JP2007295604A - Image reader, image forming apparatus equipped with the same, and scanner system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image reader including a function such that a file name to be imparted is made to have a common portion and a serial number, corresponding to a folder of a storage destination, and when the common portion is changed, the common portions of the files stored in the same folder are updated automatically, and to provide an image forming apparatus equipped with the same, and a scanner system. <P>SOLUTION: A storage means 24 includes a folder for storing files and a control means 21 designates a folder for storing the files and imparts different file names to all image data files. A common portion, wherein the file name is common to the files stored in the same folder and can be set and changed by the user, and a serial number portion wherein the file name is automatically imparted as a serial number to each of the files within the same folder are combined, and this file name is imparted to the file and stored. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention provides an image reading apparatus that converts one or more read image data into a file and assigns the file name including a common part and a serial number part to the file and stores the file in a folder provided in a storage device. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including the same and a scanner system.

  A scanner that reads an original and converts it into digital image data is widely used alone or for reading an original in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a facsimile. In particular, on a network to which a plurality of information processing devices are connected, such a scanner is generally compatible with the network and is commonly used by a plurality of information processing devices.

  The shared scanner is used by a plurality of users. In such a case, a method is generally used in which a user scans an original with a scanner and transfers the image data to a storage device of an information processing apparatus used by the user via a network. In this case, since the image data is stored in the storage device of the information processing apparatus used individually, if the image data is shared by the same department or group, the image data is not collectively managed. Searches and operations become complicated, and file names are changed or deleted for the convenience of the user. For this reason, a method of providing a function as a so-called file server in which image data is collectively stored in one or a specific small number of information processing apparatuses is also employed.

  Further, as a scanning form of the scanner, a sheet scan for performing scanning while placing a plurality of documents on an automatic document feeder (ADF) and feeding them one by one, and a document on a document table (platen) One of the book scans that are placed and scanned is used, but in either case, one file consisting of image data corresponding to one original is usually formed. As a result, even if a plurality of originals read by using the ADF and individual originals read by using the platen are related to each other, they are managed as individual files. As the number of files increases, the complexity of file management increases.

  In addition, when a user scans such a document with a scanner and saves the image data as a file in a storage folder provided in the information processing apparatus or the storage device of the file server, a file name is assigned to the file. There is a need to.

  For example, Patent Document 1 automatically assigns a unique ID for each pattern such as size and storage destination to image data read by the image input means, determines a registration destination of the image data for each pattern, and registers that data. A method of registering in a previous storage device is disclosed.

Patent Document 2 proposes a data registration method in which when a series of related images (image data) is input, a name and a serial number are assigned to the series of images as file names. At this time, a data registration method is disclosed in which the name of the file name indicating the data belonging to the same category and the number of data are input, and a serial number is assigned to the name as a fill name based on the name and the number of data. is doing.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-316828 (page 4-5, FIG. 3) JP 2001-14197 (page 3-4, FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 7)

  In the file storage methods of Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, a file name that is unique to a file or a file name that is a combination of a unique part and a number is assigned regardless of the storage destination folder. . For example, in Patent Document 2, the name portion of the file name can be set by the user, but the number portion is automatically numbered regardless of the storage folder. Therefore, if you try to store these files in multiple folders, the number part of the files will not be completely serialized in each folder after storage, which is inconvenient when managing and searching for files. Arise.

  If a file name is already stored in a specific folder and the setting of the name part of the file name is changed during the process, one folder has a plurality of file name parts such as an old name and a new name. The file will exist. Since a folder is originally used to store files belonging to the same category, a file having a plurality of different name portions exists in one folder while the file itself belongs to the same category. It can also cause confusion when managing and searching for files.

  Furthermore, it is possible to read a plurality of originals that are related to each other or originally belong to one subcategory with a scanner, and combine them into one file. If different serial numbers can be assigned and saved in a specific folder corresponding to the large classification, the efficiency of file management can be dramatically improved. However, both Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 disclose that both ADF and platen are used to read a plurality of originals and combine them into one file to improve the management efficiency by the above-mentioned folder and file name. Not done.

