JP7131375B2 - Programs, information processors, and scanning systems - Google Patents

Description

The technical field disclosed in this specification relates to a program for controlling a scanner, an information processing device, and a scanning system.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a technique related to an image reading apparatus, there is known a scanning system that generates one image file from reading results of a document that has been read in a plurality of times. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a scanner application incorporated in a control device such as a personal computer, which has a continuous scan mode in which one scan is not a single scan, but the previous scan is taken over continuously. is disclosed.

JP 2010-259061 A

As a function to support the above-described scanning system, when a second document is set at the document setting position after generating scan data by reading the first document, the second document is automatically read. There is an auto continuous scan function that generates scan data in which the scan data of the second document is continuous with the scan data of the first document that has already been generated. When the auto continuous scan function is enabled, it is possible to omit the operation of inputting a scan start instruction for each document, so that it is possible to reduce the user's trouble when scanning the document in multiple batches.

However, if a user other than the user who enabled the auto continuous scan function sets a document while the auto continuous scan function is enabled, the document unintended by the user who enabled the auto continuous scan function will be read. There is a problem that For example, if the scanner is installed at a location away from the user and the user enables the auto continuous scanning function of the scanner from a remote location using a control device such as a PC, another scanning operation will be performed before the user sets the document on the scanner. This increases the possibility that the user will set the document.

This specification discloses a technique for reducing the possibility of reading an unintended document by a user, with respect to a program for controlling a scanner having an automatic continuous scanning function.

A program designed to solve this problem is executable by a computer of an information processing device, and is a program for controlling a scanner. auto continuous scan setting processing for transmitting an auto continuous scan request for enabling the function to the scanner via the communication interface of the information processing device, and the auto continuous scan function is scanned by reading a first document; automatically reading the second document when the second document is set at the document setting position after the data is generated, and continuing the generated scan data of the first document; It is a function to generate scan data of a second document, and further, when the communication path with the scanner is the first path, the computer may restrict execution of the auto continuous scan setting process, and the It is characterized in that when the communication path with the scanner is the second path, a restriction process that does not restrict the execution of the auto continuous scan setting process is executed.

According to the program disclosed in this specification, it is possible to limit the transmission of auto continuous scan requests for enabling the auto continuous scan function of the scanner, depending on the communication path with the scanner. For example, since it is possible to estimate whether the distance to the scanner is close or not based on the difference in the communication path with the scanner, there are cases where communication with the scanner is assumed to be at a short distance, and communication with the scanner at a long distance. Whether or not to send an auto continuous scan request can be determined depending on whether it is assumed that the auto continuous scan request is sent. As a result, it can be expected to reduce the possibility that another user's document is set while the automatic continuous scanning function is enabled, and that the user's unintended document is read.

The control method realized by the above program, the information processing apparatus executing the program, and the computer-readable storage medium storing the program are also novel and useful.

According to the technique disclosed in this specification, a technique for reducing the possibility of reading an unintended document by a user is realized for a program for controlling a scanner having an automatic continuous scanning function.

2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the scanning system; FIG. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of scanning operation initiated by a scan application; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a difference in display screens depending on whether or not setting of automatic continuous scanning is accepted; 4 is a flow chart showing a procedure of start-up processing; FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing conditions for determining presence/absence of restrictions; 4 is a flowchart showing the procedure of scan execution processing; FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the flow of scanning operation initiated by a monitoring application;

A scan system according to this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. This embodiment is a system including a scanner and a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as "PC").

For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the scanning system 100 of this embodiment includes a PC 1, a scanner 2, and a scanner 3, and the scanner 2 and the scanner 3 are connected to the PC 1 via a predetermined communication path. is. The PC 1 is an example of an information processing device. An example of the information processing device may be, for example, a smart phone or a tablet computer instead of the PC 1 . The scanner 2 and the scanner 3 are devices capable of reading an image of a document, acquiring scan data, and transmitting the acquired scan data to the PC 1 .

The PC 1 of this embodiment includes a controller 10 including a CPU 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, and a nonvolatile memory 14, as shown in FIG. The PC 1 also includes a network interface (hereinafter referred to as "network IF") 16, a USB communication interface (hereinafter referred to as "USB-IF") 17, a display 18, and a user interface (hereinafter referred to as "user IF"). ) 19 , which are electrically connected to the controller 10 . Note that the controller 10 in FIG. 1 is a general term for hardware and software used to control the PC 1 and does not necessarily represent a single piece of hardware that actually exists in the PC 1 .

The CPU 11 executes various processes according to programs read from the ROM 12 and the nonvolatile memory 14 and based on user's operations. The CPU 11 is an example of a computer. The ROM 12 stores a boot program and the like for booting the PC 1 . The RAM 13 is used as a work area when various processes are executed, or as a storage area for temporarily storing data. The nonvolatile memory 14 is, for example, an HDD or a flash memory, and is used as an area for storing programs such as various application programs (hereinafter referred to as “applications”), data such as image data and document data, and various settings. be.

The ROM 12, RAM 13 and non-volatile memory 14 are all examples of memory. Further, if the CPU 11 has a CPU buffer, the CPU buffer is also an example of memory. Examples of the memory are not limited to the HDD built in the PC 1, but may be a storage medium readable and writable by the CPU 11. FIG. A computer-readable storage medium is a non-transitory medium. In addition to the above examples, non-transitory media include recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs. A non-transitory medium is also a tangible medium. On the other hand, an electrical signal that carries a program downloaded from a server on the Internet is a computer-readable signal medium, which is a kind of computer-readable medium, but is a non-transitory computer-readable storage. Not included in media.

