Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and control program

Abstract

To provide an information processor, an information processing method, and a control program capable of appropriately managing a time to be measured.SOLUTION: The information processing apparatus includes a measurement unit that measures time, a communication unit, a determination unit that determines whether the time measured by the measurement unit is valid, and a control unit that, when the time measured by the measurement unit is not valid, acquires time information via the communication unit if communication via the communication unit is possible, and notifies a user of a warning if communication via the communication unit is not possible.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, an information processing method, and a control program. [Background technology]

[0002] In general, an information processing device such as a scanner manages input images of a medium together with the time at which the images were captured.

[0003] An information terminal has been disclosed that, when data and programs with a predetermined expiration date are executed, determines whether the time measured by a time measurement unit, the GPS time, and the shared time obtained from a server are within the expiration date (see Patent Document 1). This information terminal permits the execution of data and programs with a predetermined expiration date if all times are within the expiration date. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-160536 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In an information processing device, it is required to appropriately manage the time measured by the device.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing device, an information processing method, and a control program that are capable of appropriately managing the time to be measured. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a measurement unit that measures time, a communication unit, a judgment unit that determines whether the time measured by the measurement unit is valid, and a control unit that, if the time measured by the measurement unit is invalid, acquires time information via the communication unit if communication via the communication unit is possible, or notifies a user of a warning if communication via the communication unit is not possible.

[0008] An information processing method according to one aspect of the present invention determines whether the time measured by a measurement unit is valid, and if the time measured by the measurement unit is not valid, acquires time information via the communication unit if communication via the communication unit is possible, and notifies the user of a warning if communication via the communication unit is not possible.

[0009] A control program according to one aspect of the present invention is a control program for an information processing device having a measurement unit that measures time and a communication unit, and determines whether the time measured by the measurement unit is valid, and if the time measured by the measurement unit is not valid, causes the information processing device to acquire time information via the communication unit if communication via the communication unit is possible, or to notify a warning to the user if communication via the communication unit is not possible. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, the information processing device, the information processing method, and the control program are capable of appropriately managing the time to be measured. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a transport path inside the information processing device. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining a power supply mechanism. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a second storage device and a second processing circuit. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a monitoring process. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a medium reading process. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of a time setting process. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of another second processing circuit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] An information processing device, an information processing method, and a control program according to one aspect of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, please note that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments, but extends to the inventions set forth in the claims and their equivalents.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an information processing device configured as an image scanner.

[0014] The information processing device 100 is a medium conveying device or image reading device that conveys, captures an image of, and discharges a medium that is an original. The medium is paper, cardboard, a card, a booklet, a passport, or the like. The information processing device 100 may be a facsimile machine, a copier, a multifunction peripheral (MFP), or the like. The information processing device 100 may be a flatbed type device that captures an image of a medium without conveying it. The information processing device 100 may be any device, such as a server, a personal computer, a smartphone, a mobile phone, or a printer.

[0015] 1, arrow A1 indicates the medium transport direction, arrow A2 indicates the width direction perpendicular to the medium transport direction, and arrow A3 indicates the height direction perpendicular to the medium transport path. Hereinafter, "upstream" refers to the upstream side of the medium transport direction A1, and "downstream" refers to the downstream side of the medium transport direction A1. The width direction A2 is an example of a direction that intersects with the medium transport direction.

[0016] The information processing device 100 includes a lower housing 101, an upper housing 102, a mounting table 103, an ejection table 104, a display operation device 105, and the like.

[0017] The upper housing 102 is disposed in a position that covers the top surface of the information processing device 100, and is engaged with the lower housing 101 by a hinge so that it can be opened and closed when a medium is jammed or when the inside of the information processing device 100 is cleaned.

[0018] The mounting table 103 engages with the lower housing 101 and is rotatably provided by a hinge. When the information processing device 100 is not in use, the mounting table 103 is positioned to cover the lower housing 101 and the upper housing 102, and functions as an exterior cover. On the other hand, when the information processing device 100 is in use, the mounting table 103 is positioned to allow media to be placed thereon, and media to be fed and transported is placed on the mounting table 103. The ejection table 104 engages with the lower housing 101 and places ejected media on it. The ejection table 104 may also engage with the upper housing 102 by a hinge or the like.

[0019] The display operation device 105 has a display such as a liquid crystal display, an organic electroluminescence (EL) display, or the like, and an interface circuit for outputting image data to the display, and displays the image data on the display. The display operation device 105 also has a touch panel type input device and an interface circuit for acquiring signals from the input device, accepts operations by a user, and outputs signals according to the user's input. The display device and the operation device may be provided separately.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a transport path inside the information processing device.

[0021] The transport path inside the information processing device 100 includes a medium sensor 111, a feed roller 112, a separation roller 113, a first transport roller 114, a second transport roller 115, an imaging device 116, a first discharge roller 117, a second discharge roller 118, and the like.

[0022] The number of each of the feed roller 112, separation roller 113, first conveyance roller 114, second conveyance roller 115, first discharge roller 117, and / or second discharge roller 118 is not limited to one, and may be more than one. In this case, the multiple feed rollers 112, separation rollers 113, first conveyance roller 114, second conveyance roller 115, first discharge roller 117, and / or second discharge roller 118 are arranged side by side at intervals in the width direction A2.

