Information processing device and program

Abstract

To acquire image data even when a communication interface available to a user is changed in a case in which information for obtaining image data generated by reading by an image reading device using a communication interface that the user can use is sent to the user.SOLUTION: A processor transmits, to a user, first information for obtaining image data generated by reading by an image reading device using a specific communication interface that the user can use, and transmits, to the user second information for obtaining image data using another communication interface that the user can use when the specific communication interface that the user can use is changed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Image data generated by reading with an image reading device such as a scanner is stored in a device such as the image reading device, and another device (for example, a personal computer) uses a communication interface that can be used by the user to obtain the image data from the device according to a user instruction. For example, information for obtaining image data using a communication interface that can be used by the user (for example, an address indicating a storage area where the image data is stored) is sent to the user by e-mail or the like. It is conceivable that another device (for example, a personal computer) accesses the image data using the information and obtains the image data.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a device that controls access to a storage area for storing user data using data for identifying a computer.

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes a communication device having a plurality of different network connection interfaces.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Incidentally, information for acquiring image data using a communication interface available to a user may be sent to that user, but after that user's available communication interface may change. In this case, it may become impossible to access and acquire the image data using that information.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to enable the acquisition of image data generated by reading by an image reading device, even if the communication interface available to the user is changed, when information for acquiring the image data using a communication interface available to the user is transmitted to the user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The invention according to claim 1 is an information processing device having a processor, the processor transmits to the user first information for acquiring image data generated by reading by an image reading device using a specific communication interface that the user can use, and if the specific communication interface that the user can use is changed, transmits to the user second information for acquiring the image data using another communication interface that the user can use.

[0009] The invention according to claim 2 is an information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image data is stored in memory, the first information and the second information are information for obtaining the image data from the memory, and the processor transmits the second information to the user when the specific communication interface is changed if the image data has not been obtained from the memory, and does not transmit the second information to the user when the image data has been obtained from the memory.

[0010] The invention according to claim 3 is an information processing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the processor transmits the second information to the user when the specific communication interface fails or is removed.

[0011] The invention according to claim 4 is an information processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the processor permits the user to use another communication interface only for the operation of acquiring the image data, if there are no other communication interfaces available for the user to use.

[0012] The invention according to claim 5 is, After transmitting the first information, The user can use One or more Communication interface The group change It was held In that case, Even after the change The aforementioned The aforementioned specific information relating to the first information When the communication interface is available to the user. For, The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second information is not transmitted to the user.

[0013] The invention according to claim 6 is an information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the processor stores information indicating a specific communication interface in memory until the image data is acquired by the user, and when the user is authenticated and logs into the device, it acquires information indicating one or more communication interfaces that the user can use from an authentication device that manages one or more communication interfaces that the user can use and authenticates the user who logs into the device, and if the information indicating a specific communication interface stored in memory is not included in the information indicating one or more communication interfaces acquired from the authentication device, it transmits to the user information for acquiring the image data using a communication interface included in the one or more interfaces managed by the authentication device.

[0014] The invention according to claim 7 is an information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processor transmits first information to multiple users for acquiring image data using a specific communication interface available to each user, and when the specific communication interface available to each user is changed, transmits second information to the user for acquiring the image data using another communication interface available to the user.

[0015] The invention according to claim 8 is an information processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the image data is stored in memory, the first information and the second information are information for obtaining the image data from the memory, and the processor deletes the image data from the memory when any of the users among the plurality of users obtains the image data stored in the memory.

[0016] The invention according to claim 9 is a program for causing a computer to operate in such a way that it transmits first information to a user for acquiring image data generated by reading by an image reading device using a specific communication interface that the user can use, and if the specific communication interface that the user can use is changed, it transmits second information to the user for acquiring the image data using another communication interface that the user can use. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the invention of claims 1 and 9, when information for acquiring image data generated by reading by an image reading device using a communication interface available to the user is transmitted to the user, the image data can be acquired even if the communication interface available to the user is changed.

[0018] According to the invention according to claim 2, when image data has been acquired, it is possible to prevent the transmission of the second information to the user who acquired the image data.

[0019] According to the invention according to claim 3, even when a specific communication interface has failed or has been removed, it is possible to acquire image data using another communication interface.

[0020] According to the invention according to claim 4, it is possible to acquire image data using another communication interface temporarily.

[0021] According to the invention according to claim 5, even when the communication interface that can be used by the user has been changed, if the communication interface that could be used before the change can still be used after the change, it is possible to prevent the transmission of the second information to the user. [[ID=I4]]

[0022] According to the invention according to claim 6, even when the communication interface that can be used by the user has been changed when user authentication is performed by the authentication device, it is possible to acquire image data.

[0023] According to the inventions according to claims 7 and 8, when the first information is transmitted to a plurality of users, it is possible to transmit the second information for each individual user.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of an image processing apparatus. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing the functions of an image processing apparatus. [Figure 4] It is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a terminal device. [Figure 5]This diagram shows an email containing a URL for downloading image data. [Figure 6] This diagram shows a management table for managing user information. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart showing the processing flow by the image processing device. [Figure 8] This diagram shows a management table for managing user information. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart showing the processing flow by the image processing device. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart showing the processing flow by the image processing device. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart showing the processing flow by the image processing device. [Figure 12] This figure shows a management table related to the variation. [Figure 13] This flowchart shows the processing flow related to the modification. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] The information processing system according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing system according to the embodiment.

[0026] The information processing system according to this embodiment includes an image processing device 10 and one or more terminal devices (for example, terminal devices 12A, 12B, ...).

[0027] The number of terminal devices shown in Figure 1 is just one example. In the following, when it is not necessary to distinguish between terminal devices 12A, 12B, etc., each terminal device will be referred to as "terminal device 12".

[0028] Each device included in the information processing system according to this embodiment has the function of communicating with other devices. This communication may be wired communication using cables or wireless communication. In other words, each device may be physically connected to other devices by cables to send and receive information from each other, or it may send and receive information from each other by wireless communication. Examples of wireless communication include short-range wireless communication and Wi-Fi (registered trademark). Wireless communication of other standards may also be used. For example, each device may communicate with other devices via a communication path N such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet.

