JP2002010025A - Scanner - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable reading operation by a scanner itself even when outputting devices such as PC, printer, etc., are not connected therewith. SOLUTION: A scanner 1 is provided with a memory device 11 and writes an image data read by a reading part to a memory medium 2 such as attachable/detachable memory card, MO, etc. The conventional scanner cannot operate reading when an outputting PC is not connected therewith, however, the scanner 1 has a memory function therein and can operate reading independently without connecting it with the PC. A read image data is processed by formatting or cryptographic key which is set by users, and the processed data is stored in the memory medium 2, thereby securing matching with utilized devices or confidentiality.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a scanner,
More specifically, the present invention relates to a scanner that includes a storage device that stores read data in a removable storage medium such as a memory card, thereby enabling a scanner to perform a reading operation independently.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A scanner which scans a document or the like to be read by a line image sensor and reads image data by photoelectrically detecting a target surface has been widely used as one of image input devices. 2. Description of the Related Art Conventional scanners are portable, such as handy scanners, and even small scanners that can be manually operated require a read destination for read image data. In other words, the reading operation is not performed unless there is a destination that is connected to a PC (personal computer) or a printer as a reading destination via an interface and outputs the read image data. By the way, a digital still camera is used as a device for generating image data and inputting the image data to be used in a PC, a printer, or the like. In the digital still camera, a captured image data can be detached from a memory card or the like. By providing a device for reading and storing the data in a simple storage medium, an image can be read even from a device not connected to a PC or a printer. In a digital still camera, writing to a storage medium such as a memory card is performed in a format that can be set in advance.

[0003]

In the above-described scanner which has been conventionally used as one of the image input devices, the reading operation is not performed unless there is a destination such as a PC or a printer for transmitting the read image data. This limits the range of use and lacks convenience. In particular, in a scanner of a type such as a handy scanner, the same convenience (portability, usability of read image data, etc.) as a digital still camera used as one of the image input devices is required. . The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems or problems of the conventional scanner, and has as its object even if an output destination device such as a PC or a printer for transmitting read image data is not connected. Another object of the present invention is to provide a scanner (including a portable device such as a handy scanner or the like and a small-sized device which can be manually operated) which enables a reading operation, that is, enables a reading operation by itself. Also,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a portable scanner having the above-mentioned object (a small-sized scanner which can be carried and manually operated, which is included in the category of a conventional handy scanner or the like). Furthermore, with the provision of a scanner that can perform a reading operation independently by the scanner, a means for guaranteeing the usability of the read image data so that the usability does not decrease in a PC or a printer that uses the read image data. An object of the present invention is to provide a scanner provided with a scanner.

[0004]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image reading means for reading a target image, and a storage medium being detachable, and storing the image data read by the image reading means on the storage medium. It is a scanner provided with a storage device.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the scanner according to the first aspect is configured to be portable.

A third aspect of the present invention is the scanner according to the first or second aspect, further comprising means for displaying an image read by the image reading means.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the scanner according to any one of the first to third aspects, means for setting a format for the image data, and processing the read image data according to the setting format of the setting means. Means for storing formatted image data in the storage means.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the scanner according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, a key unique to each image unit is added as data for managing the image data stored in the storage unit. It is characterized by doing.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the scanner according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, a means for reading the image data stored in the storage means, and the data and image read from the storage means. And means for outputting data read by the means to the outside.

