JP2021009575A - Information processing system, information processing method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To appropriately distribute image data read by an image reading device without depending on the vendor of the image reading device.SOLUTION: An information processing system according to an aspect of the present disclosure has an information processing device, an information terminal, and an image reading device connected to each other so as to be mutually communicable with each other, and includes a transferring unit that transfers, to the information processing device, image data read by the image reading device in response to a request, and the identification information of the information terminal. The information terminal includes: a requesting unit that requests the image reading device to read the image data; and a transmitting unit that transmits, to the transferring unit, transfer destination information indicating the information processing device and the identification information. The information processing device includes: a notifying unit that notifies the information terminal of the transfer of the image data in response to the transfer from the transferring unit; and a distributing unit that distributes the image data transferred from the transferring unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to information processing systems, information processing methods, and programs.

There is known an information processing system that distributes image data read by an image reader to a storage or a user's information terminal via a network.

Further, a system is disclosed in which a cloud server and an image forming apparatus are interactively linked using an information terminal such as a mobile terminal to distribute image data read by the image reading device (see, for example, Patent Document 1). ..

However, in the system of Patent Document 1, if the vendor of the image reading device is different from the predetermined vendor, the read image data may not be properly distributed.

An object of the disclosed technique is to appropriately distribute image data read by an image reader without depending on the vendor of the image reader.

The information processing system according to one aspect of the disclosed technology is an information processing system in which an information processing device, an information terminal, and an image reading device are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other, and the image reading device is required. The information terminal includes a transfer unit that transfers the image data read in response and the identification information of the information terminal to the information processing apparatus, and the information terminal requests the image reader to read the image data. The information processing device includes a transfer destination information indicating the information processing device and a transmission unit that transmits the identification information to the transfer unit, and the information processing device responds to the transfer from the transfer unit. It includes a notification unit that notifies the information terminal that the image data has been transferred, and a distribution unit that distributes the image data transferred from the transfer unit.

According to the disclosed technology, the image data read by the image reader can be appropriately distributed without depending on the vendor of the image reader.

It is a figure which shows the whole structure example of the information processing system which concerns on embodiment. It is a block diagram of the hardware configuration example of the smartphone which concerns on embodiment. It is a block diagram of the hardware configuration example of the MFP which concerns on embodiment. It is a block diagram of the configuration example of the distribution server which concerns on embodiment. It is a block diagram of the function configuration example of the smartphone which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the functional configuration example of the MFP which concerns on embodiment. It is a block diagram of the function configuration example of the distribution server which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram of the operation example of the information processing system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the operation screen example of a scan delivery application. It is a figure which shows the example of the transfer notification screen of the scanned image data. It is a figure which shows the delivery completion notification screen example of the scan image data. It is a block diagram of the function configuration example of the smartphone which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the function configuration example of the distribution server which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a sequence diagram of the operation example of the information processing system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of the process selection screen. It is a figure which shows the display screen example of the preview image.

Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same components may be designated by the same reference numerals and duplicate description may be omitted.

In the embodiment, the image data of the original document read by the image reading device such as a scanner is distributed to the storage server via the network. In addition, when the user gives an instruction to read or distribute the original image, by using a personal information terminal such as a smartphone or tablet, the read image data is appropriately distributed without depending on the vendor of the image reading device. ..

In the following, reading the image data of the original is referred to as "scanning" of the original, and the image data acquired by scanning may be referred to as scanned image data. Further, in the embodiment, a smartphone is used as an example of an information terminal, an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral Printer / Product) is used as an example of an image reading device, and a distribution server is used as an example of an information processing device.

<Overall configuration of information processing system 1 according to the embodiment>
First, the overall configuration of the information processing system 1 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the overall configuration of the information processing system 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing system 1 includes a smartphone 2, an MFP 3, and a distribution server 4. These are connected so as to be communicable by wire or wirelessly via the network 100. Further, the storage server 5, the user PC (Personal Computer) 6, and the management server 7 are connected to the information processing system 1 via the network 100 so as to be able to communicate by wire or wirelessly.

The smartphone 2 is a portable information terminal managed by the user.

The MFP 3 is a device having an image forming function such as a copy, a scanner, a printer, etc. installed in an office, a rental workspace, or the like.

The distribution server 4, the storage server 5, the user PC 6, and the management server 7 are information processing devices such as a computer equipped with a general OS (Operating System) or the like. The distribution server 4, the storage server 5, and the management server 7 may be installed in an office where the MFP 3 is provided, or may be installed in a remote location away from the office. The user PC 6 is a computer such as a notebook PC managed by the user, is portable, and is used by the user in an office, home, rental workspace, or the like. The management server 7 is a server that manages the information processing system 1, and is a device that registers the distribution destination information of the scanned image data and the processing method for the scanned image data.

The user operates the smartphone 2 to start application software (hereinafter referred to as an application) on the smartphone 2. The smartphone 2 searches for the MFP 3 installed in the vicinity, acquires an IP (Internet Protocol) address, and displays a scan execution screen. The user places the document to be scanned on the document reading table of the MFP 3, operates the scan execution screen, and instructs the smartphone 2 to scan.

