JP2013251604A - Image reading device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image reading device having a good convenience for a user when selecting a desired destination without changing a display order of the destinations on a display device included in the image reading device even under an environment where destination registration and cancellation of the registration to the image reading device via a network are irregularly performed.SOLUTION: An image formation device comprises: an image reading part generating image data based on an image; a transmission part transmitting the image data via a network; a destination information management part accepting requests for registration of destination of the image data to be transmitted and cancellation of the registration, from exterior; a destination information storage part storing the destination and the registration order depending on the request; a display part displaying the destination stored in the destination information storage part according to the registration order; and an operation part accepting selection of the destination and transmission instruction of the image data. The destination information storage part continuously stores the destination and the registration order corresponding to the request of cancellation of the registration even when the request of cancellation of the registration is accepted.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus that transmits image data via a network.

  Generally, when image data generated by an image reading device is transmitted to an external information terminal via a network, a list of destinations registered in advance in the image reading device is displayed on a display device provided in the image reading device. A method in which a user selects a desired destination as a transmission destination of image data from a displayed list is known.

  As a technique for registering a destination in the image reading apparatus, for example, there is a technique for automatically registering a destination at the time of installing a driver program for a scanner that is an image reading apparatus, or a technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 or the like. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-133867 describes a technique for easily registering a destination in an image reading apparatus by an operation on an external information terminal.

  With regard to deregistration of the destination registered in the image reading apparatus, for example, a technique in which deregistration of the destination is performed with the shutdown of the external information terminal and the destination is registered again when the external information terminal is restarted. It has been known.

JP 2006-33086 A

  While it is convenient that registration and deregistration of destinations for the image reading device can be easily performed via the network, a list of destinations registered in advance in the image reading device is displayed on the display device included in the image reading device, When the user selects a desired destination from the displayed list as the transmission destination of the image data, the display order of the destination may change frequently. Thus, if the display order of the destinations changes frequently, there is a problem that it becomes difficult for the user who has used so far to select a desired destination, and convenience is impaired.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and the problem of the present invention is that even in an environment where registration and deregistration of a destination for an image reading apparatus via a network are performed irregularly, An object of the present invention is to provide an image reading apparatus that is convenient for the user in selecting a desired destination without changing the display order of the destinations on the display device included in the image reading apparatus.

  In order to solve the above problems, an image reading apparatus according to the present invention includes an image reading unit that reads an image and generates image data based on the image, a transmission unit that transmits the image data via a network, A destination information management unit that accepts a request for registration and cancellation of the destination of the image data transmitted by the transmission unit from the outside; a destination information storage unit that stores the destination and the registration order in response to the request; A display unit that displays the destinations stored in the destination information storage unit in the registration order; and an operation unit that receives the selection of the destinations and an instruction to transmit the image data. The destination information management unit continues to store the destination and the registration order corresponding to the registration cancellation request even when the registration cancellation request is received. That.

  According to the present invention, the display order of destinations on the display device included in the image reading apparatus is changed even in an environment in which registration and cancellation of registration of addresses with respect to the image reading apparatus via the network are performed irregularly. In addition, it is possible to provide an image reading apparatus that is convenient for the user in selecting a desired destination.

It is the schematic explaining a network structure. 2 is a functional block diagram for explaining a functional configuration of an MFP. FIG. It is a figure explaining the schematic sequence of the push scan function by a WSD protocol. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a destination registration operation when the MFP receives a destination registration request. It is a figure explaining the destination registration content. It is a figure explaining a destination information table. It is a figure explaining a destination information table. It is a flowchart explaining the operation | movement at the time of performing a push scan function in the state in which the destination is registered. It is a figure explaining a destination list. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a destination registration cancellation operation when the MFP accepts a destination registration cancellation request. It is a figure explaining a destination information table. It is a figure explaining a destination information table. It is a figure explaining a destination information table. It is a figure explaining a destination list. It is a flowchart explaining the operation | movement which concerns on deletion of destination information. It is a figure explaining a destination information table. It is a figure explaining a destination list. It is the schematic explaining a network structure. 2 is a functional block diagram for explaining a functional configuration of an MFP. FIG. It is a figure explaining the schematic sequence of the push scan function by a WSD protocol. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a destination registration operation when the MFP receives a destination registration request. It is a figure explaining a destination information table. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the MFP when a push scan function is executed. It is a figure explaining an update information table. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a destination registration cancellation operation when the MFP accepts a destination registration cancellation request. It is a figure explaining a destination information table. It is a figure explaining a destination information table.

