JP2008022281A - Image reader - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image reader capable of easily accessing a folder or a file on a network where image data are stored without troubling. <P>SOLUTION: As the read image data are stored, the folder at its storage destination and path data on the file on the network 18, or a shortcut name and a file name used for the folder specification are automatically stored, and a list of path data or lists of shortcut names and file names are displayed on a touch panel during on-demand printing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus.

  Note that the image reading apparatus and related technology according to the present invention are applied to, for example, a facsimile complex apparatus that has a scanner function and can be connected to a network.

  Some conventional image reading apparatuses can store read image data in a holder of another external apparatus via a network. However, when the holder storing the image data is in a deep hierarchy in the network, there is a problem that it takes time to access the image data.

As a conventional technique for facilitating access to a file or the like in which image data is stored, there is a technique in which a shortcut associated with a file can be registered in a multifunction peripheral (Patent Document 1). However, this conventional technique has a problem in that it takes time and effort to register a shortcut associated with a file by transmitting it to the multifunction peripheral.
JP 2005-64817 A

  Therefore, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an image reading apparatus that can easily access a holder or a file in a network in which image data is stored without taking time and effort.

  In order to solve the above problems, in the invention of claim 1, an image reading apparatus capable of communicating with at least one external device via a network, a reading unit for reading an image, an operation unit for receiving an operation input, A display unit, a storage unit, a storage processing unit that stores image data read by the reading unit as a file in a holder of the external device specified by an operation input via the operation unit, and the storage processing unit A storage destination management unit that stores path data related to a path in the network of the file stored in the storage unit, and the path data stored in the storage unit is selected by an operation input via the operation unit. A guidance processing unit to be displayed on the display unit in a possible manner.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image reading apparatus according to the first aspect, when the path data displayed on the display unit is selected by an operation input via the operation unit, the path data is based on the path data. And a browsing processing unit that accesses the file specified by the network via the network.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image reading apparatus according to the first aspect, when the path data displayed on the display unit is selected by an operation input via the operation unit, the path data is based on the path data. A browsing processing unit that accesses the file specified by the network via the network and prints image data of the file via a predetermined recording unit.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image reading apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention, the storage destination management unit stores the file in the holder via the operation unit when the file is stored. When authentication data related to access authority is input, the authentication data is stored in the storage unit, and the browsing processing unit stores the memory when the pass data is selected by an operation input via the operation unit. The file specified based on the path data is accessed via the network using the authentication data stored in the section.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image reading device capable of communicating with at least one external device via a network, a reading unit for reading an image, an operation unit for receiving an operation input, a display unit, and a storage unit. A storage processing unit that stores the image data read by the reading unit as a file in a holder of the external device specified by using a shortcut by an operation input via the operation unit, and used for specifying the holder A storage destination management unit for storing the shortcut data relating to the shortcut and the file name of the image data stored in the storage unit; and operating the shortcut data and the file name stored in the storage unit via the operation unit. A guidance processing unit that is displayed on the display unit in a manner that can be selected by input.

  According to a sixth aspect of the invention, in the image reading apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the invention, when the shortcut data and the file name displayed on the display unit are selected by an operation input via the operation unit, A browsing processing unit that accesses the file in the holder specified based on the shortcut data and the file name via the network is further provided.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image reading apparatus according to the fifth aspect, when the shortcut data and the file name displayed on the display unit are selected by an operation input via the operation unit, A browsing processing unit is further provided that accesses the file in the holder specified based on the shortcut data and the file name via the network and prints image data of the file via a predetermined recording unit.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image reading apparatus according to any one of the fifth to seventh aspects, the storage destination management unit stores the file in the holder via the operation unit when the file is stored. When authentication data related to access authority is input, the authentication data is stored in the storage unit, and the browsing processing unit is selected by the operation input via the operation unit for the shortcut data and the file name. And using the authentication data stored in the storage unit, the file in the holder specified based on the shortcut data and the file name is accessed via the network.

  According to the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, path data in the network of the file is automatically stored as the read image data is saved, and the path data can be selected in the display unit in a selectable manner. Since it is displayed, when accessing the image data, you can easily select the path data displayed on the display unit to save the file in the network where the image data is saved without any hassle. You can access it, so you can easily read and print files with a single touch.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is not necessary to input the authentication data again when accessing the stored image data, and it is convenient to save the input of the authentication data.

