Information processing device and program

Abstract

To process a data file read from an external storage device in the same manner as image data read by an image reader in an information processing device provided with the image reader.SOLUTION: A processor 21 of an image processing device 2 reads a data file from a USB memory 1 if image reading is instructed, converts a data format of the read image data into a data format common to image data read by an image reader 27 to generate image data, converts the generated image data into a file format for outputting the image data read by the image reader 27 to generate a data file, and transmits the generated data file to a user terminal 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a mechanism in which, in a printer to which a USB memory can be connected, when an original is set and a USB memory is connected, the original is read and a data file generated is stored in the USB memory, and when an original is not set and a USB memory is connected, an image corresponding to the data file read from the USB memory is printed out. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-129646 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to process, in an information processing apparatus equipped with an image reading device, a data file read from an external storage device in the same manner as image data read by the image reading device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The information processing device according to claim 1 of the present invention comprises: 1. A processor connected to the image reading device, the processor performing the following steps when an instruction to read an image is received: A data file read by a second image reading device different from the first image reading device is stored. From external storage device The A data file is read, and the data format of the read data file is 1. The image data is converted into a common data format with the image data read by the image reading device to generate image data, and the generated image data is 1.The information processing apparatus converts image data read by an image reading device into a file format for output, generates a data file, and transmits the generated data file to a specified destination.

[0006] An information processing device according to claim 2 of the present invention has the configuration described in claim 1, wherein the external storage device is a storage device connected to the information processing device via an input / output interface, or a storage device connected to the information processing device via a communication line.

[0007] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the processor performs the following when an instruction to read an image is received: 1. When there is no document to be read by the image reading device, the user is queried as to whether or not to read the data file from the external storage device.

[0008] An information processing device according to claim 4 of the present invention has the configuration described in claim 2, and when an image reading is instructed, if the storage device is connected to the information processing device via the input / output interface, the processor reads a data file from the storage device.

[0009] The information processing device according to claim 5 of the present invention comprises: or 4 In the described configuration, when image reading is instructed, and identification information identifying the storage device connected to the information processing device via a communication line is input, the processor reads the data file from the storage device.

[0010] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the information processing device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the processor reads out a data file having a specific attribute from among data files stored in the external storage device.

[0011] An information processing device according to claim 7 of the present invention has the configuration described in claim 6, wherein the attributes include at least one of a file format of the data file, a timestamp assigned to the data file, or metadata of the data file.

