Image reading system and information processing device

Abstract

To provide an image reading system and an information processing apparatus that set up a folder of a storage destination and a reading condition with a simple configuration.SOLUTION: A personal computer 1 comprises: a first communication interface mechanism 16 that performs communication with a first scanner 2A; and a first memory 13 that stores first reading setting information 131A in a first folder 131. The first scanner 2A includes a receiving unit that receives instruction data instructing reading of an image in which a storage destination of read data is designated to the first folder 131, an acquisition unit that, when the receiving unit receives the instruction data, accesses the first folder 131 of the personal computer 1 to acquire the first reading setting information 131A from the first folder 131, a setting unit that sets up a reading condition based on the first reading setting information 131A, and a reading unit that performs reading of the image according to the reading condition to generate read data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image reading system and an information processing apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are known techniques for easily setting reading conditions for an image reading device. For example, Patent Document 1 describes an image reading device having a reading method storage means that stores the storage destination of image data in association with the reading method, and when a storage destination is specified, the image reading device reads a document using the reading method associated with the stored storage destination and transmits the read data to the specified storage destination. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-244663 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the configuration described in Patent Document 1, the image reading device stores a reading method table that associates storage destinations with reading methods, so if the number of specifiable storage destinations increases, the image reading device needs to store a reading method table with a larger capacity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the invention that solves the above problem is an image reading system comprising a first image reading device that reads a document and an information processing device connected to the first image reading device, wherein the information processing device comprises a communication interface unit that communicates with the first image reading device and a memory unit that stores a destination folder having reading setting information, and the first image reading device comprises a reception unit that receives a reading instruction specifying that the destination folder is to be used as a destination for saving read data, an acquisition unit that, when the reception unit receives the reading instruction, accesses the destination folder of the information processing device and acquires the reading setting information from the destination folder, a setting unit that sets reading conditions based on the reading setting information, and a reading unit that reads the document under the reading conditions and generates the read data.

[0006] Another aspect of the invention that solves the above problem is an information processing device connected to a first image reading device that reads a document and generates read data, the information processing device comprising: a communication interface unit that communicates with the first image reading device; a memory unit that stores a destination folder having read setting information; and a communication control unit that transmits the read setting information to the first image reading device via the communication interface unit when the destination folder is accessed from the first image reading device via the communication interface unit. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an image reading system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the configuration of a scanner. [Diagram 3] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of a personal computer. [Figure 4] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a process of a scanner. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an image reading system 100 including a configuration of a personal computer 1 according to this embodiment. The personal computer 1 is communicably connected to the scanner 2 via a network NW. The network NW is, for example, the Internet. The personal computer 1 transmits reading setting information to the scanner 2 via the network NW. The scanner 2 sets reading conditions, reads an original, and generates read data based on the reading setting information from the personal computer 1. The scanner 2 stores the generated read data in the personal computer 1. The scanner 2 corresponds to an example of an "image reading device."

[0010] In this embodiment, the network NW is the Internet, but is not limited to this. The network NW may be a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network).

[0011] The image reading system 100 of this embodiment includes a first scanner 2A, a second scanner 2B, and a third scanner 2C. Here, when there is no need to distinguish between the first scanner 2A, the second scanner 2B, and the third scanner 2C, the first scanner 2A, the second scanner 2B, and the third scanner 2C will each be referred to as the scanner 2. Unique identification information 232 is assigned to each of the scanners 2 in advance. The unique identification information 232 is an IP (Internet Protocol) address or a printer name. As shown in FIG. 2, the unique identification information 232 is stored in the second memory 23 of each of the first scanner 2A, the second scanner 2B, and the third scanner 2C. The first scanner 2A corresponds to an example of a "first image reading device." The second scanner 2B corresponds to an example of a "second image reading device." The personal computer 1 determines the scanner 2 to which the reading setting information is to be transmitted based on the unique identification information 232 of the scanner 2. The scanner 2 generates read data in a predetermined format. The predetermined format is a portable document format (PDF), a tagged image file format (TIFF), a joint photographic experts group (JPEG), or the like.

[0012] The personal computer 1 includes a first control unit 11, a first input mechanism 14, a first display mechanism 15, and a first communication interface mechanism 16. The personal computer 1 includes the first input mechanism 14 and the first display mechanism 15, but the first input mechanism 14 and the first display mechanism 15 may be separate from the personal computer 1. The personal computer 1 corresponds to an example of an "information processing device." The first control unit 11 controls the operation of each unit of the personal computer 1 .

[0013] The first input mechanism 14 receives an input from a user, generates an input signal corresponding to the received input, and transmits the input signal to the first control unit 11. The first input mechanism 14 is a keyboard or a mouse. The first input mechanism 14 may be a device separate from the personal computer 1.

[0014] The first display mechanism 15 is a display screen such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and displays various images on the LCD according to instructions from the first control unit 11.

[0015] The first communication interface mechanism 16 communicates with the scanner 2 via the network NW in accordance with instructions from the first control unit 11. The first communication interface mechanism 16 communicates with the scanner 2 in accordance with the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard. The first communication interface mechanism 16 corresponds to an example of a "communication interface unit."

