Image reading device, control method for image reading device, and program

Abstract

To improve user convenience by enabling image reading with a simple operation without activating an imaging function of a mobile terminal.SOLUTION: An image reading device 100 transmits a setting information input screen (FIG. 7) to a mobile terminal 200 in response to a request (S601) transmitted from a mobile terminal 200 when the mobile terminal 200 is connected to an access point in an AP mode (S602 to S604). The URL (link 811 (Fig. 8)) for accessing a scan image download screen (Fig. 9) is transmitted to the mobile terminal 200 (S606) in response to a scan execution instruction based on the setting information input screen displayed on the web browser on the mobile terminal 200 (S605), the mode is switched to the ST mode (S607) in response to the transmission, and the document reading operation is executed on the basis of the scan execution instruction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image reading device, a control method for an image reading device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, it has become common to connect a peripheral device such as a scanner to the same network as an information processing device, such as a local area network (LAN), and share the peripheral device among a plurality of information processing devices.

[0003] Furthermore, smartphones and tablet PCs have become popular as portable information processing devices, and there is an increasing demand for using peripheral devices from portable information processing devices. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which an information processing device outputs connection information for connecting to a peripheral device via a communication path as a code image to a display unit of the peripheral device, and the information processing device reads the output code image and uses the information to access the peripheral device and send and receive document data. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5822040 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the technology of Patent Document 1 requires the image capture function of the information processing device to be activated to read the code image, and also has the problem that it cannot be used with peripheral devices that do not have a display unit capable of displaying the code image. In addition, generally, when connecting a mobile terminal to an image reading device, it is often necessary to install a dedicated application on the mobile terminal, which is not very convenient for users who plan to use it only once.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a mechanism for improving user convenience by realizing scanning processing without activating the imaging function of an information processing device and without installing a dedicated application. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In view of the above, an image reading device according to the present invention is an image reading device that operates as a wireless access point to form a network with an information processing device, and performs a document reading operation to generate image data by reading a document, the image reading device including: a URL providing means that, when the information processing device is connected to the network, provides to the information processing device a URL of a web page provided by the image reading device that can be used to instruct the start of the document reading operation; and an execution means that executes the document reading operation based on the start instruction received from the web page via the network. The present invention is characterized by comprising:

[0008] Also, a control method for an image reading device that operates as a wireless access point to form a network with an information processing device and performs a document reading operation to generate image data by reading a document, is characterized in that it includes a URL providing step of providing the information processing device with the URL of a web page provided by the image reading device that can instruct the start of the document reading operation when the information processing device is connected to the network, and an execution step of executing the document reading operation based on the start instruction received from the web page via the network. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve user convenience by not activating the imaging function of the information processing device, and also to improve user convenience by realizing scanning processing without installing a dedicated application on the information processing device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram of a system to which an image reading apparatus according to a first embodiment can be applied. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an image reading apparatus. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a control configuration of the image reading apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a document detection process. [Figure 5] 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of the image reading apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing communication between the image reading device and the portable terminal in AP mode in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a setting information input screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an access URL screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a scanned image download screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the setting information input screen in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram of a system to which an image reading apparatus according to a second embodiment can be applied. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a control configuration of an image reading apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of an image reading apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing communication between the image reading device and the mobile terminal in a Web application mode according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a scanned image download screen according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a continuation confirmation screen in the second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a control configuration of an image reading apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing communication between an image reading device and a portable terminal according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a setting information input screen according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 20A] FIG. 13 is a view showing an example of a screen displayed on the mobile terminal when the image reading device performs scanning in ST mode in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 20B] FIG. 13 is a view showing an example of a screen displayed on the mobile terminal when the image reading device performs scanning in ST mode in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 21A] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a mobile terminal when an image reading device performs scanning in AP mode in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 21B] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a mobile terminal when an image reading device performs scanning in AP mode in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 22] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of an image reading apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 23] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a scanning process procedure of an image reading apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to the contents of each embodiment. Furthermore, in the following drawings, components that are not necessary for explaining the embodiments are omitted from the drawings.

[0012] [First embodiment] <System configuration> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system to which an image reading apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention can be applied. As shown in FIG. 1, in the system of this embodiment, an image reading device 100, a mobile terminal 200, and a wireless access point (hereinafter referred to as "AP") 300 are connected to one network.

[0013] The image reading device 100, the mobile terminal 200, and the AP 300 have wireless communication functions (WLAN communication functions) that comply with wireless LAN (WLAN) standards such as IEEE802.11a / b / g / n / ac (WLAN system). The image reading device 100 and the mobile terminal 200 are connected to the AP 300 by the WLAN system. The image reading device 100 and the mobile terminal 200 can also be connected wirelessly directly by the WLAN system (connection by Wi-Fi Direct (registered trademark)). The mobile terminal 200 is a general information processing device such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer, and is assumed to be provided (installed) with a web browser that can access web pages.

[0014] <Equipment transport path, transport> FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of the image reading device 100. As shown in FIG. 2, a document table 102 is used to stack and store documents 101 to be read. The documents on the document table 102 are detected by a document table document detection sensor 110, and are separated one by one by a paper feed roller 106 and sent to a conveyance path 108. The documents sent to the conveyance path 108 are conveyed along the conveyance path 108 by a conveyance roller 107, read by an image reading unit 104, and discharged to a discharge section 103.

[0015] The discharge section 103 stores and stacks the originals 101 after image reading processing. The discharge section original detection sensor 111 detects whether or not there are any discharged originals stacked and stored in the discharge section 103.

[0016] A registration sensor (hereinafter referred to as "registration sensor") 109 detects the original 101 being transported through the transport path 108. When the registration sensor 109 detects the original 101, the image reading unit 104 starts reading the image formed on the original. In this embodiment, two image reading units 104 are provided on both sides of the transport path 108, one of which reads the front side of the original 101 and the other of which reads the back side of the original 101. Note that a configuration with only one image reading unit 104 may also be used.

[0017] A background plate 105 is provided at a position facing each image reading unit 104. The background plate 105 is, for example, a black member. The platen document detection sensor 110 and the discharge section document detection sensor 111 each have a light emitting section formed of an LED or the like, and a light receiving section that receives light emitted from the light emitting section. The paper discharge port sensor 112 detects whether the original 101 remains in the transport path 108 or has been discharged to the discharge section 103 .

[0018] <Device configuration> FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a control configuration of the image reading apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment. 3, the control unit 10 of the image reading device 100 includes a CPU 11. The CPU 11 executes a program stored in a ROM 12 to control the entire image reading device 100. The ROM 12 stores programs executed by the CPU 11 and fixed data. The RAM 13 stores variable data such as image data read by the line image sensor 1043 and calculation results of the CPU 11. The ROM 12 and RAM 13 may be other storage devices.

[0019] The input / output I / F 14 of the control unit 10 is connected to a drive circuit 24 that drives the light emitting unit 1044a and the light emitting unit 1044b, and an image processing circuit 26 that performs image processing such as shading correction on the image read by the line image sensor 1043. An analog-to-digital converter (hereinafter referred to as "ADC") 25 is an analog-to-digital converter that converts the analog image signal output by the line image sensor 1043 into digital image data. The CPU 11 acquires the image data output from the image processing circuit .

[0020] The communication I / F 15 is an interface for connecting to the mobile terminal 200, and for example, image data read by the image reading device 100 is output to the mobile terminal 200 via the communication I / F 15.

[0021] Light-emitting section 121 includes light-emitting sections of platen document detection sensor 110 and discharge section document detection sensor 111. Light-receiving section 122 includes light-receiving sections of platen document detection sensor 110 and discharge section document detection sensor 111. The control unit 10 is connected to a drive circuit 123 that drives the light emitting unit 121 and an ADC 124 that converts an analog signal received by the light receiving unit 122 into digital data.

[0022] The WLAN I / F 16 is a wireless NIC (network interface card) with WLAN communication capabilities. The WLAN I / F 16 can be connected to a wireless AP (such as AP 300 in Figure 1) such as a wireless access point for wireless devices, and can communicate with external devices via the connected wireless AP.

[0023] The WLAN I / F 16 also has a software access point (software AP) function for operating the image reading device 100 as a wireless AP. Specifically, the WLAN I / F 16 can operate in an access point mode (hereinafter referred to as "AP mode") in which it operates as a wireless access point, and in a station mode (hereinafter referred to as "ST mode") in which it operates as a wireless client (wireless terminal).

[0024] The AP mode (first mode) is an operation mode in which the image reading device 100 operates as a wireless AP and establishes a direct wireless connection with an external device (such as the mobile terminal 200) that has a WLAN communication function. The SSID (Service Set Identifier) ​​for identifying a wireless access point provided in the AP mode may be based on the model name of the image reading device 100, or may be freely set by the user.

[0025] The ST mode (second mode) is an operation mode in which the image reading device 100 operates as a wireless terminal and connects to the AP 300 as a wireless client to connect to the network. In this way, the WLAN I / F 16 is an example of a wireless interface that can operate in the AP mode (first mode) and the ST mode (second mode).

