Scanner, computer program and method for scanner

Abstract

To disclose a technique for reducing a memory capacity for storing log information.SOLUTION: A scanner may include: a scan execution part including a memory, a placing table on which a document is to be placed, a cover member, and a reading sensor; a scan control part that causes the scan execution part to scan the document when a scan execution instruction is acquired; a storage control part that causes the scan execution part to store scan data; a log storage part configured to store, in a memory, log information indicating a log of an action performed on the scanner during a period from a first timing to a second timing, in which the first timing includes a timing at which the cover member is moved from a closed position to an open position, and the second timing includes a timing at which a first predetermined time elapses from the first timing, in which the log information is not stored in the memory in a period other than the period from the first timing to the second timing; and an output part configured to output the log information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] SUMMARY Disclosed herein is a technique for storing log information indicating a log of actions on a scanner. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an image reading device, which records an operation log when the image reading device operates and transmits the operation log to a server. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-220073 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] This specification discloses a technique for reducing the memory capacity required to store log information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This specification discloses a scanner. The scanner may include: a scan execution unit including a memory, a platform on which a document is to be placed, a cover member movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the platform, and a reading sensor that reads the document placed on the platform; a scan control unit that causes the scan execution unit to scan the document when a scan execution instruction is received; a save control unit that causes the scan data obtained by scanning the document to be saved in a predetermined save destination; a log storage unit that stores log information in the memory indicating a log of actions taken on the scanner during a period from a first timing to a second timing, where the first timing includes a timing when the cover member is moved from the closed position to the open position and the second timing includes a timing when a first predetermined time has elapsed since the first timing, and the log information is not stored in the memory during periods other than the period from the first timing to the second timing; and an output unit that outputs the log information in the memory.

[0006] According to the above configuration, the scanner stores log information indicating a log of actions taken on the scanner in memory during the period from the first timing to the second timing, but does not store log information in memory during periods other than the period from the first timing to the second timing. This reduces the memory capacity required to store log information compared to a configuration in which all log information is stored in the scanner's memory.

[0007] A computer program for implementing the above scanner, a computer-readable storage medium storing the computer program, and a method performed by the above scanner are also novel and useful. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 shows a perspective view of the scanner with the cover member closed. [Figure 2] 1 shows a perspective view of the scanner with the cover member open. [Figure 3] 1 shows the control configuration of the scanner. [Figure 4] 10 shows a flowchart of a log storage process. [Figure 5] The sequence diagram for Case A is shown below. [Figure 6] The sequence diagram continues from Figure 5. [Figure 7] The sequence diagram for Case B is shown below. [Figure 8] The sequence diagram for Case C is shown below. [Figure 9] The sequence diagram continues from Figure 8. [Figure 10] The sequence diagram for Case D is shown below. [Figure 11] The sequence diagram continues from Figure 10. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (First Example) (Hardware configuration of scanner 10; Figures 1 and 2) The scanner 10 is a device capable of executing a scan function. As shown in FIG.

[0010] The operation panel 2 includes an operation unit 4 and a display unit 6. The operation unit 4 includes a plurality of buttons. A user can input various instructions to the scanner 10 by operating the operation unit 4. The display unit 6 is a display for displaying various information. In this embodiment, the display unit 6 does not function as a so-called touch panel (i.e., an operation unit), but in a modified example, it may function as a touch panel.

[0011] The scan execution unit 14 includes a cover member 8 and a table 18 (see FIG. 2). The cover member 8 can move between a closed position where it is closed relative to the table 18 and an open position where it is open relative to the table 18. FIG. 1 shows the cover member 8 in a closed state. FIG. 2 shows the cover member 8 in an open state. The table 18 is configured so that a document can be placed on it. The table 18 is a platen glass.

[0012] The scan execution unit 14 includes a reading sensor 20 (see FIG. 2). The reading sensor 20 is configured with a CCD (abbreviation of Charge Coupled Device), a CIS (abbreviation of Contact Image Sensor), etc. The reading sensor 20 reads an image formed on a document. The reading sensor 20 can read a document placed on the document table 18 while moving in the longitudinal direction of the document table 18. In other words, the scanner 10 can function as a flatbed scanner (FBS; abbreviation of FlatBed Scanner).

[0013] The cover member 8 further includes a first tray 11, a second tray 12, a transport unit 16 (see FIG. 2), and a placement sensor 22. The first tray 11 is a tray on which documents before being scanned are placed. The second tray 12 is a tray on which scanned documents are placed. The transport unit 16 transports documents placed on the first tray 11 toward the reading sensor 20, and further transports documents read by the reading sensor 20 toward the second tray 12. That is, the first tray 11, the second tray 12, and the transport unit 16 function as an automatic document feeder (ADF). The reading sensor 20 can not only read documents placed on the placement table 18, but also read documents being transported by the ADF while stopped at a predetermined position. The placement sensor 22 is a physical sensor that detects whether or not a document is placed on the first tray 11.

[0014] Hereinafter, the method in which the reading sensor 20 reads a document placed on the document table 18 will be referred to as the "flatbed (i.e., FB) method." Also, the method in which the reading sensor 20 reads a document transported by an automatic document feeder will be referred to as the "ADF method."

