JP2010154072A - Image reading device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce power consumption during image reading standby in an image reading device connected to a communication line. <P>SOLUTION: An image reading device has an external storage part 60 for storing image data when image data transmission fails in transmission processing from a communication part 20 regarding image data generated by reading an image on a manuscript via an image reading part 30. The image reading device is controlled in the following manner. When transmission of the image data is successful but the image data is not stored in the external storage part 60, power supply to a central control part 10 and the communication part 20 is stopped. When transmission of the image data fails but the image data is stored in the external storage part 60, power to the central control part 10 and the communication part 20 is alternately switched between a supply state and a stop state. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus and a program.

An image reading apparatus (so-called “network scanner”) which is directly connected to a communication line such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network) and directly transfers the read image information to a transfer destination terminal apparatus or the like via the communication line. ")It has been known.
For example, Patent Document 1 describes a network scanner device that directly transmits read image data to a terminal device on a network without relaying the data by a server device.
Further, for example, Patent Document 2 discloses a scan image storage method in which a scan image read by an image reading apparatus is stored in a predetermined folder that is not shared on a network in a user terminal device without using a server. Is described.

JP 2001-217983 A JP 2002-77177 A

Here, generally, in addition to the reading instruction signal for instructing the image reading apparatus to read an image, a signal that does not need to be processed in the image reading apparatus is transmitted to the image reading apparatus connected to the communication line. However, it is difficult for the image reading apparatus to predict the transmission timing of the reading instruction signal. Therefore, even when a power saving state in which the power consumption of the image reading apparatus is set lower than the operating state during image reading standby is set, the communication unit that normally receives a reading instruction signal or the like from the communication line is maintained in the operating state. . Accordingly, every time the communication unit receives a signal, the image reading apparatus returns from the power saving state to the operating state, and it is difficult to reduce power consumption when the image reading apparatus waits for image reading.
An object of the present invention is to reduce power consumption during image reading standby in an image reading apparatus connected to a communication line.

  The invention according to claim 1 is an image reading unit that reads an image on a document to generate image data, a transmission unit that transmits the image data generated by the image reading unit to an external device, and the transmission Storage means for storing image data when transmission of the image data fails despite transmission processing by means, and power control means for controlling power supply to the transmission means and the image reading means And the power control unit stops the power supply to the transmission unit when the transmission unit succeeds in transmitting the image data and the storage unit does not store the image data, and transmits the image data. And when the image data is stored in the storage means, the power to the transmission means is controlled to be switched alternately between the supply state and the stop state. An image reading apparatus for.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the power control unit starts power supply to the image reading unit when receiving an instruction input for instructing reading of a document from a user. It is an image reading apparatus of description.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, when the communication with the external device is not established, or when the communication with the external device is established and the image data is transmitted, a predetermined time elapses. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data is stored when a reception completion notification is not returned from the external apparatus.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the transmission means transmits the image data to the external device between the start of switching control related to power supply to the transmission means by the power control means and the elapse of a predetermined time. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an image data erasing unit that erases the image data stored in the storage unit when the image data cannot be stored.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a computer acquires the image data from an image reading unit that reads an image on a document and generates image data, and transmits the acquired image data to an external device from a communication unit. A function for storing the image data in a storage means when transmission of the image data to the external device fails despite the transmission processing of the image data, and transmission of the image data. When the image data is not successfully stored in the storage means, the power supply to the communication unit is stopped, and when the image data is stored in the storage means because the transmission of the image data has failed, the communication is stopped. A program for realizing a function of controlling the power to be alternately switched between a supply state and a stop state.

The invention according to claim 6 further realizes a function of causing the image reading unit to read the image and generate the image data when receiving an instruction input for instructing reading of a document from a user. The program according to claim 5.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the function of storing the image data in the storage unit is such that communication with the external device is not established, or communication with the external device is established and the image data is transmitted in advance. 6. The program according to claim 5, wherein when the reception completion notification is not returned from the external device even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the image data is stored in the storage means.
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in a case where the transmission unit cannot transmit the image data to the external device between the start of the control for switching the power supply to the transmission unit and the elapse of a predetermined time. 6. The program according to claim 5, further realizing a function of erasing the image data stored in the storage means.
According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, when the image data is transmitted from the communication unit to the external device, a display is displayed to alert the user that the image data is being transmitted to the external device. 6. The program according to claim 5, further realizing a function of instructing to perform the function.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the power consumption during the image reading standby in the image reading apparatus connected to the communication line as compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, power is supplied to the image reading unit in accordance with the reading of the document, and the power consumed by the image reading unit is reduced as compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted. Can do.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the reading process of the original by the image reading unit from being wasted compared to the case where the present invention is not adopted.
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the storage capacity of the storage means can be used more effectively than in the case where the present invention is not adopted, and the image data does not remain in the storage means, so that the security can be improved. .