[0026] <Document detection processing> Here, a process of detecting the document on the document table 102 in the image reading device 100 (document detection process) will be described. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the document detection process, which is implemented by the CPU 11 loading a program stored in the ROM 12 or the like into the RAM 13 as necessary and executing the program.

[0027] In S501, the CPU 11 causes the light emitting portion of the platen document detection sensor 110 to emit light (LED emission). Next, in S502, the CPU 11 starts the operation of the ADC 124. Furthermore, if it is determined in S503 that a predetermined A / D conversion time has elapsed, the process proceeds to S504. In S504, the CPU 11 acquires the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 122 of the platen document detection sensor 110 from the ADC 124. The value acquired here is set as "V1."

[0028] Next, in S505, the CPU 11 turns off the light emitting unit 121 of the platen document detection sensor 110 (LED off). Next, in S506, the CPU 11 starts the operation of the ADC 124. Furthermore, if it is determined in S507 that the predetermined A / D conversion time has elapsed, the process proceeds to S508. In S508, the CPU 11 acquires the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 122 of the platen document detection sensor 110 from the ADC 124. The value acquired here is set as "V2."

[0029] Next, in S509, the CPU 11 determines whether or not a document is present based on the following equation 1. Note that S in equation 1 is a value that is set in advance (a predetermined value).

number

[0030] In the above S509, if "|V2-V1|>S", the CPU 11 determines that a document (paper) is present, and ends the processing of this flowchart. On the other hand, in the above S509, if "|V2-V1|≦S", the CPU 11 determines that there is no original (no paper), and ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0031] <Processing of Image Reading Device 100> Next, the processing procedure of the image reading device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of the image reading device 100 according to the first embodiment. The processing of this flowchart is realized by the CPU 11 loading a program stored in the ROM 12 or the like into the RAM 13 as necessary and executing the program.

[0032] First, when the user turns on the power of the image reading device 100, the image reading device 100 starts up and goes into a standby state in the ST mode, and the processing of this flowchart starts. First, in step S1101, the CPU 11 executes the document detection process shown in FIG. 4 to detect whether or not a document is present. Next, in S1102, the CPU 11 determines the result of the document detection process in S1101. If a document is not detected in the document detection process in S1101 (No in S1102), the CPU 11 returns the process to S1101.

[0033] On the other hand, if a document is detected in the document detection process in S1101 (Yes in S1102), the process proceeds to S1103. In S1103, the CPU 11 switches the operation mode of the image reading device 100 to the AP mode.

[0034] In this example, a configuration is described in which the mode is switched to AP mode when a document is detected, but the mode may be switched to AP mode when an operation for switching to AP mode is performed, such as when a predetermined button (not shown) provided on image reading device 100 is pressed, or these may be used in combination. Furthermore, the mode may be switched to AP mode by detecting that a user is standing in front of image reading device 100 using a human presence sensor or the like.

[0035] After switching to the AP mode, in S1104 the CPU 11 waits for a connection from the external mobile terminal 200, and if a connection is made from the mobile terminal 200 (Yes in S1104), the process proceeds to S1105. In S1105, the CPU 11 performs AP mode processing, which will be described later.

[0036] Next, in S1106, the CPU 11 waits for the AP mode processing to end, and when the AP mode processing ends (Yes in S1106), the CPU 11 advances the processing to S1107. In S1107, the CPU 11 connects to the AP 300 and switches to the ST mode.

[0037] Next, in S1108, the CPU 11 starts a document reading operation (scanning process) based on the reading settings stored in the RAM 13 in the AP mode process of S1105. In the document reading operation (scanning process), the image reading device 100 sequentially conveys and reads the document 101 placed on the document table 102 to generate image data. Note that the image data generated in the document reading operation started here is to be stored in the RAM 13, but it may also be configured to be stored in another storage area such as a server device or cloud storage.

[0038] Next, in S1109, the CPU 11 performs ST mode processing, which will be described later.

[0039] Then, in S1110, the CPU 11 waits until there is no document on the document table 102 due to the scanning process. When there is no document on the document table 102 (when Yes in S1110), the process proceeds to S1111.

[0040] In S1111, the CPU 11 ends the scanning operation.

[0041] Next, in S1112, the CPU 11 waits for the completion of the ST mode processing. When the ST mode processing is completed (when Yes in S1112), it completes a series of processes and returns the process to S1101.

[0042] <AP Mode Process> When a wireless client is connected to the wireless access point provided by the image reading device 100 in the AP mode, the image reading device 100 guides the web browser launched on the wireless client to a predetermined web page. As an example of the technology to realize this operation, there is a captive portal.

[0043] A captive portal is a function that intercepts HTTP / HTTPS packets sent from a wireless client and redirects the wireless client to a specified web page (such as an authentication page). Captive portals are widely used in public wireless LANs, such as those in cafes and airports.

[0044] Note that common operating systems (OS) are equipped with a captive portal detection function that can detect captive portals. When connecting to a wireless access point, the OS accesses a predefined web page called a Well-Known Web Page, which verifies whether or not the device has Internet access, and is designed to detect a captive portal based on the response. Furthermore, if the OS detects a captive portal, it accesses the web page specified in the response using a web browser.

[0045] Below is an example of how to detect a captive portal on a common OS.

[0046] In the case of Android (registered trademark), when connecting to a wireless access point, if you access "http: / / google.com / gen_204" and get a response of "204 & No Content", it is determined not to be a "Captive Portal". On the other hand, if you get a response other than "204 & No Content", it is determined to be a "Captive Portal".

[0047] In addition, for iOS (registered trademark) and macOS (registered trademark), when connecting to a wireless access point, "http: / / captive.apple.com / hotspot-detect.html" is accessed, and if a response with the text "Success" is received, it is determined that it is not a "Captive Portal." On the other hand, if a response other than the text "Success" is received, it is determined that it is a "Captive Portal."

[0048] In addition, in the case of Windows (registered trademark), when connecting to a wireless access point, it requests DNS name resolution for "dns.msftncsi.com" and if it receives a response of "131.107.255.255", it then accesses "http: / / www.msftncsi.com / ncsi.txt". If it receives a response with the text "Microsoft NCSI", it determines that it is not a "Captive Portal". On the other hand, if it receives a response other than the text "Microsoft NCSI", it determines that it is a "Captive Portal".

[0049] When the OS detects a "Captive Portal," it redirects the user to the destination specified in the response and accesses the web page at that destination. In this case, some OSs automatically (without user interaction) launch a web browser built into the OS (called a "standard browser") or a web browser set as the OS's default application (called a "default browser"). The above examples are just examples and may change depending on changes in OS specifications, etc.

[0050] In this embodiment, a captive portal is used to describe a mechanism for displaying a predetermined web page on the mobile terminal 200 connected to a wireless access point provided by the image reading device 100 in AP mode, but the present invention is not limited to this. Any other technology may be used as long as it is capable of displaying a predetermined web page on the mobile terminal 200 connected to a wireless access point provided by the image reading device 100 in AP mode.

[0051] The AP mode process will be described below. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating communication between the image reading device 100 and the portable terminal 200 after the portable terminal 200 requests connection to the image reading device 100 when the image reading device 100 in the first embodiment is in the AP mode.

[0052] When the image reading device 100 shifts to the AP mode, it accepts connections to the wireless access points it provides. When the OS of the mobile terminal 200 connects to the wireless access point provided by the image reading device 100, it requests (accesses) the above-mentioned web page called the Well-Known Web Page (S601). In response to this request, the image reading device 100 returns a redirect instruction (transfer instruction) to the URL of a setting information input screen such as that shown in FIG. 7 (to be described later) as a response to the request (S602).

[0053] As described above, the web page called a Well-Known Web Page requested by the OS of the mobile terminal 200 depends on the OS. For example, the web page is "http: / / google.com / gen_204" for Android, "http: / / captive.apple.com / hotspot-detect.html" for iOS and macOS, and "http: / / www.msftncsi.com / ncsi.txt" for Windows. Therefore, the image reading device 100 can determine the OS running on the mobile terminal 200 from the above request. Therefore, the image reading device 100 may respond with a transfer instruction to redirect to the URL of a setting information input screen (a setting information input screen for each OS) corresponding to the OS running on the mobile terminal 200.

[0054] Furthermore, when using the "Captive Portal" technology, the response from the image reading device 100 as described above is a specific response that depends on the OS that determines that the OS is a "Captive Portal." For example, as described above, responses that determine that the OS is not a "Captive Portal" are "204 & No Content" for Android, the text "Success" for iOS and macOS, and the text "Microsoft NCSI" for Windows, and the response from the image reading device 100 described above corresponds to responses that determine that other OSs are a "Captive Portal."

[0055] Upon receiving the response (the redirect instruction of S602) from the image reading device 100, the OS of the mobile terminal 200 determines that a captive portal has been detected and controls the mobile terminal 200 to access (redirect) the URL instructed to be forwarded in the response using a web browser (S603). In this embodiment, when a captive portal is detected, the OS of the mobile terminal 200 automatically launches a default web browser (without user interaction) and accesses the URL instructed to be forwarded in S602. However, the present invention is also applicable to OSs that do not automatically launch a web browser. In this type of OS, the web browser may be launched by user interaction. For example, in Android 7.0 and later, if a well-known web page is requested via both HTTP and HTTPS and a response via HTTPS is not received, even if a captive portal is detected via HTTP, the browser is not automatically launched. Instead, the user is notified, and the web browser is launched only if the user operates (permits) the request. The response from the image reading device of this embodiment functions effectively even in a mobile terminal running an OS with such specifications.