[0015] (Control configuration of scanner 10; Figure 3) Next, the control configuration of the scanner 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. A communication system 1 is realized by the scanner 10 and multiple terminals 100 and 200. The devices 10, 100, and 200 belong to the same LAN (abbreviation for Local Area Network) 3 and can communicate with each other via the LAN 3. The LAN 3 may be either a wired LAN or a wireless LAN.

[0016] The scanner 10 includes an operation unit 4, a display unit 6, a scan execution unit 14, a communication interface 24, and a control unit 30. Hereinafter, the interface will be referred to as "I / F."

[0017] The communication I / F 24 is connected to the LAN 3. The communication I / F 24 may be a wireless I / F or a wired I / F.

[0018] The control unit 30 includes a CPU 32 and a memory 34. The memory 34 includes a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device, not shown. The CPU 32 executes various processes in accordance with a program 40 stored in the auxiliary storage device of the memory 34. Specifically, the CPU 32 executes the various processes by loading the program 40 from the auxiliary storage device to the main storage device and executing the program 40. The main storage device is, for example, a RAM and a cache memory. The auxiliary storage device may be, for example, a flash memory, an SSD (short for Solid State Drive), or a ROM, or a combination thereof.

[0019] The memory 34 can store log information 42. The log information 42 is information that indicates a log of actions taken on the scanner 10. Here, actions taken on the scanner 10 include, for example, the cover member 8 moving from the closed position to the open position, the acquisition of a scan execution instruction, the placement of a document on the first tray 11 of the cover member 8, and the termination of the storage of the log information.

[0020] In the log information 42, date and time information (e.g., "Oct 16 10:00:00"), action information (e.g., "Cover open", "Scan execution instruction obtained"), and IP address information (e.g., "192.168.1.1") are associated with each other. The date and time information indicates the date and time when an action occurred on the scanner 10. The action information indicates the content of the action on the scanner 10. The IP address information is the IP address of the device that sent the signal related to the occurrence of the action (e.g., a scan execution instruction).

[0021] As described above, the scan execution unit 14 includes the placement table 18, the cover member 8, and the reading sensor 20. The cover member 8 includes the placement sensor 22, the transport unit 16, and the cover sensor 9. The cover sensor 9 detects whether the cover member 8 is in the closed position or the open position.

[0022] (Configuration of terminal 100) The terminal 100 is a terminal that belongs to the network formed by the LAN 3. The terminal 100 is, for example, a desktop PC, a notebook PC, a tablet PC, a smartphone, a PDA, etc. The terminal 100 includes an operation unit 112, a display unit 114, a communication I / F 116, and a control unit 130.

[0023] The operation unit 112 has a plurality of keys. A user can input various instructions to the terminal 100 by operating the operation unit 112. The display unit 114 is a display for displaying various information. The display unit 114 may function as a so-called touch panel (i.e., an operation unit). The communication I / F 116 is connected to the LAN 3. The communication I / F 116 may be a wireless I / F or a wired I / F.

[0024] The control unit 130 includes a CPU 132 and a memory 134. The memory 134 includes a main storage device and an auxiliary storage device, not shown. The CPU 132 executes various processes in accordance with a program 140 stored in the auxiliary storage device of the memory 134. Specifically, the CPU 132 executes the various processes by loading the program 140 from the auxiliary storage device to the main storage device and executing the program 140. The main storage device is, for example, a RAM and a cache memory. The auxiliary storage device may be, for example, a flash memory, an SSD, or a ROM, or a combination thereof.

[0025] The memory 134 further stores a scanner driver 142 and the IP address "192.168.1.1" of the terminal 100. The scanner driver 142 sends a scan execution instruction to the scanner 10.

[0026] Terminal 200 is used by a user different from the user of terminal 100. Terminal 200 has the same configuration as terminal 100 except that terminal 200 stores its own IP address "192.168.1.2".

[0027] (Log storage processing; Figure 4) The log storage process executed by the CPU 32 of the scanner 10 will be described with reference to Figure 4. The CPU 32 monitors the detection value of the cover sensor 9, and starts the log storage process when the cover member 8 moves from the closed position to the open position as a trigger. Note that, hereinafter, the movement of the cover member 8 from the closed position to the open position may be referred to as "cover open," and the movement of the cover member 8 from the open position to the closed position may be referred to as "cover close."

[0028] In S10, the CPU 32 starts a timer to measure the time during which the scanner 10 continues to be able to store log information in the memory 34.

[0029] In S12, the CPU 32 stores in the memory 34 new log information in which date and time information indicating the date and time when the cover was opened is associated with the action information "cover open."

[0030] In S14, CPU 32 monitors whether the timer's measurement value has reached a predetermined time (e.g., three minutes). The predetermined time may be longer or shorter than three minutes. The predetermined time may be determined based on, for example, the typical time it takes a user to place an original on scanner 10's placement table 18, move to the placement location of terminal 100, and perform a scan operation on terminal 100. If the measurement value has reached the predetermined time (YES in S14), CPU 32 proceeds to S16. If the measurement value has not reached the predetermined time (NO in S14), CPU 32 proceeds to S30.