  In general, an operation on the image reading apparatus performs communication between the image reading apparatus and an external information terminal connected via a network, and transmits image data generated by the image reading apparatus to the external information terminal. The function may be generally called a push scan function. In the description of this embodiment, this function is hereinafter referred to as a push scan function. As an embodiment described below, an image reading apparatus having a push scan function using a WSD (Web Service on Devices) protocol will be described as an example. Here, Web Service is a technology that realizes various services by exchanging message data described in XML (Extensive Markup Language) language on the network, and WSD uses this technology on the device. Is.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited to the following description, In the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention, it can change suitably.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a network configuration according to the present embodiment. An MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) 100 as an image reading apparatus capable of data communication via a network and a PC (Personal Computer) 200, PC300, PC400, PC500, PC600, and PC700 as external information terminals have the same LAN (Local Area). Network) 800.

  In the present embodiment, appropriate IP addresses are set for the MFP 100 and the PC 200, PC 300, PC 400, PC 500, PC 600, and PC 700, respectively, and these apparatuses can perform data communication via the LAN 800. The PC 200, PC 300, PC 400, PC 500, PC 600, and PC 700 all support the WSD protocol and can use the push scan function.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram for explaining the functional configuration of MFP 100. The MFP 100 includes an LED (Light Emitting Diode), an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and the like. The MFP 100 includes a display unit 101 that displays various types of information, and an input unit such as a touch panel and button keys. In order to execute the function, an operation unit 102 that accepts input of a destination selection by the user, an instruction to start scanning execution by the reading unit 104, and a destination of scan data as image data generated by scanning an image A storage unit 103 serving as a destination information storage unit for storing destination information including related information, a light source for irradiating at least a document on which an image to be read is formed, and light reflected by the document are collected. CC that receives the light collected by the lens and the light collected by the lens and converts the received light into scan data that is an electrical signal (Charge Coupled Device) and other photoelectric conversion elements, scans an image on a document, generates scan data based on the read image, a timing unit 105 that measures time, and a LAN 800. A network communication unit 106 serving as a transmission unit for receiving a request for registration and cancellation of registration of a destination by the WSD protocol or executing a push scan function, and a destination information management unit 1071 for managing destination information are connected. And a control unit 107 that controls the entire MFP 100 in an integrated manner.

  Next, the operation according to the present embodiment will be described. First, an outline of operation of a push scan function based on a general WSD protocol will be described. Next, the operation of MFP 100 includes a destination registration operation when MFP 100 accepts a destination registration request, an operation when the push scan function is executed in a state where the destination is registered, and MFP 100 accepts a destination registration cancellation request. Destination registration release operation, an operation of executing the push scan function in a state where the destination registration is released, a destination registration operation when the MFP 100 accepts a destination registration request again, and a destination registration released over time This will be described separately with the deletion operation.

  The operation outline of the push scan function based on the WSD protocol will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a schematic sequence of a push scan function based on the WSD protocol. As described above, PC 200, PC 300, PC 400, PC 500, PC 600, and PC 700 all support the WSD protocol, and therefore the schematic sequence of the push scan function between each PC and MFP 100 is the same. Here, an example of a schematic sequence between the PC 200 and the MFP 100 will be described.

  First, the PC 200 transmits a destination registration request (Subscribe) before using the push scan function based on the WSD protocol (step S100). This is executed, for example, when the scanner driver program is first installed on the PC or during the startup process when the PC is restarted. The destination registration request includes a destination of the PC 200 and a display name to be displayed on the display unit 101 of the MFP 100.

  When the destination registration of the PC 200 is completed, the MFP 100 returns a destination registration response (SubscribeResponse) to the PC 200 (step S101). The destination registration response includes a registration ID uniquely assigned for registration of the PC 200. At this stage, the PC 200 can use the push scan function of the MFP 100 based on the WSD protocol.

  With the destination registration completed, the user sets a document to be read by the reading unit 104 of the MFP 100. Since the destination showing the PC 200 is displayed on the display unit 101 of the MFP 100, the user selects the destination via the operation unit 102 and performs an operation for executing a scan. When the scan is executed, the MFP 100 transmits a scan preparation completion notification (ScanAvailableEvent) to the PC 200 (step S102).

