JP4221030B2 - Image reading system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image reading system using a digital copying machine as a shared scanner used by a plurality of users connected to a network, for example.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image reading system using reading means shared by a plurality of users (users), for example, a digital copying machine as a reading means (scanner) to be shared and a personal computer (PC) used by each user is a network. It is used in the environment connected with.

  In such an image reading system, a user who reads a document goes to a digital copying machine as a shared scanner and instructs reading of the document. Then, after the read image is sent to the storage unit or file server of each user's PC, the user designates the process for the image on the PC, and the process is executed.

  For this reason, the user needs a user operation consisting of many steps from reading a document to executing processing on the read image, which is complicated and difficult to understand.

In addition, since anyone can use a digital copier as a shared scanner, all user information can be registered and managed in advance, and many steps can be taken by the user in order to correlate who the scanned image belongs to. Since the user operation consisting of must be performed, the operation is troublesome.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-284448 JP-A-10-271248 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-308835

  As described above, when a document is read by a reading device shared by a plurality of users, the operation for executing the processing on the read image is complicated and difficult to understand, and who has read the image? This eliminates the trouble of associating whether the document is an object. When a document is read by a reading apparatus shared by a plurality of users, an operation for executing processing on the read image is performed. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image reading system that is simple and easy to understand, and that makes it easy to associate who the read image belongs to.

An image reading system according to an aspect of the present invention includes a reading unit that reads an image of a document, scan parameters related to reading processing for reading a document by the reading unit, and job parameters related to processing for a read image read by the reading processing. managing a series of processes that are defined as a scan job, and a scan job for a specific user only executable scanner jobs managed and job management means for setting an execution right, by the job management means Icon management means for managing the display contents of the icons associated with the screen, and screen identification information and a group of icons to be displayed as setting information of a selection display screen for the user to select an icon managed by the icon management means. Selections that can be managed and used only by specific users And screen management means for setting usage rights for, if royalty on the selection screen of the screen identification information specified by the user is set, whether or not the user has the right to use the selection screen A first authenticating means for authenticating the user, a first display means for displaying the selection screen when the first authenticating means succeeds in authenticating the user with respect to the right of use, and selection of screen identification information designated by the user When the usage right is not set on the screen, the second display means for displaying the selection screen and the scan corresponding to the icon designated by the user among the icons on the selection screen displayed by the second display means When the execution right is set for the job, the second authentication unit authenticates whether or not the user has the execution right of the scan job corresponding to the icon, and the second authentication unit When the user authentication for the right of execution succeeds, or when the icon on the selection screen displayed by the first display means is designated, or on the selection screen displayed by the second display means When an icon corresponding to a scan job for which execution rights are not set is designated , scanning is performed based on a scan parameter of a series of processes associated with the icon designated by the user , and the scan parameter Subsequent to the reading process based on this, the execution unit executes a process based on the job parameter of a series of processes associated with the icon using the read image.

  According to the present invention, when a document is read by a reading device shared by a plurality of users, the operation for executing the processing on the read image is simple and easy to understand, and the read image belongs to anyone. It is possible to provide an image reading system that makes it easy to associate these.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIGS. 1A and 1B are diagrams showing examples of network connections in which the image reading system of the present invention is configured.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, a network as an environment using this image reading system is constructed in an office, for example, and connected to a plurality of personal computers (PC) 1 used by a plurality of users. A digital copying machine 2 having a scanner for reading a document that can be shared and used by a plurality of users is connected.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 1B, the controller 3 is connected to a network to which a plurality of PCs 1 are connected as in FIG. 1A, and digital copying as a scanner shared by a plurality of users is connected to the controller 3. A configuration in which the machine 3 is connected may be used.

  The digital copying machine 2 or the controller 3 has a display screen with a built-in touch panel on which icons and the like as instruction keys for instructing operations and instructions to the user are embedded, a numeric keypad for inputting numbers from 0 to 9, and a copy An operation panel (not shown) having hard keys such as a start button for instructing start or scan start is provided.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image reading system.

