RU2775834C2 - System for distribution of image scanning tasks to network devices - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: image processing.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to means for the distribution of image scanning tasks to network devices. A scanning task system contains several image formation devices, including a multifunctional device, dedicated scanners or mobile phones with scanning functions, or cameras. The system notifies a user or a number of users, when a specific document should be scanned and transmitted to a specific point of destination. A scanning task is sent to existent image formation devices, and it will appear, when the user logs in any image formation device in the network. When the user performs the scanning task in any image formation device, this task is deleted from all devices. The scanning task can be previously programmed in order to save or send a scanned document appropriately after scanning.

EFFECT: increase in the image scanning rate, while saving required scanning parameters.

29 cl, 10 dwg

Description

Link to related application

[0001] This application claims priority under U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/427,434, filed November 29, 2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The field of technology to which the present invention relates

[0002] The present invention relates to a system and method for issuing scan tasks and notifications to selected users. In particular, the present invention relates to a system and method for issuing discrete, customized scan tasks and notifications to selected users, which can then be executed on any of a number of network devices.

Background of the Invention

[0003] Documents, photographs, and other items may be scanned or displayed by a dedicated scanner or multifunction device ("MFP") having scanning functionality, as well as at least one other capability, such as copying, printing, or faxing. In the business world, it is often necessary to scan and store a variety of documents, including, for example, invoices, personal identification, forms, receipts, accounting records, pay slips, travel documents, and accounting records. Scanning these documents and storing them in the proper places is important for record keeping and other business functions such as employee compensation or benefits, payments and benefits. To accomplish these tasks, known technical solutions require several manual steps, instead of actually eliminating them.

[0004] When an entity in a company requires a scanned document, three problems often arise: (1) the requesting entity cannot easily identify or locate the appropriate worker to request the result of the scan (scan) of the document; 2) the person concerned does not know the proper formatting and destination options for the scan, or even if they do, they need to enter those options manually, which is cumbersome and error prone; and (3) the worker cannot locate a particular imaging device that is capable of performing a task involving document scanning and that the worker knows how to use. In situations like this, in which multiple imaging devices and workers are scattered across different physical locations, obtaining the necessary documents is inefficient and can lead to inaccurate record keeping. Thus, there is a need for a system that can efficiently identify a worker and notify him that a document scan is required, and that allows the worker to quickly receive the scanned document on any suitable scanner with a pre-programmed scanning task.

[0005] FIG. 1 shows a scanning system 100 in accordance with the prior art. In order to scan an item, the user 110 physically approaches the scanner or MFP 120 and selects the scan settings appropriate for the particular document. For example, the user can identify the size of the item to be scanned, select the scan resolution, select color, grayscale, or black and white image settings, and select the image file type (e.g., .pdf, .gif, jpg, and similar formats) . In addition, the user can select the destination 130 of the document scan. Exemplary scan destinations include sending a scanned image to a server or other computing device, sending a scanned image by email, or sending a scanned image to a cloud storage system. Cloud storage may be provided by a third party provider such as OPEN TEXT EDOCS, DROPBOX, IFS, OFFICE 365, SAP, or other providers. Destinations may also include other systems and applications without storage capabilities.

Brief summary of the present invention

[0006] The scanning task system includes several imaging devices, including MFPs, dedicated scanners, or mobile phones with scanning or camera functions. The system notifies a user or multiple users when a specific document needs to be scanned and sent to a specific destination. The scan task is sent to the available imaging devices and will appear when the user logs into any imaging device on the network. When a user performs a scan task on any one of the imaging devices, that scan task is removed from all devices. The scanning task may be pre-programmed to appropriately store or send the scanned document after the scan is performed.

Brief description of the figures

[0007] The accompanying figures illustrate structures that, together with the detailed disclosure below, describe exemplary embodiments of the present invention. In the accompanying figures, like elements are designated by the same reference numbers. It should be understood that elements shown as a single component may be replaced by multiple components, and elements shown as multiple components may be replaced by a single component. The figures are not drawn to scale and for illustration purposes the proportions of certain elements may be shown enlarged.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a scanning system in accordance with the prior art.