The network IF 16 includes hardware for network connection that communicates with external devices via a network such as a LAN or the Internet. The communication standard of the network IF 16 is Ethernet (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), or the like. The USB-IF 17 includes hardware for USB connection that performs communication based on the USB standard. The mode of communication of the network IF 16 and USB-IF 17 may be wired or wireless. Both the network IF 16 and the USB-IF 17 are examples of communication interfaces. The network IF 16 is an example of a first type communication interface, and the USB-IF 17 is an example of a second type communication interface.

The scanner 2 and scanner 3 of this embodiment can be connected to the PC 1 via the network IF 16 of the PC 1 and via the USB-IF 17 . In this embodiment, the scanner 2 is connected to the PC 1 via the network IF 16, and the scanner 3 is connected to the PC 1 via the USB-IF 17, as shown in FIG. A communication path through which the PC 1 and the scanner 2 communicate via the network IF 16 is an example of a first path. A communication path through which the PC 1 and the scanner 3 communicate via the USB-IF 17 is an example of the second path. Note that one scanner may be connected by a plurality of communication paths.

A communication path via the network IF 16 is a remote connection path connected via other devices such as servers and routers. Also, the communication path via the network IF 16 is a path of a communication form with a wide communication range, and is a one-to-many connection path. Devices connected to the PC 1 via the network IF 16 are not limited to the scanner 2, and may include, for example, other PCs, other scanners, printers, and FAX machines. The scanners connected via the network IF 16 are likely to be shared, for example, on a floor-by-floor basis or a department-by-department basis, and installed in a sharable location.

On the other hand, the communication path through the USB-IF 17 is a path through which the PC 1 and the scanner 3 are directly connected, a local connection path, and a one-to-one connection path. A scanner connected via the USB-IF 17 is likely to be installed near the PC1. That is, the distance between PC1 and scanner 3 tends to be shorter than the distance between PC1 and scanner 2 .

The display 18 includes hardware for displaying screens for informing the user of information. The display 18 is an example of a display device. The user IF 19 is, for example, a keyboard, mouse, trackball, and includes hardware that accepts user operations. Instead of the set of the display 18 and the user IF 19, a device having both an input function and an output function, such as a touch panel, may be used.

In the non-volatile memory 14 of the PC 1, as shown in FIG. Data and various programs are stored. The OS 41 is, for example, Microsoft Windows (registered trademark), MacOS (registered trademark), or Linux (registered trademark). Note that part of the OS 41 may be stored in the ROM 12 .

The scan application 42, for example, acquires scan data obtained by reading a document with the scanner 2 or 3 via each path, edits the scan data according to an instruction via the user IF 19, and saves the data in a saving mode specified by the user. It is an application that saves. In addition, the scan application 42 receives, for example, an instruction to execute a scan, a specification of a scanner to be used, an instruction of various settings related to scanning, a specification of a file format for saving scan data, and a specification of a storage location, via the user IF 19. .

The scanner driver 43 is a program that communicates with the scanner and controls the operation of the scanner. The scanner driver 43 is prepared by the scanner manufacturer corresponding to each scanner model and installed in the PC 1 before using the scanner. The scanner driver 43 corresponding to the scanner designated by the scan application 42 or the like is activated, for example, when the scan application 42 or the like receives an instruction to start a scanning operation. In this embodiment, the scanners 2 and 3 are of the same model, and the scanner driver 43 is compatible with both the scanners 2 and 3 . Scanner driver 43 is an example of a program.

The scanner driver 43 includes a main program that controls the operation of the scanner, and a calling program that is prepared for each communication path between the scanner and the PC 1 and that calls the main program. For example, the scanner driver 43 corresponding to a scanner connected via multiple communication paths includes multiple calling programs for each communication path. The OS 41 registers each calling program in association with a name indicating a combination of a scanner name and a communication path. The scan application 42 displays a list of names indicating combinations of scanner names and communication paths as available devices on the screen for selecting a scanner, and accepts user's selection. The scan application 42 passes the selected name to the OS 41, and the OS 41 activates the calling program corresponding to the received name. Each calling program activates the main program of the corresponding scanner driver 43, and passes communication path information to the main program at the time of activation.

The monitoring application 44 is an application for monitoring the states of the scanners 2 and 3 connected to the PC 1 . The monitoring application 44 is activated when the PC 1 is activated and resides in the PC 1 . The monitoring application 44 , for example, communicates with the scanners 2 and 3 at predetermined time intervals to acquire information indicating the status of the scanners 2 and 3 . The monitoring application 44 is an example of a resident application program.

For example, the monitoring application 44 receives a user's operation at the scanner 2 or the scanner 3, and activates the scanner driver 43 upon receiving an instruction from the scanner when the PC 1 is selected as the scan data transmission destination. The monitoring application 44 activates the calling program corresponding to the combination of the scanner name and the communication path according to the communication path with the scanner that transmitted the instruction. At this time, the monitoring application 44 passes information indicating that the originator is the monitoring application 44 to the calling program, and the calling program passes this information to the main program.

Therefore, the main program of the scanner driver 43 acquires information indicating the selected scanner and information indicating the communication path between the scanner and its own device when it is started. When the scanner driver 43 is activated by the monitoring application 44, it also acquires information indicating that the activation source is the monitoring application 44. FIG. Then, the scanner driver 43 determines acceptable settings based on the information. Specifically, it determines whether or not to accept a setting for enabling an auto continuous scan function, which will be described later.