  The present invention has been made for such a situation, and can scan one or more documents related to each other from an ADF and / or a platen and convert them into one file, and a file name to be given An image reading apparatus having a function of automatically updating the common part of the files stored in the same folder when the common part corresponding to the storage destination folder has a serial number and the common part is changed, An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus and a scanner system including the same.

  In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention, an image reading apparatus is configured as follows.

  (1) Image reading means for converting a document into read image data, control means for converting the image data into a file and assigning a file name, and storage for storing the image data file with the assigned file name The storage means has a folder for storing the file, and the control means designates a folder in which the file is stored, and all image data files. A different file name is assigned to the file, and the file name is common to the files saved in the same folder and can be set and changed by the user, and the file saved in the same folder. Combined with the serial number part automatically assigned as a serial number. Grant to be saved.

  (2) In the image reading apparatus configured as described above, the serial number portion of the file name given when the file is stored has the serial number portion of the file name of the file stored in the specified folder. It is the next number after the maximum number.

  (3) In the image reading apparatus configured as described above, a folder is created through the control unit, and at the same time, a common part of a file name corresponding to the folder is set through the control unit.

  (4) In the image reading apparatus configured as described above, the common part is changed via the control unit, and when the change is made, all file names stored in the folder corresponding to the common part are changed. The common part is changed by the control means.

  (5) The image forming apparatus is provided with any one of the image reading apparatuses configured as described above.

  (6) Image reading means for converting a document into read image data, control means for converting the image data into a file and assigning a file name, and storage for storing the file of the image data with the assigned file name The storage means has a folder for storing the image data file, and the control means includes a single page of the image data and a plurality of files. The image data can be converted into a single file consisting of a plurality of pages, a folder in which the file is stored is designated, and different file names are assigned to all the files, and the file names are the same. Common parts that can be set and changed by the user, A combination of a serial number portion is automatically assigned as serial numbers for files stored in the folder, and stores the grant this file name with the file.

  (7) In the image reading apparatus configured as described above, the image reading means feeds one or more placed originals, sequentially reads them, and converts them into image data corresponding to each original. The feeding device and a document placing table that reads one placed document and converts it into image data, and the control means includes a plurality of images read by the automatic document feeding device and the document placing table. Data is converted into one file consisting of a plurality of pages.

  (8) In the image reading apparatus configured as described above, the serial number portion of the file name given when the file is stored has the serial number portion of the file name of the file stored in the specified folder. It is the next number after the maximum number.

  (9) In the image reading apparatus configured as described above, the folder is created via the control unit, and at the same time, the common part setting of the file name corresponding to the folder is set via the control unit. Done.

  (10) In the image reading apparatus configured as described above, the change of the common part is performed via the control unit, and when the change is made, all of the files stored in the folder corresponding to the common part are stored. The common part of the file name of the file is changed by the control means.

  (11) The image forming apparatus is provided with any one of the image reading apparatuses configured as described above.

  (1) According to the configuration of the present invention, the name of the common part of the file name is associated with each folder where the image data file is stored, and a serial number is automatically assigned for each common part name. Since it is added to the common part, file classification, management, and search can be performed easily.

  (2) Since the serial number of the file name given at the time of saving is the number next to the maximum serial number part of the file saved in the corresponding folder, the serial number part number may overlap in the same folder. It is easy to determine that the larger number is the latest file.

  (3) Since the folder is created via the control means and the common part of the file name is set, the creation and management of the common part are unified and can be managed efficiently without causing confusion.

  (4) Since the common part of the file name defined in the folder and the common part of the file existing in the folder are changed via the control means, the change of the common part can be easily monitored and changed. In some cases, it can be applied to all files.

  (5) When the above-described image reading apparatus is provided in the image forming apparatus, it becomes possible to easily search for related files and print the searched files.

  (6) According to the configuration of the present invention, a plurality of image data is converted into one file, and the name of the common part of the file name is associated with the file for each storage destination folder. Since a serial number is automatically assigned to each common part name and added to the common part, file classification, management, and search can be easily performed without greatly increasing the number of files to be managed.

  (7) Since a plurality of documents read via the automatic document feeder and the document table can be mixed and converted into one file, it can be classified as one file without worrying about the form of the document. Furthermore, it is possible to make a large classification by designating a folder to be saved. Therefore, the efficiency of file classification and search is greatly improved.

