Image processing device, server, control method of image processing device, and read-only memory

Abstract

The present invention provides an image processing device, a server, a control method for the image processing device, and a read-only memory. The image processing device can efficiently send read data in a short time, avoiding re-reading images of multiple recording media from the beginning. In a multifunction machine, the CPU executes: an upper limit setting process, setting an upper limit value of the amount of read data stored in the RAM; a reading process, generating read data of an image of a sheet of paper through a reading unit, and storing the read data in the RAM; a judgment process, after the reading process, judging whether the amount of read data stored in the RAM exceeds the upper limit value; a sending process, when it is judged that the amount of read data exceeds the upper limit value (judgment process: yes), prohibiting the execution of the reading process, and sending the read data stored in the RAM to the server via the communication unit; and a release process, after the sending process, deleting the read data stored in the RAM, and releasing the prohibition of the execution of the reading process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing device including a reading unit that generates read data of an image of a recording medium, a server that can communicate with the image processing device via a network, and a control method and program for the image processing device. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which an image processing device and a server are connected via a network, and scan data (read data) is transmitted from the image processing device to the server.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-135522

[0006] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0007] In the image processing device, it is considered that the read data of images of multiple recording media are generated and the read data is sent to the server at one time. In this case, compared with the case where the read data is sent for each recording medium, the read data can be sent efficiently in a short time.

[0008] However, the storage unit of the image processing device has a capacity. If the amount of read data stored in the storage unit exceeds the capacity, the read data generated before is deleted from the storage unit, and it is necessary to read images of multiple recording media again from the beginning. Summary of the invention

[0009] The object of the present invention is to provide an image processing device, a server, and a control method and program for the image processing device, wherein the image processing device can efficiently send read data in a short time and can avoid re-reading images of multiple recording media from the beginning.

[0010] Technical means for solving technical problems

[0011] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing device comprising: a communication unit for communicating with a server via a network; a reading unit for generating read data of an image of a recording medium; a storage unit; and a control unit, wherein the image processing device is characterized in that the control unit performs the following processing: an upper limit setting processing for setting an upper limit value for the amount of the read data stored in the storage unit; a reading processing for generating read data of an image of a recording medium by the reading unit and storing the read data in the storage unit; a judgment processing for judging whether the amount of the read data stored in the storage unit exceeds the upper limit value after the reading processing; a sending processing for prohibiting the execution of the reading processing when it is judged in the judgment processing that the amount of the read data exceeds the upper limit value, and sending the read data stored in the storage unit to the server via the communication unit; and a release processing for deleting the read data stored in the storage unit and releasing the prohibition on the execution of the reading processing after the sending processing.

[0012] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a server comprising: a server communication unit for communicating with an image processing device via a network; a server storage unit; and a server control unit, wherein the image processing device comprises a device storage unit and a reading unit for generating read data of an image of a recording medium, the server storage unit stores an upper limit value for the amount of the read data to be stored in the device storage unit, and the server control unit performs the following processing: a sending processing for sending the upper limit value stored in the server storage unit to the image processing device via the server communication unit; and a receiving processing for receiving the read data stored in the device storage unit from the image processing device via the server communication unit after the sending processing.

[0013] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for an image processing device, the image processing device comprising: a communication unit for communicating with a server via a network; a reading unit for generating read data of an image of a recording medium; and a storage unit, the control method for the image processing device being characterized in that it comprises: an upper limit setting process for setting an upper limit value for the amount of the read data stored in the storage unit; a reading process for generating read data of an image of a recording medium by the reading unit and storing the read data in the storage unit; a judgment process for judging whether the amount of the read data stored in the storage unit exceeds the upper limit value after the reading process; a sending process for prohibiting the execution of the read process when it is judged in the judgment process that the amount of the read data exceeds the upper limit value, and sending the read data stored in the storage unit to the server via the communication unit; and a release process for deleting the read data stored in the storage unit and releasing the prohibition on the execution of the read process after the sending process.

[0014] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program, characterized in that an image processing device is caused to function as an upper limit setting unit, a reading unit, a judgment unit, a sending unit, and a release unit, the image processing device comprising: a communication unit for communicating with a server via a network; a reading unit for generating read data of an image of a recording medium; and a storage unit, the upper limit setting unit sets an upper limit value for the amount of the read data stored in the storage unit, the reading unit performs a reading process, the reading process generating read data of an image of a recording medium through the reading unit and storing the read data in the storage unit, the judgment unit performs a judgment process, the judgment process judging whether the amount of the read data stored in the storage unit exceeds the upper limit value after the reading process, when it is judged in the judgment process that the amount of the read data exceeds the upper limit value, the sending unit prohibits the execution of the reading process and sends the read data stored in the storage unit to the server via the communication unit, and after the sending, the release unit deletes the read data stored in the storage unit and releases the prohibition of the execution of the reading process.

