 for inputting parameters, an image transfer unit 109 for transferring image data subjected to image processing, and a network I / F unit 107 as an interface with a network
Transmission history holding unit 11 for recording transmission history information
3 and the input condition from the operation panel unit 105,
A job information search unit 111 that searches for appropriate job information from the transmission history holding unit 113 and a control unit 115 that controls the entire apparatus are included.

The scanning unit 101 includes an operation panel unit 105
The document image is scanned based on the scan conditions set in step (1), and the image data is transferred to the image processing unit 103. The image processing unit 103 performs appropriate image processing on the image data received from the scanning unit 101 based on the image processing conditions set by the operation panel unit 105. The image transfer unit 109 determines a transmission destination based on the transmission conditions set on the operation panel unit 105, and transmits the image data subjected to the image processing to the transmission destination via the network I / F unit 107. .

Each time a job is executed, the transmission history holding unit 113 records a series of parameter setting information on the job on the operation panel unit 105 in association with the destination information.

The job information search unit 111 searches the transmission history holding unit 113 for desired job information based on a search instruction from the user. That is, the operation panel unit 105
When the user sets the destination of the transmission destination and issues a search instruction, the transmission history holding unit 113 is searched for job information corresponding to the corresponding destination information. Job information as a search result is displayed on the operation panel unit 105.

The user refers to the displayed contents and issues a search instruction again, or performs a parameter change input.
Alternatively, it is determined whether or not a scan start instruction is issued.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a screen configuration of the operation panel unit 105 of the image reading apparatus 100. Referring to the figure, operation panel section 105 includes a job condition setting section on the left side for setting various parameters such as transmission settings, document reading conditions, image processing conditions, and transfer conditions. On the right side, a search key 209 for starting a search based on the transmission settings, a scan key 211 for starting a scan process, and a stop key 210 for canceling a job or resetting the contents of the operation panel settings. And

The job condition setting section stores transmission destination information (20
In addition to 1) and source information (202), document reading conditions include document size (203), density (208), and resolution (205). Image processing (or transfer) conditions include
The file format (204), the document type (206), and the gradation (207) can be set by the user.

The document type is set by setting image processing to image processing corresponding to the document, for example, dither processing.
An error diffusion method or the like is set.

Various setting items have default values except for the transmission destination (201) and the transmission source (202), and the default values are displayed on the screen when the power is turned on or when the panel is reset.

That is, for example, when the power is turned on, the fields of the transmission destination (201) and the transmission source (202) are blank, and the document size (203), file format (204), resolution (205), document type (206),
Default values as shown in this figure are displayed for gradation (207) and density (208).

The source (202) may be provided with a default such as a source address and the like, and may be displayed similarly to other parameters.

After the user inputs or selects the destination information (201) and presses one of the search keys 209 (up key or down key), the destination information (20) is pressed.
A search based on 1) is started. That is, from the transmission history holding unit 113, destination information starting with the same character as the set destination information is searched in order, and if there is a corresponding one, the corresponding job information is read out, and the operation panel screen 105 is read. Will be displayed.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a list of job information (hereinafter, referred to as “history table”) recorded in the transmission history holding unit 113 of FIG. Here, each job information is managed using a JobID. For each job, the setting information of the destination, source, document size, file format, resolution, document type, gradation, and density corresponding to the setting items shown on the operation panel of FIG. Stored in the table.

When a new job is executed, JobID
Is added, and the JobID and the job information are added to the top of the history table. Then, the transmission history holding unit 11
When the memory capacity of No. 3 becomes full, old job information (the lowest column in the history table) is sequentially deleted.

Next, an example in which a specific search is performed will be described with reference to FIGS. For example, yamada ＠ aa
After inputting a.com as the destination information to the destination (201), it is assumed that the downward search key 209 is pressed (the source (202) is blank). Then JobI
From the top of D (JobID is 9 in the example of FIG. 3), transmission destinations starting with the same character are searched in order downward. here,
Because the transmission destination information matches in JobID8, the JobID
All the job information managed in step 8 is read out and displayed on the screen of the operation panel unit 105. For this reason, the user can easily reproduce the setting contents of the job previously transmitted to yamada@aaa.com.

After the job information is read out and displayed on the screen of the operation panel unit 105, it is possible to arbitrarily change the setting contents again. For this reason, it is also possible to easily set the setting content similar to the past job information by changing only a part (for example, the resolution) from the condition transmitted in the past.

After reading the job information of JobID 8, if the search key 209 is pressed further downward, the next matching job information is read. Here, Job
The search is performed again from ID8 (JobID7).
Since the transmission destination information matches in the Job ID 6, the registered job information is called up on the screen of the operation panel unit 105. By repeating this operation, an optimum condition can be selected from the conditions previously sent to the same destination.