  When receiving the scan preparation completion notification, the PC 200 transmits a scan start request (CreateScanJob) to the MFP 100 (step S103). The scan start request includes scan parameters that are desired to be applied to the scan process.

  When the scan parameter included in the scan start request is approved and the scan is executed, the MFP 100 responds with a scan start response (CreateScanJobResponse) (step S104).

  Then, the PC 200 transmits a scan data request (RetrieveImage) to the MFP 100 (step S105).

  When receiving the scan data request, the MFP 100 responds with a scan data response (RetrieveImageResponse) and transmits the scan data to the PC 200 (step S106).

  When the destination of the PC 200 for using the push scan function is registered in the MFP 100, the PC 200 can request the MFP 100 to cancel the registration when desiring to cancel the registration of the destination. This is performed, for example, when the PC 200 shuts down. Along with the shutdown processing of the PC 200, a destination registration cancellation request (Unsubscribe) is transmitted to the MFP 100 (step S107). The destination registration cancellation request includes the registration ID included in the destination registration response.

  When the registration of the destination of the PC 200 is cancelled, the MFP 100 responds with a destination registration cancellation response (UnsubscribeResponse) (step S108).

  When the shutdown PC 200 is restarted, if the connection with the MFP 100 is continuously established, the PC 200 makes a destination registration request (Subscribe) to the MFP 100 again, and as a result, the push scan function can be used.

  Next, an operation in MFP 100 will be described. First, taking the PC 500 as an example, a destination registration operation when the MFP 100 accepts a destination registration request will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The operation described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 4 corresponds to the operation of MFP 100 shown in FIG. 3 from receiving a destination registration request to responding to completion of destination registration.

  In step S200, when receiving a destination registration request from the PC 500, the destination information management unit 1071 of the control unit 107 extracts a destination and a display name included in the request. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the destination registration request transmitted by the PC 200, PC 300, PC 400, PC 500, PC 600, PC 700 includes the destination and display name shown in FIG. Here, since the PC that transmitted the destination registration request is the PC 500, the destination information management unit 1071 extracts the values “http://192.168.100.200” as the destination and “PC-D” as the display name.

  Then, the destination information management unit 1071 compares the extracted destination with the destination stored in the storage unit 103 and already registered (step S201). Registered destinations are stored in the storage unit 103 together with related information, and can be represented as a destination information table 1000 as shown in FIG. Here, the configuration of the destination information table 1000 will be described. At this point, it is assumed that registration of the destinations of the three PCs PC200, PC300, and PC400 has already been completed before the registration request from the PC 500, and FIG. 6 shows the state. However, it is assumed that the destination information of the third PC 400 is in an invalid state.

  A number 1001 shown in the destination information table 1000 is assigned when an unregistered destination is registered, and is unique to the destination. The destination 1002 is designated by the PC in the destination registration request, and is used when a scan preparation completion notification is transmitted when a push scan is executed. In the WSD protocol, since HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) is generally used as a lower protocol, the destination 1002 is specified in a format of “http: // <PC IP address>”. The display name 1003 is designated by the PC in the destination registration request, and is displayed on the display unit 101 of the MFP 100 when the push scan is executed, so that the user can easily select the destination. In the display name 1003, a character string that is easy to determine for specifying the PC is specified, and a character string including the host name of the PC is generally specified. A status 1004 indicates whether the destination registered in the MFP 100 is valid or invalid. The registration ID 1005 is generated and assigned by the MFP 100 to a destination for which the status 1004 is valid. The registration ID 1005 is a parameter shared between the PC and the MFP 100 to enable a response with the PC, and a UUID (Universally Unique Identifier) can be used as the format of the registration ID 1005. The cancellation time 1006 is set to the time when the status 1004 is invalidated after receiving the registration cancellation request, and is used to manage invalid destinations.

  In the state illustrated in FIG. 6, since there is no destination that matches the destination of the PC 500 “http://192.168.100.200” (step S202 Yes), the destination information management unit 1071 newly adds the destination information of the PC 500. (Step S203). Then, the destination information management unit 1071 newly adds the destination information to the destination information table 1000, generates a unique value as the registration ID 1005, and additionally sets it in the destination information table 1000 (step S205). FIG. 7 shows an example of the destination information table 1100 after registration of the destination information of the PC 500 is completed. In the example shown in the destination information table 1100 of FIG. 7, the value included in the destination registration request transmitted from the PC 500 is set for the destination and display name for the destination information “4” as the number 1001. . The status 1004 is set to “valid”, and the value generated in step S205 is set as the registration ID 1005. When the registration of the destination information is completed, the destination information management unit 1071 returns a destination registration response including the registration ID generated in step S205 to the PC 500, and ends the processing.

