JP2014068210A - Reading device and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To suppress execution of useless reading processing.SOLUTION: A reading device for executing reading processing of optically reading a manuscript comprises: a reception unit for receiving a first reading instruction from a first device; a reading control unit for executing reading processing based on the first reading instruction to create first manuscript image data; and a transmission unit for transmitting the first manuscript image data to the first device. The reception unit further can receive a second reading instruction from a second device. When the reception unit receives the second reading instruction and a specific condition is satisfied; the reading control unit does not execute the reading processing based on the second reading instruction, and the transmission unit transmits either of the first manuscript image data and the image data created on the basis of the first manuscript image data to the second device.

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for controlling the operation of a reading device in response to a reading instruction via a network.

  The reading device generates document image data by optically reading a document in accordance with a reading instruction from a user. Here, in Patent Document 1, when the copy button is pressed and the document cover is not opened after the previous reading process, printing is performed using the image data generated by the previous reading process. A copier that performs is disclosed.

JP 2000-122481 A

  However, in the above technique, the case where the reading device receives a reading instruction from an external device has not been sufficiently considered. As a result, there is a possibility that useless reading processing may not be suppressed in a reading apparatus that can receive a reading instruction from an external device.

  A main advantage of the present invention is to provide a technique for suppressing execution of useless reading processing when a reading device receives a reading instruction from an external device.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to solve at least a part of the problems described above, and the invention can be implemented as the following application examples.

Application Example 1 A reading device that executes a reading process for generating document image data by optically reading a document,
A receiving unit that receives a first reading instruction from the first device via a network;
A reading control unit that executes the reading process based on the first reading instruction to generate first document image data;
A transmission unit for transmitting the first document image data to the first device;
With
The receiving unit can further receive a second reading instruction from either the first device or a second device different from the first device;
When the receiving unit receives the second reading instruction and a specific condition is satisfied,
The reading control unit does not execute the reading process based on the second reading instruction,
The reading unit transmits at least one of the first document image data and image data generated based on the first document image data to the second device. .

  According to the above configuration, when the second reading instruction is received and a specific condition is satisfied, the reading process based on the second reading instruction is not executed, and the first document image data, At least one of the image data generated based on the first document image data is transmitted to the second apparatus. As a result, it is possible to suppress the useless reading process from being executed with respect to the reading instruction received via the network.

[Application Example 2] The reading apparatus according to Application Example 1,
The second reading instruction is transmitted from the second device,
The reading device further compares the first identification information corresponding to the first reading instruction with the second identification information included in the second reading instruction to determine whether or not they match. With a comparator
The specific condition includes that the first identification information and the second identification information match,
When the receiving unit receives the second reading instruction and the first identification information does not match the second identification information,
The reading control unit does not execute the reading process based on the second reading instruction,
The reading unit, wherein the transmission unit transmits neither the first document image data nor image data generated based on the first document image data to the second device.
According to the above configuration, when the first identification information and the second identification information match, it is possible to suppress unnecessary reading processing from being executed. If the first identification information and the second identification information do not match, it is possible to prevent the second device from acquiring image data, so that security can be improved.

Application Example 3 The reading apparatus according to Application Example 1 or 2, further comprising:
A first reading condition for the first reading instruction included in the first reading instruction; a second reading condition for the second reading instruction included in the second reading instruction; A condition comparison unit for comparing
A processing unit capable of executing processing on the first document image data,
In the first case where the specific condition is satisfied and the second reading condition is the same as the first reading condition, the processing is not executed,
In the second case where the specific condition is satisfied and the second reading condition is different from the first reading condition, the processing is executed and the second reading condition is set. Generating the processed document image data according to the processing unit;
With
Image data generated based on the first document image data is the processed document image data,
In the first case, the transmission unit transmits the first document image data to the second apparatus,
In the second case, the transmitting unit transmits the processed document image data to the second apparatus.
According to the above configuration, even when the second reading condition is different from the first reading condition, the second reading condition is satisfied by executing the processing on the first document image data. The original document image data is generated. As a result, even when the second reading condition is different from the first reading condition, it is possible to suppress the reading process from being executed.

Application Example 4 The reading apparatus according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 3, further comprising:
The reading device, wherein the specific condition includes that the second reading instruction is received by the receiving unit within a specific period after receiving the first reading instruction.
According to the above configuration, on condition that the second reading instruction is received within a specific period, the first document image data or the image data generated based on the first document image data is Sent to the second device. As a result, the transmission of the first document image data or the image data generated based on the first document image data is useless when it is appropriate from the viewpoint of the timing at which the second reading instruction is received. It is possible to prevent the reading process from being executed.

Application Example 5 The reading apparatus according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 4, further comprising:
A transmission number specifying unit for specifying the number of transmissions when at least one of the first document image data and the image data generated based on the first document image data is transmitted by the transmission unit; ,
The reading device, wherein the specific condition includes that the number of transmissions is less than a reference number.
According to the above configuration, on the condition that the number of transmissions is within the reference number, the first document image data or the image data generated based on the first document image data is sent to the second device. And sent. As a result, useless reading processing is executed when it is appropriate from the viewpoint of the number of transmissions to transmit the first document image data or the image data generated based on the first document image data. Can be suppressed.

[Application Example 6] The reading device according to any one of Application Examples 1, 2, 4, and 5, further,
A first reading condition for the first reading instruction included in the first reading instruction; a second reading condition for the second reading instruction included in the second reading instruction; A condition comparison unit for comparing
The specific condition includes the reading device including the second reading condition being the same as the first reading condition.
According to the above configuration, the first document image data or the image data generated based on the first document image data on condition that the second reading condition is the same as the first reading condition. Is transmitted to the second device. As a result, when the first document image data or the image data generated based on the first document image data is appropriate from the viewpoint of reading conditions, useless reading processing is executed. Can be suppressed.

Application Example 7 The reading apparatus according to any one of Application Examples 1 to 6, further comprising:
A document holding unit for holding the document to be read;
A determination unit that determines at least one of whether or not the document has been taken out from the document holding unit and whether or not a new document has been placed on the document holding unit;
With
The specific condition is that the original is not taken out from the original holding unit after the reading process based on the first reading instruction is executed, and that the reading process based on the first reading instruction is A reading apparatus, comprising: at least one of a new document not placed on the document holding unit after execution.
When a document is taken out from the document holding unit after the reading process based on the first reading instruction is executed, or when a new document is placed on the document holding unit, the received second document The second reading instruction is likely to be a reading instruction for a document different from the first reading instruction. According to the above configuration, the document is not taken out from the document holding unit after the reading process based on the first reading instruction is executed, and the new document is not placed on the document holding unit, The first document image data or image data generated based on the first document image data is transmitted to the second apparatus on the condition of at least one of the above. As a result, when the first document image data or the image data generated based on the first document image data is appropriate from the state of the document holding unit, useless reading processing is executed. Can be suppressed.

