JP6292326B2 - Information processing apparatus and network system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and a network system that can acquire data from an apparatus that provides a service that can be used on a Web page.

  In recent years, various data can be uploaded to various services that can be used on a Web page. For example, in a read image transfer system described in Patent Document 1, an image transfer apparatus connected to an image reading apparatus and a weblog server are connected via a network. The image transfer device controls the image reading device to read image information from the document and transfers it to the weblog server. The weblog server provides a weblog site on which an image based on the transferred image information is posted.

JP 2008-236702 A

  The following example is conceivable as an example of a technique for uploading various data. That is, the service providing apparatus provides a web page on which an icon is displayed. Then, in response to the operation of the icon, the image information read by the image reading device is automatically uploaded to a Web site provided by the service providing device. In the case of this example, the user needs to search for an image reading apparatus that can execute the reading operation in the specifications required by the service providing apparatus, according to the specifications required by the service providing apparatus. However, conventionally, the specification required by the service providing apparatus has not been considered. For this reason, it takes time and effort for the user to search for an image reading apparatus that can execute the reading operation in the specifications required by the service providing apparatus.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus and a network system that allow a user to easily find a scanner apparatus that can execute a reading operation based on a reading setting corresponding to a specification required by a service providing apparatus. .

An information processing apparatus according to a first aspect exemplified in the present specification includes service identification information for identifying a service providing apparatus that provides a service that can be used on a Web page, and an image reading apparatus in a specification required by the service providing apparatus Is stored in association with setting information indicating the reading settings of the user, and further, is stored in association with user identification information for identifying a user and a plurality of apparatus identification information for identifying a plurality of image reading apparatuses. First storage means for storing a plurality of device identification information in association with the setting information that allows each of the plurality of image reading devices to execute a reading operation, and the Web page provided by the service providing device The operation information that is displayed and indicates that the operation information indicating that the image reading apparatus performs the reading operation is operated by the operation apparatus The user identification information of the user who operates the operation device, the service identification information indicating a provider of the Web page on which the operation information is displayed, and a reading instruction for causing the image reading device to execute the reading operation. And a first receiving means for receiving a reading object from the plurality of image reading devices associated with the user identification information received by the first receiving means in the first storage means. When the status information is received by the second receiving means between the second receiving means for receiving status information and the first predetermined period before and after the reading instruction is received by the first receiving means. Storage control means for storing in the second storage means the apparatus identification information indicating the image reading apparatus that has transmitted the status information; and the first storage An acquisition means for acquiring the setting information associated with the service identification information received by the first reception means, a reference to the first storage means, and a second reference by the storage control means. Execution specifying means for specifying whether or not the image reading apparatus based on the apparatus identification information stored in the storage means can execute the reading operation in the reading setting based on the setting information acquired by the acquiring means; And a control means for causing the operating device to acquire the result specified by the execution specifying means. In this case, the image reading device on which the reading object is arranged specifies whether or not the reading operation according to the reading setting corresponding to the specification requested by the service providing device can be executed, and causes the operating device to acquire the specifying result. The user can easily find a scanner device that can execute a reading operation based on the reading setting corresponding to the specification requested by the service providing device based on the specific result acquired by the operation device.

  In the information processing apparatus, the storage control unit receives the status information by the second receiving unit during a second predetermined period after the time when the reading instruction is received by the first receiving unit. In this case, the apparatus identification information indicating the image reading apparatus that has transmitted the status information may be stored in the second storage unit. In this case, immediately after the user places the reading object on the image reading apparatus, the specifying result by the execution specifying means is acquired by the operating device. Therefore, the user can perform an image reading operation that can execute a reading operation according to the reading setting corresponding to the specification requested by the service providing device, based on the specific result acquired by the operation device immediately after the reading object is placed on the image reading device. You can easily find the device.

  In the information processing apparatus, when it is specified that the control means can be executed by the execution specifying means, the image reading apparatus based on the device identification information stored in the second storage means executes the reading operation. The operating device may acquire readable device information, which is information indicating that the image reading device is capable. In this case, based on the readable device information acquired by the operation device, the user can perform an image reading device on which the reading object is arranged to execute a reading operation according to the reading setting corresponding to the specification required by the service providing device. It can be easily determined that it is a reading device. Therefore, the user can easily search for an image reading apparatus that can execute the reading operation with the reading setting according to the service providing apparatus.

  The information processing apparatus includes first number determining means for determining whether or not there are a plurality of the image reading apparatuses specified by the execution specifying means to execute the reading operation, and the control means includes the execution A plurality of specified that the reading operation can be executed by the execution specifying unit when the first number determining unit determines that there are a plurality of the image reading devices specified that the reading operation can be executed by the specifying unit The readable device information on the image reading device may be acquired by the operating device. In this case, the user can perform a plurality of image reading apparatuses that can execute a reading operation based on the reading setting corresponding to the specification requested by the service providing apparatus based on the readable apparatus information about the plurality of image reading apparatuses acquired by the operation apparatus. It can be confirmed.

  In the information processing apparatus, when the control means specifies that the execution cannot be executed by the execution specifying means, the image reading apparatus based on the apparatus identification information stored in the second storage means executes the reading operation. The operation device may be made to acquire unreadable device information, which is information indicating that the image reading device cannot be used. In this case, based on the non-readable device information acquired by the operation device, the user cannot execute an image reading device with a reading target according to the reading setting corresponding to the specification required by the service providing device. It can be easily determined that it is a reading device. Therefore, the user can easily search for an image reading apparatus capable of performing a reading operation with a reading setting corresponding to the specification required by the service providing apparatus by changing the image reading apparatus on which the reading object is arranged. .

  The information processing apparatus includes a second number determining unit that determines whether or not the number of the image reading devices specified to be able to execute the reading operation by the execution specifying unit is one, and the second number determining unit. When it is determined that the number of the image reading apparatuses is one, a transmission unit may be provided that transmits the setting information acquired by the acquisition unit to the image reading apparatus after a third predetermined period has elapsed. In this case, the setting information is automatically transmitted to the image reading apparatus when the reading object is arranged in one image reading apparatus capable of executing the reading operation by the reading setting corresponding to the specification requested by the service providing apparatus. The For this reason, the image reading apparatus can automatically execute a reading operation. Therefore, user convenience is improved.

  The information processing apparatus includes apparatus specifying means for specifying the image reading apparatus that can execute the reading operation in the reading setting based on the setting information acquired by the acquiring means with reference to the first storage means, The control unit may cause the operation device to acquire a result specified by the execution specifying unit and information indicating the image reading device specified by the device specifying unit. In this case, the control unit can cause the operating device to acquire an image reading apparatus that can execute a reading operation based on the reading setting corresponding to the specification requested by the service providing apparatus. Therefore, the user can place the reading object on the image reading apparatus capable of performing the reading operation with the reading setting corresponding to the service providing apparatus based on the information indicating the image reading apparatus acquired by the operation device.