  That is, the image reading system includes an image reading unit 11 that reads a document, an image storage unit 12 that stores and stores the read image, a screen that displays a guidance screen for the user, various icons, and the like on a display unit on the operation panel. The display unit 13, a user inputs various settings, an instruction input unit 14 such as an operation panel for instructing the start of processing, and a scan job (showing various conditions and processing contents from reading a document to reading a document) A scan job execution unit 15 that executes a read process), an execution right determination unit 16 that determines an execution right that allows a specific user to execute a scan job, and a scan job selection screen that selects a plurality of types of scan jobs. Among them, a usage right determination unit 17 that determines a usage right that is permitted to be used by a specific user, and a scan job selection screen that selects a scan job. A scan job selection screen setting unit 18 for setting a display, a screen management unit 19 for managing a display screen, an icon management unit 20 for managing icons as instruction keys for instructing various scan jobs, and scans associated with these icons A scan job management unit 21 for managing jobs, a parameter management unit 22 for managing parameters indicating various operation modes and processing contents registered in a scan job, a communication control unit 23 for controlling communication with a network, and these It is comprised from the control part 24 which controls each component.

  The image reading unit 11 reads a document set at a predetermined position by the user one by one, and also reads a document unit document composed of a plurality of documents fed one by one by an unillustrated automatic paper feeder. have.

  The screen management unit 19 has a screen management table 19a for managing screens displayed on the display unit by key input to the operation panel by the user.

  The icon management unit 20 has an icon management table 20a for managing icons displayed on the display unit of the operation panel.

  The scan job management unit 21 has a scan job management table 21a for managing scan jobs executed by user operations.

  The above components are provided in the digital copying machine 2 in the case of a network environment as shown in FIG. 1A. In the case of a network environment as shown in FIG. The controller 2 is provided, and other components are provided in the controller 3. In addition, each said component may be comprised in any apparatus connected with a network.

  Next, a case where various processes to be performed on an image read consecutively in the original reading process are set as a scan job will be described with reference to FIG.

  In this image reading system, as shown in FIG. 3, the document D is read by the image reading unit 11, and the read image is temporarily stored in the image storage unit 12. The image stored in the image storage unit 12 is registered in a database, transmitted as an e-mail, or sent to a user area provided for each user.

  In this manner, the original is read and temporarily stored, and various processes performed on the read image are referred to as a scan job. When this scan job is executed, the reading mode at the time of reading the document and the processing content for the read image are set by various parameters.

  Here, in order to read a document image, various parameters such as a document size, resolution, reading mode, density, and dither designation are required. Further, in order to save the read image, parameters such as a user (input person) name or a user (input person) ID, an input date and time, and an image ID are necessary. These parameters necessary for image reading processing and parameters necessary for image storage are called scan parameters.

  In addition, there are various types of processing for the read image, and necessary parameters vary depending on the type. For example, when registering an image in the database, parameters such as the cabinet name, folder name, file name, and document name of the registration destination are required. When the scanned image is sent by e-mail, the sender, destination, broadcast, confidential, Parameters such as express delivery and other transmission methods are required. Parameters necessary for various processing on these read images are called job parameters.

  Using these scan parameters and job parameters, a series of processing from reading a document to processing for a read image can be set as a scan job.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 3, scan job A scans a document in document size A4, resolution 200 dpi, character reading mode, and the user name is USER1 and the processing date is October 8, 1998. This is a series of processing (scan job) in which the database is registered as a document of the fiscal year 1999 in the budget file in the equipment plan folder of the accounting department cabinet.

  Scan job B scans a document in document size A4, resolution 200 dpi, character reading mode, and the user name is USER1 and the processing date is October 8, 1998. This is a series of processes (scan job) in which a mail is sent by broadcast as a mail whose destination is a department manager and a title is a notification.

  Scan job C scans a document in document size A4, resolution 200 dpi, and character reading mode, and the user name is USER1 and the processing date is October 8, 1998. The image is connected to a network, for example. This is a series of processes (scan jobs) that move to a user area reserved in a storage unit (not shown) of the PC 1 and wait for manual processing by the user.

  Like the above scan jobs A, B, and C, a scan job is a content of automatic processing that continuously executes at least a document image reading process and a process for an image read by the reading process. It is set by the parameters.

  Next, a scan function selection screen selected by the user when executing a scan job will be described with reference to an example of a scan function selection screen shown in FIG.

  In this image reading system, a user selects a scan function, and determines a scan job to be executed by instructing one scan job from a scan job selection screen displayed corresponding to the selected function. ing.