[0012] The program of claim 8 of the present invention is a program for causing a computer connected to a first image reading device to execute, when image reading is instructed, the steps of reading a data file from an external storage device in which a data file read by a second image reading device different from the first image reading device is stored, converting the data format of the read data file into a data format common to the image data read by the first image reading device to generate image data, converting the generated image data into a file format when outputting the image data read by the first image reading device to generate a data file, and sending the generated data file to a determined destination. The information processing device according to claim 9 of the present invention includes a processor connected to an image reading device, and the processor reads an image from an external storage device when an instruction to read an image is received. Rade the information processing device reads a data file, converts the data format of the read data file into a data format common to image data read by the image reading device to generate image data, converts the generated image data into a file format for outputting the image data read by the image reading device to generate a data file, sends the generated data file to a specified destination, and, when an image reading is instructed and there is no original to be read by the image reading device, queries a user as to whether or not to read the data file from the external storage device. The program of claim 10 of the present invention is a program for causing a computer connected to an image reading device to execute the following steps when image reading is instructed: reading a data file from an external storage device; converting the data format of the read data file into a data format common to the image data read by the image reading device to generate image data; converting the generated image data into a file format when the image data read by the image reading device is output to generate a data file; sending the generated data file to a determined destination; and, when image reading is instructed and there is no original document to be read by the image reading device, inquiring of a user as to whether or not to read the data file from the external storage device. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the invention of claims 1 and 8, 1. In an information processing device equipped with an image reading device, a data file read from an external storage device is 1. It is processed in the same way as image data read by an image reading device. According to the invention of claim 2, a storage device connected to the information processing device itself via an input / output interface, or a storage device connected to the information processing device itself via a communication line is used as an external storage device. According to the invention of claim 3, when an image reading command is issued, 1. When there is no document to be read by the image reading device, the user can be asked whether or not to read the data file from the external storage device. According to the invention of claim 4, when an image reading command is issued and a storage device is connected to the information processing device via an input / output interface, a data file is read from the storage device. According to the invention of claim 5, when image reading is instructed and identification information identifying a storage device connected to the information processing device via a communication line is input, a data file is read out from the storage device. According to the invention of claim 6, a data file having a specific attribute is read out from among the data files stored in the external storage device. According to the invention as defined in claim 7, at least one of the file format of the data file, the time stamp added to the data file, and the metadata of the data file can be used as the attribute. According to the inventions of claims 9 and 10, in an information processing device equipped with an image reading device, a data file read from an external storage device is processed in the same manner as image data read by the image reading device, and further, when image reading is instructed but there is no original document to be read by the image reading device, the user can be asked whether or not to read the data file from the external storage device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an information processing system 9. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows an example of a hardware configuration of the server device 10. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an image processing device 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a management table. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the image processing device 2. [Figure 6] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the image processing device 2. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an information processing system 9a according to a modified example. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the image processing device 2 according to a modified example. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the image processing device 2 according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] <Embodiment> <Configuration of information processing system> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an information processing system 9. For example, a system is known in which, when an employee of a company having multiple business locations reads a document including characters or figures at a business location other than the one to which the employee belongs, the read document data is stored in a storage location corresponding to the employee on a communication line connecting the business locations. However, there may be cases in which the business location where the user reads the document does not have such a system yet, or the user forgets his / her IC card for authentication, and the system cannot be used. The information processing system 9 shown in FIG. 1 allows the user to read an image in the above-mentioned case, temporarily store the data in an external storage device carried by the user, and use the data in the external storage device after returning to the business location from outside.

[0016] 1, an information processing system 9 includes a server device 10, a USB memory 1, an image processing device 2, a user terminal 3, and a communication line 4. The server device 10 is an example of a data storage device of the present invention, and is a computer that stores document data. The data storage area of ​​the server device 10 is divided into multiple areas corresponding to each user.

[0017] A USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory 1 is a device corresponding to an example of an external storage device of the present invention. The USB memory 1 can be connected to the image processing device 2 via an input / output interface. In this embodiment, an external storage device that complies with USB is used, but the standard for connecting the external storage device and the image processing device 2 is not limited to USB.

[0018] The image processing device 2 is an example of an information processing device of the present invention, and is a device having at least an image reading function. The image processing device 2 may be a so-called multifunction device that combines an image reading device, an image forming device, a facsimile, a copier, etc.

[0019] The user terminal 3 is an example of a communication terminal of the present invention, and is a computer that allows a user to view and edit document data stored in the server device 10. The user terminal 3 is, for example, a personal computer, a smartphone, a tablet, or the like.

[0020] The communication line 4 is a line that communicatively connects the server device 10, the image processing device 2, and the user terminal 3. The communication line 4 may be, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), the Internet, or a combination of these. The communication line 4 may also include a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), or the like.

[0021] The numbers of the server device 10, the USB memory 1, the image processing device 2, the user terminal 3, and the communication line 4 in the information processing system 9 are not limited to those shown in Fig. 1. Also, for example, the server device 10 may be configured as a cluster system in which multiple devices share functions.

[0022] <Hardware configuration of the server device 10> Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the server device 10. The server device 10 shown in Fig. 2 has a processor 11, a memory 12, and an interface 13. In other words, the server device 10 is an example of an information processing device having a memory and a processor. These components are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other, for example, by a bus.

[0023] The processor 11 reads and executes programs stored in the memory 12 to control each part of the server device 10. The processor 11 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0024] The interface 13 is a communication circuit that communicatively connects the server device 10 to the image processing device 2 or the user terminal 3 via the communication line 4, either wired or wirelessly.

[0025] The memory 12 is a storage means for storing an operating system, various programs, data, etc., which are loaded into the processor 11. The memory 12 has a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory). The memory 12 may also have a solid state drive, a hard disk drive, etc. Document data is generated by the user terminal 3 and registered in the server device 10 from the user terminal 3 via the communication line 4.