[0010]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described with reference to the following embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of an embodiment of a scanner provided with a storage device capable of loading and unloading a storage medium (storage medium) according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between the scanner according to the present embodiment and a device that uses image data read by the scanner. As shown in the overall view of FIG. 1 and an enlarged view of a main part, the scanner 1 of the present embodiment includes a storage device 11 having a mounting opening for a storage medium 2 such as a memory card (or MO).
The image data read by the reading unit of the scanner 1 is written to the storage medium 2 by the storage device 11. The storage medium 2 is detachable from the apparatus, and by writing the storage medium 2 after writing and loading the storage medium 2 into another apparatus that accepts the storage medium 2, it is possible to transfer the storage medium 2 to another apparatus via the storage medium 2 and use it. Make it possible. Further, the provision of the storage device 11 to store the read image data in the storage medium 2 means that the reading operation can be completed by the scanner 1 itself, and the output destination device (PC or the like) is connected. If not, the reading operation could not be performed conventionally, but the reading operation can be performed without a PC or the like connected. Scanner 1
Has a line image sensor for reading an image to be read. As a method of scanning the target image by the line image sensor and reading the image data, various known methods can be adopted. For example, a method in which a target document is fixed on a document glass and read by running a line image sensor, or a method known by an ADF (automatic document feeder), which is known as a method adopted in a stationary scanner so far. A method in which a document is moved and read by a fixed line image sensor may be used.

Further, the scanner 1 has means for performing necessary processing such as predetermined formatting on the read image data, and converts the image data into data that can be processed by a device to be used. Also,
A key or the like is provided on an operation unit (not shown) for giving an input instruction so that the user can set the predetermined format. Further, a means for outputting data stored from the storage medium 2 to a device to be used is provided so that the storage medium 2 can be used by the device while the storage medium 2 is attached to the storage device 11 as in the related art. For example, a device using image data read by the scanner 1
C or a printer. When a storage means for reading out data by mounting a storage medium 2 in which data is stored by a storage device 11 provided in the scanner 1 on a PC or a printer side is provided, as shown in FIG. It is necessary to equip the PC 3 and the printer 4 with storage devices 31 and 41 compatible with the PC 11, respectively. This relationship is equivalent to the relationship between the digital still camera 5 and a device using image data captured by the camera. As shown in FIG. 2, the digital still camera 5 stores and stores photographed image data in a memory card, and the PCs 3 and the printer 4 that are used devices store storage devices 31 and 41 compatible with the cameras. With this arrangement, data is taken in via a memory card.

When reading by the scanner 1,
The user sets the format of the data stored in the storage medium 2 through the operation unit of the scanner 1. When the scanner 1 performs reading, an operation is started by setting an original to be read on an original platen by an operation similar to that of a copying machine and performing an operation such as pressing a start key. At the end of the image reading, the read image data is stored in a removable and portable storage medium 2 such as a memory card. Thereafter, when using the data stored in the storage medium 2, the storage medium 2 can be taken out from the scanner 1 and processed and output by a utilization device having a compatible storage device via the storage medium 2. . Since the format of data that can be processed by the user device is set according to the user's operation on the user device side, desired processing can be performed without a conventional interface for connecting to a scanner. If the device to be used is a printer, the scanner 1 can also set the size of the image to be printed out when reading the image. Even when the scanner 1 according to the present embodiment is connected to a PC or a printer via an interface and functions as a system scanner, the scanned image data is stored in the storage device 11 so that the scanner 1 can independently read the image data. Since the operation can be performed, the reading operation can be performed regardless of whether a PC, a printer, or the like is connected or whether the power of the PC or the printer is turned on.

As a further embodiment of the scanner according to the present invention, an example in which a portable scanner is configured will be described. In this example, a conventional so-called handy scanner, that is, a portable, manually operable small scanner is provided with a storage device compatible with use equipment (PC, printer, etc.) in the same manner as described above. This constitutes a portable scanner. Since this portable scanner is newly provided with a storage device, if it is applied to a conventional so-called handy scanner, it naturally becomes larger by that amount. On the other hand, if the method is implemented by a method that does not require a connection means (interface) with a used device provided in a conventional so-called handy scanner, the size can be further reduced.
In the latter case, since the scanner can perform the reading operation independently and does not require an interface, the image can be read at any time by carrying only the scanner, and the original portable scanner is provided. Will be. Further, the amount of images that can be stored can be further increased by exchanging a storage medium such as a memory card.