  (8) Since the serial number of the file name given at the time of saving is the number next to the maximum serial number part of the file saved in the corresponding folder, the serial number part number may overlap in the same folder. It is easy to determine that the larger number is the latest file.

  (9) Since a folder is created via the control means and the common part of the file name is set, the creation and management of the common part are unified and can be managed efficiently without causing confusion.

  (10) Since the common part of the file name defined in the folder and the common part of the file existing in the folder are changed via the control means, the change of the common part can be easily monitored and changed. In some cases, it can be applied to all files.

  (11) When the above-described image reading apparatus is provided in the image forming apparatus, it is possible to easily search for related files and print the searched files.

  Hereinafter, the details of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is an external view of an image reading apparatus (scanner) for explaining an embodiment of the present invention.

  The scanner 1 reads an original composed of a plurality of pages, an automatic document feeder 2 that automatically feeds the original pages one by one, and an image that reads the fed pages and sequentially converts them into image data. The operation unit 4 includes an operation input unit 5 including various input keys and a display unit 6 including, for example, a liquid crystal panel. Yes. Of course, the automatic document feeder 2 may not be provided, and one document may be placed on a document table (not shown) so that the documents can be read one by one.

  Next, a configuration example of a scanner system using the scanner 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The scanner 1 has a large-capacity storage unit such as a hard disk via a communication medium 12 and is connected to a file server 10 that functions as a storage device and an information processing device 11, and performs bidirectional communication with each device. Connected as possible. The file server 10 is used for the purpose of storing image data read by the scanner 1, but the information processing apparatus 11 may have a similar file server function. The communication medium 12 is preferably a network composed of a LAN (Local Area Network) when three or more devices including the scanner 1 are connected. However, a USB (Universal Serial Bus), IEEE 1394, or a general public telephone is preferable. It may be a communication form based on a line, other communication standards, or an original communication method.

  A schematic configuration related to the control of the scanner 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration relating to the control of the scanner 1. The internal data bus 20 is composed of a control unit 21 that controls the entire scanner 1 and an optical unit such as a CCD, and an automatic document feeder 2 that sequentially feeds a plurality of documents, and a book document or a single document. A data input unit 22 for inputting image data, an image processing unit 23 for performing image processing on the input image data, and a post-image processing unit. A data storage unit 24 that temporarily stores the image data, a data output unit 25 that outputs the processed image data to the outside or an internal storage device (not shown) via the communication medium 12, an operation input unit 5 and a display unit 6 Are connected to each other. Due to the processing procedure, image data input via the data input unit 22 may be temporarily stored in the data storage unit 24 and then image processing by the image processing unit 23 may be performed.

  The image data read and processed by the scanner 1 is processed by the file server 10 shown in FIG. 2 or the scanner 1 connected to the communication medium 12 according to an instruction from the control unit 21 through an operation from the operation unit 4. It is transmitted as a file to an internal storage device (not shown). At that time, when the user operates the operation unit 4 of the scanner 1 to select, the selected folder existing in the storage unit of the file server 10 is designated as the storage destination of the image data file to be transmitted. When a folder is designated, a file name corresponding to the folder is given by the control unit 21 of the scanner 1 and then the image data file is transmitted to the file server 10 and stored in the designated folder.

  The structure of the file name will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is an example of a file name given to the image data file, and is a diagram for explaining the structure. The file name includes, for example, a common part for each storage destination folder indicated by “example”, an additional symbol indicated by “_”, and a serial number part indicated by “0001”.

  The common part is a part that can be set by the user as a name corresponding to the folder when the folder is created in the file server 10, and can be changed by the user even once the folder is set. The serial number portion is a continuous number added to the common portion, for example, starting from 0001, and the file names of the image data files stored in the same folder have a unique number starting from 0001. This serial number is automatically added when a file name is given to the image data file by the control unit 21 of the scanner 1. The additional symbol is a symbol for connecting the common part and the serial number part, and is similarly added by the control unit 21.

  The number of characters and digits of the common part, additional symbol, and serial number part, or the restricted characters and other restrictions are determined by the system of the file server 10 (FIG. 2) where the image data file is stored. To decide. Therefore, depending on the limitation of the system, the additional symbol is not limited to “_”, and may be another symbol, or may not be added. When an extension is necessary after the serial number portion, the system automatically adds a predetermined extension, but this is not a requirement of the present invention, so that description thereof is omitted. Thus, once the structure or format of the file name is determined, the file name is given according to the format thereafter.

