JP3875963B2 - Network scanner and image data transmission processing method thereof - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a network scanner connectable to a computer network and an image data transmission processing method thereof.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, with the spread of personal computers networked by a LAN or the like, an image forming apparatus equipped with a network scanner that can be connected to the network has been commercialized. According to this, the data on the computer can be directly transmitted to the destination facsimile or computer without printing out, and the data transmitted from the other facsimile or computer to the image forming apparatus is directly transferred to the computer. It becomes possible.
[0003]
As this type of network scanner, a group of documents each consisting of a group of documents consisting of a plurality of documents is read with a partition sheet inserted at least for each group of documents with different transmission destinations. The image data of all the originals in the original group and the parting paper data related to the parting paper are transmitted to the scanner server, the scanner server discriminates the parting paper, and the image data of each original group separated by the parting paper Has been proposed for transmitting to a destination specified in advance.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-87488
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, according to the technique described in Patent Document 1 described above, it is necessary to partition a document for each transmission destination by a partition sheet, and when a part of the document for different transmission destinations is common, the same document is transmitted to the transmission destination. There was an inconvenience that it was necessary to prepare as many as. In addition, when not using partition paper, the originals must be grouped for each destination and then individually read and processed, which not only requires complicated manual work of original grouping, When a document is read through the document feeder, there is a problem that the document may be damaged as a result of having to apply the same document to the document feeder for the number of transmission destinations.
[0006]
In the present invention, in view of the above-described conventional drawbacks, even if there are a plurality of transmission destinations, it is only necessary to prepare one corresponding document, and it is possible to reduce the risk of document damage and to transmit image data of the network scanner. It is in providing a processing method.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the first characteristic configuration of the network scanner according to the present invention is a network scanner that can be connected to a computer network as described in claim 1 of the claims. A step reading unit that reads a document divided into a plurality of groups for each transmission destination to generate image data for each document, and a transmission destination that sets a transmission destination corresponding to each group reading process by the step reading unit For each transmission destination set by the setting means and the transmission destination setting means, a transmission destination table in which identification data capable of individually identifying the image data is assigned is generated, and all document reading processing by the step reading means After the completion of the transmission, a plurality of transmission groups are set with a transmission destination having the same identification data for each transmission destination as a unit transmission group. A transmission destination table generation unit that divides the transmission image data file, a file generation unit that generates a transmission image data file based on the identification data for each transmission group, and a transmission processing unit that transmits the transmission image data file for each transmission group It is in the point comprised with.
[0008]
The first characteristic configuration of the network scanner image data transmission processing method according to the present invention is a network scanner image data transmission processing method connectable to a computer network, as described in claim 2 of the claims. A step reading process for reading the originals divided into a plurality of groups for each common transmission destination for each group and generating image data for each original, and a transmission destination corresponding to each group reading process in the step reading process. A transmission destination setting step, and a transmission destination table in which identification data capable of individually identifying the image data is assigned for each transmission destination set in the transmission destination setting step; After completion of the document reading process, a destination whose all identification data matches each destination is designated as a unit transmission group. A transmission destination table generation step for dividing the transmission group into a plurality of transmission groups, a file generation step for generating a transmission image data file based on the identification data for each transmission group, and the transmission image data file for each transmission group. A transmission processing step for performing transmission processing.
[0009]
That is, for a series of originals, an original having a common destination for each page is divided into a plurality of groups in order from the first page, and one or a plurality of destinations are set for each original group. A series of processes of reading the originals in the original group is repeated by the number of original groups. After that, based on the above-described transmission destination table, the transmission destinations having the same identification data for each transmission destination are divided into a plurality of transmission groups as unit transmission groups, and the image data group common to each transmission group is collected into one file. And send it.
[0010]
Therefore, it is not necessary to prepare multiple sheets of divider paper or the same original and separate the original for each transmission destination with the divider paper, or to perform the process of applying the same original to the original feeder multiple times. The purpose of the period can be achieved.
[0011]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of a network scanner and an image data transmission processing method thereof according to the present invention will be described below. As shown in FIG. 2 (a), the network scanner selects and operates an image reading unit 1 having a document feeder 1a, an electrophotographic image output unit 2 having a laser beam exposure head, and their operation modes. 1 is configured as the image reading unit 1 (hereinafter, also referred to as “network scanner 1”) of an image forming apparatus including an operation unit 3 that performs operation via a LAN using TCP / IP as illustrated in FIG. While being connected to a plurality of computer PCs via a network, it is configured to be capable of image communication with the facsimile apparatus 5 via the public line 4. Further, it is configured to be connectable to the Internet 7 via the gateway 6 connected to the LAN, and is configured to be able to transmit / receive image data to / from computer PCs on other networks.
[0012]
As shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 20 of the image forming apparatus performs input / output conversion processing on image data read by the network scanner 1 and image data input from a communication line such as a public line 4 or a LAN. A first control unit 20a having a main CPU 21 for executing the operation, a second control unit 20b having a system CPU 25 for executing an operation key input and image forming process arranged in the operation unit 3, a modem 30, and a LAN interface unit 31 or the like.
