System, reading device, method and program

Abstract

To provide a system, a reading device, and a method for securely acquiring a scanned file.SOLUTION: An MFP 101 that is a reading device uploads a scan file obtained by reading a document image to a storage server 106 (S506), acquires a code that is an access code for accessing an upload destination of the scan file (S511), and displays the access code on a display panel that is a display unit (S512). A portable terminal reads the code on the display unit, acquires information indicating the upload destination of the scan file, accesses the upload destination of the scan file according to the acquired information, and downloads the scan file. The information indicating the upload destination of the scan file includes recognition information related to an access to the upload destination of the scan file.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system, a reading device, a method, and a program for acquiring a file containing data obtained by scanning. [Background technology]

[0002] There are systems that acquire and store files, which are created by scanning documents using a multifunction peripheral (MFP), on an information terminal such as a smartphone. In such systems, a dedicated application installed on the information terminal directly communicates with and controls the MFP to acquire the scanned files. In some systems, files scanned by the MFP are attached to emails and sent to the user's own information terminal. Patent Document 1 describes a configuration in which access information printed on the MFP is used to send files to the information terminal, eliminating the need for input operations to set an email address on the MFP. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6339167 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when a dedicated application installed on an information terminal is launched to acquire a scanned file, it is necessary to install the dedicated application and set up for direct communication with the MFP. Also, as in Patent Document 1, there is a high possibility that the access information printed out can be obtained by a third party.

[0005] In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a method for realizing a system for securely acquiring scanned files with a simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a reading device according to the present invention is a reading device including a reading means for reading an original image and a display unit, and further including a display control means for controlling display on the display unit, and an upload means for uploading image data obtained by reading the original image with the reading means to a server, wherein the display control means controls the display of a selection screen for selecting one function from a plurality of functions provided by the reading device, and the display control means ,before A function for enabling a portable terminal to acquire image data obtained by reading an original image using a reading means. On the selection screen choice Based on The display control means controls the display of a screen that prompts the user to set a document to be read, and after the reading means reads the document image of the set document, the display control means controls the display of a confirmation screen for confirming whether or not there is a next document to be read, and when a user operation for reading the next document is accepted on the confirmation screen, the reading means reads the document image of the next document, and the upload means To enable a portable terminal to acquire image data obtained by reading an original image using a reading means. function Based on the above selection of When multiple document images are read by the reading means, a file containing image data obtained by reading the multiple document images is uploaded to the server, and the display control means displays an access code for downloading the file on the display unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, a system for securely acquiring scanned files can be realized with a simple configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a system for acquiring a scan file. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a portable terminal. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of an MFP. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a management server and a storage server. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram illustrating the operation of the system. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an operation up to acquisition of a scan file. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating the operation up to erasing the displayed QR code. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating the operation of the scan system. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing a process when a scan instruction is received. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a signed URL. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an expiration date management table. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a shortened URL management table. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which a QR code is displayed. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a service selection screen. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen for accepting a scan execution request. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a detailed setting screen. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a document confirmation screen. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen displayed on the portable terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. Although the embodiments describe multiple features, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0010] [First embodiment] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a system for acquiring a scan file in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, an MFP (Multifunctional Peripheral) 101, a wireless LAN router 102, a management server 105, and a storage server 106 are connected to the Internet 103. The MFP 101 is an image forming device including a scanning function, and optically reads an image of a document placed on a document tray or an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder), not shown, to generate a scan file. The portable terminal 104 is an information terminal such as a smartphone, and is wirelessly connected to the wireless LAN router 102 and can communicate with the Internet 103. The portable terminal 104 may be configured to be connected to the Internet 103 via a public line. The portable terminal 104 does not need to be able to communicate directly with the MFP 101. The Internet 103 may also be another type of network, such as a WAN or LAN. In this embodiment, the user of the mobile terminal 104 can obtain a scan file that has been scanned by the MFP 101 and uploaded to the storage server 106 and save it in the mobile terminal 104 .

[0011] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the mobile terminal 104. The CPU 202 performs calculations, judgments, and control on data and instructions in accordance with software stored in the RAM 203, the ROM 204, or the non-volatile memory 205, thereby providing overall control over the mobile terminal 104. The RAM 203 is used as a temporary storage area when the CPU 202 performs various processes. The non-volatile memory 205 stores an operating system (OS), application software, etc.