In response to the user's instruction, the smartphone 2 requests the MFP 3 to scan the original, and transmits the transfer destination information and the identification information of the smartphone 2 to the MFP 3. Here, the transfer destination information refers to information that identifies the transfer destination of the scanned image data from the MFP 3 and the distribution server 4 that is the distribution source of the scanned image data. Further, the identification information of the smartphone 2 means information for identifying the smartphone 2. As a method of transmitting the transfer destination information and the identification information of the smartphone 2, a URI format such as "https: // {URL of the distribution server 4} / {smartphone 2 identifier}" can be used.

The MFP 3 scans the document placed on the document reading table and transfers the scanned image data and the identification information of the smartphone 2 to the distribution server 4.

In response to the transfer from the MFP 3, the distribution server 4 notifies the smartphone 2 that the scanned image data has been transferred, and distributes the transferred scanned image data to the storage server 5. Push notification can be used to notify the smartphone 2 that the scanned image data has been transferred. Here, the push notification is a function of notifying by display or sound from the application side when there is some change in the smartphone application, the software of the PC, or the like, or when the notification is necessary. The push notification allows the user to recognize that the scanned image data has been transferred.

The storage server 5 stores the delivered scanned image data. Further, when the distribution is completed, the distribution server 4 notifies the smartphone 2 of the completion of the distribution.

The user can use the scanned image data by accessing the scanned image data stored in the storage server 5 from the user PC 6 after receiving the notification of the completion of distribution.

<Hardware configuration of smartphone 2 according to the embodiment>
Next, the hardware configuration of the smartphone 2 will be described.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the smartphone 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the smartphone 2 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 401, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 402, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 403, and an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable Read Only Memory) 404. To be equipped. Further, the smartphone 2 includes a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor 405, an image sensor I / F (Interface) 406, an acceleration / orientation sensor 407, a media I / F 409, and a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver 411. And.

Of these, the CPU 401 controls the operation of the entire smartphone 2. The ROM 402 stores a program used to drive the CPU 401 such as the CPU 401 and IPL. The RAM 403 is used as a work area for the CPU 401. The EEPROM 404 reads or writes various data such as a smartphone program under the control of the CPU 401.

The CMOS sensor 405 is a kind of built-in imaging means that acquires image data by imaging a subject (mainly a self-portrait) under the control of the CPU 401. Instead of a CMOS sensor, an imaging means such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor may be used.

The image sensor I / F 406 is a circuit that controls the drive of the CMOS sensor 405. The acceleration / orientation sensor 407 is a variety of sensors such as an electronic magnetic compass, a gyro compass, and an acceleration sensor that detect the geomagnetism. The media I / F 409 controls reading or writing (storage) of data to a recording medium 408 such as a flash memory. The GPS receiving unit 411 receives GPS signals from GPS satellites.

Further, the smartphone 2 includes a long-range communication circuit 412, a CMOS sensor 413, an image sensor I / F 414, a microphone 415, a speaker 416, a sound input / output I / F 417, a display 418, and an external device connection I /. It includes an F419, a short-range communication circuit 420, an antenna 420a of the short-range communication circuit 420, and a touch panel 421.

Of these, the telecommunications circuit 412 is a circuit that communicates with other devices via the network 100. The CMOS sensor 413 is a kind of built-in imaging means for capturing an image of a subject and obtaining image data under the control of the CPU 401. The image sensor I / F 414 is a circuit that controls the drive of the CMOS sensor 413. The microphone 415 is a built-in circuit that converts sound into an electric signal. The speaker 416 is a built-in circuit that converts an electric signal into physical vibration to produce sounds such as music and voice.

The sound input / output I / F 417 is a circuit that processes sound signal input / output between the microphone 415 and the speaker 416 under the control of the CPU 401. The display 418 is a kind of display means such as a liquid crystal or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) for displaying an image of a subject, various icons, and the like.

The external device connection I / F419 is an interface for connecting various external devices. The short-range communication circuit 420 is a communication circuit such as NFC (Near Field Communication) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The touch panel 421 is a kind of input means for operating the smartphone 2 by the user pressing the display 418.

Further, the smartphone 2 is provided with a bus line 410. The bus line 410 is an address bus, a data bus, or the like for electrically connecting each component such as the CPU 401 shown in FIG.

<Hardware configuration of MFP3 according to the embodiment>
Next, the hardware configuration of the MFP 3 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the MFP 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the MFP 3 includes a controller 910, a short-range communication circuit 920, an engine control unit 930, an operation panel 940, and a network I / F 950.

Of these, the controller 910 is a CPU 901, a system memory (MEM-P) 902, a north bridge (NB) 903, a south bridge (SB) 904, and an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) 906, which are the main parts of a computer. A local memory (MEM-C) 907 that is a storage unit, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) controller 908, and an HD (Hard Disk) 909 that is a storage unit are provided. These have a configuration in which the NB 903 and the ASIC 906 are connected by an AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port) bus 921.