[0016] In this embodiment, the first communication interface mechanism 16 communicates with the scanner 2 according to, but not limited to, the Ethernet standard. The first communication interface mechanism 16 may also communicate with the scanner 2 via wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0017] The first control unit 11 is a controller including a first processor 12 and a first memory 13 . The first memory 13 is a storage device that non-volatilely stores programs and data executed by the first processor 12. The first memory 13 is configured with a magnetic storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a semiconductor storage device such as a solid state drive (SSD), a semiconductor storage element such as a flash read only memory (ROM), or other types of non-volatile storage devices. The first memory 13 may include a random access memory (RAM) that configures a work area for the first processor 12. The first memory 13 stores data processed by the first control unit 11 and a first control program PG1 executed by the first processor 12.

[0018] The first processor 12 may be configured as a single processor, or may be configured with multiple processors functioning as the first processor 12. The first processor 12 controls each part of the personal computer 1 by executing a first control program PG1.

[0019] In this embodiment, the first processor 12 executes the first control program PG1 to control each part of the personal computer 1, but the first control unit 11 may execute processing using a function implemented in an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or may execute processing by performing signal processing in a signal processing circuit.

[0020] The first control unit 11 includes a first communication control unit 121 and a storage control unit 122. Specifically, the first processor 12 functions as the first communication control unit 121 and the storage control unit 122 by executing a first control program PG1.

[0021] The first memory 13 stores a first folder 131 and a second folder 132 . The first folder 131 is configured to be able to store first reading setting information 131A and first reading data 131B. Since there are cases where the first reading setting information 131A is stored in the first folder 131 and cases where the first reading setting information 131A is not stored in the first folder 131, FIG. 1 shows the first reading setting information 131A with a dashed line. Similarly, since there are cases where the first read data 131B is stored in the first folder 131 and cases where the first read data 131B is not stored in the first folder 131, FIG. 1 shows the first read data 131B with a dashed line. The first memory 13 corresponds to an example of a "storage unit." The first reading setting information 131A corresponds to an example of "reading setting information". The first read data 131B corresponds to an example of "read data".

[0022] When the first reading setting information 131A is stored in the first folder 131, the first reading setting information 131A is the reading conditions to be set in the scanner 2 when the scanner 2 is caused to generate the first reading data 131B to be stored in the first folder 131. The reading conditions include one or more of the reading resolution, color / monochrome setting, storage format of the read data, brightness, and contrast. The storage format of the read data is PDF format, TIFF format, JPEG format, etc. The color / monochrome setting indicates whether the setting is color or monochrome.

[0023] When the first reading setting information 131A is stored in the first folder 131, the first read data 131B is generated by the scanner 2 in which the reading conditions are set based on the first reading setting information 131A. The first read data 131B is received from the scanner 2 and stored in the first folder 131 by the storage control unit 122.

[0024] If the first reading setting information 131A is not stored in the first folder 131, the first reading setting information 131A and the first reading data 131B are transmitted from the scanner 2 to the personal computer 1. The first communication control unit 121 receives the first reading setting information 131A and the first reading data 131B from the scanner 2, and the storage control unit 122 stores them in the first folder 131.

[0025] The second folder 132 is configured to be able to store second reading setting information 132A and second reading data 132B. Since there are cases where the second reading setting information 132A is stored in the second folder 132 and cases where the second reading setting information 132A is not stored in the second folder 132, FIG. 1 shows the second reading setting information 132A with a dashed line. Similarly, since there are cases where the second read data 132B is stored in the second folder 132 and cases where the second read data 132B is not stored in the second folder 132, FIG. 1 shows the second read data 132B with a dashed line. The second reading setting information 132A corresponds to an example of "reading setting information". The second read data 132B corresponds to an example of "read data".

[0026] When the second reading setting information 132A is stored in the second folder 132, the second reading setting information 132A is the reading conditions set in the scanner 2 when the scanner 2 is caused to generate the second reading data 132B to be stored in the second folder 132.

[0027] When the second reading setting information 132A is stored in the second folder 132, the second read data 132B is generated by the scanner 2 in which the reading conditions are set based on the second reading setting information 132A. The second read data 132B is received from the scanner 2 and stored in the second folder 132 by the storage control unit 122.

[0028] If the second reading setting information 132A is not stored in the second folder 132, the second reading setting information 132A and the second reading data 132B are transmitted from the scanner 2 to the personal computer 1. The second reading setting information 132A and the first reading data 132B are received from the scanner 2 by the first communication control unit 121, and are stored in the second folder 132 by the storage control unit 122.

[0029] Each of the first folder 131 and the second folder 132 corresponds to an example of a “save destination folder.” The first folder 131 corresponds to an example of a “first save destination folder.” The second folder 132 corresponds to an example of a “second save destination folder.”

[0030] When first reading setting information 131A is stored in first folder 131, first communication control unit 121 and storage control unit 122 each execute the following process. When the first folder 131 is accessed from the scanner 2 via the first communication interface mechanism 16, the first communication control unit 121 transmits the first reading setting information 131A to the scanner 2 via the first communication interface mechanism 16. The storage control unit 122 receives the first read data 131B from the scanner 2 via the first communication interface mechanism 16, and stores the first read data 131B in the second folder 132.

[0031] When the second reading setting information 132A is stored in the second folder 132, each of the first communication control unit 121 and the storage control unit 122 executes the following process. When the second folder 132 is accessed from the scanner 2 via the first communication interface mechanism 16, the first communication control unit 121 transmits the second reading setting information 132A to the scanner 2 via the first communication interface mechanism 16. The storage control unit 122 receives the second scanned data 132B from the scanner 2 via the first communication interface mechanism 16, and stores the first scanned data 131B in the second folder 132.