[0029] The image processing device 10 is an example of an information processing device, and is a device that transmits information to the user for acquiring image data generated by reading by an image reading device.

[0030] The image reading device may be a scanner that generates image data by reading a document, or it may be an imaging device such as a camera that generates image data by taking a picture.

[0031] The image reading device may or may not be included in the image processing device 10.

[0032] Information for acquiring image data includes an address (e.g., a URL) that indicates the memory area where the image data is stored. For example, information for acquiring image data is sent to the user via email, messaging application software, chat application software, or other social networking services (SNS).

[0033] For example, an email containing information for obtaining image data may be sent to the user using their email address. Alternatively, information for obtaining image data may be sent to the user using an account used for messaging application software, a chat application software, or another social networking service (SNS).

[0034] Image data may be stored in the image processing device 10, or it may be stored in another device other than the image processing device 10 (for example, a server such as a cloud server).

[0035] The image processing device 10 has one or more communication interfaces. Information for acquiring image data is transmitted to the user using a specific communication interface that the user can use.

[0036] A specific communication interface that a user can use is, for example, a communication interface that allows the user to access stored information. Specifically, this includes communication interfaces that are not restricted to the user's access, or communication interfaces that are not malfunctioning.

[0037] In other words, a communication interface that a user cannot use is one that prevents the user from accessing the stored information. Specifically, this includes communication interfaces to which user access is restricted, or communication interfaces that are malfunctioning.

[0038] User access restrictions may be set for each communication interface, or access restrictions may be set for each user. In this case, if a user who has been set to access restrictions cannot access the stored information using the communication interface on which those restrictions are set, then that communication interface is an unusable communication interface for that user.

[0039] The image processing device 10 may be a multifunction device including an image reading device (for example, a device having scanning, printing, and copying functions, etc.), or it may be the image reading device itself, or it may be any other device that receives image data from the image reading device.

[0040] The terminal device 12 is a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as "PC"), a tablet PC, a smartphone, or a mobile phone, etc.

[0041] The hardware configuration of the image processing device 10 will be described below with reference to Figure 2. Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the image processing device 10.

[0042] The image processing device 10 includes, for example, an image reading device 14, a communication device 16, a user interface (hereinafter referred to as "UI") 18, a memory 20, and a processor 22. Here, as an example, the image reading device 14 is included in the image processing device 10, but this is just an example, and the image reading device 14 does not have to be included in the image processing device 10.

[0043] The image reading device 14 is a scanner or a camera. For this example, we will assume that the image reading device 14 is a scanner.

[0044] The communication device 16 includes one or more communication interfaces having a communication chip, communication circuits, etc., and has the function of transmitting information to other devices and the function of receiving information from other devices. The communication device 16 may have wireless communication functionality or wired communication functionality.

[0045] UI18 is a user interface and includes a display and an input device. The display is a liquid crystal display or an EL display, etc. The input device is a keyboard, mouse, input keys, or control panel, etc. UI18 may also be a UI such as a touch panel that combines a display and an input device.

[0046] Memory 20 is a device that constitutes one or more storage areas for storing data. Memory 20 is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), various types of memory (e.g., RAM, DRAM, NVRAM, ROM, etc.), other storage devices (e.g., optical discs, etc.), or a combination thereof.

[0047] For example, image data, programs, various parameters, and data indicating various histories are stored in memory 20. For example, programs and fixed data are stored in ROM. RAM may include system memory for program operation and page memory for image processing. Non-volatile data, parameters for image quality adjustment, other parameters, and data indicating various histories are stored in NVRAM. Image data and data indicating various histories are stored in HDD. Of course, these are just examples, and other configurations may be adopted for storing data.

[0048] The processor 22 controls the operation of each part of the image processing device 10.

[0049] The functions of the image processing device 10 will be described below with reference to Figure 3. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the functions of the image processing device 10.

[0050] The image processing device 10 includes an image processing unit 24, a user information management unit 26, a data management unit 28, an address generation unit 30, an email creation unit 32, and one or more communication control units (for example, communication control units 34A, 34B, ...). Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the communication control units 34A, 34B, ..., they will be referred to as "communication control unit 34".

[0051] The image processing unit 24 performs image processing on the image data. For example, the image processing unit 24 performs image processing on the image data generated by reading by the image reading device 14. Image processing may include, for example, compression, decompression, or character recognition (e.g., OCR).

[0052] The user information management unit 26 stores user information. User information includes, for example, user identification information for identifying the user (e.g., user ID and name), login information for logging into the image processing device 10 (e.g., user ID and password), information indicating the destination for sending information for acquiring image data (e.g., address information indicating the storage area where the image data is stored) (e.g., email address), information indicating the communication interfaces available to the user, and image data identification information for identifying image data generated by reading by the image reading device 14 (e.g., a number associated with the image data).

[0053] The data management unit 28 stores image data. For example, it stores image data generated by reading by the image reading device 14. A file containing a set of image data may be stored in the data management unit 28. Furthermore, the processing according to the embodiment may be applied to the file.

[0054] The address generation unit 30 generates information for acquiring image data generated by reading by the image reading device 14. For example, the address generation unit 30 generates an address (e.g., a URL) that indicates the storage area where the image data generated by reading by the image reading device 14 is stored.

[0055] The email creation unit 32 creates an email containing the address generated by the address generation unit 30. This email is then sent to the recipient (for example, to the user's email address).

[0056] The communication control unit 34 is a communication interface and communicates via a communication path N, such as a network. In the example shown in Figure 1, the communication control unit 34A communicates via network A, and the communication control unit 34B communicates via network B.

[0057] The image processing unit 24, address generation unit 30, email creation unit 32, and communication control unit 34 are implemented, for example, by the processor 22. Memory 20 may be used for their implementation. The user information management unit 26 and data management unit 28 are implemented, for example, by memory 20.

[0058] The hardware configuration of terminal device 12 will be described below with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 shows an example of the hardware configuration of terminal device 12.