Of these, the CPU 901 is a control unit that controls the entire MFP 3. The NB903 is a bridge for connecting the CPU 901, the MEM-P902, the SB904, and the AGP bus 921, and includes a memory controller that controls reading and writing to the MEM-P902, a PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) master, and an AGP target. Has.

The MEM-P902 includes a ROM 902a that is a memory for storing programs and data that realizes each function of the controller 910, and a RAM 902b that is used as a memory for developing programs and data and for drawing in memory printing. The program stored in the RAM 902b is configured to be provided by recording a file in an installable format or an executable format on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, CD-R, or DVD. You may.

The SB904 is a bridge for connecting the NB903 to a PCI device and peripheral devices. The ASIC 906 is an IC (Integrated Circuit) for image processing applications having hardware elements for image processing, and has a role of a bridge connecting AGP bus 921, PCI bus 922, HDD 908 and MEM-C907, respectively.

The ASIC906 is a PCI target and an AGP master, an arbiter (ARB) that forms the core of the ASIC906, a memory controller that controls the MEM-C907, and a plurality of DMACs (Direct Memory Access Controllers) that rotate image data by hardware logic and the like. , And a PCI unit that transfers data between the scanner unit 931 and the printer unit 932 via the PCI bus 922. A USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface or an IEEE 1394 (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1394) interface may be connected to the ASIC 906.

The MEM-C907 is a local memory used as a copy image buffer and a code buffer. The HD909 is a storage for accumulating image data, accumulating font data used at the time of printing, and accumulating forms. The HD909 controls reading or writing of data to the HD909 according to the control of the CPU 901. The AGP bus 921 is a bus interface for a graphics accelerator card proposed to speed up graphics processing, and the graphics accelerator card can be speeded up by directly accessing MEM-P902 with high throughput. ..

Further, the short-range communication circuit 920 includes a short-range communication circuit 920a. The short-range communication circuit 920 is a communication circuit such as NFC or Bluetooth.

Further, the engine control unit 930 is composed of a scanner unit 931 and a printer unit 932. Further, the operation panel 940 displays the current setting value, the selection screen, and the like, and displays the panel display unit 940a such as a touch panel that accepts the input from the operator, and the setting value of the image formation condition such as the density setting condition. It is provided with an operation panel 940b including a numeric keypad for receiving and a start key for receiving a copy start instruction. The controller 910 controls the entire MFP3, and controls, for example, drawing, communication, input from the operation panel 940, and the like. The scanner unit 931 or the printer unit 932 includes an image processing portion such as error diffusion and gamma conversion.

The MFP3 can be selected by sequentially switching the document box function, the copy function, the printer function, and the facsimile function by the application switching key on the operation panel 940. When the document box function is selected, the document box mode is set, when the copy function is selected, the copy mode is set, when the printer function is selected, the printer mode is set, and when the facsimile mode is selected, the facsimile mode is set.

Further, the network I / F950 is an interface for performing data communication using the network 100. The short-range communication circuit 920 and the network I / F 950 are electrically connected to the ASIC 906 via the PCI bus 922.

<Hardware configuration of the distribution server 4 according to the embodiment>
Next, the hardware configuration of the distribution server 4 will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the distribution server 4. The distribution server 4 is constructed by a computer. As shown in FIG. 4, the distribution server 4 includes a CPU 501, a ROM 502, a RAM 503, an HD 504, an HDD controller 505, a display 506, an external device connection I / F 508, and a network I / F 509. .. Further, the distribution server 4 includes a data bus 510, a keyboard 511, a pointing device 512, a DVD-RW (Digital Versatile Disk Rewritable) drive 514, and a media I / F 516.

Of these, the CPU 501 controls the operation of the entire distribution server 4. The ROM 502 stores a program used to drive the CPU 501 such as an IPL. The RAM 503 is used as a work area of the CPU 501. The HD504 stores various data such as programs. The HDD controller 505 controls reading or writing of various data to the HD 504 according to the control of the CPU 501. The display 506 displays various information such as cursors, menus, windows, characters, or images. The external device connection I / F 508 is an interface for connecting various external devices. The external device in this case is, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, a printer, or the like. The network I / F 509 is an interface for data communication using the network 100. The data bus 510 is an address bus, a data bus, or the like for electrically connecting each component such as the CPU 501 shown in FIG.

Further, the keyboard 511 is a kind of input means including a plurality of keys for inputting characters, numerical values, various instructions and the like. The pointing device 512 is a kind of input means for selecting and executing various instructions, selecting a processing target, moving a cursor, and the like. The DVD-RW drive 514 controls reading or writing of various data to the DVD-RW 513 as an example of the removable recording medium. In addition, it is not limited to DVD-RW, and may be DVD-R or the like. The media I / F 516 controls reading or writing (storage) of data to a recording medium 515 such as a flash memory.

The storage server 5, the user PC 6, and the management server 7 are also constructed by a computer, and the same configuration as the hardware configuration shown in FIG. 4 can be applied to these.

[First Embodiment]
<Functional configuration of smartphone 2 according to the first embodiment>
Next, the functional configuration of the smartphone 2 will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the smartphone 2. As shown in FIG. 5, the smartphone 2 includes a search unit 21, a connection unit 22, an operation screen display unit 23, a request unit 24, a transmission unit 25, a reception unit 26, and a notification display unit 27. ..

