JP2005150940A - Image input apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image input apparatus that is operable even when it is disconnected from a computer. <P>SOLUTION: The image input apparatus disclosed herein includes: an image read section; a recording section; a connection section; a connection discrimination section; and a control section. The image read section reads an image to generate image data. The recording section records and stores the image data. The connection section connects the image input apparatus to an external device. The connection discrimination section discriminates a connection state of the connection section. The control section carries out the system control of the image input apparatus. Through the configuration above, when the connection discrimination section decides that the external device is connected to the image input apparatus, the control section transfers the image data read by the image read section to the external device via the connection section. On the other hand, when the connection discrimination section decides that no external device is connected to the image input apparatus, the control section stores the read image data in the recording section. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image input apparatus that reads an image and generates image data. In particular, the present invention relates to an image input apparatus that enables image reading by a single apparatus without connecting an external device (such as a host computer) for control.

Conventionally, as an image input device, for example, a film scanner or the like is known.
This film scanner is used in a form connected to a host computer. A driver program for the film scanner is installed in advance on the host computer side. The user uses the driver program on the host computer side to make settings for the film scanner and to instruct reading operations.

On the other hand, Patent Document 1 below discloses an apparatus for reading an image by connecting a host computer and an external storage device. In the configuration of Patent Document 1, by temporarily holding an image in an external storage device, image data transfer to the host computer side is paused in a timely manner, and processing concentration on the host computer side is avoided.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-74459 (FIG. 1)

<Problems of conventional image input devices>
As described above, the image input device is positioned as a peripheral device of the host computer, and the host computer is always required for its operation and various settings. Because of such usage, when a user purchases an image input device, first, the user has to manually connect the image input device and the host computer. Furthermore, the user has to install a driver program for the image input device in the host computer. Therefore, the use of the image input device requires a computer installation environment and basic knowledge, and it has been difficult for the user to easily use the image input device.

  On the other hand, even users who do not have a computer have a strong desire to digitize a long-standing film library and store it permanently. However, since the conventional image input apparatus is premised on connection with a computer, it has not been possible to meet the demands of such users.

<Problem assumed for a single-use image input device>
The above-described problems can be solved by making the image input apparatus usable alone.
However, if the image input apparatus can be used alone, there is a concern about the following new problem.
First, when the image input device is used alone, the read image cannot be transferred to the host computer side as in the prior art. Therefore, when switching to single use, the transfer destination of the read image must be switched appropriately. However, it is not preferable to force such a troublesome transfer destination switching operation to a user who is going out with a single image input device. Furthermore, there is a concern that the image input apparatus cannot operate normally due to forgetting to set the transfer destination.

  Furthermore, the image input device for film scanning has a special situation that the data size of the read image becomes enormous. That is, the reading resolution of the film scanner is very high, and the data size of the read image increases to several hundreds of megabytes to several gigabytes per frame. Therefore, when designing an image input apparatus of a type that can be used alone, an extremely large capacity storage device must be mounted. As a result, problems such as an increase in the size and cost of the image input apparatus arise.

In addition, when considering a product that can be used anywhere by making a single image input device battery-operated, the power consumption of the image input device is reduced as much as possible when using a single image to extend the battery usage time. It is preferable.
Further, in order to finely set the operation content of the image input apparatus when used alone, it is necessary to newly equip the image input apparatus with a large number of setting buttons. In this case, the user needs to newly learn the operation of these setting buttons separately from the conventional operation of the host computer, and the learning burden on the user side becomes extremely large. Also, the provision of a large number of setting buttons causes problems such as an increase in the size of the image input device.

  In view of such a problem, an object of the present invention is to provide an image input apparatus that can cope with both single use and connection use.

(1)
An image input apparatus according to a first aspect includes an image reading unit, a recording unit, a connection unit, a connection determination unit, and a control unit.
The image reading unit reads an image and generates image data.
The recording unit records and saves image data.
The connection unit is for connecting the image input apparatus to an external device.
The connection determination unit determines the connection status of the connection unit.
The control unit performs system control of the image input apparatus.
In such a configuration, when the connection determination unit determines the connection of the external device, the control unit transfers the image data read by the image reading unit to the external device via the connection unit. On the other hand, when the connection determination unit determines that the external device is not connected, the control unit stores the read image data in the recording unit.

