JP2004280607A - Picture reader - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance operability in using a picture reader allowing the transmission of picture data read from a manuscript through a network to a plurality of information processors. <P>SOLUTION: In a digital complex device 1, a CPU 42 (Central Processing Unit) retrieves a shared folder set personal computer PC out of a plurality of personal computers PC1-PCn connected through a LAN 2 (Local Area Network) to the digital complex device 1. The name of a shared folder set to the personal computer PC and a personal computer PC is displayed on a touch panel 52. A user specifies the personal computer PC at a transmission destination for picture data and the shared folder by using the touch panel 52. The picture data are then transmitted to the shared folder of the specified personal computer PC from the digital complex device 1. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image reading device that transmits image data read from a document to an information processing device on a network.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, in an office or the like, a network scanner device such as a scanner or a digital copier is connected to a plurality of personal computers PC (Personal Computer) or the like via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) to thereby provide a network scanner device ( In the following, document data read by an image reading device is transmitted to each personal computer PC (hereinafter, referred to as an information processing device) (for example, see Patent Documents 1 and 2).
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-290661 [Patent Document 2]
JP 2002-278736 A
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In a conventional image reading apparatus, a user needs to install a scanner utility on the information processing apparatus in order to transmit the read image data to the information processing apparatus. Image data could not be sent. Therefore, for a user who is not accustomed to the operation method of the information processing apparatus, there is a problem that work such as installation of a scanner utility is troublesome and lacks convenience.
[0005]
SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to provide an image reading apparatus that can transmit read image data to a desired information processing apparatus by performing simple settings on the information processing apparatus side. The purpose is to provide.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An image reading apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention is a plurality of image reading apparatuses capable of transmitting image data read from a document to an information processing apparatus via a network, wherein said plurality of information processing apparatuses share a shared folder. Search means for searching for an information processing apparatus in which is set, transmission destination identification information for specifying the information processing apparatus searched by the search means, and a shared folder for specifying the shared folder set in the information processing apparatus. The first display means for displaying the folder identification information, the information processing apparatus specified by the destination identification information displayed on the first display means, and the shared folder specified by the folder identification information allow the user to obtain image data. Specifying means for specifying a desired information processing apparatus and a shared folder as a transmission destination of information, and information specified by the specifying means The shared folder management apparatus, characterized by comprising a transmitting means for transmitting the image data.
[0007]
According to this configuration, the user sets in advance the shared folder in the information processing device desired as the destination of the image data, and specifies the information processing device and the shared folder by using the specifying unit in the image reading device. The image data is transmitted from the image reading device to the shared folder of the designated information processing device. Therefore, the operation such as installation of the scanner utility in the information processing apparatus, which is conventionally required, is not required, and even a user unfamiliar with the operation of the information processing apparatus can easily use the image reading apparatus, Operability can be improved.
[0008]
An image reading device according to a second aspect of the present invention is the image reading device according to the first aspect, wherein a password for restricting data transmission / reception to the information processing device designated by the designation means is set. Input means for inputting the password, and a notifying means for notifying the information processing apparatus of the password input by the input means, wherein the transmitting means transmits the password to the information processing apparatus by the notifying means. The transmission of image data to the information processing apparatus is prohibited when the password notified to the information processing apparatus does not match the password set in the information processing apparatus.
[0009]
According to this configuration, access from the image reading device to the information processing device is restricted by the password set in the information processing device, and image data not intended by the user is transmitted from the image reading device to the information processing device. Can be prevented.
[0010]
An image reading device according to a third aspect of the present invention is the image reading device according to the first aspect, wherein as a result of the search by the search unit, an information processing device in which a shared folder is set is not searched. In an information processing apparatus desired by a user as a transmission destination, a second display unit for displaying a message for urging the user to set a shared folder is provided.
[0011]
According to this configuration, when the shared folder is not set in the information processing device desired by the user as a transmission destination, an appropriate operation procedure can be guided to the user, and operability can be improved. it can.