  An example in which the image data file to which the file name is assigned as described above is stored in the file server 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 shows an example of image data files stored in a plurality of folders of the file server 10, where (a) shows image data files in the folder name “abc” and (b) shows in the folder name “xyz”. The image data file is shown.

  When the folder name “abc” shown in FIG. 5A is first created via the scanner 1, the user is prompted to set the common part of the file name corresponding to the folder. Here, it is assumed that the user sets the name of the common part on the scanner 1 as “ocean”. Thereafter, all image data files transmitted from the scanner 1 with the folder “abc” as the storage destination are given a common part “ocean” in the file name. Further, the number next to the maximum number of the file having the common part of “ocean” stored in the folder “abc” is added together with an additional symbol, and then transmitted and stored in the file server 10. In the example of FIG. 5A, 150 files having file names “ocean — 0001” to “ocean — 0150” are stored. When the same folder is designated and a new image data file is transmitted thereafter, the file name “ocean — 0151” is given to the image data.

  Further, when the folder name “xyz” shown in FIG. 5B is first created via the scanner 1, the user is prompted to set the common part of the file name corresponding to the folder. Here, it is assumed that the user sets the name of the common part on the scanner 1 as “land”. Thereafter, all the image data transmitted from the scanner 1 with the folder “xyz” as the storage destination is given a common part “land” in the file name. Further, the number next to the maximum number of the file having the common part of “land” stored in the folder “xyz” is added together with an additional symbol, and then transmitted and stored in the file server 10. In the example of FIG. 5A, 320 files with file names “land — 0001” to “land — 0320” are stored. When a new image data file is transmitted after the same folder is designated, the file name “land — 0321” is given to the image data.

  Next, referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, registration of a folder and setting of a common part of a file name, reading of a document, conversion of read image data into a file, assignment of a file name, and common part of a file name The change will be specifically described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for registering a new folder in the file server 10.

In S1 (step 1), the user displays a list of folders registered on the scanner 1. If the desired folder does not exist, it is asked whether or not a new folder is to be registered in S2, so this flow ends if registration is not necessary. If registration is necessary, in S3, the file server 10 or other file server as a storage destination or an internal storage device (not shown) is selected, and if necessary, the storage area (for example, a plurality of storage areas of the selected file server). Select a volume (such as a hard disk). After that, when a folder is created at the location selected as the storage destination in S4 and the folder name is set, the information is registered in the scanner 1. When a new folder is registered, in S5, the setting of the common part of the file name of the image data file stored in the folder is prompted, so that, for example, “ocean” as shown in FIG. To register. Thus, once a folder and a folder name are created and registered, the next time the folder list is displayed on the scanner 1, the folder is also displayed as a list. The common part of the file name corresponding to the folder is also stored in the scanner 1.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow in which an original is read by the scanner 1, a file name is automatically assigned to the read image data file, and the file is transmitted to the storage destination. When the user operates the scanner 1 to scan a document, it is necessary to first select a folder for storing image data files. Therefore, when the reading operation is started, a folder list is displayed on the operation unit 4 of the scanner 1 in S51 (step 51). Although not shown, this folder list includes the folder name of the folder already registered, the common part of the corresponding file name, and the storage destination (for example, the file server 10 or an internal storage device not shown). If the desired folder does not exist in S52, the original reading / file transmission operation is temporarily stopped, and the new folder registration operation described with reference to FIG. 6 is performed. If there is a folder to be stored in S52, the folder is selected from the folder list in S53.

  Next, in S54, the scan mode is input by the user. The scan mode here refers to a single page mode in which image data of one original is associated with one file, and a multi-page mode in which image data of a plurality of originals are associated with one file. The former is a mode often used in conventional scanners. Since the document and the image data file correspond one-to-one, it is simple and easy to understand, but on the other hand, the number of files increases and the storage and management tend to be complicated. There is. The latter is a mode for storing and managing a plurality of image data of a plurality of documents as one file. Since a plurality of related image data is converted into one file, the file itself is subdivided into a plurality of subclasses. Since it can be handled as a collection of image data, it has the advantage of facilitating file storage and management.