[0059] The terminal device 12 includes, for example, a communication device 36, a UI 38, a memory 40, and a processor 42.

[0060] The communication device 36 includes one or more communication interfaces having a communication chip, communication circuit, etc., and has the function of transmitting information to other devices and the function of receiving information from other devices. The communication device 36 may have wireless communication functionality or wired communication functionality.

[0061] UI38 is a user interface and includes a display and an input device. The display is a liquid crystal display or an EL display, etc. The input device is a keyboard, mouse, input keys, or control panel, etc. UI38 may also be a UI such as a touch panel that combines a display and an input device.

[0062] Memory 40 is a device that constitutes one or more storage areas for storing data. Memory 40 is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), various types of memory (e.g., RAM, DRAM, NVRAM, ROM, etc.), other storage devices (e.g., optical discs, etc.), or a combination thereof.

[0063] The processor 42 controls the operation of each part of the terminal device 12.

[0064] The embodiments will be described in more detail below. In the following example, the image reading device 14 is a scanner, and the image data generated by scanning with the scanner is stored in a storage area. In the following example, the storage area is a storage area configured by the data management unit 28 of the image processing device 10, and the image data is stored in the data management unit 28. Of course, the image data may be formed in other devices (e.g., a server) other than the image processing device 10. The information for obtaining the image data from the storage area is a URL that points to the storage area. An email containing the URL is sent to the user. For example, an email containing the URL is sent to an email address registered with the image processing device 10.

[0065] Refer to Figure 5 to explain a specific example of the email described above. Figure 5 shows an example of an email. The download URL indicated by symbol 44 and the deletion URL indicated by symbol 46 are included in the body of the email. The name of the image data to be downloaded (e.g., file name) and the download deadline are also included in the email.

[0066] The terminal device 12 receives the email, accesses the download URL in accordance with the user's instructions, and downloads the image data from the storage area indicated by the URL.

[0067] Furthermore, the terminal device 12 may, in accordance with the user's instructions, access a deletion URL and send an instruction to the device storing the image data (e.g., the image processing device 10 or a server) to delete the image data from the storage area where the image data is stored. The device storing the image data receives the deletion instruction and deletes the image data.

[0068] In the following, an email containing a download URL will be referred to as a "download email." As shown in Figure 5, a download email may or may not contain a URL for deletion.

[0069] If the scan generates multiple image files, a different URL may be generated for each image file, and the download URLs for each image file may be included in the same email. In other words, multiple download URLs may be included in the same email. If a different URL is generated for each image file, a separate email may be created for each image file. In this case, one download URL will be included in each email.

[0070] The management table for managing user information will be described below with reference to Figure 6. Figure 6 shows an example of the management table. User information registered in the management table is managed by the user information management unit 26.

[0071] In the management table, for example, the user ID, password, download email address, information indicating the available interfaces, and file number are associated.

[0072] User ID is an example of user identification information. User ID and password are examples of login information. Available I / F refers to specific communication interfaces that the user can use. File number is an example of the name of the image data generated by the scan.

[0073] Here, as an example, each available I / F shown in Figure 6 is a communication interface possessed by the image processing device 10. In other words, the image processing device 10 has multiple different communication interfaces. For example, the image processing device 10 has WiFi®, Ethernet® 1, and Ethernet 2. Each communication interface is assigned a different IP address.

[0074] For example, the specific communication interface available to user AAA is WiFi. The specific communication interface available to user BBB is Ethernet1.

[0075] A single user may have access to one or more specific communication interfaces. For a user who can access multiple specific communication interfaces, their user ID is associated with information representing each of those interfaces. Although different from the example shown in Figure 6, for example, if user AAA can access both WiFi and Ethernet1, WiFi and Ethernet1 may be registered in the management table as specific communication interfaces available to user AAA.

[0076] Additionally, multiple email addresses may be registered in the management table for each user.

[0077] The user ID, password, download email address information, and information indicating available interfaces may be registered in the management table in advance, or they may be registered in the management table when scanning is performed by the image reading device 14.

[0078] When image data is generated by scanning with the image reading device 14, the processor 22 of the image processing device 10 registers the file number of the image data in a management table, associating it with a user ID. For example, the file number of the image data is associated with the user ID of the user logged into the image processing device 10, or the user ID of the user designated to download the image data.

[0079] In the following, the process of storing image data generated by scanning into a memory area and sending a download email containing a URL pointing to that memory area to the user will be referred to as the "(Scan To URL) process."

[0080] Refer to Figure 7 to explain the flow of the (Scan To URL) process. Figure 7 is a flowchart of the (Scan To URL) process flow.

[0081] Here, as an example, let's assume that user AAA logs into the image processing device 10 and gives instructions for the (Scan To URL) process. For example, if user AAA operates the UI 18 of the image processing device 10 and enters login information including user ID and password into the image processing device 10, user authentication will be performed using this login information. User authentication may be performed by the image processing device 10 or by another device other than the image processing device 10 (e.g., an authentication server). If authentication is successful, user AAA is permitted to log in to the image processing device 10 and is permitted to use the functions that are permitted to be used when logged into the image processing device 10. Alternatively, the login information may be stored on an IC card, and the login information stored on the IC card may be transmitted from the IC card to the image processing device 10 via wireless communication (e.g., short-range wireless communication) to perform user authentication.

[0082] When user AAA operates the UI 18 of the image processing device 10 and instructs it to execute the (Scan To URL) process, the processor 22 of the image processing device 10 starts the (Scan To URL) process (S01).

[0083] Specifically, the image reading device 14 generates image data by scanning the document to be scanned under the control of the processor 22. This image data is stored in the data management unit 28 (S02). Here, as an example, the image data generated by scanning is stored in the data management unit 28, i.e., the memory 20 of the image processing device 10, but it may also be stored in a device other than the image processing device 10 (e.g., a server).

[0084] Next, the processor 22 associates the image data generated by the scan with the user information of user AAA (S03). In this example, image data with file number "1", image data with file number "200", and image data with file number "500" are generated. The processor 22 associates these file numbers with the user information of user AAA who is logged into the image processing device 10 (for example, user ID and user D's email address information) and registers them in the management table.

