JP2017163258A - Image processing method, program, image processing system, and image processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing method capable of suppressing a deterioration in convenience in the case of instructing the execution of scan processing.SOLUTION: When an execution instruction command is acquired from a portable terminal S500, whether or not the acquired execution instruction command is the execution instruction command of manual arrangement scan processing is determined S501. When the acquired execution instruction command is the execution instruction command of the manual arrangement scan processing, the manual arrangement scan processing is executed S502. When an operation of a start key 604 is performed S507, the execution instruction of the manual arrangement scan processing is permitted on the basis of the above mentioned operation, and the manual arrangement scan processing is executed S508.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing method, a program, an image processing system, and an image processing apparatus.

  An MFP is known as an image processing apparatus that executes scan processing. The MFP executes a scanning process based on an execution instruction by an operation of an operation unit provided in the MFP (see Patent Document 1). The MFP also has a pull scan function for executing a scan process based on an execution instruction transmitted from an external device such as a client PC. The pull scan function is used, for example, when a user performs image processing on image data (hereinafter referred to as “scan data”) generated by a user using a scan process. In this case, the user activates the image processing application installed on the client PC, moves to the MFP, and places a document on the platen glass table of the MFP. Thereafter, the user returns to the client PC, operates the operation screen of the image processing application, and transmits a scan processing execution instruction to the MFP. For example, when performing a scan process using each page of a booklet as a document, the user rearranges the booklet on the platen glass stand so that the scan process of another page is started after the scan process of one page is completed. Thereafter, the user transmits an instruction to execute another page scan process to the MFP by operating the operation screen of the image processing application. Thereby, the scan data of each page is stored in the folder designated by the image processing application, and the user can easily edit the scan data by the image processing application.

  By the way, in recent years, a scan processing execution instruction can also be transmitted from a portable terminal such as a smartphone or tablet terminal that can be carried by the user, and the scan processing execution instruction may be transmitted from the vicinity of the MFP. In this case, a user located in the vicinity of the MFP transmits a scan processing execution instruction from a smartphone or the like, so that the user's trouble of moving between the client PC and the MFP is reduced, and the pull scan function is used. Convenience has improved.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-215353

  However, for example, when using the pull scan function to transmit an instruction to execute a scan process for each page of a booklet from the mobile terminal, the user loads the booklet on the platen glass stand of the MFP after the scan process for one page is completed. It needs to be rearranged. In this case, in order to avoid the difficult task of rearranging the booklet while the user holds the mobile terminal, the user places the mobile terminal in a different location, repositions the booklet, and then repositions the mobile terminal. An instruction to execute the scan process is transmitted. In particular, when executing a scan process for three or more pages of a booklet, it is necessary to repeat the picking up of the mobile terminal a plurality of times, which reduces the convenience in instructing the execution of the scan process.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism that can suppress a decrease in convenience when an instruction to execute a scan process is issued.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image processing method of the present invention is an image processing method for executing a scan process based on an execution instruction transmitted from an information processing apparatus to an image processing apparatus having an operation unit and a document table. A determination step for determining whether or not an execution instruction transmitted from the information processing apparatus is an execution instruction for a scan process using the document table; and a determination for determining whether or not to permit the execution of the scan process And when the execution instruction transmitted from the information processing apparatus is an execution instruction for a scan process using the document table, the determination step includes an execution instruction by operating an operation unit of the image processing apparatus. It is characterized in that it is decided to permit execution of a scanning process based on the above.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the fall of the convenience at the time of performing execution instruction | indication of a scanning process can be suppressed.

1 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of an image processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of the MFP in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an arrangement of documents performed in the MFP of FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting screen displayed on the portable terminal of FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a procedure of scan data transmission processing executed by the MFP of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of an operation unit in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen displayed on the operation unit in FIG. 2.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration of an image processing system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, an image processing system 100 includes an MFP 101 as an image processing apparatus and a portable terminal 102 as an information processing apparatus. In the image processing system 100, wireless LAN communication 104 is performed between the MFP 101 and the portable terminal 102 via the WiFi router 103 connected to the MFP 101.

  The MFP 101 can execute copy processing, FAX processing, scanning processing, and the like. The MFP 101 also has a pull scan function. For example, the MFP 101 executes scan processing based on an execution instruction command transmitted from the mobile terminal 102 to generate scan data, and the scan data is a transmission source of the execution instruction command. Transmit to the mobile terminal 102. The portable terminal 102 is a terminal that can be carried by the user, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, and a notebook PC, and can transmit an execution instruction command for each process including a scan process to the MFP 101.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the MFP 101 in FIG.