[0012]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a digital multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described as an example of an image reading apparatus according to the present invention with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a network system using a digital multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0013]
In the network system shown in FIG. 1, a digital multifunction peripheral 1 and personal computers PC1 to PCn are connected via a LAN (Local Area Network) 2 which is an example of a network, and a TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) protocol is used. And can communicate with each other, and can transmit and receive various data.
[0014]
FIG. 2 is a schematic side view mainly showing a mechanical configuration of the digital multifunction peripheral according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0015]
The digital multifunction peripheral 1 includes a main body 200, a paper post-processing unit 300 disposed on the left side of the main body 200, an operation unit 400 for a user to input various operation commands and the like, and an upper part of the main body 200. , And a document feeding unit 600 disposed above the document reading unit 500.
[0016]
The operation unit 400 includes a touch panel 401, a start key 402, a numeric keypad 403, and the like. The touch panel 401 displays various operation screens, and displays various operation buttons and the like for the user to input various operation commands. A start key 402 is used by a user to input a print execution command and the like, and a ten key 403 is used by a user to input the number of prints and the like.
[0017]
The document feeding section 600 includes a document storage section 601, a document discharge section 602, a paper feed roller 603, a document transport section 604, and the like, and the document reading section 500 includes a scanner 501 and the like. The paper feed roller 603 feeds out the documents set in the document storage unit 601, and the document feed unit 604 feeds the fed documents one by one onto the scanner 501 in order. The scanner 501 sequentially reads the conveyed documents, and the read documents are discharged to a document discharge unit 602.
[0018]
The main body unit 200 includes a plurality of paper feed cassettes 201, a plurality of paper feed rollers 202, a transfer roller 203, a photosensitive drum 204, an exposure device 206, a developing device 207, a fixing roller 208, a discharge port 209, a discharge tray 210, and the like. Prepare.
[0019]
The photosensitive drum 204 is uniformly charged by a charging device (not shown) while rotating in the direction of the arrow. The exposure device 206 converts a modulation signal generated based on image data of a document read by the document reading unit 500 into a laser beam and outputs the laser beam, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 204. The developing device 207 supplies a black developer to the photosensitive drum 204 to form a toner image.
[0020]
On the other hand, the paper feed roller 202 pulls out the print paper from the paper feed cassette 201 in which the print paper is stored, and feeds the print paper to the transfer roller 203. The transfer roller 203 transfers the toner image on the photosensitive drum 204 to the conveyed printing paper, and the fixing roller 208 heats the transferred toner image to fix it on the printing paper. Thereafter, the printing paper is carried into the paper post-processing unit 300 from the outlet 209 of the main body 200. The printing paper is also discharged to the discharge tray 210 as needed.
[0021]
The sheet post-processing section 300 includes a carry-in port 301, a print sheet transport section 302, a carry-out port 303, a stack tray 304, and the like. The print paper transport unit 302 sequentially transports the print papers carried into the carry-in port 301 from the discharge port 209, and finally discharges the print paper from the carry-out port 303 to the stack tray 304. The stack tray 304 is configured to be able to move up and down in the direction of the arrow in accordance with the number of sheets of print paper carried out from the carry-out port 303.
[0022]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram mainly showing an electric configuration of the digital multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. The digital MFP 1 includes a scanner unit 11, an image processing unit 21, a printer unit 31, a control unit 41, an operation panel unit 51, a network I / F (interface) unit 71, and an HDD (hard disk drive) 74.
[0023]
The operation panel section 51 includes a touch panel section 52 including a touch panel 401 and the like illustrated in FIG. 2 and an operation key section 53 including a start key 402 and a numeric keypad 403 illustrated in FIG. The operation panel unit 51 is used by a user to perform operations related to a scanner function, a facsimile function, a printer function, a copy function, and the like, and gives an operation command or the like from the user to the control unit 41. The touch panel unit 52 includes a touch panel unit or the like in which a touch panel and an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) are combined, and various operation screens such as user selection, transmission destination selection, and transmission settings (document size, transmission In addition to displaying information on the size, reading resolution, and the like, etc., an operation button or the like for the user to input various operation commands by touching the relevant portion is displayed. The operation key unit 53 is used by a user to input a print execution command, a scan start command, an enlargement transmission start command, and the like.