Of these, the functions of the search unit 21, the connection unit 22, and the request unit 24 are realized by the short-range communication circuit 420 and the like shown in FIG. Further, the functions of the transmitting unit 25 and the receiving unit 26 are realized by the long-distance communication circuit 412 and the like shown in FIG.

Of the above, the search unit 21 searches for the MFP 3 installed in the vicinity of the smartphone 2, acquires the IP address thereof, and outputs the IP address to the connection unit 22.

The connection unit 22 connects the smartphone 2 to the MFP 3 corresponding to the IP address input from the search unit 21 so as to be communicable.

The operation screen display unit 23 displays information for identifying the connected MFP 3 and a scan button, which is a UI (User Interface) button for receiving a document scanning instruction, on the display 418 of FIG.

The requesting unit 24 requests the MFP 3 to scan the document in response to the user's instruction via the scan button.

The transmission unit 25 transmits the transfer destination information of the scanned image data by the MFP 3 and the identification information of the smartphone 2 to the MFP 3.

The notification display unit 27 receives a notification that the scanned image data has been transferred to the distribution server 4 from the notification unit 42 of the distribution server 4 via the reception unit 26, and displays the notification on the display 418 of FIG. Further, the notification display unit 27 receives a notification from the notification unit 42 of the distribution server 4 via the receiving unit 26 that the distribution of the scanned image data by the distribution server 4 to the storage server 5 is completed, and the notification is shown in the figure. It is displayed on the display 418 of 2.

<Functional configuration of MFP3 according to the first embodiment>
Next, the functional configuration of the MFP 3 will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the MFP 3. As shown in FIG. 6, the MFP 3 includes a receiving unit 31, an image reading unit 32, and a transfer unit 33.

Of these, the function of the receiving unit 31 is realized by the short-range communication circuit 920 and the like shown in FIG. 3, and the function of the image reading unit 32 is realized by the scanner unit 931. Further, the function of the transfer unit 33 is realized by the network I / F950 or the like.

The image reading unit 32 receives a request for scanning a document from the smartphone 2 via the receiving unit 31. Then, in response to the request, the document placed on the document reading table of the MFP 3 is scanned, and the scanned image data is output to the transfer unit 33.

The transfer unit 33 transfers the identification information of the smartphone 2 input via the reception unit 31 and the scanned image data input from the image reading unit 32 to the distribution server 4 corresponding to the transfer destination information.

<Functional configuration of the distribution server 4 according to the first embodiment>
Next, the functional configuration of the distribution server 4 will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the distribution server 4. As shown in FIG. 7, the distribution server 4 includes a receiving unit 41, a notification unit 42, and a distribution unit 43. These functions are realized by the network I / F509 or the like.

The notification unit 42 notifies the smartphone 2 that the scanned image data has been transferred in response to the transfer from the MFP 3 via the reception unit 41. Further, the notification unit 42 notifies the smartphone 2 that the distribution of the scanned image data is completed in response to the completion of the distribution of the scanned image data by the distribution unit 43. The notification to the smartphone 2 is performed based on the identification information of the smartphone 2 transferred from the MFP 3 via the receiving unit 31.

Here, in the embodiment, the notification that the scanned image data has been transferred by the notification unit 42 and the distribution completion notification of the scanned image data are sent only to the smartphone 2 registered in advance in the distribution server 4 by the administrator. It is said. Therefore, since owning the smartphone 2 proves that the user has the authority to use the scan distribution application, in the present embodiment, the authentication process for using the scan distribution application such as login processing becomes unnecessary. There is.

The distribution unit 43 distributes the scanned image data transferred from the transfer unit 33 via the reception unit 41 to the storage server 5.

<Operation of the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment>
Next, the operation of the information processing system 1 will be described. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the information processing system 1.

In the information processing system 1, the IP address of the storage server 5 and the like are registered in advance in the distribution server 4 as the distribution destination information of the scanned image data. Such registration can be performed by the administrator of the information processing system 1 accessing the distribution server 4 using the management server 7. Further, a scan distribution application by the information processing system 1 is pre-installed on the smartphone 2.

First, in step S81, the user of the smartphone 2 activates the scan distribution application on the smartphone 2.

Subsequently, in step S82, the search unit 21 of the smartphone 2 searches for the MFP 3 installed in the vicinity of the smartphone 2, acquires the IP address thereof, and outputs the IP address to the connection unit 22.

Subsequently, in step S83, the connection unit 22 connects the smartphone 2 to the MFP 3 corresponding to the IP address input from the search unit 21 so as to be communicable.

Subsequently, in step S84, the operation screen display unit 23 displays the information indicating the connected MFP 3 and the scan button on the display 418.

Subsequently, in step S85, the user of the smartphone 2 places the document to be scanned on the document reader of the MFP 3, and then touches the scan button displayed on the display 418 to instruct the smartphone 2 to scan the document. ..

Subsequently, in step S86, the requesting unit 24 responds to an instruction by the user via the scan button and requests the MFP 3 to scan the document.