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the power consumption during the image reading standby in the image reading apparatus connected to the communication line as compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted.
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, power is supplied to the image reading unit in accordance with the reading of the document, and the power consumed by the image reading unit is reduced as compared with the case where the present invention is not adopted. Can do.
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the reading process of the original by the image reading unit from being wasted compared to the case where the present invention is not adopted.
According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the storage capacity of the storage means is used more effectively than in the case where the present invention is not adopted, and the security can be improved because no image data remains in the storage means. .
According to claim 9 of the present invention, it can be recognized that the user is receiving image data.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
<Description of communication system>
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of a communication system to which the image reading apparatus of the present embodiment is connected. In the communication system shown in FIG. 1, for example, an image scanner 2 as an example of an image reading device that reads an image printed on a document, and an example of an external device that stores image information relating to an image read by the image scanner 2. Terminal apparatuses 3A to 3C (hereinafter also collectively referred to as “terminal apparatus 3”) and an image forming apparatus as an example of an image forming apparatus that forms an image on paper based on image information read by the image scanner 2 4A and 4B (hereinafter collectively referred to as “image forming apparatus 4”) are bidirectionally connected via a network 1 such as a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), or the Internet, which is an example of a communication line. It is connected so that it can communicate. The communication line may include a telephone line or a satellite communication line (for example, a spatial transmission line in digital satellite broadcasting).
Note that the number of image scanners 2, terminal devices 3, and image forming devices 4 connected to the network 1 is not limited.

<Description of terminal device>
As the terminal device 3, for example, a computer device such as a personal computer (PC) is used, and image information (image data) such as a document, a figure, and a photograph read by the image scanner 2 is acquired via the network 1. Then, the acquired image data is stored.
Further, when printing the stored image data, the terminal device 3 converts the image data into, for example, a print command (hereinafter “print job”) for one of the image forming apparatuses 4A and 4B and outputs the print command. This print job includes, in addition to image data, attribute data that is information for setting various printing functions and specifying one of the image forming apparatuses 4A and 4B for performing printing. The print job output from the terminal device 3 is transmitted to one of the image forming apparatuses 4A and 4B via the network 1, for example.

<Description of Image Forming Apparatus>
The image forming apparatus 4 acquires image data such as a document, a figure, or a photograph read by the image scanner 2. Then, an image is formed on the sheet based on the acquired image data.
Further, the image forming apparatus 4 acquires a print job including image data from the image scanner 2 from the terminal device 3 and forms an image on a sheet according to the print job.

<Overview of image scanner>
Next, the image scanner 2 will be described.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the image scanner 2 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the image scanner 2 communicates with the central control unit 10 that controls the operation of the entire image scanner 2 according to a predetermined processing program and the network 1, and performs terminal device 3 and image formation. A communication unit 20 is provided as an example of a communication unit that transmits image data to the apparatus 4. The image scanner 2 reads an image formed on a document, for example, an image reading unit 30 as an example of an image reading unit that generates image data, and various images for the image data generated by the image reading unit 30. The operations of the image processing unit 31 that performs the processing, the buffer memory unit 32 that temporarily stores the image data subjected to the image processing by the image processing unit 31, the image reading unit 30, the image processing unit 31, and the buffer memory unit 32 An image reading control unit 33 to be controlled is provided.

Further, the image scanner 2 is supplied from a user interface (UI) unit 40 including an input device such as a keyboard and a touch panel that accepts various inputs from a user, a display device such as a liquid crystal display that displays various information, and the like, and commercial power. For example, a power supply unit 50 as an example of a power supply unit that converts 100 V power into a predetermined voltage (for example, 24 V, 12 V, 5 V) and supplies the same, and controls power supply from the power supply unit 50 to each component. A power control unit 51 as an example of a power control unit, an external storage unit 60 as an example of a storage unit for storing various programs, image data, and the like, an IC card serving as a key for authenticating use permission authority of the image scanner 2 A card reader 70 for recognizing a magnetic card or the like is provided.
Here, the central control unit 10, the communication unit 20, the buffer memory unit 32, the image reading control unit 33, the UI unit 40, the power control unit 51, the external storage unit 60, and the card reading unit 70 are mutually connected via a bus 80. Send and receive signals.

Here, FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the central control unit 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the central control unit 10 is a CPU 101 as an example of a calculation unit that executes digital calculation processing according to a predetermined program when controlling the entire image scanner 2, a program executed by the CPU 101, and the like. RAM 102 in which data is stored, ROM 103 in which data such as setting values used in programs executed by the CPU 101 are stored, nonvolatile data such as EEPROM and flash memory that can be rewritten and can retain data even when power supply is interrupted A memory (NVM) 104 and an interface (I / F) unit 105 that controls input / output of signals to / from each component connected to the central control unit 10.
The external storage unit 60 stores a program executed by the central control unit 10, and the central control unit 10 executes the control by reading the program.