[0031] In S16, the CPU 32 stores new log information in the memory 34, which associates date and time information indicating the date and time when the measurement value reached the predetermined time with the action information "log storage end." When S16 ends, the processing of FIG. 4 ends. Thus, in this embodiment, the scanner 10 can store log information during the period for executing the processing of FIG. 4 related to scanning according to the FB method, i.e., the period until the timer measures the predetermined time. Furthermore, as will be described in detail later, the scanner 10 can also store log information during the period for executing processing related to scanning according to the ADF method. The scanner 10 is configured not to store log information during periods other than the above periods.

[0032] In S30, the CPU 32 monitors whether a scan execution instruction is acquired (i.e., received) from any of the terminals 100, 200. If the scan execution instruction is acquired (YES in S30), the CPU 32 proceeds to S32, and if the scan execution instruction is not acquired (NO in S30), the CPU 32 proceeds to S40.

[0033] In S32, the CPU 32 stores in the memory 34 new log information in which date and time information indicating the date and time when the scan execution instruction was acquired is associated with the action information "scan execution instruction acquired."

[0034] In S34, the CPU 32 resets the timer, causing the timer to restart counting from 0. When the CPU 32 completes the process of S34, it returns to S14.

[0035] In S40, the CPU 32 monitors whether the cover is to be opened based on the detection value of the cover sensor 9. If the cover is to be opened (YES in S40), the CPU 32 proceeds to S42, and if the cover is not to be opened (NO in S40), the CPU 32 returns to S14.

[0036] In S42, the CPU 32 stores in the memory 34 new log information in which date and time information indicating the date and time when the cover was opened is associated with the action information "cover open."

[0037] In S44, the CPU 32 resets the timer, causing the timer to restart counting from zero.

[0038] In S46, the CPU 32 outputs the log information 42 stored in the memory 34. Specifically, the CPU 32 displays the log information 42 on the display unit 114. Here, the CPU 32 displays a predetermined number of the most recent log information. The predetermined number is an integer equal to or greater than 2, for example, 10. The memory 34 may be configured to store only a predetermined number of pieces of log information, or may be configured to store more than the predetermined number of pieces of log information. In the latter configuration, the scanner 10 may be configured so that a user can access the scanner 10 from, for example, the terminal 100 and view all of the log information. When the processing of S46 ends, the CPU 32 returns to S14.

[0039] (Specific case of the FB method: Figures 5 to 7) Specific cases A and B realized by the processing in Fig. 4 will be described with reference to Fig. 5 to Fig. 7. First, case A, in which a user desires to scan a document using the FB method but a third party is peeking at the document, will be described with reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. Next, case B, in which a user desires to scan a document using the FB method but a third party is scanning the document, will be described with reference to Fig. 7.

[0040] In the following, for ease of understanding, when describing the processing executed by the CPU 32 of the scanner 10 and the CPU 132 of the terminal 100 in accordance with the programs 40, 140, the scanner 10 and the terminal 100 will be described as the main subjects, rather than the respective CPUs 32, 132. Furthermore, all of the following communications executed by the scanner 10 and the terminal 100 are executed via the communication I / Fs 24, 116. Therefore, in the following, when describing processing related to communication, the phrase "via the communication I / F 24 (or 116)" will be omitted.

[0041] In the following description, scanner 10 is used by the user of terminal 100 and a third party different from the user. In each of the figures from Fig. 5 onwards, operations by the user of terminal 100 and operations by the third party are represented by thin arrows and thick arrows, respectively. In each of the figures from Fig. 5 onwards, periods during which scanner 10 can store log information are represented by thick lines with diagonal shading, and periods during which scanner 10 cannot store log information are represented by thin dashed lines.

[0042] (Case A; Figures 5 and 6) At T10, the user of the terminal 100 performs a cover open operation on the scanner 10 (triggering the process in FIG. 4). At T12, the scanner 10 starts a timer (S10), and at T14, stores log information in the memory 34 that associates the date and time information "Oct 16 10:00:00" with the action information "cover open" (S12).

[0043] At T16, the user of terminal 100 places a document on scanner 10's table 18, and then performs a cover close operation on scanner 10. Next, the user moves from the location where scanner 10 is placed to the location where terminal 100 is placed. Here, between the time the user places a document on scanner 10 and the time the user uses terminal 100 to have scanner 10 execute a scan, a third party performs a cover open operation on scanner 10 at T18 (YES in S40) and peeks at the document placed on table 18. In this case, at T20, scanner 10 stores in memory 34 log information 42 that associates date and time information "Oct 16 10:00:30" with action information "cover open" (S42). Then, scanner 10 resets the timer at T22 (S44).

[0044] Next, at T24, the scanner 10 displays the log information screen SC1 on the display unit 6 (S46). The log information screen SC1 includes first log information in which the date and time information "Oct 16 10:00:00" is associated with the action information "Cover Open", and second log information in which the date and time information "Oct 16 10:00:30" is associated with the action information "Cover Open".