[0023] The top surface of the lower housing 101 forms a lower guide 101a of the medium transport path, and the bottom surface of the upper housing 102 forms an upper guide 102a of the medium transport path. As shown in Fig. 2, the medium transport path has a so-called straight path mechanism in which the vertical positional relationship between the front and back surfaces of the medium does not change between the state before transport when the medium is placed on the loading tray 103 and the state after ejection when the medium is placed on the ejection tray 104. Because the medium transport path has a straight path mechanism, the information processing device 100 can be formed compactly.

[0024] The media sensor 111 is disposed upstream of the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113. The media sensor 111 has a contact detection sensor and detects whether or not a medium is placed on the placement table 103. The media sensor 111 generates and outputs a media signal whose signal value changes depending on whether or not a medium is placed on the placement table 103. Note that the media sensor 111 is not limited to a contact detection sensor, and any other sensor capable of detecting the presence or absence of a medium, such as an optical detection sensor, may be used as the media sensor 111.

[0025] The feed roller 112 is provided in the lower housing 101, and separates and feeds the media placed on the mounting table 103, starting from the bottom. The separation roller 113 is a so-called brake roller or retard roller, and is disposed in the upper housing 102 opposite the feed roller 112, and separates the media placed on the mounting table 103. The separation roller 113 is provided so as to be rotatable or stoppable in the direction A5 opposite the medium feeding direction. Note that a separation pad may be used instead of the separation roller 113.

[0026] The first conveying roller 114 and the second conveying roller 115 are disposed facing each other downstream of the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113 in the medium conveying direction A1. The first conveying roller 114 and the second conveying roller 115 convey the medium fed by the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113 to the imaging device 116.

[0027] The imaging device 116 captures an image of the medium transported by the first transport roller 114 and the second transport roller 115. The imaging device 116 includes a first imaging device 116a and a second imaging device 116b that are arranged opposite each other across the medium transport path.

[0028] The first imaging device 116a has an imaging sensor based on a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) of a life-size optical system having CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) imaging elements linearly arranged in the main scanning direction. The first imaging device 116a also has a lens that forms an image on the imaging element and an A / D converter that amplifies and analog-to-digital (A / D) converts the electrical signal output from the imaging element. The first imaging device 116a captures images of the surface of the medium being transported, sequentially generating and outputting input images.

[0029] Similarly, the second imaging device 116b has an imaging sensor using a CIS of a 1x1 optical system with CMOS imaging elements arranged linearly in the main scanning direction. The second imaging device 116b also has a lens that forms an image on the imaging element and an A / D converter that amplifies and analog-to-digital (A / D) converts the electrical signal output from the imaging element. The second imaging device 116b captures the back side of the medium being conveyed, sequentially generating and outputting line images.

[0030] The information processing device 100 may have only one of the first and second imaging devices 116a and 116b and may read only one side of the medium. Alternatively, a CIS line sensor with a life-size optical system equipped with a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) imaging element may be used as the imaging sensor. Alternatively, a reduction optical system line sensor with a CMOS or CCD imaging element may be used as the imaging sensor.

[0031] The first discharge roller 117 and the second discharge roller 118 are disposed facing each other downstream of the imaging device 116 in the medium conveying direction A1. The first discharge roller 117 and the second discharge roller 118 discharge the medium that has been conveyed by the first conveying roller 114 and the second conveying roller 115 and processed (imaged) by the imaging device 116 onto the discharge tray 104.

[0032] 2, i.e., the medium feeding direction, the media placed on the mounting table 103 is transported between the lower guide 101a and the upper guide 102a in the medium transport direction A1. When multiple media are placed on the mounting table 103, the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113 work to separate only those media that are in contact with the feed roller 112 from the media placed on the mounting table 103. This restricts the transport of media other than the separated media (preventing double feeding).

[0033] The medium is guided by lower guide 101a and upper guide 102a and fed between first conveyor roller 114 and second conveyor roller 115. The medium is fed between first imaging device 116a and second imaging device 116b as first conveyor roller 114 and second conveyor roller 115 rotate in the directions of arrows A6 and A7, respectively. The medium read by imaging device 116 is discharged onto discharge tray 104 as first discharge roller 117 and second discharge roller 118 rotate in the directions of arrows A8 and A9, respectively.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the information processing device.

[0035] In addition to the above-mentioned configuration, the information processing device 100 further includes a measuring device 121, a voltage sensor 122, a temperature sensor 123, an open / close sensor 124, a driving device 125, a first communication device 126, a second communication device 127, a first memory device 128, a first processing circuit 129, a second memory device 130, and a second processing circuit 140.

[0036] The measuring device 121 is an example of a measuring unit and measures time. The measuring device 121 is, for example, an RTC (Real Time Clock). The measuring device 121 has a capacitor or the like, receives a time setting from the second processing circuit 140, and stores the time in the capacitor or the like. The measuring device 121 also has a quartz oscillator and an oscillation circuit, and converts oscillations by the quartz oscillator into a clock signal using the oscillation circuit. The measuring device 121 calculates the current time based on the number of oscillations of the clock signal since the time setting was received, and outputs a time signal indicating the calculated current time to the second processing circuit 140.

[0037] The voltage sensor 122 is a voltmeter that detects the voltage applied to the measuring device 121 and outputs a voltage signal indicating the voltage applied to the measuring device 121 to the second processing circuit 140.

[0038] The temperature sensor 123 detects the environmental temperature in the information processing device 100 and outputs a temperature signal indicating the detected environmental temperature to the second processing circuit 140. The environmental temperature includes the temperature (air temperature) outside the device or the temperature inside the device, particularly the temperature around the measuring device 121.