  In FIG. 2, the MFP 101 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, an HDD 204, an operation unit 205, an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) 206, a scanner unit 207, a printer unit 208, and an image processing unit 209. The MFP 101 includes a network I / F 210, a FAX unit 211, a serial I / F 212, and a card reader 213. The CPU 201, ROM 202, RAM 203, HDD 204, operation unit 205, scanner unit 207, printer unit 208, image processing unit 209, network I / F 210, FAX unit 211, and serial I / F 212 are connected to each other via a system bus 214. . The scanner unit 207, printer unit 208, image processing unit 209, and FAX unit 211 are connected to each other via a high-speed video bus 215 that can transfer image data at high speed. The card reader 213 is connected to the serial I / F 212, and the ADF 206 is connected to the scanner unit 207.

  The CPU 201 comprehensively controls the entire MFP 101. The ROM 202 stores programs executed by the CPU 201 and various data. The RAM 203 is used as a work area for the CPU 201, and the RAM 203 is used as a temporary storage area for each data. The HDD 204 stores programs and data having a relatively large amount of data. The operation unit 205 is a user interface including a display unit (not shown) and a plurality of operation keys including a start key 604 shown in FIG. The operation unit 205 displays a setting screen for setting and executing instructions for each process executed by the MFP 101, for example, a setting screen 600 shown in FIG. 6 to be described later, and is input by operating each operation key of the user. Received input information is accepted. The ADF 206 is in contact with the upper surface of the scanner unit 207 and is installed so as to be opened and closed about the fixed shaft 301 as shown in FIG. The ADF 206 conveys a plurality of documents placed on the ADF 206 to the scanner unit 207 one by one. The scanner unit 207 performs scan processing of the document conveyed from the ADF 206 to generate scan data. The upper surface of the scanner unit 207 is covered with glass, and the scanner unit 207 can also execute a scan process of a document placed on the platen glass table 302 (document table) in FIG. For example, when the ADF 206 scans each page of a booklet that cannot be conveyed to the scanner unit 207, the user lifts the ADF 206, arranges one page so as to face the platen glass table 302, and Perform scan processing. Further, after the scanning process for one page is completed, the user lifts the ADF 206 and rearranges the booklet on the platen glass stand of the MFP so that the scanning process for the other page is started, so that the scanning process for the other page is performed. Do. In this way, scan data for each page of the booklet is generated. The printer unit 208 performs printing based on image data generated by the scanner unit 207. The image processing unit 209 performs image processing such as image rotation, image compression, resolution conversion, color space conversion, and gradation conversion on the image data. The network I / F 210 performs data communication with an external device and receives, for example, a scan processing execution instruction command generated based on each setting on the setting screen 400 of FIG. 4 displayed on the mobile terminal 102 from the mobile terminal 102. . The setting screen 400 includes setting fields 401 to 407 and a scan button 408. In the setting column 401, a document placement destination is set, and in this embodiment, one of the ADF 206 and the platen glass table 302 is set. In the setting column 402, the data format of the execution result of the scan processing transmitted from the MFP 101 is set, and JPEG, PDF, TIFF, XML, and the like are set. In the setting column 403, the resolution of the scanning process is set, in the setting column 404, the paper size of the original is set, and in the setting column 405, either color scanning or monochrome scanning is set. In the setting column 406, “photograph”, “text photo”, or “text only” is set as the type of document. In the setting field 407, whether or not to perform a preview display of scan data is set. When the preview display is set to be performed, a preview image of the scan data is displayed on the mobile terminal 102. A scan button 408 instructs transmission of an execution instruction command for scan processing. When each setting in the setting columns 401 to 407 is performed by the user and the scan button 408 is selected, the portable terminal 102 transmits to the MFP 101 a scan processing execution instruction command including setting information regarding each setting. A FAX unit 211 performs facsimile communication with an external device via a public line network. The serial I / F 212 performs data communication with the card reader 213, and acquires user information and the like read from the IC card by the card reader 213 from the card reader 213.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of scan data transmission processing executed by the MFP 101 in FIG.

  5 is performed by the CPU 201 executing a program stored in the ROM 202 or the HDD 204, and the MFP 101 performs a scanning process based on an execution instruction command transmitted from the portable terminal 102 using the pull scan function. Assumes the case.