[0085] Next, the processor 22 refers to the management table to identify the available interface (i.e., the specific communication interface that user AAA can use) associated with the user ID of user AAA who is logged into the image processing device 10, and reads the IP address used by that available interface (S04). For example, the IP addresses used by each communication interface are pre-stored in the memory 20 of the image processing device 10. Here, the available interface associated with user AAA is "WiFi", and its IP address is "172.100.100.246" (see Figure 5).

[0086] If multiple available interfaces are associated with user ID AAA, the processor 22 may identify one or more predetermined available interfaces from among the multiple available interfaces and read the IP addresses used by those one or more available interfaces, or it may read all of the IP addresses of those multiple available interfaces.

[0087] Next, the address generation unit 30 generates a URL for downloading the image data generated by the scan (i.e., a download URL) (S05).

[0088] The address generation unit 30 generates a different download URL for each image data. To give a specific example, the address generation unit 30 generates a URL for downloading image data with file number "1", a URL for downloading image data with file number "200", and a URL for downloading image data with file number "500". The URL for downloading image data with file number "1" is information indicating the memory area where the image data with file number "1" is stored. The URL for downloading image data with file number "200" is information indicating the memory area where the image data with file number "200" is stored. The URL for downloading image data with file number "500" is information indicating the memory area where the image data with file number "500" is stored. These URLs include the IP address read in step S04. In other words, these URLs include the IP address used on a specific communication interface that user AAA can use (for example, "172.100.100.246").

[0089] The download URL generated in step S05 corresponds to an example of first information for obtaining image data generated by reading by the image reading device 14 using a specific communication interface that the user can utilize.

[0090] When multiple available interfaces are associated with user ID AAA, and an IP address used by one of those available interfaces is read, processor 22 generates a download URL that includes that IP address. If a predetermined set of IP addresses is read, processor 22 may generate a different download URL for each of those IP addresses. If all IP addresses of the multiple available interfaces are read, processor 22 may generate a different download URL for each of those IP addresses. In other words, multiple download URLs with different IP addresses may be generated.

[0091] Next, the email creation unit 32 reads the email address associated with the user ID of user AAA who is logged into the image processing device 10 from the management table (S06). In the example shown in Figure 6, the email address "AAA@bb.cc" is associated with user AAA's user ID, so the email creation unit 32 reads the email address "AAA@bb.cc".

[0092] Next, the email creation unit 32 includes the download URL generated in step S05 in the body of the email, and the processor 22 sends the email (i.e., the download email) to user AAA's email address "AAA@bb.cc" (S07). The email creation unit 32 may also include a deletion URL in the body of the email.

[0093] If multiple image data files are generated by scanning, the email creation unit 32 may create a separate email for each image data file for download. In other words, the email creation unit 32 may include a download URL for one image data file in the body of a single email, creating a separate email for each of the multiple image data files. Alternatively, the email creation unit 32 may include the download URLs for each of the multiple image data files in a single email.

[0094] If multiple download URLs with different IP addresses are generated, the email creation unit 32 includes these multiple download URLs in the body of the download email, and the processor 22 sends the email to user AAA.

[0095] If multiple email addresses are registered in the management table and associated with the user ID of user AAA, processor 22 may send download emails to one or more predetermined addresses among those multiple email addresses, or it may send download emails to all addresses.

[0096] For example, when the processor 42 of user AAA's terminal device 12A receives a download email, it displays the body of the download email on the display. This displays the URL on the display. When user AAA operates the terminal device 12A to instruct it to access the URL, the processor 42 of the terminal device 12A accesses the URL. For example, if the URL is included as a link in the body of the email, and user AAA clicks or touches the URL to instruct it to access the URL, the processor 42 of the terminal device 12A accesses the URL. A web browser may be used for this access.

[0097] When the processor 42 of terminal device 12A accesses a download URL, it may download the image data stored in the memory area indicated by the URL to terminal device 12A in accordance with the download instructions of user AAA, or it may download the image data to terminal device 12A even if user AAA does not give a download instruction.

[0098] Furthermore, if a deletion URL is included in the download email, and user AAA operates terminal device 12A to instruct it to access the deletion URL, the processor 42 of terminal device 12A accesses the URL and sends an instruction to image processing device 10 to delete the image data. The processor 22 of image processing device 10 deletes the image data stored in the storage area indicated by the download URL in accordance with the deletion instruction. Individual image data may be deleted. For example, if user AAA uses terminal device 12A to instruct it to delete the image data having file number "1", information indicating that instruction is sent from terminal device 12A to image processing device 10, and the processor 22 of image processing device 10 deletes the image data having file number "1" from the storage area where the image data is stored.

[0099] The processor 22 of the image processing device 10 deletes the file number of the downloaded image data from the management table. The processor 22 may also delete the file number of the deleted image data from the management table. For example, if image data with file number "1" is downloaded, or if image data with file number "1" is deleted, the processor 22 deletes file number "1" in the management table, which is associated with the user ID of user AAA.

[0100] Download emails may be sent to multiple users. This process is explained with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8 is a modified example of a management table for managing user information.

[0101] In the example shown in Figure 8, the user ID of user AAA is associated with the address of user AAA, "AAA@bb.cc", and the address of user FFF, "FFF@bb.cc". Additionally, the user ID of user AAA is associated with information indicating a specific communication interface, "WiFi", that user AAA can use, and information indicating a specific communication interface, "Ethernet1", that user FFF can use.

[0102] The address of user FFF and information indicating a specific communication interface that user FFF can use may be associated with each other and pre-associated with user AAA's user ID, or they may be input into the image processing device 10 by user AAA after user AAA has logged in and associated with user AAA's user ID. For example, before or after a scan is performed, the address of user FFF and information indicating a specific communication interface that user FFF can use may be input and associated with user AAA's user ID.

[0103] When user AAA logs into the image processing device 10 and the (Scan To URL) process is executed, the processes from step S01 to step S06 shown in Figure 7 are executed.