Application Example 8 The reading apparatus according to any one of Application Examples 4 to 7,
It has a mode reception unit that accepts operation mode specifications.
The specific condition is that at least one of the first document image data and image data generated based on the first document image data is allowed to be transmitted to the second apparatus. A specific operating mode to be designated.
According to the above configuration, the first document image data or the image data generated based on the first document image data is supplied to the second apparatus on condition that a specific operation mode is designated. And sent. As a result, when a specific operation mode in which it is appropriate to transmit the first document image data or the image data generated based on the first document image data is designated, useless reading processing is executed. It can be suppressed.

[Application Example 9] The reading device according to any one of Application Examples 4 to 8, further comprising:
When the receiving unit has received the second reading instruction and the specific condition is not satisfied,
The reading control unit executes the reading process based on the second reading instruction to generate second document image data;
The transmitting unit is a reading device that transmits the second document image data to the second device.
According to the above configuration, when the specific condition is not satisfied, the second document image data generated by the reading process based on the second reading instruction is transmitted to the second apparatus. As a result, appropriate document image data can be transmitted to the second apparatus according to specific conditions.

  The present invention can be realized in various forms, for example, forms of a control device for a reading device, a computer program for realizing the function or method of these devices, a recording medium on which the computer program is recorded, and the like. Can be realized.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a system including a multifunction machine 200 as a reading device in an embodiment. The sequence diagram which shows the outline | summary of operation | movement of a system. 6 is a flowchart of scanner sharing control processing according to the first embodiment. The figure which shows an example of operation screen UI1 of the portable terminal 400 for transmitting a reading instruction | indication. The flowchart of a timer process. 6 is a flowchart of read determination processing according to the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart of scanner sharing control processing according to the second embodiment. The figure which shows an example of UI screen of 2nd Example. 10 is a flowchart of scanner sharing control processing according to the third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart of read determination processing according to the third embodiment.

A. First embodiment:
A-1. System configuration:
Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on examples. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a system including a multifunction device 200 as a reading device according to an embodiment. This system includes an MFP 200, an access point 50 connected to the Internet 70, and portable terminals 400A to 400D.

  The access point 50 is, for example, a wireless LAN router that functions as a wireless LAN access point using a communication method defined by the IEEE802.11a / b / g / n standard. The multifunction device 200 and the mobile terminals 400 </ b> A to 400 </ b> D can perform wireless communication using the infrastructure mode via the access point 50. The infrastructure mode is a mode in which a plurality of wireless LAN terminal devices (for example, the multifunction device 200 and the portable terminal 400) perform data communication via an access point.

  The multi-function device 200 includes a CPU 210, a non-volatile storage device 220 such as a hard disk drive or a flash memory, a volatile storage device 230 such as a RAM, and a printer unit 240 that prints an image by a predetermined method (for example, inkjet or laser). And data communication with a scanner unit 250, an operation unit 260 such as a touch panel and buttons, a display unit 270 including a display panel such as a liquid crystal superimposed on the touch panel, and an external device such as a personal computer or a portable terminal. And a wireless IF unit 280 as an interface.

  The volatile storage device 230 is provided with a buffer area 231 for temporarily storing various intermediate data generated when the CPU 210 performs processing. The nonvolatile storage device 220 stores a computer program 222 for controlling the multifunction device 200. For example, the computer program 222 is stored in the non-volatile storage device 220 in advance when the multifunction device 200 is shipped. The computer program 222 can be provided in a form recorded on a CD-ROM or downloaded from a server. The nonvolatile storage device 220 has a storage area 224 for storing (saving) document image data (scan data) and instruction information, which will be described later. The storage area 224 may be secured in the volatile storage device 230.

  The CPU 210 functions as the control unit 100 that controls the entire MFP 200 by executing the computer program 222. The control unit 100 includes various functions (not shown) for controlling the printer unit 240, the scanner unit 250, and the like, and function units 110 to 190 for executing a scanner sharing control process described later. That is, the control unit 100 includes a reading instruction receiving unit 110, a reading control unit 120, an image data transmitting unit 130, an identification information comparing unit 140, a processing processing unit 150, a condition comparing unit 160, and a transmission count specifying unit. 170, a determination unit 180, and a mode reception unit 190.

  The wireless IF unit 280 includes an antenna and performs, for example, wireless communication via the access point 50, that is, wireless communication conforming to the infrastructure mode. The wireless IF unit 280 is used for, for example, a reading instruction from the portable terminals 400A to 400D and transmission of document image data to the portable terminals 400A to 400D, as will be described later.

  The scanner unit 250 generates document image data (scan data) by executing a reading process for optically reading a document using an optical sensor (for example, CIS (Contact Image Sensor)). The scanner unit 250 includes a document holding unit 251 that holds a document to be read. The document holding unit 251 according to the present embodiment is a flat bed type holding unit including a flat transparent plate on which a document is placed and a cover member that can be opened and closed with respect to the transparent plate. The document holding unit 251 includes an open / close sensor 252 that detects open / close to detect the open / close state of the cover member.

  The mobile terminal 400A is, for example, a multi-function mobile phone called a smartphone. The portable terminal 400A includes a CPU 410, a nonvolatile storage device 420 such as a hard disk drive and a flash memory, a volatile storage device 425 such as a RAM, a wireless IF unit 430, a telephone IF unit 440, a speaker and a microphone. A voice processing unit 450 for realizing functions, an operation unit 460 including a touch panel and operation keys, a display unit 470 including a liquid crystal panel superimposed on the touch panel, a GPS unit 480, and an image sensor. And a camera 490 that performs imaging.

  The wireless IF unit 430 includes an antenna and performs, for example, wireless communication via the access point 50, that is, wireless communication conforming to the infrastructure mode. For example, as will be described later, the wireless IF unit 430 is used for transmitting a reading instruction to the multifunction device 200 and receiving document image data from the multifunction device 200.

  The telephone IF unit 440 includes an antenna and performs wireless communication with a base station (not shown) in accordance with a mobile phone communication system (for example, W-CDMA). The telephone IF unit 440 is used for connection to the Internet 70 via a telephone or a base station, for example.

  The GPS unit 480 includes a receiver that receives radio waves (GPS signals) transmitted from artificial satellites constituting a GPS (Global Positioning System / Global Positioning System). The GPS unit 480 can acquire current position information representing the current position based on the received GPS signal.

  The nonvolatile storage device 420 stores a control program PG1 and a scanner operation program PG2. The control program PG1 is a program that realizes basic functions of the portable terminal 400A, such as an OS (operating system) function, a telephone function, and a camera 490 control function. The control program PG1 is provided by the manufacturer of the portable terminal 400A, for example, and is stored in advance at the time of shipment. The scanner operation program PG2 is a program that realizes a function for remotely operating the scanner unit 250 of the multifunction device 200. The scanner operation program PG2 is a program for adding a new function to the mobile terminal 400A (referred to as an “app”), for example, a provider different from the manufacturer of the mobile terminal 400A (for example, manufacture of the multifunction device 200). The user downloads the data from a predetermined server. The scanner operation program PG2 may be provided by the manufacturer of the portable terminal 400A, for example, and stored in advance at the time of shipment.