[0015] Effects of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, by setting an upper limit on the amount of read data stored in the storage unit of the image processing device, the image processing device can efficiently send the read data in a short time without excessively exceeding the upper limit value, and can avoid re-reading images of multiple recording media from the beginning. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 This is an overall configuration diagram of a system including a multifunction peripheral and a server according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 It is a schematic side view showing the internal structure of the multifunction peripheral.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the input section and output section of the multifunction peripheral.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a flowchart showing a scanning procedure executed by the multifunction peripheral.

[0021] Figure 5 Yes means Figure 4 Flowchart of the subroutine of the upper limit value setting process (S3).

[0022] Figure 6 is a flow chart showing the scanning procedure performed by the server.

[0023] Explanation of symbols

[0024] 1 Multifunction machine (image processing device)

[0025] 11 Ministry of Communications

[0026] 12a CPU (control unit)

[0027] 12c RAM (storage unit, device storage unit)

[0028] 15 Reading unit

[0029] 3 Network

[0030] 5 Server

[0031] 51 Communication Department (Server Communication Department)

[0032] 52a CPU (Server Control Unit)

[0033] 52c RAM (server storage)

[0034] P Paper (recording medium) DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] <Overall system structure>

[0036] Figure 1 The system shown includes a plurality of multifunction machines 1 and a server 5. The multifunction machine 1 corresponds to the "image processing apparatus" of the present invention. The plurality of multifunction machines 1 are connected to the server 5 so as to be communicable via a network 3. For example, the multifunction machines 1 are arranged in each home, and the server 5 is arranged in the office of a technician.

[0037] <Structure of MFP>

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, the multifunction device 1 includes a communication unit 11 , a control device 12 , a conveying motor 13 m , a driver IC 14 d , a reading unit 15 , an input unit 16 , and an output unit 17 . These are connected to each other via an internal bus 19 .

[0039] The communication unit 11 is an interface for communicating with an external device (server 5 , personal computer, etc.) via the network 3 .

[0040] The control device 12 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 12a, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 12b, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12c. The CPU 12a is equivalent to the "control unit" of the present invention, and the RAM 12c is equivalent to the "storage unit" and "device storage unit" of the present invention. The ROM 12b stores programs and data for various controls by the CPU 12a. The RAM 12c temporarily stores data used when the CPU 12a executes a program.

[0041] In addition, if Figure 2 As shown, the multifunction machine 1 comprises: a housing 1a, a light-transmitting plate 1b embedded in the upper opening of the housing 1a, a cover 1c installed on the upper part of the housing 1a so as to be openable and closable, a paper feed cassette 1m installed on the lower part of the housing 1a so as to be detachable, and a paper discharge tray 1n which can be opened and closed relative to the housing 1a. A control device 12, a head 14, and a reading unit 15 are arranged on the upper part of the housing 1a.

[0042] The paper feeding cassette 1m can store a plurality of sheets of paper P stacked one by one in a flat state. The paper P corresponds to the "recording medium" of the present invention, and is stored in the paper feeding cassette 1m in a posture perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0043] and Figure 2 The direction perpendicular to the paper surface is the width direction (paper width direction) of the paper P. The paper feed cassette 1m is movable relative to the housing 1a in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction and the paper width direction (perpendicular direction).

[0044] A paper feed roller 13 a constituting a transport unit 13 described later is attached to the paper feed cassette 1 m.

[0045] The conveying unit 13 includes a paper feed roller 13a, a roller pair 13b disposed at the lower portion of the housing 1a, a roller pair 13c and 13d disposed at the upper portion of the housing 1a, and a conveying motor 13m (see Figure 1 The rollers constituting the paper feed roller 13a and the roller pairs 13b to 13d extend in the paper width direction.

[0046] The paper feed roller 13a is rotated by the driving of the conveyance motor 13m. Each of the roller pairs 13b to 13d is composed of a driving roller that is rotated by the driving of the conveyance motor 13m and a driven roller that rotates in conjunction with the driving roller.

[0047] When the conveying motor 13m is driven by the control of the control device 12 (see Figure 1 ), the paper feed roller 13a rotates in contact with the topmost paper P among the plurality of papers P stored in the paper feed cassette 1m, and delivers the paper P toward the roller pair 13b. Each roller pair 13b to 13d rotates while holding the paper P, thereby conveying the paper P along the conveying path R.

[0048] The head 14 is disposed above a region between the roller pair 13 c and the roller pair 13 d in the transport path R. A plurality of nozzles (not shown) are formed on a lower surface of the head 14 .

[0049] When the driver IC 14d (see Figure 1 ) is driven, ink is ejected from the nozzles to record an image on the paper P located in the above-mentioned area.

[0050] The head 14 may be of either a line type in which ink is ejected from the nozzles while being fixed in position, or a serial type in which ink is ejected from the nozzles while moving in the paper width direction.

[0051] The paper P on which the image is recorded by the head 14 is discharged to a paper discharge tray 1n which is opened with respect to the housing 1a.

[0052] The reading unit 15 is a flat-bed type and includes a line sensor 15s and a CIS motor 15m (see Figure 1 The line sensor 15s is a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) type (same-magnification optical system), and includes a light source 15a, a lens (not shown), and a reading element 15b.