[0104] In step S04, the processor 22 of the image processing device 10 refers to the management table shown in Figure 8 to identify the available interfaces associated with user AAA who is logged into the image processing device 10 (i.e., specific communication interfaces that user AAA can use and specific communication interfaces that user FFF can use), and reads the IP addresses used for each available interface.

[0105] In step S05, the address generation unit 30 generates a URL (i.e., a download URL) for downloading the image data generated by the scan. This URL is information indicating the memory area where the image data with file number "1", the image data with file number "200", and the image data with file number "500" are stored. In the example shown in Figure 8, the address generation unit 30 uses the IP address read in step S04 to generate a URL for user AAA to download the image data and a URL for user FFF to download the image data. Since the specific communication interface that user AAA can use is "WiFi", the address generation unit 30 generates a URL for user AAA that includes the IP address used for "WiFi" (for example, "172.100.100.246"). Since the specific communication interface that user FFF can use is "Ethernet1", the address generation unit 30 generates a URL for user FFF that includes the IP address used for "Ethernet1". Thus, if user AAA and user FFF have different specific communication interfaces available to them, separate URLs will be generated for user AAA and user FFF.

[0106] In step S06, the email creation unit 32 reads the email address associated with the user ID of user AAA, who is logged into the image processing device 10, from the management table shown in Figure 8. In the example shown in Figure 8, the user ID of user AAA is associated with the addresses "AAA@bb.cc" and "FFF@bb.cc", so the email creation unit 32 reads the email addresses "AAA@bb.cc" and "FFF@bb.cc".

[0107] Next, the email creation unit 32 includes the download URL generated in step S05 in the body of the email. The email creation unit 32 creates a download email to be sent to user AAA by including user AAA's URL (i.e., a URL including the IP address used for "WiFi") in the body of the email to be sent to user AAA. Similarly, the email creation unit 32 creates a download email to be sent to user FFF by including user FFF's URL (i.e., a URL including the IP address used for "Ethernet1") in the body of the email to be sent to user FFF. In this way, if user AAA and user FFF can use different specific communication interfaces, the download email sent to user AAA and the download email sent to user FFF will each contain different URLs. The email creation unit 32 may also include a deletion URL in the body of each download email.

[0108] The processor 22 of the image processing device 10 sends the download email to user AAA to user AAA's email address "AAA@bb.cc", and sends the download email to user FFF to user FFF's email address "FFF@bb.cc".

[0109] Users AAA and FFF may each operate their own terminal device 12 to access the download URL provided in their download email and download the image data generated by the scan.

[0110] When user AAA downloads image data, "WiFi" is used as the communication interface. When user FFF downloads image data, "Ethernet1" is used as the communication interface. In this way, users AAA and FFF each download image data using the specific communication interface available to them.

[0111] As described above, the image data generated by the scan is downloaded using a specific communication interface available to the user. In this case, after a download email containing a download URL corresponding to an example of the first information is sent to the user, the specific communication interface available to the user may be changed, and as a result, the user may be unable to download the image data.

[0112] In this embodiment, after an email containing a download URL corresponding to an example of the first information has been sent to the user, if the specific communication interface available to the user is changed, the processor 22 of the image processing device 10 sends second information to the user for obtaining image data using another communication interface available to the user. For example, a URL for accessing image data using another communication interface available to the user corresponds to an example of the second information. The URL corresponding to the example of the second information includes the IP address used in that other communication interface. For example, an email containing a download URL corresponding to an example of the second information is sent to the user's email address. The user can then access the URL corresponding to the example of the second information and download the image data.

[0113] The following section, with reference to Figure 9, details the process that takes place when a specific communication interface available to the user is changed. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of this process.

[0114] If the processor 22 of the image processing device 10 detects that a specific communication interface available to the user has been changed (S11), it executes the processes from step S12 onward. If no such change is detected, the processor 22 does not execute the processes from step S12 onward.

[0115] For example, if an access restriction is imposed on a particular communication interface that was not previously set for a user, or if a particular communication interface that a user was able to use malfunctions, these are examples of a change in the specific communication interface that the user could use.

[0116] Let's explain with a specific example. Assume that WiFi and Ethernet1 are registered in the management table as available interfaces for user AAA, associated with user AAA's user ID. In this case, if WiFi fails or user AAA's use of WiFi is restricted (i.e., access restrictions are set for user AAA regarding WiFi), processor 22 detects that the specific communication interface available to user AAA has changed.

[0117] The following describes the processing from step S12 onwards. As an example, it is assumed that WiFi and Ethernet1 are registered in the management table as available interfaces for user AAA, associated with user AAA's user ID, and that access restrictions have been set for user AAA regarding WiFi. Furthermore, the processing from steps S13 to S16 is performed for each image data.

[0118] When the processor 22 detects that a specific communication interface available to user AAA has been changed, it determines whether or not there is any image data that user AAA has not yet downloaded (S12).

[0119] As described above, when image data is downloaded, the file number of the downloaded image data is removed from the management table. Therefore, the processor 22 refers to the management table to determine whether or not there is any image data that user AAA has not downloaded. If the file number is associated with user AAA's user ID, it is determined that there is image data that user AAA has not downloaded. If the file number is not associated with user AAA's user ID, it is determined that there is no image data that user AAA has not downloaded.

[0120] Even if image data is downloaded, the file number of the image data does not necessarily have to be deleted from the management table. In this case, if the image data is downloaded, a flag indicating that the image data has been downloaded is registered in the management table, associated with the file number of the image data. The processor 22 determines whether or not the image data has been downloaded based on the presence or absence of this flag. If the image data has not been downloaded, a flag indicating that the image data has not been downloaded is associated with the file number of the image data, and the processor 22 may determine whether or not the image data has been downloaded based on the presence or absence of this flag.

[0121] If there is no image data that user AAA has not downloaded (step S12, No), the process terminates.

[0122] If there is image data that user AAA has not downloaded (step S12, Yes), the processor 22 refers to the management table to identify other communication interfaces that user AAA can use and read the IP address of those other communication interfaces (S13). In this example, although access restrictions are set for WiFi, Ethernet1 remains as a communication interface that user AAA can use, so the processor 22 reads the IP address used for Ethernet1.