  That is, a program for executing operation control of the communication unit 20, the image reading control unit 33, and the power control unit 51, processing / control of signals transmitted / received between the UI unit 40 and the card reading unit 70, and the like. For example, the data is read into the RAM 102 in the central control unit 10 from a hard disk or a DVD-ROM as the external storage unit 60. Then, based on the program read into the RAM 102, the CPU 101 performs various processes. As another providing form regarding this program, there is a form in which the program is provided in a state stored in the ROM 103 in advance and loaded into the RAM 102. Further, in the case where a rewritable ROM 103 such as an EEPROM is provided, after the central control unit 10 is set, only a program is installed in the ROM 103 and loaded into the RAM 102. Also, there is a form in which a program is transmitted to the central control unit 10 via the network 1 such as the Internet, installed in the ROM 103 of the central control unit 10 and loaded into the RAM 102. Furthermore, there is a form in which the RAM 102 is loaded from an external recording medium such as a DVD-ROM or a flash memory.

<Description of Image Scanner of Image Scanner>
Next, the configuration of the image reading unit 30 of the image scanner 2 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the image reading unit 30 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the image reading unit 30 includes a first platen glass 301 on which a document is placed in a stationary state, and a second platen that forms a light opening (reading position M) for reading the document being conveyed. A glass 302 is provided. In addition, a document tray 303 on which a plurality of documents are stacked, a document transport unit 304 that transports the documents stacked on the document tray 303 so as to pass the reading position M of the second platen glass 302, and the document at the reading position M. A platen roll 305 that is in close contact with the second platen glass 302 and a stacking tray 306 that stacks the read originals are provided.

Further, the image reading unit 30 of the image scanner 2 is stationary at the reading position M of the second platen glass 302 or a full rate carriage 310 that reads an image while scanning over the entire first platen glass 301. Is provided with a half-rate carriage 320 that guides the light obtained from the above to a CCD image sensor 340 (see the subsequent stage). Here, the full-rate carriage 310 includes an illumination lamp 311 that irradiates light on a document, and a first mirror 312 that receives reflected light obtained from the document. The half-rate carriage 320 includes a second mirror 321 and a third mirror 322 that guide light obtained from the full-rate carriage 310 to the CCD image sensor 340.
Further, the image scanner 2 includes an imaging lens 330 that optically reduces an optical image obtained from the half-rate carriage 320, and a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image that photoelectrically converts the optical image formed by the imaging lens 330. A sensor 340 is provided.

When the image reading unit 30 of the image scanner 2 reads an image of a document placed on the first platen glass 301, the central control unit 10 controls the image reading control unit 33 based on a user operation input from the UI unit 40. The reading of the document placed on the first platen glass 301 is instructed.
Upon receiving an instruction to read the document placed on the first platen glass 301 from the central control unit 10, the image reading control unit 33 scans the full rate carriage 310 and the half rate carriage 320 in the scanning direction (arrow direction) at a ratio of 2: 1. Move to. Further, the illumination lamp 311 of the full rate carriage 310 is caused to emit light and irradiate the document surface. Thereby, the reflected light from the document is guided to the imaging lens 330 through the first mirror 312, the second mirror 321, and the third mirror 322. The light guided to the imaging lens 330 is imaged on the light receiving surface of the CCD image sensor 340. The CCD image sensor 340 is configured by arranging one-dimensional sensors for three colors of R (red), G (green), and B (blue), for example, in a set of three rows, and one line for each color. Are processed simultaneously. Then, the reading in the line direction is executed over the entire document size, thereby completing the document reading for one page.
Image data obtained by the CCD image sensor 340 is sent to the image processing unit 31. The image processing unit 31 performs predetermined image processing on the image data, and stores the image data subjected to the image processing in the buffer memory unit 32 (see FIG. 2).

On the other hand, when the image reading unit 30 of the image scanner 2 reads a document stacked on the document tray 303, the central control unit 10 controls the image reading control unit 33 based on a user operation input from the UI unit 40. An instruction to read the originals loaded on the original tray 303 is given.
The image reading control unit 33 that has received an instruction to read a document stacked on the document tray 303 from the central control unit 10 moves the document stacked on the document tray 303 to the reading position M of the second platen glass 302 by the document transport unit 304. Transport. At this time, the full rate carriage 310 and the half rate carriage 320 are set in a state where they are stopped at the positions indicated by solid lines in FIG. Then, the illumination lamp 311 of the full rate carriage 310 is caused to emit light and irradiate the document surface. As a result, the reflected light of the document that is in close contact with the second platen glass 302 by the platen roll 305 is guided to the imaging lens 330 through the first mirror 312, the second mirror 321, and the third mirror 322. The light guided to the imaging lens 330 is imaged on the light receiving surface of the CCD image sensor 340. The CCD image sensor 340 simultaneously processes one line for each color of R (red), G (green), and B (blue). Then, when the trailing edge of the document passes through the reading position M of the second platen glass 302, the document reading for one page is completed.
Image data obtained by the CCD image sensor 340 is sent to the image processing unit 31. The image processing unit 31 performs predetermined image processing on the image data, and stores the image data subjected to the image processing in the buffer memory unit 32.