[0053] Paper P to be read is placed on the light-transmitting plate 1b. By closing the cover 1c, light from the outside is prevented from entering the line sensor 15s.

[0054] When reading the image of the paper P placed on the light-transmitting plate 1b, the CIS motor 15m is driven by the control of the control device 12, and the line sensor 15s moves in the orthogonal direction along the light-transmitting plate 1b. At this time, the light irradiated from the light source 15a passes through the light-transmitting plate 1b and is reflected by the paper P, and enters the reading element 15b through the lens. The reading element 15b converts the received light into an electrical signal, thereby generating image reading data (data indicating the amount of light received), and outputs the reading data to the control device 12.

[0055] The input unit 16 is an element for accepting user operations, such as buttons, keyboards, mice, touch panels, etc. In this embodiment, Figure 3 As shown, the input unit 16 includes four buttons 16a to 16d provided on the outer surface of the housing 1a. The button 16a indicates "stop reading", the button 16b indicates "start reading", and the button 16c indicates "send data".

[0056] The output unit 17 is an element for outputting images and sounds, and is composed of, for example, an LED, a display, a speaker, etc. Figure 3 As shown, the output unit 17 includes an LED 17a disposed on the outer surface of the housing 1a.

[0057] <Server Structure>

[0058] like Figure 1 As shown, the server 5 includes a communication unit 51 and a control device 52 . These are connected to each other via an internal bus 59 .

[0059] The communication unit 51 corresponds to the “server communication unit” of the present invention, and is an interface for communicating with each multifunction peripheral 1 via the network 3 .

[0060] The control device 52 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 52a, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 52b, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 52c. The CPU 52a is equivalent to the "server control unit" of the present invention, and the RAM 52c is equivalent to the "server storage unit" of the present invention. The ROM 52b stores programs and data for various controls by the CPU 52a. The RAM 52c temporarily stores data used when the CPU 52a executes the program.

[0061] The RAM 52c of the server 5 stores information (upper limit value information) related to the upper limit value of the amount of read data stored in the RAM 12c of each multifunction machine 1. The upper limit value information is different for each multifunction machine 1. That is, the RAM 52c stores upper limit value information that is different for each multifunction machine 1. For each multifunction machine 1, one or more upper limit values ​​are stored in the RAM 52c.

[0062] The RAM 52c of the server 5 stores, in addition to the upper limit value information, setting information (resolution of read data, file format of read data, size of paper P to be read, whether to allow transmission of read data of a plurality of sheets of paper P, URL to which the read data is to be transmitted, etc.) which is different for each multifunction machine 1. In this embodiment, the description is made on the premise that transmission of read data of a plurality of sheets of paper P is allowed in each multifunction machine 1.

[0063] <Scanning Procedure>

[0064] Next, a scanning program executed by each multifunction machine 1 and the server 5 will be described.

[0065] This program is used, for example, in the following situation: in each household where a multifunction machine 1 is installed, a user records an answer on a paper P on which a job is printed (paper P printed by the head 14 of the multifunction machine 1), and the reading unit 15 of the multifunction machine 1 reads the image of the paper P after the answer is recorded, and the read data is sent to the server 5 of the technician who provides educational services.

[0066] First, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , a scanning procedure executed by the multifunction peripheral 1 will be described.

[0067] like Figure 4 As shown, first, the CPU 12a of the multifunction device 1 determines whether the button 16b (see Figure 3 ) is pressed (S1). When it is determined that the button 16b is not pressed (S1: No), the CPU 12a repeats the process S1.

[0068] When determining that the button 16b is pressed (S1: YES), the CPU 12a determines whether upper limit value information is received from the server 5 via the communication unit 11 (S2). When determining that upper limit value information is not received (S2: NO), the CPU 12a repeats the process S2.

[0069] When determining that the upper limit value information has been received (S2: YES), the CPU 12a sets the upper limit value of the amount of read data stored in the RAM 12c based on the upper limit value information (S3: upper limit value setting process).

[0070] In S3 (upper limit value setting process), if Figure 5 As shown, the CPU 12a first determines whether the upper limit value information received from the server 5 includes a plurality of upper limit values ​​(S31).

[0071] When determining that the upper limit value information received from the server 5 includes a plurality of upper limit values ​​( S31 : YES), the CPU 12 a notifies which of the plurality of upper limit values ​​is selected ( S32 : selection notification processing).

[0072] In S32, the CPU 12a may, for example, cause the display constituting the output unit 17 to display a selection screen indicating which of the plurality of upper limit values ​​is to be selected, or cause the speaker constituting the output unit 17 to output a sound indicating which of the plurality of upper limit values ​​is to be selected. Alternatively, when the output unit 17 does not have a display, the CPU 12a may cause the display of a personal computer connected to the multifunction device 1 to display the selection screen.

[0073] The user inputs which of the plurality of upper limit values ​​is selected via the input unit 16 (buttons 16 a to 16 d , touch panel, etc.) based on the screen or sound notified in S32 .