A network system according to a second aspect exemplified in the present specification is a network system in which a plurality of image reading apparatuses capable of acquiring image data are connectable to an information processing apparatus via a network, and the information processing apparatus Stores, in association with each other, service identification information for identifying a service providing apparatus that provides a service that can be used on a Web page, and setting information indicating the reading setting of the image reading apparatus in the specifications required by the service providing apparatus. Further, user identification information for identifying a user and a plurality of apparatus identification information for identifying the plurality of image reading apparatuses are stored in association with each other, and the plurality of apparatus identification information and the plurality of image reading apparatuses are further stored. Each of the first storage means for storing the setting information capable of executing the reading operation in association with each other, and the service providing apparatus The operation information that is displayed on the Web page that indicates that the image reading apparatus is to execute the reading operation is operated in response to the operation apparatus operating the operation information. First receiving means for receiving the user identification information of the user, the service identification information indicating a provider of the Web page on which the operation information is displayed, and a reading instruction for causing the image reading apparatus to execute the reading operation And status information indicating that a reading object has been placed from the plurality of image reading devices associated with the user identification information received by the first receiving means in the first storage means. During the first predetermined period before and after the reading instruction is received by the receiving means and the first receiving means, the second receiving means When the status information is received, the device identification information indicating the image reading device that has transmitted the status information is stored in a second storage unit, the storage control unit is referred to, and the first storage unit is referred to. An acquisition unit configured to acquire the setting information associated with the service identification information received by one receiving unit; and the first storage unit, and the storage control unit stored in the second storage unit The image reading apparatus based on apparatus identification information specifies whether or not the reading operation in the reading setting based on the setting information acquired by the acquiring means can be executed, and specified by the execution specifying means Control means for causing the operation device to acquire the result obtained, and the plurality of image reading devices are configured to receive the scan object when the reading object is arranged. Status information transmitting means for transmitting status information is provided. In this case, the image reading device on which the reading object is arranged specifies whether or not the reading operation according to the reading setting corresponding to the specification requested by the service providing device can be executed, and causes the operating device to acquire the specifying result. The user can easily find a scanner device that can execute a reading operation based on the reading setting corresponding to the specification requested by the service providing device based on the specific result acquired by the operation device.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a network system 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a processing operation of the network system 1. It is a figure which shows the web page 91. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an electrical configuration of a central server 2. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an electrical configuration of a scanner device 7. FIG. 4 is a data configuration diagram of a scanner data table 82. FIG. 4 is a data configuration diagram of a scanner function data table 83. FIG. 4 is a data configuration diagram of a service management data table 84. FIG. It is explanatory drawing of various periods. 4 is a flowchart of main processing of the central server 2. 4 is a flowchart of main processing of the central server 2. 4 is a flowchart of main processing of the scanner device 7.

[1. Overview of network system 1 configuration]
Hereinafter, embodiments illustrated in the present specification will be described with reference to the drawings. With reference to FIG. 1, the structure of the network system 1 of this embodiment is demonstrated. As shown in FIG. 1, the network system 1 includes a central server 2, an operation device 3, scanner devices 71, 72, 73 and 74, and network services 4 and 5. The scanner devices 71, 72, 73, and 74 may be any reading device that can read an image. For example, a printing apparatus having a scanner function may be used. In the example shown in FIG. 1, a document 89 that is a reading object is arranged on the scanner device 72. The central server 2 is an example of an information processing apparatus exemplified in this specification . The scanner devices 71, 72, 73, and 74 are examples of the image reading device exemplified in this specification . A scanner device other than the scanner devices 71, 72, 73, 74 is also connected to the network 6. In the following description, the scanner devices 71, 72, 73, 74 and a scanner device (not shown) may be generically referred to, or may be referred to as a scanner device 7 when none of them is specified.

  The network service 4 includes an external server 40. The network service 5 includes an external server 50. The external server 40 provides a network service 4 of a company different from the manufacturer of the scanner device 7. The external server 50 provides a network service 5 of a company that is different from the manufacturer of the scanner device 7 and that is different from the company of the external server 40. In other words, the external server 40 and the external server 50 are server devices managed by a company that provides services via the network 6. The external server 40 and the external server 50 are Web servers used for providing a service, for example. Further, an external server (not shown) other than the external servers 40 and 50 is also connected to the network 6. In the following description, the external servers 40 and 50 and the external servers not shown may be collectively referred to as “external server 10” when not specified.

The network service 4 includes a storage server 41 and a storage server 42. The network service 5 includes a storage server 51 and a storage server 52. It is sufficient that each network service has at least one storage server. Further, instead of the storage server, the external server 40 or the external server 50 may include a storage area for data used for the network service. In this case, a storage server is not necessary. The external server 40, the external server 50, and the storage servers 41, 42, 51, and 52 provide services that can be used on Web pages. Each of the external server 40, the external server 50, the storage server 41, the storage server 42, the storage server 51, and the storage server 52 is an example of a service providing apparatus exemplified in this specification .

  The operation device 3 uses a service provided by the network service 4 and the network service 5. Specifically, the controller device 3 acquires a web page from the external server 40 or the external server 50 and uses the network service 4 and the network service 5. The controller device 3 uses data stored in the storage servers 41, 42, 51, 52.

  The operating device 3 may be a general personal computer. The operation device 3 may be a portable terminal device represented by a smartphone or the like. The operation device 3 may be any device that can process information. The central server 2, the scanner device 7, the operation device 3, the external server 40, and the external server 50 in FIG. 1 can communicate with each other via the network 6. Further, the scanner device 7 may be connected to the network 6 via a relay device (not shown) such as a personal computer.

[2. Overview of operation of network system 1]
The operation of the network system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. In the following description, it is assumed that the network service 5 provides a document service. The document in this embodiment is a manuscript 89. It is assumed that the user of the operation device 3 posts a document to the document service. The document service is a service that makes it possible to use a document posted by a user using the network service 5.

  First, as indicated by the arrow 11 in FIG. 2, the controller device 3 first accesses the external server 50. At this time, the external server 50 is requested to transmit a Web page. Then, as indicated by the arrow 12, the controller device 3 acquires the Web page 91 shown in FIG. 3 from the external server 50. The acquired web page 91 is displayed on the display unit 36 controlled by the operation device 3. In order to use the network service 5, a login process needs to be executed.

  The user can select between posting the image data of the document by causing the scanner device 7 to read the original 89 and posting the image file stored in the HDD of the operation device 3. When posting an image file, the user operates the Web page 91 using the operation device 3, selects an image file, and then operates a posting button 918. When the posting button 918 is operated, the selected image file is transmitted to the external server 50. The external server 50 makes the document based on the image file available using the network service 5.

When the user causes the scanner device 7 to read the document 89 and submits document image data, the user operates the scan execution button displayed on the operation device 3 using the operation device 3. For example, the user operates a scan execution button 913 on the Web page 91 shown in FIG. The scan execution button 913 is an example of operation information exemplified in this specification .

  In this embodiment, when the scan execution button is operated, information indicating that the scan execution button has been operated, a user ID, and the like are transmitted to the external server 50 as indicated by an arrow 13 in FIG. The user ID is information for identifying a user who operates the controller device 3. The external server 50 specifies an access token corresponding to the received user ID. The access token is information indicating whether a user who uses the network service 4 or the network service 5 has the authority to use the central server 2. The access token is also information for identifying a user who operates the controller device 3.

  Then, as indicated by the arrow 14, a reading instruction, service identification information described later, and an access token are transmitted from the external server 50 to the central server 2. That is, the central server 2 receives a reading instruction in response to the scan execution button being operated by the operation device 3. The reading instruction is information on an instruction to cause the scanner device 7 that can be used by the operation device 3 to execute a reading operation in response to the operation of the scan execution button. Note that a login process for accessing the central server 2 may be executed by the operation device 3 before an operation instruction is transmitted to the central server 2.

The central server 2 that has received the operation instruction creates a Web page on which the setting information corresponding to the service of the external server 50 and the scanner information of the scanner device 7 on which the document 89 is placed are displayed. The setting information is reading setting information corresponding to specifications required by the external server 10. The reading setting is a setting for causing the scanner device 7 to execute a reading operation. The scanner information is information for identifying the scanner device 7. Different scanner information is assigned to each of the plurality of scanner devices 7. The scanner information is an example of device identification information exemplified in this specification .