  According to the fifth to eighth aspects of the present invention, the shortcut data and file name are automatically stored as the image data is stored in the holder specified using the shortcut, and the shortcut data and file name are Since it is displayed on the display unit in a selectable manner, when accessing the image data, the image data can be saved without selecting the shortcut data and file name displayed on the display unit. Can be easily accessed to a folder or file in the network where the file is stored, so that the file can be read and printed with a single touch.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, it is not necessary to input the authentication data again when accessing the stored image data, and it is convenient to save the input of the authentication data.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a facsimile composite apparatus 1 as an image reading apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the facsimile multifunction apparatus 1 includes a control unit 11, a reading unit 12, a recording unit 13, a display unit 14, an operation unit 15, a communication unit 16, a storage unit 17, and the like. Further, the functions of the facsimile composite apparatus 1 include a facsimile function, a copy function, a scanner function, a printer function, an Internet fax function, and the like.

  The control unit 11 supervises control of the facsimile multifunction peripheral 1 and is configured to include a CPU and the like. The control unit 11 includes a mode switching unit 11a, a storage processing unit 11b, a storage destination management unit 11c, a guidance processing unit 11d, and a print processing unit (browsing processing unit) 11e as functional elements. The role of these functional elements (11a to 11e) will be described in detail later.

  The reading unit 12 reads a document, and is used for reading a document when transmitting a fax, reading a document when using a scanner function, and the like. The recording unit 13 includes a printer device or the like, and prints image data on paper or the like.

  The display unit 14 is configured by a liquid crystal display device or the like, and is used for displaying operation data and the like of the facsimile composite apparatus 1. The operation unit 15 includes a plurality of operation buttons, a touch panel, and the like, and is used to operate the facsimile composite apparatus 1.

  The communication unit 16 plays a role as a communication interface of the facsimile apparatus 1. The communication unit 16 includes a fax communication unit 21, a network communication unit 22, and the like. The fax communication unit 21 is responsible for sending and receiving faxes via a telephone line network. The network communication unit 22 is responsible for data communication via the network 18 as a communication line such as a LAN (Local Area Network) and the Internet.

  More specifically, the fax communication unit 21 includes an NCU (Network Control Unit), a modem, and the like. The network communication unit 22 has a function for handling SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol), POP (Post Office Protocol), SMB (Server Message Block), HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol), and the like. Specific functions of the network communication unit 22 include transmission / reception of electronic mail, transmission / reception of an Internet fax that transmits / receives image data attached to the electronic mail, transmission / reception of data via a LAN or the Internet, and the like. .

  The storage unit 17 includes a storage device such as a semiconductor memory or a hard disk device. The storage contents of the storage unit 17 include, for example, fax transmission / reception data transmitted / received via the facsimile multifunction machine 1, Internet fax transmission / reception data, e-mail transmission / reception data, image data read when the scanner function is used, In addition, data relating to settings, maintenance management, and the like of the facsimile composite apparatus 1 are included.

  The facsimile composite apparatus 1 configured as described above is connected to a plurality of external apparatuses 31 such as a personal computer via a network (for example, LAN) 18. Each external device 31 includes a control unit 41, a display unit 42, an operation unit 43, a network communication unit 44, a storage unit 45, and the like. The network communication unit 44 has substantially the same function as the network communication unit 22 of the facsimile composite apparatus 1, and various data communication is performed between the external apparatus 31 and the facsimile composite apparatus 1. The storage unit 45 is provided with a share holder that can be shared on the network 18, and the image data read by the reading unit 12 of the facsimile multifunction device 1 can be stored by designating the share holder. Yes.

  Next, the role of the mode switching unit 11a, the storage processing unit 11b, the storage destination management unit 11c, the guidance processing unit 11d, and the print processing unit 11e of the control unit 11 will be described.

  The mode switching unit 11a is configured to switch the operation mode (facsimile, Internet facsimile, copy, scanner, printer, etc.) of the facsimile composite apparatus 1 by an operation input from the operation unit 15. In addition, the mode switching unit 11a switches the operation mode at the time of on-demand printing in which a file in the shared holder of the external device 31 is designated and printed via the network 18 between the path selection mode and the shortcut selection mode. (Details will be described later).

  When a reading / storing instruction is input via the operation unit 17, the storage processing unit 11 b causes the reading unit 12 to read the original and also reads the image data read by the reading unit 12 via the operation unit 15. The file is stored as a file in the shared holder of any one of the external devices 31 specified by the operation input.

  The holder of the file storage destination includes a method of specifying a holder by tracing the hierarchy in the network 18 (a method of specifying by referring to the holder), a method of specifying a shortcut associated with the holder, and the like. More specifically, it is performed using a touch panel 51 or the like configured by the display unit 14 and the operation unit 15 as shown in FIG. For example, in the method of tracing the hierarchy in the network 18, the storage destination holder is designated by pointing the desired holder name 52 displayed in the folder display area 51a in the touch panel 23 with a finger. Yes. In relation to the holder display area 51a, a root key 53, a return key 54, a scroll bar 55, and the like are provided in the touch panel 51. Further, for example, in the method using the shortcut, the storage destination holder is designated by pointing the shortcut (or shortcut name) 56 associated with the desired holder displayed in the shortcut display area 51b in the touch panel 51 with a finger. It has come to be.