[0039] The open / close sensor 124 is a contact detection sensor that detects the open / close state of the mounting table 103. The open / close sensor 124 detects whether the mounting table 103 is open or closed relative to the lower housing 101 or the upper housing 102, for example, by detecting whether a protrusion provided on the mounting table 103 is engaged with a recess provided on the lower housing 101 or the upper housing 102. The open / close sensor 124 outputs an open / close signal indicating whether the mounting table 103 is open or closed to the second processing circuit 140.

[0040] The drive device 125 has one or more motors. The drive device 125 generates a drive force for rotating the feed roller 112, the separation roller 113, the first conveyance roller 114, the second conveyance roller 115, the first discharge roller 117, and / or the second discharge roller 118 in response to a control signal from the second processing circuit 140. The drive device 125 is, for example, a DC (Direct Current) motor. The drive device 125 may be a motor other than a DC motor, such as a stepping motor. One of the first conveyance roller 114 and the second conveyance roller 115 may be a driven roller that follows the other roller. One of the first discharge roller 117 and the second discharge roller 118 may be a driven roller that follows the other roller.

[0041] The first communication device 126 is an example of a communication unit. The first communication device 126 has an antenna for transmitting and receiving wireless signals and a wireless communication interface circuit for transmitting and receiving signals through a wireless communication line in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol. The predetermined communication protocol is, for example, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network). The first communication device 126 communicates with other communication devices (for example, personal computers, personal digital assistants, etc.) via a network such as a wireless LAN or directly to transmit and receive input images and various information.

[0042] The first communication device 126 may have a wired communication interface circuit for transmitting and receiving signals through a wired communication line in accordance with a communication protocol such as a wired LAN. The first communication device 126 may also have a wireless communication interface circuit for transmitting and receiving signals through a mobile phone line in accordance with a mobile phone communication protocol such as 3G, 4G, or 5G. The first communication device 126 may also have a wired communication interface circuit for transmitting and receiving signals through a telephone line in accordance with a facsimile communication protocol such as the G4 standard. The first communication device 126 may also be a receiver for GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) signals or NSS signals. The first communication device 126 may also be a receiver for standard radio waves.

[0043] Furthermore, the first communication device 126 detects whether a communication cable is inserted into the communication connector, and outputs a first insertion signal indicating whether a communication cable is inserted into the communication connector to the second processing circuit 140. Furthermore, the first communication device 126 detects whether communication via the first communication device 126 is possible, and outputs a first status signal indicating whether communication via the first communication device 126 is possible to the second processing circuit 140. For example, the first communication device 126 determines that communication via the first communication device 126 is possible when linked up with a network device, and determines that communication via the first communication device 126 is not possible when not linked up with a network device.

[0044] The second communication device 127 has an interface circuit conforming to a serial bus such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) and is directly connected for communication with other communication devices or external storage devices such as USB memory to transmit and receive input images and various information. The second communication device 127 may have an interface circuit conforming to a short-range wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC, or TransferJet. The second communication device 127 may also have an interface circuit conforming to an interface standard such as SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) or SDIO. In this case, the second communication device 127 may be directly connected for communication with external storage devices such as multimedia cards or SD memory cards to transmit and receive input images and various information.

[0045] Furthermore, the second communication device 127 detects whether or not a communication cable is inserted into the communication connector, and outputs a second insertion signal indicating whether or not a communication cable is inserted into the communication connector to the second processing circuit 140. Furthermore, the second communication device 127 detects whether or not communication via the second communication device 127 is possible, and outputs a second status signal indicating whether or not communication via the second communication device 127 is possible to the second processing circuit 140. For example, the second communication device 127 determines that communication via the second communication device 127 is possible when linked up with another communication device, and determines that communication via the second communication device 127 is not possible when not linked up with another communication device.

[0046] The first storage device 128 includes a memory device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory), a fixed disk device such as a hard disk, or a portable storage device such as a flexible disk or an optical disk. The first storage device 128 also stores computer programs, databases, tables, and the like used for various processes of the information processing device 100. The computer programs may be installed into the first storage device 128 from a computer-readable portable recording medium using a known setup program or the like. The portable recording medium is, for example, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), or the like. The computer programs may also be distributed from a server or the like and installed into the first storage device 128.

[0047] The first processing circuit 129 operates based on a program stored in advance in the first storage device 128. The first processing circuit 129 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The second processing circuit 140 may be a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an LSI (Large Scale Integration), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or the like.

[0048] The first processing circuit 129 is connected to and controls the display operation device 105, the medium sensor 111, the imaging device 116, the measuring device 121, the voltage sensor 122, the temperature sensor 123, the open / close sensor 124, the driving device 125, the first communication device 126, the second communication device 127, the first storage device 128, etc. The first processing circuit 129 controls the power supply to the information processing device 100.

[0049] The second storage device 130 includes a memory device such as a RAM or a ROM, a fixed disk device such as a hard disk, or a portable storage device such as a flexible disk or an optical disk. The second storage device 130 also stores computer programs, databases, tables, and the like used for various processes of the information processing device 100. The computer programs may be installed into the second storage device 130 from a computer-readable portable recording medium using a known setup program or the like. The portable recording medium is, for example, a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM. The computer programs may also be distributed from a server or the like and installed into the second storage device 130.

[0050] The second processing circuit 140 operates based on a program stored in advance in the second storage device 130. The second processing circuit 140 is, for example, a CPU. The second processing circuit 140 may also be a DSP, an LSI, an ASIC, an FPGA, or the like.