[0009] FIG. 2 is an illustrative representation of scanning workflows.

[0010] FIG. 3 is an illustrative image of scanning tasks.

[UN] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a system for distributing scanning tasks to multiple network devices.

[0012] FIG. 5 is an illustrative view of scanning tasks and workflows on a mobile device.

[0013] FIG. 6 shows an exemplary scan request notification on a mobile device.

[0014] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating yet another embodiment of a system for distributing scanning tasks to multiple network devices.

[0015] FIG. 8 is an exemplary user interface for performing a specific passport scanning task for a specific user.

[0016] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for creating and executing a scan task.

[0017] FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of exemplary user interfaces.

Detailed disclosure of the present invention

[0018] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the prior art scanning system described above.

[0019] FIG. 2 is an exemplary image of 200 scan workflows. The scan workflow represents general customization options that can be used on a regular basis. For example, a scan workflow might identify the destination of the scan, such as "scan to my email" or "scan to DROPBOX". Additionally or alternatively, the scanning workflow may include scan settings appropriate for a particular type of document. For example, a scanning workflow such as "scan invoice", "scan medical record", or "scan payslip" might include document size settings, image resolution, and a choice of color or black and white scanning so that the user does not need to This choice had to be made manually.

[0020] FIG. 3 is an illustrative image of 300 scan tasks. Unlike the scan workflows described above, the scan task is customized for a specific user and identifies a specific item to be scanned. A scan task includes both scan settings and destination settings. In the illustrated example, John Doe is an employee submitting a travel request to Human Resources for approval. In the process of analysis, the personnel department determines that it needs to check the passport and air ticket. The scanning task is created specifically for John Doe for passport scan and airline ticket scan. According to this embodiment, the scan task is created on a computer at a central server location. The scan task "scan your passport" is pre-programmed with scan settings for the passport and desired scan destination. Similarly, the scan task "scan your airline ticket" is pre-programmed with scan settings for the airline ticket and the desired scan destination. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the scanning task may be created by an external system requiring an electronic copy (executed on the imaging device) as part of its process. Such a scanning task is then performed on the imaging device.

[0021] After a scan task is created, the scan task is distributed to multiple imaging devices in the network. The distribution computer program, located on the central computer, determines where to send the scan task. The scan task may be sent to all imaging devices available to a particular user and only to imaging devices capable of performing the scanning task according to the scan settings and destination settings. According to one embodiment, the imaging device requests scanning tasks from the system. According to this embodiment, the imaging device may request scanning tasks for a specific user at the time the user registers to log into the imaging device. Alternatively, the imaging device may request scan tasks periodically or request scan tasks in response to another instruction. According to one alternative embodiment, the scanning task is issued to the imaging devices. According to this embodiment, the scanning task may be issued to the imaging devices at the time of its creation or at predetermined intervals.

[0022] In addition, a notification is sent to the user. Notification can be sent by email, text message, or mobile app notification. Alternatively, the notification may be sent by any means of communication, including to the imaging devices themselves.

[0023] The user then logs into the imaging device on the network. According to one embodiment, the user may log on to any imaging device on the network. According to one alternative embodiment, access to some imaging devices may be restricted so that entry to a particular imaging device or particular imaging devices can only be allowed to a particular user. The user can log in by entering a username and/or password. Alternatively, the user may log in by swiping a card, scanning a bar code, or using another identification device. The user is allowed to log in to the imaging device by a credential verification code located in the imaging device.

[0024] The network may include imaging devices that can be programmed to receive scan tasks and display the scan tasks to a user in a desired manner. In addition, the network may include imaging devices that cannot be programmed in this manner. These devices are connected to a separate terminal having a user interface. Said separate terminal receives the scan tasks and displays the scan tasks to the user in the desired manner. The user interacts with the terminal and adjusts the scan task to be compatible with the imaging device, after which the terminal sends commands to the imaging device.