(2)
According to another aspect of the image input apparatus of the present invention, when the connection determination unit determines that the external device is not connected, the above-described control unit reads the image read by the image reading unit in a direction that reduces the amount of read data compared to when the external device is connected. Set conditions. With this setting, when the external device is not connected, image data is generated with a smaller amount of read data than when the external device is connected, and is stored in the recording unit.

(3)
According to a third aspect of the present invention, an image input device includes an image processing unit that performs image processing on image data. In the control unit, when the connection determination unit determines that the external device is not connected, the control unit sets the image processing of the image processing unit in a direction that reduces the processing load compared to when the external device is connected. With such a setting, when the external device is not connected, image processing with a lighter processing burden is performed on the image data than when the external device is connected, and the image data is stored in the recording unit.

(4)
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image input device including an image compression unit that compresses image data. In the control unit, when the connection determination unit determines that the external device is not connected, the image compression unit is used to compress the image data and store the image data in the recording unit.

(5)
The image input device according to a fifth aspect includes a non-connection condition storage unit. The non-connection condition storage unit receives and stores in advance the operation content executed by the image input apparatus when the external device is disconnected from the external device via the connection unit. The image input apparatus when disconnected is operated according to the received operation content.

(6)
According to another aspect of the image input apparatus of the present invention, the connection determination unit determines whether or not the connected external device is a host computer. In this case, when it is determined that the host computer is connected, the control unit transfers the image data stored in the recording unit when not connected to the host computer side via the connection unit.

(7)
According to another aspect of the image input apparatus of the present invention, a printer can be connected to the connection unit, and the connection determination unit determines whether or not the connected external device is a printer. In this case, when it is determined that the printer is connected, the control unit prints out the image data acquired from the image reading unit and / or the recording unit to the printer.

(8)
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image input apparatus including a display unit that displays image data on a monitor. In this case, when the connection determination unit determines that the external device is not connected, the control unit displays the image data read by the image reading unit on the display unit.

(1)
In the image input apparatus according to the first aspect, the connection / disconnection of the external device is determined, and the transfer destination of the read image is switched according to the determination result.
That is, when the image input apparatus detects the connection of the external device, the transfer destination of the read image data is set on the external device side. In this case, the read image data is transferred to an external device in the same manner as in the past, and is used for image processing or image storage of the external device.
On the other hand, when the image input device detects that the external device is not connected, the transfer destination of the image data is switched to the recording unit in the apparatus. In this case, the read image is reliably stored in the image input device. Therefore, when the image input apparatus is used alone, it is possible to reliably avoid an unexpected situation such as an image transfer destination being not determined and a read image being lost.
In particular, in this operation, there is no trouble that the user considers the transfer destination of the read image or specifically changes the setting of the transfer destination. The image input device detects the setting status of the hardware, and changes the transfer destination of the read image to one suitable for single use / connection use.
As a result, it is possible to realize an image input apparatus that can cope with a change in mode of single use / connection use, and that requires less time and effort for the user when changing the mode, and that does not cause image loss.

(2)
When detecting that the external device is disconnected, the image input device of claim 2 changes the image reading condition to reduce the data amount of the read image. Therefore, when used alone, the amount of data per image is reduced, and the number of images stored in the recording unit can be increased.
Furthermore, by reducing the amount of read data, the power consumption of the image reading unit or the like is reduced, and the power consumption of the image input apparatus when used alone can be efficiently reduced. For example, in the case of a film scanner, it is possible to reduce power for document illumination and power for a reading sensor unit as the amount of read data decreases. With such power reduction, for example, in a battery-driven image input device, it is possible to significantly increase the usable time when used alone.
Due to the synergistic action of these effects, various restrictions on the image input device that occur when the device is used are alleviated, and an image input device that operates lightly when used alone is realized.

(3)
The image input apparatus according to claim 3 reduces the processing load of the image processing unit when detecting the disconnection of the external device. As a result, it is possible to reduce the processing time per image and the power required for processing when using a single image. By such power reduction, for example, in a battery-driven image input device, it is possible to extend the usable time when used alone.
Due to such effects, various restrictions of the image input apparatus that occur when the apparatus is used alone are alleviated, and an image input apparatus that operates lightly when used alone is realized.