[0012] The display 206 includes a liquid crystal display and a graphic controller, and displays objects such as images and icons, such as shortcut menus and launchers, as well as GUIs. The input device 207 is a device for receiving various instructions and operations from the user to the mobile terminal 104. For example, the input device 207 is configured as a touch panel or digital camera integrated with the display 206, but may also be configured as a device separate from the display 206, such as a mouse or keyboard.

[0013] 2 are exchanged via a system bus 208. An interface (I / F) device 209 exchanges data with devices on the same network or the Internet using protocols such as TCP / IP via a wireless LAN or a wired LAN conforming to standards such as IEEE802.11a. The imaging device 210 is a camera that captures an image of an object using an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device). The portable terminal 104 can extract an access code from data read by reading a barcode using the imaging device 210, for example.

[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of the hardware configuration of the MFP 101. The MFP 101 includes an operation panel 303, a ROM 304, a RAM 305, a reading device 306, a printing device 307, a copying device 308, an I / F device 309, and a system bus 310. The CPU 302 executes programs stored in the ROM 304 on the RAM 305 in accordance with user instructions received via the operation panel 303, for example, to comprehensively control the MFP 101. The ROM 304 stores control command programs for the MFP 101, etc. The RAM 305 functions as a working memory for the CPU 302 and is also used as a storage area for a print job spooler. The operation panel 303 includes keys and a touchpad for user operation, and a display unit for displaying images and various information to the user. FIG. 13 illustrates an example of the configuration of the operation panel 303, which includes a display 1300 and a power button 1302.

[0015] The reading device 306 includes an optical sensor for optically reading an original image placed on a document table or ADF (not shown), and stores image data (scan file) generated by the optical sensor in RAM 305. The printing device 307 includes, for example, an ink tank for storing ink and a recording head for ejecting ink droplets. The printing device 307 also includes a conveying unit for conveying printing paper, and records an image on a recording medium such as conveyed printing paper. The printing device 307 is not limited to an inkjet recording system, and other recording systems, such as an electrophotographic system, may be adopted. The copying device 308 performs image processing for printing the original image read by the reading device 306 using the printing device 307 (i.e., a copy function).

[0016] 3 is transmitted and received via a system bus 310. The I / F device 309 transmits and receives data to and from devices on the same network or the Internet using protocols such as TCP / IP via a wireless LAN or wired LAN that conforms to standards such as IEEE802.11a.

[0017] 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the management server 105 and the storage server 106. The management server 105 and the storage server 106 have a common configuration, and hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the management server 105 will be described as a representative example of the management server 105 and the storage server 106. The CPU 402 performs overall control of the management server 105 by performing calculations, judgments, and control on data and commands in accordance with software stored in the RAM 403, the ROM 404, or the hard disk 405. The RAM 403 is used as a temporary storage area when the CPU 402 performs various processes. The hard disk 405 stores the operating system (OS), application software, etc.

[0018] The display 406 includes a liquid crystal display and a graphic controller, and displays objects such as images and icons, such as shortcut menus and launchers, as well as GUIs, etc. The input device 407 is a device for receiving various instructions and operations from the user to the management server 105. For example, the input device 407 is configured as a touch panel integrated with the display 406, but may also be configured as a device separate from the display 406, such as a mouse or keyboard.

[0019] 4 is transmitted and received via a system bus 408. In addition, an I / F device 409 transmits and receives data to and from devices on the same network or the Internet using protocols such as TCP / IP via a wireless LAN or wired LAN that conforms to standards such as IEEE802.11a.

[0020] The management server 105 and the storage server 106 store the following programs on the hard disk 405. For example, the hard disk 405 of the management server 105 stores a program for creating an upload URL (Uniform Resource Locator) and a signed URL. The upload URL is used when the MFP 101 uploads a scan file to the storage server 106. The signed URL is used when the portable terminal 104 accesses a scan file uploaded to the storage server 106. The hard disk 405 of the management server 105 also stores a program for generating a two-dimensional barcode from a URL. In this embodiment, the two-dimensional barcode is generated from the signed URL. In this embodiment, a QR (Quick Response) code is described as an example of a two-dimensional barcode. The hard disk 405 of the storage server 106 also stores a URL verification program for verifying when a signed URL is accessed from outside, for example. The hard disk 405 of the storage server 106 also stores scan files scanned and uploaded by the MFP 101, and a log file that describes an access log to a specific URL from outside.

[0021] In this embodiment, the management server 105 and the storage server 106 are described as separate devices, but they may be configured as a single integrated device. Also, although each server is described as a single device, each may be configured as multiple devices.