  As shown by the arrow 15 in FIG. 2, the created web page is transmitted to the controller device 3 and displayed on the display unit 36. The operation device 3 determines scanner information and setting information of the scanner device 7 that executes the reading operation in accordance with a user operation. The operation device 3 operates a scan execution button of the Web page in accordance with a user operation. When the scan execution button is operated, the determined scanner information and setting information are transmitted to the central server 2 as indicated by an arrow 16.

  As indicated by the arrow 17, the central server 2 transmits the determined setting information to the scanner device 7 of the determined scanner information. The scanner device 7 performs the reading operation of the document 89 with the reading setting based on the determined setting information, and creates image data. As indicated by an arrow 18, the scanner device 7 uploads image data to the central server 2. As indicated by an arrow 19, the external server 50 downloads image data from the central server 2. As a result, the image data of the document 89 read by the scanner device 7 is acquired by the external server 50. That is, the image data can be used using the network service 5.

  When the network service 5 includes a storage server, the external server 50 may transmit the image data downloaded from the central server 2 to the storage server 51 or the storage server 52. Further, the storage server 52 may download image data from the central server 2. The downloaded image data is stored in a predetermined storage area accessible using a user ID logged in to the network service 5.

  Although not shown, the controller device 3 requests image data made available using the network service 5 to the external server 50 via, for example, the Web browser of the controller device 3. When receiving a request for image data, the external server 50 transmits a Web page. The transmitted Web page causes the operation device 3 to access the image data stored in the external server 50, the storage server 51, or the storage server 52. Then, the requesting operation device 3 downloads the image data from the external server 50, the storage server 51, or the storage server 52 that stores the requested image data.

[3. Electrical configuration of central server 2]
With reference to FIG. 4, the electrical configuration of the central server 2 of this embodiment will be described. The central server 2 includes a CPU 21, an HDD 22, a RAM 23, and a communication unit 24. The HDD 22, the RAM 23, and the communication unit 24 are electrically connected to the CPU 21, respectively. The CPU 21 functions as a computer that controls the central server 2. Further, the CPU 21 can acquire the time according to a program stored in the HDD 22.

  The HDD 22 includes a program storage area 221, a scanner data table storage area 222, a scanner function data table storage area 223, a service management data table storage area 224, a scan data storage area 225, a session information storage area 226, and a Web page storage area 227. Including.

  The program storage area 221 stores the main processing program of the central server 2 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. The program may be downloaded from a predetermined server on the network 6, for example. Alternatively, it may be recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM and read via a drive.

  The scanner data table storage area 222 stores a later-described scanner data table 82 shown in FIG. The scanner function data table storage area 223 stores a later-described scanner function data table 83 shown in FIG. The service management data table storage area 224 stores a later-described service management data table 84 shown in FIG. The scan data storage area 225 stores image data read by the scanner device 7.

  The session information storage area 226 stores session information. Specifically, the session information is information regarding a session between the central server 2 and the scanner device 7. The session information may be information related to a session between the central server 2 and a device connectable to the network 6 other than the scanner device 7. When the central server 2 stores the session information regarding the scanner device 7, the central server 2 can transmit a reading instruction to the scanner device 7. Further, by storing session information, information can be transmitted and received between the central server 2 and the scanner device 7.

  The RAM 23 temporarily stores information temporarily used by the central server 2. The communication unit 24 is connected to the network 6 in FIG. The CPU 21 communicates with the operation device 3, the network service 4, the network service 5, and the scanner device 7 via the communication unit 24 and the network 6.

[4. Electrical configuration of scanner device 7]
The electrical configuration of the scanner device 7 will be described with reference to FIG. The scanner device 7 includes a CPU 75, an HDD 76, a RAM 77, a communication unit 78, a reading unit 79, and a detection unit 80. The HDD 76, the RAM 77, the communication unit 78, the reading unit 79, and the detection unit 80 are electrically connected to the CPU 75, respectively. The CPU 75 functions as a computer that controls the scanner device 7.

  The HDD 76 includes a program storage area 761, a scan data storage area 762, and a session information storage area 763. The program storage area 761 stores a program for main processing of the scanner device 7 shown in FIG. The program may be downloaded from a predetermined server on the network 6, for example. Alternatively, it may be recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM and read via a drive. The scan data storage area 762 stores image data read by the reading unit 79.

  The session information storage area 763 stores session information. In the present embodiment, the session information is stored in the session information storage area 763 by the scanner device 71 or the central server 2 periodically confirming the session. The scanner device 7 stores the session information, so that the scanner device 7 can receive various information transmitted from the central server 2.

  The RAM 77 temporarily stores information temporarily used by the scanner device 7. The communication unit 78 is connected to the network 6 in FIG. The CPU 75 communicates with the central server 2 via the communication unit 78 and the network 6.

  The reading unit 79 is configured to read a document 89 set on the scanner device 7. Specifically, the reading unit 79 includes a conveyance roller, an image reading sensor, and the like. The image reading sensor is an image sensor such as a contact image sensor (CIS) or a charge coupled devices (CCD). Image data is acquired from the document 89 by driving a reading unit 79 having a function of reading image data. The detection unit 80 detects the presence or absence of the document 89 placed on the scanner device 7. For example, the detection unit 80 may detect the presence or absence of a document 89 placed on an ADF (Auto document feeder) (not shown). Further, the detection unit 80 detects that a lid (for example, an openable / closable ADF unit) provided on the upper side of the image reading unit and covering a reading surface on which the document is placed is opened and closed. The presence or absence of 89 may be detected.

  The scanner data table 82 will be described with reference to FIG. The scanner data table 82 is associated with at least scanner information, an access token, and a model. Specifically, “P001”, “XXXX”, and “M001” are associated in the order of scanner information, access token, and model. In addition, they are associated as shown in FIG.

  As described above, the scanner information is information for identifying the scanner device 7. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the scanner information of the scanner device 71 is “P001”. It is assumed that the scanner information of the scanner device 72 is “P002”. It is assumed that the scanner information of the scanner device 73 is “P003”. It is assumed that the scanner information of the scanner device 74 is “P004”. Further, it is assumed that the scanner information of the scanner device not shown is “P005” and “P006”. The scanner information “P001”, “P002”, “P003”, and “P004” are associated with the access token “XXXX”. That is, the scanner devices 71, 72, 73 and 74 are the scanner devices 7 owned by the user of the operation device 3.

  The model is information indicating the model of the scanner device 7. In the present embodiment, the model associated with the scanner information “P001”, “P002”, “P003”, and “P005” is “M001”. The model associated with the scanner information “P004” and “P006” is “M002”.

  The scanner function data table 83 will be described with reference to FIG. Functions corresponding to the model of the scanner device 7 are registered in the scanner function data table 83. In the scanner function data table 83, at least the maximum resolution, duplex scanning, scanning speed, color, and size are associated with each other. Specifically, “M001”, “600 dpi”, “not supported”, “24 sheets / minute”, “color, monochrome”, “A3” in the order of model, maximum resolution, duplex scanning, scanning speed, color, and size. , A4, B5, and business card size ”. Similarly, “M002”, “200 dpi”, “correspondence”, “12 sheets / minute”, “monochrome”, “A3, A3, B5” are associated with each other.