(4)
The image input apparatus according to claim 4, when detecting the disconnection of the external device, compresses the read image data and stores it in the recording unit. Therefore, when used alone, the recording capacity per image data is reduced, and the number of images stored in the recording unit can be efficiently increased. As a result, the user can use the image input device alone without worrying about the remaining capacity of the recording unit.
By such an effect, various restrictions of the image input device that occur when the image input device is used can be relaxed, and the range of use when the image input device is used alone can be further expanded.

(5)
In the image input device according to the fifth aspect, the user sets the operation content at the time of single use in advance from the external device via the connection unit. By making such a setting possible, the user can make a pre-setting using an external device that he / she is familiar with. In this case, it is not necessary to newly learn a setting operation for the single image input device, and the troublesomeness when using the single image input device that the user mainly feels can be greatly eliminated.
Furthermore, it becomes easy to systematically unify the setting operations of the image input apparatus using an external device both for single use and for connection use. In this case, the user can avoid such a situation that the contents of the setting operation are changed and confused due to single use / connection use.

(6)
In the image input device according to the sixth aspect, when connected to the host computer, the control unit transfers the image data stored in the single use state to the host computer side via the connection unit.
Such an operation eliminates the need for the user to worry about how to take out the image data stored in the image input device when the device is used alone.
Furthermore, the user can freely take out a single-use image input device to collect image data,
By connecting an image input device to the host computer, a completely new usage such as managing collected image data on the host computer becomes possible.
As a result, the application range of the image input device can be greatly expanded.

(7)
When connected to a printer, the image input device according to the seventh aspect can print out the image data acquired from the image reading unit and / or the recording unit to the printer.
Therefore, the image input device and the printer can be directly connected. As a result, even a user who does not have a host computer can easily print the read image data. With such a function, it is possible to further expand the simple application range of the image input apparatus.

(8)
When determining that the external device is not connected, the image input apparatus according to the eighth aspect displays the image data read by the image reading unit on the display unit. Therefore, the user can check the read image by viewing the monitor display when the single unit is used.

<< Description of Configuration of this Embodiment >>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the image input apparatus 11 according to this embodiment.
In FIG. 1, the image input device 11 is configured with the following configuration requirements.

(1) Image reading unit 12... In this embodiment, an image reading unit 12 for film scanning is provided. That is, the image reading unit 12 includes a document illumination unit and an area sensor (or a line sensor and a scanning mechanism), and reads an image of the film document 100 inserted by the user to generate image data.
(2) Image processing unit 13... Image processing is performed on the read image data in accordance with the image processing designation from the host computer 18.
(3) Image compression unit 14... Image compression such as RAW compression or JPEG compression is performed on the image data.
(4) Recording unit 15... Reads / writes data to / from the removable memory card 16.
(6) Connection unit 17 .. General-purpose interface that can be connected to an external device such as the host computer 18 or the printer 19.
(7) Connection determination unit 20 .. The connection status of the connection unit 17 is determined.
(8) Non-connection condition storage unit 21... The operation content performed by the image input device 11 when the external device is not connected is previously received from the external device and stored.
(9) Control unit 22... System control of the image input device 11 is performed.
(10) Operation button 22a... Power button, reading button, etc.
(11) Display unit 12a .... Displays images and operation status on a monitor.

<< Explanation of operation of this embodiment >>
2 to 4 are flowcharts showing the operation of the present embodiment.
Hereinafter, the operation of the present embodiment will be described along the step numbers shown in FIGS.

[Step S1] The image input device 11 is activated in response to a power-on operation by the operation button 22a, a user's insertion operation of the film original 100, a power-on command from an external device, or the like. After performing the initialization process associated with the activation, the control unit 22 moves the operation to step S2.

[Step S2] The connection determination unit 20 tests the connection status of the connection unit 17 (such as a communication test or a contact voltage test), and determines the presence / absence, type, and operating status of an external device.

[Step S3] The control unit 22 switches the operation by acquiring the determination result of the connection status by the connection determination unit 20.
That is, when the external device is not connected or is in a state where the external device cannot be operated even if it is connected (for example, in an off state), the control unit 22 switches to the operation mode for single use. The operation is shifted to S21.
On the other hand, when the external device is connected and the external device is operable, the control unit 22 shifts the operation to step S4.

[Step S <b> 4] Further, the control unit 22 switches the operation according to the type of external device being connected.
First, when the external device corresponds to an image output device such as a printer, the control unit 22 shifts the operation to step S31.
On the other hand, when the external device corresponds to a control device such as a host computer, the control unit 22 shifts the operation to step S5.