  Since the other portable terminals 400B to 400D have the same configuration as the portable terminal 400A described above, description thereof is omitted. Below, when not distinguishing each portable terminal 400A-D, the alphabet at the end is abbreviate | omitted and it is also called the portable terminal 400.

  The CPU 410 functions as the main control unit 20 that realizes the basic functions of the portable terminal 400A by executing the control program PG1. Further, the scanner operation program PG2 is executed to function as the scanner operation unit 300.

A-2. System behavior:
FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram showing an outline of the operation of the system. The operation of the system will be described by taking as an example a case where a plurality of users (for example, three people) acquire document image data representing one document using each user's portable terminal 400. The multi-function device 200 can operate in the scanner sharing mode and the normal scanner mode. Although a detailed description of the normal mode is omitted, in the normal mode, for example, one reading process is executed for each reading instruction to generate one document image data, and the reading instruction transmission source In this mode, the generated document image data is transmitted to the apparatus. Hereinafter, the operation in the scanner sharing mode will be described. First, a plurality of users who use the scanner sharing mode gather in the vicinity of the multifunction device 200 while holding their own mobile terminals 400. Then, the user sets the multifunction device 200 to the scanner sharing mode. For example, the multifunction device 200 (the mode reception unit 190 (FIG. 1)) displays a predetermined UI screen (not shown) on the display unit 270. When the user performs a predetermined setting operation on the operation unit 260 in accordance with the UI screen, the multifunction device 200 is set to the scanner sharing mode. When the setting to the scanner sharing mode is accepted (FIG. 2: step S210), the control unit 100 of the multifunction device 200 starts executing the scanner sharing control process. When the scanner sharing control process is started, the multifunction device 200 is in a state where it can accept a reading instruction from the user's portable terminal 400.

  Each user operates the portable terminal 400 to cause the portable terminal 400 to start the scanner operation program PG2. When the portable terminal 400 starts the scanner operation program PG2 (FIG. 2: Steps S410A to D), the portable terminal 400 (scanner operation unit 300) instructs the multifunction device 200 to read in response to a user operation. Can be sent. The user sets the document on the document holding unit 251 of the scanner unit 250. Each user operates the portable terminal 400 (scanner operation unit 300) to designate the multifunction device 200 as a transmission destination of the reading instruction. Thereafter, the portable terminal 400 transmits a reading instruction to the multifunction device 200. The portable terminal 400 of each user acquires document image data and an error message according to the timing at which the reading instruction is transmitted and the content of the reading instruction. Hereinafter, the details will be described focusing on the scanner sharing control process executed by the control unit 100 of the multifunction device 200.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the scanner sharing control process.
In step S <b> 10, the reading instruction receiving unit 110 of the control unit 100 determines whether a reading instruction is received from the portable terminal 400. When the reading instruction is not received from the portable terminal 400 (step S10: NO), the reading instruction receiving unit 110 stands by until the reading instruction is received. When the reading instruction receiving unit 110 receives the reading instruction (step S10: YES), the control unit 100 acquires instruction information included in the reading instruction (step S15).

  As shown in FIG. 3, the instruction information includes information for specifying a storage time TI, an upper limit transmission count UN, a password PW, and a reading condition SI. The storage time TI indicates a time during which document image data generated by a reading process described later is stored in the storage area 224. The upper limit transmission count UN indicates the number of times that stored document image data is allowed to be transmitted to the portable terminal 400. The reading condition SI is a setting that defines conditions relating to the reading process. For example, the reading resolution (300 dpi, 600 dpi, 1200 dpi, etc.), the color setting of the reading process (color scan, monochrome scan, etc.), and the original image to be generated It may include a data file format (PDF format, JPEG format, etc.), file size, presence or absence of compression, and compression method.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation screen UI1 of the portable terminal 400 for transmitting a reading instruction. The instruction information is received from the user by the scanner operation unit 300 displaying the operation screen UI1 on the display unit 470 of the mobile terminal 400, for example. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the operation screen UI1 includes an input field IA1 for the password PW, an input field IA2 for the upper limit transmission count UN (shown as the number of shared persons in FIG. 4), a read instruction transmission button BT1, and the details. And a button BT2 for performing setting. When the user touches the button BT2, another operation screen is displayed. The user can input the reading condition SI, the storage time TI, and the like on the other operation screen (not shown). In the present embodiment, at least the password PW is input as a condition for transmitting the reading instruction, and when there is no input from the user for other items, a default value is adopted.

  When the instruction information is acquired, in the next step S20, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the received reading instruction is the first reading instruction. Specifically, the control unit 100 determines whether or not it is the first reading instruction depending on whether or not the instruction information and the document image data are already stored in the storage area 224 (FIG. 1). . When instruction information and document image data are stored, control unit 100 determines that the received reading instruction is not the first reading instruction. When the instruction information and the document image data are not stored, the control unit 100 determines that the received reading instruction is the first reading instruction.

  Here, as is understood from the determination condition in step S20, the first reading instruction is read by the reading instruction receiving unit 110 in a state where the document image data that can be transmitted to the portable terminal 400 is not stored in the storage area 224. It is a received reading instruction. Specifically, the first reading instruction includes a reading instruction first received by the reading instruction receiving unit 110 after the scanner sharing control mode is set. The first reading instruction is set to the scanner sharing control mode, and then the original image data is stored in the storage area 224 based on another reading instruction, and the original image data is stored in a timer process (FIG. 5) described later. After being erased as time TI elapses, the reading instruction received first by the reading instruction receiving unit 110 is included.

  When the received reading instruction is the first reading instruction (step S20: YES), the reading control unit 120 executes the reading process according to the reading condition SI included in the instruction information acquired in step S15 ( Step S45). That is, in this step, the document placed on the document holding unit 251 at this point is read, and document image data (scan data) representing a new document image is newly generated.

  In subsequent step S50, the image data transmitting unit 130 transmits the generated document image data to the reading instruction transmission source (the portable terminal 400 that transmitted the reading instruction). As a result, the portable terminal 400 that has transmitted the first reading instruction can receive document image data as a response to the reading instruction.

  In step S55, the control unit 100 saves (stores) the document image data generated in the immediately preceding step S45 and the instruction information acquired in the immediately preceding step S15 in the save area 224. In this step, the document image data stored in the storage area 224 is also referred to as “stored document image data”. In addition, the instruction information stored in the storage area 224 in this step is also referred to as “saved instruction information”. When instruction information and document image data already stored in the storage area 224 exist at the time of shifting to this step, the instruction information and document image data already stored in the storage area 224 are stored in this step. Is deleted, and the original image data generated in the immediately preceding step S 45 and the instruction information acquired in the immediately preceding S 15 are newly stored in the storage area 224.