[0032] In this way, the first communication control unit 121 and the storage control unit 122 each execute similar processes when the first reading setting information 131A is stored in the first folder 131 and when the second reading setting information 132A is stored in the second folder 132. Therefore, hereinafter, the case where the first reading setting information 131A is stored in the first folder 131 will be described in further detail. First communication control unit 121 corresponds to an example of a "communication control unit."

[0033] When the first folder 131 is accessed from the first scanner 2A via the first communication interface mechanism 16, the first communication control unit 121 transmits the first reading setting information 131A to the first scanner 2A via the first communication interface mechanism 16. The storage control unit 122 receives the first read data 131B from the first scanner 2A via the first communication interface mechanism 16, and stores the first read data 131B in the first folder 131.

[0034] When the first folder 131 is accessed from the second scanner 2B via the first communication interface mechanism 16, the first communication control unit 121 transmits the first reading setting information 131A to the second scanner 2B via the first communication interface mechanism 16. The storage control unit 122 receives the first read data 131B from the second scanner 2B via the first communication interface mechanism 16, and stores the first read data 131B in the first folder 131.

[0035] When the first folder 131 is accessed from the third scanner 2C via the first communication interface mechanism 16, the first communication control unit 121 transmits the first reading setting information 131A to the third scanner 2C via the first communication interface mechanism 16. The storage control unit 122 receives the first read data 131B from the third scanner 2C via the first communication interface mechanism 16, and stores the first read data 131B in the first folder 132.

[0036] On the other hand, if first reading setting information 131A is not stored in first folder 131, first communication control unit 121 and storage control unit 122 each execute the following process. When the first folder 131 is accessed from the scanner 2 via the first communication interface mechanism 16, the first communication control unit 121 sends a notification NT1 to the scanner 2 via the first communication interface mechanism 16 indicating that the first reading setting information 131A is not stored in the first folder 131. The storage control unit 122 receives setting values ​​set in the scanner 2 as first reading setting information 131A from the scanner 2 via the first communication interface mechanism 16, and stores the first reading setting information 131A in the first folder 131. In addition, the storage control unit 122 receives first read data 131B from the scanner 2 via the first communication interface mechanism 16, and stores the first read data 131B in the first folder 131.

[0037] If second reading setting information 132A is not stored in second folder 132, first communication control unit 121 and storage control unit 122 each execute the following process. When the second folder 132 is accessed from the scanner 2 via the first communication interface mechanism 16, the first communication control unit 121 sends a notification NT2 to the scanner 2 via the first communication interface mechanism 16 indicating that the second reading setting information 132A is not stored in the second folder 132. The storage control unit 122 receives setting values ​​set in the scanner 2 as second reading setting information 132A from the scanner 2 via the first communication interface mechanism 16, and stores the second reading setting information 132A in the second folder 132. In addition, the storage control unit 122 receives second read data 132B from the scanner 2 via the first communication interface mechanism 16, and stores the second read data 132B in the second folder 132.

[0038] In this way, the first communication control unit 121 and the storage control unit 122 each execute the same process when the first reading setting information 131A is not stored in the first folder 131 and when the second reading setting information 132A is not stored in the second folder 132. Therefore, hereinafter, a more detailed description will be given of the case where the first reading setting information 131A is not stored in the first folder 131.

[0039] When the first folder 131 is accessed from the first scanner 2A via the first communication interface mechanism 16, the first communication control unit 121 sends a notification NT1 to the first scanner 2A via the first communication interface mechanism 16 indicating that the first reading setting information 131A is not stored in the first folder 131. The storage control unit 122 receives first unique reading setting information 233A indicating setting values ​​set in the first scanner 2A from the first scanner 2A via the first communication interface mechanism 16, and stores the first unique reading setting information 233A as first reading setting information 131A in the first folder 131. The storage control unit 122 receives first read data 131B from the first scanner 2A via the first communication interface mechanism 16, and stores the first read data 131B in the first folder 131. The first unique reading setting information 233A will be described with reference to FIG.

[0040] When the first folder 131 is accessed from the second scanner 2B via the first communication interface mechanism 16, the first communication control unit 121 sends a notification NT1 to the second scanner 2B via the first communication interface mechanism 16 indicating that the first reading setting information 131A is not stored in the first folder 131. The storage control unit 122 receives second unique reading setting information 233B indicating setting values ​​set in the second scanner 2B from the second scanner 2B via the first communication interface mechanism 16, and stores the second unique reading setting information 233B as first reading setting information 132A in the first folder 131. The storage control unit 122 receives first read data 131B from the second scanner 2B via the first communication interface mechanism 16, and stores the first read data 131B in the first folder 131. The second unique reading setting information 233B is stored in the second memory 23 of the second scanner 2B, which will be described with reference to FIG.

[0041] When the first folder 131 is accessed by the third scanner 2C via the first communication interface mechanism 16, the first communication control unit 121 sends a notification NT1 to the third scanner 2C via the first communication interface mechanism 16 indicating that the first reading setting information 131A is not stored in the first folder 131. The storage control unit 122 receives third unique reading setting information 233C indicating setting values ​​set in the third scanner 2C from the third scanner 2C via the first communication interface mechanism 16, and stores the third unique reading setting information 233C as first reading setting information 132A in the first folder 131. The storage control unit 122 receives first read data 131B from the third scanner 2C via the first communication interface mechanism 16, and stores the first read data 131B in the first folder 131. The third unique reading setting information 233C is stored in the second memory 23 of the third scanner 2C, which will be described with reference to FIG.