Next, the scanner 2 and the scanner 3 used in the scanning system 100 of this embodiment will be described. The scanner 2 and the scanner 3 of this embodiment are provided with an automatic document feeder (hereinafter referred to as "ADF"), and when an instruction to start reading is received with a plurality of documents placed together on the ADF, they are grouped together. It has a function to continuously read multiple sheets of originals placed on the same table. The document tray of the ADF is an example of a document setting position.

The scanner 2 and scanner 3 of this embodiment have a continuous scanning function. The continuous scanning function is a function that regards a document that has been read in multiple batches as a continuous set of documents, and continuously performs the reading operation with the same scan settings. When the scanner 2 or scanner 3 receives a scan execution instruction including the setting of the continuous scan function, the continuous scan function is enabled, and each scan data read during the period when the continuous scan function is enabled is scanned. Perform the processing set by the execution instruction of . For example, the scanner 2 and the scanner 3 transmit all of the scan data read in a plurality of times to the same PC as a continuous scan operation.

Furthermore, the scanners 2 and 3 of this embodiment have an auto continuous scan function for automatically restarting scanning as an option of the continuous scan function. When the auto continuous scan function is enabled, the scanner 2 and scanner 3 automatically start reading when they detect that a document is placed on the ADF, and scan data according to the scan settings of the continuous scan being executed. process. In other words, after the first document set on the ADF has been read, the scanner 2 and the scanner 3 will read the second document on the ADF during the effective period of the auto continuous scanning function. To automatically start reading a second document with the same scan settings as the first document.

When an instruction to execute a scanning operation using the auto continuous scanning function is received, the scanners 2 and 3, for example, sequentially read documents set on the ADF, generate scan data, and transmit the scan data to the PC1. When a new document is set on the ADF before the automatic continuous scanning function is disabled, the scanners 2 and 3 read the document, generate new scan data, and use the newly generated scan data. It is transmitted to the PC 1 as data following the scan data that has been generated and transmitted.

Note that the effective period of the continuous scanning function ends, for example, when the user instructs to terminate the scanning or when the timeout time elapses without the document. The user's end instruction is accepted by the scan application 42 of the PC 1 or the operation screen of the scanner 2 or scanner 3 . Further, the scanner driver 43 of the present embodiment accepts setting of timeout time of the continuous scanning function as an option of the continuous scanning function. The time until timeout may be measured by the PC 1 or by the scanner 2 or scanner 3 . In the case of the PC 1, for example, the PC 1 transmits a signal for confirming the presence or absence of the document to the scanner at predetermined time intervals, and determines the presence or absence of the document based on the reply from the scanner.

Next, the scanning operation of the PC 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to sequence diagrams and flow charts. As described above, the scanner driver 43 of this embodiment may be started by the scan application 42 or may be started by the monitoring application 44 . First, the operation of the scanner driver 43 when activated by the scan application 42 will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.

It should be noted that the following processing and each processing step in the flow chart basically indicate the processing of the CPU 11 according to the instructions described in the program. That is, the processes such as "judgment", "extraction", "selection", "calculation", "determination", "specification", "acquisition", "acceptance", "control", etc. in the following description are performed by the CPU 11. represent. The processing by the CPU 11 also includes hardware control using the API of the OS of the PC 1 . In this specification, the description of the OS is omitted and the operation of each program will be described. That is, in the following description, the description to the effect that "the program B controls the hardware C" may refer to "the program B controls the hardware C using the API of the OS." Also, the processing of the CPU 11 according to the instructions written in the program may be described with abbreviated words. For example, it may be described as "performed by the CPU 11". In addition, the processing of the CPU 11 according to the instructions described in the program may be described by abbreviating the CPU, such as "performed by the program A."

Note that "acquisition" is used as a concept that does not require a request. That is, the process of receiving data without the CPU 11 requesting it is also included in the concept of "the CPU 11 acquires data." Also, "data" in this specification is represented by a computer-readable bit string. Data having substantially the same meaning and content but different formats are treated as the same data. The same applies to "information" in this specification. Further, "request" and "instruct" are concepts indicating outputting information indicating requesting or instructing to the other party. Also, information indicating a request or information indicating an instruction is simply referred to as a "request" or an "instruction."

Also, the process of judging by the CPU 11 whether or not the information A indicates that the matter B is conceptually described as "judging whether or not the information A is the matter B". There is The processing by the CPU 11 to determine whether information A indicates matter B or matter C is referred to as "judging whether information A is matter B or matter C". It may be described conceptually as

As shown in FIG. 2, the user executes the scan application 42 and selects a scanner to be used in the scan application 42 (arrow A). The scanner selection also includes information on the communication path between the PC 1 and the scanner. As a result, the scan application 42 activates the scanner driver 43 corresponding to the selected scanner (arrow B). Here, by receiving the selection of scanner 2 or scanner 3, the scanner driver 43 corresponding to these scanners is activated.

The scanner driver 43 communicates with the selected scanner and acquires the information of the main body capability value indicating the function of the scanner (arrow C). Further, the scanner driver 43 determines whether or not the starting application is the monitoring application 44 based on the information received at startup (arrow D). 2 shows the case where the scanner driver 43 is activated by the scan application 42, and the scanner driver 43 determines that it is not activated by the monitoring application 44 at arrow D. FIG.