[0074] After S32, the CPU 12a determines whether information for selecting one of the plurality of upper limit values ​​is received from the input unit 16 (S33). If it is determined that information for selecting one of the plurality of upper limit values ​​is not received (S33: No), the CPU 12a repeats the process S33.

[0075] When determining that information for selecting one of the plurality of upper limit values ​​is received (S33: YES), the CPU 12a causes the RAM 12c to store one of the plurality of upper limit values ​​selected by the user based on the received information (S34: setting process).

[0076] When determining that the upper limit value information received from the server 5 does not include a plurality of upper limit values ​​(that is, includes only one upper limit value) (S31: No), the CPU 12a causes the RAM 12c to store the one upper limit value (S34).

[0077] After S34, the CPU 21 ends this subroutine.

[0078] After S3 (upper limit value setting process), Figure 4 As shown, the CPU 12a determines whether the "task ID (identification information of the task related to the reading of the image of one or more sheets of paper P)" is stored in the RAM 12c (S4).

[0079] When the “task ID” is not stored in the RAM 12c (S4: No), the CPU 12a newly issues a “task ID” and stores it in the RAM 12c (S5).

[0080] After S5, the CPU 12a causes the RAM 12c to store information indicating "new (this read data does not continue the read data sent last time)" as "continuation result information" indicating whether this read data continues the read data sent last time (S6).

[0081] When the "task ID" is stored in the RAM 12c (S4: YES), the CPU 12a ends the timer started in S23 described later (S7).

[0082] After S7, the CPU 12a causes the RAM 12c to store information indicating "continue (this read data continues the read data sent last time)" as "continuation result information" indicating whether this read data continues the read data sent last time (S8).

[0083] After S6 or S8 , the CPU 12 a generates read data of an image of one sheet of paper P by the reading unit 15 , and stores the read data in the RAM 12 c ( S9 : reading process).

[0084] In S9, the CPU 12a generates read data from the reading unit 15 based on the setting information received in advance from the server 5 (resolution of the read data, file format of the read data, size of the paper P to be read, whether continuous reading of multiple sheets of paper P is allowed, URL to which the read data is sent, etc.).

[0085] After S9, the CPU 12a determines whether the amount of read data stored in the RAM 12c exceeds the upper limit value set in S3 (S10: determination process).

[0086] When determining that the amount of read data stored in the RAM 12c exceeds the upper limit value set in S3 (S10: YES), the CPU 12a notifies the content of prohibiting the execution of the read process (S9) (S11).

[0087] When determining that the amount of read data stored in the RAM 12c does not exceed the upper limit value set in S3 (S10: No), the CPU 12a notifies the execution of the waiting read process (S9) (S12).

[0088] In S11 and S12, the CPU 12a may, for example, cause the display constituting the output unit 17 to display a screen showing the above contents, or cause the speaker constituting the output unit 17 to output a sound showing the above contents. Alternatively, in the case where the output unit 17 does not have a display, the CPU 12a may cause the display of a personal computer connected to the multifunction device 1 to display a screen showing the above contents. In addition, for example, the CPU 12a may cause the LED 17a constituting the output unit 17 (see Figure 3 The notification methods in S11 and S12 (display contents of the display, contents of the sound, flashing and lighting methods of LED 17a, etc.) are different from each other.

[0089] After S11, the CPU 12a determines whether the button 16c (refer to Figure 3 ) is pressed (S13).

[0090] When it is determined that the button 16c is pressed (S13: Yes), the CPU 12a causes the RAM 12c to store information indicating "Continue (send other read data after sending the current read data)" as "continue notice information" (S14) indicating whether other read data will be sent after sending the current read data.

[0091] When it is determined that the button 16c is not pressed (S13: No), the CPU 12a determines whether the button 16a (see Figure 3 ) is pressed (S15).

[0092] When determining that the button 16a is not pressed (S15: NO), the CPU 12a returns the process to S13.

[0093] After S12, the CPU 12a determines whether the button 16c (refer to Figure 3 ) is pressed (S16).

[0094] When it is determined that the button 16c is pressed (S16: Yes), the CPU 12a causes the RAM 12c to store information indicating "end (no other read data will be sent after the current read data is sent)" as "continuation notice information" (S17) indicating whether other read data will be sent after the current read data is sent.

[0095] When it is determined that the button 16c is not pressed (S16: No), the CPU 12a determines whether the button 16a (see S16c) indicating "stop reading" is pressed. Figure 3 ) is pressed (S18).

[0096] When it is determined that the button 16a is not pressed (S18: No), the CPU 12a determines whether the button 16b (see Figure 3 ) is pressed (S19).

[0097] When determining that the button 16b is pressed (S19: YES), the CPU 12a returns the process to S9.

[0098] When determining that the button 16b is not pressed (S19: NO), the CPU 12a returns the process to S16.