[0022] Next, the operation of this system will be described. In this system, after a scan file obtained by reading an original image with MFP 101 is uploaded to storage server 106, an access code for accessing storage server 106 is displayed on operation panel 303 of MFP 101. In this embodiment, a QR code will be described as an example of the access code.

[0023] Fig. 5 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of this system. First, service selection screen 1400 of Fig. 14 is displayed on operation panel 303 of MFP 101. A list of services executed in cooperation with portable terminal 104 is displayed on service selection screen 1400. Scan service 1401 is a button for accepting the selection of a scan service function that transmits a scan file obtained as a result of reading an original image with MFP 101 to portable terminal 104. Print service 1402 is a button for accepting the selection of a print service function that causes image data in portable terminal 104 to be printed by MFP 101.

[0024] The MFP 101 accepts the selection of a scan service 1401 from the user on a service selection screen 1400. When the selection of the scan service 1401 is accepted, a screen 1500 for accepting a scan execution, shown in FIG. 15, is displayed on the operation panel 303. When a scan button 1501 on the screen 1500 is pressed, for example, an image of a document placed on a platen is read (S501). An advanced settings button 1502 on the screen 1500 is a button for configuring settings for reading the document image. When the advanced settings button 1502 is pressed, an advanced settings screen 1600 shown in FIG. 16 is displayed on the operation panel 303. The advanced settings screen 1600 displays items such as the type and size of the document image (e.g., document or photo), the reading resolution, and the data format of the scan file in a changeable manner. For example, the data format is displayed as a selectable file format, such as JPEG, PNG, or PDF. Note that a configuration may also be used to enable settings such as the compression rate of JPEG and PDF. When the cancel button 1601 is pressed, the changed settings are cancelled and the screen returns to the screen 1500. When the OK button 1602 is pressed, the changed settings are confirmed and the screen returns to the screen 1500.

[0025] When scanning is executed in S501, the reading device 306 starts reading the document image based on the settings on the detailed setting screen 1600, and saves the image data generated as a result of the reading as a scan file in the specified data format in RAM 305 (S502). The MFP 101 transmits the device name and serial number unique to the device to the management server 105, and requests the URL (upload URL) to which the scan file saved in S502 should be uploaded (S503).

[0026] When management server 105 receives the request for the upload URL from MFP 101, it issues a job ID corresponding to the reading by MFP 101. Then, management server 105 creates a unique folder hierarchy associated with the received device name and serial number in storage server 106 and determines an upload URL (S504). Thereafter, management server 105 transmits the determined upload URL to MFP 101 (S505), and MFP 101 uploads the scan file saved in S502 to the specified URL (S506).

[0027] After completing the upload of the scan file, the MFP 101 transmits the upload URL and the file name of the scan file to the management server 105, and requests a QR code (S507). The QR code is displayed on the operation panel 303 of the MFP 101 as a target to be read by the mobile terminal 104 when the mobile terminal 104 accesses the scan file uploaded to the storage server 106.

[0028] The management server 105 compares the file name of the scanned file in the specified upload URL with the file name obtained from the MFP 101, and starts creating a signed URL. The signed URL is used to enable the client mobile terminal 104 to temporarily access the storage server 106 directly without going through the management server 105. For example, the signed URL has an expiration date set as the period during which it can be accessed.

[0029] A signed URL according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 10 . The signed URL 1000 includes elements 1001, 1002, 1003, and 1004. Element 1001 is a communication protocol declaration, and for example, HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) is used as the encrypted communication protocol. Element 1002 indicates a host name, for example, the storage server 106 is set. Element 1003 is hierarchical path information uniquely determined for each piece of data, indicating the storage location of the data (scan file) to be downloaded. Element 1003 further includes information indicating the device name and serial number specific to the device, the job ID, the file name, and the like. Element 1004 is a URL query parameter, and is authentication information (signature information) issued when the signed URL is created, and is set with, for example, an expiration date. The expiration date is information on the period during which the portable terminal 104 can download the scan file from the storage server 106. In this embodiment, a unique hierarchical path including device-specific information is generated as element 1003, but a hierarchical path may be generated by including other information as long as it is unique.

[0030] The management server 105 sets the expiration date for creating a signed URL based on a validity period management table 1100 such as that shown in FIG. 11 (S508). The validity period management table 1100 is stored in the hard disk 405 of the management server 105, and the validity period is set as an expiration date in association with, for example, the file size, the number of files, and the communication line speed of the area where the download is performed. For example, the larger the file size or the number of files, or the slower the communication line speed, the longer the validity period is set. In this way, in this embodiment, the expiration date set in the signed URL can be appropriately set depending on the communication environment of the mobile terminal 104 and the size of the file.