[0042] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the scanner 2 according to this embodiment. The first scanner 2A, the second scanner 2B, and the third scanner 3C have approximately the same configuration. Therefore, Fig. 2 shows the configuration of the scanner 2. The unique configurations of the first scanner 2A, the second scanner 2B, and the third scanner 3C are indicated with the symbols A, B, and C.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 2, the first scanner 2A includes a second control unit 21, a second input mechanism 24, a second display mechanism 25, a second communication interface mechanism 26, and a reading mechanism 27. The second control unit 21 controls the operation of each part of the first scanner 2A.

[0044] The second input mechanism 24 receives an input from a user, generates an input signal corresponding to the received input, and transmits the input signal to the second control unit 21. The second input mechanism 24 is composed of various hardware keys, a touch panel, and the like.

[0045] The second display mechanism 25 is a display screen such as an LCD, and displays various images on the display screen in accordance with instructions from the second control unit 21. When the second input mechanism 24 is configured with a touch panel, the touch panel may function as the second display mechanism 25.

[0046] The second communication interface mechanism 26 communicates with the personal computer 1 via the network NW in accordance with instructions from the second control unit 21. The second communication interface mechanism 26 communicates with the personal computer 1 in accordance with the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard.

[0047] The reading mechanism 27 is equipped with an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a C-MOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor), and reads an image printed on a recording medium such as recording paper according to instructions from the second control unit 21, and generates image information.

[0048] The second control unit 21 is a controller including a second processor 22 and a second memory 23 . The second memory 23 is a storage device that non-volatilely stores programs and data executed by the second processor 22. The second memory 23 is configured with a magnetic storage device such as an HDD, a semiconductor storage device such as an SSD, a semiconductor storage element such as a flash ROM, or other types of non-volatile storage devices. The second memory 23 may include a RAM that configures a work area for the second processor 22. The second memory 23 stores data processed by the second control unit 21 and a second control program PG2 executed by the second processor 22.

[0049] The second processor 22 may be configured as a single processor, or may be configured with multiple processors functioning as the second processor 22. The second processor 22 executes a second control program PG2 to control each part of the first scanner 2A. In this embodiment, the second processor 22 executes the second control program PG2 to control each part of the first scanner 2A, but the second control unit 21 may execute processing using functions implemented in an ASIC, or may execute processing by performing signal processing in a signal processing circuit.

[0050] The second control unit 21 includes a reception unit 221, an acquisition unit 222, a setting unit 223, a reading unit 224, a second communication control unit 225, and a setting information storage unit 231. The second processor 22 executes the second control program PG2 to function as the reception unit 221, the acquisition unit 222, the setting unit 223, the reading unit 224, and the second communication control unit 225. The second processor 22 executes the second control program PG2 to cause the second memory 23 to function as the setting information storage unit 231.

[0051] The setting information storage unit 231 stores unique reading setting information 233 indicating the setting values ​​of the reading conditions preset in the scanner 2 . When the scanner 2 is the first scanner 2A, the setting information storage unit 231 stores first unique reading setting information 233A indicating the setting values ​​of the reading conditions preset in the first scanner 2A. When the scanner 2 is the second scanner 2B, the setting information storage unit 231 stores second unique reading setting information 233B indicating the setting values ​​of the reading conditions preset in the second scanner 2B. When the scanner 2 is the third scanner 2C, the setting information storage unit 231 stores third unique reading setting information 233C indicating the setting values ​​of the reading conditions preset in the third scanner 2C. When the acquisition unit 222 receives a notification NT1 from the first communication control unit 121 of the personal computer 1 indicating that the first reading setting information 131A is not stored in the first folder 131, or a notification NT2 indicating that the second reading setting information 132A is not stored in the second folder 132, the setting unit 223 and the second communication control unit 225 execute the following processing. The setting unit 223 reads out the unique reading setting information 233 from the setting information storage unit 231, and sets a setting value corresponding to the unique reading setting information 233 in the reading mechanism 27. The second communication control unit 225 reads out the unique reading setting information 233 from the setting information storage unit 231, and transmits the unique reading setting information 233 to the personal computer 1.

[0052] The receiving unit 221 receives instruction data CM, which is a read instruction to read an image whose save destination of the read data is specified to be the first folder 131 or the second folder 132. The instruction data CM is generated by the second input mechanism 24 based on a user's operation, and is output to the second control unit 21.

[0053] When the receiving unit 221 receives the instruction data CM, the acquisition unit 222 accesses the first folder 131 or the second folder 132 of the personal computer 1 and acquires the first reading setting information 131A of the first folder 131 or the second reading setting information 132A of the second folder 132. When the read data in the instruction data CM is to be saved in the first folder 131, the acquiring unit 222 accesses the first folder 131 of the personal computer 1 to acquire the first read setting information 131A of the first folder 131. When the read data in the instruction data CM is to be saved in the second folder 132, the acquiring unit 222 accesses the second folder 132 of the personal computer 1 to acquire the second read setting information 132A of the second folder 132.

[0054] The setting unit 223 sets the reading conditions based on the first reading setting information 131A or the second reading setting information 132A. When the destination to save the read data in the instruction data CM is the first folder 131, the setting unit 223 sets the reading conditions based on the first reading setting information 131A. When the destination to save the read data in the instruction data CM is the second folder 132, the setting unit 223 sets the reading conditions based on the second reading setting information 132A. If the first reading setting information 131A is not stored in the first folder 131, or if the second reading setting information 132A is not stored in the second folder 132, the setting unit 223 reads out the unique reading setting information 233 from the setting information storage unit 231 and sets reading conditions based on the unique reading setting information 233.