  That is, when executing a scan job, the user sets a document on the image reading unit 11 and selects a scan function from a scan function selection screen displayed on the display unit 30 of the operation panel.

  In the scan function selection screen, as shown in FIG. 4, a common scan icon 31 for selecting a common scan commonly used by a plurality of users and an individual scan (private scan) used by a specific user are selected. An individual scan icon 32 is displayed.

  The common scan is a function for selecting a scan job selection screen that can be commonly used by a plurality of users. For example, as a function to select a scan job selection screen for selecting a scan job that can be freely used by all users and a scan job that is used only by a specific user but cannot be classified as a specific group or individual. Used.

  The individual scan is a function for selecting a scan job selection screen used by a specific user. For example, a scan job selection screen that selects scan jobs that only specific users use, or scans that select scan jobs that are used only by users who belong to specific departments or specific project groups in the office where the network is built Used as a function for selecting a job selection screen.

  In the individual scan, in order to select a screen to be used by the user from a plurality of scan job selection screens, for example, a scan job selection screen is selected by inputting a specific number using a numeric keypad on the operation panel.

  Next, the relationship between the scan job selection screen and the scan job will be described in detail with reference to the example of the scan job selection screen shown in FIG.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a display example of the scan job selection screen 40 displayed on the display unit 30 of the operation panel. As shown in FIG. 5, the scan job selection screen 40 sets a character string indicating a title given to the screen, a plurality of icons 41, 42, 43 associated with various scan jobs, and a reading mode. And a cancel key 45 for instructing to cancel the operation. Further, the icons 41, 42, and 43 include an automatic processing type bitmap and an automatic processing explanation character string.

  The automatic processing type bitmap displays the type of automatic processing for the scanned image, and is, for example, a bitmap representing database registration processing and mail transmission processing.

  Furthermore, since it is difficult for the user to understand the contents of the automatic processing only by displaying the automatic processing type bitmap, the automatic processing explanation character string displays the contents of the automatic processing for the scanned image. For example, it is a character string expressing a registration destination of a database for registering a read image and a mail transmission method.

  In other words, this automatic processing description character string can be considered as a name given to a scan job, that is, a combination of a scan, a scan parameter, a job, and a job parameter.

  For example, on the scan job selection screen 40 shown in FIG. 5, the upper left icon 41 is associated with the scan job A described above. Therefore, when the upper left icon 41 is instructed by the user, the reading process is executed according to the scan parameter defined as the scan job A, and the reading is performed according to the job parameter defined as the scan job A following this reading process. Processing for the image is executed. Here, as a process executed according to the job parameter, a process for registering the read image in the folder name “facility plan” of the database is executed by a program for registering the read image in the database. In order to make it easy for the user to understand the processing of the scan job A, the equipment 41 is displayed on the icon 41.

  In the scan selection screen 40 shown in FIG. 5, the upper icon 42 is associated with the scan job B. When this icon 42 is instructed, a scan is executed according to the scan parameter defined as scan job B, and a process of sending a read image by mail according to the job parameter defined as scan job B is executed. Here, as a process executed according to the job parameter, a process of sending a read image by “notification broadcast” is executed by the mail transmission program. In order to make it easy for the user to understand the processing of the scan job B, a notification broadcast is displayed on the icon 42.

  In the scan selection screen 40 illustrated in FIG. 5, the upper right icon 43 is associated with the scan job C. When the icon 43 is instructed, the reading process is executed according to the scan parameter defined as the scan job C, and the process is executed according to the job parameter defined as the scan job C. In this case, since there is no job parameter, a process of moving the read image to the user area is executed as a process of moving the image read as the scan job C to the user area. In order to make it easier for the user to understand the processing of the scan job C with the icon 43, a character string “for work”, which is the user area of the movement destination, is displayed on the icon 43.

  Further, on the scan selection screen 40 shown in FIG. 5, the icon 43 on the upper right is a key mark to indicate that the scan job is set with an execution right that is permitted to be executed only by a specific user. It is expressed as a bitmap with. This execution right indicates that the scan job can be executed only by a specific user, and can be executed by a user who knows a password set in advance as authentication means for the specific user.