  Next, taking the PC 500 as an example, the operation when the push scan function is executed in a state where the destination is registered will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 8 corresponds to the operation of MFP 100 from the transmission of the scan preparation completion notification to the scan data response shown in FIG.

  The push scan function is executed by a direct operation of MFP 100 by the user. The user sets a document to be read by the reading unit 104 of the MFP 100. Next, since the user needs to select a desired destination from the registered destinations, the MFP 100 accepts a destination display request via the operation unit 102 (step S300).

  Upon receiving the destination display request, the destination information management unit 1071 of the control unit 107 refers to the destination information table 1100 shown in FIG. 7 stored in the storage unit 103 and displays the destination list 2000 shown in FIG. (Step S301).

  Here, the configuration of the destination list 2000 shown in FIG. 9 will be described. In the destination list 2000, the character string of the display name 1003 is displayed in the order of the number 1001 in the destination information table 1100. It should be noted that a status 1004 that is “invalid” indicates that it is invalid and cannot be selected by the user.

  Then, the user operates the selection cursor from among the display names corresponding to “valid” destinations displayed in the destination list 2000, here, PC-A, PC-B, and PC-D. Select the desired destination. When a desired destination is selected by the user, the operation unit 102 accepts this (step S302), and notifies the control unit 107 of the selected destination in response to pressing of a scan start button (not shown). Receiving the notification, the control unit 107 transmits a scan preparation completion notification via the network communication unit 106 (step S303). Here, since the display name “PC-D” is selected by the user, the control unit 107 is ready to scan the destination “http://192.168.100.200” of the PC 500 corresponding to the display name “PC-D”. Send a notification.

  Thereafter, the MFP 100 waits for a scan start request reception because it waits for a response from the PC 500 that has received the scan preparation completion notification (step S304). Here, when a scan start request from the PC 500 is not received within a certain time (No in step S305), the control unit 107 displays on the display unit 101 that the execution of the push scan function has failed (step S313). Then, the state of MFP 100 is returned to the state before accepting the destination display request.

  On the other hand, when a scan start request is received from the PC 500 within a predetermined time (step S305 Yes), the control unit 107 checks a scan parameter for scan execution specified by the scan start request (step S306). If the scan parameter is valid for the scanner function of the MFP 100 (Yes in step S307), the control unit 107 controls the reading unit 104 to start reading the set document (step S308). On the other hand, when the scan parameter is invalid in the scanner function of MFP 100 (No in step S307), control unit 107 displays on display unit 101 that the execution of the push scan function has failed (step S313), and the state of MFP 100 is changed. Return to the state before accepting the destination display request.

  In step S308, when reading of the original by the reading unit 104 is started, the control unit 107 transmits a scan start response to the PC 500 (step S309). Thereafter, the MFP 100 waits for a scan data request reception because it waits for a response from the PC 500 that has received the scan start response (step S310). Here, when the scan data request from the PC 500 is not received within a certain time (No in step S311), the control unit 107 displays on the display unit 101 that the execution of the push scan function has failed (step S313). Then, the state of MFP 100 is returned to the state before accepting the destination display request. On the other hand, when a scan data request is received from the PC 500 within a predetermined time (step S311 Yes), the control unit 107 transmits the scan data generated by the reading unit 1104 in response to the scan data request (step S312). .

  Next, destination registration cancellation operation when MFP 100 accepts a destination registration cancellation request will be described using PC 500 as an example with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The operation described in the flowchart of FIG. 10 corresponds to the operation of MFP 100 from the reception of the destination registration cancellation request to the response of the completion of destination registration cancellation shown in FIG.

  When the PC 500 is shut down by the user, since the destination information of the PC 500 is already registered in the MFP 100, the PC 500 transmits a destination registration cancellation request to the MFP 100 in accordance with the shutdown process. When receiving the destination registration cancellation request transmitted from the PC 500, the destination information management unit 1071 of the control unit 107 extracts the registration ID included in the request (step S400).