[0031] The management server 105 requests the storage server 106 to create a signed URL along with the set expiration date (S509). Thereafter, the management server 105 starts a QR code generation program stored on the hard disk 405 of the management server 105, converts the created signed URL into a QR code (S510), and transmits the QR code to the MFP 101 (S511). The MFP 101 displays the QR code transmitted from the management server 105 on the operation panel 303 so that it can be read externally (S512). Figure 13 shows the QR code displayed, and a message is displayed prompting the user of the mobile terminal 104 to read the QR code.

[0032] In this manner, in this embodiment, after the MFP 101 uploads the scan file to the storage server 106, a signed URL indicating the upload destination is generated as a QR code. The generated QR code is then displayed on the operation panel 303 of the MFP 101.

[0033] Next, the sequence from when the user reads the QR code displayed on the operation panel 303 of the MFP 101 with the mobile terminal 104 to when the scanned file is downloaded from the storage server 106 and saved will be described with reference to FIG.

[0034] The user starts the QR code reading program stored in the non-volatile memory 205 of the portable terminal 104 (S601). The QR code reading program is started by, for example, the user capturing an image of a QR code using the imaging device 210 of the portable terminal 104. In other words, in this embodiment, the user does not need to install a dedicated application on the portable terminal 104 to obtain a signed URL.

[0035] After starting the QR code reading program, portable terminal 104 uses imaging device 210 to capture and read the QR code displayed on operation panel 303 of MFP 101 (S602), and extracts a signed URL for download from the read data (S603). Then, portable terminal 104 uses the QR code reading program to start a web browser program stored in non-volatile memory 205 (S604). Using the started web browser program, portable terminal 104 specifies the signed URL and accesses storage server 106 (S605).

[0036] The storage server 106 verifies whether the additional information of the accessed signed URL is correct (S606). Here, the additional information of the signed URL is, for example, encrypted token information, the expiration date described above, and information about the file to be downloaded. If the additional information is an expiration date, the storage server 106 determines that the additional information of the signed URL is correct if the date and time the access was received is within the expiration date in S605. If the additional information of the signed URL is determined to be correct in S606, the storage server 106 transmits information about the file to be downloaded to the mobile terminal 104 (S607).

[0037] The mobile terminal 104 displays the received file information on the display 206 using a web browser (S608). FIG. 18A shows an image 1801 of the scan file displayed by the web browser. The user, for example, selects the image 1801 displayed on the display 206 using the web browser, specifies a save destination, saves the file (S609), and displays the save result (S610). The save result may be a message indicating that the scan file has been saved, or a file display program such as a file viewer may be launched to display the saved scan file. The actual scan file uploaded in S506 may be downloaded to the mobile terminal 104 in S607, or may be downloaded when the save destination is specified in S609.

[0038] If it is determined in S605 that the incidental information is incorrect, for example, because the date and time the access was received has passed the expiration date of the signed URL, the storage server 106 transmits access error information to the portable terminal 104. In this case, the portable terminal 104 uses a web browser to display the received access error information on the display 206. Figure 18(B) shows how access error information 1802 is displayed by the web browser.

[0039] As described above, in this embodiment, the programs launched by portable terminal 104 to download and save a scan file are a QR code reading program and a web browser. Therefore, there is no need to install a dedicated application or perform setup for communicating with MFP 101, and portable terminal 104 can download and save a scan file with a simple configuration. Furthermore, the QR code to be read by portable terminal 104 contains information about a signed URL, so access security can be maintained and the user's operation procedure can be simplified.

[0040] Next, the operation from reading the QR code by the mobile terminal 104 to erasing the QR code displayed on the operation panel 303 of the MFP 101 at the timing of accessing the uploaded scan file will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Note that the same processes as in Fig. 6 are given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0041] After displaying a QR code on the operation panel 303, the MFP 101 starts a monitoring program that monitors whether or not the mobile terminal 104 has accessed the upload destination of a scan file uploaded to the storage server 106 (S701). The access monitoring program of the MFP 101 monitors updates to the access log file for a specific URL in the storage server 106. If the storage server 106 detects access to the signed URL in S605 and verifies that the additional information of the signed URL is correct in S606, it adds access information to the access log file for the signed URL and updates it (S702). The access information is, for example, information on the date and time of access. The storage server 106 notifies the MFP 101 that the access log file has been updated (S703). The access monitoring program of the MFP 101 detects that the signed URL has been accessed based on the notification of the access log file update, and erases the QR code displayed on the operation panel 303 (S704).