[0045] Thereafter, at T26, the third party resets the document on the table 18 of the scanner 10 and then performs a cover close operation on the scanner 10.

[0046] When the terminal 100 accepts a scan operation from the user of the terminal 100 in T30, the terminal 100 transmits a scan execution instruction to the scanner 10 in T32 in accordance with the scanner driver 142. The scan execution instruction includes the IP address of the terminal 100 itself, "192.268.1.1," as the IP address of the sending device.

[0047] When scanner 10 receives a scan execution instruction from terminal 100 in T32 (YES in S30), scanner 10 stores log information in memory 34 in T34 that associates date and time information "Oct 16 10:00:45," action information "scan execution instruction obtained," and IP address information "192.268.1.1" (S32). Then, scanner 10 resets the timer in T36 (S34).

[0048] In T38, scanner 10 scans the document. Specifically, scanner 10 causes reading sensor 20 to read the document placed on document table 18 in accordance with the FB method. Then, in T40, scanner 10 transmits scan data, which is the scan result generated by reading the document, to terminal 100. As a result, scanner 10 can store the scan data in a predetermined folder in terminal 100.

[0049] 6, at T50, the user of terminal 100 moves to the location where scanner 10 is placed to collect the scanned document, and executes a cover open operation on scanner 10 (YES in S40). In this case, at T52, scanner 10 stores log information in memory 34 that associates date and time information "Oct 16 10:02:00" with action information "cover open" (S42). Then, at T54, scanner 10 resets the timer (S44).

[0050] Next, at T56, the scanner 10 displays the log information screen SC2 on the display unit 6 (S46). The log information screen SC2 includes third and fourth log information in addition to the first and second log information. The third log information includes date and time information "Oct 16 10:00:45", action information "Scan execution instruction obtained", and IP address information "192.268.1.1". The fourth log information includes date and time information "Oct 16 10:02:00" and action information "Cover open".

[0051] At T58, the user of terminal 100 retrieves the scanned document placed on tray 18 and performs a cover close operation on scanner 10. At this time, the user looks at log information screen SC2 displayed on display unit 6 of scanner 10. The user recognizes that second log information exists between first log information indicating that the user himself / herself performed cover open and third log information indicating terminal 100's IP address information "192.168.1.1" and action information "scan execution instruction obtained." Because the second log information is information regarding the cover open operation, the user can know that a third party may have peeked at the document after it was placed on scanner 10.

[0052] At T70, scanner 10 determines that the timer's measurement value has reached a predetermined time (i.e., 3 minutes) (YES at S14). In this case, at T72, scanner 10 stores log information associated with date and time information "Oct 16 10:05:00" and action information "log storage end" in memory 34 (S16). Thereafter, scanner 10 transitions to a state in which it does not store log information.

[0053] (Effect of Case A) As described above, in this embodiment, the scanner 10 can store log information indicating actions taken on the scanner 10 during the period from when the cover member 8 is moved from the closed position to the open position until the timer counts down a predetermined time. As will be described later, the scanner 10 can also store log information during a period for performing processing related to scanning in accordance with the ADF method. On the other hand, the scanner 10 is configured not to store log information during periods other than the above-described periods. Examples of log information that is not stored include operations on the operation unit 112 and external access to the scanner 10 via communication. This reduces the memory capacity required for storing log information compared to a configuration in which all log information is stored in the memory 34 of the scanner 10. In this embodiment, the period during which log information can be stored is a period during which a document is likely to be placed on the document placement platform 18 and the document itself or the scanned results of the document may be viewed by a third party. On the other hand, the period during which log information is not stored is a period during which no document is placed on the document placement platform 18 and the document itself or the scanned results of the document may be viewed by a third party. In this way, the scanner 10 can store log information only during the period when the document itself or the scanned result of the document can be viewed by a third party. Therefore, the user can identify any actions such as peeping at the document from the log information.

[0054] As described above, in this embodiment, the scanner 10 can store and display log information. If the scanner 10 were configured to store the log information in a separate log server rather than storing it in the scanner 10, the user would need to access the log server to view the log information. Furthermore, if the scanner 10 is owned by an organization such as a company, it is highly likely that only certain users, such as system administrators, would be able to check the log server. In contrast, in this embodiment, the scanner 10 displays the log information, so the user who scanned the document can view the log information screen SC2 when retrieving the scanned document. Therefore, the user can easily identify any behavior, such as peeking at the document. This improves user convenience.

[0055] Here, a situation will be described in which the user of terminal 100 scans multiple documents in accordance with the FB method. After collecting the scanned documents at T58 in FIG. 6, the user of terminal 100 places the next document on the document placement table 18 and performs a cover close operation on scanner 10. Thereafter, the processes of T30 in FIG. 5 to T58 in FIG. 6 are executed. In this manner, the processes of T30 to T58 are executed repeatedly. After completing the scanning of the last document, the user collects the scanned documents and performs a cover close operation on scanner 10. Thereafter, the processes of T70 and T72 are executed, and scanner 10 transitions to a state in which it does not store log information.

[0056] (Case B processing; Figure 7) Next, with reference to FIG. 7, a case B will be described in which the document is scanned by a third party in a situation where the user desires to scan the document in the FB format.