  If the instruction information and document image data are already stored in the storage area 224 at the time of shifting to step S55, the result of determining that the reading process is executed in the reading determination process (step S35) described later. (Step S40: YES), the case where Step S55 is executed or the case where there is document image data read in the normal mode and stored in the storage area 224 can be considered.

  In step S60, the transmission count specifying unit 170 initializes the transmission count SN (a variable representing it). That is, the transmission count specifying unit 170 sets the transmission count SN = “1”. The number of times of transmission SN is the number of times the stored document image data is transmitted to the portable terminal 400. The transmission count specifying unit 170 manages the variable representing the transmission count SN so that the transmission count SN can be specified.

  In step S65, the control unit 100 starts timer processing. When the timer process is started, the process related to the reading instruction being processed is terminated, and the control unit 100 returns to step S10 and determines whether or not a new reading instruction has been received.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the timer process. The timer process is executed asynchronously with the scanner sharing control process (the flowchart in FIG. 3). That is, the timer process is independent from the scanner sharing control process and is executed in parallel with the scanner sharing control process.

  When the timer process is started, in step S1 (FIG. 6), the control unit 100 starts the timer. In step S <b> 2, the control unit 100 determines whether the storage time TI specified in the instruction information stored in the storage area 224 has elapsed. When the storage time TI has not elapsed (step S2: NO), the control unit 100 operates the timer until the storage time TI has elapsed. When the storage time TI has elapsed (step S2: YES), the control unit 100 deletes the stored document image data and the stored instruction information (step S3), and ends the timer process. . As understood from the above description, the instruction information and document image data stored in the storage area 224 in step S55 are subjected to reading processing at the time when the storage time TI has elapsed and in the next step S45. It is erased at the earlier time point when new document image data is generated.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the description will be continued from step S20. When the received reading instruction is not the first reading instruction (step S20: NO), that is, when the instruction information stored in the storage area 224 and the stored document image data are stored, A determination is made as to whether the passwords match (step S25). That is, the identification information comparison unit 140 compares the stored password PW and the processing target password PW to determine whether or not the stored password PW matches the processing target password PW. (Step S25). Specifically, when the received reading instruction is not the first reading instruction, the instruction information of the first reading instruction that has already been received is stored in the storage area 224 as described above. The stored password PW is the password PW included in the instruction information stored in the storage area 224. The password PW to be processed is the password PW included in the instruction information acquired from the reading instruction being processed in the previous step S15.

  When the stored password PW and the password PW to be processed do not match (step S25: NO), the control unit 100 sends an error message notifying an error to the source of the reading instruction (transmitting the reading instruction). (Step S30). In this case, the control unit 100 transmits only an error message and does not transmit document image data (scan data). As a result, it is possible to suppress the transmission of the document image data to the portable terminal of a person other than the party to which the document image data is to be shared, thereby improving the security. When the error message is transmitted, the process related to the reading instruction being processed is terminated, and the control unit 100 returns to step S10 and determines whether or not a new reading instruction has been received.

  When the stored password PW matches the password PW to be processed (step S25: YES), the control unit 100 executes a reading determination process.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the reading determination process. The reading determination process is a process for determining whether or not to execute a reading process for optically reading a document. In step S352, control unit 100 determines whether or not the number of transmissions SN described above is smaller than the upper limit number of transmissions UN included in the stored instruction information. When the number of transmissions SN is smaller than the upper limit number of transmissions UN (step S352: YES), the determination unit 180 of the control unit 100 determines whether or not the document has been removed from the document holding unit 251 (step S354). Specifically, the determination unit 180 opens the cover member (document cover) of the document holding unit 251 after the time point when the document image data currently stored in the storage area 224 is generated (see step S45 described above). It is detected using the open / close sensor 252 whether or not it has been performed. When the cover member of the document holding unit 251 is opened, it can be determined that the document has been removed from the document holding unit 251. When the cover member of the document holding unit 251 is not opened, the document holding unit From 251, it can be determined that the document has not been removed.

  When the number of transmissions SN is less than the upper limit number of transmissions UN (step S352: YES), and it can be determined that the cover member (document cover) of the document holding unit 251 is not opened and the document is not removed ( In step S354: NO), the control unit 100 determines that “reading processing is not executed” (step S356). When the number of transmissions SN is equal to or greater than the upper limit number of transmissions UN (step S352: NO), or when the cover member (document cover) of the document holding unit 251 is open and it can be determined that the document has been removed (step) S354: YES), the control unit 100 determines to “execute reading processing” (step S358). When it is determined whether or not to execute the reading process, the reading determination process is ended.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 3, the description will be continued. If it is determined in the reading determination process (step S35) that the reading process is to be executed (step S40: YES), the processes of steps S45 to S65 described above are executed. That is, as in the case where the reading instruction is the first reading instruction (step S20: YES), the reading control unit 120 executes the reading process according to the reading condition SI included in the instruction information acquired in step S15. Then, new document image data is generated (step S45). Then, the image data transmission unit 130 transmits the generated document image data to the reading instruction transmission source (step S50). Furthermore, the control unit 100 stores the document image data generated in the immediately preceding step S45 and the instruction information acquired in the immediately preceding step S15 in the storage area 224 (step S55). Then, the transmission number specifying unit 170 initializes the transmission number SN (step S60), and the control unit 100 starts a timer process (step S65). If the timer process already started at this time is being executed, the timer process being executed is stopped and a new timer process is started. As a result, the storage time TI is newly counted from zero. Thereafter, the control unit 100 returns to step S10 and determines whether or not a new reading instruction has been received.

  When it is determined in the reading determination process (step S35) that the reading process is not executed (step S40: NO), the condition comparison unit 160 reads the reading condition SI included in the instruction information stored in the storage area 224. Is compared with the reading condition SI (processing target reading condition SI) included in the instruction information acquired in the immediately preceding step S15, and whether or not the two reading conditions SI match each other (for example, reading) Whether or not the resolutions match.

  If the two reading conditions SI match (step S70: YES), the image data transmission unit 130 sends the document image data stored in the storage area 224 to the source of the reading instruction (the portable terminal that has transmitted the reading instruction). 400) (step S85). In this case, a new reading process (generation of new document image data) based on the reading instruction to be processed is not executed. Thereby, the execution of the reading process is suppressed.

  When the two reading conditions SI do not match (step S70: NO), the processing unit 150 includes the document image data stored in the storage area 224 in the instruction information acquired in the immediately preceding step S15. Processing for processing according to the reading condition SI is executed (step S75). Through the processing, processed document image data according to the reading condition SI is generated. The processing includes various types of processing related to items that can be set in the reading condition SI, for example, resolution conversion processing, color number conversion processing, file format conversion processing for converting the file format, and compression processing. The resolution conversion process is a process for converting the resolution (number of vertical and horizontal pixels) of the document image data. The color number conversion process is a process of changing the number of colors that can be expressed by one pixel (the number of types of colors), for example, a process of converting color image data into monochrome image data. The compression processing includes, for example, processing for compressing uncompressed image data by a predetermined method, and processing for recompressing compressed image data by another method.