  For example, in the case of transmitting a scan processing execution command for each page of a booklet from the portable terminal 102 using the pull scan function, the user completes the booklet scanning on the platen glass table 302 of the MFP 101 after the scan processing for one page is completed. Need to be rearranged. In this case, in order to avoid the difficult task of rearranging the booklet while the user holds the portable terminal 102, the user places the portable terminal 102 in another place, rearranges the booklet, and then takes the portable terminal 102 again, A scan processing execution instruction command is transmitted from the terminal 102. In particular, when executing a scan process of three or more pages of a booklet, it is necessary to repeat the holding of the mobile terminal 102 a plurality of times, which reduces the convenience in instructing the execution of the scan process.

  Correspondingly, in the present embodiment, when the execution instruction command acquired from the portable terminal 102 is an execution instruction command for scan processing using the platen glass table 302, the scan processing by the operation of the operation unit 205 of the MFP 101 is performed. Execution instructions are allowed. Hereinafter, a scan process using the platen glass table 302 is defined as a manual placement scan process.

  In FIG. 5, first, when acquiring an execution instruction command from the mobile terminal 102 (step S500), the CPU 201 determines whether or not the acquired execution instruction command is an execution instruction command for manual placement scan processing (step S501). ). In step S501, for example, when the acquired execution instruction command includes setting information indicating that the setting in the setting column 401 is the platen glass table 302, the acquired execution instruction command executes the manual placement scan process. It is determined that it is an instruction command. On the other hand, if the acquired execution instruction command includes setting information indicating that the setting in the setting column 401 is ADF 206, it is determined that the acquired execution instruction command is not an execution instruction command for manual placement scan processing.

  As a result of the determination in step S501, when the acquired execution instruction command is an execution instruction command for manual placement scan processing, the CPU 201 executes manual placement scan processing. The CPU 201 generates scan data of a document placed on the platen glass table 302, for example, one page of a booklet (step S502). Next, the CPU 201 displays the setting screen 600 of FIG. 6 on the operation unit 205 in order to receive an execution instruction for the scan processing of other pages of the booklet (step S503). The setting screen 600 includes a preview field 601, a send button 602, and a cancel button 603. A preview image of scan data is displayed in the preview field 601. A transmission button 602 instructs transmission of the execution result of the scanning process. When the transmission button 602 is selected by the user, the MFP 101 sends image data (hereinafter referred to as “execution result image data”) to the portable terminal 102 as the execution result of the scanning process. Send). A cancel button 603 instructs to stop the scan process. When the user selects the cancel button 603, the MFP 101 cancels the scan process being executed. Next, the CPU 201 determines whether or not a preview display execution instruction is included in the execution instruction command (step S504).

  As a result of the determination in step S504, when the execution instruction command does not include a preview display execution instruction, the CPU 201 performs a process in step S506 described later. On the other hand, when the execution instruction command includes a preview display execution instruction as a result of the determination in step S505, the CPU 201 displays a preview image of the scan data generated in step S502 in the preview field 601 (step S505). Next, when the CPU 201 detects the operation of the operation unit 205 (YES in step S506), the CPU 201 determines whether or not the operation of the start key 604 in FIG. 6 instructing execution of the scan processing has been performed (step S507).

  As a result of the determination in step S507, when the start key 604 is operated, the CPU 201 executes a manual arrangement scan process based on the operation of the start key 604. The CPU 201 generates scan data for other pages of the booklet placed on the platen glass table 302 (step S508). Normally, when scanning each page of a booklet, the user rearranges the booklet on the platen glass table 302 after the execution of the scan process for one page of the booklet is completed, and scans another page from the mobile terminal 102. It is necessary to send a process execution instruction command. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, when the acquired execution instruction command is an execution instruction command for manual placement scan processing, the CPU 201 permits an execution instruction for scan processing by operating the start key 604. As a result, the user can instruct execution of the manual placement scan process from the start key 604 in addition to the portable terminal 102. Next, the CPU 201 determines whether or not a preview display execution instruction has been issued (step S509). In step S509, for example, if the execution instruction command acquired in step S500 includes a preview display execution instruction, the CPU 201 determines that the preview display execution instruction is performed. On the other hand, when the execution instruction for preview display is not included in the execution instruction command acquired in step S500, the CPU 201 determines that the execution instruction for preview display is not performed. In other words, in the present embodiment, the setting information included in the execution instruction command acquired in step S500 is continuously used, and only the execution instruction for the manual placement scan process can be operated from the start key 604.

  As a result of the determination in step S509, when the execution instruction for the preview display is not performed, the CPU 201 returns to the process in step S506. On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S509, when an instruction to execute preview display is given, the CPU 201 displays the preview image of the scan data generated in step S508 in the preview field 601 (step S510), and the processing in step S506. Return to.