[0123] Next, the address generation unit 30 generates a URL for downloading undownloaded image data (i.e., a download URL) (S14), similar to step S05 described above. This URL includes the IP address read in step S13 (for example, the IP address used in Ethernet1). The URL generated in step S14 is an example of the second information.

[0124] Next, the email creation unit 32 reads from the management table the email address associated with the user ID of user AAA whose available communication interface has been changed (S15). For example, since the email address "AAA@bb.cc" is associated with user AAA's user ID, the email creation unit 32 reads the email address "AAA@bb.cc".

[0125] Next, the email creation unit 32 includes the download URL generated in step S14 in the body of the email, and the processor 22 sends the email (i.e., the download email) to user AAA's email address "AAA@bb.cc" (S16). The email creation unit 32 may also include a deletion URL in the body of the email.

[0126] If there is image data for which a new URL has not been generated in step S14 (S17, Yes), the process returns to step S13, and steps S13 to S16 are executed on that image data.

[0127] If there is no image data for which a new URL has not been generated in step S14 (S17, No), the process terminates.

[0128] As described above, if image data has not been acquired from the data management unit 28 (i.e., if the image data has not been downloaded), and a specific communication interface available to the user is changed, a download URL, which is an example of second information for acquiring the image data, is generated, and a download email containing this URL is sent to the user.

[0129] On the other hand, if image data has been obtained from the data management unit 28 (i.e., if the image data has been downloaded), a download URL for obtaining the image data is not generated, and an email containing the download URL is not sent to the user.

[0130] As explained with reference to Figure 8, when download emails containing a URL (i.e., an example of the first information) for obtaining image data using a specific communication interface available to each user are sent to multiple users, the processing when the specific communication interface available to each user changes will be described. In this case, the processor 22 sends to each user, for example, second information for obtaining image data using another communication interface available to the user, when the specific communication interface available to the user changes.

[0131] Here, as an example, we assume that, as shown in Figure 8, user AAA has already received a download email containing a download URL that includes the IP address used for WiFi, and user FFF has already received a download email containing a download URL that includes the IP address used for Ethernet1.

[0132] In this case, if user AAA's available interface changes from WiFi to another communication interface (e.g., Ethernet1), the processor 22 sends a download email containing a download URL (an example of second information) that includes the IP address used on Ethernet1 to user AAA's email address.

[0133] Similarly, if user FFF's available interface changes from Ethernet1 to another communication interface (e.g., WiFi), processor 22 sends a download email containing a download URL (an example of second information) including the IP address used for WiFi to user FFF's email address.

[0134] In the example shown in Figure 8, for example, if all users AAA and FFF download the image data, the processor 22 of the image processing device 10 may delete the downloaded image data from the data management unit 28.

[0135] As another example, if any of the users downloads image data, the processor 22 may delete the downloaded image data from the data management unit 28. For example, if user AAA or user FFF downloads image data, the processor 22 deletes the downloaded image data from the data management unit 28.

[0136] As another example, if one of users AAA,FFF instructs the deletion of image data, processor 22 may notify users other than the user who instructed the deletion of the image data via email or other means that information indicating that the deletion of the image data has been instructed has been sent. In this case, processor 22 will delete the image data after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time the deletion of the image data was instructed.

[0137] As another example, processor 22 may delete the image data from data management unit 28 when the last of users AAA, FFF has downloaded the image data.

[0138] If the communication interface of the image processing device 10 fails or is removed, the processor 22 may send the above-mentioned second information to the user. This process will be explained below with reference to Figure 10. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of this process.

[0139] If the processor 22 of the image processing device 10 detects a failure or removal of the communication interface (S21), it executes the processes from step S22 onward. If no failure or removal is detected, the processor 22 does not execute the processes from step S22 onward.

[0140] In the following example, we assume that WiFi and Ethernet1 are registered in the management table as available interfaces for user AAA, associated with user AAA's user ID, and that a failure or removal of WiFi has been detected.

[0141] In step S22, the processor 22 refers to a management table (for example, the management table shown in Figure 6 or Figure 8).

[0142] The processor 22 executes the processing of each step from step S23 onward for each user registered in the management table. For example, the processor 22 detects each user by going from the top to the bottom of the management table and executes the processing of each step from step S23 onward for each user.

[0143] If no users are detected in the management table and the processing of each step from step S24 onwards has not been executed (S23, No), the process terminates.

[0144] If there are any unprocessed users whose processing in each step from step S24 onward has not been performed (S23, Yes), the processor 22 executes the processing in each step from step S24 onward.

[0145] For example, if the processing of each step from step S24 onward has not been performed for user AAA, the processor 22 will perform the processing of each step from step S24 onward for user AAA.

[0146] In step S24, the processor 22 determines, similar to step S12, whether or not there is any image data that user AAA has not downloaded.

[0147] If user AAA has no images that have not been downloaded (S24, No), the process proceeds to step S23. If there are other users with unprocessed data (e.g., user BBB), the processing for each step from step S24 onward is performed for those other users. If there are no other users with unprocessed data, the process ends.

[0148] If there are images that user AAA has not downloaded (S24, Yes), the processor 22 refers to the management table to identify other communication interfaces that user AAA can use and read the IP address of those other communication interfaces (S25). In this example, although the WiFi is malfunctioning or disconnected, Ethernet1 remains as a communication interface that user AAA can use, so the processor 22 reads the IP address used for Ethernet1.

[0149] Next, the address generation unit 30 generates a URL for downloading undownloaded image data (i.e., a download URL) (S26), similar to step S05 described above. This URL includes the IP address read in step S25 (for example, the IP address used in Ethernet1). The URL generated in step S26 is an example of the second information.

[0150] Next, the email creation unit 32 reads the email address associated with user AAA's user ID from the management table (S27). For example, since user AAA's user ID is associated with the email address "AAA@bb.cc", the email creation unit 32 reads the email address "AAA@bb.cc".