[Step S <b> 5] The control unit 22 accesses the memory card 16 via the recording unit 15, and determines whether a saved image exists in the memory card 16. (It is preferable to determine whether or not there is an untransferred saved image or a saved image in which the transfer schedule flag is set in the memory card 16).
Here, when the stored image exists, the control unit 22 shifts the operation to step S6.
On the other hand, when there is no stored image, the control unit 22 shifts the operation to step S7.

[Step S6] Using the recording unit 15, the control unit 22 reads a stored image in the memory card 16 (having been detected in step S5). The control unit 22 sequentially transfers the read stored images to the host computer 18 side via the connection unit 17. Note that the control unit 22 preferably uses the recording unit 15 to automatically delete the stored image that has been transferred from the memory card 16 or reset the transfer schedule flag.

[Step S7] The user can input in advance the operation contents of the image input apparatus 11 when the computer is not connected by operating the driver program on the host computer 18 side through a GUI (graphical user interface). For example, the operation content is preferably at least one of a document reading resolution, a crop range, a processing parameter for image processing, or a condition parameter for image compression.
This pre-input operation content is transmitted to the control unit 22 in the image input apparatus 11 via the connection unit 17.
When the control unit 22 receives the pre-input operation content, the control unit 22 stores it in the non-connection condition storage unit 21 which is a nonvolatile memory. Note that the memory card 16 may be used as the non-connection condition storage unit 21.

[Step S8] The user gives an instruction to read the film document 100 to the image input device 11 via the driver program on the host computer 18 side.
When receiving the reading instruction, the control unit 22 shifts the operation to step S9.
On the other hand, when the reading instruction is not received, the control unit 22 returns the operation to step S2.

[Step S9] The user can also set the operation content of the image input apparatus 11 when connected to the computer by operating the driver program on the host computer 18 side in a timely manner with a GUI (graphical user interface). The operation content set in this way is held on the host computer 18 side, and is transmitted to the control unit 22 in the image input apparatus 11 together with the above-described reading instruction.

[Step S10] The image reading unit 12 reads the image of the film original 100 in accordance with the image reading condition (here, the reading resolution exceeding 500 dpi) transmitted at step S9 when the computer is connected, and generates image data.

[Step S11] The image processing unit 13 performs image processing on the image data in accordance with the image processing setting at the time of computer connection transmitted in step S9.

[Step S12] The connection determination unit 20 transfers the image processed image data to the host computer 18 via the connection unit 17. After completing such a transfer operation, the control unit 22 returns the operation to step S2.
By repeating such a series of operations (steps S5 to S12), the operation of the image input apparatus 11 in the computer connection state is performed.

[Step S21] In this step, an operable external device is not connected to the image input device 11. For this reason, the image input device 11 cannot transfer and output image data to an external device via the connection unit 17. Hereinafter, the operation of the image input apparatus 11 under such a single use situation will be described.
First, when the image input device 11 is used alone, the user gives an image reading instruction to the image input device 11 by operating the operation button 22 a or inserting the film document 100. Upon receiving this reading instruction, the control unit 22 switches the image input device 11 from the power saving mode to the main operation mode, and moves the operation to step S22.
On the other hand, when there is no reading instruction, the control unit 22 switches the image input apparatus 11 to the power saving mode, and returns the operation to step S2.

[Step S <b> 22] The control unit 22 determines whether the operation content is preset in the non-connection condition storage unit 21.
If the operation content is preset, the control unit 22 moves the operation to step S23.
On the other hand, when the operation content is not preset (including the case where the preset is expired), the control unit 22 shifts the operation to step S24.

[Step S <b> 23] Here, the control unit 22 reads the operation content preset in the non-connection condition storage unit 21. The control unit 22 controls a series of operations of “image reading”, “monitor display”, “image processing”, and “image compression” in accordance with the preset operation content.
The control unit 22 records and saves the processed image thus processed in the memory card 16 via the recording unit 15.
After completion of such an operation, the control unit 22 returns the operation to step S2.

[Step S <b> 24] The control unit 22 controls the image reading unit 12 to read an image of the film original 100 under an image reading condition in which the amount of read data is smaller than when the computer is connected. For example, as such an image reading condition, it is preferable to lower the reading resolution to 500 dpi or lower, or to lower the number of qubits of image data than when connected to a computer. Further, if dust scratch correction described later is unnecessary, image reading by infrared illumination may be omitted. Note that the time required for image reading may be shortened by shortening the document illumination time compared to when the computer is connected.