[0056] In response to the access in S603, the image reading device 100 transmits a setting information input screen as shown in FIG. 7 as a response (S604). The web browser of the mobile terminal 200 that receives the response displays a setting information input screen as shown in FIG. 7 and accepts input from the user.

[0057] 7 is a diagram showing an example of a setting information input screen in the first embodiment. This screen is displayed on the web browser of the mobile terminal 200 connected to the image reading device 100 in the AP mode as described above. The setting information input screen has input fields for entering reading setting information such as mode (black and white / color), paper size (A4 / A3 / B5 / B4 / ···), resolution (200 dpi / 300 dpi / 600 dpi / ···), reading side (single-sided / double-sided), etc., as well as a "Scan" button.

[0058] When the user inputs reading setting information such as mode, paper size, resolution, and reading side on the setting information input screen and presses the "Scan" button 711, the web browser of the mobile terminal 200 sends a scan execution instruction including the reading setting information input on the setting information input screen to the image reading device 100 (S605).

[0059] Upon receiving the scan execution instruction including this reading setting information, the image reading device 100 stores the received reading setting information in the RAM 13. Furthermore, the image reading device 100 transmits an access URL screen as shown in Fig. 8 (a screen for notifying a URL, which is access information for accessing the scanned image data screen as shown in Fig. 9) to the web browser of the mobile terminal 200 (S606). When this transmission is complete, the image reading device 100 ends the AP mode (S607).

[0060] As a result, the mobile terminal 200 is disconnected from the image reading device 100 and becomes able to connect to the AP 300. After terminating the AP mode, the image reading device 100 connects to the AP 300 and transitions to the ST mode. When the image reading device 100 transitions to the ST mode and connects to the wireless access point (AP 300), it is connected using a fixed IP address. In other words, it is preferable that a fixed IP address is set. However, DHCP or the like is also acceptable as long as it is possible to obtain the IP address that was used immediately before transitioning to the AP mode.

[0061] The following provides additional information about the flow from AP mode processing (S1105) shown in FIG. 5 to AP mode termination (S1106), switching to ST mode (S1107), scanning start (S1108), and ST mode processing (S1105).

[0062] During the AP mode processing (S1105), when the user presses the "Scan" button 711 on the setting information input screen (FIG. 7) transmitted from the image reading device 100 and the scan settings are transmitted from the mobile terminal 200 to the image reading device 100, the image reading device 100 transmits an access URL screen (FIG. 8) to the mobile terminal 200 and ends the AP mode (S1106). Furthermore, the image reading device 100 switches to the ST mode (S1107), starts scanning with the above-mentioned scan settings (S1108), and proceeds to the ST mode processing (S1109).

[0063] It should be noted that the web browser of the mobile terminal 200 that receives the access URL screen response from the image reading device 100 in S606 of FIG. 6 displays the access URL screen as shown in FIG.

[0064] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an access URL screen in the first embodiment. The access URL screen displays a URL for accessing a scanned image download screen such as that shown in Fig. 9, which will be described later, as in link 811. When link 811 is clicked or otherwise instructed, the web browser of mobile terminal 200 accesses the URL indicated by link 811.

[0065] Note that link 811 may be configured to be accessed automatically. Also, control may be performed to switch the web browser to be used before link 811 is accessed. That is, the web browser may be switched from the standard browser or default browser described above to another web browser installed on mobile terminal 200. In this case, in the redirection when opening the access URL screen, an HTTP redirect mechanism that switches the web browser may be used, or any method that can realize this switching operation may be used, such as installing JavaScript that automatically starts the web browser.

[0066] In this embodiment, this URL is described as indicating a web page provided by the image reading device 100 that has transitioned to the ST mode. That is, it is assumed here that the image reading device 100 provides the web page indicated by the link 811 via the AP 300. However, a configuration in which a cloud storage or the like provides the web page indicated by the link 811 may also be used.

[0067] At the time when the web browser of mobile terminal 200 accesses the web page corresponding to link 811, mobile terminal 200 is disconnected from the wireless access point (AP) of image reading device 100, and can access the web page corresponding to link 811 via AP 300. Even if mobile terminal 200 is disconnected from the AP of image reading device 100, the web browser of mobile terminal 200 can continue to display the access URL screen ( FIG. 8 ) until an instruction to switch the screen is given, such as when link 811 is instructed.

[0068] In addition, the URL indicated by the link 811 is a URL composed of a complex string including a random string, and users other than those redirected to the access URL screen are prevented from accessing a scan image download screen as shown in FIG. 9 described later.

[0069] Note that the URL indicated by the link 811 may include a string (for example, a hash value) based on the identification information (for example, MAC address) of the mobile terminal 200. Also, a text input field may be newly provided on the setting information input screen as shown in FIG. 7, and a string (for example, a hash value) based on the string input in the text input field may be included in the URL indicated by the link 811. Alternatively, these strings may be used as an authentication key when accessing the access destination of the URL indicated by the link 811, and the access destination such as the image reading device 100 may be controlled so that the access destination is not displayed unless these strings are input.

[0070] <ST mode processing> In the ST mode processing, the image reading device 100 accepts access to a Web page as shown in FIG. 9 provided by itself. In response to access to the Web page corresponding to the link 811 from the Web browser of the mobile terminal 200, the image reading device 100 transmits a scan image download screen as shown in FIG. 9 as a response to the access. The Web browser of the mobile terminal 200 that has received the response displays a scan image download screen as shown in FIG. 9 and accepts input from the user.

[0071] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a scan image download screen in the first embodiment. The scanned image download screen has a list 913 of image data scanned by image reading device 100, a "Download" button 911, and an "Exit" button 912. For example, when a user selects an image to download from list 913 and presses "Download" button 911, a download request including information specifying the image data selected in list 913 is sent from the web browser of mobile terminal 200 to image reading device 100. Note that some web browsers do not have the function of downloading multiple files of image data displayed in a list at once. In such cases, the images may be downloaded one by one, or the URL may be passed to another application or the like that can download multiple files at once to allow the images to be downloaded.

[0072] In response to this request, image reading device 100 starts downloading the image data selected in list 913 to mobile terminal 200. When the user presses "End" button 912, an end request is sent from the web browser of mobile terminal 200 to image reading device 100. In response to this end request, image reading device 100 completes the ST mode processing. Note that even if the user does not press "End" button 912, image reading device 100 may complete the ST mode processing if a certain time (e.g., three minutes) has elapsed since scanning ended.

[0073] In addition, the image reading device 100 may be configured to delete the web page and scanned image corresponding to the scanned image download screen in Figure 9 (i.e., the URL indicated by link 811) after a certain period of time (e.g., one week) has passed since the scan was completed.

[0074] 9 (i.e., the URL indicated by link 811), the scanned image download screen can be accessed at any time from mobile terminal 200 when image reading device 100 is operating in ST mode. In this case, when mobile terminal 200 that has sent a scan execution instruction to image reading device 100 using "Scan" button 711 in FIG. 7 is connected to image reading device 100 in AP mode, it is preferable that the access URL screen shown in FIG. 8 can be sent again to the web browser of mobile terminal 200 so as to display the access URL screen.

[0075] For example, a list of access URL screens (FIG. 8) (distinguished by scan date and time, etc.) that image reading device 100 has transmitted to mobile terminal 200 within the above-mentioned certain period may be displayed as an "access URL screen history" list (not shown) on the setting information input screen of FIG. 7. When one of the access URL screens is selected from the list, the access URL screen corresponding to the selection may be retransmitted to the web browser of mobile terminal 200. Note that mobile terminal 200 is identified using, for example, a MAC address or the like.

[0076] Furthermore, the image reading device 100 may be configured to accept access only from the same LAN as the LAN to which it is connected in ST mode. For example, if the web page corresponding to the scanned image download screen (i.e., the URL indicated by link 811) in Fig. 9 is accessed from another LAN, the image reading device 100 may not respond to the access or may respond with an error. This can prevent unauthorized access.

[0077] In addition, the image reading device 100 may send the scanned image download screen of Figure 9 only based on a request from a device that has the same identification information (e.g., MAC address) as the mobile terminal that sent the reading setting information corresponding to the reading of the image data displayed on that screen (the mobile terminal on which the ``Scan'' button 711 was pressed on the setting information input screen of Figure 7). This makes it possible to prevent the scanned image data from being viewed by devices other than the mobile terminal that instructed the scan, thereby protecting confidential information.

[0078] As described above, according to this embodiment, the portable terminal 200 can access the image reading device 100 and instruct it to execute a scanning operation without using a display unit capable of displaying a two-dimensional code indicating the IP address of the image reading device 100. Therefore, the image reading device 100 does not need to include a display unit, thereby reducing costs. However, the image reading device 100 may include a display unit as long as the portable terminal 200 can access the image reading device 100 using the method described in this embodiment without using a display unit. Furthermore, after scanning begins, the portable terminal 200 is disconnected from the wireless access point provided by the image reading device 100. This allows the user to freely use the portable terminal 200 even during scanning, improving convenience. Furthermore, the user can instruct the image reading device 100 to scan from a web browser without installing a special application on the portable terminal 200, improving user convenience. As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to realize an image reading device that is inexpensive, easy to operate, and highly convenient.