In the setting of the destination, yamada@aaa.com
After entering yamada @ aaa or yamada and only part of the beginning, pressing the search key 209 also
It is possible to detect the corresponding destination. Here, it is possible to detect a search that starts with the same character string (or a numerical value) instead of a search based on an exact match. Therefore, the same desired search result as in the case of perfect match can be finally obtained.

As described above, since the same purpose can be achieved by inputting only a part of the beginning without having to perform a troublesome input operation until the end, the work effort of the user can be further reduced. Becomes

When a plurality of destinations starting with the same character string as the input destination setting are registered in the history table of the transmission history holding unit 113, all of them are sequentially output as search results in response to a search instruction. This is reflected on the operation panel unit 105.

From the default state of the operation panel unit 105, the source information (20) is used instead of the destination information (201).
2) is input, and then the search key 209 may be pressed. In this case, the search is performed based on the source information instead of the destination information. If there is source information beginning with the same character information in the history table, the corresponding job information is displayed on the screen of the operation panel unit 105 as a search result.

For example, if the source information (202) is sa
When the downward search key 209 is pressed after inputting to@bbb.com, Job ID 9 first matches as shown in FIG. Therefore, the job information is displayed on the screen of the panel unit 105.

In many cases, the sender information (202) contains the mail address of the device as a default,
The user can arbitrarily change the content.
Therefore, for example, when it is desired to transmit the same image to a plurality of different transmission destinations, the transmission source information is changed and input, and by sharing the transmission source information, the job information registered corresponding to the transmission source information can be easily registered. Can be called.

Further, from the default (panel reset) state, the user sets the transmission destination information (201) and the transmission source information (2).
02), and then presses a search key 209 to search the history table for the corresponding job information based on the conditions of both the transmission destination information and the transmission source information.
It can also be called up on the screen of the operation panel unit 105.

For example, as destination information (201),
mada@aaa.com, sato @ bb as source information (202)
After b.com is set, the downward search key 209 is pressed. In this case, first, since the Job IDs 6 match, the job information is displayed on the screen of the panel operation unit 105.

As described above, in the image reading apparatus 100, desired job information can be searched from the history table using the transmission destination information (201) and / or the transmission source information (202) as search keys. Therefore, it is possible to easily set parameters relating to the job with reference to the past transmission history, and the work load on the user is greatly reduced.

Finally, using the flowchart of FIG.
The control unit 115 of the image reading device 100
5 will be described in detail.

Referring to FIG. 4, first, at step S401
In the search start ID, the first Job in the history table
The ID (or the last executed JobID) is set. Next, in step S403, it is determined whether the search key 209 of the operation panel unit 105 has been pressed.

When it is determined that the search key 209 has been pressed, whether the search is based on the transmission destination (201), the search based on the transmission source (202), or the search based on both. Is determined, and a search process corresponding to the determination is performed (from step S405 to step S41).
5).

That is, first, in step S405, it is determined whether the destination information (201) has been input. When the destination information is not input (step S
"No" at 405), and it is determined at step S407 whether or not the transmission source information (202) has been input. If the sender information has been input (“Yes” in step S407), in step S409, the sender (2
02) is performed as a key.

Sources starting with the same character string as the input source information are searched from the history table in order from the search start ID. At this time, when the search key 209 is the upward key, the search is sequentially performed while adding the JobID. When the search key 209 is the downward key, the search is sequentially performed while the JobID is subtracted.

If it is determined in step S 405 that the destination information (201) has been input (“Yes” in step S 405), it is determined in step S 411 whether the source information (202) has been input. Is determined. If the transmission source information has not been input (“No” in step S411), in step S413, the transmission destination starting with the input transmission destination information is the search start I
The search is performed from the history table in order from D.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S411 that the sender information has been input (step S411).
(“Yes” in 411), and in step S415, job information that satisfies both the destination starting with the input destination information and the source starting with the input source information is searched from the history table in order from the search start ID. Is done.

In this way, the job information is searched from the history table based on the transmission destination information (201) and / or the transmission source information (202), and when this is completed, the job is searched in step S417. It is determined whether information has been detected. If the corresponding job information has not been detected (“No” in step S417), the fact that the job information could not be detected is displayed on the operation panel unit 105 in step S423. Then, the process returns to step S403.

On the other hand, if the job information is detected (“Yes” in step S417), the parameters of the detected JobID are displayed on the screen of the operation panel unit 105 in step S419. Then, step S4
In step 21, a value obtained by subtracting (or adding) 1 from the detected JobID is set as the search start ID, and step S21 is performed.
The process returns to 403.

When each parameter is displayed on the operation panel unit 105, the user refers to the displayed content and presses the search key 209 again, changes or inputs the parameter, or selects the scan key for starting the scan. The user either presses 211 or presses a stop key 210 for resetting the display content of the operation panel unit 105.