Then, the scanner driver 43 determines acceptable scan settings (arrow G) based on the main body capability value acquired from the scanner and the information received at startup. At arrow G, for example, it is determined whether to accept the setting of enabling/disabling the auto continuous scan function. Details of the determination method will be described later. Then, the scanner driver 43 notifies the scan application 42 of activation completion (arrow H).

When the scan application 42 receives a detailed setting instruction from the user (arrow I), it instructs the scanner driver 43 to display an input reception screen for the user (hereinafter referred to as “UI”) (arrow J). The scanner driver 43 determines items to be displayed in the UI based on the determination in arrow G, and causes the display 18 to display the UI (arrow K). The displayed UI includes objects such as various options and buttons. The process of displaying the UI with the arrow K is an example of the screen display process.

Since the scanner 2 and the scanner 3 of this embodiment have the continuous scanning function, the main body capability values of the scanner 2 and the scanner 3 include the continuous scanning function. Therefore, the UI displayed by the arrow K includes an option for receiving settings for continuous scanning.

When continuous scanning is selected, the scanner driver 43, based on the determination result of arrow G, displays a UI that accepts settings for enabling the automatic continuous scanning function, or a UI that does not accept settings for enabling the automatic continuous scanning function. display any of FIG. 3A shows an example of a UI that accepts settings to enable the auto continuous scan function, and FIG. 3B shows an example of a UI that does not accept settings to enable the auto continuous scan function. The UI shown in FIG. 3B is an example of the first screen, and the UI shown in FIG. 3A is an example of the second screen.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the UI for accepting the setting to enable the auto continuous scan function has an automatic button 61 and a manual button 62 as options for the restart timing of the continuous scan function. displayed as selectable. The automatic restart setting in the continuous scan function corresponds to the setting of the auto continuous scan function described above. The automatic button 61 is an example of a specific object. The UI includes an OK button 63 and a cancel button 64, and accepts these operations as well. The OK button 63 is a button for accepting an instruction to decide each input setting, and the Cancel button 64 is a button for accepting an instruction to end detailed setting without changing the setting.

Further, the UI shown in FIG. 3A includes fields for receiving settings of a timeout period and a period of time until the start of conveyance as options for the continuous scanning function. As described above, the scanners 2 and 3 disable the continuous scanning function when the elapsed time without the document exceeds the timeout time after receiving the instruction to start scanning with the continuous scanning function. Further, the time until the start of transportation is the waiting time from when the document is placed on the ADF until the transportation by the ADF is started.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3B, the auto button 61 in a selectable state is not displayed on the UI that does not accept the setting to enable the auto continuous scan function. If the scanner driver 43 decides not to accept the setting to enable the auto continuous scan function, for example, as shown in FIG. Display grayed out UI. Graying out is a display mode indicating that selection is not accepted. By displaying the UI shown in FIG. 3B, the scanner driver 43 does not accept the designation of the continuous scanning function in automatic restart.

A UI that does not accept the setting to enable the auto continuous scan function is, for example, a UI that does not accept the selection of the continuous scan function, or a UI that does not accept the automatic selection as the restart timing even if the continuous scan function is selected. It can be. The UI that does not accept selection may be, for example, graying out the automatic button 61 as shown in FIG. Even if the input is accepted, the selection state may not be changed.

Returning to the description of FIG. 2, the scanner driver 43 accepts the setting of each parameter on the displayed UI, and when the OK button 63 is pressed (arrow L), the detailed setting UI is cleared and the detailed setting is performed. is notified to the scan application 42 (arrow M). Note that if the detailed setting instruction is not accepted, the UI is not displayed and the continuous scanning function is disabled by default.

The scan application 42 receives an instruction to start scanning from the user (arrow N), and passes the instruction to start scanning to the scanner driver 43 (arrow O). The scanner driver 43 transmits the set scan parameters to the scanner (arrow P), and further transmits a signal instructing the start of scanning to the scanner (arrow Q). This causes the scanner to perform a scanning operation (arrow R). Note that the scanner driver 43 may accept the instruction to start scanning by pressing the OK button 63 indicated by the arrow L. In this case, the scan application 42 does not accept the instruction indicated by the arrow N.

The scanner transmits scan data generated by executing the scan to the scanner driver 43 (arrow S). The scanner driver 43 passes the received scan data to the scan application 42 (arrow T). Note that when the continuous scanning function is set, the scanner continuously performs reading and generation of scan data, and transmits the generated scan data to the scanner driver 43 . The scanner driver 43 creates one file by combining a plurality of scan data received during the effective period of the continuous scan function, and passes the created file to the scan application 42 . The scan application 42 edits and saves the received scan data (arrow U).

Next, the procedure of each process of the scanner driver 43 that implements the scanning operation described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6. FIG. First, the procedure of activation processing of the scanner driver 43 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Activation processing is executed by the CPU 11 of the PC 1 when the scanner driver 43 is activated. As described above, the scanner driver 43 is activated when the scanner 2 or the scanner 3 is selected as the device for executing scanning. and information on the communication path between the scanner and the PC1.

In the scanning process, the CPU 11 first communicates with the selected scanner and acquires the main body capability value from the scanner (S101, arrow C in FIG. 2). In S101, the CPU 11 also acquires model information indicating the model of the selected scanner. S101 is an example of an acquisition process.

Next, the CPU 11 determines whether or not the monitor application 44 is the starting source of the scanner driver 43 (S102, arrow D in FIG. 2). If it is determined that the monitor application 44 is not the starting source of the scanner driver 43 based on the information received at startup (S102: NO), the CPU 11 detects the specified scanner based on the scanner model information and main unit capacity value. is capable of executing the auto continuous scan function (S103).