  That is, when the user selects this icon 43, the user is required to input a password. When the user enters a password, if the entered password matches the set password, the scan job is allowed to be executed. If the password does not match, the scan job is executed. Is not allowed.

  As described above, the instruction key associated with the scan job displays the contents of the scan job with an easy-to-understand icon for the user.

  Thus, when a scan job is instructed, it is easy to understand what type of scan job it is.

  In addition, a mark indicating that the icon is associated with a scan job for which execution rights are set is displayed on the icon.

  As a result, an execution right is set for the user, and a scan job that cannot be executed without knowing the password can be displayed in an easy-to-understand manner.

  In the above example, whether or not to permit execution is determined by inputting a personal identification number as an execution right authentication means, but is not limited to this, and is stored in a storage medium such as a magnetic card, IC card, or wireless card possessed by the user. Execution rights may be authenticated using the contents. In this case, a storage medium reading device (for example, a card reader) corresponding to the storage medium to be used is provided in the vicinity of the operation panel, and when executing a scan job for which execution rights are set, the storage contents of the storage medium are stored. Read and authenticate.

  Further, the execution right may be authenticated by information unique to each user such as a user's fingerprint.

  As described above, execute rights are set for scan jobs that can be executed only by a specific user, the execution rights are authenticated by a personal identification number, and the scan jobs are executed only when the execution rights are authenticated. It is a thing.

  Accordingly, it is possible to set a scan job that can be used by a specific user without registering and managing all user information.

  Next, the types and attributes of the scan job selection screen will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 (a), (b), and (c).

  6A shows a display section of the operation panel when “common scan” that can be used by any user sharing the digital copying machine 2 is selected from the scan function selection screen as shown in FIG. 3 shows a display example of a scan job selection screen 50 displayed on the screen 30. FIG.

  In this scan job selection screen 50, the screen number is set to “0”, and the icon numbers are defined as “11, 12, 13” for the icons 51, 52, 53 that can be selected.

  In FIG. 6B, as shown in FIG. 4, “individual scan” is selected from the scan function selection screen, and the user who shares the digital copier 2 by inputting the screen number. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the scan job selection screen 60 which only a specific user who knows a screen number can use.

  In this case, only the members of the general affairs department know the screen number among the users who share the digital copying machine 2, and only the members of the general affairs department who know this screen number can use the “for general affairs department”. This is a scan job selection screen 50. However, here, the member of the general affairs department is not an organization / member registered and managed in advance, but a member of the general affairs department informed of the screen number, and is not related to so-called user management (that is, , It is not necessary to register all organizations / users in advance).

  In the “for general affairs department” scan job selection screen 50, the screen number is set to “10”, and the icon numbers are defined as “21, 22” for the selectable icons 61, 62.

  Also, the icon number is defined as “21” on the scan job selection screen 50 shown in FIG. 6B, and the icon displayed on the upper left (automatic processing type bitmap = mail, automatic processing explanation character string = internal broadcast). ) 61 is set with a password “9876”.

  That is, only a user who knows the password “9876” set in the icon 61 (has the right to execute the scan job) can execute the scan job associated with the icon. Here, the user means not a user who is registered and managed in advance, but a user who is informed of the password, and is irrelevant to so-called user management (a password for all users in advance). Need not be registered).

  FIG. 6C shows an “individual scan” scan function of the scan job selection screen 70 for “specific user (Tanaka)” that can be used by a specific user among users sharing the digital copying machine 2. It is a display example. In this “specific user” scan job selection screen 70, the screen number is set to “123”, and the icon number is defined as “31” as the selectable icon 71.

  Further, in the screen number “123” indicating the scan job selection screen 70, “1234” is set as a personal identification number for recognizing the right to use this screen.

  This right of use indicates a scan job selection screen that can be used only by a specific user, and can be executed by a user who knows a password set in advance as authentication means for the specific user.

  That is, when the user selects individual scan and further designates the screen number “123” as the scan job selection screen, the user is required to input a personal identification number. When the user enters a password, if the entered password matches the password set as the right to use, the use of the scan job selection screen is permitted, and the password does not match The scan job selection screen with the screen number “123” is not displayed without permitting the use of the scan job selection screen.

  For this reason, the scan job selection screen with this usage right set cannot be displayed only by entering the screen number, and can only be used by a specific user who knows both the screen number and the password. .