Here, the image processing unit 31 performs shading correction, position shift correction, brightness / color space conversion processing, gamma correction, frame erasing, color editing, and the like on the image data read by the image reading unit 30. Predetermined image processing such as various image editing such as moving editing is performed.
The buffer memory unit 32 temporarily stores the image data that has been subjected to image processing, and sends the image data to the communication unit 20 or the external storage unit 60.
The image reading control unit 33 controls the operation of the image reading unit 30, the transmission control of image data from the image reading unit 30 to the image processing unit 31, the transmission control of image data from the image processing unit 31 to the buffer memory unit 32, and the like. I do.

<Description of other components of the image scanner>
Next, the communication unit 20 of the image scanner 2 is connected to the network 1, and the image data read by the image reading unit 30 and the image data stored in the external storage unit 60 are connected to the network 1, for example. The data is transmitted to the apparatus 3 and the image forming apparatus 4.
The UI unit 40 includes an input device such as a keyboard and a touch panel. The UI unit 40 receives an instruction to read an image of a document placed on the first platen glass 301 of the image reading unit 30 and a document loaded on the document tray 303 from a user. Accepts various operation inputs such as reading instructions. In addition, a display device such as a liquid crystal display is provided to display various information to the user.
The power control unit 51 is an example of a power control unit. For the power converted into a predetermined voltage (for example, 24V, 12V, 5V) by the power supply unit 50, the central control unit 10, the communication unit 20, The supply to the image reading control unit 33 and the card reading unit 70 is controlled. For example, under the control of the central control unit 10, a power saving mode (power saving state) for supplying power only to the UI unit 40 and the power control unit 51 is set. In addition, when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the period in which the power saving mode is set (see the subsequent stage), the power supply to the central control unit 10 and the communication unit 20 is controlled on and off at predetermined time intervals.
The card reading unit 70 recognizes information stored in an IC card, a magnetic card, or the like that is a key for authenticating the use permission authority of the image scanner 2 and sends the recognized authentication information to the central control unit 10.

<Description of image scanner operation>
Next, the operation of the image scanner 2 of the present embodiment will be described.
In the image scanner 2 according to the present embodiment, a power saving mode is set in which power from the power supply unit 50 is supplied only to the UI unit 40 and the power control unit 51 until the user performs an operation input from the UI unit 40. The Then, when the user inputs an instruction for instructing reading of the document by the image reading unit 30 from the UI unit 40, the power saving mode is canceled by the trigger signal output from the UI unit 40. Thereby, the power control unit 51 starts power supply to the central control unit 10 and the central control unit 10 is activated, and the central control unit 10 communicates with the power control unit 51 by the communication unit 20 and the image reading unit 30. The image processing unit 31, the image reading control unit 33, and further the card reading unit 70 are instructed to supply power as necessary. Then, the image reading unit 30 starts reading a document.
That is, when the user performs an operation input (instruction input) for instructing reading of a document from the UI unit 40, the power reading mode (power saving state) is restored to the operation mode (operating state), and the image reading unit 30 is scanned. Start reading.

  Further, the image reading unit 30 completes reading of the document, and the image data read by the image reading unit 30 is transmitted from the communication unit 20 to the terminal device 3 and the image forming device 4 (transmission destination) via the network 1. When the transmission is completed (successful transmission), the communication with the transmission destination is not established and the transmission of the image data is unsuccessful. Further, the communication with the transmission destination is established and the image data is transmitted. When it is determined that the transmission of the image data has failed because the reception completion notification (reception completion notification) is not returned from the transmission destination even after the set time has elapsed, the central control unit 10 51 is instructed to stop power supply to the central control unit 10, the communication unit 20, the image reading unit 30, the image processing unit 31, the image reading control unit 33, and the card reading unit 70. Thereby, the power supply to the central control unit 10, the communication unit 20, the image reading unit 30, the image processing unit 31, the image reading control unit 33, and the card reading unit 70 is stopped, and the power saving mode is set again.

By the way, in the image scanner 2 of the present embodiment, when the image reading unit 30 does not read a document, as described above, the central control unit 10 excluding the UI unit 40 and the power control unit 51. And a power saving mode in which power supply to each component including the communication unit 20 is turned off is set. Thereby, an increase in power consumption due to a packet (signal) transmitted through the network 1 to which the image scanner 2 is connected is suppressed.
Under a general network environment, a wide variety of packets are transmitted, and many broadcast packets and multicast packets are also transmitted. Therefore, even if the image scanner connected to the network is set to a power saving mode in which the power supply to the central control unit is also turned off, if the communication unit is in an operation state of receiving a packet, the CPU of the central control unit It is activated by the packet received by the unit. That is, since the CPU of the central control unit needs to process a packet, it is turned on every time the communication unit receives any packet including a packet that does not require processing. Therefore, even if the power saving mode is set such that the CPU of the central control unit returns from the power saving mode and the CPU of the central control unit is also turned off, the image reading with the image scanner connected to the network is performed. In many cases, the amount of power reduction during standby is not sufficient.