  As a result of the determination in step S507, when the start key 604 is not operated, the CPU 201 determines another operation of the operation unit 205, specifically, which of the transmission button 602 and the cancel button 603 is selected (step S507). S511).

  As a result of the determination in step S511, when the transmission button 602 is selected, the CPU 201 generates execution result image data (step S512). In step S512, the CPU 201 generates execution result image data including the scan data generated in step S502 and the scan data generated in step S508 and converted into the data format included in the execution instruction command acquired in step S500. . Next, the CPU 201 transmits execution result image data to the portable terminal 102 (step S513). Thereafter, when the transmission of the execution result image data is completed, the CPU 201 transmits a normal notification indicating that the execution result image data has been transmitted normally to the portable terminal 102 (step S514), and ends this processing.

  As a result of the determination in step S511, when the cancel button 603 is selected, the CPU 201 discards the scan data and transmits a stop notification indicating that the scan processing is stopped to the mobile terminal 102 (step S515). finish.

  As a result of the determination in step S501, when the acquired execution instruction command is not an execution instruction command for manual placement scan processing, the CPU 201 executes scan processing using the ADF 206. The CPU 201 generates scan data of the document placed on the ADF 206 (step S516). Next, the CPU 201 determines whether or not a preview display execution instruction is included in the execution instruction command acquired in step S500 (step S517).

  As a result of the determination in step S517, when the execution instruction for preview display is not included in the acquired execution instruction command, the CPU 201 performs the processes in and after step S512. On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S517, when the execution instruction for preview display is included in the acquired execution instruction command, the CPU 201 generates preview display data for displaying the preview image of the scan data generated in step S516. To do. Thereafter, the CPU 201 transmits preview display data to the portable terminal 102 (step S518), and performs the processing after step S512.

  According to the process of FIG. 4 described above, when the execution instruction command acquired from the mobile terminal 102 is the execution instruction command for the manual placement scan process, the scan process execution instruction by operating the start key 604 is permitted. Thereby, when it is difficult for the user to operate the portable terminal 102 when the document is rearranged on the platen glass table 302, it is possible to eliminate the need to perform a setting operation on the setting screen 400 of the portable terminal 102. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in convenience when an instruction to perform scan processing is issued.

  In the process of FIG. 4 described above, a preview image of the generated scan data is displayed on the operation unit 205 of the MFP 101. Thereby, even if the user cannot browse the mobile terminal 102, the user can check the execution result of the scanning process.

  Further, in the process of FIG. 4 described above, the execution result image data generated based on the scan data generated in step S502 and the scan data generated in step S508 is transmitted to the mobile terminal 102. Thereby, the mobile terminal 102 can reliably acquire the execution result of the scanning process.

  In the embodiment described above, after executing the process of step S502, the setting screen 700 of FIG. 7 may be displayed and the user may select whether or not to permit execution of the scan process by operating the start key 604. Good. Accordingly, it is possible to reflect the user's intention regarding whether or not the scan processing execution instruction can be issued not only from the mobile terminal 102 but also from the start key 604 of the MFP 101.

  In the above-described embodiment, when the setting screen 700 is set to permit the execution instruction of the scan process by operating the start key 604, the scan process is executed based on the execution instruction command transmitted from the mobile terminal 102. Does not have to be permitted. Thereby, even if the same execution instruction command as the execution instruction by the operation of the start key 604 is transmitted from the portable terminal 102, it is possible to prevent the same scan process from being executed a plurality of times.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the setting information included in the execution instruction command acquired in step S500 is continuously used has been described. However, when the start key 604 is operated, the operation unit 205 of the MFP 101 performs the above operation. The setting information may be changed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the wireless LAN communication 104 is performed between the MFP 101 and the portable terminal 102 using the WiFi router 103 has been described. However, communication between the MFP 101 and the portable terminal 102 is limited to the wireless LAN communication 104. I can't. For example, wireless communication using Bluetooth (registered trademark) or the like may be used.

  In the above-described embodiment, the distance between the MFP 101 and the portable terminal 102 is measured based on the wireless LAN communication 104 or the communication strength of the wireless communication, and the scan processing execution instruction is operated by operating the start key 604 based on the distance. It may be determined whether or not to allow. Specifically, only when the execution instruction command acquired from the mobile terminal 102 is an execution instruction command for manual placement scan processing and the measured distance is less than a predetermined distance, the scan processing by the operation of the start key 604 is performed. An execution instruction may be permitted. That is, when the user is away from the MFP 101 by a predetermined distance or more, for example, when the user is away from the MFP 101 so that the start key 604 cannot be operated, an instruction to execute the scan process by the operation of the start key 604 is not permitted. As a result, when the user is away from the MFP 101 by a predetermined distance or more, it is possible to eliminate a situation where a scan process unintended by the user is executed by the operation of the start key 604 of another user other than the user.