Subsequently, in step S87, the transmission unit 25 transmits the transfer destination information of the scanned image data by the MFP 3 and the identification information of the smartphone 2 to the transfer unit 33 of the MFP 3.

The order of steps S86 and S87 may be changed as appropriate, or both steps may be performed in parallel.

Subsequently, in step S88, the image reading unit 32 receives a request for scanning the document from the smartphone 2 via the receiving unit 31, and in response to the request, scans the document placed on the document reading table of the MFP 3. Then, the scanned image data is output to the transfer unit 33.

Subsequently, in step S89, the transfer unit 33 transfers the scanned image data input from the image reading unit 32 and the identification information of the smartphone 2 to the distribution server 4 corresponding to the transfer destination information.

Subsequently, in step S90, in response to the transfer from the MFP 3 via the receiving unit 41, the smartphone 2 is notified that the scanned image data has been transferred.

Subsequently, in step S91, the notification display unit 27 causes the display 418 to display the notification that the scanned image data received via the reception unit 26 has been transferred to the distribution server 4.

Subsequently, in step S92, the distribution unit 43 distributes the scanned image data input from the reception unit 41 to the storage server 5.

The order of steps S90 to S92 may be changed as appropriate, and these steps may be performed in parallel.

Subsequently, in step S93, the notification unit 42 notifies the smartphone 2 that the distribution of the scanned image data is completed.

Subsequently, in step S94, the notification display unit 27 causes the display 418 to display a notification that the distribution of the scanned image data is completed.

In this way, the information processing system 1 can deliver the scanned image data of the desired document to the storage server 5.

<Example of screen displayed on smartphone 2>
Next, a screen example displayed on the smartphone 2 will be described for each predetermined step in the sequence diagram of FIG.

First, FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an operation screen of the scan distribution application displayed on the display 418 of the smartphone 2 in step S84 of FIG.

In FIG. 9, the text display 91 displays information that identifies the connected MFP 3. The scan button 92 is a UI button that instructs the start of scan distribution. The user can instruct the smartphone 2 to scan the document by touching the scan button 92. However, "touch" is an example of the operation, and the smartphone 2 may be instructed to scan the document by performing another operation such as "pressing" the scan button 92. This point is the same when the term "touch" is used in the following description.

Next, FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for notifying that the scanned image data displayed on the display 418 of the smartphone 2 has been transferred in step S91 of FIG.

In FIG. 10, the text display 101 indicates a notification that the scanned image data has been transferred to the distribution server 4. Here, the text display 101 is an example of a push notification. Further, the transfer confirmation button 102 is a UI button that is touched when the user confirms the transfer notification. The user can delete the transfer notification from the display 418 by touching the transfer confirmation button 102 after confirming the transfer notification.

Next, FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen notifying that the distribution of the scanned image data displayed on the display 418 of the smartphone 2 is completed in step S94 of FIG.

In FIG. 11, the text display 111 indicates that the delivery of the scanned image data to the storage server 5 is completed. The text display 111 is also an example of push notification, like the text display 101 of FIG. The delivery confirmation button 112 is a UI button that the user touches when the delivery confirmation notification is confirmed. The user can delete the distribution completion notification from the display 418 by touching the distribution confirmation button 112 after confirming the distribution completion notification.

<Operation and effect of the information processing system 1 according to the first embodiment>
Conventionally, in a system that distributes scanned image data, if the vendor that provides the image reading device such as a scanner is different from the predetermined vendor, the distribution server and the image reading device cannot be connected, and the scanned image data by the image reading device cannot be connected. Could not be delivered properly.

In the present embodiment, when the user instructs the scanning or distribution of the original image, or when grasping the processing status of the scanning or distribution, the information terminal such as the smartphone 2 is used to execute the image reading device such as the MFP3. It simplifies the process of making the image reader, and eliminates the dependence on the processing function that only the image reader of a specific vendor has. As a result, the scanned image data can be appropriately distributed without depending on the vendor of the image reading device.

Further, in the present embodiment, the notification process can be further simplified by making the notification given to the smartphone 2 by the notification unit 42 in the distribution server 4 into a push notification.

In the present embodiment, the MFP 3 is shown as an example of the image reading device, but the image reading device may have at least an image reading function and a wired or wireless communication function. In particular, in the present embodiment, since the smartphone 2 is used when the user instructs the scanning and distribution of the original image and when the processing status of the scanning and distribution is grasped, the image reading device includes an operation screen and a display screen. Even if there is no such thing, it is possible to use the scan distribution application, which is more preferable. The location of the image reader is not limited to the office or rental workspace, but may be at home.

In the present embodiment, an example in which the MFP 3 includes a transfer unit 33 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. The smartphone 2 may be configured to include a transfer unit 33 and transfer scanned image data from the MFP 3 to the distribution server 4 via the smartphone 2.

Further, although an example in which a URL or an IP address is used as the forwarding destination information or the delivery destination information is shown, the present invention is not limited to this. Scanned image data and the like may be forwarded or delivered by e-mail using an e-mail address.