[0024]
The scanner section 11 includes an exposure lamp 12 and a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 13 that constitute the scanner 501 shown in FIG. The scanner unit 11 irradiates the original with the exposure lamp 12 and receives the reflected light by the CCD 13 to read an image from the original and output image data corresponding to the read image to the image processing unit 21.
[0025]
The image processing unit 21 includes a correction unit 22, an image processing unit 23, and an image memory 24. The image processing unit 21 processes the read image data by the correction unit 22 and the image processing unit 23 as necessary, and stores the processed image data in the image memory 24, the printer unit 31 or the network I / F. Output to the unit 71 and the like. The correction unit 22 performs predetermined correction processing such as level correction and γ correction on the read image data. The image processing unit 23 performs various processing such as compression or decompression of image data and enlargement or reduction.
[0026]
The printer unit 31 includes a sheet transport unit 32 including a sheet cassette 201 and a sheet feeding roller 202 illustrated in FIG. 2, and an image including a photosensitive drum 204, an exposure device 206, and a developing device 207 illustrated in FIG. 2. The fixing unit 35 includes a forming unit 33, a transfer unit 34 including the transfer roller 203 illustrated in FIG. 2, and a fixing unit 35 including the fixing roller 208 illustrated in FIG. The printer unit 31 prints an image on a recording sheet using original data read by the scanner unit 11 and image data such as print data transmitted from the personal computers PC1 to PCn via the network I / F unit 71. . Specifically, the paper transport unit 32 transports the recording paper to the image forming unit 33, the image forming unit 33 forms a toner image corresponding to the image data, and the transfer unit 34 transfers the toner image to the recording paper. Then, the fixing unit 35 forms the image by fixing the toner image on the recording paper.
[0027]
The network I / F unit 71 controls transmission and reception of various data between the personal computers PC1 to PCn connected via the LAN 2 by using a network interface (10/100 Base-TX) or the like. Is transmitted to the personal computers PC1 to PCn and the like. The HDD 74 stores the image data read by the scanner unit 11, the output format set in the image data, and the like. Further, the HDD 74 stores a search program for searching the personal computers PC1 to PCn in which the shared folder is set from the plurality of personal computers PC1 to PCn connected via the LAN2. The control unit 41 includes a CPU 42, a ROM 43 that stores various programs for controlling the CPU 42 and the like in advance, a RAM 44 that temporarily stores various data during operation of the device, and the like, and controls each unit of the device.
[0028]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining processing when reading a document using the digital multifunction peripheral 1 shown in FIG. 3 as a network scanner device.
[0029]
Before using the scanner function of the digital multi-function peripheral 1, the user needs to set in advance a supply folder for saving the image data transmitted from the digital multi-function peripheral 1 in the personal computer PC to which the image data is transmitted. is there.
[0030]
When the user operates the touch panel unit 52 and presses the destination search key 81 from the scanner setting screen G1 shown in FIG. 5, the search program recorded in the HDD 74 starts. By starting the search program, the process proceeds to step S1, where the CPU 42 performs a communication connection process with each of the personal computers PC1 to PCn in the same area connected to the LAN 2, and in step S2, the personal computer PC1 to PCn Inquires whether a shared folder has been set. The CPU (not shown) in each of the personal computers PC1 to PCn searches for a shared folder in the apparatus, transmits a receivable signal when the shared folder is searched, and receives when the shared folder is not searched. Send an impossible signal. If the CPU 42 in the image forming apparatus 1 has received the unreceivable signal from all the personal computers PC1 to PCn in the same area, the process proceeds to step S3, and the CPU 42 returns from one of the personal computers PC1 to PCn. If a receivable signal has been received, the process proceeds to step S4.
[0031]
In step S3, the CPU 42 displays on the touch panel unit 52 a scan disable screen G2 for notifying the user that scanning cannot be performed and that a shared folder needs to be set in the transmission destination personal computer PC in order to perform scanning. I do. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the scan impossible screen G2. At the top of the non-scan screen G2, for example, a message such as "Cannot scan" and "Please set a shared folder on the receiving side" is displayed. Thereby, the user can confirm that the shared folder is not set in the destination personal computer PC, set the shared folder in the destination personal computer PC, and again set the destination folder from the scanner setting screen G1. Can be set.