  Next, the destination information management unit 1071 searches for destination information registered in the destination information table 1100 that matches the extracted registration ID (step S401). Here, it is assumed that “urn: uuid: cdef0123-4567-89ab-cdef-0123456789ab” is specified as the registration ID of the PC 500, but there is no destination information having the same registration ID (No in step S402). The destination information management unit 1071 returns an error indicating that the registration ID is invalid as a response to the destination registration cancellation request. On the other hand, when the destination information having the same registration ID exists (Yes in step S402), the destination information management unit 1071 acquires the current time information from the time measuring unit 105, and registers it as the time when the destination of the PC 500 is released (step S402). S403). Next, the destination information management unit 1071 invalidates the destination of the PC 500 and deletes the registration ID (step S404). Then, the destination information management unit 1071 transmits a registration cancellation completion response to the PC 500 (step S405), and the processing is completed. FIG. 11 shows the destination information table 1200 after the registration cancellation request acceptance process is completed. The destination information of “4” as the number 1001 relates to the PC 500, but the registration ID 1005 is deleted, the status 1004 is “invalid”, and the time “2010/04/08/14: 00” is set as the release time 1006. Yes.

  Next, a destination registration operation when MFP 100 accepts a destination registration request again will be described. Here, a description will be given assuming that the destination registration of two PCs, that is, the PC 600 and the PC 700 is newly performed after the registration of the destination of the PC 500 is canceled and the destination registration request is received again. The destination information table 1300 at this stage is shown in FIG. The operation described here corresponds to the operation of MFP 100 shown in FIG. 3 from receiving a destination registration request to responding to completion of destination registration. A description will be given using the flowchart of FIG. 4 in the same manner as when the first destination information of the PC 500 described above is registered.

  In step S200, when receiving a destination registration request from the PC 500, the destination information management unit 1071 of the control unit 107 extracts a destination and a display name included in the request. Then, the destination information management unit 1071 compares the extracted destination with the destination stored in the storage unit 103 and already registered (step S201).

  At this time, since the destination “http://192.168.100.200” of the PC 500 has already been registered, matching destination information is searched (No in step S202). Then, the destination information management unit 1071 sets the status 1004 to “valid” for the corresponding destination information, and deletes the set release time 1006 (step S204).

  Next, the destination information management unit 1071 newly assigns a registration ID 1005 and additionally sets it in the destination information table 1300 (step S205). Then, the destination information management unit 1071 returns a destination registration response including the registration ID generated in step S205 to the PC 500, and ends the process.

  FIG. 13 shows the destination information table 1400 when the destination registration from the PC 500 is completed again. When the push scan function is executed in this state, the display unit 104 displays the destination list 2100 shown in FIG. At this time, the display name “PC-D” corresponding to the PC 500 is displayed fourth in the same manner as before being invalidated, and the display names “PC-E” of the PC 600 and PC 700 registered when the destination of the PC 500 is invalid. "," Is displayed higher than "PC-F".

  For example, if there is a PC that uses the push scan function of the MFP 100 only once, it is considered that the destination registration request is not made again for the same destination after the destination becomes invalid. In such a case, since the storage area of the storage unit 103 of the MFP 100 continues to be wasted, it is desirable that the corresponding destination information is completely deleted. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the destination information for which there is no destination registration request is completely deleted for a predetermined time after the destination registration is canceled and the state becomes invalid.

  The above operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. It is assumed that the operation shown in FIG. 15 is periodically performed while MFP 100 is activated.

  When the monitoring process is started, the destination information management unit 1071 refers to the destination information table and searches for invalid items (step S500). If there is no invalid destination or no destination is registered (No in step S500), the destination information management unit 1071 ends the process. On the other hand, when there is an invalid destination (Yes in step S500), the destination information management unit 1071 acquires the time information at that time from the time measuring unit 105. Note that in this embodiment, a predetermined time from registration cancellation to deletion of a destination is defined, and the destination information management unit 1071 calculates the deletion target cancellation time of the destination to be deleted from the current time. (Step S501).

  The destination information management unit 1071 checks the cancellation time of the searched invalid destination information (step S502), and if not expired, checks the next destination information (step S503). On the other hand, if it has expired, the corresponding destination information is deleted (step S504), and all the numbers after the number of the deleted destination information are incremented by one. For example, in the destination information table 1400, when the destination information of the PC 400 has expired, it is updated to the destination information table 1500 as shown in FIG.