[0026] <Hardware configuration of image processing device 2> Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the image processing device 2. The image processing device 2 shown in Fig. 3 includes a processor 21, a memory 22, an input / output interface 23, an operation unit 24, a display unit 25, an image forming device 26, an image reading device 27, and a communication interface 28. These components are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other, for example, by a bus.

[0027] The processor 21 reads and executes a program stored in the memory 22 to control each unit of the image processing device 2. The processor 21 is, for example, a CPU.

[0028] The memory 22 is a storage means for storing an operating system, various programs, data, etc., which are loaded into the processor 21. The memory 22 includes a RAM and a ROM.

[0029] The input / output interface 23 is hardware (transmission / reception device) for performing communication in accordance with the USB standard, and performs data communication with the USB memory 1.

[0030] The operation unit 24 includes operation devices such as operation buttons, a keyboard, a touch panel, and a mouse for issuing various instructions, and receives operations and sends signals to the processor 21 according to the contents of the operations.

[0031] The display unit 25 has a display screen such as a liquid crystal display, and displays images under the control of the processor 21. A transparent touch panel of the operation unit 24 may be disposed on top of the display screen.

[0032] The image forming device 26 is hardware that forms an image, and is, for example, a device that forms an image on a medium using an electrophotographic method.

[0033] The image reading device 27 is hardware for reading an image, such as an image scanner.

[0034] The communication interface 28 is hardware (transmission / reception device) that communicatively connects the image processing device 2 with the server device 10 or other devices via a wired or wireless communication line 4. The communication interface 28 is also referred to as, for example, a network device, a network controller, a network card, a communication module, etc.

[0035] Similarly to the image processing device 2, the user terminal 3 includes a processor, a memory, an interface, an operation unit, and a display unit.

[0036] <Functional configuration of image processing device 2> 5 is a diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the image processing device 2. The processor 21 of the image processing device 2 executes a program stored in the memory 22 to realize an image reading unit 201 that acquires image data representing an image read by the image reading device 27, a data file acquisition unit 202 that controls the input / output interface 23 to acquire a data file from the USB memory 1, an image data extraction unit 203 that extracts data representing an image from the data file acquired by the data file acquisition unit 202, a format processing unit 204 that converts the image data read by the image reading device 27 into a common data format to generate image data, a file format conversion unit 205 that converts the image data into a file format for outputting the image data read by the image reading device 27 to generate a data file, and a transmission unit 206 that transmits the data file to a determined destination (here, a storage area of ​​the server device 10).

[0037] The memory 22 of the image processing device 2 stores a management table for managing the file format when the file format conversion unit 205 performs file conversion and the destination when the transmission unit 206 transmits a data file. In this embodiment, these file formats and destinations are determined for each user. In the example of FIG. 4, when a user with a user ID "U001" logs into the image processing device 2, the file format when the file format conversion unit 205 performs file conversion is "f001", and the file format when the transmission unit 206 transmits a data file is "ad001". The file format used here is, for example, a file format such as PDF (Portable Document Format) or JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group), and the destination is, for example, a URL (Uniform Resource Locator).

[0038] <Operation> Next, the operation of the image processing device 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. First, a user uses a scanner to read an image of a document while away from home, and stores the read result as a data file in the USB memory 1 that the user carries with him / her. When the user returns to his / her place of business, he / she logs into the image processing device 2, connects the USB memory 1, and performs an operation to instruct the image to be read in the same way as when reading an image with the image processing device 2. When an image reading instruction is given in this way (step S1; YES), the processor 21 of the image processing device 2 first controls the input / output interface 23 to determine whether or not the USB memory 1 in which the data file is stored is connected (step S2).

[0039] If the USB memory 1 storing the data file is connected (step S2; YES), the processor 21 controls the input / output interface 23 to read the data file from the USB memory 1 (step S3).