Further, in the present embodiment, an example is shown in which possession of the smartphone 2 is used as proof that the user has the authority to use the scan distribution application. However, if the URL information of the distribution server 4 or the like is leaked, it is conceivable that a pay-as-you-go charge may be made without the user's knowledge due to an EDoS (Economic Denial of Sustainability) attack or the like. To prevent this, the administrator logs in to the distribution server 4 from the smartphone 2 at the stage of registering the information in the distribution server 4 in advance, acquires the one-time token issued by the distribution server 4, and uses it as the transfer destination information. , "It is preferable to execute the scan distribution application by specifying https: // {URL of distribution server 4} / {identification information of smartphone 2} / {one-time token}. By doing so, the distribution server When 4 receives the scanned image data from the MFP 3, the validity of the one-time token issued in advance can be verified, and the use of the scan distribution application due to the EDoS attack or the like can be refused. You can eliminate the risk of pay-as-you-go billing.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, the information processing system 1a according to the second embodiment will be described. The description of the same components as those in the embodiment described above will be omitted.

In the present embodiment, a plurality of processes to be executed for the scanned image data are registered in advance in the distribution server 4a, and the user is allowed to select a desired process among the plurality of processes via the smartphone 2a. Then, the distribution server 4a distributes the scanned image data after the selected process is executed. Here, the plurality of processes include a process of delivering scanned image data by e-mail, an OCR (Optical Character Recognition) process, a process of delivering scanned image data to a predetermined application, an image color adjustment process, and an image layout change process. And so on.

Further, in the present embodiment, the preview image is transmitted to the smartphone 2a to be visually recognized by the user before the distribution server 4a distributes the scanned image data to the storage server 5. By visually recognizing the preview image, the user can prevent inappropriate scan image data from being delivered even if the desired scan image is not obtained by the selected process, and until the desired scan image is obtained. The process selection and execution can be repeated.

<Functional configuration of smartphone 2a according to the second embodiment>
The functional configuration of the smartphone 2a according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the smartphone 2a. As shown in FIG. 12, the smartphone 2a includes a processing selection screen display unit 28, a transmission unit 25a, a reception unit 26a, and a preview image display unit 29. Of these, the functions of the transmitting unit 25a and the receiving unit 26a are realized by the telecommunications circuit 412 and the like shown in FIG. Further, the process selection screen display unit 28 and the preview image display unit 29 are realized by the display 418 and the like in FIG.

Among the above, the process selection screen display unit 28 displays a plurality of processes registered in advance in the distribution server 4a on the display 418 of the smartphone 2a, and causes the user to select a desired process by touching the screen. In addition, the processing selection screen display unit 28 requests the distribution server 4a to authenticate to use the processing for the scanned image data via the transmission unit 25a. Then, after the authentication is successful, the process selection screen display unit 28 transmits information indicating the process selected by the user to the distribution server 4a via the transmission unit 25a.

The preview image display unit 29 receives the scanned image data after the process selected by the user is executed via the receiving unit 26a, and displays the scanned image on the display 418 of the smartphone 2a. The scanned image displayed in this case corresponds to a preview image for being visually recognized by the user of the smartphone 2a before being distributed by the distribution unit 43a.

In addition, the preview image display unit 29 causes the display 418 to display a condition change button, which is a UI button for allowing the user to select a process again when the user determines that the scanned image is not appropriate by visually recognizing the preview image. .. Further, the preview image display unit 29 causes the display 418 to display a continue button, which is a UI button for continuing the distribution process, when the user determines that the scanned image is appropriate. Then, the result of the user touching either the condition change button or the continue button is transmitted to the distribution server 4a via the transmission unit 25a.

The screens displayed by each of the process selection screen display unit 28 and the preview image display unit 29 will be described separately with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16.

<Functional configuration of the distribution server 4a according to the second embodiment>
Next, the functional configuration of the distribution server 4a according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of the distribution server 4a. As shown in FIG. 13, the distribution server 4a includes a reception unit 41a, a distribution unit 43a, an authentication unit 44, a processing execution unit 45, and a preview image transmission unit 46.

In response to the authentication request received via the receiving unit 41a, the authentication unit 44 executes an authentication process of whether or not the smartphone 2a has the authority to use the process, and outputs the authentication result to the process execution unit 45. Specifically, the authentication unit 44 has the identification information of the smartphone 2a transferred from the transfer unit 33 via the reception unit 41a and the identification information having the usage authority registered in advance in the HD504 or the like of FIG. 4 on the distribution server 4a. Authentication is performed by comparing with. However, the authentication unit 44 may execute the authentication process based on the authentication token cached in advance in the smartphone 2a instead of the identification information of the smartphone 2a. If the scanned image data is processed again in response to the user touching the condition change button after the authentication process is performed once, the authentication unit 44 authenticates because it has already been authenticated. Do not execute the process.

The processing execution unit 45 inputs the authentication result from the authentication unit 44, and also inputs the scanned image data and the information for identifying the process selected by the user via the reception unit 41a and the authentication unit 44. When the authentication is successful, the process execution unit 45 executes the process selected by the user for the scanned image data. Then, the scanned image data after the processing is executed is output to the preview image transmission unit 46 and the distribution unit 43a.