[0055] In this embodiment, when the first reading setting information 131A is not stored in the first folder 131, or when the second reading setting information 132A is not stored in the second folder 132, the setting unit 223 reads out the unique reading setting information 233 from the setting information storage unit 231 and sets the reading conditions based on the unique reading setting information 233, but is not limited to this. When the first reading setting information 131A is not stored in the first folder 131, or when the second reading setting information 132A is not stored in the second folder 132, the setting unit 223 may notify the personal computer 1 to request the reading setting information. In this case, there is a possibility that more appropriate reading conditions will be set.

[0056] The reading unit 224 reads an image under the reading conditions set by the setting unit 223, and generates read data. When the acquiring unit 222 accesses the first folder 131 of the personal computer 1, the reading unit 224 generates first read data 131B. When the acquiring unit 222 accesses the second folder 132 of the personal computer 1, the reading unit 224 generates second read data 132B.

[0057] When the destination for storing the read data in the instruction data CM is the first folder 131 and the first read setting information 131A is not stored in the first folder 131, the second communication control unit 225 receives a notification NT1 indicating that the first read setting information 131A is not stored in the first folder 131. When the destination for storing the read data in the instruction data CM is the second folder 132 and the second read setting information 132A is not stored in the second folder 132, the second communication control unit 225 receives a notification NT2 indicating that the second read setting information 132A is not stored in the second folder 132.

[0058] If the first reading setting information 131A is not stored in the first folder 131, or if the second reading setting information 132A is not stored in the second folder 132, the second communication control unit 225 transmits the unique reading setting information 233 to the first folder 131 or the second folder 132.

[0059] When the acquisition unit 222 accesses the first folder 131 of the personal computer 1 and the reading unit 224 completes reading of the image, the second communication control unit 225 transmits the first read data 131B to the first folder 131. When the acquisition unit 222 accesses the second folder 132 of the personal computer 1 and the reading unit 224 completes reading of the image, the second communication control unit 225 transmits the second read data 132B to the second folder 132.

[0060] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the process of the first control unit 11 of the personal computer 1. 3, in step S101, the first communication control unit 121 determines whether or not the first folder 131 or the second folder 132 has been accessed from the scanner 2. For convenience, the following description will be given assuming that the first folder 131 is accessed from the first scanner 2A. The first communication control unit 121 determines whether or not the first folder 131 has been accessed from the first scanner 2A. When the first communication control unit 121 determines that the first folder 131 has not been accessed from the first scanner 2A (step S101; NO), the process goes to a standby state. When the first communication control unit 121 determines that the first folder 131 has been accessed from the first scanner 2A (step S101; YES), the process proceeds to step S103. In step S103, first communication control unit 121 determines whether first folder 131 stores first reading setting information 131A or not.

[0061] When first communication control unit 121 determines that first reading setting information 131A is stored in first folder 131 (step S103; YES), the process proceeds to step S111. In step S111, the first communication control unit 121 transmits the first reading setting information 131A to the first scanner 2A. After that, the process proceeds to step S113. When first communication control unit 121 determines that first reading setting information 131A is not stored in first folder 131 (step S103; NO), the process proceeds to step S105. In step S105, the first communication control unit 121 transmits a notification NT1 indicating that the first reading setting information 131A is not stored in the first folder 131 to the first scanner 2A.

[0062] After the first reading setting information 131A transmits the notification NT1 to the first scanner 2A, in step S107, the first communication control unit 121 determines whether or not the first unique reading setting information 233A has been received from the first scanner 2A. If the first communication control unit 121 determines that the first unique reading setting information 233A has not been received from the first scanner 2A (step S107; NO), the process goes to a standby state. If the first communication control unit 121 determines that the first unique reading setting information 233A has been received from the first scanner 2A (step S107; YES), the process proceeds to step S109. In step S109, the storage control unit 122 stores the first unique reading setting information 233A as the first reading setting information 131A in the first folder 131. After that, the process proceeds to step S113.

[0063] After the storage control unit 122 stores the first read setting information 131A in the first folder 131, in step S113, the first communication control unit 121 determines whether or not the first read data 131B has been received from the first scanner 2A. If the first communication control unit 121 determines that the first read data 131B has not been received from the first scanner 2A (step S113; NO), the process goes to a standby state. If the first communication control unit 121 determines that the first read data 131B has been received from the first scanner 2A (step S113; YES), the process proceeds to step S115. In step S115, the storage control unit 122 stores the first read data 131B in the first folder 131. After that, the process ends.

[0064] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the second control unit 21 of the scanner 2. FIG 4 shows a case where the first scanner 2A accesses the first folder 131 of the first control unit 11 of the personal computer 1. As shown in FIG. 4, in step S201, the receiving unit 221 determines whether or not instruction data CM instructing to read an image in which the save destination of the read data is specified as the first folder 131 has been received. If the reception unit 221 determines that the command data CM has not been received (step S201; NO), the process goes to a standby state. If the reception unit 221 determines that the command data CM has been received (step S201; YES), the process proceeds to step S203.