  In subsequent step S80, the image data transmission unit 130 transmits the processed document image data to the transmission source of the reading instruction (the portable terminal 400 that transmitted the reading instruction). Even when steps S75 and S80 are executed, new reading processing (generation of new document image data) based on the reading instruction to be processed is not executed. Thereby, the execution of the reading process is suppressed.

  When transmission of the document image data stored in the storage area 224 or the processed document image data is performed, in step S90, the transmission count specifying unit 170 adds 1 to the transmission count SN. Thereafter, the control unit 100 returns to step S10 and determines whether or not a new reading instruction has been received.

  By executing the scanner sharing control process described above, the original image data (steps S50, S80, S85) and the error message (step S30) are respectively received in accordance with the reading instructions transmitted from the plurality of portable terminals 400. Transmission is performed. Note that the scanner sharing control process may be ended when a predetermined period sufficiently longer than the storage time TI has elapsed, or may be ended according to a user operation (such as an end operation of the scanner sharing mode). May be.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the result of the scanner sharing control process will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, for example, when the first reading instruction is first transmitted from the portable terminal 400A after the start of the scanner sharing control process, the document holding unit 251 is transmitted when the first reading instruction is transmitted. Is read to generate first document image data (FIG. 3: S45). Then, the generated first document image data is transmitted to portable terminal 400A (FIG. 3: S50).

  The first document image data is stored in the storage area 224 until the storage time TI elapses after generation. Then, as shown in FIG. 2, for example, when a second reading instruction is transmitted from another portable terminal (any of 400B to 400D), for example, a specific condition (also referred to as a sharing condition) Is satisfied, the first document image data or image data generated based on the first document image data is transmitted to the mobile terminal of the transmission source (FIG. 3: S80, 85). ). In this embodiment, the image data generated based on the first document image data is processed document image data obtained by processing the first document image data. When the first document image data or the image data generated based on the first document image data is transmitted, the reading process based on the second reading process is not executed. As a result, it is possible to suppress the useless reading process from being executed for the reading instruction received via the wireless network. If useless reading processing is not executed, the time until the portable terminal 400 acquires document image data can be shortened. In addition, the power consumption of the multifunction device 200 can be reduced.

Here, as will be understood from the specific processing content (FIG. 3) of the scanner sharing control processing described above, the specific conditions include the following conditions.
(Condition 1) The password PW included in the first reading instruction matches the password PW included in the second reading instruction (FIG. 3: S25). In the present embodiment, the password PW is directly transmitted from the user who has transmitted the first reading instruction (first reading instruction) to the user to whom the second reading instruction is to be sent, verbally, memo, or the like. It is assumed that
(Condition 2) Within a specific period after receiving the first reading instruction (specifically, within a period from when the timer process is started after the first reading instruction until the storage time TI elapses), 2 is received (FIG. 3: S65, FIG. 5).
(Condition 3) The total number of transmissions (transmission number SN) of the first document image data or image data generated based on the first document image data is smaller than the reference number (upper limit transmission number UN). (Fig. 6: S352)
(Condition 4) The document has not been taken out from the document holding unit 251 (opening of the document cover is not detected) (FIG. 6: S354).
In this embodiment, when all of these four conditions are satisfied, it is determined that the specific condition is satisfied, and a new reading process based on the reading instruction to be processed is not executed. In addition, not only when all of these four conditions are satisfied, but when at least one of these four conditions is satisfied, it may be determined that the specific condition is satisfied.

  When the second reading instruction is transmitted from another mobile terminal (any of 400B to 400D) and the above condition 1 is not satisfied, an error message is transmitted to the mobile terminal that is the transmission source. (FIG. 3: S30, FIG. 2). That is, the reading control unit 120 does not execute the reading process based on the second reading instruction, and the image data transmission unit 130 is generated based on the first document image data and the first document image data. None of the image data is transmitted. As a result, when the passwords PW match, it is possible to prevent unnecessary reading processing from being executed. If the passwords PW do not match, it is possible to prevent the portable terminal 400 that is the transmission source of the second reading instruction from acquiring image data, and thus security can be improved. The password PW included in the first reading instruction is an example of first identification information, and the password PW included in the second reading instruction is an example of second identification information.

  Further, since condition 2 is included in the specific condition, transmitting the first document image data or the image data generated based on the first document image data gives a second reading instruction. When it is appropriate from the viewpoint of the received timing, it is possible to suppress execution of useless reading processing. For example, if the interval between reception of the first reading instruction and reception of the second reading instruction is long, there is a high possibility that the document has been replaced during that time. When the document has been replaced, it is preferable to newly execute a reading process to generate new document image data. In the present embodiment, condition 4 is added. However, condition 4 alone may not be applicable when the open / close sensor 252 is not provided or when the open / close sensor 252 is out of order. In addition, it is considered undesirable from the viewpoint of security that the first document image data is stored for a long time and can be transmitted to another portable terminal for a long time.

  Furthermore, since condition 3 is included in the specific condition, it is appropriate from the viewpoint of the number of transmissions to transmit the first document image data or the image data generated based on the first document image data. In such a case, it is possible to suppress execution of useless reading processing. For example, if the second reading instruction is received after the first document image data has already been transmitted for the upper limit transmission count UN specified by the user, the possibility that the document has been replaced increases. In addition, even if transmission for the upper limit number of transmissions UN is completed, it is considered undesirable from the viewpoint of security that the first document image data is transmitted to another portable terminal.

  Furthermore, since the condition 4 is included in the specific condition, it is appropriate from the situation of the document holding unit to transmit the first document image data or the image data generated based on the first document image data. In such a case, it is possible to suppress execution of useless reading processing. For example, the reading instruction after the document is taken out is considered to be an instruction intended to read a document that is different from the document when the first document image data is generated. In this case, it is preferable to newly execute a reading process and newly generate original image data.

  When the second reading instruction is transmitted from another portable terminal and the condition 1 is satisfied, but any of the conditions 2 to 4 is not satisfied, the reading control unit 120 A reading process based on the second reading instruction is executed to generate new original image data (second original image data) (FIG. 3: S45). Then, the image data transmission unit 130 transmits the second document image data to the transmission source portable terminal (FIG. 3: S55, FIG. 2). As a result, appropriate document image data can be transmitted to the mobile terminal that is the source of the reading instruction according to the conditions.

  Furthermore, when the second reading instruction is transmitted from another portable terminal and the specific condition is satisfied, the condition comparison unit 160 reads the reading condition SI for the first reading process. And whether or not the reading condition SI for the second reading process matches. If the second reading condition is different from the first reading condition, the processing unit 150 executes the processing process and generates processed document image data according to the second reading condition. (FIG. 3: S75). Then, even if the second reading condition is different from the first reading condition, the image data transmission unit 130 does not execute the reading process, and the processed document image data is read by the reading instruction. Since it is transmitted to the mobile terminal of the transmission source, it is possible to suppress the execution of the reading process more effectively.