[0057] The scanner 10 executes the same processes as T10 to T16 in Fig. 5. Before the user of the terminal 100 causes the scanner 10 to execute a scan, a third party executes a scan operation on the terminal 200 at T150.

[0058] When the terminal 200 accepts a scan operation from a third party in T150, it transmits a scan execution instruction to the scanner 10 in T152. The scan execution instruction includes the IP address of the terminal 200 itself, "192.268.1.2," as the IP address of the transmission source device.

[0059] When scanner 10 receives a scan execution instruction from terminal 200 in T152 (YES in S30), scanner 10 stores in memory 34 in T154 log information that associates date and time information "Oct 16 10:00:30", action information "scan execution instruction obtained", and IP address information "192.268.1.2" included in the scan execution instruction (S32). Then, scanner 10 resets the timer in T156 (S34).

[0060] The scanner 10 scans the document at T158, and transmits the scan results to the terminal 200 at T160, allowing a third party to view the scan results.

[0061] The processing of T170 to T194 is the same as T30 in Fig. 5 to T54 in Fig. 6. At T196, the scanner 10 displays a log information screen SC3 on the display unit 6 (S46). The log information screen SC3 includes fifth log information instead of the second log information described with reference to Figs. 5 and 6. The fifth log information is log information in which date and time information "Oct 16 10:00:30", action information "scan execution instruction obtained", and IP address information "192.168.1.2" are associated. Thereafter, the scanner 10 executes processing similar to T58 to T72 in Fig. 6.

[0062] (Effect of Case B) By looking at the log information screen SC3, the user of terminal 100 recognizes that the fifth log information exists between the first log information and the third log information. The fifth log information indicates that a scan execution instruction has been obtained, and indicates the IP address information "192.168.1.2" of terminal 200, which is different from terminal 100. Therefore, the user can know that a third party may have obtained the scan results after placing the document on scanner 10.

[0063] (Specific case of the ADF method: Figures 8 to 11) Next, specific cases C and D relating to scanning a document using the ADF method will be described with reference to Figures 8 to 11. First, case C, in which a third party peeks at a document when a user wants to scan the document using the ADF method, will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Next, case D, in which a third party scans a document when a user wants to scan the document using the ADF method, will be described with reference to Figures 10 and 11.

[0064] (Case C; Figures 8 and 9) In T300, the user of terminal 100 places a document on first tray 11 of cover member 8. When scanner 10 detects that a document has been placed on first tray 11 based on the detection value of placement sensor 22, scanner 10 transitions in T302 from a state in which log information is not stored to a state in which log information can be stored. In T304, scanner 10 stores in memory 34 log information in which date and time information "Oct 16 10:00:00" indicating the date and time when the document was placed on first tray 11 is associated with action information "document placed."

[0065] The user then moves from the location where scanner 10 is placed to the location where terminal 100 is placed. Between the time when the user places a document on scanner 10 and the time when scanner 10 uses terminal 100 to execute a scan, a third party removes the document from first tray 11 at T320 and looks at the document placed on first tray 11. In this case, scanner 10 detects that the document has been removed from first tray 11 based on the detection value of placement sensor 22, and at T322 stores log information in memory 34 that associates date and time information "Oct 1610:00:10" indicating the date and time when the document was removed from first tray 11 with action information "log storage end." Then, at T344, scanner 10 transitions from a state in which log information can be stored to a state in which log information is not stored.

[0066] Next, at T346, the scanner 10 displays the log information screen SC4. The log information screen SC4 includes sixth log information in which the date and time information "Oct 16 10:00:00" is associated with the action information "Original Placed", and seventh log information in which the date and time information "Oct 16 10:00:10" is associated with the action information "Log Storage Ended".

[0067] After peeking at the document, the third party places the document again on the first tray 11 of the cover member 8 at T348. In this case, the scanner 10 detects that a document has been placed on the first tray 11, and at T350 transitions from a state in which log information is not stored to a state in which log information can be stored. At T352, the scanner 10 stores in the memory 34 log information in which the date and time information "Oct 16 10:00:30" indicating the date and time when the document was placed on the first tray 11 is associated with the action information "document placed."

[0068] Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 9, when the terminal 100 accepts a scan operation from the user of the terminal 100 in T360, it transmits a scan execution instruction to the scanner 10 in T362.

[0069] When scanner 10 receives a scan instruction from terminal 100 in T362, scanner 10 stores in memory 34 in T364 log information that associates date and time information "Oct 16 10:00:50" indicating the date and time when the scan instruction was acquired, action information "scan instruction acquired," and IP address information "192.268.1.1" included in the scan instruction. Then, scanner 10 scans the document in accordance with the ADF method in T368. Specifically, scanner 10 causes conveyance unit 16 to convey the document placed on first tray 11, and causes reading sensor 20 to read the document. Then, scanner 10 transmits the scan results to terminal 100 in T370.

[0070] When the scanner 10 has completed scanning all documents, at T372 it stores log information in memory 34 that is associated with date and time information "Oct 16 10:01:20" indicating the date and time when scanning was completed and action information "log storage completed." Then, at T374, scanner 10 transitions from a state in which log information can be stored to a state in which log information is not stored.