As a further embodiment of the scanner according to the present invention, a scanner capable of displaying a preview of a read image will be described. In this example, in the same scanner as the above embodiment, when an operation of storing read image data in the storage medium 2 by the storage device 11 is performed, a means for displaying a preview to check the read image data is provided by the scanner. To equip. FIG. 3 shows an example. In the figure, there is provided a display 12 which can preview an image read by the scanner 1 according to the present invention provided with a storage device 11 in which the storage medium 2 is detachable. Conventionally, the display means capable of previewing in this embodiment uses a P
The preview function which can be performed on the display screen of C3 is realized on the scanner 1 side. In the present embodiment, when the scanner 1 performs the image reading operation independently by storing the read data in the storage device 11, the image data read by the display (for example, LCD or the like) 12 that displays a preview is checked and confirmed. Then you can save the data.

Next, as an embodiment relating to the scanner of the present invention, a scanner provided with means for managing image data will be described. In the present embodiment, in a scanner 1 including a removable storage medium for a storage medium 2 for storing read image data, a unit as data for managing the read image data stored in the storage medium 2 is defined as a unit. A unique key is added to the image. This is because, when a scanner is used by a plurality of users, an image read when a plurality of people use the scanner is stored in the storage medium 2. Therefore, unless the image can be managed, others can freely use the image. Can be taken out, and security cannot be protected and copyright cannot be protected. In this embodiment, in order to manage the image from this viewpoint, when writing the image to the storage medium 2, an object such as an encryption key is embedded in the image.
Save something like an encryption key with the file to be saved. By providing the encryption key to the image, the image can be read only by the PC 3 or the printer 4 having the same encryption key, or only by a human operation who knows the encryption key. This feature prevents others from opening the image and achieves the intended purpose.

Here, the operation of a scanner having a storage device compatible with the above-mentioned devices (PC, printer, etc.) will be described according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 shows an operation flow relating to the scanner of this embodiment. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the scanner 1 has all the functions shown in the above embodiment. Therefore, when the process is performed on a scanner that is not equipped with some functions (for example, when there is no preview, formatting and processing of an encryption key, and there is no interface with a PC, a printer, or the like), the process is performed according to a flow in which the corresponding steps are omitted. I can do it. The operation will be described with reference to FIG.
In a state where the reading operation can be started, for example, when a reading original is set on a platen or a portable type, the scanner is set on a reading target by operating the scanner, and then the operation is started and reading is performed (S11). After the reading, the read image is displayed on the display unit 12, the image is previewed, and it is checked whether the reading is performed correctly (S1).
2). After confirming that the desired reading has been performed in the preview, it is determined whether the format of the image data and the encryption key to be given are set as setting conditions input by the user through the operation unit (not shown) of the scanner 1. Check (S13). If the setting has been made, formatting and processing of the encryption key according to the setting are performed on the read image data (S14).
Pass 14.

Here, whether a PC, a printer, or the like is connected as a device to be used (S15).
It is checked whether the power is on (S16). As a result of the check, if it is not connected and the power is not turned on,
The read image data is stored in the storage medium 2 by the storage device 11 (S17). After storage, if the storage medium 2 is not taken out of the storage device 11 (S18-NO), it is stored as it is. When removing the storage medium 2 from the storage device 11 (S18-YES), the image data is transferred via the storage medium 2. That is, the storage medium 2 is loaded into a use device (PC, printer, etc.) that accepts the storage medium 2,
By inputting, use becomes possible (S19). On the other hand, if a PC or printer is connected as a device to be used in S15 or S16 and its power is ON, it is checked whether there is an instruction to transfer and output read image data to the PC or printer (S20). If there is a transfer and output instruction,
This is executed (S21), and if there is no transfer or output instruction, S21 is passed. Here, the read image data is stored in the storage medium 2 (S22), and this flow ends. As described above, in this example, even if the read image data is transferred and output to a PC, a printer, or the like,
The image data is stored in the storage medium 2.