[0042] In this way, MFP 101 monitors whether or not there is access from mobile terminal 104 to the upload destination of the scan file uploaded to storage server 106. Then, when MFP 101 detects that there has been access, it erases the QR code displayed on operation panel 303. For example, if the access code is configured to be output as a printout rather than displayed, once it is output, there is a possibility that the access code information will be passed on to a third party even after access has been detected. However, in this embodiment, when access is detected, the access code display is erased, thereby reducing the possibility that the access code information will be passed on to a third party.

[0043] Next, the process performed when a scan instruction is received on operation panel 303 of MFP 101 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. The process in Fig. 9 is realized, for example, by CPU 302 reading a program stored in ROM 304 into RAM 305 and executing it.

[0044] On screen 1500 of FIG. 15 displayed on operation panel 303 of MFP 101, CPU 302 waits for an event of pressing scan button 1501 (S901). When pressing scan button 1501 is accepted (Yes in S901), CPU 302 reads an image of an original placed on a platen or ADF (not shown) (S902). After completing the reading, CPU 302 displays original confirmation screen 1700 of FIG. 17 to prompt the user to confirm whether or not to continue reading the next original image. If the user wants to continue reading the next original, he or she presses scan button 1701. When pressing scan button 1701 is accepted, CPU 302 repeats the process from S902 (Yes in S903). On the other hand, if reading of all originals is completed, the user presses end button 1702. When the CPU 302 receives a press of the end button 1702 (No in S903), the CPU 302 saves the image data generated as a result of the reading as a scan file (S904). For example, image data obtained by reading multiple original images may be saved as a single scan file. For example, when the setting of "multi-page PDF" is received in the data format item of the advanced setting screen 1600 in FIG. 16, the data may be saved as a single scan file.

[0045] S901 to S903 correspond to S501 in FIG. 5, and S904 corresponds to S502 in FIG.

[0046] The CPU 302 displays a QR code for accessing the scan file uploaded to the storage server 106 on the operation panel 303 so that the QR code can be read externally (S905). As shown in FIG. 13, an OK button 1303 is displayed on the display 1300 to allow the user to respond to the message. When the OK button 1303 is pressed as a user operation (Yes in S906), the CPU 302 erases the QR code 1301 and transitions to a home screen (not shown) (S909). Furthermore, if a certain period of time has elapsed without the OK button 1303 being pressed (No in S906, Yes in S907), the CPU 302 erases the QR code 1301 and transitions to a home screen (not shown) (S909). Note that a message indicating that the QR code will be erased after a certain period of time may be displayed on the operation panel 303, or a timer showing a countdown until the QR code is erased may be displayed.

[0047] Furthermore, if it is determined in S907 that the fixed time has not elapsed, CPU 302 determines whether or not it has detected that the signed URL included in the QR code has been accessed from portable terminal 104. If it has detected that the signed URL has been accessed from portable terminal 104 (Yes in S908), CPU 302 erases QR code 1301 and transitions to a home screen (not shown) (S909). On the other hand, if it has not detected that the signed URL has been accessed from portable terminal 104, the process from S906 is repeated.

[0048] S905 corresponds to S512 in FIG. 5, and S908 to S909 correspond to S703 to S704 in FIG.

[0049] As described above, in this embodiment, when a QR code is displayed on the operation panel 303 of the MFP 101 and a predetermined condition is met, the displayed QR code is erased. For example, the QR code is erased when the OK button 1303 is pressed or when a certain time has passed since the QR code was displayed. Such display control can further reduce the possibility that access code information will be passed on to a third party and that unauthorized access to the storage server 106 will be performed.

[0050] As described above, according to this embodiment, an access code for downloading a scan file from storage server 106 is displayed on operation panel 303 of MFP 101. Portable terminal 104 can then download and save the file via a web browser by reading the displayed access code. Furthermore, when a predetermined condition is met, such as when portable terminal 104 accesses storage server 106, the access code displayed on MFP 101 is erased. This reduces the possibility that access code information may be passed on to a third party and result in unauthorized access to the scan file. In this embodiment, a QR code (two-dimensional barcode) has been described as an example of an access code. However, the access code may be realized by other means, such as a one-dimensional barcode, as long as it can be read by imaging device 210 of portable terminal 104.

[0051] [Second embodiment] The second embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, a QR code was described as an example of an access code for accessing a scanned file uploaded to the storage server 106. However, there are cases where the storage capacity of an access code such as a QR code is limited. In this embodiment, a configuration using a shortened URL as the access code will be described. With such a configuration, even if there is a limit on the capacity of the access code, the effect of that limit can be avoided.