[0025] After the user logs in, the user's customized scan tasks appear on the user interface. After the user logs into the imaging device, the access code stored in the imaging devices provides the user with available scanning tasks. Since scanning tasks can be distributed to multiple imaging devices on the network, the scanning tasks will appear on the user interface after the user has logged into any imaging device on the network that the user is allowed to use. The user then selects the appropriate scan task and scans the corresponding item. This may show the user a pre-selected scan setting associated with that scan task. In some cases, the user is allowed to change the scan settings if necessary. In other cases, the preselected scan setup options cannot be changed. The item is scanned with the preselected (or modified) scan settings, and the scanned image is sent to the preselected destination.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the scan settings are optimized for each imaging device in the network. For example, some networks may include both older and newer devices. Some networks may include devices with advanced functionality and devices with only basic functionality. Some networks may include imaging devices from different manufacturers. When using different devices, each device may have a different optimal scan setting for a particular document. Therefore, each device may have a different scan setting option.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the scan settings for a particular device are pre-selected. According to another embodiment, the scan settings are dynamically adjusted after the user logs into a particular device. After logging in, the networked computer is notified which device is being used and adjusts the scan settings.

[0028] In the above example, each scan task is a discrete scan operation that needs to be performed only once. In such cases, the scan task is removed from all imaging devices when it is completed. The central computer in the network has a delete code and sends this delete code to each imaging device to delete scan jobs from the imaging devices after the scan task is completed. In one alternative device, the deletion code may be generated and sent by the imaging device.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the scan task notification may be sent to multiple persons. This notification can be referred to as a one-to-many task because one administrator sends a request to a group. In one example of a one-to-many task, each person receiving the notification must complete the scan task. For example, if a group of people will be sent on a business trip, everyone in the travel group must scan their passport. In another example of a one-to-many task, the specified task should be executed only once. For example, a group of administrative workers may be asked to scan a patient's x-ray. After one person in the administrative worker group completes a scan task, no other person in the group needs to perform that scan task.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of a system 400 for distributing scanning tasks to multiple network imaging devices. According to this embodiment, a third party application 410 (eg, a software product) can be programmed to initiate a scan task and send that scan task to all network imaging devices 420. For example, the inventory software product may be programmed to request a particular form scanning task when a particular delivery type is entered. Notification of this scan task is sent to selected users 430 either to the imaging devices themselves (for example, if the imaging device is a mobile phone) or to separate notification devices (such as the user's inbox, their mobile phone, tablet, and the like). ) and the scan task is sent to all available imaging devices. When the user approaches the imaging device to perform a scanning task, the scanning task is already preloaded so that the user does not need to manually enter scan settings or destination settings. However, in some cases the user may have the option to change the settings. The user can then perform a scanning task on the imaging device and the generated document image is sent to the destination. The execution code residing in the imaging device creates an image of the document based on the scan settings defined in the imaging device.

[0031] According to one embodiment, after the user completes the scanning task, the scanned document is checked against the requested input. As one example, if the scanning task is related to scanning a passport, the system may use artificial intelligence (eg, a classification system) to optically recognize that the passport has actually been scanned, that the number of pages is correct, and the like. In addition, validation can be performed by comparing the pre-populated metadata with the received data.

[0032] According to yet another embodiment, after the user completes the scanning task and the imaging device receives the document, a second notification is sent to selected users either on the imaging devices themselves or on separate notification devices. The second notification may be a notification that the scan task has been completed. Alternatively, the second notification may be a notification of a second scanning task requiring a scanned document before it can be performed. For example, the first scan task may be to scan a specific document, and the second scan task may be to print a copy of the scanned document or scan a related document.

[0033] After the user completes the scanning task, the imaging apparatus may be configured to further automatically process the scanned image. For example, an imaging device may perform a text recognition (OCR) operation on a text document, optimize an image for printing, or compress a document for storage or transmission.