[0099] Thus, when it is determined that the amount of read data stored in the RAM 12c does not exceed the upper limit value set in S3 (S10: No), it is determined whether the button 16b indicating "read start" is pressed (S19), and when the button 16b is pressed (S19: Yes), the read process (S9) is executed. On the other hand, when it is determined that the amount of read data stored in the RAM 12c exceeds the upper limit value set in S3 (S10: Yes), it is not determined whether the button 16b indicating "read start" is pressed, and even if the button 16b is pressed, no process is executed (that is, execution of the read process (S9) is prohibited).

[0100] After S14 or S17, the CPU 12a transmits "task ID", "continuation result information (new or continuation)", "continuation notice information (continuation or end)", and "read data" stored in the RAM 12c to the server 5 via the communication unit 11 (S20: transmission process).

[0101] After S20, the CPU 12a deletes the read data stored in the RAM 12c, and if the read process (S9) is prohibited at this time, the prohibition of the read process (S9) is released (S21: release process). Due to this release, it is determined whether the button 16b indicating "read start" is pressed, and the read process (S9) can be executed in response to the pressing of the button 16b.

[0102] When it is determined that the button 16a (refer to Figure 3 ) is pressed (S15: Yes, S18: Yes), the above process (S21) is also executed. In this case, the read data is deleted without executing the transmission of the read data to the server 5 (S20: transmission process).

[0103] After S21, the CPU 12a determines whether the "continuation notice information" stored in the RAM 12c indicates "continuation" (S22).

[0104] When the "continuation notice information" stored in the RAM 12c indicates "continuation" (S22: YES), the CPU 12a starts a timer (S23), and then terminates the program.

[0105] When the "continue notice information" stored in the RAM 12c does not indicate "continue" (ie, indicates "end") (S22: No), the CPU 12a deletes the "task ID" stored in the RAM 12c (S24), and then ends the program.

[0106] In addition, after the timer starts in S23, if the button 16b indicating "start reading" (see Figure 3 ) is not pressed, the CPU 12a deletes the "task ID" stored in the RAM 12c. In this case, when the button 16b indicating "read start" is pressed later (S1: Yes), a new "task ID" is issued (S5), and the RAM 12c stores information indicating "new (the read data this time does not continue the read data sent last time)" as "continuation result information" (S6).

[0107] That is, when the reading process (S9) is started after a predetermined time has passed since the last sending process (S20), the CPU 12a sends information indicating that the reading data does not continue with the reading data sent last time (new rule) to the server 5 as "continuation result information".

[0108] On the other hand, if the button 16b indicating "start reading" is pressed (S1: Yes) after the timer starts in S23 and before the specified time has passed, the "task ID" is stored in RAM 12c (S4: Yes), and information indicating "Continue (the current reading data continues the reading data sent last time)" is stored in RAM 12c as "continue result information" (S8).

[0109] That is, when the reading process (S9) is started before a predetermined time has passed since the last sending process (S20), the CPU 12a sends information indicating that the reading data continues the reading data sent last time (continuation) to the server 5 as "continuation result information".

[0110] Next, refer to Figure 6 , the scanning procedure executed by the server 5 is described.

[0111] First, the CPU 52a of the server 5 determines whether the transmission of the upper limit value information is requested from any of the plurality of multifunction machines 1 (S51). Figure 3) is pressed, a signal indicating a request to transmit the upper limit value information is transmitted from the multifunction device 1 to the server 5. Upon receiving the signal, the CPU 52a of the server 5 determines that the transmission of the upper limit value information is requested from the multifunction device 1.

[0112] When determining that no transmission of the upper limit value information is requested from any of the multifunction peripherals 1 (S51: NO), the CPU 52a repeats the process S51.

[0113] When determining that transmission of upper limit value information is requested from any of the plurality of MFPs 1 (S51: YES), the CPU 52a transmits the upper limit value information corresponding to the MFP 1 among the upper limit value information stored in the RAM 52c to the MFP 1 via the communication unit 51 (S52: transmission processing).

[0114] After S52, the CPU 52a determines whether the data such as "task ID", "continuation result information (new or continuation)", "continuation notice information (continuation or end)", "read data" sent in S20 are received from any of the multiple multifunction machines 1 via the communication unit 51 (S53). If it is determined that the above data is not received (S53: No), the CPU 52a repeats the process S53.

[0115] When determining that the data is received (S53: YES), the CPU 52a determines whether the "continuation notice information" in the data indicates "continue (send other read data after sending the current read data)" (S54).

[0116] When the "continue notice information" indicates "continue (send other read data after sending the current read data)" (S54: Yes), the CPU 52a associates the read data received in S53 with the "task ID" received in S53 as a partial file and stores them in the RAM 52c (S55: storage processing).

[0117] When the "continue notice information" is not information indicating "continue (send other read data after sending the current read data)" (i.e., information indicating "end (do not send other read data after sending the current read data)") (S54: No), CPU 52a determines whether the "continue result information" received in S53 is information indicating "continue (the current read data continues the read data sent last time)" (S56).