  However, the specific user here means not a user who is registered and managed in advance, but a user who is informed of the PIN and authorized to use the screen, and is irrelevant to so-called user management (all in advance) You do not need to register your user and PIN.)

  Here, the specific user may be a single user or a plurality of users, depending on the setting of the password and the notification of the password.

  In the above example, it is determined whether or not to permit use of the scan job selection screen specified by the input of a personal identification number as a right-of-use authentication unit. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a magnetic card, IC card, The right of use may be authenticated using content stored in a storage medium such as a wireless card. In this case, a storage medium reading device (for example, a card reader) corresponding to the storage medium to be used is provided in the vicinity of the operation panel, and when the scan job selection screen to which the usage right is set is designated, Authentication is performed by reading the stored contents.

  Further, the right of use may be authenticated based on information unique to each user such as a user's fingerprint.

  As described above, use rights are set for the scan job selection screen that is allowed to be used only by specific users, the use rights are authenticated by a PIN, etc., and scanning is performed only when the use rights are authenticated. A job selection screen is displayed.

  Accordingly, it is possible to set a scan job selection screen that can be used only by a specific user without registering and managing all user information.

  Next, the user operation when the usage right and the execution right are set will be specifically described with reference to FIGS.

  For example, a case where the icon 61 is designated on the scan job selection screen 60 shown in FIG. 6B will be described.

  That is, when the screen number “10” of the scan job selection screen 60 set as “for general affairs department” is input, since the right to use is not set in this screen, the password is not input and FIG. As shown in (b), the “for general affairs department” scan job selection screen 60 is displayed.

  Then, on the scan job selection screen 60 shown in FIG. 6B, the user selects the icon 61 displayed as the scan job “Mail: Internal Broadcast”. Then, since the execution right is set for the scan job associated with this icon, the user inputs a password for authenticating the execution right for permitting the execution of the scan job. At this time, if the user inputs the correct password “9876”, the execution of this scan job is started.

  A case where the icon 61 is designated on the scan job selection screen 60 shown in FIG.

  In other words, when the screen number “123” of the scan job selection screen 70 set as “for the specific user (Tanaka)” is input, the usage right is set in the scan job selection screen 70, so the usage right is set. You will be asked to enter a password to authenticate your password. At this time, when the user inputs the correct password “1234”, the scan job selection screen 70 for “specific user (Tanaka)” is displayed. Then, when the icon 71 displayed as “user: chores” is selected and the start button is pressed, since the execution right is not set for the scan job associated with the icon 71, Execution of this scan job is started without input.

  7 is a diagram showing an example of the screen management table 19a, FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the icon management table 20a, and FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the scan job management table 21a.

  The screen management table 19a manages a plurality of scan job selection screens. The screen number assigned to the selection screen for selecting a scan job, presence / absence of use right setting, password, display character string, display icon number It consists of items.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the usage right is not set for the screen number “0”, and the screen title is set / managed as “common”. In addition, the right of use is not set for the screen number “10”, and the screen title is set / managed to be “General Affairs Department”. In addition, the right of use is set for the screen number “123”, the encryption number “1234” for confirming the right of use is encrypted (f () indicates encryption), and the screen title is “ “Tanaka” is set / managed.

  The icon management table 20a corresponds to the selection screen managed by the screen management table 19a, the number of the icon displayed on each screen, the file name of the display bitmap when displaying the icon, and each icon. A display character string to be displayed, a scan job number associated with the icon, an x coordinate indicating the display position, and a display position y coordinate.

  For example, in the example shown in FIG. 8, the icon number “11” has a bitmap named data1 representing a database, a display character string “equipment plan”, and a scan job number “1” associated with this icon. "Is set / managed. The contents of the scan job can be obtained by referring to the scan job number “1” in the scan job management table (described later).

  The scan job management table 21a includes a scan job number assigned to each scan job, presence / absence of execution right setting, a personal identification number for authenticating the execution right, a scan job program name for executing the scan job, Each item includes a scan parameter file name of the scan job, a job parameter file name, and an image ID assigned to the read image.

  For example, in the example shown in FIG. 9, the execution right is not set for the scan job number “1” (can be executed by any user), and therefore there is no password, and the name of the scan job program to which the scanned image is to be delivered. “Database”, scan parameter file name “sc0001”, and job parameter file name “db0001” are set / managed. The image ID stores an ID assigned to the read image after the image is read.