  The present invention supplies a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or apparatus read the program. It can also be realized by processing to be executed. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

100 Image processing system 101 MFP
102 Mobile Terminal 205 Operation Unit 302 Platen Glass Stand 604 Start Key 700 Setting Screen

Claims (12)

An image processing method for executing a scan process based on an execution instruction transmitted from an information processing apparatus to an image processing apparatus including an operation unit and a document table,
A determination step of determining whether or not the execution instruction transmitted from the information processing apparatus is an execution instruction of a scan process using the document table;
Determining whether to allow execution of the scan process,
When the execution instruction transmitted from the information processing apparatus is an execution instruction for a scan process using the document table, the determining step executes the scan process based on the execution instruction by an operation of an operation unit of the image processing apparatus. An image processing method characterized by determining permission.   Whether or not to permit execution of the scan process based on the execution instruction by the operation of the operation means of the image processing apparatus when the execution instruction transmitted from the information processing apparatus is an instruction to execute the scan process using the document table The image processing method according to claim 1, further comprising a selection step for causing a user to select the image.   In the determining step, when it is selected that the execution of the scan process based on the execution instruction by the operation of the operation unit of the image processing apparatus is selected in the selection step, the scan based on the execution instruction transmitted from the information processing apparatus 3. The image processing method according to claim 2, wherein execution of the processing is not permitted. Image data is generated by executing the scan process,
The image processing method according to claim 1, further comprising a display step of displaying a preview image on the image processing device based on the generated image data. First image data generated by execution of a scan process based on an execution instruction transmitted from the information processing apparatus, and a first image data generated by execution of a scan process based on an execution instruction by an operation of an operation unit of the image processing apparatus. A generation step of generating third image data based on the second image data;
The image processing method according to claim 1, further comprising a transmission step of transmitting the generated third image data to the information processing apparatus. A program for causing a computer to execute an image processing method for executing a scan process based on an execution instruction transmitted from an information processing apparatus to an image processing apparatus including an operation unit and a document table,
The image processing method includes:
A determination step of determining whether or not the execution instruction transmitted from the information processing apparatus is an execution instruction of a scan process using the document table;
Determining whether to allow execution of the scan process,
When the execution instruction transmitted from the information processing apparatus is an execution instruction for a scan process using the document table, the determining step executes the scan process based on the execution instruction by an operation of an operation unit of the image processing apparatus. A program characterized by deciding to allow. An image processing system that executes scan processing in the image processing device based on an execution instruction transmitted from an information processing device to an image processing device including an operation unit and a document table,
Determining means for determining whether or not the execution instruction transmitted from the information processing apparatus is an execution instruction of a scanning process using the document table;
Determining means for determining whether or not to allow execution of the scanning process;
When the execution instruction transmitted from the information processing apparatus is an execution instruction for a scan process using the document table, the determination unit executes the scan process based on the execution instruction by the operation of the operation unit of the image processing apparatus. An image processing system characterized by deciding to permit. An image processing apparatus that includes an operation unit and a document table, and that executes scan processing based on an execution instruction transmitted from an information processing apparatus,
Determining means for determining whether or not the execution instruction transmitted from the information processing apparatus is an execution instruction of a scanning process using the document table;
Determining means for determining whether or not to allow execution of the scanning process;
When the execution instruction transmitted from the information processing apparatus is an execution instruction for a scan process using the document table, the determination unit permits the execution of the scan process based on the execution instruction by the operation of the operation unit. An image processing apparatus characterized by determining.   When the execution instruction transmitted from the information processing apparatus is an execution instruction for a scan process using the document table, the user selects whether to permit the execution of the scan process based on the execution instruction by the operation of the operation unit 9. The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising selection means for causing the image to be selected.   The determination unit executes the scan process based on the execution instruction transmitted from the information processing apparatus when the selection unit selects to permit the execution of the scan process based on the execution instruction by the operation of the operation unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein permission is not allowed. Image data is generated by executing the scan process,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising display means for displaying a preview image based on the generated image data. First image data generated by execution of scan processing based on an execution instruction transmitted from the information processing apparatus, and second image data generated by execution of scan processing based on an execution instruction by operation of the operation means Generating means for generating the third image data based on
The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a transmission unit configured to transmit the generated third image data to the information processing apparatus.

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