[0065] In step S 203 , the acquisition unit 222 accesses the first folder 131 of the personal computer 1 . In step S205, the acquisition unit 222 determines whether the first reading setting information 131A has been acquired from the personal computer 1. If the acquisition unit 222 determines that the first reading setting information 131A has been acquired (step S205; YES), the process proceeds to step S213. If the acquisition unit 222 determines that the first reading setting information 131A has not been acquired (step S205; NO), the process proceeds to step S207.

[0066] In step S207, the second communication control unit 225 determines whether or not a notification NT1 indicating that the first reading setting information 131A is not stored in the first folder 131 has been received. If the second communication control unit 225 determines that the notification NT1 has not been received (step S207; NO), the process goes to a standby state. If the second communication control unit 225 determines that the notification NT1 has been received (step S207; YES), the process proceeds to step S209. In step S209, the setting unit 223 reads out the first unique read setting information 233A from the setting information storage unit 231. In step S211, the second communication control unit 225 transmits the first unique reading setting information 233A to the first folder 131 of the first control unit 11 of the personal computer 1.

[0067] In step S213, the setting unit 223 sets the reading conditions based on the first unique reading setting information 233A or the first reading setting information 131A. After the reading conditions are set, in step S215, reading unit 224 reads an image under the reading conditions set by setting unit 223, and generates first read data 131B. In step S217, the second communication control unit 225 transmits the first read data 131B to the first folder 131 of the personal computer 1. After that, the process ends.

[0068] 3 and 4, when the first reading setting information 131A is stored in the first folder 131, the scanner 2 sets the reading conditions based on the first reading setting information 131A. The scanner 2 generates the first reading data 131B and transmits the first reading data 131B to the first folder 131 of the personal computer 1. Therefore, the first reading data 131B to be stored in the first folder 131 can be generated by setting the reading conditions based on the first reading setting information 131A and reading an image.

[0069] 3 and 4, when the first reading setting information 131A is not stored in the first folder 131, the scanner 2 sets the reading conditions based on the unique reading setting information 233. The scanner 2 generates the first reading data 131B and transmits it to the first folder 131 of the personal computer 1. Therefore, the first reading data 131B to be stored in the first folder 131 can be generated by setting the reading conditions based on the unique reading setting information 233 and reading an image. Since the scanner 2 transmits the unique reading setting information 233 to the first folder 131 of the personal computer 1, the personal computer 1 can store the unique reading setting information 233 in the first folder 131 as the first reading setting information 131A.

[0070] As described above with reference to Figs. 1 to 4, the image reading system 100 according to this embodiment includes a first scanner 2A that reads an image, and a personal computer 1 connected to the first scanner 2A. The personal computer 1 includes a first communication interface mechanism 16 that communicates with the first scanner 2A, and a first memory 13 that stores first reading setting information 131A in a first folder 131. The first scanner 2A includes a reception unit 221 that receives instruction data CM instructing the reading of an image whose storage destination for read data is specified to be the first folder 131, an acquisition unit 222 that accesses the first folder 131 of the personal computer 1 and acquires the first reading setting information 131A from the first folder 131 when the reception unit 221 receives the instruction data CM, a setting unit 223 that sets reading conditions based on the first reading setting information 131A, and a reading unit 224 that reads an image under the reading conditions and generates read data. Reading conditions can be set and reading data can be generated based on the first reading setting information 131A stored in the first folder 131. Therefore, since the destination folder and reading conditions can be set with a simple configuration, there is no need to store a large-capacity reading method table.

[0071] The personal computer 1 is communicatively connected to the second scanner 2B via a first communication interface mechanism 16, and when the first folder 131 is accessed from the second scanner 2B via the first communication interface mechanism 16, the personal computer 1 transmits the first reading setting information 131A stored in the first folder 131 to the second scanner via the first communication interface mechanism 16. The second scanner 2B can set reading conditions and generate read data based on the first reading setting information 131A received from the personal computer 1. For the second scanner 2B as well, the destination folder and reading conditions can be set with a simple configuration, so there is no need to store a large-capacity reading method table.

[0072] The first memory 13 includes a first folder 131 and a second folder 132. The first memory 13 of the personal computer 1 stores first reading setting information 131A in the first folder 131 and stores second reading setting information 132A in the second folder 132. The first scanner 2A can set reading conditions and generate read data based on the first reading setting information 131A stored in the first folder 131, and can set reading conditions based on the second reading setting information 132A stored in the second folder 132. Therefore, the destination folder and reading conditions can be set with a simple configuration.

[0073] The reading conditions include reading resolution, color / monochrome setting, storage format of the read data, brightness, and contrast. Therefore, the reading conditions can be set appropriately.

[0074] When the first scanner 2A accesses the first folder 131 and the first reading setting information 131A is not saved, the first scanner 2A performs reading using the setting values ​​set in the first scanner 2A and transmits these setting values ​​to the first folder 131 as the first reading setting information 131A, and the personal computer 1 stores the setting values ​​received from the first scanner 2A via the first communication interface mechanism 16 in the first folder 131 as the first reading setting information 131A. When the first reading setting information 131A is not stored in the first folder 131, the unique reading setting information 233 can be stored as the first reading setting information 131A. Therefore, the first reading setting information 131A can be properly stored.

[0075] When the first scanner 2A accesses the first folder 131, if the first reading setting information 131A is not stored in the first folder 131, the first scanner 2A notifies the personal computer 1 to request the first reading setting information 131A. The first reading setting information 131A can be generated from the personal computer 1 and transmitted to the first scanner 2A. Therefore, there is a possibility that appropriate reading conditions will be set in the first scanner 2A.