  The maximum resolution is the maximum resolution when the scanner device 7 creates image data. Double-sided reading is information indicating whether double-sided reading is supported or not. The reading speed is information on the reading speed when the scanner device 7 reads the document 89. The color is a color when the scanner device 7 creates image data. If the color is “color”, the scanner device 7 can create image data of a color image. If the color is “monochrome”, the scanner device 7 can create image data of a monochrome image. The size is the size of an image that can be created by the scanner device 7.

  The service management data table 84 will be described with reference to FIG. The service management data table 84 is associated with service identification information, URL (Uniform Resource Locator), category, and setting information. The setting information includes resolution, color, size, and linkage service. Specifically, “S001”, “http: // aa”, “document”, “300 dpi or higher, maximum resolution”, “first sheet: color, second sheet and beyond: black and white”, “first sheet: A4” Second and subsequent sheets: Two-page spread (A3) ”and“ None ”are associated with each other. In addition, they are associated as shown in FIG.

  The service identification information is information for identifying a service provided by the external server 10. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the service identification information of the document service provided by the external server 50 is “S001”. Further, it is assumed that the service identification information of the business card management service provided by the external server 40 is “S002”. Further, it is assumed that service identification information of services provided by other external servers is “S003”, “S004”, and the like. The external server 10 provides the operation device 3 with a Web page on which the scan execution button is displayed. For example, the external server 50 displays the Web page 91 on which the scan execution button 913 shown in FIG. To provide. When the scan execution button 913 is operated, service identification information is transmitted from the external server 50 to the central server 2 and received by the central server 2 (see arrow 14 in FIG. 2). Therefore, the service identification information is also information indicating the provider of the Web page on which the scan execution button 913 is displayed.

  The URL is information indicating the location of the external servers 40 and 50 on the network. An IP address may be registered instead of the URL. The category is information representing the type of service provided by the external servers 40, 50 and the like. Note that “receipt” is a service for reading receipt information and reflecting the information in, for example, a household account book. “Article” is an article posting service.

  The setting information registered in the service management data table 84 is reading setting information corresponding to the specifications required by the external server 10. The reading setting is set to a specification required by the external server 10 corresponding to the service identification information. The resolution is the resolution when the scanner device 7 creates image data. For example, the resolution “300 dpi or higher, maximum resolution” indicates that image data is created with a maximum resolution of 300 dpi or higher and readable by the scanner device 7. The color indicates a color setting when the scanner device 7 creates image data. For example, the color “first sheet: color, second sheet and later: black and white” indicates that the first sheet creates image data of a color image and the second and later sheets create image data of a monochrome image. The size indicates the size when the scanner device 7 creates image data. For example, for the size “first sheet: A4, second and subsequent sheets: two-page spread (A3)”, the first sheet creates image data of an A4 size image, and the second and subsequent sheets are two-page spread with A3 Indicates that image data of a size is to be created. When the A4 size is arranged in a double spread, the A3 size is obtained.

  The cooperation service indicates that the external server 10 requests data after performing various processes in cooperation with other services (not shown). For example, in the case of the cooperation service “business card OCR service”, the image data read by the scanner device 7 is transmitted from the central server 2 to a server (not shown) that provides the business card OCR service. In the server, text data is extracted from the image data by OCR (Optical Character Reader). The extracted text data is transmitted from the server to the central server 2. The central server 2 transmits the text data to the external server 40 that provides a business card management service. Although not shown in the main process of the central server 2 shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the scanner device 7 may process the image data using the cooperation service as described above and cause the external server 10 to acquire the image data.

[5. Various periods]
With reference to FIG. 9, the list period T0, the detection period T1, the timeout period T2, and the automatic scan execution period T3 in the present embodiment will be described. As indicated by an arrow 13 and an arrow 14 in FIG. 2, a reading instruction is transmitted from the external server 10 to the central server 2 in response to the operation device 3 operating the scan execution button in response to a user operation. The reading instruction is received by the CPU 21 of the central server 2 in step S11 of FIG. In FIG. 9, the reading instruction is received by the CPU 21 at 12:10 as an example. The detection period T1 is a predetermined period before the time when the reading instruction is received by the CPU 21. The detection period T1 is, for example, 10 minutes. The detection period T1 is stored in the HDD 22.

The timeout period T2 is a predetermined period after the time when the reading instruction is received by the CPU 21. The timeout period T2 is a period for invalidating the reading instruction when the timeout period T2 elapses after the CPU 21 receives the reading instruction. The timeout period T2 may be stored in advance in the HDD 22 or may be designated by the external server 10. The timeout period T2 is, for example, 5 minutes. The list period T0 is a predetermined period before and after the reception instruction is received by the CPU 21. In the present embodiment, the list period T0 is a combined period of the detection period T1 and the timeout period T2. The list period T0 is an example of the “first predetermined period” illustrated in this specification . The timeout period T2 is an example of the “second predetermined period” illustrated in this specification .

  For example, it is assumed that the user of the operation device 3 posts the image data of the document 89 to the document service provided by the external server 50. In this case, for example, the user of the operation device 3 operates the scan execution button after placing the document 89 on the scanner device 7. In this case, there is a high possibility that the document 89 is placed on the scanner device 7 during the detection period T1. Further, for example, the user of the operation device 3 places the document 89 on the scanner device 7 after operating the scan execution button. In this case, there is a high possibility that the document 89 is placed on the scanner device 7 during the timeout period T2. That is, there is a high possibility that the document 89 is placed on the scanner device 7 during the list period T0. Therefore, although details will be described later, the central server 2 of the present embodiment causes the operation device 3 to acquire the scanner information of the scanner device 7 on which the document 89 is arranged in the list period T0. The user of the operation device 3 determines the scanner device 7 that reads the document 89 while referring to the scanner information acquired by the operation device 3.

Further, the automatic scan execution period T3 is a period in which execution of automatic scan is delayed. The automatic scan is a function of causing the scanner device 7 to automatically execute reading by the CPU of the central server 2 when the document 89 is placed on the scanner device 7. In the present embodiment, the automatic scan execution period T3 is set to a predetermined period from the time when the reading instruction is received or the time when the last status information is received during the timeout period T2. The status information is information indicating whether or not the document 89 is placed on the scanner device 7, and is transmitted from the scanner device 7. The automatic scan execution period T3 is, for example, 1 minute. The automatic scan execution period T3 is stored in the HDD 22. The automatic scan execution period T3 is an example of a “third predetermined period” exemplified in this specification .

[6. Operation of central server 2]
The main process of the central server 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. The main process of the central server 2 is executed by the CPU 21. The main process of the central server 2 is executed when the power is turned on, and is terminated when the power is turned off. In the following description, each processing step is abbreviated as “S”. In the following description, an example in which the user operates the operation device 3 to log in to the external server 50 and posts the document 89 to the document service will be described as a specific example.

  First, it is determined whether a reading instruction, service identification information, and an access token have been received (S11). The reading instruction, service identification information, and access token are transmitted from the external server 10 in response to the scan execution button being operated by the operation device 3 (arrow 13 and arrow 14 in FIG. 2). The reading instruction is, for example, that a scan instruction API (Application Program Interface) of the central server 2 is called. The reading instruction may include the URL of the external server 10 that the central server 2 notifies that the reading of the image data by the scanner device 7 has been completed. Further, instead of the URL of the external server 10, the IP address of the external server 10 may be included in the reading instruction.