[0051] The second processing circuit 140 is connected to and controls the display operation device 105, the medium sensor 111, the imaging device 116, the measuring device 121, the voltage sensor 122, the temperature sensor 123, the open / close sensor 124, the driving device 125, the first communication device 126, the second communication device 127, the second storage device 130, etc. Based on the medium signal acquired from the medium sensor 111, the second processing circuit 140 performs drive control of the driving device 125, image capture control of the imaging device 116, etc. The second processing circuit 140 also manages the time in the measuring device 121.

[0052] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining a power supply mechanism of the information processing device.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 4, the information processing device 100 further includes an input terminal 151, a supplier 152, and a switch 153.

[0054] Power supplied from an external power source P is input to the input terminal 151. The information processing device 100 operates using only the power input from the external power source P to the input terminal 151. That is, the information processing device 100 does not have a power supply holding means capable of supplying power to the measuring device 121. The power supply holding means includes primary batteries such as lithium batteries, alkaline batteries, and manganese batteries, or secondary batteries such as lithium ion batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-cadmium batteries. The power supply holding means also includes capacitors such as electric double layer capacitors, electrolytic capacitors, ceramic capacitors, and film capacitors. In particular, the capacitors include capacitors of 3000 μF or less. The power supply holding means also includes power generation elements that perform photovoltaic power generation using PV cells (solar cells) such as silicon, compound semiconductor, perovskite, and photosensitized cells, thermal power generation using thermoelectric elements (Seebeck elements), or vibration power generation using piezoelectric elements, electromagnetic induction elements, inverse magnetostriction elements, and the like.

[0055] By not having a power supply maintaining means capable of supplying power to the measuring device 121, the information processing device 100 can suppress an increase in device costs and size, as well as the need for device maintenance due to deterioration or failure of the power supply maintaining means.

[0056] The supplier 152 is an example of a supply unit. The supplier 152 is disposed between the input terminal 151 and the switch 153. The supplier 152 supplies the power input to the input terminal 151 to the imaging device 116, the voltage sensor 122, the temperature sensor 123, the drive device 125, the second storage device 130, and the second processing circuit 140 via the switch 153. The supplier 152 also supplies the power input to the input terminal 151 directly to the display operation device 105, the medium sensor 111, the measurement device 121, the open / close sensor 124, the first communication device 126, the second communication device 127, the first storage device 128, and the first processing circuit 129 without going through the switch 153.

[0057] The supplier 152 may supply the power input to the input terminal 151 to devices other than the measuring device 121, the first storage device 128, and the first processing circuit 129 via the switch 153. The supplier 152 may also supply the power input to the input terminal 151 to all devices directly without going through the switch 153. The supplier 152 may also supply the power input to the input terminal 151 to all devices via the switch 153.

[0058] The switch 153 switches whether or not the power input to the input terminal 151 and supplied by the supplier 152 is to be supplied to the imaging device 116, the voltage sensor 122, the temperature sensor 123, the drive device 125, the second storage device 130, and the second processing circuit 140. The switch 153 switches whether or not to supply power in accordance with control from the first processing circuit 129. The switch 153 is, for example, a semiconductor switch. The switch 153 may also be a mechanical switch.

[0059] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the second storage device and the second processing circuit.

[0060] 5, the second storage device 130 stores a control program 131, a setting program 132, a determination program 133, etc. Each of these programs is a functional module implemented by software running on a processor. The second processing circuit 140 reads each program stored in the second storage device 130 and operates in accordance with the read program. As a result, the second processing circuit 140 functions as a control unit 141, a setting unit 142, and a determination unit 143.

[0061] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the monitoring process of the information processing device.

[0062] An example of the operation of the monitoring process of the information processing device 100 will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 6. The flow of the operation described below is executed mainly by the first processing circuit 129 in cooperation with each element of the information processing device 100 based on a program stored in advance in the first storage device 128.

[0063] First, the first processing circuit 129 determines whether the device state of the information processing device 100 is in an operating state (step S101).

[0064] The operating state is, for example, a state in which the mounting table 103 (cover) is open. The control unit 141 receives an open / close signal from the open / close sensor 124, and determines whether the mounting table 103 is open or closed based on the received open / close signal.

[0065] The operating state may be a state in which a medium is placed on the mounting table 103. The first processing circuit 129 receives a medium signal from the medium sensor 111, and determines whether or not a medium is placed on the mounting table 103 based on the received medium signal.

[0066] The operating state may be a state in which a communication cable is inserted into a communication connector of the first communication device 126 or the second communication device 127. The first processing circuit 129 receives a first insertion signal from the first communication device 126, and determines, based on the received first insertion signal, whether or not a communication cable is inserted into the communication connector of the first communication device 126. The first processing circuit 129 also receives a second insertion signal from the second communication device 127, and determines, based on the received second insertion signal, whether or not a communication cable is inserted into the communication connector of the second communication device 127.

[0067] The operating state may be a state in which the power switch of the information processing device 100 is on. The first processing circuit 129 determines whether or not the power switch (not shown) is on. The first processing circuit 129 may determine that the power switch is on if an input operation is performed on the display / operation device 105 while the power switch is off. Alternatively, the first processing circuit 129 may determine that the power switch is off if no input operation is performed on the display / operation device 105 for a predetermined consecutive time or longer while the power switch is on.