  With regard to the multi-page mode, there is a conventional scanner that reads a plurality of documents placed on the ADF of the scanner and converts them into one file composed of a plurality of pages of image data. However, there is a limit to the number of documents that can be placed on the ADF. With such a conventional scanner, when a plurality of scans for feeding a plurality of documents from the ADF are performed, a file is generated for each set. It is impossible to convert all image data of related documents into one file. Further, when a plurality of sheet originals and one or more book pages are related to each other, such a conventional scanner separately performs reading using an ADF and reading using a platen. As a result, a separate file is generated for each read.

  The flowchart shown in FIG. 7 shows 1) conversion to a file using the conventional single page mode, 2) reading and conversion to a file using the conventional multi-page mode, and 3) reading one or more sets of documents using ADF. Conversion into a single file using multi-page mode 4) Conversion using multi-page mode that converts one or more original scans using a platen into one file 5) Combination of 3) and 4) above This shows a procedure for reading in a scan mode that can handle all conversions in a multi-page mode for converting into one file, and assigning a file name to the generated file.

  When the single page mode (MODE = 1) is selected as the scan mode in S54, the process proceeds to S57 by the mode determination in S55. In S57, whether or not to start scanning is displayed on the display unit 6 of FIG. 3, for example, the input of “yes” or “no” is prompted, and the determination is performed by the input from the operation input unit 5. Is called. When “no” is input, it is determined that reading is interrupted, and the process ends. If “yes” is input and the process continues, it is determined in S58 whether or not a document is placed on the ADF. If it is determined by the document detector provided in the ADF that a document is placed, in S61, one document is fed from the ADF and read. In S62, the read image data is, for example, illustrated in FIG. 3 is temporarily stored in the third image storage unit 24. If it is determined in S58 that the document is not placed on the ADF, it is either the end of reading from the ADF or the reading from the platen, so whether or not the document is placed on the platen in S59. Is determined from the detection result of the document detector provided in the platen. If no document is placed on the platen in S59, it is considered that the reading is interrupted / finished, and the process branches to S70. If an original is placed on the platen in S59, the original on the platen is read in S60 and the process proceeds to S62. In step S62, the read image data is temporarily stored in, for example, the image storage unit 24 in FIG.

  As described above, in the case of reading from the ADF in the single page mode, a plurality of documents may be placed on the ADF. Therefore, after determining whether or not the single page mode is selected in S63, the process proceeds to S58. Returning to step S58, S61, S62, and S63, if the original document still remains in the ADF, the process branches to step S70 via steps S58 and S59 when the ADF document is exhausted. In the case of reading from the platen in the single page mode, only one original is read via S58, S59, S60, S62, S63, S58, and S59, and the process branches to S70.

  When the multi-page mode (MODE = 2) is selected as the scan mode in S54, the process branches to S56 depending on the mode determination in S55. In S56, input of the number n of documents to be combined into one file is required. Then, the number n of documents is input via the operation input unit 5 shown in FIG. 3, for example. When scanning from the ADF until the document is exhausted is an ADF scan job, and reading one document from the platen is a platen scan job, the number n of input documents is counted down to zero by the number of scanned documents. Until this time, one or more ADF scan jobs, one or more platen scan jobs, or a scan job combining a plurality of these becomes possible.

  For example, a case will be described in which two originals are first placed on the ADF, then three originals are placed, and finally one original is placed on the platen. In this case, it is assumed that 6 is input for the number n of documents in S56. Then, in S57, it is displayed whether or not scanning is started, and if “yes” is input, then S58, S61, S62, S63, S64, S65, S66, S61, S62, S63, S64. , S65, S66, and S57 are executed, and the first two originals are sequentially read from the ADF.

  In a state where the flow returns to S57 and an input as to whether or not to start scanning is requested, the user places an inquiry on whether or not to start scanning after placing the next three originals on the ADF. In response, enter “yes”. Then, steps S58, S61, S62, S63, S64, S65, S66, S61, S62, S63, S64, S65, S66, S61, S62, S63, S64, S65, S66, and S57 are executed, and Sheets of documents are sequentially read from the ADF.