In step S403, the search key 20
9 is determined not to be pressed (step S
(“No” in 403), and in step S425, the scan key 211 is pressed to complete the scan job transmission, or the stop key 210 is pressed,
It is determined whether the job has been canceled.

If the transmission of the scan job has been completed or the job has been canceled ("Yes" in step S425).
s "), the operation panel unit 105 is reset to display a default value, and the process returns to step S401. If the scan job transmission is not completed or the job is not canceled (" N "in step S425)
o ″), that is, if the operation panel unit 105 has not been reset, the process returns to step S403.

In this way, the control unit 115 controls the job information search unit 111 in accordance with the instruction from the operation panel unit 105 by the user, and searches the transmission history holding unit 113 for appropriate job information. Do.

Therefore, according to the image reading apparatus 100 of the present embodiment, the user can easily set parameters relating to the job with reference to the same transmission destination information transmitted in the past. Therefore, the labor required for the setting is reduced, and the usability is further improved.

The image reading method performed by the image reading apparatus 100 shown this time can be realized by a program for causing the above-described series of processing operations to function. The image reading program may be installed in the image reading apparatus 100 in advance, or may be a CD-R
It may be recorded on a removable recording medium such as an OM or a magnetic tape. In any case, the image reading program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

As a computer-readable recording medium, a tape system such as a magnetic tape or a cassette tape, a magnetic disk (such as a flexible disk or a hard disk device) or an optical disk (CD-ROM / MO / MD) is used.
/ DVD etc.), card system such as IC card (including memory card) and optical card, or RO
A medium that fixedly holds a program, such as a semiconductor memory such as an M, an EPROM, an EEPROM, or a flash ROM, is considered.

The content stored in the recording medium is not limited to a program but may be data.

In the present embodiment, E-Mai
1 shows an example in which a transmission method is used, but the present invention can be similarly applied to a case in which another method such as FTP (file transfer protocol) transmission is used.

In the FTP, the destination information is
By specifying the P address, it is possible to perform job setting for each folder. Therefore, the present invention can be applied to a case where a scan job is executed in a predetermined format for an individual (folder).

The embodiments disclosed this time are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an image reading apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the entire configuration of the 00.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen configuration of an operation panel unit 105 of the image reading apparatus 100.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a list (history table) of job information recorded in a transmission history holding unit 113 of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing when the control unit 115 of the image reading apparatus 100 searches for job information in response to a search instruction from the operation panel unit 105.

[Explanation of symbols]

100 image reading device, 101 scanning unit, 103
Image processing unit, 105 operation panel unit, 107 network I / F unit, 109 image transfer unit, 111 job information search unit, 113 transmission history holding unit, 115 control unit.

Claims (9)

[Claims] A recording unit that records destination information and parameter information in association with each other when an image reading transmission job is executed; a destination information obtaining unit that obtains destination information; Reading means for reading corresponding parameter information from the recording means based on the preceding information; and setting means for setting desired parameters for executing an image reading and transmitting job with reference to the read parameter information. , Image reading device. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, when a plurality of pieces of the acquired transmission destination information are recorded in the recording means, one of the parameter information corresponding to each of the pieces of parameter information read by the reading means. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a selection unit configured to set the desired parameter based on the selected parameter information. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the setting unit includes a changing unit that changes a part or all of the read parameter information, and sets the changed parameter information as the desired parameter. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein 4. When the acquired destination information matches a part of the head of the destination information recorded in the recording means, the reading unit matches the destination information with which the part of the head matches. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein corresponding parameter information is read. 5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: transmission source information obtaining means for obtaining transmission source information; wherein the parameter information recorded in the recording means includes transmission source information; 5. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein corresponding parameter information is read from the recording unit based on the acquired transmission source information. 6. A recording unit for recording source information and parameter information associated with each other when an image reading transmission job is executed, a source information obtaining unit for obtaining source information, and the obtained transmission. A reading unit that reads corresponding parameter information from the recording unit based on the original information; and a setting unit that sets desired parameters for executing an image reading and transmitting job with reference to the read parameter information. , Image reading device. 7. A recording step of recording destination information and parameter information in association with execution of an image reading transmission job, a destination information acquiring step of acquiring destination information, and the acquired transmission. A reading step of reading corresponding parameter information from the recording unit based on the preceding information; and a setting step of setting desired parameters for executing an image reading and transmitting job with reference to the read parameter information. , Image reading method. 8. A recording step of recording destination information and parameter information in association with execution of an image reading transmission job, a destination information obtaining step of obtaining destination information, and the obtained transmission. A reading step of reading corresponding parameter information from the recording unit based on the preceding information; and a setting step of setting desired parameters for executing an image reading and transmitting job by referring to the read parameter information. To run
Image reading program. 9. A computer-readable recording medium on which the image reading program according to claim 8 is recorded.