  The scan job number “16” has an execution right (only a user who is informed of the password can execute), and the password “9876” is encrypted (f () is encrypted. And a scan job program name “sendmail”, a scan parameter file name “sc0016”, and a job parameter file name “ml0008” to which the read image is to be delivered are set / managed. In the image ID, an ID assigned to the read image after the image reading is executed is stored.

  Next, processing executed with reference to the image management table 19a, icon management table 20a, and scan job management table 21a shown in FIGS.

  For example, first, when an individual scan is selected as the scan function, input of the screen number of the scan job selection screen is requested. Here, for example, when the screen number “10” is input, it is determined by referring to the screen management table 19a that the usage right is not set for the screen number “10”. In this case, since the right to use is not set, the general affairs department scan job selection screen 60 as shown in FIG. 6B having the display character string “general affairs department” is displayed without inputting the personal identification number. To do.

  Similarly, when “123” is input as the screen number, it is determined with reference to the screen management table 19a that the right to use the screen number “123” is set. In this case, since the right of use is set, the input of the password is guided, and the right of use is authenticated depending on whether the password entered by the user matches the password (1234) set in advance. Here, when the right to use is authenticated by the password, a scan job selection screen 71 for a specific user (Tanaka) as shown in FIG. 6C having a display character string “Tanaka” is displayed.

  When the scan job selection screen is displayed, the icon management table 20a is also referred to, and an icon is constructed by taking out a display bitmap and a display character string of the icon to be displayed. Then, an icon is displayed at a position specified by the x coordinate and the y coordinate.

  When an icon is selected on the scan job selection screen, the scan job number corresponding to the icon number is obtained by referring to the icon management table 20a to obtain detailed information on the scan job.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 8, when the icon “11” is selected, it is determined that the execution right is not set by referring to the scan job management table 21a with the corresponding scan job number “1”. And waits for the start button to be pressed. When the start button is pressed, the original is read (scanned) with the scan parameters specified in the scan parameter file “SC0001”, and the user name, date, and image ID are assigned to the read image (scanned image). And stored in the image storage unit 12.

  When all the originals have been read, the stored image ID image is transferred to the scan job program “database” together with the job parameter specified in the job parameter file “db0001”, and the database is based on this. Execute the registration process.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 8, when the icon “21” is selected, the scan job management table 20a is referred to by the corresponding scan job number “16”. Since the execution right is set for the scan job number “16”, the password input screen is displayed to request the password. Then, it is determined whether the password entered by the user matches the password (9876) set and managed in advance.

  If the passwords match, it waits for the start button to be pressed. When the start button is pressed, the document is read with the scan parameters specified in the scan parameter file “SC0016”, and an image ID is assigned and stored in the image storage unit 12.

  When all the originals have been read, the stored image ID image is transferred to the scan job program “sendmail” together with the job parameter specified in the job parameter file “ml0008”, and processing is performed based on this.

  Next, a flow of a user operation for executing a scan job will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG.

  That is, a user who wants to execute a scan job first goes to the front of the digital copying machine 2, selects a scanning function from the composite functions provided by the digital copying machine 2, and presses a function selection button (step). 1). Then, an icon for selecting a scanner function such as a common scan or an individual scan is displayed on the display unit 30 of the operation panel of the digital copying machine 2 as shown in FIG.

  When the user selects a common scan for this display, an icon selection screen for selecting a scan job belonging to the common scan is displayed. The user selects one scan job from the icons displayed on this screen (step 2).

  At this time, if the execution right is set for the scan job designated by the icon, a guidance requesting the input of the personal identification number is displayed on the display unit 30 (step 3). The user correctly inputs the password and presses the start button (step 4). Then, the image reading system starts executing a scan job associated with the icon.

  If the execution right is not set for the scan job designated by the icon selected by the user, the user presses the start button without inputting the personal identification number (step 5). Then, the image reading system starts executing the scan job associated with the icon.

  Further, when the user selects individual (private) scanning in step 1, an input screen for designating a scan job selection screen is displayed on the display unit 30 of the operation panel. This is because a scan job selection screen for selecting a scan job that the user wants to use from a plurality of scan job selection screens belonging to the individual scan is displayed, so the screen number of the scan job selection screen that the user wants to display is displayed on the operation panel. Input is performed using a numeric keypad (step 6).