[0068] If the device state is the operating state, the first processing circuit 129 controls the switch 153 to supply power to the image capture device 116, the voltage sensor 122, the temperature sensor 123, the drive device 125, the second storage device 130, and the second processing circuit 140 (step S102). Note that if power has already been supplied to the image capture device 116, the voltage sensor 122, the temperature sensor 123, the drive device 125, the second storage device 130, and the second processing circuit 140, the processing of step S102 may be omitted. Next, the first processing circuit 129 returns the processing to step S101, and repeats the processing of steps S101 to S103.

[0069] On the other hand, if the device state is not the operating state, the first processing circuit 129 controls the switch 153 so as not to supply power to the image capture device 116, the voltage sensor 122, the temperature sensor 123, the drive device 125, the second storage device 130, and the second processing circuit 140 (step S103). Note that if power has already not been supplied to the image capture device 116, the voltage sensor 122, the temperature sensor 123, the drive device 125, the second storage device 130, and the second processing circuit 140, the processing of step S103 may be omitted. Next, the first processing circuit 129 returns the processing to step S101, and repeats the processing of steps S101 to S103.

[0070] In this way, the information processing device 100 can suppress an increase in power consumption by turning off the power supply to devices that execute the main processing of the information processing device 100 when the device state of the information processing device 100 is not in an operating state. On the other hand, the information processing device 100 continues to supply power to the measuring device 121 even when the device state of the information processing device 100 is not in an operating state. This allows the measuring device 121 to continue storing the current time in a capacitor or the like and to continue measuring the current time by continuing to detect the number of oscillations of the clock signal.

[0071] The monitoring process may be omitted.

[0072] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the medium reading process of the information processing device.

[0073] An example of the operation of the medium reading process of the information processing device 100 will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 7. The flow of the operation described below is executed mainly by the second processing circuit 140 in cooperation with each element of the information processing device 100 based on a program stored in advance in the second storage device 130.

[0074] First, the control unit 141 waits until a user inputs an instruction to read a medium using the display operation device 105 or another communication device, and an operation signal instructing the user to read the medium is received from the display operation device 105, the first communication device 126, or the second communication device 127 (step S201). The operation signal includes a destination of the input image specified by the user using the display operation device 105 or another communication device along with the instruction to read. The destination of the input image is an example of a destination of information. The destination of the input image may be set to include the destination address (IP address, telephone number, etc.), a communication device that transmits and receives data to and from the destination (e.g., the first communication device 126 or the second communication device 127), and the type of the destination device (e.g., an external communication device or an external storage device). Note that the destination of the input image may not be included in the operation signal and may be set before the medium reading process is executed.

[0075] Next, control unit 141 acquires a medium signal from medium sensor 111, and determines whether or not a medium is placed on mounting table 103 based on the acquired medium signal (step S202). If no medium is placed on mounting table 103, control unit 141 ends the series of steps.

[0076] On the other hand, if a medium is placed on the placement table 103, the setting unit 142 stores and sets the destination of the input image in the second storage device 130 (step S203).

[0077] Next, the control unit 141 and the determination unit 143 execute a time setting process (step S204). In the time setting process, the determination unit 143 determines whether the time measured by the measuring device 121 is valid, and if the time is not valid, the control unit 141 resets the time in the measuring device 121. The time setting process will be described in detail later.

[0078] Next, the control unit 141 controls the driving device 125 to rotate each roller to transport the medium (step S205). The control unit 141 controls the driving device 125 to rotate the feeding roller 112, the separation roller 113, the first transport roller 114, the second transport roller 115, the first discharge roller 117, and / or the second discharge roller 118.

[0079] Next, the control unit 141 causes the imaging device 116 to capture an image of the medium, and acquires an input image from the imaging device 116 (step S206).

[0080] Next, the control unit 141 receives a time signal from the measuring device 121 and acquires the current time indicated in the received time signal (step S207).

[0081] Next, the control unit 141 outputs the acquired input image and the current time by transmitting them to the destination set by the setting unit 142 in step S203 via the first communication device 126 or the second communication device 127 (step S208). If the destination is a device that connects for communication via a network, particularly a wireless LAN or a wired LAN, the control unit 141 performs communication authentication using the current time and transmits the input image to the destination. If the destination is a device that connects for communication via facsimile, the control unit 141 transmits the current time to the destination together with the input image as auxiliary information for the input image to be transmitted. If the destination is an external storage device, the control unit 141 transmits the current time to the destination together with the input image as auxiliary information for the input image to be transmitted. The device set as the destination stores and manages the received input image together with the current time.

[0082] Next, control unit 141 determines whether or not a medium remains on mounting table 103 based on the medium signal received from medium sensor 111 (step S209). If a medium remains on mounting table 103, control unit 141 returns the process to step S206 and repeats the processes of steps S206 to S209.

[0083] On the other hand, if there are no media remaining on the mounting table 103, the control unit 141 controls the drive device 125 to stop each roller (step S210), and ends the series of steps. The control unit 141 controls the drive device 125 to stop the feed roller 112, the separation roller 113, the first conveyance roller 114, the second conveyance roller 115, the first discharge roller 117, and / or the second discharge roller 118.

[0084] The process of step S204 may be executed at any timing, such as immediately before step S207, or when the device is started up, etc. Also, the process of step S204 may be omitted.

[0085] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the time setting process.

[0086] The time setting process is executed in step S204 of FIG.

[0087] First, the determination unit 143 determines whether the time measured by the measuring device 121 is valid (step S301).