[0040] Next, processor 21 extracts data representing an image from the read data file, and generates image data by converting the data format of the extracted data into a data format common to that of image data when the document is read by image reading device 27 (step S4). The data format of image data when the document is read by image reading device 27 is, for example, Raw Image Format.

[0041] Next, the processor 21 converts the image data generated by converting the data format into a file format for outputting the image data read by the image reading device 27, and generates a data file (step S5). At this time, the processor 21 converts into a file format corresponding to the logged-in user, referring to the management table exemplified in Fig. 4. At this time, the processor 21 uses the same rules for generating a file name, metadata of the data file, and the like, as those for outputting the image data read by the image reading device 27. As a result, for example, image data in Raw Image Format or the like is converted into a data file such as PDF.

[0042] Then, the processor 21 transmits the generated data file to a destination corresponding to the logged-in user (step S6). At this time, the processor 21 refers to the management table exemplified in FIG. 4 to identify the destination corresponding to the logged-in user.

[0043] On the other hand, when a document is read in the image processing device 2 and saved in the server device 10, the following operation is performed. First, the user logs in to the image processing device 2, sets the document, and performs an operation to instruct reading of the image. When image reading is instructed in this way (step S1; YES), the processor 21 of the image processing device 2 first controls the input / output interface 23 to determine whether or not the USB memory 1 in which a data file is stored is connected (step S2).

[0044] Here, since the USB memory 1 in which the data file is stored is not connected (step S2; NO), the processor 21 controls the image reading device 27 to read the image of the document (step S7).

[0045] Next, the processor 21 generates image data in a data format such as Raw Image Format based on the result of the reading (step S8).

[0046] Next, the processor 21 converts the generated image data into a file format corresponding to the logged-in user by referring to the management table illustrated in Fig. 4, and generates a data file (step S5). As a result, image data in, for example, Raw Image Format is converted into a data file such as PDF.

[0047] Then, the processor 21 transmits the generated data file to a destination corresponding to the logged-in user in the management table illustrated in FIG. 4 (step S6).

[0048] According to the above-mentioned configuration, a user can temporarily store an image of a document in the USB memory 1, and when the user connects the USB memory 1 to the image processing device 2, the user can carry out a series of operations up to the point where the data file in the USB memory 1 is processed and saved in the server device 10 in the same manner as the data file read by the image processing device 2.

[0049] <Modification> The above is a description of the embodiment, but the contents of this embodiment may be modified as follows. In addition, the following modifications may be combined with each other.

[0050] <Variation 1> In the above-described embodiment, the server device 10 has the processor 11 configured as a CPU, but the control means for controlling the server device 10 may have other configurations. For example, the server device 10 may have various processors other than a CPU.

[0051] Here, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, including general-purpose processors (such as the CPU mentioned above) and dedicated processors (such as GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0052] <Variation 2> The operations of the processor in the above-mentioned embodiment may be performed not only by one processor but also by multiple processors located at physically separate locations working together. The order of the operations of the processor is not limited to the order described in the above-mentioned embodiment, and may be changed as appropriate.

[0053] <Variation 3> In the above embodiment, the external storage device, which is external to the image processing device 2, is exemplified as a USB memory 1 that is a storage device connected to the image processing device 2 via the input / output interface 23. The external storage device, which is external to the image processing device 2, may be a storage device connected to the image processing device 2 via a communication line. For example, in the example of FIG. 7, a storage device 5 realized by a computer is an example of a storage device connected to the image processing device 2 via the communication line 4. In this case, it is assumed that when a user scans a document, the device that performed the scan is connected to the communication line 4, but cannot access the server device 10 due to some access restriction or authentication failure, but can access the storage device 5. For example, when the server device 10 is inside a firewall of an organization such as a company, it is difficult to directly obtain and store data from the image processing device 2 located outside the company due to restrictions. In such a case, the storage device 5, which is a cloud server on the Internet, can be accessed, so the data is stored in the storage area of ​​this cloud server.