[0118] When the "continue result information" is information indicating "continue (the current read data continues the read data sent last time)" (S56: yes), CPU 52a combines the read data received in S53 with the partial file associated with the "task ID" received in S53 and stored in RAM 52c through S55 (storage processing) executed before that moment, and stores it in RAM 52c as a complete file associated with the "task ID" received in S53 (S57: combining processing).

[0119] In the case where the "continue result information" is not information indicating "continue (the read data this time continues the read data sent last time)" (that is, information indicating "new (the read data this time does not continue the read data sent last time)") (S56: No), CPU 52a stores the read data received in S53 as a complete file associated with the "task ID" received in S53 in RAM 52c (S58).

[0120] After S55, S57 or S58, the CPU 52a ends the program.

[0121] As described above, according to the present embodiment, by setting an upper limit on the amount of read data stored in the RAM 12c of the multifunction peripheral 1, the multifunction peripheral 1 can efficiently send the read data in a short time without excessively exceeding the upper limit value, and can avoid re-reading the images of multiple papers P from the beginning.

[0122] In addition, the server 5 does not receive a quantity of read data exceeding the upper limit value at one time, and deterioration of processing efficiency on the server 5 side can be suppressed.

[0123] The CPU 52a of the server 5 sends the upper limit value stored in the RAM 52c to the multifunction device 1 (S52). In the upper limit value setting process (S3), the CPU 12a of the multifunction device 1 stores the upper limit value received from the server 5 in the RAM 12c. In this case, it is possible to ensure that the amount of read data sent from the multifunction device 1 does not excessively exceed the upper limit value determined by the server 5, so that the load on the server 5 side becomes easy to estimate and the cost (investment amount) of the server 5 becomes clear.

[0124] In the upper limit value setting process (S3), if Figure 5 As shown, the CPU 12a of the multifunction device 1 executes a selection notification process (S32) for notifying which of the plurality of upper limits is selected, and a setting process (S34) for setting the upper limit based on the information received in S33 (receiving process). In this case, usability is improved compared to a case where the upper limit cannot be selected.

[0125] like Figure 4 As shown, in the sending process (S20), the CPU 12a of the multifunction device 1 not only sends the "read data" to the server 5, but also sends the "continuation notice information" indicating whether to send other read data after sending the read data. In this case, the server 5 performs a process corresponding to the "continuation notice information" (processing such as combining related read data sent in batches: see Figure 6 S54~S58) can appropriately manage data.

[0126] like Figure 4 As shown, in the sending process (S20), the CPU 12a of the multifunction device 1 not only sends the "read data" to the server 5, but also sends the "continuation result information" indicating whether the read data is a continuation of the read data sent last time to the server 5. In this case, the server 5 performs processing corresponding to the "continuation result information" (see Figure 6 S56~S58) can appropriately manage data.

[0127] When the reading process (S9) is started before a predetermined time has passed since the last sending process (S20), the CPU 12a of the multifunction device 1 sends information indicating that the reading data is a continuation of the reading data sent last time (continued) as "continuation result information" to the server 5. When the reading process (S9) is started after a predetermined time has passed since the last sending process (S20), the CPU 12a of the multifunction device 1 sends information indicating that the reading data is not a continuation of the reading data sent last time (new) as "continuation result information" to the server 5. In this case, the "continuation result information" can be efficiently determined based on the elapsed time.

[0128] The reading unit 15 is a flatbed type (see Figure 2 In this case, it is suitable to read the paper sheets P one by one, and the determination process (S10) can be performed more efficiently each time a paper sheet P is read.

[0129] The RAM 52c of the server 5 stores upper limit information that is different for each multifunction machine 1. The CPU 52a of the server 5 transmits the upper limit information corresponding to the multifunction machine 1, which is stored in the RAM 52c, to the multifunction machine 1 via the communication unit 51 (S52). In this case, an upper limit corresponding to the performance (capacity of the RAM 12c, etc.) of each multifunction machine 1 can be set, and the above-mentioned effect (the multifunction machine 1 can efficiently transmit the read data in a short time, and can avoid the situation where the image of a plurality of sheets P is read again from the beginning) can be obtained more reliably.

[0130] When receiving the "continue notice information" indicating "continue (send other read data after sending the read data this time)" (S54: Yes), the CPU 52a of the server 5 stores the read data as a partial file in the RAM 52c (S55: storage processing). Then, when receiving other read data and the "continue notice information" indicating "end (no other read data will be sent after sending the read data this time)" (S54: No), the CPU 52a combines the read data with the above-mentioned partial file (S57: combination processing). In this case, by combining the related read data sent in batches with each other, data management can be appropriately performed.

[0131] <Other embodiments>

[0132] Next, other embodiments of the present invention will be described.

[0133] The method of determining "continuation result information" of the multifunction machine 1 of this embodiment is different from that of the above-mentioned embodiment. In the above-mentioned embodiment, "continuation result information" is determined based on the elapsed time, but in this embodiment, "continuation result information" is determined based on the user's operation.