[0052] In this embodiment, a shortened URL creation program that creates a shortened URL from a signed URL is stored on the hard disk 405 of the management server 105. The hard disk 405 of the management server 105 also stores a redirect program that sends the signed URL to the mobile terminal 104 when the mobile terminal 104 accesses the shortened URL.

[0053] The operation of the system of this embodiment will be described below. After a scanned file is uploaded from the MFP 101 to the storage server 106, the mobile terminal 104 reads the QR code displayed on the MFP 101 and displays it on the display 206 using a web browser.

[0054] Fig. 8 is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation of the system in this embodiment. Note that the same processes as those in Figs. 5 and 6 are given the same reference numerals.

[0055] 5, when management server 105 receives a scan file upload URL request from MFP 101, it transmits the upload URL to MFP 101 (S503 to S505). After uploading the scan file (S506), MFP 101 requests management server 105 for a QR code to be displayed on operation panel 303 (S507). After creating a signed URL (S508, S509), management server 105 starts a shortened URL creation program and creates a shortened URL from the signed URL (S801).

[0056] 12 is a diagram showing an example of a shortened URL management table 1200 for creating a shortened URL from a signed URL. The shortened URL management table 1200 is stored, for example, in the hard disk 405 of the management server 105. The shortened URL may be created by directly using a fixed-size character string, such as a device name or serial number, included in the signed URL. The shortened URL may also be created by randomly shortening a variable-size character string, such as additional information of the signed URL. The entire character string of the signed URL may also be randomly shortened. After creating the shortened URL (S801), the management server 105 starts a QR code generation program to convert the shortened URL into a QR code (S802), and transmits the converted QR code to the MFP 101 (S511).

[0057] 6, the user starts the QR code reading program on the portable terminal 104, photographs the QR code displayed on the operation panel 303 in S512, reads it, and extracts the shortened URL from the read data (S601 to S603). That is, in this embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the shortened URL is extracted from the read data, not the signed URL. The portable terminal 104 starts a web browser program using the QR code reading program (S604), and specifies the shortened URL to access the management server 105 (S803).

[0058] The management server 105 starts the redirect program (S804), references the shortened URL management table 1200, and transmits the signed URL for downloading the scan file to the portable terminal 104 as a redirect destination (S805). The portable terminal 104 accesses the storage server 106 by specifying the signed URL using a web browser program (S806). The storage server 106 verifies whether the additional information of the signed URL is correct (S606). If it is determined in S606 that the additional information of the signed URL is correct, the storage server 106 transmits information about the file to be downloaded to the portable terminal 104 (S607). The portable terminal 104 displays the received file information on the display 206 using the web browser (S608). At this time, an image 1801 of the scan file is displayed, as shown in FIG. 18(A).

[0059] Thus, according to this embodiment, even if there is a limit to the capacity of the access code in the process of generating and displaying the access code for downloading the scan file from the storage server 106, the effect of that limit can be avoided.

[0060] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program.The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0061] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 101 MFP: 104 Portable terminal: 105 Management server: 106 Storage server: 202, 302, 402 CPU: 203, 305, 403 RAM: 204, 304, 404 ROM

Claims

1. A reading device comprising a reading unit for reading an original image and a display unit, a display control means for controlling the display on the display unit; uploading means for uploading image data obtained by reading an original image by the reading means to a server; and the display control means controls the display of a selection screen for selecting one function from a plurality of functions provided by the reading device; the display control means controls the display of a screen that prompts the user to set a document to be read, based on a selection on the selection screen of a function for enabling the portable terminal to acquire image data obtained by reading a document image by the reading means; the display control means controls the display of a confirmation screen for confirming whether or not there is a next document to be read after the document image of the set document has been read by the reading means; When a user operation for reading the next document is accepted on the confirmation screen, reading of the document image of the next document by the reading means is executed; the uploading means, when a plurality of document images are read by the reading means based on the selection of a function for enabling the portable terminal to acquire image data obtained by reading the document images by the reading means, uploads a file including image data obtained by reading the plurality of document images to the server; the display control means displays an access code for downloading the file on the display unit. A reading device characterized by:

2. A reading device comprising a reading means for reading an original image and a display unit, a display control means for controlling the display on the display unit; uploading means for uploading image data obtained by reading an original image by the reading means to a server; and the display control means controls the display of a selection screen for selecting one function from a plurality of functions provided by the reading device; the display control means controls the display of a confirmation screen for confirming whether or not there is a next document to be read after the document image of the document has been read based on the selection on the selection screen of a function for enabling the portable terminal to acquire image data obtained by reading the document image by the reading means; When a user operation for reading the next document is accepted on the confirmation screen, reading of the document image of the next document by the reading means is executed; the uploading means, when a plurality of document images are read by the reading means based on the selection of a function for enabling the portable terminal to acquire image data obtained by reading the document images by the reading means, uploads a file including image data obtained by reading the plurality of document images to the server; the display control means displays an access code for downloading the file on the display unit. A reading device characterized by:

3. The reading device described in Claim 2, characterized in that the display control means displays a screen prompting the user to set the document to be read before reading the document image of the document based on the selection of a function for enabling the image data obtained by reading the document image by the reading means to be acquired on a portable terminal, and further displays the confirmation screen after the document image has been read.

4. downloading the file on the portable terminal using information for downloading the file acquired by the portable terminal based on reading the access code on the portable terminal; A reading device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that authentication information required for access using information for downloading the file from the portable terminal is provided on the screen on which the access code is displayed.

5. 5. The reading device according to claim 4, wherein the authentication information is included in information for downloading the file, and is provided from the reading device to the portable terminal by displaying the access code.

6. 6. The reading device according to claim 5, wherein the information for downloading the file is a signed Uniform Resource Locator (URL).

7. 7. The reading device according to claim 6, wherein the portable terminal downloads the file from the upload destination of the image data based on the result of verification of the access to the signed URL.

8. 8. The reading device according to claim 1, wherein an expiration date is set for downloading the file using the access code.

9. The reading device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the display control means displays on the display unit a message urging the user to read the displayed access code and a message indicating a time limit together with the access code.

10. 10. The reading device according to claim 1, wherein the display control means erases the access code displayed on the display unit when a condition is met.

11. 11. The reading device according to claim 10, wherein the condition includes that a user operation is accepted via the display unit.

12. 12. The reading device according to claim 1, wherein the access code is a two-dimensional bar code.

13. 13. The reading device according to claim 12, wherein the information for downloading the file acquired by the portable terminal based on the reading of the two-dimensional barcode by the portable terminal is a URL (Uniform Resource Locator).

14. A method executed in a reading device including a reading unit for reading an original image and a display unit, a display control step of controlling a display on the display unit; an uploading step of uploading image data obtained by reading an original image by the reading means to a server; and the display control step controls display of a selection screen for selecting one function from a plurality of functions provided by the reading device; In the display control step, a display of a screen that prompts the user to set a document to be read is controlled based on a selection on the selection screen of a function that enables the portable terminal to acquire image data obtained by reading a document image by the reading means, and In the display control step, after the reading unit has read the document image of the set document, the display of a confirmation screen for confirming whether or not there is a next document to be read is controlled; When a user operation for reading the next document is accepted on the confirmation screen, reading of the document image of the next document by the reading means is executed; In the uploading step, when a plurality of document images are read by the reading means based on the selection of a function for enabling the portable terminal to acquire image data obtained by reading the document images by the reading means, a file including image data obtained by reading the plurality of document images is uploaded to the server; the display control step displays an access code for downloading the file on the display unit. A method characterized by:

15. A method executed in a reading device having a reading means for reading an original image and a display unit, comprising: a display control step of controlling a display on the display unit; an uploading step of uploading image data obtained by reading an original image by the reading means to a server; and the display control step controls display of a selection screen for selecting one function from a plurality of functions provided by the reading device; In the display control step, after the document image of the document is read based on the selection on the selection screen of the function for enabling the portable terminal to acquire image data obtained by reading the document image by the reading means, the display of a confirmation screen for confirming whether or not there is a next document to be read is controlled; When a user operation for reading the next document is accepted on the confirmation screen, reading of the document image of the next document by the reading means is executed; In the uploading step, when a plurality of document images are read by the reading means based on the selection of a function for enabling the portable terminal to acquire image data obtained by reading the document images by the reading means, a file including image data obtained by reading the plurality of document images is uploaded to the server; the display control step displays an access code for downloading the file on the display unit. A method characterized by:

16. A computer of a reading device including a reading means for reading an image of a document and a display unit, a display control means for controlling the display on the display unit; uploading means for uploading image data obtained by reading an original image by said reading means to a server; A program for functioning as the display control means controls the display of a selection screen for selecting one function from a plurality of functions provided by the reading device; the display control means controls the display of a screen that prompts the user to set a document to be read, based on a selection on the selection screen of a function for enabling the portable terminal to acquire image data obtained by reading a document image by the reading means; the display control means controls the display of a confirmation screen for confirming whether or not there is a next document to be read after the document image of the set document has been read by the reading means; When a user operation for reading the next document is accepted on the confirmation screen, reading of the document image of the next document by the reading means is executed; the uploading means, when a plurality of document images are read by the reading means based on the selection of a function for enabling the portable terminal to acquire image data obtained by reading the document images by the reading means, uploads a file including image data obtained by reading the plurality of document images to the server; the display control means displays an access code for downloading the file on the display unit. A program characterized by:

17. A computer of a reading device having a reading means for reading an original image and a display unit, a display control means for controlling the display on the display unit; uploading means for uploading image data obtained by reading an original image by said reading means to a server; A program for functioning as the display control means controls the display of a selection screen for selecting one function from a plurality of functions provided by the reading device; the display control means controls the display of a confirmation screen for confirming whether or not there is a next document to be read after the document image of the document has been read based on the selection on the selection screen of a function for enabling the portable terminal to acquire image data obtained by reading the document image by the reading means; When a user operation for reading the next document is accepted on the confirmation screen, reading of the document image of the next document by the reading means is executed; the uploading means, when a plurality of document images are read by the reading means based on the selection of a function for enabling the portable terminal to acquire image data obtained by reading the document images by the reading means, uploads a file including image data obtained by reading the plurality of document images to the server; the display control means displays an access code for downloading the file on the display unit. A program characterized by:

18. A system including a reading device having a reading means for reading an original image and a display unit, and a server, The reading device is a display control means for controlling the display on the display unit; uploading means for uploading image data obtained by reading an original image with the reading means to the server; and the display control means controls the display of a selection screen for selecting one function from a plurality of functions provided by the reading device; the display control means controls the display of a screen that prompts the user to set a document to be read, based on a selection on the selection screen of a function for enabling the portable terminal to acquire image data obtained by reading a document image by the reading means; the display control means controls the display of a confirmation screen for confirming whether or not there is a next document to be read after the document image of the set document has been read by the reading means; When a user operation for reading the next document is accepted on the confirmation screen, reading of the document image of the next document by the reading means is executed; the uploading means, when a plurality of document images are read by the reading means based on the selection of a function for enabling the portable terminal to acquire image data obtained by reading the document images by the reading means, uploads a file including image data obtained by reading the plurality of document images to the server; the display control means displays an access code for downloading the file on the display unit. A system characterized by:

19. A system including a reading device having a reading means for reading an original image and a display unit, and a server, The reading device is a display control means for controlling the display on the display unit; uploading means for uploading image data obtained by reading an original image by the reading means to a server; and the display control means controls the display of a selection screen for selecting one function from a plurality of functions provided by the reading device; the display control means controls the display of a confirmation screen for confirming whether or not there is a next document to be read after the document image of the document has been read based on the selection on the selection screen of a function for enabling the portable terminal to acquire image data obtained by reading the document image by the reading means; When a user operation for reading the next document is accepted on the confirmation screen, reading of the document image of the next document by the reading means is executed; the uploading means, when a plurality of document images are read by the reading means based on the selection of a function for enabling the portable terminal to acquire image data obtained by reading the document images by the reading means, uploads a file including image data obtained by reading the plurality of document images to the server; the display control means displays an access code for downloading the file on the display unit. A system characterized by:

20. The system described in Claim 19, characterized in that the display control means displays a screen prompting the user to set the document to be read before reading the document image of the document based on the selection of a function for enabling the image data obtained by reading the document image by the reading means to be acquired on a portable terminal, and further displays the confirmation screen after the document image has been read.

21. downloading the file on the portable terminal using information for downloading the file acquired by the portable terminal based on reading the access code on the portable terminal; A system as described in any one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that authentication information required for access using information for downloading the file from the mobile terminal is provided on the screen on which the access code is displayed.

22. 22. The system according to claim 21, wherein the authentication information is included in information for downloading the file and is provided from the reader to the portable terminal by displaying the access code.

23. The system according to any one of claims 18 to 22, characterized in that the display control means displays on the display unit a message prompting the user to read the displayed access code and a message indicating a time limit together with the access code.

24. 24. The system of claim 18, wherein the access code is a two-dimensional bar code.

25. 25. The system of claim 24, wherein the information for downloading the file obtained by the portable terminal based on reading the two-dimensional barcode by the portable terminal is a URL (Uniform Resource Locator).

Images