  In a state where the flow returns to S57 and an input as to whether or not to start scanning is requested, the user places the next original on the platen and asks whether or not to start scanning. In response, enter “yes”. Then, steps S58, S59, S60, S62, S63, and S64 are executed, and n becomes zero in S64. Therefore, the flow branches to S70 via S65.

  In both the single page mode and the multi-page mode described above, the image data corresponding to each original is temporarily stored in the data storage unit 23 at the time of branching to S70. In order to create a file of these image data, in S70, it is determined whether the mode is a single page mode or a multipage mode. In the case of the single page mode, the process proceeds to S71, where the temporarily stored image data is converted to a file one by one, and in S80, the file corresponding to the storage destination folder selected in S53 The common part of the name is given. Further, in S81, the maximum number is acquired from the file name of the file existing in the storage folder, and in S82, the common part and the next number of the maximum number are connected to the file by an additional symbol, and the file name is obtained. Is granted. Finally, in S83, the file thus assigned with the file name is transmitted and stored in the storage folder. This repetition is performed on all temporarily stored image data.

  In S70, in the case of the multi-page mode, the process proceeds to S72, where each temporarily stored image data is collected and converted into one file, and in S80, the storage selected in S53 is stored in that file. The common part of the file name corresponding to the destination folder is given. Further, in S81, the maximum number is acquired from the file name of the file existing in the storage folder, and in S82, the common part and the next number of the maximum number are connected to the file by an additional symbol, and the file name is obtained. Is granted. Finally, in S83, the file thus assigned with the file name is transmitted and stored in the storage folder. When converting multiple image data into a single file consisting of multiple pages, use a method that encodes each image data in the multipart MIME format and saves them as a single file, or a PDF format file. A single file or a conventional file format such as a multi-page TIFF format may be used, or a dedicated file structure and format may be defined and used.

  In this way, it is possible to read a plurality of documents related to each other and convert them into one file to make a small classification, and the number of files can be reduced and storage and management can be easily performed. Further, when reading a plurality of originals, one or more readings from the ADF and one or more readings from the platen can be arbitrarily combined, so that it is possible to flexibly cope with different forms of originals. In addition, after all scanning, it is possible to search and select related individual image data using another application program, and save the trouble of joining the selected image data into one file. Become.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart for changing a common part of file names registered corresponding to existing folders. If the file name can be changed only for a desired file stored in the same folder, files having different common parts are mixed in the same folder, resulting in confusion in file management. Therefore, in this embodiment, when changing the file name, the common part of the file names of all the files stored in the same folder is changed.

  When changing the common part of the file name, a folder list is displayed on the display unit 6 (FIG. 3) of the scanner 1 in S21. Since the common part name and the folder have a one-to-one correspondence, in S22, the folder corresponding to the common part name to be changed is selected. In S23, the name of the common part of the file corresponding to the folder is displayed, and the name of the new common part is input from the operation input unit 5 (FIG. 3) so as to overwrite it. Then, since the confirmation is performed in S24, this operation is ended when the change is stopped. If the change is to be continued, the name of the new common part is registered in association with the selected folder in S25.

  Thereafter, in S26, a file having the name of the common part before change is automatically searched in the selected folder. If a file having the name of the common part before the change is found in S27, the common part of the file is rewritten with a new name in S28, and the process returns to S26 to search for the next file having the name of the common part before the change. Is done. Thus, when rewriting of the common part of all files having the common part name before the change is completed, the process proceeds to the end step in S27.

  In the present embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 2, an example in which an image data file is stored in the external file server 10 has been described. However, the data storage unit 24 in the scanner 1 shown in FIG. Using a storage device having a sufficient capacity, the data storage unit 24 can be regarded as the file server 10 to create a folder and control to store image data. In this case, since the image data is transferred by the internal data bus 20, the communication medium 12 is not used for storing the image data, which contributes to the reduction of the communication amount. Further, the file may be stored in an internal storage device (not shown) of the scanner 1.

  In addition, if a plurality of storage destinations including the data storage unit 24, an internal storage device (not shown), the file server 10, or another file server are constructed, the storage capacity can be significantly increased. When the file server or the storage device breaks down or is damaged, the loss of image data can be minimized.