[0071] Next, at T376, scanner 10 displays log information screen SC5. Log information screen SC5 includes the above-mentioned sixth and seventh log information, as well as eighth to tenth log information. The eighth log information includes date and time information "Oct 16 10:00:30" and action information "Document Placed." The ninth log information includes date and time information "Oct 16 10:00:50," action information "Scan Execution Instruction Obtained," and IP address information "192.168.1.1." The tenth log information includes date and time information "Oct 16 10:01:20" and action information "Log Storage Ended."

[0072] (Effect of Case C) The user of terminal 100 retrieves the scanned document placed on second tray 12. At this time, the user looks at log information screen SC5. The user recognizes that seventh and eighth log information exist between the sixth log information indicating that the user placed the document and the ninth log information indicating that a scan execution instruction has been received. Because the seventh log information is information regarding the end of log storage and the eighth log information is information regarding document placement, the user can know that a third party may have looked at the document after it was placed on scanner 10.

[0073] (Case D; Figures 10 and 11) Next, with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, a case D will be described in which a user desires to scan a document using the ADF method, but the document is scanned by a third party.

[0074] The scanner 10 executes the same processes as T300 to T304 in Fig. 8. Before the user of the terminal 100 causes the scanner 10 to execute a scan, a third party executes a scan operation on the terminal 200 in T400.

[0075] When the terminal 200 accepts a scan operation from a third party in T400, it transmits a scan execution instruction to the scanner 10 in T402. The scan execution instruction includes the IP address of the terminal 200 itself, "192.268.1.2," as the IP address of the transmission source device.

[0076] When the scanner 10 receives a scan execution instruction from the terminal 200 in T402, the scanner 10 stores log information in memory 34 in T404, which associates the date and time information "Oct 16 10:00:10", the action information "scan execution instruction obtained", and the IP address information "192.268.1.2" included in the scan execution instruction. Then, the scanner 10 scans the document in T408, and transmits the scan results to the terminal 100 in T410.

[0077] When the scanner 10 completes scanning of the document, in T412 it stores in memory 34 log information associated with date and time information "Oct 16 10:00:40" and action information "log storage completed." Then, in T414, the scanner 10 transitions from a state in which log information can be stored to a state in which log information is not stored. Next, in T416, the scanner 10 displays log information screen SC6.

[0078] Thereafter, the third party collects the scanned document from second tray 12 and places it back on first tray 11. When scanner 10 detects that a document has been placed on first tray 11, it transitions in T420 from a state in which log information is not stored to a state in which log information can be stored. The processing from T422 in FIG. 10 to T444 in FIG. 11 is the same as the processing from T352 in FIG. 8 to T374 in FIG. 9. Then, scanner 10 displays log information screen SC7 in T376. Log information screen SC7 includes three more pieces of log information in addition to the three pieces of log information included on log information screen SC6.

[0079] (Effect of Case D) The user of terminal 100 retrieves the scanned document from second tray 12. At this time, the user looks at log information screen SC7. The user recognizes that there are three pieces of log information between the log information indicating that the user placed the document on first tray 11 (i.e., date and time information "Oct 16 10:00:00") and the log information indicating terminal 100's IP address information "192.168.1.1" and action information "scan execution instruction obtained" (i.e., date and time information "Oct 16 10:00:50"). Because the three pieces of log information include log information related to the acquisition of the scan execution instruction (i.e., date and time information "Oct 16 10:00:10"), the user can know that a third party may have obtained the scan results after placing the document on scanner 10.

[0080] (Correspondence) T38 in Fig. 5, T158 and T178 in Fig. 7, T368 in Fig. 9, T408 in Fig. 10, and T438 in Fig. 11 are examples of processing executed by the "scan control unit." T40 in Fig. 5, T160 and T180 in Fig. 7, T370 in Fig. 9, T410 in Fig. 10, and T440 in Fig. 11 are examples of processing executed by the "save control unit." T14, T20, and T34 in Fig. 5 are examples of processing executed by the "log storage unit." T24 in Fig. 5, T56 in Fig. 6, T196 in Fig. 7, T346 in Fig. 8, T376 in Fig. 9, T416 in Fig. 10, and T446 in Fig. 11 are examples of processing executed by the "output unit."

[0081] Although specific examples of the present invention have been described above in detail, these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and variations of the specific examples exemplified above. Modifications of the above-mentioned embodiments are listed below.

[0082] (Modification 1) The "scan execution instruction" does not have to be received from the terminal 100, 200, and may be obtained by operating the operation unit 4, for example.

[0083] (Variation 2) The "predetermined storage destination" may be, for example, a USB memory connected to the scanner 10, a cloud server, or the like.

[0084] (Variation 3) In S34 of FIG. 4, scanner 10 does not have to reset the timer to zero, but may reset it to, for example, one minute. In this case, scanner 10 determines YES in S14 after two minutes have passed. In S44 of FIG. 4, scanner 10 does not have to reset the timer to zero, but may reset it to, for example, two minutes. In this case, scanner 10 determines YES in S14 after one minute has passed. Generally speaking, the "first predetermined time," "second predetermined time," and "third processing time" may be the same time (for example, three minutes) as in the above embodiment, or may be different times as in this variation.