On the other hand, in the image scanner 2 of the present embodiment, the image data read by the image reading unit 30 is transmitted from the communication unit 20 to the transmission destination (terminal device 3 or image forming device 4) via the network 1. The central control unit 10, the communication unit 20, the image reading unit 30, the image processing unit 31, both when the transmission is successful and when the transmission to the transmission destination is unsuccessful and stored in the external storage unit 60. The power supply to the image reading control unit 33 and the card reading unit 70 is stopped.
As described above, in the image scanner 2 according to the present embodiment, the power saving mode is performed after the transmission process is completed, regardless of whether the transmission process regarding the image data read by the image reading unit 30 is successful. Is set, and reception of packets from the network 1 via the communication unit 20 is blocked. As a result, power consumption during image reading standby in the image scanner 2 connected to the network (communication line) 1 is reduced.

On the other hand, when communication with the transmission destination is not established and the transmission of the image data is unsuccessful, or communication with the transmission destination is established and the image data is transmitted. If it is determined that the transmission of the image data has failed because the reception completion notification is not returned, the image data read by the image reading unit 30 is stored in the external storage unit 60. When the image data is stored in the external storage unit 60, the power control unit 51 sets power supply to the central control unit 10 and the communication unit 20 in advance during the period when the power saving mode is set. On / off control (control to switch alternately between a supply state and a stop state) is performed at each time interval. Thereby, the central control unit 10 and the communication unit 20 try to transmit the image data stored in the external storage unit 60 again. Thus, the central control unit 10 and the communication unit 20 function as a transmission unit that transmits image data.
That is, the image scanner 2 according to the present embodiment, when the image data is stored in the external storage unit 60, re-creates the image data stored in the external storage unit 60 during the period when the power saving mode is set. Transmission is performed at predetermined time intervals by the central control unit 10 and the communication unit 20 functioning as transmission means.

<Description of Image Reading Processing in Image Scanner>
5 and 6 are flowcharts showing an example of the contents of the image reading process performed by the image scanner 2.
First, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5, the UI unit 40 that is continuously supplied with power waits for an instruction input instructing reading of a document by the image reading unit 30 from the user (step 101). Then, when an instruction is input to the UI unit 40 to instruct reading of the document by the image reading unit 30 (Yes in step 101), the UI unit 40 transmits a trigger signal to the power control unit 51 to transmit the central control unit. The power supply to 10 is started and the central control unit 10 is started (step 102). When the central control unit 10 is activated, the central control unit 10 instructs the power control unit 51 to communicate with the communication unit 20, the image reading unit 30, the image processing unit 31, the image reading control unit 33, and, if necessary, a card. Instruct each component of the reading unit 70 to supply power (step 103). As a result, the operation mode (operation state) for reading a document is restored from the power saving mode (power consumption state).
If no operation input for instructing the UI unit 40 to read a document is made (No in step 101), the instruction input is awaited.

In response to an instruction from the central control unit 10 to the power control unit 51, power supply from the power supply unit 50 to each component of the communication unit 20, the image reading unit 30, the image processing unit 31, and the image reading control unit 33 is started. (Step 104), the central control unit 10 instructs the image reading control unit 33 to read an image with the image reading unit 30 (Step 105). In that case, when the image reading unit 30 reads an image, it may be a condition that the use permission authority of the user is authenticated by an IC card or the like installed in the card reading unit 70.
Thereby, the image reading unit 30 reads the image, and after the predetermined image processing in the image processing unit 31 is performed, the central control unit 10 stores the image data subjected to the image processing in the buffer memory unit. 32 (step 106).
Further, the central control unit 10 instructs the communication unit 20 to communicate with the transmission destination of the image data read by the image reading unit 30 (step 107). In this case, the address information of the transmission destination is set in the communication unit 20 by an operation input by the user in the UI unit 40 or when the user selects address information input in advance in the UI unit 40. Further, the address information of the transmission destination may be set in the communication unit 20 from an IC card or the like installed in the card reading unit 70.
Then, the communication unit 20 starts communication with the image data transmission destination (step 108).

When the communication unit 20 establishes communication with the transmission destination of the image data within a predetermined time (Yes in Step 109), the process proceeds to the next flowchart of FIG. Is sent to the communication unit 20 (step 110). Then, the central control unit 10 instructs the transmission destination to perform a display to alert the user that image data is being transmitted (step 111). In accordance with a caution display instruction from the central control unit 10, the transmission destination pops up a window displaying, for example, “Currently receiving image data from the scanner. Do not turn off the PC.” On the display screen.
Thereafter, the central control unit 10 transmits the image data from the communication unit 20 to the transmission destination (step 112).

The central control unit 10 waits for the completion of transmission of image data from the communication unit 20 (No in step 113). When the transmission of the image data from the communication unit 20 is completed (Yes in step 113), the central control unit 10 starts time measurement using a timer (step 114), and a reception completion notification is transmitted from the transmission destination. (Step 115).
If the central control unit 10 acquires a reception completion notification from the transmission destination before the timer measures a predetermined time (Yes in step 116), the central control unit 10 transmits the image data from the communication unit 20 to the transmission destination. The image data stored in the buffer memory unit 32 is erased as a result of success (step 117). Furthermore, the central control unit 10 instructs the power control unit 51 to stop power supply to each component unit other than the UI unit 40 and the power control unit 51 (step 118). Thereby, the power saving mode (power saving state) is set, and the power consumption in the standby state where the image scanner 2 is not used is reduced. Further, activation of the central control unit 10 due to reception of a packet from the network 1 is suppressed.