[0013]
The first control unit 20a inputs a ROM 22 in which an execution program for the main CPU 21 is stored, a RAM 23 for storing image data for image processing, document image data read by the network scanner 1, and the like, and the main CPU 21. The image input / output buffer 24 for outputting the output image data processed in step 1 to an image forming process processing unit or a communication line is connected by an internal bus 21a.
[0014]
The second control unit 20b includes a ROM 26 storing an execution program of the system CPU 25, a RAM 27 storing various process control data, a first input / output buffer 28, a second input / output buffer 29, and the like through an internal bus 25a. Connected and configured. The first input / output buffer 28 is provided in the operation unit 3 and an input port for inputting operation key data from the key input unit provided in the operation unit 3 and a document detection sensor provided in the document feeder 1a. An output port is provided for outputting display data for the liquid crystal display unit and LEDs and a drive signal for the document feeder 1a. The second input / output buffer 29 includes a feed / discharge system driving element constituting the above-described image forming process processing section, an image forming section element such as an exposure laser / charging / polygon motor, and a fixing processing element such as a heater. In addition, an output port for outputting a drive signal for each element such as a drive system element and an input port for inputting process data from each element are provided.
[0015]
As shown in FIG. 2, the operation unit 3 includes a cover plate unit 3a having a key unit for one-touch input of a facsimile communication destination registered in advance, an operation key unit 3b for instructing a facsimile operation or a copy operation, and a touch panel. The image forming apparatus is configured to include a liquid crystal display unit 3c of a type, and when the start key of the operation key unit 3b is pressed, the document set on the document feeder 1a is read one by one by the document reading unit 3. The image data fed to the position and read is stored in the RAM 23 via the image input / output buffer 24, and the stored image data is subjected to predetermined processing and transmitted to the outside via a communication line, or image formation It is configured to be output to the process processing unit.
[0016]
The image data transmission processing of the present invention executed by the system CPU 25 and the main CPU 21 will be described in detail below based on the flowcharts shown in FIGS. Unless otherwise specified, each step is executed by the system CPU 25. The liquid crystal display unit of the operation unit 3 collectively reads a document set on the document feeder and transmits a batch reading mode in which image information is transmitted to a transmission destination input in advance, and a group of documents set on the document feeder. A mode selection key capable of selecting a step reading mode in which a transmission destination can be set each time reading is arranged.
[0017]
The read job will be described with reference to FIG. When the mode selection key is operated to select the step reading mode (S1), the mode shifts to the transmission destination setting input mode (S2). As shown in FIG. 2B, when the address book key is pressed, an address group outside the figure is displayed, and one or a plurality of transmission destinations selected from the address group as necessary are displayed. When the destination setting is complete, the message “Please set the next document and press the start key” is displayed. If the operator places a group of documents in the document feeder and operates the start key, the document feeder will In operation, the documents are sequentially read (S3). The original group set here is the first original group that is sequentially divided into a plurality of groups with a common transmission destination for each page as a group in order from the first page to a series of originals. .
[0018]
The read image data is stored in the RAM 23 by the main CPU 21, and page data as identification data corresponding to each image data is delivered to the system CPU 25. As shown in FIG. 6, the system CPU 25 generates a transmission destination table composed of transmission destination addresses, transmission page data, and group numbers on the RAM 27, and for the original read for each transmission destination address set in step S2. The page data for identifying the image data is stored (S4). When the reading processing of all the originals in the set original group is completed (S5), the transmission destination for the next original group is set and input via the liquid crystal display unit shown in FIG. 2B (S6, S7). Is set in the document feeder and the start key is operated (S3). The processing from step S3 to step S7 described above is repeated as many times as the number of document groups, and when all the document reading processing is completed, the transmission start key shown in FIG. 2B is operated (S8). In this state, all the transmission destination addresses and transmission page data other than the group number are set in the transmission destination table of FIG.
[0019]
When the reading process of all the originals is completed and the transmission start key is pressed, the process proceeds to the transmission job shown in FIG. First, destination table processing is executed (S20). More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5B, it is first determined by referring to the transmission destination table whether or not there remains a transmission destination address for which no group number is set (S201). Initially, no group number is set, and the default value of the group number is set to zero. Therefore, the group number corresponding to the first transmission destination address is set to 1 (S202, S203), the transmission page data is extracted and stored in the work area of the RAM 27 (S204).
[0020]
Referring to the transmission destination table again, it is determined whether or not there remains a transmission destination address for which no group number is set (S205), and transmission page data and work area corresponding to the transmission destination address for which no group number is set. (S206) and the same group number is set as the group number corresponding to the matching destination address (S207, S208). The processing from step S205 to step S208 is repeated, and when there is no transmission destination address that matches the transmission page data (S207), the processing proceeds to step S201 and the above processing is repeated. When group numbers corresponding to all transmission destination addresses are set, the transmission destination table processing is terminated.