[0088] For example, the determination unit 143 determines whether the time measured by the measuring device 121 is valid based on the voltage supplied to the measuring device 121. The determination unit 143 receives a voltage signal from the voltage sensor 122 and determines whether the measuring device 121 is operating normally based on whether the voltage indicated by the received voltage signal is within a predetermined voltage range. The predetermined voltage range is set in advance to a voltage range within which the measuring device 121 can operate normally, particularly a range equal to or higher than the minimum voltage within which the measuring device 121 can operate normally. The determination unit 143 determines whether the time measured by the measuring device 121 is valid based on whether the measuring device 121 is operating normally. This allows the determination unit 143 to easily and accurately determine whether the time measured by the measuring device 121 is valid.

[0089] The determination unit 143 may determine whether the time measured by the measuring device 121 is valid based on a history of voltages supplied to the measuring device 121 from the time the measuring device 121 last time was set to the present. In this case, the determination unit 143 periodically receives a voltage signal from the voltage sensor 122 and stores the voltages indicated by the received voltage signals as history in the second storage device 130. The determination unit 143 determines whether each voltage stored as history is within a predetermined voltage range. If all voltages stored as history are within the predetermined voltage range, the determination unit 143 determines that the measuring device 121 is operating normally. If any voltage stored as history is outside the predetermined voltage range, the determination unit 143 determines that the measuring device 121 is not operating normally. This allows the determination unit 143 to more accurately determine whether the time measured by the measuring device 121 is valid.

[0090] The determination unit 143 may determine whether the time measured by the measuring device 121 is valid based on the environmental temperature in the information processing device 100. The determination unit 143 receives a temperature signal from the temperature sensor 123, and determines whether the measuring device 121 is operating normally based on whether the environmental temperature indicated by the received temperature signal is within a predetermined temperature range. The temperature range is set in advance to a temperature range within which the measuring device 121 is estimated to be operating normally, particularly a range equal to or higher than the lowest temperature within which the measuring device 121 is estimated to be operating normally. The determination unit 143 determines whether the time measured by the measuring device 121 is valid based on whether the measuring device 121 is operating normally. This allows the determination unit 143 to easily and accurately determine whether the time measured by the measuring device 121 is valid.

[0091] The determination unit 143 may determine whether the time measured by the measuring device 121 is valid based on a history of the environmental temperature in the information processing device 100 from the last time the time was set in the measuring device 121 to the present. In this case, the determination unit 143 periodically receives a temperature signal from the temperature sensor 123 and stores the environmental temperatures indicated by the received temperature signals as history in the second storage device 130. The determination unit 143 determines whether each environmental temperature stored as history is within a predetermined temperature range. If all environmental temperatures stored as history are within the predetermined temperature range, the determination unit 143 determines that the measuring device 121 is operating normally. If any environmental temperature stored as history is outside the predetermined temperature range, the determination unit 143 determines that the measuring device 121 is not operating normally. This allows the determination unit 143 to more accurately determine whether the time measured by the measuring device 121 is valid.

[0092] The determination unit 143 may determine whether the time measured by the measuring device 121 is valid based on the time measured by the measuring device 121 itself. The determination unit 143 receives time information from the measuring device 121. The determination unit 143 determines whether the time measured by the measuring device 121 is valid based on whether the time indicated in the received time information is a time that is equal to or longer than a predetermined time from the time measured by the measuring device 121 in its initial state (a state in which the time is not set). The predetermined time is set to a sufficiently long time. The determination unit 143 may determine whether the time measured by the measuring device 121 is valid based on whether the time indicated in the received time information is within a predetermined period. The predetermined period is set in advance to the period from the product release date of the information processing device 100 to the end date of product support. This allows the determination unit 143 to easily and accurately determine whether the time measured by the measuring device 121 is valid.

[0093] If the time measured by the measuring device 121 is valid, the determining unit 143 does not execute any particular process and ends the series of steps.

[0094] On the other hand, if the time measured by the measuring device 121 is not valid, the control unit 141 determines whether the destination of the input image is an external storage device (step S302). If the destination of the input image is an external storage device, the control unit 141 proceeds to step S304. For example, if the destination of the input image is a USB memory, a multimedia card, an SD memory card, or the like, the control unit 141 determines that the destination of the input image is an external storage device.

[0095] On the other hand, if the destination of the input image is not an external storage device, the control unit 141 determines whether the destination of the input image is a device that connects for communication without going through a network (step S303). For example, if the destination of the input image is a device that connects for communication via the second communication device 127, the control unit 141 determines that the destination of the input image is a device that connects for communication without going through a network. That is, if the destination of the input image is a device that connects for communication according to a communication standard such as USB, Bluetooth (registered trademark), NFC, or TransferJet, the control unit 141 determines that the destination of the input image is a device that connects for communication without going through a network. Furthermore, even if the destination of the input image is a device that connects for communication in a wireless LAN ad hoc mode, the control unit 141 may determine that the destination of the input image is a device that connects for communication without going through a network.

[0096] If the destination of the input image is a device that connects for communication without going through a network, the control unit 141 ends the series of steps without setting a new time in the measuring device 121. If the destination of the information is a device that connects for communication via a wireless LAN or a wired LAN, the control unit 141 needs to authenticate the communication using the current time. Also, if the destination of the information is a device that connects for communication via facsimile, the control unit 141 needs to transmit the current time as auxiliary information of the information to be transmitted. On the other hand, if the destination of the information is not a device that connects for communication via a network (and is not an external storage device), the control unit 141 can transmit the information to the destination without using time information. Even if the time measured by the measuring device 121 is invalid, the control unit 141 does not set a new time in the measuring device 121 if the destination of the input image is a device that connects for communication without going through a network. This allows the information processing device 100 to transmit the input image to the destination while suppressing increases in the processing load and processing time of the medium reading process.