[0079] For example, when the image reading device 100 enters the ST mode, the image reading device 100 may display information about the access point to be connected to in order to inform the user of the type of access point to be accessed. For example, the access URL screen shown in Fig. 8 may display information about the access point to be connected to when the image reading device 100 enters the ST mode (e.g., SSID, password, etc.) together with the link 811.

[0080] Furthermore, the user may be able to specify the access point to connect to when the image reading device 100 transitions to the ST mode. This embodiment will be described below. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of the setting information input screen in the first embodiment. The setting information input screen shown in FIG. 10 is provided with an access point information input box 1011 . The access point information input box 1011 is for inputting information about the access point to which the image reading device 100 should connect when it is in ST mode. The access point information input box 1011 is used when the user wants to connect the image reading device 100 to a network other than the AP 300. Even if the box is left blank, the "Scan" button may be made selectable, in which case the image reading device 100 will be connected to the AP 300.

[0081] Furthermore, the image reading device 100 may display other information in addition to the scanned image data, etc., on the scanned image download screen of Fig. 9. For example, it may display a notification of an error during scanning, a download deadline for the scanned image data, a reading setting input dialog for additional scanning, etc.

[0082] In the above description, the image reading device 100 transmits an access URL screen having a link 811 as shown in Fig. 8 to the mobile terminal 200, and when the link 811 is specified on the mobile terminal 200, the mobile terminal 200 accesses a scanned image download screen as shown in Fig. 9. However, the image reading device 100 may transmit a redirect instruction to the URL indicated by the link 811 to the mobile terminal 200, and the mobile terminal 200 may automatically access the URL indicated by the link 811.

[0083] In the above example, when a user inputs scan settings on the setting information input screen of Figure 7 or Figure 10 and issues a scan instruction, the input scan setting information (reading setting information) is sent from mobile terminal 200 to image reading device 100, and image reading device 100 performs scanning using the scan setting information.

[0084] However, instead of the setting information input screens of Figures 7 and 10, a scan instruction screen (with a "Scan" button) for issuing a scan instruction without inputting scan settings may be sent from image reading device 100 to mobile terminal 200.

[0085] When the "Scan" button is pressed on this scan instruction screen, a scan instruction is transmitted from the mobile terminal 200 to the image reading device 100. Furthermore, when the image reading device 100 receives the scan instruction, it performs scanning using default scan setting information stored in advance.

[0086] Furthermore, when the "Scan" button is pressed on the scan instruction screen, default scan setting information is transmitted from the mobile terminal 200 to the image reading device 100. Furthermore, when the scan instruction is received, the default scan setting information may be transmitted from the mobile terminal 200 to the image reading device 100, and the image reading device 100 may perform scanning using the scan setting information. Furthermore, the image reading device 100 may perform scanning using scan settings according to the type of the mobile terminal 200 that transmitted the scan instruction.

[0087] Second Embodiment <System configuration> 11 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system to which an image reading apparatus according to the second embodiment can be applied. The system according to this embodiment includes an image reading apparatus 100 and a mobile terminal 200.

[0088] In FIG. 11, the image reading device 100 and the mobile terminal 200 have a wireless communication function (WLAN communication function) according to a method (WLAN method) compliant with a wireless LAN (WLAN) standard such as IEEE802.11a / b / g / n / ac.

[0089] The image reading device 100 has a software access point (software AP) function that allows it to function as a wireless access point. The mechanical configuration of the image reading device 100 is the same as that shown in Figure 2, and a description thereof will be omitted.

[0090] The mobile terminal 200 is a general information processing device such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer, and has a web browser (web browser) that can access a web page (web page) installed thereon.

[0091] The configuration of the conveying path and the like in the image reading device 100 of the second embodiment is the same as the configuration explained in FIG. 2 of the first embodiment, and therefore the explanation will be omitted.

[0092] <Device configuration> FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a control configuration of the image reading apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment. 12, the control unit 10 of the image reading device 100 includes a CPU 11. The CPU 11 executes a program stored in a ROM 12 to control the entire image reading device 100. The ROM 12 stores programs executed by the CPU 11 and fixed data. The RAM 13 stores variable data such as image data read by the line image sensor 1043 and calculation results of the CPU 11. The ROM 12 and RAM 13 may be other storage devices.

[0093] The input / output I / F 14 of the control unit 10 is connected to an image processing circuit 26 that performs image processing such as shading correction on the image read by the line image sensor 1043 . An analog-to-digital converter (hereinafter referred to as "ADC") 25 is an analog-to-digital converter that converts the analog image signal output by the line image sensor 1043 into digital image data.

[0094] The light emitting unit 121 includes the light emitting units of the platen original document detection sensor 110 and the discharge unit original document detection sensor 111. The light receiving unit 122 includes the light receiving units of the platen original document detection sensor 110 and the discharge unit original document detection sensor 111.

[0095] Connected to the control unit 10 are a drive circuit 123 that drives the light emitting unit 121 and an ADC 124 that converts the analog signal received by the light receiving unit 122 into digital data. Also, a Web app mode button 150 is connected to the control unit 10, and pressing this button starts the Web app mode. The description of the Web app mode will be given in <Web app mode processing> described later. Note that this Web app mode button 150 may be a software key displayed on a display unit such as an LCD provided in the image reading device 100. The CPU 11 acquires the image data output from the image processing circuit 26.

[0096] The WLAN I / F 16 is a wireless NIC (Network Interface Card) having a WLAN communication function. The WLAN I / F 16 can operate in an access point mode (hereinafter referred to as "AP mode") and a station mode (hereinafter referred to as "ST mode").

[0097] The AP mode is an operation mode in which a wireless direct connection is made with an external device (such as the mobile terminal 200) having a WLAN communication function by means of a software AP function. That is, the image reading device 100 has a function of forming a network directly connected to an information processing device such as the mobile terminal 200. The SSID for identifying the wireless access point provided in the AP mode is determined based on the model name of the image reading device 100. Note that, from the viewpoint of security, it is desirable to use a different character string each time for the SSID. Therefore, in this example, a string obtained by adding a unique random string after the model name of the image reading device 100 (that is, an SSID different from the previously provided SSID) is used, but it is not limited to this.

[0098] The ST mode is an operation mode in which the image reading device 100 connects to a network by connecting as a wireless client to an access point provided by a router or the like. In this way, the WLAN I / F 16 is an example of a wireless interface that can operate in both the AP mode and the ST mode.

[0099] The process of detecting the document on the document table 102 in the image reading device 100 of the second embodiment (document detection process) is the same as the process described in FIG. 4 of the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0100] <Captive Portal> When a wireless client connects to a wireless access point provided by the image reading device 100 in AP mode, the image reading device 100 directs the web browser launched on the wireless client to a specific web page. One example of a technology that realizes this operation is a captive portal.

[0101] A captive portal is a function that intercepts HTTP / HTTPS packets sent from a wireless client and redirects the wireless client to a specified web page (such as an authentication page). Captive portals are widely used in public wireless LANs, such as those in cafes and airports.

[0102] Note that common operating systems (OS) are equipped with a captive portal detection function that detects captive portals. When connecting to a wireless access point, the OS accesses a pre-determined web page called a Well-Known Web Page, which verifies whether or not the device has Internet access, and is able to detect a captive portal based on the response.

[0103] In addition, if the OS detects a captive portal, it will access the web page specified in the response using a web browser. Below is an example of how to detect a captive portal on a common OS.

[0104] For Android, when connecting to a wireless access point, if you access "http: / / google.com / gen_204" and get a response of "204 & No Content", it is determined not to be a "Captive Portal". On the other hand, if you get a response other than "204 & No Content", it is determined to be a "Captive Portal".

[0105] In addition, for iOS and macOS, when connecting to a wireless access point, "http: / / captive.apple.com / hotspot-detect.html" is accessed, and if a response with the text "Success" is received, it is determined to be not a "Captive Portal." On the other hand, if a response other than the text "Success" is received, it is determined to be a "Captive Portal."

[0106] Also, in the case of Windows, when connecting to a wireless access point, it requests DNS name resolution for "dns.msftncsi.com" and if it receives a response of "131.107.255.255", it then accesses "http: / / www.msftncsi.com / ncsi.txt". If it receives a response with the text "Microsoft NCSI", it is determined not to be a "Captive Portal". On the other hand, if it receives a response other than the text "Microsoft NCSI", it is determined to be a "Captive Portal".

[0107] When the OS detects a "Captive Portal," it redirects the user to the destination specified in the response and accesses the web page at that destination. In this case, some OSs automatically launch the default web browser (without user interaction). The above examples are just examples and may change depending on changes in OS specifications, etc.

[0108] In this embodiment, a captive portal is used to describe a mechanism for displaying a predetermined web page on the mobile terminal 200 connected to a wireless access point provided by the image reading device 100 in AP mode, but the present invention is not limited to this. Any other technology may be used as long as it is capable of displaying a predetermined web page on the mobile terminal 200 connected to a wireless access point provided by the image reading device 100 in AP mode.