[0076] The personal computer 1 in this embodiment is a personal computer 1 connected to a first scanner 2A that reads images and generates read data, and is equipped with a first communication interface mechanism 16 that communicates with the first scanner 2A, a first memory 13 that stores first reading setting information 131A in a first folder 131, and a first communication control unit 121 that transmits the first reading setting information 131A to the first scanner 2A via the first communication interface mechanism 16 when the first folder 131 is accessed from the first scanner 2A via the first communication interface mechanism 16. When the first folder 131 is accessed from the first scanner 2A, the first reading setting information 131A is transmitted to the first scanner 2A, so that the first scanner 2A can set reading conditions and generate read data based on the first reading setting information 131A. Therefore, since the destination folder and reading conditions can be set with a simple configuration, there is no need to store a large-capacity reading method table.

[0077] When the first folder 131 is accessed by the first scanner 2A via the first communication interface mechanism 16 and the personal computer 1 receives first read data 131B for the first folder 131, the personal computer 1 stores the received first read data 131B in the first folder 131. Therefore, since the reading conditions and the read data can be stored in the destination folder, there is no need to store a large capacity reading method table.

[0078] The personal computer 1 is communicatively connected to the second scanner 2B via the first communication interface mechanism 16, and when the first folder 131 is accessed from the second scanner 2B via the first communication interface mechanism 16, the first communication control unit 121 transmits the first reading setting information 131A stored in the first folder 131 to the second scanner 2B via the first communication interface mechanism 16. The second scanner 2B can set reading conditions and generate read data based on the first reading setting information 131A received from the personal computer 1. Therefore, for the second scanner 2B as well, a destination folder and reading conditions can be set with a simple configuration, so there is no need to store a large-capacity reading method table.

[0079] The first memory 13 includes a first folder 131 and a second folder 132. The first memory 13 of the personal computer 1 stores first reading setting information 131A in the first folder 131 and stores second reading setting information 132A in the second folder 132. The first scanner 2A can set reading conditions and generate read data based on the first reading setting information 131A stored in the first folder 131, and can set reading conditions based on the second reading setting information 132A stored in the second folder 132. Therefore, the destination folder and reading conditions can be set with a simple configuration.

[0080] The present application is not limited to the configuration of the present embodiment described above, and can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0081] In this embodiment, the case where the "information processing device" is a personal computer 1 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The "information processing device" may be, for example, a server device. The "information processing device" may also be, for example, a tablet terminal or a smartphone.

[0082] In this embodiment, the case where the "image reading device" is the scanner 2 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. As long as the "image reading device" has an image reading function, it may be, for example, a copying machine or a multifunction device with a fax function.

[0083] In the present embodiment, the personal computer 1 is communicatively connected to the first scanner 2A, the second scanner 2B, and the third scanner 3C, but is not limited thereto. The personal computer 1 may be communicatively connected to at least one scanner 2. The personal computer 1 may be communicatively connected to one scanner 2, may be communicatively connected to two scanners 2, or may be communicatively connected to four or more scanners 2.

[0084] In this embodiment, the reading conditions set in the scanner 2 include the reading resolution, color / monochrome setting, the save format of the read data, brightness, and contrast, but are not limited thereto. The reading conditions set in the scanner 2 may include at least one of the reading resolution, color / monochrome setting, the save format of the read data, brightness, and contrast.

[0085] At least a portion of the functional blocks shown in Figures 1 and 2 may be realized in hardware, or may be realized in a combination of hardware and software, and is not limited to a configuration in which independent hardware resources are arranged as shown in the figures. A first control program PG1 executed by the first processor 12 of the first control unit 11 of the personal computer 1 is stored in the first memory 13, but the first control program PG1 may be stored in a HDD or the like. A second control program PG2 executed by the second processor 22 of the second control unit 21 of the scanner 2 is stored in the second memory 23, but the second control program PG2 may be stored in a HDD or the like.

[0086] The processing units in the flowcharts shown in Figures 3 and 4 are divided according to the main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the processing of the first control unit 11 of the personal computer 1 and the second control unit 21 of the scanner 2. The embodiment is not limited by the manner of division or names of the processing units shown in the flowcharts shown in Figures 3 and 4. The processing of the first control unit 11 and the second control unit 21 can be divided into more processing units according to the processing contents, or one processing unit can be divided to include more processes. The processing order of the above flowcharts is also not limited to the example shown in the figures.