  At this time, if the right to use is set for the scan job selection screen designated by the user with the screen number, the user inputs the password using the numeric keypad on the operation panel (step 7). Then, if the password is correctly input, the scan job selection screen with the designated screen number is displayed. The user selects and designates an icon associated with the scan job to be executed from the displayed scan job selection screen (step 8), and presses the start button (step 9). Then, the image reading system starts executing the scan job associated with the icon.

  If the right to use is not set for the input screen number in step 6 above, the designated scan job selection screen is displayed on the display unit 30 of the operation panel without inputting the password. The user selects and designates one icon associated with the scan job displayed on the display unit 30 (step 10).

  At this time, if the execution right is set for the scan job designated by the icon, a guidance requesting the input of the personal identification number is displayed on the display unit 30 (step 3). The user correctly inputs the password and presses the start button (step 4). Then, the image reading system starts executing a scan job associated with the icon.

  If the execution right is not set for the scan job designated by the icon selected by the user, the user presses the start button without inputting the personal identification number (step 5). Then, the image reading system starts executing the scan job associated with the icon.

  Next, the flow of processing when the image reading system executes a scan job instructed by the user will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, when a scan is designated by the function selection button of the digital copying machine 2 that provides a composite function, as shown in FIG. 4, the scanning function to be used is displayed on the display unit 30 of the operation panel as a common scan or individual scan. A selection screen for selecting is displayed (step 21). The control unit 24 determines whether the common scan is selected as the scan function or the individual scan is selected from the selection screen (step 22).

  If it is determined by this determination that the common scan has been selected, the control unit 24 refers to the table of the screen number “0” in the screen management table 19a, and the display character string “common” for which no usage right is set. A scan job selection screen corresponding to the common scan is displayed (step 23).

  When the user selects an icon from the icons displayed on the scan job selection screen, the control unit 24 scans the scan job associated with the icon selected by the icon management table 20a and the scan job management table 21a. It is determined whether or not the execution right is set for (step 24).

  When determining that the execution right is set by this determination, the control unit 24 displays a password input screen for executing the scan job (step 25). When the user inputs a password on this display screen, the execution right determination unit 16 determines whether or not the input password matches the password managed by the icon management table 20a and the scan job management table 21a. (Step 26). If it is determined by this determination that the passwords do not match, the control unit 24 returns to step 23 and displays the scan job selection screen again.

  When it is determined that the passwords match or when it is determined in step 24 that the execution right is not set for the scan job designated by the user by the icon, the control unit 24 determines whether the start button has been pressed. It is determined whether or not (step 27).

  At this time, when the user presses the setting button for the reading mode without pressing the start button, the control unit 24 determines that the setting button for the reading mode is pressed, and as shown in FIG. Display the setting screen. With this display, when the user sets the reading mode, the control unit 24 changes the contents of the scan parameter file for the selected icon stored in the icon management table 20a and the scan job management table 21a to the contents specified by the user. Change and reset (step 29).

  If the user presses the start button in step 27, the control unit 24 first scans the content of the selected scan job with reference to the scan parameters managed by the scan job management table 21a. Processing is executed (step 30). Further, the control unit 24 assigns the user name, date, and image ID information to the read image and stores it in the image storage unit 12 (step 31).

  When reading of the document is completed (step 32), the control unit 24 gives the image stored in the image storage unit 12 to the job program together with the job parameter file (step 33). As a result, processing for the read image set in the scan job instructed by the user is executed.

  Further, when the individual scan function is selected by the user in step 22, the control unit 24 displays a screen number input screen for designating a scan job selection screen (step 34). When the user inputs a screen number to this input screen, the control unit 24 refers to the scan job selection screen management table 19a and uses the right to use the scan job selection screen corresponding to the screen number input by the user. Is determined (step 35).

  When it is determined that the right of use is set for the screen number based on this determination, the control unit 24 displays a screen for inputting the password for the right of use (step 36). When the password is input by the user to this display screen, the control unit 24 determines whether or not the input password matches the password managed in the scan job selection screen management table 19a. (Step 37). When it is determined by this determination that the passwords do not match, the control unit 24 returns to step 34 and displays an input screen for designating a scan job selection screen.