[0109] <Processing of Image Reading Device 100> Next, a processing procedure of the image reading device 100 in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of the image reading device 100 according to the second embodiment. The processing of this flowchart is realized by the CPU 11 loading a program stored in the ROM 12 or the like into the RAM 13 as necessary and executing the program. First, when the user turns on the power of the image reading device 100, the image reading device 100 starts up and the process of this flowchart begins.

[0110] In step S1301, the CPU 11 starts the ST mode. Next, in S1302, the CPU 11 enables the acceptance of the start of the Web application mode. The start of the Web application mode is performed when the Web application mode button 150 provided in the image reading device 100 is pressed by the user. When the Web application mode button 150 is pressed, that is, when the start of the Web application mode is instructed (Yes in S1302), the CPU 11 proceeds to S1303. When the Web application mode button 150 is not pressed (No in S1302), the CPU 11 returns the process to S1302.

[0111] During the determination of the pressing of the Web application mode button 150 in this S1302, the CPU 11 operates in a manner corresponding to the standby state in the conventional image reading device 100. That is, when a scan instruction is given from an information processing device connected via USB or LAN, the scan process can be executed according to the scan instruction.

[0112] In S1303, after ending the ST mode, the CPU 11 starts the AP mode. The processes from S1303 to S1310 are the processes in the Web application mode, and the description of the Web application mode will be described in <Web application mode process> which will be described later. In this example, a configuration for switching to the AP mode when an operation for switching to the AP mode is performed, such as when the Web application mode button 150 is pressed, is described. However, it may be switched to the AP mode when a document is detected, or these may be used in combination. Also, it may be switched to the AP mode when an existing button is long-pressed without providing a dedicated button such as the Web application mode button 150. Furthermore, it may be switched to the AP mode by detecting that the user is standing in front of the image reading device 100 or the like using a human sensor or the like.

[0113] Next, in S1304, the CPU 11 determines whether or not there is a connection from the mobile terminal 200 within a certain period of time. The user operates the mobile terminal 200 to perform an operation for connecting to the software AP provided by the image reading device 100.

[0114] If there is no connection within a certain period of time (for example, within five minutes) in S1304 (No in S1304), the CPU 11 advances the process to S1310. On the other hand, if a connection is made within the predetermined time in S1304 (Yes in S1304), the process proceeds to S1305.

[0115] In S1305, the CPU 11 provides (transmits) a setting information input screen such as that shown in Fig. 7 to the mobile terminal 200. When the CPU 11 receives a scan execution instruction from the mobile terminal 200, the process proceeds to S1306. In S1306, the CPU 11 performs a scan process. Next, in S1307, the CPU 11 provides (transmits) a scanned image download screen to the mobile terminal 200. When the CPU 11 receives an instruction to download image data from the mobile terminal 200, the process proceeds to S1308.

[0116] In S1308, CPU 11 transmits the image data to mobile terminal 200. The user can arbitrarily select the image data to be transmitted by operating the scanned image download screen of mobile terminal 200. Therefore, the user can also select not to download the image, in which case the image data will not be transmitted. When this process is completed, CPU 11 deletes the image data stored in RAM 13.

[0117] Next, in S1309, CPU 11 confirms whether to continue scanning with mobile terminal 200, and if mobile terminal 200 selects to continue scanning (Yes in S1309), CPU 11 returns the process to S1306. This allows scanning to continue without starting AP mode again.

[0118] On the other hand, in S1309, when it is selected that the scan is not continued (in the case of No in S1309), the CPU 11 proceeds to S1310 for processing. In S1310, the CPU 11 ends the AP mode, returns the processing to S1301 to end the Web app mode, and returns to the initial state.

[0119] <Web App Mode Processing> The Web app mode processing will be described below. FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram for explaining the communication after a connection request is sent from the mobile terminal 200 to the image reading apparatus 100 when the Web app mode of the second embodiment is started and the image reading apparatus 100 enters the AP mode.

[0120] When the image reading apparatus 100 shifts to the AP mode, it accepts connections to the wireless access point it provides. When a user operates on the mobile terminal 200 to instruct a connection to the access point of the image reading apparatus 100 and the mobile terminal 200 connects to the wireless access point provided by the image reading apparatus 100, the OS of the mobile terminal 200 requests (accesses) a Web page called the Well-Known Web Page described above (S1401).

[0121] In response to this request, the image reading apparatus 100 returns an instruction (transfer instruction) for redirecting to the URL of the setting information input screen as shown in FIG. 7 described later as a response to the request (S1402).

[0122] The response from the image reading device 100 as described above is different from any specific response that depends on the OS when the OS determines that the OS is not a "Captive Portal" (i.e., a response when the OS running on the mobile terminal 200 detects a captive portal). For example, a response that determines that the OS is not a "Captive Portal" is "204 & No Content" for Android, the text "Success" for iOS and macOS, and the text "Microsoft NCSI" for Windows.

[0123] The OS of the mobile terminal 200, which has received the response (the redirect instruction of S1402) from the image reading device 100 as described above, determines that a captive portal has been detected, and controls the mobile terminal 200 to access (redirect) the URL instructed to be transferred in the response using a web browser (S1403). Note that in this embodiment, when a captive portal is detected, the OS of the mobile terminal 200 automatically starts a default web browser (without user operation) and performs the redirect.

[0124] In response to the access in S1403, the image reading device 100 transmits a setting information input screen (a screen of a Web application provided by the image reading device 100) as shown in FIG. 7 as a response to the access (S1404).

[0125] As described above, the web page called a Well-Known Web Page requested by the OS of the mobile terminal 200 depends on the OS. For example, the web page is "http: / / google.com / gen_204" for Android, "http: / / captive.apple.com / hotspot-detect.html" for iOS and macOS, and "http: / / www.msftncsi.com / ncsi.txt" for Windows. Therefore, the image reading device 100 can determine the OS running on the mobile terminal 200 from the above request. Therefore, the image reading device 100 may respond with a transfer instruction to redirect to the URL of a setting information input screen (a setting information input screen for each OS) corresponding to the OS running on the mobile terminal 200. The web browser of the mobile terminal 200 that receives the response displays a setting information input screen as shown in Fig. 7 and accepts input from the user. Fig. 7 has already been described in the first embodiment. That is, the response causes the mobile terminal 200 to automatically operate so as to automatically access the web application provided by the image reading device 100 via the web browser. That is, the response corresponds to a response for automatically accessing the web application provided by the image reading device 100 from the web browser executed on the mobile terminal 200.

[0126] When the user inputs reading setting information such as mode, paper size, resolution, and reading side on the setting information input screen and presses the "Scan" button 711, the web browser of the mobile terminal 200 sends a scan execution instruction including the reading setting information input on the setting information input screen to the image reading device 100 (S1405).

[0127] Upon receiving the scan execution instruction including this read setting information, the image reading device 100 stores the received read setting information in the RAM 13. The image reading device 100 starts a document reading operation (scanning process) based on the read settings stored in the RAM 13 (S1406). In the scanning process, the image reading device 100 sequentially transports and reads the documents 101 placed on the document table 102 to generate image data. The generated image data is stored in the RAM 13. When the documents on the document table 102 are cleared by the scanning process, the scanning process ends.

[0128] When the scanning process is completed, the image reading device 100 transmits a scanned image download screen to the mobile terminal 200 (S1407). The mobile terminal 200 displays the received screen on the web browser and accepts input from the user.

[0129] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a scanned image download screen in the second embodiment. The scanned image download screen includes a list display section 1513 that displays a list of image data scanned by the image reading device 100, a "Download" button 1511, and an "End" button 1512. The scanned image displayed in the list display section 1513 is the scanned image or its thumbnail image transmitted from the image reading device 100 in S1407. For example, when a user selects an image to be downloaded from the list display section 1513 and presses the "Download" button 1511, a download request including information identifying the image data selected in the list display section 1513 is transmitted from the web browser of the mobile terminal 200 to the image reading device 100. In response to this request, the image reading device 100 starts transmitting the image data selected in the list display section 1513 to the mobile terminal 200. After completing transmission of the image data to the mobile terminal 200, the image reading device 100 subsequently transmits a continuation confirmation screen such as that shown in FIG. 16 to the mobile terminal 200 (S1409). The mobile terminal 200 displays the received continuation confirmation screen on the web browser and accepts input from the user. Note that, when transmission of the image data is completed, the image reading device 100 deletes the image data stored in the RAM 13.

[0130] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a continuation confirmation screen in the second embodiment. Next, when the user presses the continue button 1621 on the continuation confirmation screen, a new scan process is performed, but in this example, a case where the user presses the "end" button 1622 will be described.

[0131] When the user presses the "Exit" button 1622, an end request is sent from the web browser of the mobile terminal 200 to the image reading device 100 (S1410). In response to this end request, the image reading device 100 ends the web application mode processing. Note that pressing the "Exit" button 1512 also results in the same behavior as when the "Exit" button 1622 is pressed.

[0132] Furthermore, if the user does not press the "End" button 1512 or 1622, the image reading device 100 may end the Web application mode process when a certain time (for example, 60 minutes) has elapsed since the scan process ended.