[Step S25] The control unit 22 displays the read image data on the monitor via the display unit 12a. The user can confirm the read image and the progress of image reading by this monitor display.

[Step S <b> 26] The control unit 22 controls the image processing unit 13 to perform image processing with a smaller processing load than when the computer is connected. For example, as the image processing with a small processing load, omission or simplification of shading correction of image data, omission or simplification of advanced processing (such as dust flaw correction) is preferable.

[Step S27] Subsequently, the control unit 22 performs image compression (for example, RAW compression or JPEG compression) on the image data to generate an image file.

[Step S <b> 28] The control unit 22 records and saves the image file thus generated in the memory card 16 via the recording unit 15. After completion of such an operation, the control unit 22 returns the operation to step S2.
By repeating such a series of operations (steps S21 to S28), the operation of the image input apparatus 11 when used alone is performed.

[Step S31] In this step, the printer 19 is directly connected to the image input apparatus 11. Hereinafter, the operation of the image input apparatus 11 when the printer 19 is directly connected will be described.
Under this situation, the control unit 22 accesses the memory card 16 via the recording unit 15 and determines whether or not a saved image exists in the memory card 16. (It is preferable to determine whether or not there is an unprinted saved image or a saved image with the print schedule flag set in the memory card 16).
Here, when there is a stored image, the control unit 22 shifts the operation to step S32.
On the other hand, when there is no stored image, the control unit 22 returns the operation to step S2.

[Step S32] Subsequently, the control unit 22 determines whether or not the connected printer 19 is compatible with a standard for direct printing such as PictBridge (registered trademark).
If the printer 19 is compatible with the direct printing standard, the control unit 22 shifts the operation to step S33.
On the other hand, if the printer 19 does not support the direct printing standard, the control unit 22 shifts the operation to step S34.

[Step S <b> 33] The control unit 22 uses the recording unit 15 to read out a stored image in the memory card 16 (having been detected in step S <b> 31). The control unit 22 transfers the stored image to the printer 19 in accordance with the direct printing standard, and provides the printing operation with the printer 19.
After completion of such transfer, the control unit 22 returns the operation to step S2.

[Step S34] The control unit 22 activates a printer driver held in advance by the image input apparatus 11. This printer driver is preferably a printer driver for the printer 19. Such a dedicated printer driver preferably acquires data via the printer 19 or the Internet.
If the printer driver for the printer 19 cannot acquire data, a standard printer driver may be activated instead.
The control unit 22 simulates a normal computer using the function of the printer driver activated in this way, and prints out the stored image to the printer 19.
After completion of such print processing, the control unit 22 returns the operation to step S2.
By repeating such a series of operations (steps S31 to S34), the operation of the image input device 11 in a state of being directly connected to the printer 19 is performed.

<< Effects of this embodiment >>
As described above, the user can use the image input apparatus 11 as a single unit without removing any particular setting simply by removing the image input apparatus 11 from the host computer 18.
Further, the image read by the single use can be transferred to the host computer 18 without trouble by connecting to the host computer 18 later.

  Further, by directly connecting the image input device 11 to the printer 19, it is possible to print out an image read by a single use to the printer 19 on the spot.

  Further, since the memory card 16 of the image input device 11 is detachable, for example, the image input device 11 can be taken out to a friend's house alone and stored in the friend's memory card while reading the film original 100. Will also be possible. As a result, the utilization range of the image input device 11 can be expanded in such a manner that each image can be enjoyed by a large number of people.

<< Additional items of embodiment >>
In the embodiment described above, an apparatus for reading a transparent original such as the film original 100 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this type of device. In general, the present invention can be implemented in all image input devices that generate image data. For example, you may apply this invention to the apparatus which reads the image of reflective originals, such as printed matter.

  In the above-described embodiment, the read image at the time of single use is stored in the memory card 16. Therefore, the memory card 16 removed from the image input device 11 can be attached to a computer or a printer to perform image transfer or image printing.

  The present invention is not limited to the use of such a memory card. For example, a read image at the time of single use may be recorded on another internal storage device (such as a hard disk drive) or a removable recording medium (such as a disk recording medium). Furthermore, the read image at the time of single use may be transferred and recorded on a recording device (such as an image album server) provided on the communication line using a communication environment such as a wireless LAN.