[0097] On the other hand, if the destination of the input image is a device that connects for communication via a network, the control unit 141 determines whether communication via the first communication device 126 is possible (step S304). That is, if the destination of the input image is a device that connects for communication via a wireless LAN or a wired LAN, or if the destination of the input image is a device that connects for communication by facsimile, the control unit 141 determines whether communication via the first communication device 126 is possible. Also, if the destination of the input image is an external storage device, the control unit 141 determines whether communication via the first communication device 126 is possible. The control unit 141 receives a first status signal from the first communication device 126, and determines whether communication via the first communication device 126 is possible based on whether the received first status signal indicates that communication via the first communication device 126 is possible.

[0098] If communication via the first communication device 126 is possible, the control unit 141 acquires time information indicating the current time via the first communication device 126 (step S305). The control unit 141 acquires the time information indicating the current time, for example, from a preset Network Time Protocol (NTP) server. The control unit 141 may also acquire the time information from a preset mobile phone base station, for example. The control unit 141 may also acquire the time information from an artificial satellite or a standard radio wave.

[0099] Next, the control unit 141 sets the current time indicated in the acquired time information in the measuring device 121 (step S306), and ends the series of steps.

[0100] On the other hand, if communication via the first communication device 126 is not possible in step S304, the control unit 141 notifies the user of a warning (step S307). The control unit 141 displays, for example, on the display operation device 105, a message that the time measured by the measuring device 121 is invalid and / or that communication via the first communication device 126 is not possible. Furthermore, the control unit 141 displays, on the display operation device 105, a request to set the current time and / or a request to perform settings for acquiring the current time. The control unit 141 may notify the user of the warning by outputting a sound from a speaker (not shown). The control unit 141 may also notify the user of the warning by turning on an LED (not shown) or the like. The control unit 141 may also notify the user of the warning by transmitting the warning to another communication device via the second communication device 127.

[0101] The control unit 141 acquires the current time by accepting a designation of the current time from the user using the display operation device 105 or via the second communication device 127. Alternatively, the control unit 141 accepts settings for acquiring the current time from the user using the display operation device 105 or via the second communication device 127. The control unit 141 accepts the address of an NTP server or a mobile phone base station, and / or communication settings or network settings for communicating with each device, as settings for acquiring the current time. Alternatively, the control unit 141 accepts communication settings for communicating with an artificial satellite or reception settings for receiving standard radio waves as settings for acquiring the current time. In this way, the control unit 141 acquires time information from an NTP server, a mobile phone base station, an artificial satellite, or standard radio waves.

[0102] Next, the control unit 141 sets the time indicated in the acquired time information in the measuring device 121 (step S308), and ends the series of steps.

[0103] As described above, when the destination of information is a device that connects via a wireless LAN or a wired LAN, the control unit 141 needs to authenticate the communication using the current time. Furthermore, when the destination of information is a device that connects via facsimile, the control unit 141 needs to transmit the current time as information attached to the information to be transmitted. Furthermore, when the destination of information is an external storage device, the control unit 141 needs to transmit the current time as information attached to the information to be transmitted. When the destination of an input image is a device that connects via a network, or when the destination of an input image is an external storage device, the control unit 141 can appropriately transmit the input image to the destination by setting the current time in the measurement device 121.

[0104] Furthermore, control unit 141 acquires time information via first communication device 126 when communication via first communication device 126 is possible, and notifies the user of a warning when communication via first communication device 126 is not possible. This allows information processing device 100 to set the current time without bothering the user when time information can be acquired automatically, and to notify the user when time information cannot be acquired automatically, thereby ensuring that the current time is set. Therefore, information processing device 100 can reliably set the current time while improving user convenience.

[0105] Furthermore, the control unit 141 determines whether or not to reset the current time in the measuring device 121 depending on the type of communication device with which communication is possible, either the first communication device 126 or the second communication device 127. This allows the information processing device 100 to change whether or not to set the current time in the measuring device 121 depending on whether an accurate time is required to transmit the input image. Therefore, the information processing device 100 can transmit the input image to the destination while suppressing an increase in the processing load and processing time of the medium reading process.

[0106] In step S304, the control unit 141 may determine whether communication via the second communication device 127 is possible, instead of or in addition to determining whether communication via the first communication device 126 is possible. In this case, the second communication device 127 is an example of a communication unit. The control unit 141 receives a second status signal from the second communication device 127 and determines whether communication via the second communication device 127 is possible based on whether the received second status signal indicates that communication via the second communication device 127 is possible. If communication via the second communication device 127 is possible, in step S305, the control unit 141 acquires time information from a device connected for communication via the second communication device 127. In addition, in step S307, the control unit 141 accepts settings from the user using the display / operation device 105 or via the first communication device 126. The control unit 141 accepts, for example, communication settings for communication via the second communication device 127 (such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) pairing settings or reconnection settings).

[0107] In this case, too, the information processing device 100 can set the current time without bothering the user if the time information can be acquired automatically, and can notify the user if the time information cannot be acquired automatically, thereby ensuring that the current time is set. Therefore, the information processing device 100 can reliably set the current time in the measurement device 121 while improving user convenience.