[0133] In this embodiment, when the image reading device 100 is accessed from the web browser of the mobile terminal 200, a setting information input screen such as that shown in FIG. 7 is displayed. However, the setting information input screen may be omitted, and the scan process may be automatically initiated when the web application provided by the image reading device 100 is accessed from the web browser of the mobile terminal 200. The scan settings in this case may be standard settings (mode: color, paper size: A4, resolution: 300 dpi) in which predetermined setting information, such as commonly used settings, is pre-set, or various automatic detection settings (mode: black and white / color automatic detection, paper size: paper size automatic detection, resolution: resolution automatic detection) may be implemented as functions. Alternatively, the scanned image may be automatically sent to the mobile terminal 200 from the web application of the image reading device 100, without using the scanned image download screen.

[0134] 12 may further include a USB interface in addition to the configuration of this embodiment, so that it can be connected to an information processing device via a USB cable. In this case, when starting the Web application mode from a state connected via the USB interface, the CPU 11 may store in the RAM 13 the fact that it was connected via the USB interface as previous connection information, and when ending the Web application mode, may read out the previous connection information and return to the USB interface, which was the previous connection method.

[0135] 15 based on a request from a device having the same identification information (e.g., MAC address) as the mobile terminal that sent the read setting information corresponding to the reading of the image data displayed on the screen (the mobile terminal on which the "Scan" button 711 was pressed on the setting information input screen in FIG. 7). This makes it possible to protect confidential information by preventing the scanned image data from being viewed by devices other than the mobile terminal that instructed the scan.

[0136] As described above, according to the second embodiment, it is possible to access the image reading device 100 from the mobile terminal 200 and instruct the image reading device 100 to perform a reading operation without using a display unit capable of displaying a two-dimensional code or the like indicating the IP address or the like of the image reading device 100. Furthermore, it is possible to instruct the image reading device 100 to perform a scan from a web browser without installing a special application on the mobile terminal 200, thereby improving user convenience.

[0137] Therefore, there is no need to install a dedicated application, and excellent operability is achieved without displaying code images such as two-dimensional codes that indicate connection information to an image reading device, thereby increasing user convenience, and there is no need to provide a display unit that can display code images, thereby reducing costs.

[0138] Furthermore, the image reading device 100 may display other information in addition to the scanned image data, etc., on the scanned image download screen of Fig. 15. For example, it may be configured to display a notification of an error during scanning, a download deadline for the scanned image data, etc.

[0139] In addition, the image reading device 100 may be configured so that when a user selects any image data from the list display section 1513 of the scanned image download screen in Figure 15, the image data editing such as trimming and rotation processing can be performed on the selected image.

[0140] Third Embodiment A third embodiment of the present invention will be described below, but the basic configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, and only the differences will be described.

[0141] In this embodiment, the image reading device 100 always operates in AP mode except for temporary exceptions, which will be described later. That is, regardless of the result of the document detection process in S1101 in FIG. 5, the image reading device 100 operates in AP mode, the processes of S1106 and S1107 in FIG. 5 are omitted, and the scan process in S1108 is executed while remaining in AP mode. Furthermore, the process of S1109 is also omitted. Note that, when a web page such as that in FIG. 9 is provided to the URL of the image reading device 100 in ST mode as in the first embodiment to download an image, it is necessary to accept and process access to the web page such as that in FIG. 9, as in S1109; this point will be described later.

[0142] However, while the AP mode described in the first embodiment basically only describes a direct connection between the image reading device 100 and the mobile terminal 200, in this embodiment, the image reading device 100 is configured to be connectable to the external Internet even in the AP mode. That is, while the AP 300 described in the first embodiment functions as a gateway for connecting to the external Internet, the image reading device 100 in this embodiment has the functions of this AP 300, and can use various wired network connections and wireless network connections including telephone line communication to connect to the external Internet.

[0143] Here, while the scan process of S1108 is being performed, the mobile terminal 200 remains connected to the image reading device 100 in AP mode, which would be inconvenient if it were not possible to browse other web pages using, for example, another web browser or browser tab. To address this issue, in this embodiment, the image reading device 100 operates as follows to enable communication with the outside after the start of the scan process for the mobile terminal 200 to which the setting information input screen has been transmitted.

[0144] In other words, after the setting information input screen is sent, in response to a request from the mobile terminal 200 to access the external Internet, etc., the image reading device 100 sends a response stating that the OS of the mobile terminal 200 is not a captive portal, and allows the mobile terminal 200 to communicate as an access point that does not use a captive portal.

[0145] Alternatively, a captive portal may be used to perform authentication processing using identification information of the user or the mobile terminal 200, and communication may be restricted depending on the authentication result. For example, authentication may be performed by having the user input credentials or the like on a setting information input screen, or, as in the first embodiment, only scan settings may be input on the setting information input screen, and authentication may be performed when there is a request for access to the external Internet thereafter.

[0146] In these examples, the image reading device 100 and the mobile terminal 200 are directly connected when the scanning process is completed, and the image reading device 100 can directly provide the mobile terminal 200 with a scanned image download screen such as that shown in Figure 9.

[0147] As another method for enabling the mobile terminal 200 to communicate with the outside world after the start of the scanning process, the image reading device 100 may be controlled to temporarily block upstream communications with the AP 300, etc., after the scanning process has started and the transmission of the scanned image download screen has been completed.

[0148] In this case, the OS of the mobile terminal 200 connected to the image reading device 100 can detect that communication beyond the image reading device 100 has been interrupted, and can therefore interrupt the connection with the image reading device 100 and establish a connection to the external Internet using another communication method possessed by the mobile terminal 200. In this example, the scanned image download screen may be provided to the URL of the image reading device 100 in ST mode as in the first embodiment (in this case, the image reading device 100 is controlled to temporarily transition to ST mode after completion of the scan process), or may be provided to a URL indicating a specific location on an information processing device other than the image reading device 100. Note that when temporarily transitioning to ST mode, the image reading device 100 accepts access to the scanned image download screen in the ST mode and performs processing such as image download.

[0149] Furthermore, it is also possible to use cloud services as information processing devices other than the image reading device 100. In this case, it is preferable to allow a specific cloud service to be specified on the setting information input screen or a web page accessible from the setting information input screen. In this case, the user's credentials for the specified cloud service can be input, and the image reading device 100 can use the credentials when transmitting a scanned image to the cloud service.

[0150] [Fourth embodiment] A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below, focusing only on the differences from the above-described embodiments. The system configuration of the fourth embodiment, the configuration of the conveying path in the image reading device 100, etc. are the same as those described in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0151] <Device configuration> 17 is a diagram showing an example of the control configuration of the image reading device 100 of the fourth embodiment. Note that the basic configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, and the same components as those in FIG. 3 are assigned the same reference numerals and their explanations are omitted.

[0152] <Connection request processing> Hereinafter, a process (connection request process) performed when an external mobile terminal 200 requests a connection in AP mode in the image reading device 100 will be described. FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram illustrating communication between the image reading device 100 and the mobile terminal 200 after the mobile terminal 200 requests connection to the image reading device 100 while the image reading device 100 is running in AP mode. 18 is realized by the CPU 11 loading a program stored in the ROM 12 or the like into the RAM 13 as needed and executing it. Similarly, the processing of the mobile terminal 200 is realized by the CPU (not shown) of the mobile terminal 200 loading a program stored in the ROM or other storage device into the RAM as needed and executing it.

[0153] The image reading device 100 operating in the AP mode accepts connections to the wireless access points it provides. When the OS of the mobile terminal 200 connects to the wireless access point provided by the image reading device 100, it requests (accesses) the above-mentioned web page called the Well-Known Web Page (S2001).

[0154] In response to this request, the image reading device 100 returns a redirect instruction (transfer instruction) to the URL of a setting information input screen such as that shown in FIG. 19 (to be described later) as a response to the request (S2002).

[0155] As described above, since the web page called a Well-Known Web Page requested by the OS of the mobile terminal 200 depends on the OS, the image reading device 100 can determine the OS running on the mobile terminal 200 from the request. Therefore, the image reading device 100 may respond with a transfer instruction to redirect to the URL of a setting information input screen (setting information input screen for each OS) that corresponds to the OS running on the mobile terminal 200. Furthermore, the response from the image reading device 100 as described above is different from any specific response that depends on the OS and determines that the OS is not a "Captive Portal" (i.e., a response in which the OS running on the mobile terminal 200 detects a captive portal).

[0156] The OS of the mobile terminal 200, which has received the response (the redirect instruction of S2002) from the image reading device 100 as described above, determines that a captive portal has been detected, and controls the mobile terminal 200 to access the URL instructed to be transferred in the response using a web browser (S2003). In this embodiment, when a captive portal is detected, the OS of the mobile terminal 200 automatically launches a default web browser (without user operation) and performs the redirection. However, the present invention is also applicable to an OS that does not automatically launch a web browser. In this type of OS, the web browser may be launched by user operation or the like.

[0157] In response to the access in S2003, the image reading device 100 transmits a setting information input screen as shown in FIG. 19 as a response to the access (S2004). The web browser of the mobile terminal 200 that receives the response displays a setting information input screen as shown in FIG. 19 and accepts input from the user.