  In some cases, the authentication data is already set in the storage destination holder as the file is stored. In this case, the authentication data is input and set by, for example, inputting a user name and password to the user name input area 51c and the password input area 51d in the touch panel 51 via the operation unit 15 or the like.

  When a file storage destination holder is specified by tracing a hierarchy in the network 18, the storage destination management unit 11 c stores path data regarding the folder and the file path (path with a file name) in the storage unit 17. On the other hand, when the folder where the file is to be saved is specified using a shortcut, the shortcut data and the file name relating to the shortcut are stored in the storage unit 17.

  Further, when authentication data regarding the access authority to the holder is input via the operation unit 15 during the file saving process by the saving processing unit 11b, the saving destination management unit 11c uses the authentication data for the path of the corresponding file. The data is stored in the storage unit 17 together with the data or the shortcut data and the file name.

  The guidance processing unit 11d provides operation information via the touch panel 51 (display unit 14) at the time of on-demand printing in which a file in the shared holder of the external device 31 is designated and printed via the network 18. Yes. Specifically, when the operation mode at the time of on-demand printing is the path selection mode, as shown in FIG. 3, the list of path data 61 stored in the storage unit 17 is displayed in a selectable manner. It is made to be displayed. If the operation mode during on-demand printing is the shortcut selection mode, as shown in FIG. 4, the shortcut data (shortcut name (or index)) 56 and file name 62 stored in the storage unit 17 are stored. The list is imaged and displayed in a selectable manner.

  The print processing unit 11e is responsible for on-demand printing, and reads out a file in the shared holder of the network 18 designated as a print target in response to a print instruction input via the operation unit 15 or the like. The data is developed and printed out by the recording unit 13.

  The method for specifying the file to be printed differs depending on whether the operation mode at the time of on-demand printing is the path selection mode or the shortcut selection mode. In the path selection mode, by specifying one or more desired path data 61 from the list of path data 61 shown in FIG. Is to be done.

  In the shortcut selection mode, printing is performed by designating one or more desired shortcut names 56 and file names 62 from the list shown in FIG. 4 displayed on the touch panel 51 using the touch panel 51 or the operation unit 15. The target is specified.

  As a modification, the list of path data 61 in FIG. 3 and the list of shortcut names 56 and file names 61 in FIG. 4 are displayed on the touch panel at a time, and the user designates a print target from the two lists. You may make it select the list to be used suitably.

  As another modification, for the lists in FIGS. 3 and 4, the display order of the lists is displayed in chronological order based on the file storage time (for example, the one corresponding to the latest storage file is displayed first. As well) a list may be displayed. In addition, a search function for searching and displaying path data stored in the storage unit 17 or a shortcut name and a file name based on a predetermined search condition may be added or designated. A sort function for rearranging the order of the list based on the conditions may be added.

  When the authentication data is set in the storage holder when accessing the file designated as the print target, the print processing unit 11s stores it in the storage unit 17 together with the path data 61 or together with the shortcut and the file name. The authentication data (for example, user name and password) read out is read, the storage holder or file is accessed and read out based on the authentication data, and the print processing is performed.

  As a modification of the authentication data, when accessing the holder in which the authentication data is set, the user may be requested to input the authentication data again, and the authentication data may be verified.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing operation of the storage destination management unit 11 c of the control unit 11. In step S1, it is determined whether the reading / saving process by the saving processing unit 11b is successful. If the reading / storing process is successful, the process proceeds to step S2. Is terminated.

  In step S2, it is determined whether or not the file storage destination holder has been specified by specifying a shortcut. If the shortcut is specified using a shortcut, the process proceeds to step S3, where the shortcut index (shortcut name) and file name are specified. Is stored in the storage unit 17. At this time, authentication data (for example, user name and password storage) is also stored in the storage unit 17 as necessary.

  On the other hand, when the file storage destination holder is specified without specifying a shortcut, the process proceeds to step S4, and the storage unit 17 stores the holder storing the file and the path data of the file. At this time, authentication data (for example, user name and password storage) is also stored in the storage unit 17 as necessary.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing operations of the guidance processing unit 11d and the print processing unit 11e of the control unit 11. In step S11, the guidance processing unit 11d displays a list of path data stored in the storage unit 17 or a list of shortcut names and file names on the touch panel 51 (note that, as described above, these two The list may be displayed on the touch panel 51 at the same time).