Specifically, when the model information of the scanner indicates a model corresponding to the automatic continuous scanning function, or when the main body capability value received from the scanner indicates that the automatic continuous scanning function is supported, the CPU 11 Then, YES is determined in S103. Alternatively, if the model information of the scanner indicates a model compatible with the automatic continuous scanning function and the main body capability value received from the scanner indicates that it corresponds to the automatic continuous scanning function, the CPU 11 proceeds to S103. Therefore, it may be determined as YES.

If it is determined that the automatic continuous scanning function can be executed (S103: YES), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the communication path between the device and the selected scanner is network connection based on the information received at startup. (S104). If it is determined that the scanner is network connected (S104: YES), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the selected scanner has a display based on the model information and main body capability value acquired in S101 (S105).

If it is determined that the model is not capable of executing the auto continuous scan function (S103: NO), or if it is determined that the selected scanner is not a model equipped with a display (S105: NO), the CPU 11 performs the auto continuous scan. It is determined to make the function unselectable (S106). In this case, when the scan application 42 receives a detailed setting instruction, for example, the UI shown in FIG.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the activation source is the monitoring application 44 (S102: YES), or if it is determined that the connection is made via the USB-IF 17 instead of the network IF 16 (S104: NO), or if the display is When it is determined that the model is provided (S105: YES), the CPU 11 determines to make the auto continuous scan function selectable (S107).

In this case, when the scan application 42 receives a detailed setting instruction, for example, the UI shown in FIG. Then, when the operation of the OK button 63 is accepted in a state where an instruction to execute the auto continuous scan function is accepted on the displayed UI, the CPU 11 sets scan parameters including settings for the auto continuous scan function.

The processing of S102 to S107 is processing for determining whether or not to accept a setting for enabling or disabling the auto continuous scan function, and is an example of restriction processing. S103 to S107 correspond to the acceptability determination process indicated by arrow G in FIG. Note that the CPU 11 may make the determinations of S102 to S105 based on information stored in the memory of its own device or information read from a server or the like connected to its own device.

The PC 1 of this embodiment determines whether or not the setting of the auto continuous scan function can be selected based on the communication path, the device that has received the scan instruction, and the model information so that the relationship shown in FIG. 5 is established. ing. In FIG. 5, "O" indicates that the setting of the automatic continuous scanning function can be selected, and "x" indicates that the setting of the automatic continuous scanning function cannot be selected. In other words, in this embodiment, the scanner driver 43 is connected via the network IF 16 and does not have a display. disables the setting of the auto continuous scan function. In other cases, the scanner driver 43 allows the setting of the auto continuous scan function to be selectable if the model is equipped with the auto continuous scan function.

The scanner 2 connected via the network IF 16 is likely to be connected to multiple PCs and shared by multiple users. Also, the shared scanner 2 may be placed at a location distant from the PC 1 . If a document is placed on the ADF by a user other than the user who instructed the auto continuous scan function during the period when the auto continuous scan function is enabled, the scanner 2 puts the placed document into the auto continuous scan function. Scanning is started assuming that it is the target of the used scanning instruction.

Then, for example, if the scanner 2 is a model that does not have a display, it is difficult to know whether or not the automatic continuous scanning function by other users is enabled. In models without a display, for example, only an LED that indicates that processing is being executed lights up, and in many cases it is not possible to know the function being used. Therefore, even if the automatic continuous scanning function is enabled, another user may mistakenly set the document. In the present embodiment, the model does not have a display, and in the case of a scan instruction to a scanner connected via the network IF 16, the scanner driver 43 restricts the use of the auto continuous scan function. Possibility of acquiring data is reduced.

On the other hand, if the selected scanner is a model equipped with a display, the fact that the auto continuous scan function is enabled can be displayed on the display, so other users can The possibility of leaving the manuscript behind is low. Further, the scanner 3 connected via the USB-IF 17 is less likely to be shared by a plurality of users and tends to be closer to the PC 1, so there is less need for restrictions. The scanner driver 43 of this embodiment performs automatic continuous scanning when the selected scanner is connected via the USB-IF 17, and when the selected scanner is network-connected and is a model equipped with a display. User convenience is improved by not restricting function settings.

A model without a display is an example of a model that cannot notify whether or not the auto continuous scan function is effective, and is an example of a first model. A model with a display is an example of a model capable of informing whether or not the auto continuous scan function is effective, and is an example of a second model. It should be noted that regardless of whether or not a display is provided, if the model is for mobile use, it may be determined that the auto continuous scan function can be selected. Since it is assumed that a user who uses a mobile-use model scanner will use the scanner by moving it near him/herself, there is a low possibility that another user will place a document on the mobile-use scanner. A scanner for mobile use is an example of the second model, and a scanner for non-mobile use is an example of the first model.

Returning to the description of the scanning process in FIG. After determining in S106 or S107 whether or not to enable the selection of the auto continuous scan function, the CPU 11 notifies the application of the activation source of activation completion (S108, arrow H in FIG. 2), and terminates the activation process. do. As a result, the CPU 11 returns to the processing of the scan application 42, for example, and receives various instructions from the scan application 42. FIG.

Next, the procedure of scan execution processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When the scan application 42 receives a scan execution instruction (arrow N in FIG. 2), the scan application 42 instructs the scanner driver 43 to start the scan execution process (arrow O in FIG. 2). The scan execution process is executed by the CPU 11 of the PC 1 when an instruction from the scan application 42 or the monitor application 44 is received.