  Although not shown and described separately, an image forming apparatus having a copy function or a fax transmission function includes an image reading unit. Therefore, these image forming apparatuses are allowed to perform the control described in this embodiment. Thus, the present embodiment can be implemented, and the image forming apparatus can perform exactly the same operation as the scanner 1. Since the image forming apparatus has a printing unit, it is convenient to search a stored image data file and print the searched image data on the spot. In this case, for example, as the control unit 21, the data storage unit 24, the data output unit 25, or the operation unit 4 illustrated in FIG. 3, the control unit, the storage unit, the data output unit, the operation unit, or those of the image forming apparatus, respectively. A device or a circuit having an equivalent function can also be used.

  While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

1 is an external view of a scanner (image reading apparatus) for explaining an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a configuration example of a scanner system using a scanner 1. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration relating to control of the scanner 1; FIG. It is an example of the file name given to image data, and is a figure for explaining the structure. An example of image data stored in a plurality of folders of the file server 10 is shown, (a) shows a file of image data in the folder name “abc”, and (b) shows image data in the folder name “xyz”. Shows the file. 4 is a flowchart for registering a new folder in the file server 10; 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of reading a document with the scanner 1, automatically assigning a file name to the read image data file, and transmitting the file to a storage destination. It is a flowchart at the time of changing the common part of the file name registered corresponding to the folder which already exists.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Scanner 2 Automatic document feeder 3 Image reading part 4 Operation part 5 Operation input part 6 Display part 10 File server 11 Information processing apparatus 12 Communication medium 20 Internal data bus 21 Control part 22 Data input part 23 Image processing part 24 Data storage part 25 Data output section

Claims (11)

Image reading means for converting a document into read image data, control means for converting the image data into a file and assigning a file name, and storage means for saving the image data file with the assigned file name In the image reading apparatus provided,
The storage means has a folder for storing the file,
The control means designates a folder in which the file is stored and assigns different file names to all image data files, and the file name is common to files stored in the same folder. A combination of a common part that can be set and changed by the user and a serial number part that is automatically assigned as a serial number to files stored in the same folder. An image reading apparatus characterized by being given and stored.   The serial number portion of the file name given when the file is saved is a number next to the maximum number included in the serial number portion of the file name of the file stored in the specified folder. Item 2. The image reading apparatus according to Item 1.   3. The folder according to claim 1, wherein the folder is created via the control means, and at the same time, the common part of the file name corresponding to the folder is set via the control means. The image reading apparatus described.   The common part is changed via the control unit, and when the change is made, the common part of the file names of all files stored in the folder corresponding to the common part is changed by the control unit. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image reading apparatus is an image reading apparatus.   An image forming apparatus comprising the image reading apparatus according to claim 1. Image reading means for converting a document into read image data, control means for converting the image data into a file and assigning a file name, and storage means for saving the image data file with the assigned file name In the image reading apparatus provided,
The storage means has a folder for storing the image data file,
The control means can convert one image data into a file composed of one page and a plurality of the image data into one file composed of a plurality of pages, and designate a folder in which the file is stored. In addition, different file names are assigned to all files, and the file names are common to files saved in the same folder and saved in the same folder, which can be set and changed by the user. What is claimed is: 1. An image reading apparatus comprising: a combination of a serial number part automatically assigned as a serial number to a file to be assigned, and assigning the file name to the file for storage. The image reading means feeds one or more placed originals, sequentially reads them and converts them into image data corresponding to each original, and reads one placed original. A document table that is converted into image data.
7. The image reading apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the control means converts a plurality of image data read by the automatic document feeder and the document placing table into one file composed of a plurality of pages. apparatus.   The serial number portion of the file name given when the file is saved is a number next to the maximum number included in the serial number portion of the file name of the file stored in the specified folder. The image reading device according to claim 6 or 7.   8. The folder according to claim 6, wherein the folder is created through the control unit, and at the same time, the common part of the file name corresponding to the folder is set through the control unit. The image reading apparatus described.   The common part is changed via the control unit, and when the change is made, the common part of the file names of all files stored in the folder corresponding to the common part is changed by the control unit. The image reading apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the image reading apparatus is an image reading apparatus.   An image forming apparatus comprising the image reading device according to claim 6.