  Here, the access token transmitted from the external server 10 will be described. The access token is issued by the CPU 21 of the central server 2. More specifically, for example, when the user operates the operation device 3 to log in to the external server 10 or when the scan execution button is operated, the external server 10 sends the user of the operation device 3 to the central server 2. Makes an application for delegating authority to use the central server 2. The CPU 21 of the central server 2 accepts a login process from the operation device 3 when there is an application for authority delegation. The user operates the controller device 3 and inputs a user ID and the like to execute login. When login from the operation device 3 is executed, the CPU 21 issues an access token. The issued access token is transmitted to the external server 10 of the application source. The external server 10 stores the transmitted access token and the user ID in association with each other in a predetermined storage area. The external server 10 identifies the stored access token from the user ID transmitted from the controller device 3 and transmits it to the central server 2. In S11, the access token transmitted from the external server 10 as described above is received.

  Further, when issuing an access token, the CPU 21 associates the access token with the user ID, registers them in an access token database (not shown), and stores them in the HDD 22. Further, the CPU 21 updates the access token associated with the scanner information of the scanner device 7 held by the user of the operation device 3 in the scanner data table 82 shown in FIG. In the scanner data table 82 shown in FIG. 6, not the access token but a user ID may be registered in association with the scanner information.

  If the reading instruction, service identification information, and access token have not been received (S11: NO), it is determined whether status information and scanner information have been received (S12). The scanner device 7 accesses the central server 2 in S84 of FIG. In S <b> 84, when the document 89 is placed on the scanner device 7, status information and scanner information are transmitted to the central server 2. The transmitted status information is received in S12 or S20 described later. The status information is information indicating that the document 89 is placed on the scanner device 7. Although not shown in FIG. 10, when there is an access from the scanner device 7, a session between the accessed scanner device 7 and the central server 2 is held. Specifically, session information is stored in session information storage area 226.

  As shown in FIG. 10, when the status information and the scanner information are not received (S12: NO), the CPU 21 returns the process to S11. When the status information and the scanner information are received (S12: YES), the time T4 is acquired (S13). Time T4 indicates the time when the status information is received in S12. Next, the scanner information indicating the scanner device 7 that transmitted the status information, the access token, and the time T4 are associated with each other and registered in the document arrangement data table (not shown) and stored in the RAM 23 (S14).

In a specific example, it is assumed that a document 89 is placed on the scanner device 73 shown in FIG. In this case, the status information and the scanner information “P001” are transmitted to the central server 2 by the CPU of the scanner device 73. In S12, it is assumed that status information and scanner information “P001” are received at time “11:30” (S12: YES). In this case, time T4 “11:30” is acquired (S13). In S14, first, the scanner data table 82 shown in FIG. 6 is referred to, and the access token “XXXX” corresponding to the scanner information “P001” received in S12 is specified. Then, the scanner information “P001”, the access token “XXXX”, and the time T4 “11:30” are associated with each other, registered in the document arrangement data table, and stored in the RAM 23. For example, when a user ID is registered in the scanner data table 82 shown in FIG. 6 instead of an access token, the user ID is stored in the document arrangement data table instead of the access token.
Next, the CPU 21 returns the process to S11.

  In a specific example, it is assumed that status information and scanner information “P002” are received at time “12:05” (S12: YES). In this case, the scanner information “P002”, the access token “XXXX”, and the time T4 “12:05” are associated and registered in the document arrangement data table through S13 and S14. The document arrangement data table is stored in the RAM 23. Similarly, assume that status information and scanner information “P005” are received at time “12:06” (S12: YES). In this case, the scanner information “P005”, the access token “YYYY”, and the time T4 “12:06” are associated with each other and registered in the document arrangement data table through S13 and S14.

  When the reading instruction, the service identification information, and the access token are received (S11: YES), the time is acquired, and the detection period T1 and the timeout period T2 are set (S15). In a specific example, it is assumed that the time when the reading instruction or the like is received in S11 is “12:10”. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, the detection period T1 is 12:00 to 12:10, and the timeout period T2 is 12:10 to 12:15. That is, the list period T0 is 12: 0 to 12:15.

  Next, during the detection period T1, scanner information indicating the scanner device 7 that transmitted the status information received in S12 is registered in a scanner list (not shown) (S16). The scanner list is a data table of scanner information of the scanner device 7 on which the document 89 is arranged. In the specific example, the document arrangement data table is referred to, and the scanner information corresponding to the access token “XXXX” among the scanner information whose “time” is set during the detection period T1 “12:00 to 12:10”. “P002” is specified. Then, the specified scanner information “P002” is registered in the scanner list. That is, the scanner information “P002” of the scanner device 73 in which the document 89 is placed before the detection period T1 is not registered in the scanner list. This is because if the document 89 is placed before the detection period T1, it is highly likely that the user operating the operation device 3 is not the document 89 that the scanner device 7 is trying to read. For example, when the user ID is registered in the document arrangement data table instead of the access token, the CPU 21 refers to the above-described access token database and associates the user ID associated with the access token received in S11. Is identified. Then, the scanner information associated with the specified user ID in the document arrangement data table is registered in the scanner list.

  Next, time T6 is acquired and set (S17). The time T6 is stored in the RAM 23. Note that the time T6 is updated by S22 described later when the status information is received during the timeout period T2. That is, the time T6 is set to the time when the reading instruction is received in S11 or the time when the status information was last received during the timeout period T2.

  Next, setting information associated with the service identification information received in S11 is acquired from the service management data table 84 of FIG. 8 (S18). In the specific example, setting information associated with the service identification information “S001” received in FIG. 8 is acquired in the service management data table 84 of FIG. The acquired setting information includes resolution “300 dpi or higher, maximum resolution”, color “first sheet: color, second and subsequent sheets: black and white”, and size “first sheet: A4, second and subsequent sheets: two sheets spread ( A3) ”. Note that since the cooperative service is “none”, the reading setting of the cooperative service is not acquired. The acquired setting information is stored in the RAM 23.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the timeout period T2 has elapsed (S19). If the timeout period T2 has not elapsed (S19: NO), it is determined whether status information and scanner information have been received (S20).

  If the status information and the scanner information are not received (S20: NO), it is determined whether the scanner information is registered in the scanner list (S23). If the scanner information is registered (S23: YES), S24 is executed as shown in FIG. In S24, it is specified whether or not the scanner device 7 based on the scanner information in the scanner list can execute the reading operation based on the setting information acquired in S18.

  In the case of a specific example, scanner information “P002” is registered in the scanner list. The CPU 21 refers to the scanner data table 82 in FIG. 6 and identifies the model “M001” of the scanner information “P002”. The CPU 21 specifies the function of the specified model “M001” with reference to the scanner function data table 83 of FIG. The maximum resolution, color, and size of the model “M001” are “600 dpi”, “color, black and white”, and “A3, A4, B5, business card size”, respectively. The setting information acquired in S18 includes resolution “300 dpi or more, maximum resolution”, color “first sheet: color, second sheet or later: black and white”, and size “first sheet: A4, second sheet or later: Two-page spread (A3) ”. Therefore, the model “M001” is the scanner device 7 that can execute the reading operation based on the setting information acquired in S18. Therefore, it is specified that the scanner device 72 based on the scanner information “P002” can execute the reading operation based on the setting information acquired in S18. The identified result is stored in the RAM 23. Note that the scanner device 74 based on the scanner information “P004” of the model “M002” cannot execute the reading operation using the setting information acquired in S18.

  Next, it is determined whether or not there is a scanner device 7 that has been identified as being able to execute a reading operation in S24 (S25). If there is a scanner device 7 identified as being able to execute the reading operation in S24 (S25: YES), it is determined whether or not there is one scanner device 7 identified as being capable of executing the reading operation in S24 (S24: YES). S26). When there is one scanner device 7 that is specified to be able to execute the reading operation in S24 (S26: YES), it is determined whether or not the automatic scan execution period T3 has passed (S27). The automatic scan execution period T3 is a predetermined period from time T6 set in S17 or S22. That is, as described above, the automatic scan execution period T3 is a predetermined period from the time when the reading instruction is received in S11 or the time when the last status information is received during the timeout period T2 in S20.