  In addition, when there are a plurality of storage destinations at the time of single use as described above, it is preferable that the image input apparatus 11 accepts a preset setting as to which storage destination has priority.

  In the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which when the image input apparatus 11 is directly connected to the printer 19, a read image when used alone is printed out. However, the image input apparatus 11 may perform image reading in this direct connection state, and print out the read image to the printer 19 on the spot.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the host computer 18 or the printer 19 is connected to the connection unit 17 has been described. However, an external storage device may be connectable to the connection unit 17. In this case, by using this external storage device complementarily, it is possible to freely increase the number of images that can be stored when the image input device 11 is used alone. In this case, when the image input apparatus 11 monitors the recording capacity and determines that the recording capacity is sufficient, the image reading conditions and other operation contents may be brought close to the same level as when the connection is used.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the image input device 11 includes a monitor screen has been described. However, a video interface or the like may be mounted on the image input device 11 as a display unit. In this case, it becomes possible to display on the monitor a read image when the single unit is used, with a nearby television or the like as a monitor screen. As a result, the range of utilization is newly expanded, such as using a single-use image input device 11 instead of a film projector.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where a reading instruction is received by the operation button 22a has been described. However, it is more preferable that the operation button 22a is provided with a frame advance button and an eject button as an operation environment when used alone. In this case, the control unit 22 can perform frame advance and eject of the film original 100 in a timely manner in response to a user operation of these buttons. By adopting such a simple operation system for the image input apparatus 11, the operability of the image input apparatus 11 when used alone can be further improved.

  As described above, the present invention is a technique that can be used for an image input apparatus. In particular, this is a particularly effective technique for realizing a home appliance-like image input device that is not restricted by computer connection.

It is a block diagram explaining the structure of the image input device 11 in this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement (mainly operation | movement at the time of computer connection) of this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement (operation | movement at the time of single use) of this embodiment. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of this embodiment (operation when directly connected to a printer).

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Image input device 12 Image reading part 12a Display part 13 Image processing part 14 Image compression part 15 Recording part 16 Memory card 17 Connection part 18 Host computer 19 Printer 20 Connection determination part 21 Non-connection condition memory | storage part 22 Control part 22a Operation button 100 Film manuscript

Claims (8)

An image reading unit that reads an image and generates image data;
A recording unit for recording the image data;
A connection for connecting to an external device;
A connection determination unit for determining a connection status of the connection unit;
With a control unit for system control,
The controller is
When the connection determination unit determines the connection of the external device, the image data read by the image reading unit is transferred to the external device via the connection unit,
When the connection determination unit determines that the external device is not connected, the read image data is stored in the recording unit. The image input device according to claim 1,
The controller is
When the connection determination unit determines that the external device is not connected, the image reading condition of the image reading unit is set in a direction in which the amount of read data is reduced more than when the external device is connected. An image input device, wherein the image data is generated using a unit and stored in the recording unit. The image input device according to claim 1 or 2,
An image processing unit that performs image processing on the image data;
The controller is
When the connection determination unit determines that the external device is not connected, the image processing unit is set in a state in which the image processing of the image processing unit is set in a direction that reduces the processing load compared to when the external device is connected. An image input apparatus comprising: performing image processing on the image data and storing the image data in the recording unit. The image input device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
An image compression unit for compressing the image data;
The controller is
When the connection determination unit determines that the external device is not connected, the image compression unit is used to compress the image data and store the image data in the recording unit. The image input device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
An image input device comprising: a non-connection condition storage unit that receives and stores in advance operation contents executed by the image input device when the external device is not connected from the external device via the connection unit . The image input device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The connection determination unit determines whether or not the external device being connected is a host computer,
The controller is
When it is determined that a host computer is connected, the image data stored in the recording unit when disconnected is transferred to the host computer via the connection unit. The image input device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
It can also be connected to a printer via the connection unit,
The connection determination unit determines whether or not the external device being connected is a printer,
The controller is
An image input device that prints out the image data acquired from the image reading unit and / or the recording unit to the printer when it is determined that the printer is connected. The image input device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
A display unit for displaying the image data on a monitor;
The controller is
When the connection determination unit determines that the external device is not connected, the image data read by the image reading unit is displayed on the display unit.

Images