[0158] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an example of a setting information input screen in the fourth embodiment. This screen is displayed on the web browser of the mobile terminal 200 connected to the image reading device 100 in the AP mode as described above.

[0159] The setting information input screen has an input field 2101 for inputting reading setting information such as mode (black and white / color), paper size (A4 / A3 / B5 / B4 / ···), resolution (200 dpi / 300 dpi / 600 dpi / ···), and reading side (single-sided / double-sided). The setting information input screen also has a selection field 2102 for selecting transmission setting information, whether to save image data on the mobile terminal or in a shared folder, and an input field 2103 for entering information for accessing the shared folder (user name, password, destination path) if saving in a shared folder is selected. Furthermore, the setting information input screen has a check box 2104 for selecting whether or not to check the scan status during scanning, and a “Scan” button 2105.

[0160] When the user inputs reading setting information such as mode, paper size, resolution, and reading side, transmission setting information, and scan status confirmation as necessary on the setting information input screen and presses the "Scan" button 2105, the web browser of the mobile terminal 200 sends a scan execution instruction to the image reading device 100, including the reading setting information, transmission setting information, and scan status confirmation information input on the setting information input screen (S2005). Upon receiving the scan execution instruction including the read setting, the send setting, and the scan status confirmation, the image reading device 100 stores the received read setting information in the RAM 13 .

[0161] Next, the image reading device 100 checks whether it is necessary to send the screen displayed after scanning has started to the mobile terminal 200 (S2006). If the information included in the scan execution instruction received in S2005 above indicates that "Save to this mobile terminal" is selected in the transmission settings 2102, or indicates that the "Confirm scan status" checkbox 2104 is checked, it is determined that it is necessary to send the screen displayed after scanning has started. In any other case, that is, if it indicates that "Shared folder" is selected in the transmission settings 2102 and the "Confirm scan status" checkbox 2104 is not checked, it is determined that it is not necessary to send the screen displayed after scanning has started.

[0162] If it is determined that there is no need to transmit the screen after the start of scanning (No in S2006), the image reading device 100 ends the connection request process (S2009). On the other hand, if it is determined that the screen after the start of scanning needs to be transmitted (Yes in S2006), the image reading device 100 advances the process to S2007.

[0163] In S2007, the image reading device 100 generates a screen to be displayed after the start of scanning. Note that the image reading device 100 generates a different screen to be displayed after the start of scanning depending on the transmission setting received from the mobile terminal 200 in S2005.

[0164] If the transmission setting received in S2005 indicates "Save to this mobile device," the image reading device 100 will perform scanning while remaining in AP mode, and will generate a screen displaying the scanning status as shown in Figure 21A(a) described below.

[0165] On the other hand, if the transmission setting received in S2005 indicates a "shared folder," the image reading device 100 switches from AP mode to ST mode at a predetermined timing to perform scanning, thereby changing the access link destination. Therefore, the image reading device 100 generates a screen notifying a URL, which is access information, as shown in FIG. 20A(a), which will be described later. This URL is invalid even if accessed when the image reading device 100 is in AP mode, but if accessed when the image reading device 100 is in ST mode, a scanning screen like the screen shown in FIG. 20A(b), which will be described later, is displayed.

[0166] Next, the image reading device 100 transmits the screen generated in S2007 after the start of scanning to the mobile terminal 200 (S2008). When this transmission is completed, the image reading device 100 ends the connection request process (S2009).

[0167] 20A and 20B are diagrams showing an example of a screen displayed on the mobile terminal 200 when the image reading device 100 performs scanning in ST mode in the fourth embodiment. Hereinafter, FIGS. 20A and 20B will be simply referred to as "FIG. 20." Each of the drawings will be described below.

[0168] FIG. 20(a) is a diagram showing an example of an access URL screen for the image reading device 100 that performs scanning in the ST mode. The access URL screen for the image reading device 100 that scans in ST mode displays a URL, such as link 2211a, for accessing a screen for checking the scan status as shown in FIG. 20(b), which will be described later.

[0169] When an instruction such as a click is given to link 2211a, the web browser of mobile terminal 200 accesses the URL indicated by link 2211a. In this embodiment, this URL is described as indicating a web page provided by image reading device 100 that has transitioned to ST mode. That is, it is assumed here that image reading device 100 provides the web page indicated by link 2211a via AP 300. However, a configuration may also be adopted in which other information processing resources, such as a file server or cloud storage, provide the web page indicated by link 2211a.

[0170] 20(b) and 20(c) are diagrams showing examples of screens on which the image reading device 100 performing scanning in the ST mode displays the scan status. Figure 20(b) corresponds to the scan status screen when no scan error occurs, and Figure 20(c) corresponds to the screen when a scan error occurs.

[0171] 20(c) has message 2211c displaying the error content, button 2212c for continuing scanning, and button 2213c for not continuing scanning. For example, when the user presses button 2212c or button 2213c, the web browser of mobile terminal 200 transmits the operation result to image reading device 100. The operation of image reading device 100 at this time will be described later.

[0172] 21A and 21B are diagrams showing an example of a screen displayed on the mobile terminal 200 when the image reading device 100 performs a scan in AP mode in the fourth embodiment. Hereinafter, FIGS. 21A and 21B will be simply referred to as "FIG. 21."

[0173] Figure 21(a) corresponds to the scan status screen when no scan error occurs, and Figure 21(b) corresponds to the screen when a scan error occurs.

[0174] 21(b) has message 2311b displaying the error content, button 2312b for continuing scanning, and button 2313b for not continuing scanning. For example, when the user presses button 2312b or button 2313b, the web browser of mobile terminal 200 transmits the operation result to image reading device 100. The operation of image reading device 100 at this time will be described later.

[0175] FIG. 21C is a diagram showing an example of a scanned image download screen that is displayed after scanning is completed. The scanned image download screen includes a list 2313c of image data scanned by the image reading device 100, a "download" button 2311c, and an "end" button 2312c.

[0176] For example, when a user selects an image to be downloaded from list 2313c and presses "Download" button 2311c, a download request including information specifying the image data selected in list 2313c is sent from the web browser of mobile terminal 200 to image reading device 100. In response to this request, image reading device 100 starts downloading the image data selected in list 2313c to mobile terminal 200.

[0177] Furthermore, when the user presses the "End" button 2312c, an end request is sent from the web browser of the mobile terminal 200 to the image reading device 100. In response to this end request, the image reading device 100 completes the image data download. Note that even if the user does not press the "End" button 2312c, the image reading device 100 may complete the image data download process when a certain time (e.g., three minutes) has elapsed since the end of the scan.

[0178] <Processing of Image Reading Device 100> The processing procedure of the image reading device 100 in the fourth embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. Fig. 22 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of the image reading device 100 in the fourth embodiment. The processing of the flowcharts shown in Fig. 22 and Fig. 23 described later is realized by the CPU 11 loading a program stored in the ROM 12 or the like into the RAM 13 as necessary and executing the program.

[0179] When the user turns on the power of the image reading device 100, the image reading device 100 starts up and the process of this flowchart begins. First, in step S1801, the CPU 11 sets the wireless mode of the image reading device 100 to the AP mode.

[0180] Next, in S1802, the CPU 11 waits for a connection from the external mobile terminal 200. If a connection is made from the mobile terminal 200 (Yes in S1802), the CPU 11 advances the process to S1803. In S1803, the CPU 11 performs the connection request process shown in FIG.

[0181] Next, in S1804, the CPU 11 checks whether or not to save the scanned image data in the mobile terminal based on the transmission settings stored in the RAM 13 in the connection request process of S1803. If the scanned image data is to be saved in the mobile terminal (Yes in S1804), the CPU 11 proceeds to S1806.

[0182] On the other hand, if the scanned image data is not to be saved in the portable terminal (No in S1804), the CPU 11 advances the process to S1805. In S1805, CPU 11 connects to access point 300 and switches to ST mode. At this time, the connection between portable terminal 200 and image reading device 100 is disconnected, so portable terminal 200 can reconnect to access point 300. This allows the user to freely use portable terminal 200 even during scanning, improving usability and convenience.

[0183] Next, in S1806, the CPU 11 performs scanning processing. The scanning processing will be described later. When the scanning processing is completed, the CPU 11 advances the process to S1807. In S1807, the CPU 11 checks whether scanning has been performed in the ST mode. If scanning has been performed in the ST mode (Yes in S1807), the CPU 11 advances the process to S1808. In S1808, the CPU 11 transmits the scanned image data to the destination based on the transmission settings stored in the RAM 13 in the connection request processing of S1803, and proceeds to S1809. Note that the flow from S1807 to S1808 may be executed at a predetermined timing in the scan processing of S1808, such as every time a scanned image is generated for each document (page) during scanning.

[0184] On the other hand, if scanning has been performed in AP mode (No in S1807), the CPU 11 advances the process to S1810. In S1810, the CPU 11 waits until the download of the scanned image by the mobile terminal 200 is completed, and when the download of the scanned image data is completed (Yes in S1810), the process proceeds to S1809.