  When the automatic scan execution period T3 has not elapsed (S27: NO), the CPU 21 causes the controller device 3 to acquire the identification result in S24 and the setting information acquired in S18 (S28, arrow 15 in FIG. 2).

  The process of S28 will be described in detail. In S28, first, a Web page including the identification result in S24, the setting information acquired in S18, and the like is created and stored in the Web page storage area 227. An example of the created Web page will be described later. Next, a URL indicating the Web page storage area 227 in which the Web page is stored is transmitted to the controller device 3. The transmitted URL is received by the controller device 3. Next, when a web page request for the transmitted URL is received, the web page is transmitted to the controller device 3. The request for the Web page is transmitted from the controller device 3. The transmitted web page is received and displayed by the controller device 3.

  An example of the Web page created in S28 will be described. The Web page created in S28 differs depending on the processing results in S26 and S27. In a specific example, the scanner information registered in the scanner list is “P002”. In this case, for example, a first Web page (not shown) is created. The first Web page includes a scanner display area and a reading setting display area. In the scanner display area, an icon indicating the scanner information “P002” registered in the scanner list is displayed in the scanner display area. Hereinafter, an icon indicating scanner information is referred to as a scanner device icon.

  In S24, it is specified that the scanner information “P002” can be read by the setting information acquired in S18. For this reason, the scanner device icon is in a state where the operation device 3 can be selected in accordance with a user instruction. That is, the CPU 21 obtains readable device information that is information indicating that the scanner device 7 based on the scanner information registered in the scanner list is the scanner device 7 that can execute the reading operation acquired in S18. 3 (S28). As a result, the CPU 21 causes the controller device 3 to acquire the identification result obtained in S24 (S28).

  Further, the information displayed in the reading setting display area is created based on the setting information acquired in S18 of FIG. In S18, the resolution “300 dpi or higher, maximum resolution” is acquired. In the scanner function data table 83 of FIG. 7, the maximum resolution of the model “M001” of the scanner information “P002” is “600 dpi”. Therefore, for example, the resolution is set to “600 dpi” and displayed in the reading setting display area. Note that the controller device 3 can also change the resolution in accordance with a user operation. At this time, the resolution to be changed is limited to the resolution “300 dpi or more” acquired in S18.

  In S18, the color “first sheet: color, second and subsequent sheets: black and white” and size “first sheet: A4, second and subsequent sheets: two-sheet spread (A3)” are acquired. For this reason, for example, the text “first sheet: color A4” and “second sheet and beyond: black and white A3 spread” is displayed in the reading setting display area. In the service management data table 84 of FIG. 8, the category “document” is associated with the service identification information “S001”. For this reason, for example, the text “scan for document” is displayed in the reading setting display area. A scan execution button is displayed in the reading setting display area. The operation device 3 operates a scan execution button in accordance with a user operation.

  As described above, the first Web page is created. The first Web page includes scanner information registered in the scanner list. The first Web page includes readable device information. The first Web page includes the setting information acquired in S18. That is, setting information of specifications required by the external server 50 is included. As described above, the CPU 21 creates the first Web page in S28 and causes the operation apparatus 3 to acquire the scanner information, the readable apparatus information on which the document 89 is arranged, and the setting information acquired in S18. And let's get it.

  After S28 is executed, it is determined whether or not setting information and scanner information determined based on the setting information and scanner information acquired by the controller device 3 in S28 are received (S29). That is, the setting information and the scanner information determined by the user of the controller device 3 while referring to the Web page acquired by the controller device 3 in S28 are received. In the following description, the setting information determined based on the setting information acquired by the controller device 3 in S28 is referred to as “determined setting information”. The scanner information determined based on the scanner information acquired by the controller device 3 in S28 is referred to as “determined scanner information”. The determination setting information and the determination scanner information are transmitted from the controller device 3.

  When the determination setting information and the determination scanner information are not received (S29: NO), the CPU 21 returns the process to S19 of FIG. When the determined setting information and the determined scanner information are received (S29: YES), the determined setting information is transmitted to the scanner device 7 based on the determined scanner information (S30, arrow 17 in FIG. 2). The transmitted determination setting information is received by S81 in FIG. The determined scanner information is assumed to be “P002”. The determination setting information includes a resolution “600 dpi”, a color “first sheet: color, second and subsequent sheets: black and white”, and size “first sheet: A4, second sheet and subsequent sheets: two-page spread (A3)”. And In this case, the scanner device 72 corresponding to the determined scanner information “P002” has a resolution “600 dpi”, a color “first sheet: color, second and subsequent sheets: black and white”, and size “first sheet: A4, second and subsequent sheets”. : Two-page spread (A3) "is transmitted.

  Next, based on the determination setting information transmitted in S30, it is determined whether or not image data read by the scanner device 7 has been received (S32). The image data is transmitted from the scanner device 7 in S87 of FIG. 12 described later (arrow 18 in FIG. 2). When the image data is not received (S32: NO), the CPU 21 repeats S32. When the image data is received (S32: YES), S33 and S34 are executed, and the image data can be acquired by the external server 10.

  In S33, the received image data is stored in the scan data storage area 225. In S <b> 34, the URL of the scan data storage area 225 in which the image data is stored is transmitted to the external server 10. In the case of a specific example, since a reading instruction or the like is transmitted from the external server 50 in S11, the URL is transmitted to the external server 50. The transmitted URL is received by the external server 50.

  Next, it is determined whether or not a download request for the URL transmitted in S34 has been received (S35). The download request is transmitted from the external server 50. When the download request has not been received (S35: NO), the CPU 21 repeats S35. In addition, when predetermined time passes after S35 is repeated, S35 may be complete | finished and S11 may be performed.

  When a download request is received (S35: YES), the image data is transmitted to the requesting external server 10 (S36, arrow 19 in FIG. 2). The transmitted image data is received by the external server 10. Next, the image data stored in the scan data storage area 225 in S33 is erased (S28). Note that the image data may not be erased. Further, in accordance with an instruction from the external server 10, the case where the image data is erased and the case where the image data is not erased may be switched. Next, the CPU 21 returns the process to S11 of FIG.

  Further, when the automatic scan execution period T3 has elapsed with the determination setting information and the determination scanner information not received in S29 and S30 (S27: YES), the process of S31 is executed. When S31 is executed, only one scanner information is registered in the scanner list. That is, S31 is executed when one scanner device 7 on which the document 89 is arranged can execute a reading operation based on the setting information specified in S18. In S31, the setting information acquired in S18 is transmitted to one scanner device 7 based on the scanner information registered in the scanner list. The transmitted setting information is received by S81 in FIG. Next, the CPU 21 advances the process to S32. That is, the CPU 21 acquires image data obtained by reading the document 89 by the scanner device 7 with the reading setting based on the setting information acquired in S <b> 18 and transmits the image data to the external server 10.

  As described above, when the document 89 is placed on one scanner device 7 capable of executing a reading operation according to the reading setting corresponding to the specification requested by the external server 10, the setting information acquired in S18 is stored in the scanner device 7. Automatically sent. Therefore, the user can automatically cause the scanner device 7 to execute a reading operation simply by placing the document 89 on the scanner device 7. Therefore, user convenience is improved.