[0018]

(1) Effects corresponding to the first aspect of the present invention PC, printer, etc. by equipping a scanner with a device for storing a read image in a removable storage medium such as a memory card or MO. The scanner can perform its own reading operation even when the device to be used for output is not connected. Further, it is possible to transfer an image read via a storage medium to an output device such as a PC or a printer equipped with a compatible storage device and process the image. Further, the amount of images that can be stored can be further increased by exchanging storage media such as a memory card and an MO. (2) Advantages Corresponding to the Invention of Claim 2 In addition to the advantages of (1) above, by configuring the scanner as a portable type, it is possible to perform a reading operation independently of the scanner, and particularly output devices such as a PC and a printer. By adopting a format that does not require an interface with the scanner, it is possible to carry only the scanner, and it is possible to provide an original handy (portable) scanner that can read an image anytime and anywhere. (3) Advantages Corresponding to the Invention of Claim 3 In addition to the advantages of (1) and (2) above, by equipping the scanner with a display such as an LCD for displaying the scanned image, The image can be saved after confirming that the image is the same, so that useless images are not saved, and reading failure does not occur.

(4) Advantages Corresponding to the Invention of Claim 4 In addition to the advantages (1) to (3) above, the read image data is subjected to data processing according to a format set by the user to be formatted. By storing the image data in the storage medium, it is possible to achieve consistency with a device using the data stored in the storage medium. (5) Effects corresponding to the invention of claim 5 In addition to the effects of the above (1) to (4), a unique key is assigned to each image unit as data for managing image data stored in a storage medium. By doing so, the image can be read only by a PC, a printer, or the like having the same encryption key, or through an operation of a person who knows the encryption key. This function prevents others from viewing or outputting the image without permission, thereby protecting the copyright and security of the stored image. (6) Effects corresponding to the invention of claim 6 In addition to the effects of the above (1) to (5), the image data stored in the storage medium is read, and the read data and the image data read by the image reading means. By further providing a means for outputting data to the outside, the conventional P
C. In addition to being able to function as a scanner system connected to an output device such as a printer, data can be output from image data stored in a storage medium, and the performance can be further improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of an embodiment of a scanner including a storage device having a removable storage medium according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a relationship between the scanner of the embodiment of FIG. 1 and a device using image data read by the scanner.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the scanner of the present invention equipped with a means for displaying a preview.

FIG. 4 shows an operation flow relating to the scanner of the present embodiment provided with a storage device compatible with a used device.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Scanner, 2 ... Storage media, 3 ... PC (personal computer), 4 ... Printer, 5 ... Digital still camera, 11, 31, 41 ... Storage device, 12 ... Display.

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page F term (reference) 5B047 AA01 EA10 5B065 BA09 CA17 CA40 5C062 AA05 AB20 AB23 AB42 AC25 AD05 AF14 BB03 5C072 AA01 BA05 UA11 UA20 XA01 5C073 AA02 AB03 AB04 AB05 AB12 BD01 CB03 CE02

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A scanner comprising: an image reading means for reading a target image; and a storage device for detachably mounting a storage medium and storing the image data read by the image reading means in the storage medium. 2. A scanner according to claim 1, wherein said scanner is portable. 3. The scanner according to claim 1, further comprising means for displaying an image read by said image reading means. 4. A scanner according to claim 1, further comprising means for setting a format for the image data, and means for processing the read image data according to the setting format of the setting means. A scanner storing the converted image data in the storage unit. 5. A scanner according to claim 1, wherein a unique key is assigned to each image as data for managing the image data stored in said storage means. Scanner. 6. A scanner according to claim 1, wherein said image data stored in said storage means is read, and the data read from the storage means and the image data are read by the image reading means. A scanner further comprising means for outputting data to the outside.