[0087] The image reading method of the personal computer 1 can be realized by having the first processor 12 of the first control unit 11 of the personal computer 1 execute a first control program PG1 corresponding to the image reading method of the personal computer 1. This first control program PG1 can also be recorded in a recording medium that is readable by a computer. As the recording medium, a magnetic or optical recording medium or a semiconductor memory device can be used. Specifically, a portable or fixed recording medium such as a flexible disk, a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a Blu-ray (registered trademark) Disc, a magneto-optical disk, a flash memory, or a card-type recording medium can be used. In addition, the recording medium may be a non-volatile storage device such as a RAM, a ROM, or a HDD that is an internal storage device provided in the personal computer 1. The image reading method of the personal computer 1 can also be realized by storing the first control program PG1 corresponding to the image reading method of the personal computer 1 in a server device or the like and downloading the first control program PG1 from the server device to the personal computer 1. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 100...image reading system, 1...personal computer (information processing device), 11...first control unit, 12...first processor, 121...first communication control unit (communication control unit), 122...storage control unit, 13...first memory, 131...first folder (save destination folder, first save destination folder), 131A...first read setting information (read setting information), 131B...first read data (read data), 132...second folder (save destination folder, second save destination folder), 132A...second read setting information, 132B...second read data, 14...first input mechanism, 15...first display mechanism, 16...first communication interface mechanism (communication interface unit), 2...scanner (image reading device), 2A...first scanner (first image reading device), 2B...second scanner (second image reading device), 2C...second scanner, 21...second control unit, 22...second processor, 221...reception unit, 222...acquisition unit, 223...setting unit, 224...reading unit, 225...second communication control unit, 23...second memory, 231...setting information storage unit, 233...unique reading setting information, 233A...first unique reading setting information, 233B...second unique reading setting information, 233C...third unique reading setting information, 24...second input mechanism, 25...second display mechanism, 26...second communication interface mechanism, 27...reading mechanism, CM...instruction data, NT1...notification, NT2...notification, PG1...first control program, PG2...second control program.

Claims

1. a first image reading device for reading an original; and an information processing device connected to the first image reading device. An image reading system comprising: The information processing device includes: a communication interface unit for communicating with the first image reading device; A storage unit that stores a destination folder having the reading setting information, The first image reading device is a reception unit that receives a read instruction specifying the destination folder as a destination for storing the read data; 、 When the reception unit receives the read instruction, the destination folder of the information processing device an acquisition unit that accesses the destination folder and acquires the reading setting information from the destination folder; a setting unit that sets reading conditions based on the reading setting information; a reading unit that reads the document under the reading conditions and generates the read data; The information processing device includes: a second image reading device connected to the second image reading device via the communication interface unit so as to be capable of communicating with the second image reading device; The second image reading device transmits the image data to the storage destination folder via the communication interface unit. When the data is accessed, The read setting information stored in the destination folder is transmitted to the communication interface unit. to the second image reading device via Image reading system.

2. A first image reading device for reading a document, and an information processing device connected to the first image reading device. An image reading system comprising: The information processing device includes: a communication interface unit for communicating with the first image reading device; A storage unit that stores a destination folder having the reading setting information, The first image reading device is a reception unit that receives a read instruction specifying the destination folder as a destination for storing the read data; 、 When the reception unit receives the read instruction, the destination folder of the information processing device an acquisition unit that accesses the destination folder and acquires the reading setting information from the destination folder; a setting unit that sets reading conditions based on the reading setting information; a reading unit that reads the document under the reading conditions and generates the read data; the storage unit stores a second destination folder different from the destination folder; the second destination folder has second reading setting information; Image reading system.

3. The reading conditions include reading resolution, color / monochrome setting, storage format of read data, brightness, and contrast, 3. The image reading system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A first image reading device for reading a document, and an information processing device connected to the first image reading device. An image reading system comprising: The information processing device includes: a communication interface unit for communicating with the first image reading device; A storage unit that stores a destination folder having the reading setting information, The first image reading device is a reception unit that receives a read instruction specifying the destination folder as a destination for storing the read data; 、 When the reception unit receives the read instruction, the destination folder of the information processing device an acquisition unit that accesses the destination folder and acquires the reading setting information from the destination folder; a setting unit that sets reading conditions based on the reading setting information; a reading unit that reads the document under the reading conditions and generates the read data; The first image reading device is When the save destination folder is accessed, if the scan setting information is not saved, In this case, the first image reading device performs reading with a set value set in the first image reading device, and the set value is used as the reading value. The setting information is sent to the destination folder. The information processing device includes: The setting value received from the first image reading device via the communication interface unit. and storing the read setting information in the destination folder. Image reading system.

5. A first image reading device for reading a document, and an information processing device connected to the first image reading device. An image reading system comprising: The information processing device includes: a communication interface unit for communicating with the first image reading device; A storage unit that stores a destination folder having the reading setting information, The first image reading device is a reception unit that receives a read instruction specifying the destination folder as a destination for storing the read data; 、 When the reception unit receives the read instruction, the destination folder of the information processing device an acquisition unit that accesses the destination folder and acquires the reading setting information from the destination folder; a setting unit that sets reading conditions based on the reading setting information; a reading unit that reads the document under the reading conditions and generates the read data; When the first image reading device accesses the destination folder, If the reading setting information is not stored in the folder, the first image reading device a notification to request the reading setting information from the information processing device; Image reading system.

6. An information processing apparatus connected to a first image reading apparatus that reads an original and generates read data. And, a communication interface unit for communicating with the first image reading device; A storage unit that stores a destination folder having the reading setting information; The first image reading device transmits the image data to the destination folder via the communication interface unit. When the read setting information is read from the a communication control unit for transmitting to the first image reading device; Equipped with The information processing device communicates with a second image reading device via the communication interface unit. and a second image reading device is connected to the first image reading device via the communication interface unit. When the destination folder is accessed, the communication control unit The stored reading setting information is transmitted to the second image reading device via the communication interface unit.

4. Send the data to the receiving device; Information processing device.

7. The information processing device receives the image data from the first image reading device via the communication interface unit. Then, the destination folder is accessed, and the read data is transferred to the destination folder. When the read data is received, the received read data is stored in the destination folder. The information processing device according to claim 6.

8. the storage unit includes a second destination folder different from the destination folder, the second destination folder has second reading setting information; 8. The information processing device according to claim 6 or 7.

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