  The scanner sharing control process is executed when the mode accepting unit 190 accepts the designation of the scanner sharing mode (FIG. 2). That is, when the second reading process is received, the first document image data is transmitted without executing the reading process based on the second reading instruction. The scanner sharing mode is designated. It is a condition that Therefore, it is possible to suppress the useless reading process from being executed when it is an appropriate operation mode to transmit the image data generated based on the first document image data. Further, it is convenient for the user to select whether or not to use a mode capable of suppressing the reading process by specifying the mode. As can be understood from the above description, in the scanner sharing mode in this embodiment, at least one of the first original image data and the image data generated based on the first original image data is read in the second reading mode. It is a specific operation mode that is allowed to be transmitted to the device that is the source of the instruction. In the normal mode in the present embodiment, at least one of the first document image data and the image data generated based on the first document image data is transmitted to the second reading instruction transmission source device. It can be said that this is an operation mode in which transmission is not permitted.

B. Second embodiment:
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the scanner sharing control process of the second embodiment. In the flowchart of FIG. 7, the steps different from the scanner sharing control process of the first embodiment are denoted by “A” at the end of the reference numerals, and the steps identical to the scanner sharing control process of the first embodiment are shown in FIG. The same reference numerals as those in the flowchart of the scanner sharing control process of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  As shown in S15 of FIG. 7, the instruction information A of the first reading instruction of the second embodiment does not include the password PW, unlike the instruction information of the first embodiment (S15 of FIG. 3). In the scanner sharing control process of the second embodiment, after the image data transmission unit 130 transmits the original image data to the transmission source of the first reading instruction in step S50, the control unit 100 performs PIN (Personal Identification Number). ) A code CD is generated and displayed on the display unit 270 (step S52A). The PIN code CD is a so-called password, for example, a four-digit number. For example, the control unit 100 generates a PIN code CD by generating a random combination of four numbers using a random number.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a UI screen according to the second embodiment. FIG. 8A shows a state in which the PIN code CD (in this example, “6491”) is displayed on the display unit 270 of the multifunction device 200. This PIN code CD corresponds to the document image data based on the first reading instruction, and this PIN code CD is displayed while the document image data based on the first reading instruction is stored in the storage area 224, for example. It continues to be displayed on the part 270.

  In the subsequent step S55A, the control unit 100 stores the PIN code CD generated in step S50A in the storage area 224 together with the document image data generated in the previous step S45 and the instruction information acquired in the previous step S15. To do.

  In addition, the instruction information B of the reading instruction transmitted following the first reading instruction in the second embodiment includes the PIN code CD instead of the password PW in the first embodiment. FIG. 8B shows an example of an operation screen UI2 for transmitting a reading instruction other than the first reading instruction (a reading instruction that requires the input of a PIN code) in the second embodiment. The user looks at the PIN code CD (FIG. 8A) displayed on the display unit 270 of the multifunction device 200, and inputs the PIN code CD in the input field IA3 on the operation screen UI2 of his / her portable terminal 400. . The user inputs the PIN code CD in the input field IA3, touches the reading instruction transmission button BT1, and transmits a reading instruction from the portable terminal 400 to the multifunction device 200.

  When a reading instruction including a PIN code CD (a reading instruction that is not the first reading instruction) is received, in step S25A, the identification information comparison unit 140 stores the PIN code CD stored in the storage area 224 and the processing target. It is determined whether or not the PIN code CD matches. The PIN code CD to be processed is the PIN code CD included in the instruction information acquired from the reading instruction being processed in the previous step S15.

  If the two PIN codes CD do not match (step S25A: NO), as in the case where the two passwords PW do not match in the first embodiment, the control unit 100 displays an error message notifying the error, It transmits to the transmission source of the reading instruction (step S30). If the two PIN codes CD match (step S25A: YES), the control unit 100 proceeds to the reading determination process (step S25A: YES) as in the case where the two passwords PW match in the first embodiment. S35). Since the other processes are the same as the scanner sharing control process of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  According to the second embodiment described above, the same operations and effects as the first embodiment are achieved. According to the second embodiment, the PIN code CD is further displayed on the display unit 270, and the PIN code CD is used instead of the password PW in the first embodiment. As a result, in order to acquire the document image data using the portable terminal 400, it is necessary to approach the multifunction device 200 and visually check the PIN code CD displayed on the display unit 270. As a result, the security for the document image data can be further improved.

  In the second embodiment, the PIN code CD stored in the storage area 224 is an example of the first identification information, and the PIN code CD to be processed to be compared with the PIN code CD stored in the storage area 224 is: It is an example of the 2nd discernment information.

C. Third embodiment:
FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the scanner sharing control process according to the third embodiment. In the scanner sharing control process of the third embodiment, steps S70, S75, and S80 in the scanner sharing control process of the first embodiment are not executed. That is, in the scanner sharing control process according to the third embodiment, the original image data stored in the storage area 224 is not processed. Therefore, in the third embodiment, when it is determined in the reading determination process (step S35) that the reading process is not executed (step S40: NO), the document image data stored in the storage area 224 is instructed to read. It is transmitted as it is to the transmission source (the portable terminal 400 that transmitted the reading instruction).

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the reading determination process of the third embodiment. In the flowchart of FIG. 10, steps different from the reading determination process of the first embodiment are denoted by “B” at the end of the reference numerals, and the same steps as the reading determination processing of the first embodiment are shown in FIG. The same reference numerals as those in the flowchart of the reading determination process of the first embodiment are given.

  Step S353B is added to the reading determination process of the third embodiment. In step S353B, the condition comparison unit 160 reads the reading condition SI included in the instruction information stored in the storage area 224 and the reading condition SI (reading condition to be processed) included in the instruction information acquired in the immediately preceding step S15. SI) and whether or not the two reading conditions SI match each other.

  In the third embodiment, the number of transmissions SN is smaller than the upper limit number of transmissions UN (step S352: YES), and it can be determined that the document has not been removed (step S354: NO). When the condition SI matches (step S353B: YES), the control unit 100 determines that “the reading process is not executed”. In the third embodiment, when the transmission number SN is equal to or greater than the upper limit transmission number UN (step S352: NO), when it can be determined that the document has been removed (step S354: YES), and two reading conditions When the SIs do not match (step S353B: NO), if at least one of them is satisfied, the control unit 100 determines that “read processing is executed”. Since the other processes are the same as the scanner sharing control process of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  According to the third embodiment, instead of not performing the processing process, when the reading condition SI included in the instruction information stored in the storage area 224 and the reading condition SI to be processed do not match, the reading control is performed. The unit 120 executes the reading process to generate new document image data regardless of whether other conditions are satisfied. Then, the image data transmission unit 130 transmits the newly generated document image data to the transmission source of the reading instruction. As a result, since it is not necessary to provide a function for executing the processing process, the scanner sharing control process and its program can be simplified, but this prevents the user from acquiring document image data in accordance with a desired reading condition. Absent. If the two reading conditions match, the original image data stored in the storage area 224 is transmitted without executing the reading process on condition that the other conditions are satisfied. When it is appropriate from the viewpoint, it is possible to prevent unnecessary reading processing from being executed.