[0185] In S1809, if the CPU 11 does not detect an operation to turn off the power (No in S1810), the process returns to S1801. On the other hand, if a power-off operation is detected (Yes in S1809), the CPU 11 ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0186] <Scanning process> FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the scan process (S1806 in FIG. 22) performed by the image reading device 100 in the fourth embodiment. In S1901, the CPU 11 starts a document reading operation (reading process) based on the reading settings stored in the RAM 13 in the connection request process shown in Fig. 18. In the document reading operation, the image reading device 100 sequentially conveys and reads the documents 101 stacked on the document table 102.

[0187] Next, in S1902, the CPU 11 checks whether or not a scan error has occurred in the image reading device 100. If no scan error has occurred (No in S1902), the CPU 11 advances the process to S1906. On the other hand, if a scan error has occurred (Yes in S1902), the CPU 11 advances the process to S1903.

[0188] In S1903, the CPU 11 checks whether or not to check the scan status. If the information received in S2005 of the connection request process shown in Fig. 18 indicates that the "check scan status" checkbox 2104 is checked, it determines that the scan status should be checked; otherwise, it determines that the scan status should not be checked.

[0189] If the scan status is not to be checked (No in S1903), the CPU 11 ends the main scan process. On the other hand, if the scan status is to be confirmed (Yes in S1903), the CPU 11 advances the process to S1904.

[0190] In S1904, the CPU 11 notifies the mobile terminal 200 using a web page as shown in Fig. 20(c) (in the case of scanning in ST mode) or Fig. 21(b) (in the case of scanning in AP mode). In response to this notification, when the user operates the "Yes" or "No" button for continuous scanning in Fig. 20(c) or Fig. 21(b) on the web page of the mobile terminal 200, the result of the operation is sent from the web browser of the mobile terminal 200 to the image reading device 100.

[0191] Next, in S1905, the CPU 11 checks the result of the operation for continuous scanning in S1904. If scanning is not to be continued (No in S1905), the CPU 11 ends the main scanning process. On the other hand, if scanning is to be continued (Yes in S1905), the CPU 11 advances the process to S1906.

[0192] Next, in S1906, the CPU 11 generates image data of the document read by the reading process. Then, in S1907, the CPU 11 checks whether there is an original on the platen 102. If there is an original (No in S1907), the CPU 11 returns the process to S1902. On the other hand, when there are no more documents on the platen 102 (Yes in S1907), the CPU 11 ends the main scan process.

[0193] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, in addition to the effects of the above-mentioned embodiments, it is possible to send a scanned image read by the image reading device 100 to the mobile terminal 200 or a destination specified by the user. It is also possible to check the scan status during scanning. Furthermore, even if a scan error occurs, it is possible to instruct the user to continue or end the scan. In this way, it is possible to further improve user convenience. Configurations that combine the above-mentioned embodiments are also included in the present invention.

[0194] In addition, in the fourth embodiment, a configuration was described in which the scanned image read by the image reading device 100 can be sent to a shared folder, as explained using the setting information input screen shown in Figure 19, but this is not limited to this.

[0195] For example, a menu that allows sending to a cloud service may be displayed in parallel with the shared folder, and sending to a selected cloud service may be enabled. In this case, the configuration may be such that it is possible to link with an application installed on mobile terminal 200 so that image data can be sent to the cloud service using credentials (identification information) such as a user name and password stored in the application installed on mobile terminal 200.

[0196] Alternatively, the destination may be selected from applications installed on the mobile terminal 200, and in this case, the destination may be configured to be able to be sent using credentials (identification information) such as a user name and password stored in the application.

[0197] Alternatively, the user may be allowed to input destination information such as the URL of the cloud service desired by the user as the destination, and may also be allowed to input credentials (identification information) such as a user name and password, thereby enabling the user to send image data to the cloud service desired by the user.

[0198] In the above examples, login information such as a user name and password may not be input or obtained on the setting information input screen, but may be obtained from an application on the mobile terminal 200 at the time of actually sending image data, or may be input by the user using the mobile terminal 200 or the image reading device 100.

[0199] According to each embodiment, it is possible to read an image with a simple operation without activating the imaging function of a mobile terminal, thereby improving user convenience. Furthermore, it is possible to realize a scan process with fewer steps without installing a dedicated application on an information processing device and without displaying a code image indicating connection information to the image reading device on the image reading device, thereby improving user convenience, and it is also possible to eliminate the need to provide the image reading device with a display unit capable of displaying the code image, thereby reducing costs.

[0200] In the above embodiments, a web application for performing document reading operations (scanning, downloading, etc.) using the image reading device 100 has been described as an example of a web application provided by the image reading device 100. However, the web application provided by the image reading device 100 may be any web application that allows the image reading device 100 to be used from an information processing device such as the mobile terminal 200. For example, the web application may be a web application for checking the status of the image reading device 100, or a web application for performing maintenance on the image reading device 100.

[0201] In addition, in the above-described embodiments, a configuration has been described in which, when a terminal (information processing device) connects to an access point provided by an image reading device using, for example, a captive portal detection specification of an OS, the terminal automatically accesses a web app provided by the image reading device, thereby enabling the terminal to use the image reading device. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which, when a terminal connects to an access point provided by an electronic device (e.g., various electronic devices such as a multifunction peripheral, printer, network camera, drive recorder, various home appliances, and various IoT devices) using, for example, a captive portal detection specification of an OS, the terminal automatically accesses a web app provided by the electronic device, thereby enabling the terminal to use the electronic device. For example, when a terminal connects to an access point provided by an electronic device, the web app provided by the electronic device automatically displays an operation screen for the electronic device on the terminal, allowing the terminal to accept operations (including confirmation of settings and status) of the electronic device. This allows various electronic devices to be easily operated from the information processing device without activating the imaging function of the information processing device or installing a dedicated application on the information processing device, thereby improving user convenience. In this case, the electronic device only needs to have a function equivalent to the network connection function of the image reading device described above.

[0202] It goes without saying that the configurations and contents of the various data described above are not limited to those described above, and that the data may be configured in various configurations and contents depending on the application and purpose. Although one embodiment has been described above, the present invention can be embodied as, for example, a system, an apparatus, a method, a program, a storage medium, etc. Specifically, the present invention may be applied to a system made up of multiple devices, or may be applied to an apparatus made up of a single device. Furthermore, the present invention also includes any combination of the above embodiments.

[0203] (Other embodiments) 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. Furthermore, the present invention may be applied to a system made up of multiple devices, or to an apparatus made up of a single device. The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications (including organic combinations of the embodiments) are possible based on the spirit of the present invention, and these modifications are not excluded from the scope of the present invention. In other words, all configurations that combine the above-described embodiments and their modifications are included in the present invention.

[0204] For example, in the above embodiment, the image reading device 100 and the mobile terminal 200 are described as being wirelessly connected, but they may be configured as being connected by wire, and in that case, it is similarly possible to transmit a web page that is a setting information input screen by redirecting an access request from the mobile terminal 200 with a similar response. Furthermore, without being limited to this case, the mobile terminal 200 may also be a stationary information processing device as long as it has a network communication function. [Explanation of symbols]

[0205] 100 Image reader 200 mobile devices 300 Access Points 101 Manuscripts 102 manuscript table 110 Document platen document detection sensor 150 Web app mode button

Claims

1. An image reading device that operates as a wireless access point to form a network with an information processing device, and performs a document reading operation to read a document and generate image data, a URL providing unit that provides, when the information processing device is connected to the network, a URL of a web page provided by the image reading device and capable of instructing the start of the document reading operation to the information processing device; an execution unit that executes the document reading operation based on the start instruction received from the web page via the network; An image reading device comprising:

2. 2. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the web page allows input of an instruction to start the document reading operation and an instruction to execute the document reading operation, including reading setting information.

3. The image reading device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, when the information processing device is connected to the network, the URL providing means sends a redirect instruction to the information processing device so that the information processing device redirects to the URL via a web browser without user operation.

4. 4. The image reading device according to claim 3, wherein the redirect instruction is an instruction that enables the information processing device to be determined as a captive portal.

5. The image reading device according to claim 4, further comprising a download processing means for providing the information processing device with a download screen via the network on which the image data can be downloaded, and for executing the download processing of the image data based on a download request received from the information processing device via the download screen.

6. 6. The image reading apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the download processing means disconnects the network connection and terminates the download processing when the download of the image data is completed.

7. the wireless access point is identified based on identification information; The image reading device described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the image reading device provides the information processing device with first identification information as the identification information in order to form the network, and after the connection of the information processing device to the network formed by the first identification information is completed, the image reading device provides second identification information different from the first identification information as the identification information.

8. An image reading device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it is further equipped with a download processing means that provides the information processing device with a URL of a download screen from which the image data can be downloaded via the network, then disconnects the network connection, accepts access to the download screen from the information processing device via an external network, and executes the download process of the image data based on input to the download screen.

9. A method for controlling an image reading device that operates as a wireless access point to form a network with an information processing device and performs a document reading operation to read a document and generate image data, comprising: a URL providing step of providing, when the information processing device is connected to the network, a URL of a web page provided by the image reading device and capable of instructing the start of the document reading operation to the information processing device; an execution step of executing the document reading operation based on the start instruction received from the web page via the network; 2. A method for controlling an image reading device, comprising:

10. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means recited in claim 1.

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