[0032]
On the other hand, in step S4, the CPU 42 displays a destination selection screen G3 for notifying the user of the personal computer PC in which the shared folder is set, on the touch panel unit 52. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the destination selection screen G3. On the destination selection screen G3, the personal computer PC on which the shared folder is set is displayed on the destination display section 80. The destination selection key 82 for the user to select the destination personal computer PC and the user A setting key 85 for setting the selected personal computer PC is displayed. Further, for example, a message “Please specify a destination” is displayed at the top of the destination selection screen G3. The user selects a desired personal computer PC as a transmission destination from the plurality of personal computers PC displayed on the destination display section 80 using the transmission destination selection key 82, and further presses a setting key 85 to set a destination. CPU 42 records the IP address of personal computer PC set by the user in RAM 44 (step S5). Here, “PC1” representing the personal computer PC1 is highlighted and the personal computer PC1 is selected as the transmission destination. However, when the user presses the transmission destination selection key 82, the screen is scrolled to display another personal computer PC1. PC2 and PC3 can also be selected as transmission destinations.
[0033]
Next, in step S6, the CPU 42 displays a shared folder selection screen G4 on the touch panel unit 52. FIG. 8 is an example of the shared folder selection screen G4. In the destination display section 80 of the shared folder selection screen G4, the shared folder names “image folder 1” and “image folder 2” included in the personal computer PC1, which is the destination of the image data, are displayed. At the top of G4, for example, a message "Please specify a shared folder" is displayed. The user sets a shared folder by selecting a folder for saving image data from a plurality of shared folders displayed on the destination display unit 80 using the destination selection key 82 and pressing a setting key 85. The CPU 42 records the folder identification information for specifying the shared folder set by the user in the RAM 44 (step S7). Here, "image folder 1" is set as the shared folder of the image data transmission destination.
[0034]
Next, in step S8, the CPU 42 determines whether or not the user has pressed the start key 402 of the operation key unit 53. If the start key 402 has been pressed, the CPU 42 transmits the destination using the operation panel unit 51. Then, it is determined that the setting of the conditions such as the transmission size and the resolution is completed, and the process proceeds to the image data reading process by the scanner unit 11 in step S9.
[0035]
Next, in step S10, before transmitting the image data, the CPU 42 specifies the destination personal computer PC1 from the IP address recorded in the RAM 44, and sets a password for restricting access to the personal computer PC1. Inquires if there is. When the CPU 42 receives a response signal for notifying that the password has not been set from the personal computer PC1, the CPU 42 proceeds to step S14, and specifies the destination shared folder from the folder identification information recorded in the RAM 44. Then, the image data read by the scanner unit 11 is transmitted to the image folder 1 of the personal computer PC1. On the other hand, when receiving the response signal for notifying that the password has been set from the personal computer PC1, the CPU 42 proceeds to step S11 and displays the password input screen G5 on the touch panel unit 52.
[0036]
FIG. 9 is an example of the password input screen G5. On the password input screen G5, a blank section 90 for the user to input a password and a setting key 91 for setting the password input in the blank section 90 are displayed. The user can set a password by pressing a setting key 91 after inputting a password in the blank section 90 using the numeric keypad 403 of the operation unit 400. The CPU 42 notifies the password input on the password input screen G5 to the destination personal computer PC1 via the network I / F unit 71 (step S12).
[0037]
The CPU (not shown) of the personal computer PC1 compares the set password with the password notified from the digital multi-function peripheral 1, and restricts transmission of image data from the digital multi-function peripheral 1 when the two do not match. Is transmitted to the digital multi-function peripheral 1, and if both passwords match, a transmission permission signal for permitting transmission of image data from the digital multi-function peripheral 1 is transmitted to the digital multi-function peripheral 1.