[0054] In this modified example, the operation is as shown in Fig. 8. First, a user uses a scanner while away from home to read an image of a document, and the scanner transmits the scanned image to storage device 5 via communication line 4, storing the scanned image as a data file. When the user returns to his or her place of business, he or she logs into image processing device 2 and performs an operation to instruct the image to be scanned, in the same manner as when scanning an image with image processing device 2. When an instruction to scan an image is given in this way (step S1; YES), processor 21 of image processing device 2 first determines whether or not identification information for identifying storage device 5 has been input (step S22).

[0055] If the identification information for identifying the storage device 5 is input (step S22; YES), the processor 21 controls the communication interface 28 to read the data file from the storage device 5 via the communication line 4 (step S23).

[0056] Next, processor 21 extracts data representing an image from the read data file, and further generates image data by converting the data format of the extracted data into a data format common to the image data when the document is read by image reading device 27 (step S4). Next, processor 21 converts the image data generated by converting the data format into a file format when the image data read by image reading device 27 is output, and generates a data file (step S5). Then, processor 21 transmits the generated data file to a destination corresponding to the logged-in user (step S6).

[0057] On the other hand, when a document is read in the image processing device 2 and stored in the server device 10, the following operation is performed. First, the user logs in to the image processing device 2, sets the document, and performs an operation to instruct reading of the image. When image reading is instructed in this way (step S1; YES), the processor 21 of the image processing device 2 determines whether or not identification information for identifying the storage device 5 has been input (step S22).

[0058] If identification information for identifying the storage device 5 is not input (step S22; NO), the processor 21 reads an image of the document (step S7). That is, when an image reading command is issued and information for identifying the storage device 5, which is an external storage device, is input, the processor 21 reads a data file from the external storage device. Next, the processor 21 generates image data based on the read result (step S8). Next, the processor 21 converts the generated image data into a file format corresponding to the logged-in user to generate a data file (step S5). Then, the processor 21 transmits the generated data file to a destination corresponding to the logged-in user in the management table exemplified in FIG. 4 (step S6).

[0059] The processor 21 may store the identification information of the storage device 5 in advance, and when no document is set, control the communication interface 28 to read the data file from the storage device 5 via the communication line 4. The identification information of the storage device 5 may be stored in the management table in association with the user ID.

[0060] <Modification 4> When image reading is instructed and there is no document to be read by the image reading device 27, the processor 21 may inquire of the user whether or not to read a data file from an external storage device such as a USB memory 1 or a storage device 5.

[0061] In this modified example, the operation is as shown in Fig. 9. First, a user uses a scanner to read an image of a document while away from home, and stores the read result as a data file in the USB memory 1 that the user carries with him / her. When the user returns to his / her place of business, he / she logs into the image processing device 2, connects the USB memory 1, and performs an operation to instruct the image to be read in the same way as when reading an image with the image processing device 2. When an instruction to read an image is given in this way (step S1; YES), the processor 21 of the image processing device 2 first controls the input / output interface 23 to determine whether or not the USB memory 1 in which the data file is stored is connected (step S2).

[0062] If the USB memory 1 storing the data file is connected (step S2; YES), the processor 21 displays a message on the display unit 25 inquiring of the user as to whether or not to read the data file from the USB memory 1 (step S30). When the user instructs to read the data file from the USB memory 1 (step S30; USB memory), the processor 21 controls the input / output interface 23 to read the data file from the USB memory 1 (step S3).

[0063] Next, processor 21 extracts data representing an image from the read data file, and further generates image data by converting the data format of the extracted data into a data format common to the image data when the document is read by image reading device 27 (step S4). Next, processor 21 converts the image data generated by converting the data format into a file format when the image data read by image reading device 27 is output, and generates a data file (step S5). Then, processor 21 transmits the generated data file to a destination corresponding to the logged-in user (step S6).

[0064] On the other hand, when the user instructs the image processing device 2 to read a document (step S30; image reading device), the processor 21 controls the image reading device 27 to read an image of the document (step S7). Next, the processor 21 generates image data in a data format such as Raw Image Format based on the result of the reading (step S8). Next, the processor 21 converts the generated image data into a file format corresponding to the logged-in user with reference to the management table illustrated in FIG. 4 to generate a data file (step S5). Then, the processor 21 transmits the generated data file to a destination corresponding to the logged-in user in the management table illustrated in FIG. 4 (step S6).