[0034] After the user performs a scanning task on one imaging device, the imaging device reports that the scanning task has been completed. This report is sent to the central server. If the report is sent to the central server, the central server identifies all other imaging devices that have received the scan task and instructs them to delete the scan task. Anyway, after the scanning task in one imaging device is completed, the scanning tasks are deleted from all other imaging devices. The ability for a user to use any available imaging device to perform a preloaded scanning task improves the overall process of obtaining an image of the desired document. This enhances the functionality of all imaging devices as the imaging devices and third party application work together in a distributed manner to facilitate the process. In addition, the process is improved by the interconnection of imaging devices (between themselves or with a central server) to remove scan tasks from all imaging devices after the scanning task is completed in one imaging device. This prevents the same scan task from being executed twice by mistake.

[0035] FIG. 5 is an exemplary depiction of 500 scan tasks and workflows on a mobile device. Exemplary mobile devices include mobile phones and tablets. In addition, scan tasks may be sent to a laptop or desktop computer having a camera or other imaging capabilities.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the mobile device is part of a scanning network. The user can scan the desired document using the device's camera function. As with other imaging devices, an image is created using pre-selected scan settings and sent to a pre-selected destination. The scan settings for a scan task can be optimized for the specific mobile device you are currently using. Scan settings may be pre-selected for a particular mobile device, or they may be dynamically adjusted after a user logs into the device. After logging in, the networked computer is notified which device is currently in use and adjusts the scan settings.

[0037] FIG. 6 shows an exemplary scan request notification 510 on the display 500 of the mobile device. The user, when notified of a scan task, can scan with their mobile phone if appropriate, or can scan in the MFP. The scan task automatically directs the scanned document to the appropriate location. After a scan is completed, scan notifications and scan tasks are removed from all devices in the system.

[0038] It is important to note that the scanning task is initiated by software located at a location remote from the imaging device, not in the imaging device. In addition, an important aspect of the present invention is the distribution of scan tasks and notifications to multiple devices in the system, and the removal of scan tasks and notifications after scanning is performed in one of the devices.

[0039] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating yet another embodiment of a system for distributing scanning tasks from an application 610 to multiple network imaging devices 620 . This figure more clearly illustrates the use of dedicated imaging devices, MFPs 630, and mobile devices 640. According to this embodiment, one user 650 could have several of the above devices, all of which are capable of receiving scan tasks. If a scan task requires action by a specific user and the user's location is unknown, the scan task can be routed to all of the user's devices so that the converter can complete the scan task on any of its devices.

[0040] In FIG. 8 is an exemplary user interface for performing a specific passport scanning task for a specific user. In the example shown in FIG. 8, a scan task is created for the user identified as Mr. Bowes. The scan task settings show the metadata fields that are required for the passport scan task. In this example, the task requires an identification number, a passport number, and a country of origin. Some or all of the metadata fields may be pre-populated by the user or a third party operator, or the data may be automatically retrieved from a database. According to the illustrated embodiment, the identification number and passport number fields are pre-populated, but the country must be selected by the user from a drop-down menu. According to one such embodiment, if an adjustment is required, the user can make changes to the pre-populated fields. According to another embodiment, the user is prohibited from making changes to the pre-populated fields. After all metadata fields are filled in, and the user has put the passport into the scanner (or placed it in front of the camera of the phone or other device), the user taps the “Scan” button to scan the passport.

[0041] According to the embodiment of FIG. 8 additional functions can be executed by the system and displayed on the user interface. Examples of additional features include the ability to schedule tasks based on dates and times in the future, including recurring tasks that must be performed periodically. In addition, the scanning task may include creating a document requiring the user to enter additional information such as destination data or metadata including document type, author, additional data in the document such as dates, addresses, department identification, metadata, related to the scan, such as scan parameters, etc. Some of the metadata may be predefined by the system or in cooperation with interrelated systems. Scan tasks can be integrated with other third-party applications (for example, applications on a mobile phone or tablet), and the scanning task can be performed using a third-party application.