[0038]
The CPU 42 of the digital multi-function peripheral 1 determines whether a transmission permission signal has been received from the personal computer PC1 via the network I / F unit 71 (step S13), and if the transmission permission signal has been received from the personal computer PC1. Then, the process proceeds to step S14, where the image data read by the scanner unit 11 is transmitted to the image folder 1 of the personal computer PC1, and when the transmission restriction signal is received from the personal computer PC1, the process returns to step S11, and the password input screen G5 is again displayed. Is displayed on the touch panel unit 52.
[0039]
According to the digital multi-function peripheral 1 of the present embodiment, a personal computer PC in which a shared folder is set is searched from a plurality of personal computers PC1 to PCn connected via the LAN 2, and the personal computer PC and the personal computer The shared folder set in the PC is displayed on the touch panel unit 52, and the user specifies the personal computer PC and the shared folder to which the image data is to be transmitted by using the touch panel unit 52, so that the specified personal computer PC is shared. Image data is transmitted from the digital multi-function peripheral 1 to the folder. Therefore, when the user sets a shared folder on the personal computer PC and sets a destination according to a setting screen displayed on the touch panel unit 52 of the digital multi-function peripheral 1, the image data read by the digital multi-function peripheral 1 can be read. Since the data is transmitted to a desired personal computer PC, even a user who is unfamiliar with the operation of the digital multifunction peripheral 1 and the personal computer PC can easily use the scanner function of the digital multifunction peripheral 1, thereby improving operability. Improvement can be achieved.
[0040]
Further, when a password is set on the personal computer PC side to restrict access from a third party, the user uses the password input screen G5 displayed on the touch panel unit 52 in the digital multifunction peripheral 1 to set the password. , The image data can be transmitted from the digital multi-function peripheral 1 to the personal computer PC. Therefore, it is possible to prevent unnecessary image data from being transmitted from the digital multifunction peripheral 1 to the personal computer PC by a third party.
[0041]
【The invention's effect】
ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, when using an image reading apparatus, the operation | work, such as installation of a scanner utility in an information processing apparatus conventionally required, becomes unnecessary, and operability of an image reading apparatus can be improved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a network system using a digital multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic side view mainly showing a mechanical configuration of the digital multi-function peripheral according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram mainly showing an electrical configuration of the digital multifunction peripheral shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining processing when reading a document using the digital multifunction peripheral 1 shown in FIG. 3 as a network scanner device.
FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a scanner setting screen G1 displayed on the touch panel unit. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a scan disable screen G2 displayed on the touch panel unit.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a destination selection screen G3 displayed on the touch panel unit.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a shared folder selection screen G4 displayed on the touch panel unit.
FIG. 9 is an example of a password input screen G5 displayed on the touch panel unit.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Digital MFP 11 Scanner 41 Control 42 CPU
43 ROM
44 RAM
51 operation panel section 52 touch panel section 53 operation key section 71 network I / F section 74 HDD

Claims (3)

An image reading apparatus capable of transmitting image data read from a document to a plurality of information processing apparatuses via a network,
Search means for searching for an information processing device in which a shared folder is set from the plurality of information processing devices;
First display means for displaying transmission destination identification information for specifying the information processing apparatus searched by the search means and folder identification information for specifying a shared folder set in the information processing apparatus;
From the information processing device specified by the destination identification information and the shared folder specified by the folder identification information displayed on the first display unit, the information processing device and the shared folder that the user desires as the destination of the image data are set. Specifying means for specifying;
An image reading apparatus, comprising: a transmission unit that transmits image data to a shared folder of the information processing device designated by the designation unit. The image reading device according to claim 1,
When a password for restricting transmission and reception of data is set in the information processing apparatus designated by the designation means, input means for inputting the password,
Notifying means for notifying the information processing apparatus of the password input by the input means,
The transmitting means,
When the password notified to the information processing apparatus by the notification unit does not match the password set in the information processing apparatus, transmission of image data to the information processing apparatus is prohibited. Image reading device. The image reading device according to claim 1,
As a result of the search by the search means, if the information processing device in which the shared folder is set is not found, a message for prompting the user to set the shared folder is displayed on the information processing device desired by the user as the transmission destination. An image reading apparatus, comprising: a second display unit for performing the following.

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