On the other hand, if the reception completion notification is not acquired from the transmission destination even after the timer measures the predetermined time (No in step 116), the central control unit 10 transmits image data from the communication unit 20 to the transmission destination. After the image data stored in the buffer memory unit 32 is transferred to the external storage unit 60 as an example of a storage unit, the image data stored in the buffer memory unit 32 is erased (step 119). ). The external storage unit 60 stores the image data in association with the destination address information (step 120). Thereafter, the central control unit 10 instructs the power control unit 51 to stop power supply to each component unit other than the UI unit 40 and the power control unit 51 (step 118). Also by this, the power saving mode (power saving state) is set, the power consumption in the standby state where the image scanner 2 is not used is reduced, and the central control unit 10 is activated by receiving a packet from the network 1. To suppress that.
In this case, after the power control unit 51 is instructed to stop power supply to the components other than the UI unit 40 and the power control unit 51, the center shown in FIGS. On / off control is started at predetermined time intervals related to power supply to the control unit 10 and the communication unit 20.

Even when the communication unit 20 cannot establish communication with the transmission destination of the image data within a predetermined time (No in step 109), the central control unit 10 stores the image data stored in the buffer memory unit 32. After transferring to the external storage unit 60, the image data stored in the buffer memory unit 32 is deleted (step 119). The external storage unit 60 stores the image data in association with the destination address information (step 120).
Then, after the transfer of the image data to the external storage unit 60 is completed, the central control unit 10 stops the power supply to each component unit other than the UI unit 40 and the power control unit 51 with respect to the power control unit 51. (Step 118). Thereby, a power saving mode (power saving state) is set, and power consumption in a state where the image scanner 2 is not used is reduced. Further, activation of the central control unit 10 due to reception of a packet from the network 1 is suppressed.
In this case as well, after the power control unit 51 is instructed to stop power supply to the components other than the UI unit 40 and the power control unit 51, the center shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. On / off control is started at predetermined time intervals related to power supply to the control unit 10 and the communication unit 20.

<Description of handling of image data stored in external storage unit>
Next, handling of image data stored in the external storage unit 60 will be described.
As described above, when communication with the transmission destination (the terminal device 3 or the image forming apparatus 4) is not established and the transmission of the image data is unsuccessful, or communication with the transmission destination is established and the image data is transmitted. When it is determined that the transmission of the image data has failed because the reception completion notification is not returned from the transmission destination even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the image data read by the image reading unit 30 is external It is stored in the storage unit 60. When the image data is stored in the external storage unit 60, the power control unit 51 sets power supply to the central control unit 10 and the communication unit 20 in advance during the period when the power saving mode is set. ON / OFF control at every time interval. Thereby, the central control unit 10 and the communication unit 20 execute the re-transmission of the image data stored in the external storage unit 60 at predetermined time intervals.

FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are flowcharts showing an example of the contents of retransmission processing related to image data stored in the external storage unit 60.
First, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7, the central control unit 10 sets a power saving mode (power saving state) in which power supply to each component unit other than the UI unit 40 and the power control unit 51 is stopped ( Step 118 in FIG. 6), it is determined whether image data is stored in the external storage unit 60 (Step 201). In this case, the central control unit 10 functions as a determination unit that determines whether image data is stored in the external storage unit 60.
When it is determined that no image data is stored in the external storage unit 60 (No in step 201), the central control unit 10 causes the power control unit 51 to perform a normal power saving mode (hereinafter referred to as “normal power saving”). Mode ") is set (step 202). Thereby, the power control unit 51 performs control so that power supply to the central control unit 10 and the communication unit 20 is always stopped during the period in which the power saving mode is set.

On the other hand, if the central control unit 10 determines that the image data is stored in the external storage unit 60 (Yes in step 201), the central control unit 10 sends the power control unit 51 to the central control unit 10 and the communication unit 20. An instruction is given to set a power saving mode (hereinafter referred to as “intermittent power saving mode”) in which power supply is controlled to be turned on and off at predetermined time intervals (control to alternately switch between a supply state and a stop state) (step 203). .
When the intermittent power saving mode is set, the power control unit 51 starts time measurement by a start timer (not shown) (step 204). The power control unit 51 waits until the time measured by the start timer reaches a predetermined start time (No in Step 205), and functions as a transmission unit when the start time is reached (Yes in Step 205). The power supply to the central control unit 10 and the communication unit 20 is turned on (step 206). Thereby, the central control unit 10 instructs the communication unit 20 to communicate with the transmission destination of the image data stored in the external storage unit 60 (step 207). In that case, an address associated with the image data stored in the external storage unit 60 is set in the communication unit 20.
Then, the communication unit 20 starts communication with the image data transmission destination (step 208).