  In addition, when it is determined that the recitation numbers input by the user match or when the right to use is not set for the screen number input by the user, the control unit 24 is input by the scan job selection screen management table 19a. The scan job selection screen corresponding to the selected screen number is determined and displayed on the display unit of the operation panel (step 38). And the control part 24 progresses to the said step 24, and performs the process from the said step 24-the said step 33. FIG.

  As described above, when a process for reading an image in a predetermined reading mode is set as a scan job (reading process), and an icon associated with the scan job is selected. The set scan job is executed.

  As a result, from the reading of the document to the processing for the read image can be automatically executed simply by selecting the corresponding icon, and the user operation is simple and easy to understand.

1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a network environment in which an image reading system according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image reading system. The figure for demonstrating the flow of a scan job. The figure which shows the example of a display of the selection screen of a scanning function. The figure which shows the example of a display of a scan job selection screen. The figure which shows the example of a display of a scan job selection screen. The figure which shows the example of an image management table. The figure which shows the example of an icon management table. The figure which shows the example of a scan job management table. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of user operation. The figure which shows the example of a display of the setting screen of reading mode. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a flow when executing a scan job.

Explanation of symbols

2. Digital copier 11 ... Image reading unit 12 ... Image storage unit 13 ... Screen display unit 14 ... Instruction input unit 15 ... Scan job execution unit 16 ... Execution right determination unit 17 ... Usage right determination unit 18 ... Scan job selection screen setting Unit 19 ... Screen management unit 19a ... Screen management table 20 ... Icon management unit 20a ... Icon management table 21 ... Scan job management unit 21a ... Scan job management table 22 ... Parameter management unit 23 ... Communication control unit 24 ... Control unit 30 ... Display Sections 40, 50, 60, 70 ... Scan job selection screens 41-43, 51-53, 61, 62, 71 ... icons

Claims (5)

Reading means for reading an image of a document;
A series of processes defined by a scan parameter related to a reading process for reading a document by the reading unit and a job parameter related to a process for a read image read by the reading process are managed as a scan job and executed only by a specific user. Job management means for setting execution rights for possible scanner jobs ,
Icon management means for managing display contents of icons associated with the scan jobs managed by the job management means;
A selection screen that manages screen identification information and a group of icons to be displayed as setting information of a selection display screen for the user to select an icon managed by the icon management means, and that can be used only by a specific user On the other hand, a screen management means for setting usage rights ,
A first authentication means for authenticating whether or not the user has the right to use the selection screen when the right to use is set on the selection screen of the screen identification information designated by the user;
A first display means for displaying the selection screen when the first authentication means succeeds in authenticating the user for the usage right;
A second display means for displaying the selection screen when the right to use is not set on the selection screen of the screen identification information designated by the user;
When the execution right is set for the scan job corresponding to the icon designated by the user among the icons on the selection screen displayed by the second display means, the user has the right to execute the scan job corresponding to the icon. A second authenticating means for authenticating whether or not
When the user authentication for the execution right by the second authentication means is successful, or when an icon on the selection screen displayed by the first display means is indicated, or by the second display means When an icon corresponding to a scan job for which execution rights are not set among the icons on the displayed selection screen is designated , a reading process based on a scan parameter of a series of processes associated with the icon specified by the user Execution means for executing processing based on job parameters of a series of processing associated with the icon using the scanned image following the scanning processing based on the scan parameter;
An image reading system comprising: The icon management means manages bitmap data and character strings to be displayed on an icon corresponding to a scan job.
The image reading system according to claim 1, wherein: The second display means displays information indicating that the execution right is set in an icon corresponding to the scan job in which the execution right is set.
The image reading system according to claim 1, wherein the image reading system is an image reading system. Furthermore, it has an operation means for a user to input authentication information,
The first and second authentication means perform authentication by comparing authentication information input by the user with the operation means and authentication information associated with the use right or execution right .
The image reading system according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that. Furthermore, it has a storage medium reading means for reading information from the storage medium possessed by the user,
The first and second authentication means perform authentication by checking information read from the storage medium by the storage medium reading means and authentication information associated with the use right or execution right .
The image reading system according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that.

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