In the scan execution process, the CPU 11 first transmits the scan parameters accepted by the scan application 42 or the like or the default scan parameters to the designated scanner (S201, arrow P in FIG. 2). Further, the CPU 11 transmits an execution command instructing execution of scanning to the same scanner (S202, arrow Q in FIG. 2). As a result, the scanner starts a scanning operation based on the received scan parameters, generates scan data (arrow R in FIG. 2), and transmits it to the PC 1 (arrow S in FIG. 2).

If the scan parameters include continuous scan parameters, the scanner starts scanning in continuous scan mode. If the scan parameters include the setting of the auto continuous scan function, the PC 1 requests the scanner to execute the auto continuous scan function through S201 and S202. When the scan parameters include the setting of the auto continuous scan function, the execution command is an example of an auto continuous scan request, and S201 and S202 are an example of the auto continuous scan setting process.

The CPU 11 receives the scan data transmitted from the scanner (S203) and temporarily stores it in a memory such as the RAM 13 or the like. Then, the CPU 11 determines whether or not a no-paper signal has been received from the scanner (S204). If a plurality of originals are set in the ADF of the scanner, the scanner scans the set originals one by one and transmits the scan data to the PC1. . When determining that the out-of-paper signal has not been received (S204: NO), the CPU 11 repeats receiving scan data until the out-of-paper signal is received.

When determining that the no-paper signal has been received (S204: YES), the CPU 11 determines whether continuous scanning is set as a scan parameter and continuous scanning is being executed (S205). When determining that continuous scanning is being executed (S205: YES), the CPU 11 determines whether or not a document is set on the scanner (S206).

The PC 1, for example, inquires of the scanner to determine the presence or absence of paper. When the auto continuous scanning function is enabled and a document is placed on the ADF, or when the document is placed on the flatbed or ADF during manual continuous scanning and the scan button is pressed, the paper Execute the scan in the present state. If the paper is not present, the scanner sends a no paper signal to the PC1.

If it is determined that there is no paper based on the reply from the scanner (S206: NO), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the scan application 42 has received a scan end instruction (S207). When determining that the scanning end instruction has not been received (S207: NO), the CPU 11 determines whether or not the timeout period for continuous scanning has elapsed (S208). If it is determined that the timeout period for continuous scanning has not elapsed (S208: NO), the CPU 11 returns to S206 and continues these determinations until the document is set, an end instruction is accepted, or the timeout period elapses. repeat.

When the document is set on the scanner, the CPU 11 determines that there is paper based on the signal from the scanner (S206: YES), returns to S203, and receives further scan data. If it is determined that the end instruction has been received (S207: YES), or if it is determined that the timeout time has passed (S208: YES), the CPU 11 notifies the scanner of the end of continuous scanning (S209).

After S209, or if it is determined that continuous scanning is not being executed (S205: NO), the CPU 11 transmits a device close signal to the scanner (S210). Furthermore, the CPU 11 collects the received scan data to create one scan file (S211), passes the created scan file to the scan application 42 or the monitoring application 44, and ends the scan execution process. When continuous scanning is set, the CPU 11 collects all the scan data received during the period in which continuous scanning was enabled into one file.

Next, a case where the scanner driver 43 is activated by the monitoring application 44 will be described. The scanner 2 and the scanner 3 can also receive a scan instruction directly from the user, for example, using an input function such as a touch panel of the own device. The operation when the scanner 2 or scanner 3 receives a scan instruction will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG. In addition, in FIG. 7, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same operations as in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 7, when scanner 2 or scanner 3 receives a user's instruction, scanner 2 or scanner 3 sets scan parameters based on the received instruction (arrow a). The scanner 2 or scanner 3 is a device capable of executing the automatic continuous scanning function, and can accept settings for the automatic continuous scanning function. Then, the scanner 2 or the scanner 3 accepts selection of a setting for enabling the auto continuous scan function as a scan parameter accepted by its own device.

When scanner 2 or scanner 3 receives an instruction to start scanning (arrow b), scanner 2 or scanner 3 transmits a signal notifying start of scanning to a device designated as a transmission destination. Here, the case where PC1 is designated as the destination will be described.

When the monitoring application 44 residing in the PC 1 receives the signal notifying the start of scanning (arrow c), it activates the scanner driver 43 (arrow B). The scanner driver 43 communicates with the scanner and acquires the main body capability value from the scanner (arrow C).

Further, the scanner driver 43 determines whether the starting application is the scanning application 42 or the monitoring application 44 based on the information received at startup (arrow D). In FIG. 7, the scanner driver 43 determines that the monitoring application 44 is activated. In the startup process described above, since it is determined as NO in S102, the scanner driver 43 accepts the setting for enabling the auto continuous scan function.

The scanner driver 43 passes the device capability value received from the scanner to the monitoring application 44 (arrow f). Furthermore, based on the instruction of the monitoring application 44, the parameters set in the main unit are acquired from the scanner and transferred to the monitoring application 44 (arrow g). Further, the scanner driver 43 sets scan parameters based on the device capability values and the parameters set in the device, and transfers them to the monitoring application 44 (arrow h).

When the scanner driver 43 receives a scan start command from the monitoring application 44 (arrow O), the scanner driver 43 transmits the set scan parameters to the scanner (arrow P), and further transmits a signal instructing the start of scanning to the scanner. (Arrow Q). The process of outputting instructions to the scanner with the arrows P and Q is an example of the scan instruction output process. This causes the scanner to perform a scanning operation (arrow R).