[0042] FIG. 9 is a flowchart 700 illustrating a method for creating and executing a scan task. The third party creates a scan task by selecting an existing template (at 710). At this stage, the third party may also prepopulate some or all of the metadata fields and assign the task to the user. The assigned scan task is then made available on all MFPs, mobile devices, and other terminals (at 720). The scanning task is then distributed to the imaging devices on the network and a notification is sent to the user. When a user logs into the imaging device, customized scan tasks for that particular user are presented. The user then selects a task, enters any additional metadata, and performs the scan task (at 730). If the scan task is a single, discrete operation, it is then removed from all devices (at 740). If the scan task is a recurring scan task, it remains on the devices so that it can be performed again (at 750).

[0043] According to one embodiment, the scan task may include a deadline. For example, a scan may be required within three days. If a scan task is not completed in a timely manner, reminder notifications may be sent to the user. In addition, notifications can be sent to an administrator or other person who can provide human intervention (either by completing a task or by instructing the user to complete a task).

[0044] After the scanning task is completed, a report or an API call (a call provided by the application programming interface) may be generated. The report may include metadata describing the operation performed and information about who, what, where, when, and how the operation was performed. For example, a third-party administrator who created a scan task may receive a report that a passport scan was made at a specific time, by a specific person, using a specific imaging device. In addition, the report may contain scan settings and the scan destination that was used, and a link that can be used to navigate to the scanned file or even to the scan result itself.

[0045] FIG. 10 is a schematic representation of exemplary user interfaces, including user interfaces on dedicated imaging devices, MFPs, and mobile devices. User interfaces can show different scan tasks available to a particular user. The user interface shown in Fig. 10 provides the user with the option to select and view pending scan tasks. In addition, the user interface provides the user with options to complete the scan task by using the Scan button, viewing scan task details, filling in metadata, or returning to top-level or other menus.

[0046] According to all of the above embodiments, the disclosed functions can be achieved using a computer program located in a central server in an office, user devices (including mobile phones, tablets, PCs, etc.), scanners, printers, cameras, and multifunctional devices. The computer program may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium such as a CD, USB, hard drives, cloud storage, or any other external or internal storage that can be used by the computer.

[0047] Where the term "comprises" or "comprising" is used in the description or claims, it is intended to be inclusive, like the term "comprising" as that term is interpreted when used as a transitional word in the claims . Further, in cases where the union "or" is used (for example, A or B), it is intended to mean "A or B or both." If applicants intend to indicate “only A or B, but not both”, then the expression “only A or B, but not both” will be used. Thus, the use of "or" in this document is inclusive and not exclusive. See Bryan A. Garner, A Dictionary of Modern Legal Usage 624 (2d. Ed. 1995). In addition, where the prepositions "in" or "inside" are used in the description or claims, they are intended to additionally mean "on" or "on the surface". In addition, where the term "connect" is used in the description or claims, it is intended to mean not only "directly connected to" but also "indirectly connected to", for example, connected through another component or components.

[0048] Although the present invention has been illustrated by the description of its embodiments, and although the embodiments have been described in some detail, it is not the intention of Applicants to in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to the details given. Those skilled in the art will recognize additional advantages and variations. Therefore, the present application in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and method, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, deviations from these details are possible within the essence and scope of the general idea of the present invention.

Claims (44)