  When the push scan function is executed in this state, the display unit 101 displays a destination list 2200 shown in FIG. Since the display name “PC-C” corresponding to the PC 400 is completely deleted from the invalid state, it is not displayed in the destination list 2200.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, registration is canceled even in an environment in which the push scan function is used from a large number of PCs, and registration and deregistration of a destination for push scan are performed irregularly. The information on the destination is retained and invalidated, and when the registration request is made again, the destination information is validated, so that the display order of the destination on the display unit can be changed when the push scan function is executed. In particular, when a destination is selected from a large number of candidates, it is possible to reduce the user's confusion. In addition, when trying to execute the push scan function without knowing that the desired PC has been shut down or disconnected from the PC, the fact that the destination is invalid is displayed on the display unit. There is also convenience that it is easy to grasp the situation.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating a network configuration according to the present embodiment. An MFP 900 as an image reading apparatus capable of data communication via a network and PCs 200, 300, and 400 as external information terminals are connected to the same LAN 800.

  In the present embodiment, appropriate IP addresses are set for the MFP 900 and the PC 200, PC 300, and PC 400, respectively, and these apparatuses can perform data communication via the LAN 800. The PC 200, PC 300, and PC 400 all support the WSD protocol and can use the push scan function.

  FIG. 19 is a functional block diagram for explaining a functional configuration of the MFP 900. The MFP 900 includes a control unit 901 and a destination information management unit 9011 in place of the control unit 107 and the destination information management unit 1071 included in the MFP 100 according to the first embodiment. In the description of the present embodiment, the same components as those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  An operation of the MFP 900 according to the present embodiment will be described. Similar to the MFP 100 according to the first embodiment, the MFP 900 has a push scan function based on the WSD protocol, and the PC 200, PC 300, and PC 400 all support the WSD protocol as in the first embodiment. Here, an example of a schematic sequence between the PC 200 and the MFP 900 will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, about the process same as the process demonstrated in FIG. 3 of 1st Embodiment, the same number is attached | subjected and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  First, before using the push scan function based on the WSD protocol, the PC 200 transmits a destination registration request (Subscribe), and the MFP 900 performs destination registration request reception processing (step S600).

  With the destination registration completed, the user sets a document to be read by the reading unit 104 of the MFP 900. Since the destination showing the PC 200 is displayed on the display unit 101 of the MFP 100, the user selects the destination via the operation unit 102 and performs an operation for executing a scan. When the scan is executed, the MFP 900 transmits a scan preparation completion notification (ScanAvailableEvent) to the PC 200 (step S601).

  Further, when the destination of the PC 200 for using the push scan function is registered in the MFP 900 and the PC 200 desires to cancel the registration of the destination, it is possible to request the MFP 900 to cancel the registration. This is performed, for example, when the PC 200 shuts down. Along with the shutdown process of the PC 200, a destination registration cancellation request (Unsubscribe) is transmitted to the MFP 900 (step S602).

  Next, operations different from those in the first embodiment in the schematic sequence will be described below.

  First, taking the PC 400 as an example, the destination registration operation when the MFP 900 accepts a destination registration request will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The operation described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 21 corresponds to the operation of the MFP 900 shown in FIG. 20 from the reception of the destination registration request to the response of the destination registration completion. In the operation described in the flowchart of FIG. 21, in addition to the operation described in FIG. 4, processing related to new addition of a destination is added (step S700).

  Also in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the destination registration request transmitted by the PC 200, PC 300, and PC 400 includes the destination and the display name shown in FIG. 5 as in the first embodiment. Further, it is assumed that the destination information of the PC 200 and the PC 300 has already been registered, and the two destination information are valid.

  Since the destination information transmitted from the PC 400 is not registered, it is necessary to newly add it. In the second actual child form, information regarding whether or not the push scan function execution has been executed is held as the destination information. When a new destination is added, the destination information management unit 9011 sets “unexecuted” as an initial value. FIG. 22 shows an example of the updated destination information table 1600 after the destination registration acceptance processing by the MFP 900 is completed.

  Next, taking the PC 400 as an example, the operation of the MFP 900 when the push scan function is executed will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The operation described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 23 corresponds to the operation of the MFP 900 from the transmission of the scan preparation completion notification to the scan data response shown in FIG. In the operation described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 23, in addition to the operation described with reference to FIG. 8, processing related to new addition of a destination is added (step S800).

  When the destination of the PC 400 is selected from the destination list displayed by the user and the push scan function is executed, the control unit 901 of the MFP 900 causes the PC 400 to send a scan preparation completion notification as in the first embodiment. (Step S303).