[0085] (Variation 4) The process of S34 in Fig. 4 may be omitted. Generally speaking, if a scan execution instruction is acquired between the first timing and the first predetermined time has elapsed, the "log storage unit" does not need to determine a new second timing to replace the second timing.

[0086] (Variation 5) The processing of S44 in Fig. 4 may be omitted. Generally speaking, if the cover member is moved again from the closed position to the open position during the first predetermined time period from the first timing, the "log storage unit" does not need to determine a new second timing to replace the second timing.

[0087] (Variation 6) S40 to S46 in Fig. 4 may be omitted. Generally speaking, the "action" does not have to include the cover member being moved from the closed position to the open position.

[0088] (Variation 7) S30 to S34 in Fig. 4 may be omitted. They may also be omitted in Fig. 8 to Fig. 11. Generally speaking, an "action" does not have to include obtaining a scan execution instruction through communication from an external device.

[0089] (Variation 8) The scanner 10 does not have to include the transport unit 16. That is, the scanner 10 may be capable of performing only scanning according to the FB method.

[0090] (Variation 9) The processes of T304 in Fig. 8 and T422 in Fig. 10, which are cited in Fig. 10, may be omitted. Generally speaking, the "action" does not have to include placing the document on the cover member.

[0091] (Variation 10) Scanner 10 may display log information at a timing different from that of the above-described embodiment. For example, scanner 10 may display log information when a predetermined operation is performed on operation unit 4. Generally speaking, the "output unit" may not output log information when scanning of a document placed on the cover member is completed, or when the cover member is moved from the closed position to the open position again.

[0092] (Variation 11) Scanner 10 may not have display unit 6. In this case, scanner 10 may transmit log information in memory 34 to the terminal in response to a request from the terminal. Scanner 10 may also be capable of executing a printing function, in which case it may print the log information. The transmission and printing of the log information described above are also examples of "output."

[0093] (Variant 12) In the above embodiment, the processing of each step in Figures 4 to 11 is realized by software (e.g., program 40 of scanner 10), but at least one of these processes may also be realized by hardware such as a logic circuit.

[0094] Furthermore, the technical elements described in this specification or drawings may exhibit technical utility either alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. Furthermore, the technologies illustrated in this specification or drawings may achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving one of those objectives alone is technically useful.

[0095] In the scope of the claims at the time of filing, even if each claim depends on only some of the claims, it is not limited to the fact that each claim can depend on only those some of the claims. To the extent that there is no technical contradiction, each claim can also depend on other claims that were not dependent at the time of filing. In other words, the technology of each claim can be combined in various ways as follows: (Item 1) A scanner, Memory and a scanning unit including a table on which a document is to be placed, a cover member movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the table, and a reading sensor that reads the document placed on the table; a scan control unit that causes the scan execution unit to scan the document when a scan execution instruction is received; a storage control unit that stores the scan data obtained by scanning the document in a predetermined storage location; a log storage unit that stores, in the memory, log information indicating a log of actions taken on the scanner during a period from a first timing to a second timing, the first timing includes a timing when the cover member is moved from the closed position to the open position; the second timing includes a timing at which a first predetermined time has elapsed since the first timing, the log storage unit, wherein the log information is not stored in the memory during a period other than the period from the first timing to the second timing; an output unit that outputs the log information in the memory. (Item 2) the log storage unit determines a new second timing to replace the second timing when the scan execution instruction is acquired during the first predetermined time period from the first timing; Item 2. The scanner according to item 1, wherein the new second timing includes a timing when a second predetermined time has elapsed since the scan execution instruction was obtained. (Item 3) the log storage unit determines a new second timing to replace the second timing when the cover member is moved from the closed position to the open position again during the period from the first timing until the first predetermined time has elapsed; 3. The scanner according to item 1 or 2, wherein the new second timing includes timing when a third predetermined time has elapsed since the cover member is moved from the closed position to the open position again. (Item 4) 4. The scanner of any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the action includes moving the cover member from the closed position to the open position. (Item 5) the action includes obtaining the scan execution instruction through communication from an external device; 5. The scanner according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the log information includes an IP address of the external device that is the sender of the scan execution instruction. (Item 6) the cover member includes a transport unit that transports the document placed on the cover member toward the reading sensor, the first timing further includes timing when the document is placed on the cover member; Item 2. The scanner according to item 1, wherein the second timing further includes timing at which scanning of the document placed on the cover member is completed. (Item 7) 7. The scanner of claim 6, wherein the action includes placing the document on the cover member. (Item 8) the action includes obtaining the scan execution instruction through communication from an external device; 8. The scanner according to item 6 or 7, wherein the log information includes an IP address of the external device that is the sender of the scan execution instruction. (Item 9) 9. The scanner according to any one of items 6 to 8, wherein the output unit outputs the log information when scanning of the document placed on the cover member is completed. (Item 10) 10. The scanner of claim 1, wherein the output unit outputs the log information when the cover member is moved from the closed position to the open position again after the first timing. (Item 11) 11. The scanner according to any one of items 1 to 10, wherein the output unit outputs the log information indicating a predetermined number of logs, two or more in the past. (Item 12) the scanner further comprises a display unit; 12. The scanner according to any one of items 1 to 11, wherein the output unit displays the log information on the display unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 1: communication system, 2: operation panel, 4: operation unit, 6: display unit, 8: cover member, 9: cover sensor, 10: scanner, 11: first tray, 12: second tray, 14: scan execution unit, 16: transport unit, 18: placement table, 20: reading sensor, 22: placement sensor, 24: communication interface, 24: communication I / F, 30: control unit, 32: CPU, 34: memory, 40: program, 42: log information, 100: terminal, 112: operation unit, 114: display unit, 116: communication I / F, 130: control unit, 132: CPU, 134: memory, 140: program, 142: scanner driver, 200: terminal