D. Variations:
(1) In the first embodiment described above (for example, FIG. 2), the transmission source device (also referred to as the first device) of the first reading instruction (first reading instruction) and the transmission source of the second reading instruction This device (also referred to as a second device) is assumed to be a different device. Instead of this, the first device and the second device may be the same. In other words, the first device may transmit both the first reading instruction and the second reading instruction to the multifunction device 200. For example, the user of the portable terminal 400A who has transmitted the first reading instruction and acquired the first original image data further obtains original image data generated by changing the reading conditions for the same original. In addition, a case in which the second reading instruction is transmitted from the portable terminal 400 </ b> A to the multifunction device 200 can be considered. In this case, according to the scanner sharing control process of the first embodiment, the processed document image data whose reading conditions have been changed is transferred to the portable terminal 400A without executing the reading process based on the second reading instruction. Sent to.

(2) In the first embodiment, the reading instruction is transmitted from the portable terminals 400A to 400D to the multifunction device 200 via the wireless network. The reading instruction is not limited to this, and may be transmitted from a well-known personal computer or may be transmitted via a wired network such as a network compliant with Ethernet (registered trademark).

(3) The specific conditions in the first embodiment need not include all of the above-described conditions 1 to 4, and may include only a part of the conditions 1 to 4. For example, when the multifunction device 200 does not include a sensor that detects opening and closing of the document cover of the document holding unit 251, the condition 4 may not be included in the specific condition. Further, the specific condition may include only condition 2 regarding the storage time TI, or may include only condition 3 regarding the upper limit transmission count UN.

(4) In the first embodiment, the password PW is verbally transmitted from the user of the portable terminal 400A that transmits the first reading instruction to the user of another portable terminal 400B that transmits the second reading instruction. It is supposed to be communicated. Instead, the password PW may be transmitted by data communication from the mobile terminal 400A to the mobile terminal 400B, for example. For data communication from the portable terminal 400A to the portable terminal 400B, for example, wireless communication at a relatively short distance such as NFC (Near Field Communication) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) may be used. A body communication system (for example, W-CDMA) may be used. The data format for transmitting the password PW is also arbitrary, and may be a general-purpose E-mail format or a dedicated data format. Thus, when identification information such as the password PW is transmitted by data communication from the portable terminal 400A to the portable terminal 400B, the user does not need to input the identification information via the operation screen UI1. For example, the identification information may be automatically generated in the portable terminal 400A and transmitted to the portable terminal 400B and the multifunction device 200, and the portable terminal 400B that has acquired the identification information automatically reads the instruction including the identification information. May be transmitted to the multifunction device 200.

(5) In each of the above embodiments, the document holding unit 251 of the scanner unit 250 is a flatbed type, but the document holding unit 251 may be an automatic document feeder (ADF (Auto Document Feeder)). The automatic document feeder can automatically convey a plurality of documents prepared by the user one by one using the power of the motor. In the case of the automatic document conveyance unit, for example, in step S354 of FIG. 6, the determination unit 180 uses the paper detection sensor provided in the automatic document conveyance unit to determine whether or not the document has been taken out. One of “whether or not an original is placed” may be determined. For example, in the case of using a paper detection sensor arranged in a document entrance side (paper feeding side) tray of the automatic document transport unit, the determination unit 180 determines whether or not a new document has been placed. can do. In the case of using the paper detection sensor disposed on the document exit side (discharge side) tray of the automatic document transport unit, the determination unit 180 can determine “whether or not the document has been taken out”.

(6) In the first embodiment, the reading condition SI for the first reading process (first reading condition) and the reading condition SI for the second reading process (second reading condition) are: If they are different, processed document image data is generated on condition that other specific conditions are satisfied, and a new reading process is not executed. In the third embodiment, when the first reading condition and the second reading condition are different, a new reading process is executed to generate new document image data. For example, in the first case where the first reading condition and the second reading condition are different, processed document image data is generated and no new reading process is executed. In the second case where the first reading condition and the second reading condition are different, new document image data may be generated by executing a new reading process. In the first case, for example, when the image quality required for the processed original image data is lower than the image quality required for the original image data before processing, for example, the second reading condition is higher than the reading resolution of the first reading condition. The reading resolution may be low. In this case, the processed document image data can realize the image quality desired by the user. On the other hand, in the second case, for example, when the image quality required for the processed original image data is higher than the image quality required for the original image data before processing, for example, the second resolution is higher than the reading resolution of the first reading condition. The reading resolution of the reading condition may be high. In this case, processed image data having a high resolution generated by processing image data representing a low-resolution (coarse) image is a document image data having a high resolution generated by performing a new reading process. In comparison, there is a possibility that the image quality is lowered. In this case, since the image quality desired by the user may not be realized, a new reading process may be performed instead of performing the processing process. Similarly, when the first reading condition is color reading and the second reading condition is monochrome reading, processed document image data is generated and no new reading process is executed. It's also good. Conversely, when the first reading condition is monochrome reading and the second reading condition is color reading, a new reading process is executed to generate new original image data. Also good.

(7) In the above embodiment, the wireless communication between the portable terminal 400 and the MFP 200 employs wireless communication via the access point 50 (communication in the infrastructure mode). Wireless communication between the terminal 400 and the multifunction device 200 is wireless communication directly performed by the portable terminal 400 and the multifunction device 200, for example, wireless communication in an ad hoc mode, short-range wireless communication (Bluetooth (registered trademark), infrared communication). Etc.) may be employed. In this case, the multi-function device 200 may receive a reading instruction from the portable terminal 400 using these wireless communications, and the original image data or the An error message may be sent.

(8) In the above embodiment, the specific condition may include a condition relating to the positional relationship between the multifunction device 200 and the portable terminal 400. For example, the specific condition is that the distance between the multifunction device 200 and the portable terminal 400 is less than a predetermined distance reference value, that is, that the multifunction device 200 and the portable terminal 400 are relatively close to each other. good. In this case, for example, the multifunction device 200 stores installation position information indicating the installation position of the multifunction device 200 in the nonvolatile storage device 220 in advance. Then, the mobile terminal 400 may transmit the current position information acquired using the GPS unit 480 to the multifunction device 200 together with a reading instruction. Then, the control unit 100 of the multifunction device 200 may determine whether or not a specific condition is satisfied based on the installation position information of the multifunction device 200 and the current position information of the mobile terminal 400. In this case, it is appropriate from the viewpoint of the positional relationship between the multifunction device 200 and the portable terminal 400 to transmit the first document image data or the image data generated based on the first document image data. In addition, it is possible to prevent unnecessary reading processing from being executed. For example, when the distance between the multifunction device 200 and the mobile terminal 400 is relatively long, the document image data stored in the storage area 224 is transmitted to the mobile terminal 400 present at a remote position. Is not preferable from the viewpoint of security. Therefore, when the distance between the multifunction device 200 and the portable terminal 400 is equal to or greater than a predetermined distance reference value, an error message may be transmitted to the portable terminal 400.