When the communication unit 20 establishes communication with the transmission destination of the image data within a predetermined time (Yes in step 209), the process proceeds to the next flowchart of FIG. 8 and the central control unit 10 stores the data in the external storage unit 60. The processed image data is sent to the communication unit 20 (step 210). Then, the central control unit 10 instructs the transmission destination to perform a display to alert the user that image data is being transmitted (step 211).
Thereafter, the central control unit 10 transmits the image data from the communication unit 20 to the transmission destination (step 212).

The central control unit 10 waits for the completion of transmission of image data from the communication unit 20 (No in step 213). When the transmission of the image data from the communication unit 20 is completed (Yes in step 213), the central control unit 10 starts time measurement by a timer (step 214), and the reception completion notification is transmitted from the transmission destination. Wait (step 215).
If the central control unit 10 obtains a reception completion notification from the transmission destination before the timer measures a predetermined time (Yes in step 216), the central control unit 10 transmits image data from the communication unit 20 to the transmission destination. The image data stored in the external storage unit 60 is erased as a result of success (step 217).
Thereafter, returning to step 201, if it is determined that no image data is stored in the external storage unit 60 (No in step 201), the central control unit 10 sets the normal power saving mode to the power control unit 51. It is instructed to set (step 202). If it is determined that another image data is stored in the external storage unit 60 (Yes in step 201), the processing from step 203 is continued.

  On the other hand, if the central control unit 10 does not acquire a reception completion notification from the transmission destination even after the timer measures a predetermined time (No in step 216), the central control unit 10 receives the transmission destination from the communication unit 20. It is determined that transmission of image data to has failed. Thereby, the power control unit 51 turns off the power supply to the central control unit 10 and the communication unit 20 (step 218), and resets the start timer (step 219). Then, returning to step 204, the time measurement by the activation timer is started again, and the processing after step 204 is repeatedly executed.

  Even when the communication unit 20 cannot establish communication with the transmission destination of the image data within a predetermined time (No in step 209), the central control unit 10 transmits the image data from the communication unit 20 to the transmission destination. Judge that transmission failed. Thereby, the power control unit 51 turns off the power supply to the central control unit 10 and the communication unit 20 (step 218), and resets the start timer (step 219). Then, returning to step 204, the time measurement by the activation timer is started again, and the processing after step 204 is repeatedly executed.

  As described above, when the image data is stored in the external storage unit 60, the power control unit 51 supplies power to the central control unit 10 and the communication unit 20 during the period in which the power saving mode is set. On / off control is performed at predetermined time (start-up time) intervals, and the central control unit 10 and the communication unit 20 execute transmission of image data stored in the external storage unit 60 again at each start-up time. As a result, even when image data that is not transmitted to the image scanner 2 remains, power is intermittently supplied to the central control unit 10 and the communication unit 20 when waiting for image reading. The remaining image data is transmitted while reducing power.

Incidentally, the image data stored in the external storage unit 60 may be configured to be transmitted even when there is a transmission instruction from the UI unit 40 by the user thereafter, for example. That is, even when the intermittent power saving mode is set, if there is a transmission instruction from the user by the UI unit 40, the power supply to the central control unit 10 and the communication unit 20 is turned on, and the communication unit 20 receives the image data. The transmission of the image data to the transmission destination associated with is tried again. Even in this case, regardless of whether the re-transmission regarding the image data stored in the external storage unit 60 is successful or not, after the transmission process is completed, each component unit (UI unit 40) constituting the image scanner 2 is completed. And the power supply to the power control unit 51 is excluded. At that time, if retransmission fails, whether to delete the image data from the external storage unit 60 may be selected from the UI unit 40.
Further, for example, when an operation input for instructing the UI unit 40 to read another document by the image reading unit 30 is performed and power is supplied to the communication unit 20, the UI 40 is stored in the external storage unit 60. You may set so that transmission of image data may be tried.

  In the intermittent power saving mode, the image data may be sent to a server (not shown) connected to the network 1 when the number of image data transmission failures reaches a predetermined number. Thereby, since only the administrator can operate the server, the security of the image data is ensured. Further, it is not necessary to erase the image data by storing it in the server. Furthermore, by configuring the image data to be sent to the server, the capacity of the external storage unit 60 can be reduced.

Further, the image data stored in the external storage unit 60 is configured to be deleted from the external storage unit 60 by the central control unit 10 functioning as an image data erasing unit when there is an erasure instruction from the UI unit 40. May be.
Further, if the above-described retransmission processing in the intermittent power saving mode for the image data stored in the external storage unit 60 is not successful within a predetermined time, the central control unit 10 functioning as an image data erasing unit is connected to the external storage unit. The image data may be deleted from 60. As a result, image data that is unlikely to be transmitted is deleted, and the storage capacity of the external storage unit 60 is effectively used. Furthermore, since image data does not remain in the external storage unit 60, security is improved.
Here, when the image data is stored in the external storage unit 60, or when the image data is deleted from the external storage unit 60, the UI unit 40 may be configured to display the fact. Good. In addition, the communication unit 20 may notify the terminal device 3 determined in advance or the terminal device 3 connected to the network 1 using e-mail, for example. Thereby, the transmission result and processing status of the image read by the user are grasped.