Claims

1. A scanner, Memory and a scanning unit including a table on which a document is to be placed, a cover member movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the table, and a reading sensor that reads the document placed on the table; a scan control unit that causes the scan execution unit to scan the document when a scan execution instruction is received; a storage control unit that stores the scan data obtained by scanning the document in a predetermined storage location; a log storage unit that stores, in the memory, log information indicating a log of actions taken on the scanner during a period from a first timing to a second timing, the first timing includes a timing when the cover member is moved from the closed position to the open position; the second timing includes timing at which a first predetermined time has elapsed since the first timing, the log storage unit, wherein the log information is not stored in the memory during a period other than the period from the first timing to the second timing; an output unit that outputs the log information in the memory.

2. the log storage unit determines a new second timing to replace the second timing when the scan execution instruction is acquired during the first predetermined time period from the first timing; The scanner according to claim 1 , wherein the new second timing includes timing when a second predetermined time has elapsed since the scan execution instruction was obtained.

3. the log storage unit determines a new second timing to replace the second timing when the cover member is moved from the closed position to the open position again during the first predetermined time period from the first timing; 2. The scanner according to claim 1, wherein the new second timing includes timing when a third predetermined time has elapsed since the cover member is moved from the closed position to the open position again.

4. The scanner of claim 1 , wherein the action includes the cover member being moved from the closed position to the open position.

5. the action includes obtaining the scan execution instruction through communication from an external device; The scanner according to claim 1 , wherein the log information includes an IP address of the external device that is the source of the scan execution instruction.

6. the cover member includes a transport unit that transports the document placed on the cover member toward the reading sensor, the first timing further includes timing when the document is placed on the cover member; The scanner according to claim 1 , wherein the second timing further includes timing at which scanning of the document placed on the cover member is completed.

7. The scanner of claim 6 , wherein the action includes placing the document on the cover member.

8. the action includes obtaining the scan execution instruction through communication from an external device; The scanner according to claim 6 , wherein the log information includes an IP address of the external device that is the sender of the scan execution instruction.

9. The scanner according to claim 6 , wherein the output unit outputs the log information when scanning of the document placed on the cover member is completed.

10. The scanner according to claim 1 , wherein the output unit outputs the log information when the cover member is moved from the closed position to the open position again after the first timing.

11. The scanner according to claim 1 , wherein the output unit outputs the log information indicating a predetermined number of past logs, which is equal to or greater than two.

12. The scanner further comprises a display unit; The scanner according to claim 1 , wherein the output unit displays the log information on the display unit.

13. 1. A computer program for a scanner, comprising: The scanner Memory and a scan execution unit including a placement stage on which a document is placed, a cover member movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the placement stage, and a reading sensor that reads the document placed on the placement stage; The scanner computer is comprised of the following parts: a scan control unit that causes the scan execution unit to scan the document when a scan execution instruction is received; a storage control unit that stores the scan data obtained by scanning the document in a predetermined storage location; a log storage unit that stores, in the memory, log information indicating a log of actions taken on the scanner during a period from a first timing to a second timing, the first timing includes a timing when the cover member is moved from the closed position to the open position; the second timing includes timing at which a first predetermined time has elapsed since the first timing, the log storage unit, wherein the log information is not stored in the memory during a period other than the period from the first timing to the second timing; an output unit that outputs the log information in the memory; A computer program that functions as a

14. 1. A method performed by a scanner, comprising: The scanner Memory and a scan execution unit including a placement stage on which a document is placed, a cover member movable between an open position and a closed position relative to the placement stage, and a reading sensor that reads the document placed on the placement stage; The method comprises: a scan control step of causing the scan execution unit to scan the document when a scan execution instruction is acquired; a storage control step of storing scan data obtained by scanning the document in a predetermined storage location; a log storage step of storing, in the memory, log information indicating a log of actions taken on the scanner during a period from a first timing to a second timing, the first timing includes a timing when the cover member is moved from the closed position to the open position; the second timing includes timing at which a first predetermined time has elapsed since the first timing, the log storage step in which the log information is not stored in the memory during a period other than the period from the first timing to the second timing; an output step of outputting the log information in the memory; A method comprising:

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