[0065] <Variation 5> The processor 21 may read a data file with a specific attribute from among data files stored in an external storage device such as the USB memory 1 or the storage device 5. The attribute includes at least one of the file format of the data file, a time stamp added to the data file, and metadata of the data file. The attribute of the data file to be read may be stored in the management table in association with a user ID. The processor 21 reads a data file with an attribute corresponding to the logged-in user.

[0066] <Variation 6> In the above-described embodiment, the program executed by the processor 21 of the image processing device 20 is an example of a program for executing the steps of reading a data file from an external storage device when image reading is instructed, converting the data format of the read data file into a data format common to that of image data read by the image reading device to generate image data, converting the generated image data into a file format for outputting the image data read by the image reading device to generate a data file, and transmitting the generated data file to a determined destination. This program may be provided in a state where it is stored in a recording medium readable by a computer device, such as a magnetic recording medium such as a magnetic tape or a magnetic disk, an optical recording medium such as an optical disk, a magneto-optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. This program may also be downloaded via a communication line such as the Internet. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 1...USB memory, 10...server device, 101...processor, 12...memory, 13...interface, 2...image processing device, 21...processor, 22...memory, 23...input / output interface, 24...operation unit, 25...display unit, 26...image forming device, 27...image reading device, 28...communication interface, 201...image reading unit, 202...data file acquisition unit, 203...image data extraction unit, 204...format processing unit, 205...file format conversion unit, 206...transmission unit, 3...user terminal, 4...communication line, 5...storage device, 9,9a...information processing system

Claims

1. A method for detecting a signal from a computer comprising: The processor, When an image reading command is received, a data file read by a second image reading device different from the first image reading device is read from an external storage device in which the data file is stored; converting a data format of the read data file into a data format common to the image data read by the first image reading device, thereby generating image data; converting the generated image data into a file format for outputting the image data read by the first image reading device to generate a data file; Send the generated data file to a specified destination. Information processing device.

2. The external storage device is a storage device connected to the information processing device via an input / output interface, or a storage device connected to the information processing device via a communication line. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

3. The processor, When image reading is instructed, if there is no document to be read by the first image reading device, Querying the user as to whether or not to read the data file from the external storage device 3. The information processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The processor, When an image reading command is issued, if the storage device is connected to the information processing device via the input / output interface, a data file is read from the storage device. The information processing device according to claim 2 .

5. The processor, When image reading is instructed, if identification information for identifying the storage device connected to the information processing device via a communication line is input, the data file is read from the storage device.

5. The information processing device according to claim 2 or 4.

6. The processor reads out a data file having a specific attribute from among the data files stored in the external storage device. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The attributes include at least one of a file format of the data file, a timestamp added to the data file, and metadata of the data file. The information processing device according to claim 6.

8. A computer connected to a first image reading device, When an image reading is instructed, reading out a data file read by a second image reading device different from the first image reading device from an external storage device in which the data file is stored; generating image data by converting a data format of the read data file into a data format common to that of the image data read by the first image reading device; a step of converting the generated image data into a file format for outputting the image data read by the first image reading device, thereby generating a data file; Sending the generated data file to a determined destination; A program for executing the above.

9. a processor connected to the image reader; The processor, When image reading is instructed, the data file is read from the external storage device, converting a data format of the read data file into a data format common to that of the image data read by the image reading device, thereby generating image data; converting the generated image data into a file format for outputting image data read by the image reading device to generate a data file; Sending the generated data file to a determined destination; When image reading is instructed and there is no document to be read by the image reading device, the user is inquired as to whether or not to read the data file from the external storage device. Information processing device.

10. A computer connected to an image reading device, reading a data file from an external storage device when an image reading command is received; generating image data by converting a data format of the read data file into a data format common to that of image data read by the image reading device; a step of converting the generated image data into a file format for outputting image data read by the image reading device, thereby generating a data file; Sending the generated data file to a determined destination; when image reading is instructed and there is no document to be read by the image reading device, inquiring of a user as to whether or not to read the data file from the external storage device; A program for executing the above.

Images