  Next, the destination information management unit 9011 sets the execution of the push scan function of the destination information of the PC 400 to “executed” (step S800). The subsequent operation related to the push scan function execution is the same as the operation described in FIG. FIG. 24 shows an updated destination information table 1700 after the push scan function is completed.

  Next, taking the PC 400 as an example, a destination registration cancellation operation when the MFP 900 accepts a destination registration cancellation request will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The operation described in the flowchart of FIG. 25 corresponds to the operation of the MFP 900 shown in FIG. 20 from the reception of the destination registration cancellation request to the response of the destination registration cancellation completion.

  When the PC 400 is shut down by the user, since the destination information of the PC 400 has already been registered in the MFP 900, the PC 400 transmits a destination registration cancellation request to the MFP 900 in accordance with the shutdown process.

  Note that since the registration ID included in the destination registration cancellation request is related to the destination information of the PC 400, the destination information of the PC 40 is the target of cancellation. In step S900, the destination information management unit 9011 refers to the destination information table and checks whether the push scan function has been executed for the destination of the PC 400. If the execution of the push scan function is set to “executed” (Yes in step S900), the destination information management unit 9011 invalidates the destination of the PC 400, sets the release time after deleting the registration ID. Then, the destination information management unit 9011 transmits a registration cancellation completion response to the PC 400 (step S405), and the processing is completed. FIG. 26 shows an updated destination information table 1800 after the destination registration cancellation processing is completed.

  Finally, the operation of the MFP 900 when receiving a destination registration cancellation request when the push scan function is not executed will be described. In the following description, it is assumed that the push scan function is not executed for the PC 400, and the PC that performs the destination registration cancellation request is the PC 400, with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step S900, the destination information management unit 9011 refers to the destination information table and checks whether the push scan function has been executed for the destination of the PC 400. If the push scan function execution is set to “not executed” (No in step S900), the destination information management unit 9011 deletes the destination information and increments all the numbers after the number of the deleted destination information by one. . Then, the destination information management unit 9011 transmits a registration cancellation completion response to the PC 400 (step S405), and the processing is completed. FIG. 27 shows an updated destination information table 1900 after the destination registration cancellation processing is completed.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, in addition to the effects according to the first embodiment, for a PC for which the push scan function has not been executed even though the destination information is registered. Since the corresponding destination information can be deleted in response to the reception of the destination registration cancellation request, it is possible to prevent the storage area of the storage unit from being used unnecessarily.

  In the description of the present embodiment, an example in which the present invention is applied to an MFP has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a scanner function for reading an image on a document and generating image data is installed. The present invention can also be applied to a scanner device, a copying machine, a facsimile device, and the like. Further, although an example using the WSD protocol as a protocol for realizing the push scan function has been described, in the present invention, there is no limitation on the protocol to be used. Furthermore, in the description of the present embodiment, an example in which registration is canceled by a destination registration cancellation request from the PC has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The registration may be canceled when an update request for registration is not received.

100,900 MFP
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 Display part 102 Operation part 103 Storage part 104 Reading part 105 Time measuring part 106 Network communication part 107,901 Control part 1071,9011 Destination information management part 200,300,400,500,600,700 PC
800 LAN

Claims (3)

An image reading unit that reads an image and generates image data based on the image;
A transmission unit for transmitting the image data via a network;
A destination information management unit that accepts externally a request for registration and cancellation of the registration of the image data transmitted by the transmission unit;
A destination information storage unit that stores the destination and the registration order in response to the request;
A display unit that displays the destinations stored in the destination information storage unit in the registration order;
An operation unit that receives the selection of the destination and an instruction to transmit the image data;
The destination information storage unit continues to store the destination and the registration order corresponding to the registration cancellation request even when the destination information management unit receives the registration cancellation request. An image reading apparatus. It has a timekeeping part that measures time,
The destination information management unit
The time when the registration cancellation request is received is held as a cancellation time, and when a predetermined time has elapsed from the cancellation time, the destination corresponding to the registration cancellation request and the registration order are stored in the destination information The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image reading apparatus is deleted from the scanning unit. The destination information storage unit
Storing information indicating whether the image data has been transmitted to the destination;
The destination information management unit
If the registration cancellation request is received, the destination information storage unit is referred to, and if the image data is not transmitted to the destination corresponding to the registration cancellation request, the registration cancellation request The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the address corresponding to the address and the registration order are deleted from the address information storage unit.