[0108] Furthermore, the processing of steps S302 and / or S303 may be omitted. Furthermore, the processing of steps S304 to S305, or the processing of steps S304 and S307 to S308 may be omitted. Furthermore, the timing at which the processing of step S301 is executed may be immediately before the processing of step S304. In other words, when the destination of the input image is a device that is connected for communication without going through a network, the determination unit 143 does not need to determine whether the time measured by the measuring device 121 is valid.

[0109] As described above in detail, when the time measured by the measuring device 121 is invalid, the information processing device 100 acquires time information via the first communication device 126 if communication via the first communication device 126 is possible. On the other hand, when the time measured by the measuring device 121 is invalid and communication via the first communication device 126 is not possible, the information processing device 100 notifies the user of a warning. This makes it possible for the information processing device 100 to reliably set the current time in the measuring device 121 while improving user convenience, and makes it possible to appropriately manage the time to be measured.

[0110] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a second processing circuit in an information processing device according to another embodiment.

[0111] The second processing circuit 240 is used in place of the second processing circuit 140 of the information processing device 100, and executes monitoring processing, medium reading processing, etc. in place of the second processing circuit 140. The second processing circuit 240 has a control circuit 241, a setting circuit 242, a determination circuit 243, etc. Note that these may each be configured by an independent integrated circuit, microprocessor, firmware, etc.

[0112] The control circuit 241 is an example of a control unit and has the same functions as the control unit 141. The control circuit 241 receives an operation signal from the display operation device 105, the first communication device 126, or the second communication device 127, and a medium signal from the medium sensor 111, and reads out a destination of an input image from the second storage device 130. The control circuit 241 outputs the received medium signal to the setting circuit 242. The control circuit 241 controls the drive device 125 based on the operation signal and the medium signal. The control circuit 241 acquires the current time from the measuring device 121 and the input image from the imaging device 116, and transmits them to the destination via the first communication device 126 or the second communication device 127. The control circuit 241 also receives a determination result from the determination circuit 243 as to whether the time measured by the measuring device 121 is valid, and sets the current time in the measuring device 121 based on the received determination result.

[0113] The setting circuit 242 is an example of a setting section, and has the same function as the setting section 142. The setting circuit 242 receives a medium signal from the control circuit 241, and sets the second storage device 130 as the transmission destination of the input image.

[0114] The determination circuit 243 is an example of a determination unit, and has the same function as the determination unit 143. The determination circuit 243 receives a time signal from the measurement device 121, a voltage signal from the voltage sensor 122, or a temperature signal from the temperature sensor 123. Based on the received signals, the determination circuit 243 determines whether the time measured by the measurement device 121 is valid or not, and outputs the determination result to the control circuit 241.

[0115] As described above in detail, even when the information processing device uses the second processing circuit 240, it is possible to appropriately manage the time to be measured.

[0116] Although preferred embodiments have been described above, the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the medium transport path of the information processing device may have a so-called U-turn path mechanism, which feeds and transports media placed on a loading tray from the top to the bottom, and then discharges the media onto a discharge tray. In this case, the separation roller is disposed below the feed roller, facing the feed roller.

[0117] Furthermore, the information processing device may have an image forming device instead of or in addition to the imaging device 116. The image forming device is a printer such as an inkjet type or a laser type, and is placed at a position corresponding to the position where the imaging device 116 is placed, and forms an image (prints predetermined information) on a medium being transported. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 100 Information processing device, 121 Measuring device, 126 First communication device, 127 Second communication device, 141 Control unit, 142 Setting unit, 143 Determination unit, 151 Input terminal, 152 Supply device, 153 Switch

Claims

1. a measurement unit that measures time; The Communications Department and a determination unit that determines whether the time measured by the measurement unit is valid; a control unit that, when the time measured by the measurement unit is invalid, acquires time information via the communication unit if communication via the communication unit is possible, and notifies a user of a warning if communication via the communication unit is not possible; An information processing device comprising:

2. Further, a setting unit is provided for setting a destination of information, The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit does not set a new time in the measurement unit when the destination is a device that is connected for communication without going through a network and the time measured by the measurement unit is not valid.

3. 3. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein when the destination is an external memory device and the time measured by the measurement unit is not valid, the control unit acquires time information via the communication unit if communication via the communication unit is possible, and notifies a user of a warning if communication via the communication unit is not possible.

4. an input terminal to which power supplied from an external power source is input; a switching unit that switches whether or not the power input to the input terminal is supplied to the control unit; a supply unit disposed between the input terminal and the switching unit and configured to supply the power input to the input terminal to the measurement unit, The information processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the information processing device operates using only the power input to the input terminal.

5. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the determination unit determines whether the time measured by the measurement unit is valid based on a voltage supplied to the measurement unit or an environmental temperature.

6. 6. The information processing device according to claim 5, wherein the determination unit determines whether the time measured by the measurement unit is valid based on a history of the voltage or the environmental temperature supplied to the measurement unit from the time last set to the present.

7. determining whether the time measured by the measurement unit is valid; If the time measured by the measurement unit is invalid, acquire time information via the communication unit if communication via the communication unit is possible, and notify a user of a warning if communication via the communication unit is not possible.

1. An information processing method comprising:

8. A control program for an information processing device having a time measurement unit and a communication unit, determining whether the time measured by the measurement unit is valid; If the time measured by the measurement unit is invalid, acquire time information via the communication unit if communication via the communication unit is possible, and notify a user of a warning if communication via the communication unit is not possible. A control program causing the information processing device to execute the above.

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