That is, when the scanner main body receives an instruction to enable the automatic continuous scanning function, the scanner driver 43 passes the received setting to the monitoring application 44 without restricting the automatic continuous scanning function. Thereafter, when a scanning instruction enabling the automatic continuous scanning function is received from the monitoring application 44, the scanning parameters for enabling the automatic continuous scanning function and an instruction to start scanning are transmitted to the scanner.

The scanner transmits scan data generated by executing the scan to the scanner driver 43 (arrow S). The scanner driver 43 passes the received scan data to the monitoring application 44 (arrow T). The monitoring application 44 outputs the received scan data to the registration application (arrow v). The registered application is an application registered in advance in the monitoring application 44, and edits and saves the received scan data.

The scanner driver 43 does not limit the scanning operation using the auto continuous scanning function regardless of the communication path when activated by an instruction from the scanner main body. If the instruction is from the main body of the scanner, it is assumed that the user is near the scanner, so the possibility of acquiring the scan data of another user's document is low.

As described in detail above, the scanner driver 43 of the present embodiment determines whether or not to restrict the execution of the processing for enabling the auto continuous scan function according to the communication path between the PC 1 and the scanner. Specifically, one is assumed to be connected via the USB-IF 17 and communicating with the scanner at a short distance, and the other is connected via the network IF 16 and is communicating with the scanner at a long distance. Whether or not the auto continuous scan function can be set is sorted according to when this is assumed. As a result, when the automatic continuous scanning function is set, it can be expected to reduce the possibility of reading a document unintended by the user.

In this embodiment, the UI displayed on the display 18 by the scanner driver 43 is switched between a screen for accepting input of an instruction to enable the auto continuous scanning function and a screen for not accepting input of the instruction. can definitely be limited. In particular, by hiding or graying out the automatic button 61 (see FIG. 3) that automatically accepts the restart timing in setting the continuous scanning function, it is possible to reliably limit the input of the instruction to enable the automatic continuous scanning function.

In addition, in this embodiment, whether or not to limit the automatic continuous scanning function can be sorted for each scanner model, so convenience is enhanced. For example, if the model is equipped with a display, it can notify that the auto continuous scan function is enabled. If notification is possible, it is unlikely that another user's document will be set during the effective period of automatic continuous scanning. Also, in the case of a mobile use model, the possibility that the scanner is brought near the PC 1 is high, and the possibility that another user's document is set during the effective period of auto continuous scanning is low. In this embodiment, the setting of the automatic continuous scanning function is not limited by the model of the scanner, so that the user of the PC 1 can easily use the scanner.

Further, the scanner driver 43 of this embodiment does not limit the setting of the auto continuous scan function when started from the monitoring application 44 which is an application resident in the PC 1 . When started from the monitoring application 44, it is assumed that the user is operating the scanner, and it is unlikely that another user's document will be set, so there is no need to limit the setting of the auto continuous scan function. .

It should be noted that the present embodiment is merely an example, and does not limit the present invention in any way. Therefore, the technology disclosed in this specification can naturally be improved and modified in various ways without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the present invention is not limited to scanners, and can be applied to multifunction machines, copiers, FAX machines, and the like, as long as they have an image reading function. Also, the number of PCs and scanners is not limited to the example in FIG.

Further, although the scanner 2 and the scanner 3 are the same model in the embodiment, they may be different models. That is, the scanner driver for the scanner 2 and the scanner driver for the scanner 3 may be different. Even in that case, since the scanner driver corresponding to the scanner specified by the user is activated, any scanner driver may be used as long as it executes the same scanning process as in the present embodiment.

Also, in the embodiment, the PC 1 collects a plurality of scan data by the auto continuous scan function and generates a scan file such as a PDF file. In that case, the PC 1 may receive one file from the scanner 2 or scanner 3 .

Further, in the embodiment, when the target scanner is connected via the network IF 16, the automatic restart continuous scanning function is restricted, but the manual restart continuous scanning function may also be restricted. In other words, not only the setting of the auto continuous scanning function but also the setting of the continuous scanning function itself may be restricted. For example, the options for continuous scanning may not be displayed. On the other hand, in the case of manual resuming, it is necessary to operate the scan execution button, and there is a high possibility that the user will notice that the continuous scan is being executed at the timing of the button operation, so there is no need to necessarily limit it. . However, from the viewpoint of preventing the mixture of data, the restriction may be performed manually.

Further, in the embodiment, the scan application 42 receives the scan end instruction, but the scanner can also receive the instruction. Also, the scanner may measure the timeout time. When the scanner receives a scan end instruction, or determines that the timeout time has elapsed, the scanner transmits a signal indicating the end instruction to the PC 1 . The PC 1 terminates the scan application 42 upon receiving the signal.

Further, in the embodiment, the scanner driver 43 receives information indicating that it has been started from the monitoring application 44 when the starting source is the monitoring application 44, and determines the starting application based on this information. However, it is not limited to this. For example, if the activation source is the scan application 42, the scanner driver 43 may determine the activation source application based on this information if it can receive information indicating that it has been activated from the scan application 42. .

Further, in any flowchart disclosed in the embodiments, multiple processes in any multiple steps can be arbitrarily changed in execution order or executed in parallel as long as there is no contradiction in the processing contents. For example, the determinations of S102 to S105 may be performed in any order.