  If the status information and the scanner information are received in S20 (S20: YES), the scanner information indicating the scanner device 7 that transmitted the status information is registered in the scanner list (S21). In a specific example, when the document 89 is placed on the scanner device 73, status information and scanner information “P003” are received (S20: YES). Although not shown, the scanner information “P003” is added to the scanner list.

  Next, the time T6 is updated (S22). Thereby, the time T6 is set to the time when the status information is acquired in S20. Next, the CPU 21 advances the process to S23. In this case, in S24, it is specified that the scanner devices 72 and 73 based on the scanner information “P002” and “P003” in the scanner list can execute the reading operation based on the setting information acquired in S18. Then, it is determined that there is not one scanner device 7 identified as being able to execute the reading operation in S24 (S26: YES). In other words, it is determined that there are a plurality of scanner devices 7 identified as being capable of executing the reading operation in S24. Next, S28 is executed. In the CPU 31 and S28, the controller device 3 is made to acquire readable device information for the plurality of scanner devices 7.

  In a specific example, the CPU 21 creates a second Web page (not shown) and causes the operation device 3 to acquire it. On the second Web page, a scanner device icon indicating scanner information “P002” registered in the scanner list and a scanner device icon indicating scanner information “P003” are displayed in the scanner display area. In S24, it is specified that the scanner information “P002” and “P003” can be read by the setting information acquired in S18. For this reason, the scanner device icons of the scanner information “P002” and “P003” are in a state that can be selected by the operation device 3 in accordance with a user instruction.

  Note that the case where the operation device 3 acquires readable device information for a plurality of scanner devices 7 is, for example, a case where a user operating the operation device 3 places a document 89 on the scanner device 7, and another person This is a case where the original 89 is arranged in the scanner device 7. The user can confirm that there are a plurality of image reading apparatuses on which the document 89 is arranged and capable of performing a reading operation based on reading settings corresponding to the specifications required by the external server 10.

  If it is determined in S19 that the timeout period T2 has elapsed (S19: YES), the CPU 21 causes the controller device 3 to acquire timeout information that is information indicating that a timeout has occurred (S38). The controller device 3 displays the time-out on the display unit 36 based on the time-out information. For example, a message such as “Timed out” is displayed on the display unit 36. Note that when the time-out information is acquired in S38, for example, a Web page including a message such as “time-out” is created. Then, similarly to S28, the CPU 21 causes the operation device 3 to acquire the created Web page. After S38 is executed, the CPU 21 returns the process to S11.

  In S23, when the scanner information is not registered in the scanner list (S23: NO), the CPU 21 causes the operation device 3 to acquire the placement request information that is information for placing the document 89 (S39). Note that when the arrangement request information is acquired in S39, for example, a Web page including a message such as “please place an original” is created. Then, similarly to S28, the CPU 21 causes the operation device 3 to acquire the created Web page. The controller device 3 displays the Web page on the display unit 36. After S39 is executed, the CPU 21 returns the process to S19.

  In S25, when there is no scanner device 7 specified that the reading operation can be executed in S24 (S25: YES), the CPU 21 causes the controller device 3 to acquire unsupported information. The non-corresponding information is information indicating that there is no scanner device 7 that can execute a reading operation according to the reading setting corresponding to the specification required by the external server 10 in the scanner device 7 on which the document 89 is arranged. In addition, when acquiring non-corresponding information in S40, for example, a Web page including a message such as “Unable to execute the reading operation with the reading setting corresponding to the specification requested by the service” is created. Then, similarly to S28, the CPU 21 causes the operation device 3 to acquire the created Web page. The controller device 3 displays the Web page on the display unit 36. After S40 is executed, the CPU 21 returns the process to S19 of FIG.

  As described above, the main process of the central server 2 is executed. For example, it is assumed that documents are arranged in the order of the scanner device 72 and the scanner device 74 within the list period T0. In this case, it is specified that the scanner device 74 can execute the reading operation based on the setting information set in S18, and the scanner device 74 is specified that the reading operation based on the setting information set in S18 cannot be executed (S24). . Then, the CPU 21 creates a third Web page and causes the operation device 3 to acquire it (S28). An inoperable display is displayed around the scanner device icon of the scanner information “P004”.

  The inoperable display is, for example, an area painted black or gray. The user of the operation device 3 cannot select the scanner information in the inoperable display. That is, the CPU 21 reads the unreadable device information, which is information indicating that the scanner device 7 based on the scanner information registered in the scanner list is the scanner device 7 that is not able to execute the reading operation acquired in S18. 3 (S28). As a result, the CPU 21 causes the controller device 3 to acquire the identification result obtained in S24 (S28).

[7. Operation of Scanner Device 7]
The main process of the scanner device 7 will be described with reference to FIG. The main process of the scanner device 7 is executed by the CPU 75. The main process of the scanner device 7 is executed when the power is turned on, and is terminated when the power is turned off.

It is determined whether setting information has been received (S81). The setting information is transmitted from the central server 2 (arrow 17 in FIG. 2). Note that the setting information received in S81 is the determination setting information transmitted in S30 of FIG. 11 or the setting information transmitted in S31. If the setting information has not been received (S83: NO), it is detected whether or not the document 89 is placed on the scanner device 7 (S82). Next, it is determined whether or not the time T7 is greater than a predetermined time (S83). At time T7, measurement starts from 0 in S82 described later. When the first S83 is executed, it is determined that the time T7 is greater than the predetermined time. The predetermined time is, for example, 15 seconds. When the time T7 is not longer than the predetermined time (S83: NO), the CPU 75 returns the process to S81.

  When the time T is longer than the predetermined time (S83: YES), access to the central server 2 is executed (S84). In S84, the scanner information is transmitted to the central server 2. If it is detected in S82 that the document 89 is placed, status information is transmitted to the central server 2 in S84. The transmitted scanner information and status information are received by S12 of FIG. 10 or S20 of FIG. In S84, session information is stored in the session information storage area 763. Accordingly, the scanner device 7 holds a session with the central server 2. Next, the measurement of the time T is started from “0 seconds” (S85). Next, the CPU 75 returns the process to S81.

  When the setting information is received (S81: YES), the reading operation is executed with the reading setting based on the received setting information, and image data is acquired (S86). As a result, the document 89 is read with the specifications required by the external server 10, and image data is acquired. The acquired image data is stored in the scan data storage area 762. Next, the image data acquired in S86 is transmitted to the central server 2 (S87, arrow 18 in FIG. 2). That is, the CPU 75 uploads the image data to the central server 2. The transmitted image data is received in S32 of FIG. Next, the CPU 75 returns the process to S81. Note that unsupported information that is acquired by the operation device 3 by the CPU 21 in S40 is also a type of unreadable device information.

In the above embodiment, the HDD 22 is an example of the first storage unit exemplified in this specification . The access token and user ID are examples of user identification information exemplified in this specification . The scanner information is an example of device identification information exemplified in this specification . The CPU 21 that performs the process of S11 is an example of a first receiving unit exemplified in this specification . The document 89 is an example of a reading object exemplified in this specification . The CPU 21 that performs the processes of S12 and S20 is an example of a second receiving unit exemplified in this specification . The RAM 77 is an example of second storage means exemplified in this specification . The CPU 21 that performs the processes of S14, S16, and S21 is an example of a storage control unit exemplified in this specification . The CPU 21 that performs the process of S18 is an example of an acquisition unit exemplified in this specification . The CPU 21 that performs the process of S24 is an example of an execution specifying unit exemplified in this specification . The CPU 21 that performs the processes of S40 and S28 is an example of a control unit exemplified in this specification . The CPU 21 that performs the processes of S25 and S26 is an example of a first number determination unit exemplified in this specification . The CPU 21 that performs the processes of S25 and S26 is an example of a second number determination unit exemplified in this specification . The CPU 21 that performs the processing of S27: YES and S31 is an example of a transmission unit exemplified in this specification .