(9) In the first embodiment, when the original image data is transmitted without issuing a new reading instruction in response to the reading instruction (FIG. 3: S40: NO), the image data transmitting unit 130 Either the original image data saved in the save area 224 (FIG. 3: S85) or the processed original image data (FIG. 3: S80) generated by processing the original image data. One of them is transmitted to the source of the reading instruction. Not limited to this, the image data transmission unit 130 may transmit at least one of the saved document image data and the processed document image data to the reading instruction transmission source. For example, the image data transmission unit 130 may transmit both the saved document image data and the processed document image data to the reading instruction transmission source.

(10) In the above embodiment, a part of the configuration realized by hardware may be replaced with software, and conversely, a part of the configuration realized by software may be replaced with hardware. Also good.

(11) When some or all of the functions of the present invention are realized by software, the software (computer program) can be provided in a form stored in a computer-readable recording medium. “Computer-readable recording media” are not limited to portable recording media such as memory cards and CD-ROMs, but are connected to internal storage devices in computers such as various RAMs and ROMs, and computers such as hard disk drives. It also includes an external storage device.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated based on the Example and the modification, Embodiment mentioned above is for making an understanding of this invention easy, and does not limit this invention. The present invention can be changed and improved without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and equivalents thereof are included in the present invention.

  50 ... access point, 70 ... internet, 200 ... multifunction device, 210 ... CPU, 220 ... non-volatile storage device, 222 ... computer program, 224 ... storage area, 230 ... volatile storage device, 231 ... buffer area, 240 ... printer section, 250 ... scanner section, 251 ... document holding section, 260 ... operation section, 270 ... display section 280 ... Wireless IF unit, 20 ... Main control unit, 100 ... Control unit, 110 ... Function unit, 110 ... Reading instruction receiving unit, 120 ... Reading control unit, 130. .. Image data transmission unit, 140... Identification information comparison unit, 150... Processing unit, 160... Condition comparison unit, 170. Mode accepting unit, 400 ... portable terminal, 410 ... CPU, 420 ... nonvolatile storage device, 425 ... volatile storage device, 430 ... wireless IF unit, 4 0 ... telephone IF unit, 450 ... voice processing unit, 460 ... operation unit, 470 ... display unit, 480 ... GPS unit, 490 ... camera, PG1 ... control program, PG2 ... Scanner operation program

Claims (10)

A reading device that executes a reading process for generating document image data by optically reading a document,
A receiving unit that receives a first reading instruction from the first device via a network;
A reading control unit that executes the reading process based on the first reading instruction to generate first document image data;
A transmission unit for transmitting the first document image data to the first device;
With
The receiving unit can further receive a second reading instruction from the first device and a second device different from the first device,
When the receiving unit receives the second reading instruction and a specific condition is satisfied,
The reading control unit does not execute the reading process based on the second reading instruction,
The reading unit transmits at least one of the first document image data and image data generated based on the first document image data to the second device. . The reading device according to claim 1,
The second reading instruction is transmitted from the second device,
The reading device further compares the first identification information corresponding to the first reading instruction with the second identification information included in the second reading instruction to determine whether or not they match. With a comparator
The specific condition includes that the first identification information and the second identification information match,
When the receiving unit receives the second reading instruction and the first identification information does not match the second identification information,
The reading control unit does not execute the reading process based on the second reading instruction,
The reading unit, wherein the transmission unit transmits neither the first document image data nor image data generated based on the first document image data to the second device. The reading device according to claim 1, further comprising:
A first reading condition for the first reading instruction included in the first reading instruction; a second reading condition for the second reading instruction included in the second reading instruction; A condition comparison unit for comparing
A processing unit capable of executing processing on the first document image data,
In the first case where the specific condition is satisfied and the second reading condition is the same as the first reading condition, the processing is not executed,
In the second case where the specific condition is satisfied and the second reading condition is different from the first reading condition, the processing is executed and the second reading condition is set. Generating the processed document image data according to the processing unit;
With
Image data generated based on the first document image data is the processed document image data,
In the first case, the transmission unit transmits the first document image data to the second apparatus,
In the second case, the transmitting unit transmits the processed document image data to the second apparatus. The reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising:
The reading device, wherein the specific condition includes that the second reading instruction is received by the receiving unit within a specific period after receiving the first reading instruction. The reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising:
A transmission number specifying unit for specifying the number of transmissions when at least one of the first document image data and the image data generated based on the first document image data is transmitted by the transmission unit; ,
The reading device, wherein the specific condition includes that the number of transmissions is less than a reference number. The reading device according to any one of claims 1, 2, 4, and 5, further comprising:
A first reading condition for the first reading instruction included in the first reading instruction; a second reading condition for the second reading instruction included in the second reading instruction; A condition comparison unit for comparing
The specific condition includes the reading device including the second reading condition being the same as the first reading condition. The reading device according to claim 1, further comprising:
A document holding unit for holding the document to be read;
A determination unit that determines at least one of whether or not the document has been taken out from the document holding unit and whether or not a new document has been placed on the document holding unit;
With
The specific condition is that the original is not taken out from the original holding unit after the reading process based on the first reading instruction is executed, and that the reading process based on the first reading instruction is A reading apparatus, comprising: at least one of a new document not placed on the document holding unit after execution. The reading device according to any one of claims 4 to 7,
It has a mode reception unit that accepts operation mode specifications.
The specific condition is that at least one of the first document image data and image data generated based on the first document image data is allowed to be transmitted to the second apparatus. A specific operating mode to be designated. The reading device according to any one of claims 4 to 8, further comprising:
When the receiving unit has received the second reading instruction and the specific condition is not satisfied,
The reading control unit executes the reading process based on the second reading instruction to generate second document image data;
The transmitting unit is a reading device that transmits the second document image data to the second device. A computer program for controlling a reading device that executes a reading process for generating document image data by optically reading a document,
A receiving function for receiving a first reading instruction from a first device via a network;
A reading control function for executing the reading process based on the first reading instruction and generating first document image data;
A transmission function for transmitting the first document image data to the first apparatus;
Is realized on a computer,
The reception function is further capable of receiving a second reading instruction from the second device,
When the reception function receives the second reading instruction and a specific condition is satisfied,
The reading control function does not execute the reading process based on the second reading instruction,
The transmission function is a computer program for transmitting one of the first document image data and image data generated based on the first document image data to the second apparatus.

Images