1. A computer-readable storage medium that stores instructions for at least one of several imaging devices for creating a digital image of a scanned document, comprising: task instructions specifying a scanning task to be performed by a user on one of the plurality of imaging devices, the scanning task including scan settings and destination settings; distribution instructions configured to cause the central server to distribute scanning tasks to multiple imaging devices; notification instructions configured to cause the central server to distribute scan task notifications to either at least one of the plurality of imaging devices or a separate device to receive notifications, the scan task notification notifying a user of a request to scan the identified document; and execution instructions for creating a digital image of a scanned document in one of several imaging devices in accordance with the scan settings. 2. The computer-readable medium of claim 1, wherein said plural imaging devices include at least a first device and a second device, and the scanning task includes a first scan setting associated with the first device and a second setting scan associated with the second device, wherein the first scan setting is different from the second scan setting. 3. The computer-readable medium of claim 1, further comprising credentials verification instructions for verification when a user successfully provides the user's credentials at one of the plurality of imaging devices. 4. The computer-readable medium of claim. 1, further containing access instructions allowing user access to the scan task after successfully providing user credentials. 5. The computer-readable medium of claim 1, further comprising deletion instructions deleting the scan task from all imaging devices after the scanning task has been performed on one imaging device. 6. The computer-readable medium of claim 1, wherein the distribution instructions cause each of the plurality of imaging devices to request a scan task from a central server. 7. The computer-readable medium of claim 1, wherein the distribution instructions issue a scan task to each of a plurality of imaging devices from a central server. 8. The computer-readable medium of claim 1, wherein the distribution instructions send a scan task to multiple imaging devices at regular intervals. 9. The computer-readable medium of claim. 1, wherein multiple imaging devices are available to a group of users. 10. The computer-readable medium of claim 1, wherein the notification instructions for distributing the notification of the scan task issue a notification to the mobile phone. 11. The computer-readable medium of claim 1, wherein the execution instructions are configured to further process the digital image of the scanned document. 12. The computer-readable medium of claim 1, wherein the notification instructions are configured to distribute notification of the scanning task to multiple persons. 13. A scanning network system for creating scanning tasks and receiving scanned documents, the scanning network system comprising: a central server for distributing a scanning task and distributing a notification associated with the scanning task, wherein the scanning task is associated with scanning the identified document, and said notification notifying a user of a request to scan the identified document; a plurality of imaging devices for receiving and performing a scanning task; and a database for storing information designed to receive an image of a document created during the execution of a scanning task. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein at least one of the plurality of imaging devices is an interactive device including a display and a camera. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the interactive device is selected from the group consisting of a mobile phone, smartphone, tablet, smart watch, personal computer, laptop, and interactive terminal. 16. The system of claim 13, wherein at least one of the plurality of imaging devices is programmed to display a user interface including a list of at least two pending scan tasks. 17. The system of claim. 13, further comprising a user device configured to receive a notification. 18. The system of claim 13, wherein the plurality of imaging devices are configured to receive a notification. 19. The system of claim 13, wherein the scan task includes scan settings and a scan destination. 20. The system of claim 13, wherein said scanning network is further configured to perform additional functions and display said additional functions on a user interface of at least one of the plurality of imaging devices. 21. The system of claim 20, wherein said additional features include at least one feature selected from the group consisting of the following: scheduling tasks by date and time, scheduling recurring tasks, creating a document that requires the user to enter additional information, and integration of scanning tasks with third-party applications. 22. A method for creating and executing a scanning task for a document, the method comprising: creating a scan task, the scan task including scan settings and a scan destination, the scan task being associated with the identified document; sending a scan task to the user device; sending a notification to the user device, the notification indicating that the scanning task is incomplete; obtaining a scanned document as a result of the user performing a scanning task on the user device in accordance with the scan settings; and saving the scanned document to the scan destination. 23. The method for creating and executing a scan task according to claim 22, wherein the user device is a plurality of user devices, and each of the plurality of user devices receives the scan task. 24. The method of creating and executing a scan task according to claim 23, further comprising the step of deleting the scan task from all user devices after receiving the scanned document. 25. The method of creating and executing the scanning task of claim 22, further comprising the step of sending a second notification to the user device upon receipt of the scanned document. 26. The method for creating and executing a scan task according to claim 25, wherein the second notification is a notification that the scan task has been completed. 27. The method of creating and executing a scan task according to claim 25, wherein the second notification is a notification of the second scan task, and the required precondition for the second scan task is to receive a scanned document. 28. The method for creating and executing a scanning task according to claim 22, further comprising the step of checking the scanned document. 29. The method of creating and executing a scan task according to claim 28, wherein the verification step includes comparing the pre-filled metadata with the received data.

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