Also, the processing disclosed in the embodiments may be performed by a single CPU, multiple CPUs, hardware such as an ASIC, or a combination thereof. Further, the processes disclosed in the embodiments can be realized in various forms such as a recording medium recording a program for executing the processes, a method, and the like.

1 PC
2, 3 Scanner 11 CPU
16 network interface
17 USB-IF
100 scan system

Claims (15)

A program that is executable by a computer of an information processing device and that controls a scanner,
to the computer;
executing an auto continuous scan setting process of transmitting an auto continuous scan request for enabling an auto continuous scan function of the scanner connected to the information processing device to the scanner via a communication interface of the information processing device; The continuous scan function automatically reads the second document when the second document is set at the document setting position after the scan data is generated by reading the first document. A function of generating scan data of the second document that is continuous with scan data of the first document,
Furthermore, in said computer,
When the communication path with the scanner is the first path, the execution of the auto continuous scan setting process may be restricted, and when the communication path with the scanner is the second path, the auto continuous scan setting may be performed. Execute a restricted process that does not restrict the execution of the process,
A program characterized by In the program according to claim 1,
to the computer;
either one of a first screen that does not accept input of an instruction to enable the auto continuous scan function and a second screen that accepts input of the instruction to enable the auto continuous scan function is processed by the information processing Execute screen display processing to display on the display device of the device,
Furthermore, in said computer,
executing the auto continuous scan setting process when the input of the instruction to enable the auto continuous scan function is received;
In the restriction process,
When the execution of the auto continuous scan setting process is restricted, the screen display process causes the first screen to be displayed on the display device, and when the execution of the auto continuous scan setting process is not restricted, the screen display process , causing the second screen to be displayed on the display device;
A program characterized by In the program according to claim 2,
Objects forming the second screen include a specific object associated with input of an instruction to enable the auto continuous scan function,
Objects that make up the first screen do not include the specific object,
A program characterized by In the program according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
the first path is a remote connection path to which the information processing apparatus is connected via a device other than the scanner;
the second path is a local connection path in which the information processing device and the scanner are directly connected;
A program characterized by In the program according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
the first path is a one-to-many connection path in which the information processing apparatus is also connected to devices other than the scanner;
the second path is a one-to-one connection path in which the information processing device and the scanner are directly connected;
A program characterized by In the program according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
the first path is a communication path for communicating with the scanner via a first type communication interface of the information processing device;
the second path is a communication path for communicating with the scanner via a second type communication interface of the information processing device;
A program characterized by In the program according to claim 6,
the first type communication interface is a network connection communication interface;
The second type of communication interface is a USB connection communication interface,
A program characterized by In the program according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
to the computer;
executing acquisition processing for acquiring the model of the scanner;
In the restriction process,
If the communication path with the scanner is the first path, and if the type of the scanner acquired in the acquisition process is the first model, the execution of the auto continuous scan setting process is restricted, and the second If it is a model, it does not limit the execution of the auto continuous scan setting process,
A program characterized by In the program according to claim 8,
The first model is a model that cannot notify whether the auto continuous scan function is valid or not,
The second model is a model capable of informing whether or not the auto continuous scan function is valid.
A program characterized by In the program according to claim 8,
The first model is a model for non-mobile use,
The second model is a model for mobile use,
A program characterized by In the program according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The information processing device incorporates a resident application program that receives a request from the scanner,
In the restriction process,
When the communication path with the scanner is the first path, and furthermore, if an instruction from the resident application program is not accepted, execution of the auto continuous scan setting process is restricted, and an instruction is received from the resident application program. If it is in the accepted state, it does not limit the execution of the auto continuous scan setting process.
A program characterized by In the program according to claim 11,
to the computer;
When a scan request to the scanner is received from the resident application program, executing a scan instruction output process for outputting a scan instruction to the scanner without restricting execution of the auto continuous scan setting process;
A program characterized by In the program according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
In the restriction process,
If the communication path with the scanner is the first path, and if the state is based on the instruction input to the information processing device, the execution of the auto continuous scan setting process is restricted, and the instruction input to the scanner is controlled. does not limit the execution of the auto continuous scan setting process if it is a state based on
A program characterized by a communication interface;
a computer;
An information processing device comprising
The computer is
executing an auto continuous scan setting process of transmitting an auto continuous scan request for enabling the auto continuous scan function to a scanner having the auto continuous scan function via the communication interface, wherein the auto continuous scan function is: When a second document is set at the document setting position after the scan data is generated by reading the first document, the second document is automatically read, and the generated first document is automatically read. A function of generating scan data of the second document, which is continuous with the scan data of
Further, the computer
When the communication path with the scanner is the first path, the execution of the auto continuous scan setting process may be restricted, and when the communication path with the scanner is the second path, the auto continuous scan setting may be performed. Execute restricted processing that does not restrict the execution of processing,
An information processing device characterized by: A scanning system in which a scanner and an information processing device are connected via a predetermined communication path,
The scanner is
When a second document is set at the document setting position after the scan data is generated by reading the first document, the second document is automatically read, and the generated first document is automatically read. having an auto continuous scan function for generating scan data of the second document that is continuous with the scan data of
The information processing device is
auto continuous scan setting means for transmitting an auto continuous scan request for enabling the auto continuous scan function of the scanner to the scanner;
When the predetermined communication path currently used for connection with the scanner is the first path, the transmission of the auto continuous scan request by the auto continuous scan setting means may be restricted. restriction means for not restricting transmission of the auto continuous scan request by the auto continuous scan setting means when the predetermined communication path currently used for is the second path;
comprising
A scanning system characterized by:

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