[0021]
Next, the main CPU 21 edits the image data corresponding to each document stored in the RAM 23 as one transmission file for each group number (each transmission destination) according to the transmission page data for each group number notified from the system CPU 25. Then, the system CPU 25 performs transmission processing in order from the group number 1 according to a predetermined protocol (S22, S23). At this time, the main CPU outputs a transmission file corresponding to the group number from the image input / output buffer 24 in synchronization with the system CPU 25.
[0022]
That is, a step reading step of reading the originals divided into a plurality of groups for each common transmission destination mainly by the above-described steps S1, S2, S3, S5, S7, and S8 and generating image data for each original. Is realized by steps S6 and S7, and a transmission destination setting step for setting a transmission destination corresponding to each group reading process by the step reading step is realized, and by the transmission destination setting step by steps S4 and S20 (S201 to S208). For each set transmission destination, a transmission destination table in which identification data capable of individually identifying the image data is assigned is generated, and all the identifications for each transmission destination are performed after completion of the reading process of all originals in the step reading step. Destination table generation step of dividing a destination with matching data into a plurality of transmission groups as a unit transmission group Realized, a file generation step of generating a transmission image data file based on the identification data for each transmission group is realized in step S21, and the transmission image data file is transmitted for each transmission group in steps S22 and S23. A transmission processing step is realized.
[0023]
In the system constituted by the image reading unit 1, the CPUs 21 and 25, the ROMs 22 and 26, and peripheral circuits, the hardware and software for processing the above steps are divided into a plurality of groups for each common destination. A step reading unit that reads the read original for each group and generates image data for each original, a transmission destination setting unit that sets a transmission destination corresponding to each group reading process by the step reading unit, and the transmission destination setting unit For each transmission destination set by the above, a transmission destination table in which identification data capable of individually identifying the image data is assigned is generated, and after completion of reading processing of all originals by the step reading means, all transmission destination tables are generated. Destination table generation that divides transmission destinations with matching identification data into multiple transmission groups as unit transmission groups A stage, and a file generation means for generating transmission image data file based on the identification data for each of the transmitter group, and transmission processing means for transmitting processing the transmission image data file for each of the transmission groups are configured.
[0024]
In the above-described embodiment, the transmission destination set by the transmission destination setting means can be set as appropriate, such as a facsimile number, a local IP address of a computer PC connected to the LAN, a mail address via the Internet, and the like. You may do. In addition, the image file to be transmitted is edited according to the transmission medium. For example, in the case of a facsimile, it is edited as a transmission file compressed in a predetermined format, and in the case of e-mail, for example, it is edited into an attached file format.
[0025]
In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the network scanner is configured as a partial mechanism of the image forming apparatus has been described. However, the image scanning apparatus may be configured by not including the image forming unit. Further, the configuration of the control unit 20 is merely an example, and may be configured by a single CPU or two or more CPUs.
[0026]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, even if there are a plurality of transmission destinations, it is only necessary to prepare one corresponding document, and the image data transmission of the network scanner and the network scanner that can reduce the risk of document damage. A processing method can be provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a network scanner. FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an overview of an image forming apparatus. FIG. 3B is an explanatory diagram of a main part of an operation unit. Block diagram [FIG. 4] Flow chart [FIG. 5] Flow chart [FIG. 6] Explanatory diagram of destination table [Explanation of symbols]
1: Network scanner (image reading unit)
1a: Document feeder 2: Image output unit 3: Operation unit 4: Public line 5: Facsimile device 6: Gateway 7: Internet PC: Computer

Claims (2)

A network scanner connectable to a computer network,
Step reading means for reading originals divided into a plurality of groups for each common destination for each group and generating image data for each original;
Destination setting means for setting a destination corresponding to each group reading process by the step reading means;
For each transmission destination set by the transmission destination setting means, a transmission destination table in which identification data capable of individually identifying the image data is assigned is generated, and after completion of reading processing of all originals by the step reading means, A transmission destination table generating means for dividing a transmission destination in which all identification data for each transmission destination is a unit transmission group into a plurality of transmission groups;
File generation means for generating a transmission image data file based on the identification data for each transmission group;
A network scanner comprising transmission processing means for transmitting the transmission image data file for each transmission group. An image data transmission processing method of a network scanner connectable to a computer network,
A step reading step of reading a document divided into a plurality of groups for each common transmission destination for each group and generating image data for each document;
A destination setting step for setting a destination corresponding to each group reading process by the step reading step;
For each transmission destination set in the transmission destination setting step, a transmission destination table in which identification data capable of individually identifying the image data is assigned is generated, and after completion of reading processing of all originals in the step reading step, A transmission destination table generation step of dividing a transmission destination in which all identification data for each transmission destination is a unit transmission group into a plurality of transmission groups;
A file generation step of generating a transmission image data file based on the identification data for each transmission group;
A network scanner image data transmission processing method comprising: a transmission processing step of transmitting the transmission image data file for each transmission group.

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