[0151] Next, the email creation unit 32 includes the download URL generated in step S26 in the body of the email, and the processor 22 sends the email (i.e., the download email) to user AAA's email address "AAA@bb.cc" (S28). The email creation unit 32 may also include a deletion URL in the body of the email. The process then proceeds to step S23.

[0152] When generating a download URL for each image data and creating an email, steps S25 to S28 are executed for all image data that user AAA has not yet downloaded.

[0153] Once processing for user AAA is complete, steps S24 through S28 are also executed for other users (e.g., user BBB).

[0154] If there are no other communication interfaces available to the user, the processor 22 may permit the user to use another communication interface, but only for the purpose of acquiring image data (i.e., only for downloading image data).

[0155] For example, let's consider a case where the image processing device 10 has Ethernet 1 and 2 as communication interfaces, and Ethernet 2 fails. As shown in Figure 6, user CCC can only use Ethernet 2 and cannot use Ethernet 1. If Ethernet 2 fails, user CCC should not be able to download image data using Ethernet 1. However, the processor 22 allows user CCC to use Ethernet 1 only to download image data with a file number associated with user CCC's user ID. In this case, a download URL including the IP address used on Ethernet 1 is generated, a download email containing this URL is created, and this email is sent to user CCC's email address. The processor 22 allows user CCC to access the URL contained in the email. As a result, user CCC can download image data from the URL. On the other hand, the processor 22 restricts user CCC's use of Ethernet 1 for purposes other than accessing the URL.

[0156] If a user's available communication interface is changed, the user may still be able to use the communication interface used to acquire image data after the change. In this case, after the user's available communication interface is changed, the processor 22 does not send the above-mentioned second information to the user.

[0157] For example, as shown in Figure 6, if the communication interface available to user AAA was WiFi, and the communication interface available to user AAA is changed from WiFi to WiFi and Ethernet1, the processor 22 will not send the above-mentioned second information to user AAA.

[0158] The process will be explained below with reference to Figure 11. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process.

[0159] If the processor 22 of the image processing device 10 detects that a communication interface available to a user (e.g., user AAA) has changed (S31), it executes the processes from step S32 onward. If no such change is detected, the processor 22 does not execute the processes from step S32 onward.

[0160] When the processor 22 detects that the communication interface available to user AAA has changed, it determines whether or not there is any image data that user AAA has not yet downloaded (S32).

[0161] If there is no image data that user AAA has not downloaded (step S32, No), the process terminates.

[0162] If there is image data that user AAA has not downloaded (step S32, Yes), the processor 22 compares the communication interface that user AAA could use before the change in the communication interface available to user AAA (i.e., the available I / F before the change) with the communication interface that user AAA can use after the change in the communication interface available to user AAA (i.e., the available I / F after the change) (S33).

[0163] If the communication interface that user AAA could use before the change is still available to user AAA after the change (S34, Yes), the process proceeds to step S40. For example, if the communication interface available to user AAA before the change was WiFi, and the communication interface available to user AAA is changed from WiFi to WiFi and Ethernet1, the process proceeds to step S40. In this case, user AAA can download image data using the WiFi before the change, so the URL corresponding to the example of second information is not sent to user AAA. In step S40, the processor 22 rewrites the available communication interface associated with user AAA's user ID in the management table (S40). For example, the processor 22 rewrites the available communication interface associated with user AAA's user ID from WiFi to WiFi and Ethernet1.

[0164] If a communication interface that user AAA could use before the change is no longer available to user AAA after the change (S34, No), the processor 22 identifies another communication interface that user AAA can use and reads the IP address of that other communication interface (S35). For example, if the communication interface that user AAA could use before the change was WiFi, and the communication interface that user AAA can use is changed from WiFi to Ethernet1, the processor 22 reads the IP address used for Ethernet1.

[0165] Next, the address generation unit 30 generates a URL for downloading undownloaded image data (i.e., a download URL) (S36), similar to step S05 described above. This URL includes the IP address read in step S35 (for example, the IP address used in Ethernet1). The URL generated in step S36 is an example of the second information.

[0166] Next, the email creation unit 32 reads from the management table the email address associated with the user ID of user AAA whose available communication interface has been changed (S37). For example, since the email address "AAA@bb.cc" is associated with user AAA's user ID, the email creation unit 32 reads the email address "AAA@bb.cc".

[0167] Next, the email creation unit 32 includes the download URL generated in step S36 in the body of the email, and the processor 22 sends the email (i.e., the download email) to user AAA's email address "AAA@bb.cc" (S38). The email creation unit 32 may also include a deletion URL in the body of the email.

[0168] If there is image data for which a new URL has not been generated in step S36 (S39, Yes), the process returns to step S36, and steps S36 to S38 are executed on that image data.

[0169] If there is no image data for which a new URL has not been generated in step S36 (S39, No), the processor 22 rewrites the communication interface associated with user ID of user AAA in the management table (S40). For example, the processor 22 rewrites the communication interface associated with user ID of user AAA from WiFi to Ethernet1.

[0170] The following describes modifications of the embodiment. In the modifications, user authentication when logging into the image processing device 10 is performed by an authentication device (e.g., an authentication server), which is a device other than the image processing device 10. In this case, the user ID, password, email address, and available I / F from the management tables shown in Figures 6 and 8 are managed by the authentication device, and the image processing device 10 does not always manage this information.

[0171] In the modified version, when user authentication is successful during login to the image processing device 10, user information for the authenticated user, including the user ID, password, email address, and information indicating available interfaces, is transmitted from the authentication device to the image processing device 10 and stored in the user information management unit 26. Subsequently, when the (Scan To URL) process shown in Figure 7 is executed, the file number of the image data generated by the scan is associated with the user ID of the user who instructed the execution of the (Scan To URL) process. Then, the user information for users who have downloaded all the image data associated with them is deleted from the user information management unit 26 of the image processing device 10. User information for users who have image data that has not been downloaded is stored in the user information management unit 26 of the image processing device 10. In other words, user information for a user is stored in the user information management unit 26 until the image data is downloaded and acquired by the user.