  In addition, this invention is not limited to said embodiment, A various change is possible. For example, the CPU 21 causes the controller device 3 to acquire the readable device information and the unreadable device information in S28, but may acquire only one of them. In S27 and S31, the setting information is automatically transmitted to the scanner device 7 when the automatic scan execution period T3 has elapsed. However, the setting information may not be automatically transmitted.

  Although the scanner device icon of the scanner device 7 on which the document 89 is arranged is displayed in the scanner display area of the Web page created in S28, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the scanner device icon of the scanner device 7 on which the document 89 is not arranged may be displayed. Hereinafter, this modification will be described.

  In the following description, as an example, it is assumed that the document 89 is arranged in the scanner device 74 within the list period T0. In this case, although not shown, the scanner information “P004” is registered in the scanner list (S16 or S21). In S24, the scanner data table 82 is referred to, and it is specified whether or not the scanner device 74 based on the scanner information “P004” in the scanner list can execute the reading operation based on the setting information acquired in S18. Further, in the case of this modification example, the scanner data table 82 shown in FIG. 6 is further referred to in S24, and the scanner information “P001”, “P002”, “P003” corresponding to the access token “XXXX” received in S11. , “P004” is specified. Then, among the scanner devices 7 based on the specified scanner information, the scanner device 7 that can execute the reading operation based on the setting information acquired in S18 is specified. That is, the scanner devices 71, 72, and 73 are specified.

  In S28, the scanner device 7 on which the document 89 is placed can specify the result of specifying whether or not the setting information acquired in S18 can execute the reading operation, and the scanner device 7 that can execute the reading operation based on the setting information acquired in S18. Is acquired by the controller device 3. In S28, the CPU 21 creates a fourth Web page and causes the controller device 3 to acquire it. Since the scanner device 74 on which the document 89 is placed cannot execute the reading operation based on the setting information acquired in S18, an inoperable display is displayed around the scanner device icon of the scanner information “P004” on the fourth Web page. The In addition, since the document 89 is disposed on the scanner device 74 having the scanner information “P004”, an arrangement display that indicates that the document 89 is disposed is displayed. The layout display is, for example, a text display such as “Original is placed”, and is displayed for the scanner device icon of the scanner information “P004”. Further, since the scanner devices 71, 72, and 73 that can execute the reading operation based on the setting information acquired in S18 are specified, the scanner device icons of the scanner information “P001”, “P002”, and “P003” are also displayed. . The scanner device icons of the scanner information “P001”, “P002”, and “P003” are in a state that can be selected by the operation device 3 in accordance with a user instruction.

  The process of referring to the scanner data table 82 added to S24 in this modification and identifying the scanner device 7 based on the scanner information acquired in S18 may be a process different from S24. For example, the process of referring to the scanner data table 82 and specifying the scanner device 7 based on the scanner information acquired in S18 may be executed after S18.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Network system 2 Central server 6 Network 7 Scanner apparatus 10, 40, 50 External server 21 CPU
22 HDD
23 RAM
41, 42, 51, 52 Storage server 7, 71, 72, 73, 74 Scanner device 913 Scan execution button T0 List period T1 Detection period T2 Timeout period T3 Automatic scan execution period

Claims (11)

An information processing apparatus connected to each of an operation apparatus, a plurality of image reading apparatuses, and a service providing apparatus that provides a plurality of services that can be used on a Web page via a network interface,
First specifying means for specifying one image reading device corresponding to a user who operates the operation device accessed via the network interface among the plurality of image reading devices;
Second specifying means for receiving service identification information for identifying any one of the plurality of services via the network interface and identifying setting information corresponding to a specific service identified by the received service identification information When,
Wherein the first identification means one image reading device is identified, and the by the second specifying means responsive to said setting information is identified, the first said one image specified by the specifying means reader Command the image reading according to the setting information specified in
When the setting information specified by the second specifying means includes processing of image data, a process for processing the image data created by the commanded one image reading device based on the setting information. Performing or processing for processing based on the setting information in the one image reading device, causing the specific service to acquire the image data created by processing through the network interface,
If the setting information specified by the second specifying means does not include image data processing, the specified service acquires the image data created by the one image reading device via the network interface. Acquisition means for
An information processing apparatus comprising: The acquisition means includes
And a first transmission unit configured to transmit the setting information identified by the second identification unit to the one image reading device identified by the first identification unit via the network interface. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1. The acquisition means includes
The image data to which the single image reading apparatus has been created, received from the one of the image reading apparatus via the network interface, and transmits the received the image data, in the specific service through the network interface The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second transmission unit. The acquisition means includes
Wherein one of the image data by the image reading device is created, via the network interface received from the one of the image reading apparatus, the received the image data, the setting information specified by said second specifying means The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a first processing unit that performs processing based on the processing. A first registration means for registering the service;
It said acquisition means, if the specific service is registered in the first registration means, the image data, one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that to obtain the specific service through the network interface An information processing apparatus according to claim 1. The second specifying means includes
A setting screen for processing the image data created by the one image reading device based on the setting information specified by the second specifying means is displayed on the operating device, and the setting screen is displayed. information according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that identified by said setting information transmitted, received via the network interface from the operation device in response to operation on the operating device has Processing equipment. The setting screen
The information processing apparatus according to claim 6 , further comprising: the setting screen for setting the setting information to be transmitted to the one image reading apparatus specified by the first specifying unit. The second specifying means includes
The setting for receiving the service identification information after accepting a login process by the operation device via the network interface and performing setting corresponding to the specific service identified by the received service identification information the information processing apparatus according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that to display the screen. A second registration unit for registering a plurality of device identification information for identifying each of the plurality of image reading devices with respect to the user identification information for identifying the user;
The first specifying means includes
After accepting login processing by the operation device via the network interface, a plurality of image reading devices corresponding to a user who operates the operation device on which the login processing has been executed are based on the second registration unit. Including a display means for causing the operation device to display a selection screen for specifying and selecting any of the plurality of specified image reading devices;
The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that identifying the one of the image reading apparatus which is selected in response to an operation to the operating device. The display means includes
The information processing apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein the operation apparatus displays the selection screen that can be selected only by the image reading apparatus connected via the network interface. A network system including an operation device connected to each other via a network interface, a plurality of image reading devices, a service providing device that provides a plurality of services that can be used on a Web page, and an information processing device,
The information processing apparatus includes:
First specifying means for specifying one image reading device corresponding to a user who operates the operation device accessed via the network interface among the plurality of image reading devices;
Second specifying means for receiving service identification information for identifying any one of the plurality of services via the network interface and identifying setting information corresponding to a specific service identified by the received service identification information When,
Wherein the first identification means one image reading device is identified, and the by the second specifying means responsive to said setting information is identified, the first said one image specified by the specifying means reader Command the image reading according to the setting information specified in
When the setting information specified by the second specifying means includes processing of image data, a process for processing the image data created by the commanded one image reading device based on the setting information. Performing or processing for processing based on the setting information in the one image reading device, causing the specific service to acquire the image data created by processing through the network interface,
If the setting information specified by the second specifying means does not include image data processing, the specified service acquires the image data created by the one image reading device via the network interface. Acquisition means for
With
The operating device is:
Access means for accessing the information processing apparatus;
The image reading device includes image data creating means for creating the image data in response to a command from the information processing device,
The network system, wherein the service providing apparatus includes image data acquisition means for acquiring the image data via the network interface.

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