The preview image transmission unit 46 transmits the scanned image data after the processing is executed to the smartphone 2a as the preview image data.

In order to reduce the amount of data to be transmitted, the processing execution unit 45 outputs the scanned image data whose amount of data has been reduced by reducing the size to the preview image transmission unit 46, and the preview image transmission unit 46 , This may be transmitted to the smartphone 2a as a preview image.

When the user touches the continue button, the distribution unit 43a distributes the scanned image data input from the processing execution unit 45 after the processing is executed to the storage server 5.

<Operation of the information processing system 1a according to the second embodiment>
Next, the operation of the information processing system 1a will be described. FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the operation of the information processing system 1a.

In the information processing system 1a, the distribution destination information of the scanned image data and a plurality of processes executed for the scanned image data are registered in advance in the distribution server 4a.

Here, since the processes of steps S141 to S151 of FIG. 14 are the same as the processes of steps S81 to S91 of FIG. 8, duplicated description will be omitted.

In step S152, the process selection screen display unit 28 displays a plurality of processes registered in advance in the distribution server 4a on the display 418 of the smartphone 2a.

Subsequently, in step S153, the user selects a desired process by touching the screen displayed on the display 418.

Subsequently, in step S154, the process selection screen display unit 28 requests the distribution server 4a to authenticate to use the process for the scanned image data.

Subsequently, in step S155, the authentication unit 44 executes the authentication process of whether or not the smartphone 2a has the authority to use the process in response to the authentication request, and outputs the authentication result to the process execution unit 45.

If the authentication by the authentication unit 44 is successful, in step S156, the process selection screen display unit 28 transmits information indicating the process selected by the user to the distribution server 4a via the transmission unit 25a.

Subsequently, in step S157, the processing execution unit 45 executes the processing selected by the user on the scanned image data, and previews the scanned image data after the processing is executed in the preview image transmitting unit 46 and the distribution unit 43a. Output to.

Subsequently, in step S158, the preview image transmission unit 46 transmits the scanned image data after the processing is executed to the smartphone 2a as the preview image data.

Subsequently, in step S159, the preview image display unit 29 displays the scanned image after the process selected by the user is executed on the display 418 of the smartphone 2a as a preview image.

When the user visually recognizes the preview image displayed in step S159 and touches the condition change button, in step S160, the process selection screen display unit 28 performs a plurality of processes registered in advance in the distribution server 4a on the smartphone. It is displayed on the display 418 of 2a. Then, the information identifying the process reselected by the user is transmitted to the distribution server 4a via the transmission unit 25a.

Subsequently, in step S161, the processing execution unit 45 executes the process reselected by the user on the scanned image data, and previews the scanned image data after the processing is executed, and the distribution unit 46 and the distribution unit. Output to 43a.

Subsequently, in step S162, the preview image transmission unit 46 transmits the scanned image data after the processing is executed to the smartphone 2a as the preview image data.

After that, the process returns to step S159, and the preview image display unit 29 displays the scanned image after the process selected by the user is executed on the display 418 of the smartphone 2a as a preview image.

The operations of steps S159 to S162 are repeated until the preview image displayed in step S159 is visually recognized and the user touches the continue button.

On the other hand, when the user visually recognizes the displayed preview image in step S159 and touches the continue button, the process proceeds to step S164, and the distribution unit 43a executes the process input from the process execution unit 45. The later scanned image data is distributed to the storage server 5.

Subsequently, in step S165, the notification unit 42 notifies the smartphone 2a that the distribution of the scanned image data is completed.

Subsequently, in step S166, the notification display unit 27 causes the display 418 to display a notification that the distribution of the scanned image data is completed.

In this way, the information processing system 1a can deliver the scanned image data after executing the process desired by the user to the storage server 5.

<Example of screen displayed on smartphone 2a>
Next, a screen example displayed on the smartphone 2a will be described for each predetermined step in the sequence diagram of FIG.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a process selection screen displayed on the display 418 of the smartphone 2a in step S152 of FIG.

In FIG. 15, the button 151 indicates a button for distributing the scanned image data to the distribution server 4a. Further, the button 152 indicates a button for executing OCR processing on the scanned image data and transmitting the processed scanned image data to a predetermined application. Further, button 153 indicates a button for transmitting scanned image data to a predetermined application. By touching any of the buttons 151 to 153, the user can select a desired process and have the distribution server 4a execute it.

Next, FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the preview image displayed on the display 418 of the smartphone 2a in step S159.

In FIG. 16, the area 161 is an area where the preview image is displayed on the screen. The condition change button 162 is a UI button for allowing the user to select a process again. Further, the continuation button 163 is a UI button for continuing the distribution process.

<Action and effect of the information processing system 1a according to the second embodiment>
As described above, in the present embodiment, the desired process among the plurality of processes registered in advance in the distribution server 4a is selected by the user via the smartphone 2a, and after the selected process is executed. Deliver the scanned image data of. As a result, even when the scanned image data is used in a predetermined workflow, a desired process can be easily executed on the scanned image data.