[0134] Specifically, when the user's continued operation is detected during the period from the last sending process (S20) to the start of the current reading process (S9), the CPU 12a of the multifunction machine 1 sends to the server 5 information indicating that the read data continues the read data sent last time (continue) as "continuation result information". When the user's continued operation is not detected during the period from the last sending process (S20) to the start of the current reading process (S9), the CPU 12a of the multifunction machine 1 sends to the server 5 information indicating that the read data does not continue the read data sent last time (new) as "continuation result information".

[0135] The continuing operation may be, for example, the button 16b indicating "start reading" (see Figure 3 ) long press (continuous pressing for more than a specified time), etc.

[0136] According to the present embodiment, by determining the “continuation result information” based on the user's operation, it is possible to realize processing that reflects the user's intention.

[0137] As mentioned above, although the preferred embodiment of the present invention was described, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various design changes can be made within the scope described in the claims.

[0138] <Modification>

[0139] For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment ( Figure 5 ), in the upper limit value setting process, it is determined whether the upper limit value information received from the server includes multiple upper limit values ​​(S31), but it is also possible that the server storage unit only stores one upper limit value for one image processing device and does not perform the above determination. In this case, the processing of S31 to S33 is omitted.

[0140] In the above-described embodiment, the upper limit value is set based on the data received from the server, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the upper limit value may be set based on data input by the user via the input unit of the image processing device.

[0141] The timing for setting the upper limit value is not limited to after the image processing device is shipped from the factory, but may be when the image processing device is manufactured.

[0142] In the above-mentioned embodiment, based on the "continuation result information" independent of the "task ID", the server determines "whether the read data of this time continues the read data sent last time", but it is not limited to this. For example, the server can determine "whether the read data of this time continues the read data sent last time" based on whether the "task ID" associated with the last read data and the "task ID" associated with the current read data are different (that is, whether the "task ID" has changed).

[0143] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the image processing device not only sends the read data to the server, but also sends "continue notice information" and "continue result information" to the server. When the server receives the "continue notice information" indicating "continue", the server stores the read data as a partial file, and then combines the read data with the partial file when receiving the "continue notice information" indicating "end", but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, the storage of such a partial file and the combination of the partial file and the read data are not essential in the present invention.

[0144] The upper limit value information for the image processing device stored in the server storage unit may be different for each server. In this case, the upper limit value can be set for each technician who provides educational services or the like.

[0145] The image processing device and the server may be connected to each other via one or more communication paths. When the image processing device and the server are connected to each other via multiple communication paths, the communication path for sending the upper limit value from the server to the image processing device (e.g., a communication path that is always connected) and the communication path for sending the read data from the image processing device to the server (e.g., a communication path that is temporarily connected) may be different from each other. In addition, the communication protocol for the upper limit value from the server to the image processing device (e.g., XMPP over BOSH) and the communication protocol for the read data from the image processing device to the server (e.g., HTTPS) may be different from each other.

[0146] In the above-mentioned embodiment ( Figure 2 ), the paper P as the recording medium is stacked one by one in a flat state in the paper supply box 1m, but is not limited to this. It can also be accommodated in the paper supply box 1m in a rolled state and cut in the conveying path R.

[0147] In addition, the recording medium is not limited to paper, and may be cloth, a resin member, or the like, for example.

[0148] The head included in the image processing apparatus of the present invention is not limited to a liquid ejection type (ink jet type) and may be a laser type, a thermal transfer type, or the like.

[0149] Furthermore, the image processing apparatus of the present invention may not include a head (an element for recording an image on a recording medium) as long as it includes a reading unit. That is, the image processing apparatus of the present invention is not limited to a multifunction peripheral, but may also be a scanner.

[0150] The reading unit is not limited to a flatbed type, and may be an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) type.

[0151] The program of the present invention can be distributed by being recorded on a removable recording medium such as a flexible disk or a fixed recording medium such as a hard disk, or can also be distributed via a communication line.

Claims

1. An image processing device comprising: a communication unit, the communication unit being used to communicate with a server via a network; a reading unit that generates read data of an image of a recording medium; Storage Department; as well as Control Department, The image processing device is characterized in that A plurality of the image processing devices are communicatively connected to one server, The control unit of each of the image processing devices performs the following processing respectively: An upper limit value setting process of setting an upper limit value of the amount of the read data stored in the storage unit; A reading process, generating reading data of an image of a recording medium by the reading unit and storing the reading data in the storage unit; a determination process, after the reading process, determining whether the amount of the read data stored in the storage unit exceeds the upper limit value; a sending process, when it is determined in the determination process that the amount of the read data exceeds the upper limit, prohibiting execution of the read process and sending the read data stored in the storage unit to the server via the communication unit; as well as a release process, after the sending process, deleting the read data stored in the storage unit and releasing the prohibition of execution of the read process, In the upper limit value setting process, the control unit stores the upper limit value received from the server via the communication unit in the storage unit, The upper limit value prevents the server from receiving read data exceeding the upper limit value at one time.