  In the subsequent step S12, the print processing unit 11e determines whether one or more files to be printed are specified from the list displayed on the touch panel 51, and one or more files are specified. In step S13, on the other hand, if not designated, the process in step S12 is repeated until designation is performed.

  In step S13, the print processing unit 11e determines whether or not the start key for instructing to start printing is pressed. If the start key is pressed, the process proceeds to step S14. If the start key is not pressed, the press is performed. Until the process of step S13 is repeated.

  In step S14, the print processing unit 11e reads one or more files designated as print targets via the network 18 and develops them into image data, and a print instruction for the image data is sent to the image recording unit 13. Is output. When the authentication data is required when accessing the file to be printed, the access is made using the authentication data stored in the storage unit 17 in advance.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the read image data is stored, the storage destination holder and path data in the network 18 of the file, or the shortcut name and file name used for specifying the holder are stored. Is automatically stored, and a list of the path data or a list of shortcut names and file names is displayed on the touch panel 51 during on-demand printing. For this reason, it is possible to select a desired path data or a shortcut name and a file name from the list to instruct a file to be printed, and as a result, the image data to be printed can be saved without much trouble. Can be easily accessed, and so can be read and printed with a single touch.

  If authentication data is required when accessing a file to be printed, the authentication data stored in advance in the storage unit 17 is used for access. There is no need to input, and it is convenient to save the input of authentication data.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a facsimile composite apparatus as an image reading apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a touchscreen. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a touchscreen. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a touchscreen. It is a flowchart which shows the processing operation of the preservation | save destination management part of a control part. It is a flowchart which shows the processing operation of the guidance process part of a control part, and a print process part.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Facsimile compound apparatus 11 Control part 11a Mode switching part 11b Storage processing part 11c Storage destination management part 11d Guidance processing part 11e Print processing part 12 Reading part 13 Recording part 14 Display part 15 Operation part 16 Communication part 17 Storage part 18 Network 31 External Device 51 Touch panel

Claims (8)

An image reading device capable of communicating with at least one external device via a network,
A reading unit for reading an image;
An operation unit for receiving operation inputs;
A display unit;
A storage unit;
A storage processing unit that stores the image data read by the reading unit as a file in a holder of the external device specified by an operation input via the operation unit;
A storage destination management unit for storing path data related to paths in the network of the file stored by the storage processing unit in the storage unit;
An image reading apparatus comprising: a guidance processing unit that displays the path data stored in the storage unit on the display unit in a manner that can be selected by an operation input via the operation unit. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1,
When the path data displayed on the display unit is selected by an operation input via the operation unit, a browsing processing unit is further provided that accesses the file specified based on the path data via the network. An image reading apparatus. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1,
When the path data displayed on the display unit is selected by an operation input via the operation unit, the file specified based on the path data is accessed via the network, and image data of the file is accessed. An image reading apparatus, further comprising: a browsing processing unit that prints the image via a predetermined recording unit. The image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The storage destination management unit, when authentication data related to the access authority to the holder is input via the operation unit when the file is stored, stores the authentication data in the storage unit,
When the path data is selected by an operation input via the operation unit, the browsing processing unit uses the authentication data stored in the storage unit to identify the file based on the path data The image reading apparatus is accessed via the network. An image reading device capable of communicating with at least one external device via a network,
A reading unit for reading an image;
An operation unit for receiving operation inputs;
A display unit;
A storage unit;
A storage processing unit that stores the image data read by the reading unit as a file in a holder of the external device specified by using a shortcut by an operation input via the operation unit;
A storage location management unit that stores in the storage unit the shortcut data related to the shortcut used to specify the holder and the file name of the image data;
An image reading apparatus comprising: a guide processing unit that displays the shortcut data and the file name stored in the storage unit on the display unit in a manner that can be selected by an operation input via the operation unit. . The image reading apparatus according to claim 5.
When the shortcut data and the file name displayed on the display unit are selected by an operation input via the operation unit, the shortcut data and the file in the holder specified based on the file name are included in the file. An image reading apparatus, further comprising a browsing processing unit that is accessed via a network. The image reading apparatus according to claim 5.
When the shortcut data and the file name displayed on the display unit are selected by an operation input via the operation unit, the shortcut data and the file in the holder specified based on the file name are included in the file. An image reading apparatus further comprising: a browsing processing unit that accesses via a network and prints image data of the file via a predetermined recording unit. The image reading apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7,
The storage destination management unit, when authentication data related to the access authority to the holder is input via the operation unit when the file is stored, stores the authentication data in the storage unit,
When the shortcut data and the file name are selected by an operation input via the operation unit, the browsing processing unit uses the authentication data stored in the storage unit and uses the shortcut data and the file name. An image reading apparatus that accesses the file in the holder specified based on the network via the network.

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