The image scanner 2 according to the present embodiment is configured to transmit the image data read by the image reading unit 30 to the terminal device 3 and the image forming apparatus 4 connected on the network 1. However, in addition to such a configuration, the image scanner 2 according to the present embodiment also has a configuration in which the image scanner 2 and the terminal device 3 or the image scanner 2 and the image forming device 4 are connected on a one-to-one basis. Applicable.
Further, when power is supplied to the communication unit 20, an image reading instruction signal from the terminal device 3 or the image forming device 4 connected to the network 1 may be received. .

As described above, in the image reading apparatus (image scanner 2) according to the present embodiment, for example, the user inputs an instruction for instructing reading of a document by the image reading unit 30 from the UI unit 40, whereby the image scanner 2 is operated. The power supply to the respective components constituting the is started. Further, regardless of whether or not the transmission related to the image data read by the image reading unit 30 is successful, the power supply to each component constituting the image scanner 2 is stopped after the transmission process is completed. . When the image data transmission fails and the image data is stored in the external storage unit 60, the power control unit 51 includes the central control unit 10 and the communication unit during the period in which the power saving mode is set. The central control unit 10 and the communication unit 20 execute transmission of image data stored in the external storage unit 60 again at predetermined time intervals. To do.
Thereby, even when image data that is not transmitted remains in the image scanner 2 connected to the communication line (network 1), power is intermittently supplied to the central control unit 10 and the communication unit 20 during the image reading standby. Therefore, the remaining image data is transmitted while reducing power consumption during image reading standby.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of a communication system to which an image reading apparatus according to an embodiment is connected. It is a block diagram explaining the structure of an image scanner. It is the figure which showed the hardware constitutions of the central control part. It is a block diagram explaining the structure of an image reading part. It is the first half part of the flowchart which showed an example of the content of the image reading process performed with an image scanner. It is the latter half part of the flowchart which showed an example of the content of the image reading process performed with an image scanner. It is the first half part of the flowchart which showed an example of the content of the resending process regarding the image data memorize | stored in the external memory | storage part. It is the latter half part of the flowchart which showed an example of the content of the resending process regarding the image data memorize | stored in the external memory | storage part.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Network, 2 ... Image scanner, 3 (3A-3C) ... Terminal device, 4 (4A, 4B) ... Image forming apparatus, 10 ... Central control part, 20 ... Communication part, 30 ... Image reading part, 31 ... Image Processing unit 32 ... Buffer memory unit 33 33 Image reading control unit 40 40 User interface (UI) unit 50 Power supply unit 51 Power control unit 60 External storage unit 70 Card reading unit

Claims (9)

Image reading means for reading an image on a document and generating image data;
Transmitting means for transmitting the image data generated by the image reading means to an external device;
Storage means for storing the image data when the transmission of the image data fails despite the transmission processing by the transmission means;
Power control means for controlling power supply to the transmission means and the image reading means,
The power control unit stops power supply to the transmission unit when the transmission unit succeeds in transmitting the image data and the storage unit does not store the image data, and fails to transmit the image data. When the image data is stored in the storage means, the image reading apparatus is controlled to alternately switch the power to the transmission means between a supply state and a stopped state.   The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power control unit starts power supply to the image reading unit when receiving an instruction input for instructing reading of a document from a user.   When the communication with the external device is not established, or when communication with the external device is established and the image data is transmitted, the storage means notifies the reception completion from the external device even after a predetermined time has elapsed. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data is stored when the image data is not returned.   When the transmission means cannot transmit the image data to the external device between the start of the switching control relating to the power supply to the transmission means by the power control means and the elapse of a predetermined time, the image data is stored in the storage means. 2. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising image data erasing means for erasing the image data. On the computer,
A function of acquiring image data from an image reading unit that reads an image on a document and generates image data;
A function of transmitting the acquired image data from a communication unit to an external device;
A function of storing the image data in a storage means when transmission of the image data to the external device fails despite the transmission processing of the image data;
When the transmission of the image data is successful and the image data is not stored in the storage unit, the power supply to the communication unit is stopped, and the transmission of the image data fails and the image data is stored in the storage unit And a function for controlling the power to be alternately switched between a supply state and a stop state when the power is supplied to the communication unit.   6. The function of causing the image reading unit to read the image and generating the image data when receiving an instruction input for instructing reading of a document from a user is further realized. program.   The function of storing the image data in the storage means is the function when communication with the external device is not established or when communication with the external device is established and the image data is transmitted but a predetermined time elapses. 6. The program according to claim 5, wherein when the reception completion notification is not returned from the external device, the image data is stored in the storage means.   The image data stored in the storage unit when the transmission unit cannot transmit the image data to the external device between the start of control for switching the power supply to the transmission unit and the elapse of a predetermined time. The program according to claim 5, further realizing a function of deleting data.   When the image data is transmitted from the communication unit to the external device, a function for instructing the external device to display that the image data is being transmitted is further realized. 6. The program according to claim 5, wherein the program is executed.

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