2. The image processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that In the upper limit value setting process, the control unit performs the following process: A selection notification process is performed to notify which of the plurality of upper limit values ​​is selected; receiving processing, after the selection notification processing, receiving information of which upper limit value is selected; as well as A setting process is performed after the receiving process to set the upper limit value based on the information received in the receiving process.

3. The image processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that In the transmission process, the control unit transmits, in addition to transmitting the read data to the server, continuation notice information indicating whether to transmit another read data after the transmission of the read data to the server.

4. The image processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the transmission process, the control unit transmits, in addition to transmitting the read data to the server, continuation result information indicating whether the read data is a continuation of the read data transmitted last time to the server.

5. The image processing device according to claim 4, characterized in that: When the reading process is started before a predetermined time has passed since the last sending process, the control unit sends information indicating that the reading data is a continuation of the reading data sent last time as the continuation result information to the server, When the reading process is started after the predetermined time has elapsed from the last transmission process, the control unit transmits information indicating that the reading data does not continue with the reading data transmitted last time as the continuation result information to the server.

6. The image processing device according to claim 4, characterized in that: When a user's continued operation is detected during the period from the last sending process to the start of the current reading process, the control unit sends information indicating that the reading data is a continuation of the reading data sent last time as the continuation result information to the server. When the continuation operation is not detected between the last transmission process and the start of the current reading process, the control unit transmits information indicating that the reading data does not continue the reading data transmitted last time as the continuation result information to the server.

7. The image processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The reading unit is a flat-panel type.

8. A server comprising: a server communication unit configured to communicate with a plurality of image processing devices via a network; server storage; and Server Control Department, The server is characterized by: Each of the image processing devices includes a device storage unit and a reading unit for generating read data of an image of a recording medium. The server storage unit stores an upper limit value of the amount of the read data to be stored in the device storage unit, The server control unit performs the following processing: a sending process of sending the upper limit value stored in the server storage unit to the image processing device via the server communication unit; and receiving processing, after the sending processing, receiving the read data stored in the device storage unit from the image processing device via the server communication unit, The upper limit value prevents the server from receiving read data exceeding the upper limit value at one time.

9. The server according to claim 8, characterized in that: The server storage unit stores a plurality of upper limit values ​​that are different for each of the image processing devices. In the transmission process, the server control unit transmits, to the image processing device via the server communication unit, an upper limit value corresponding to the image processing device among the plurality of upper limit values ​​stored in the server storage unit.

10. The server according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that: The server control unit performs the following processing: a storage process, in which, in the reception process, when receiving from the image processing device via the server communication unit, in addition to the read data, a continuation notice information indicating that the read data will be sent after the read data is sent, the read data is stored in the server storage unit as a partial file; as well as Combination processing, after the storage processing, when the other read data and the continuation warning information indicating that no other read data will be sent after the sending of the read data are received from the image processing device via the server communication unit, the read data is combined with the partial file.

11. A control method for an image processing device, the image processing device comprising: a communication unit for communicating with a server via a network; a reading unit for generating read data of an image of a recording medium; and a storage unit, the control method for the image processing device being characterized by comprising: An upper limit value setting process of setting an upper limit value of the amount of the read data stored in the storage unit; A reading process, generating reading data of an image of a recording medium by the reading unit and storing the reading data in the storage unit; a determination process, after the reading process, determining whether the amount of the read data stored in the storage unit exceeds the upper limit value; a sending process, when it is determined in the determination process that the amount of the read data exceeds the upper limit, prohibiting execution of the read process and sending the read data stored in the storage unit to the server via the communication unit; as well as a release process, after the sending process, deleting the read data stored in the storage unit and releasing the prohibition of execution of the read process, In the upper limit value setting process, the upper limit value received from the server via the communication unit is stored in the storage unit, A plurality of the image processing devices are communicatively connected to one server, The upper limit value prevents the server from receiving read data exceeding the upper limit value at one time.

12. A read-only memory, characterized in that: A program for causing an image processing device to function as an upper limit value setting unit, a reading unit, a determination unit, a sending unit, and a release unit is stored, the image processing device comprising: a communication unit for communicating with a server via a network; a reading unit for generating read data of an image of a recording medium; and a storage unit, The upper limit value setting unit sets an upper limit value of the amount of the read data stored in the storage unit, the upper limit value being received from the server via the communication unit and stored in the storage unit, The reading unit performs a reading process for generating read data of an image of a recording medium through the reading section and causing the read data to be stored in the storage section. The judgment unit performs a judgment process of judging whether the amount of the read data stored in the storage unit exceeds the upper limit value after the reading process. When it is determined in the determination process that the amount of the read data exceeds the upper limit, the sending unit prohibits execution of the read process and sends the read data stored in the storage unit to the server via the communication unit. After the transmission, the release unit deletes the read data stored in the storage unit and releases the prohibition of execution of the read process. A plurality of the image processing devices are communicatively connected to one server, The upper limit value prevents the server from receiving read data exceeding the upper limit value at one time.

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