Further, in the present embodiment, the preview image data is transmitted to the smartphone 2a to be visually recognized by the user before the scanned image data is distributed to the distribution destination such as the storage server 5. This prevents inappropriate scan image data from being delivered when the desired scan image is not obtained by the selected process, and repeats the process selection, execution, and confirmation by the preview image. The desired scanned image can be acquired and distributed.

Further, in the present embodiment, by authenticating the smartphone 2a based on the identification information of the smartphone 2a, security can be ensured without the trouble of inputting a password or the like.

The other effects are the same as those described in the first embodiment.

Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments specifically disclosed, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of claims. ..

The embodiment also includes an information processing method. For example, the information processing method is an information processing method by an information processing system in which an information processing device, an information terminal, and an image reading device are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other, and the information terminal is the image reading device. The step of requesting the reading of the image data, the step of the information terminal transmitting the transfer destination information indicating the information processing device and the identification information, and the step of the image reading device reading in response to the request. The transfer step of transferring the image data and the identification information of the information terminal to the information processing apparatus, and the information processing apparatus transferred the image data in response to the transfer from the transfer unit. The information processing apparatus includes a step of notifying the information terminal of the above and a step of delivering the transferred image data. By such an information processing method, the same effect as that of the above-mentioned information processing system can be obtained.

The embodiment also includes a program. For example, the program requests the image reader to read the image data, and in response to the request, the program transfers the image data read by the image reader and the identification information of the information terminal to the information processing unit. , The computer is made to execute the process of transmitting the transfer destination information of the image data and the identification information. Alternatively, the program transfers the image data in response to a transfer from a transfer unit that transfers the image data read by the image reader in response to the request and the identification information of the information terminal to the information processing device. This is notified to the information terminal, and the computer is made to execute the process of distributing the image data transferred from the transfer unit. With these programs, the same effect as the above-mentioned information processing system can be obtained.

Further, each function of the embodiment described above can be realized by one or a plurality of processing circuits. Here, the "processing circuit" in the present specification is a processor programmed to execute each function by software such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, or a processor designed to execute each function described above. It shall include devices such as ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), DSP (digital signal processor), FPGA (field programmable gate array) and conventional circuit modules.

1 Information processing system 2 Smartphone (an example of information terminal)
21 Search unit 22 Connection unit 23 Operation screen display unit 24 Request unit 25 Transmission unit 26 Reception unit 27 Notification display unit 28 Processing selection screen display unit 29 Preview image display unit 3 MFP (an example of an image reader)
31 Receiver 32 Image reader 33 Transfer 4 Distribution server (an example of information processing device)
41 Receiving unit 42 Notification unit 43 Distribution unit 44 Authentication unit 45 Processing execution unit 46 Preview image transmission unit 5 Storage server 6 User PC
7 Management server 100 Network 101, 111 Text display (example of push notification)

JP-A-2016-015580

Claims (9)

An information processing system in which an information processing device, an information terminal, and an image reading device are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other.
A transfer unit for transferring image data read by the image reader in response to a request and identification information of the information terminal to the information processing device is provided.
The information terminal is
A requesting unit that requests the image reader to read the image data, and
A transmission unit that transmits the transfer destination information indicating the information processing device and the identification information to the transfer unit is provided.
The information processing device
A notification unit that notifies the information terminal that the image data has been transferred in response to the transfer from the transfer unit.
A distribution unit that distributes the image data transferred from the transfer unit, and
Information processing system equipped with. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the image reading device includes the transfer unit. The information processing device
The distribution unit includes a preview image transmission unit that transmits preview image data to the information terminal so that the user of the information terminal can visually recognize the image data before the distribution unit distributes the image data.
The information terminal is
The information processing system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a preview image display unit for displaying the transmitted preview image data. The notification unit
The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which notifies the information terminal that the image data has been transferred by push notification. The information terminal is
A selection screen display unit for displaying a selection screen for allowing the user of the information terminal to select a desired process from among a plurality of pre-registered processes is provided.
The distribution unit
The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, which delivers the image data after the desired process selected by the user is executed with respect to the transferred image data. The information processing device
The information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising an authentication unit that authenticates the information terminal based on the identification information of the information terminal. Request the image reader to read the image data,
The transfer destination information of the image data and the identification information are transmitted to the transfer unit that transfers the image data read by the image reading device and the identification information of the information terminal to the information processing device in response to the request. A program that causes a computer to perform processing. The information that the image data has been transferred in response to the transfer from the transfer unit that transfers the image data read by the image reader in response to the request and the identification information of the information terminal to the information processing device. Notify the terminal and
A program that causes a computer to execute a process of delivering the image data transferred from the transfer unit. It is an information processing method by an information processing system in which an information processing device, an information terminal, and an image reading device are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other.
A step in which the information terminal requests the image reader to read the image data,
A step in which the information terminal transmits transfer destination information indicating the information processing device and the identification information.
A transfer step of transferring image data read by the image reader in response to a request and identification information of the information terminal to the information processing device.
A step in which the information processing device notifies the information terminal that the image data has been transferred in response to the transfer from the transfer unit.
An information processing method including a step of delivering the transferred image data by the information processing device.

Images