[0172] Figure 12 shows an example of a management table related to a modified example. The management table shown in Figure 12 is a management table managed by the user information management unit 26.

[0173] In the example shown in Figure 12, the user information for users AAA, CCC, and DDD is registered in the management table. For example, users AAA, CCC, and DDD are each authenticated by an authentication device, and as a result, information indicating the user ID, password, email address, and available interfaces for each user AAA, CCC, and DDD is transmitted from the authentication device to the image processing device 10, stored in the user information management unit 26, and registered in the management table.

[0174] A scan performed by user AAA generates one or more image data files, and user AAA's user ID is associated with the file number "1" of the image data generated by that scan. When user AAA downloads the image data associated with user AAA's user ID, the file number of the downloaded image data is deleted from the management table. Image data with file numbers that have not been deleted from the management table are image data that have not been downloaded. Image data with file number "1" is image data that has not been downloaded by user AAA.

[0175] The same applies to users CCC and DDD. For example, since the image data with file number "3" has not been downloaded by user CCC, file number "3" is associated with user CCC's user ID.

[0176] For example, if user AAA downloads image data with file number "1" in the management situation shown in Figure 12, the processor 22 of the image processing device 10 deletes user AAA's user information from the user information management unit 26. In other words, the processor 22 deletes user AAA's user information from the management table shown in Figure 12.

[0177] Furthermore, if user DDD downloads image data with file number "2", the processor 22 of the image processing device 10 deletes file number "2" from the management table. At this stage, since image data with file number "300" and image data with file number "1000" have not been downloaded by user DDD, the processor 22 does not delete file numbers "300" and "1000" from the management table.

[0178] As described above, in the modified example, user information is managed by the authentication device, and user information of users who have not downloaded image data is stored in the user information management unit 26 of the image processing device 10 and registered in the management table.

[0179] The following describes the process when the communication interface available to a user is changed, in a case where user information is managed in this manner, with reference to Figure 13. Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the processing flow for a modified example.

[0180] First, the user (for example, user AAA) enters their login information (for example, user ID and password) into the image processing device 10 (S41).

[0181] The entered login information is sent from the image processing device 10 to an authentication server, which is an example of an authentication device, and is verified by the authentication server (S42). If the authentication is successful as a result of the verification of the login information, information indicating that authentication was successful is sent from the authentication server to the image processing device 10. If authentication fails, information indicating that authentication failed is sent from the authentication server to the image processing device 10. If authentication is successful, user AAA is permitted to log in to the image processing device 10. If authentication fails, user AAA is not permitted to log in to the image processing device 10, and the process ends. The following describes the case when authentication is successful.

[0182] The processor 22 of the image processing device 10 receives information from the authentication server indicating that authentication was successful and detects that the login was successful (S43).

[0183] Next, the processor 22 obtains information from the authentication server indicating the available interfaces managed by the authentication server as communication interfaces that user AAA can use at that time (S44).

[0184] Next, the processor 22 refers to the information stored in the user information management unit 26 (i.e., the management table) to determine whether or not there is any image data that user AAA has not downloaded (S45).

[0185] If there is no image data that user AAA has not downloaded (step S45, No), the process terminates. In this case, since user information for user AAA is not registered in the management table stored in the user information management unit 26, the processor 22 determines that there is no image data that user AAA has not downloaded.

[0186] If there is image data that user AAA has not downloaded (S45, Yes), the processor 22 compares the available interfaces associated with user AAA's user ID in the management table stored in the user information management unit 26 (i.e., the available interfaces before the change) with the available interfaces obtained from the authentication server in step S44 (i.e., the available interfaces after the change) (S46).

[0187] If the information indicating available interfaces associated with user AAA's user ID in the management table stored in the user information management unit 26 is included in the information indicating available interfaces obtained from the authentication server in step S44, that is, if the communication interface that user AAA could use before the change is still usable by user AAA after the change (S47, Yes), then the process proceeds to step S53. For example, if the available interface associated with user AAA's user ID in the management table stored in the user information management unit 26 is WiFi, and the available interface obtained from the authentication server in step S44 is WiFi, then since there is still a communication interface that user AAA can use, the process proceeds to step S53. In this case, user AAA can download image data using WiFi, so the URL corresponding to the example of the second information is not sent to user AAA. In step S53, the processor 22 rewrites the available communication interfaces associated with user AAA's user ID in the management table. In the example above, the available communication interface has not been changed. However, if the available communication interface were to be changed from WiFi to WiFi and Ethernet1, the processor 22 would rewrite the available communication interface associated with user ID AAA in the management table from WiFi to WiFi and Ethernet1.

[0188] If the information indicating the available interfaces associated with user ID of user AAA in the management table stored in the user information management unit 26 is not included in the information indicating the available interfaces obtained from the authentication server in step S44, that is, if the communication interface that user AAA could use before the change is not available to user AAA after the change (S47, No), the processor 22 identifies another communication interface that user AAA can use and reads the IP address of that other communication interface (S48). For example, if the available interface associated with user ID of user AAA in the management table stored in the user information management unit 26 is WiFi, and the available interface obtained from the authentication server in step S44 is Ethernet1, the processor 22 reads the IP address used for Ethernet1. This IP address may be stored in the memory 20 of the image processing device 10, or it may be sent from the authentication server to the image processing device 10.

[0189] Next, the address generation unit 30 generates a URL for downloading undownloaded image data (i.e., a download URL) (S49), similar to step S05 described above. This URL includes the IP address read in step S48 (for example, the IP address used in Ethernet1). The URL generated in step S49 corresponds to an example of the second information.

[0190] Next, the email creation unit 32 reads the email address associated with user ID of user AAA from the management table (S50).

[0191] Next, the email creation unit 32 includes the download URL generated in step S49 in the body of the email, and the processor 22 sends the email (i.e., the download email) to user AAA's email address "AAA@bb.cc" (S51). The email creation unit 32 may also include a deletion URL in the body of the email.

[0192] If there is image data for which a new URL has not been generated in step S49 (S52, Yes), the process returns to step S49, and the processes from step S49 to step S51 are executed on that image data.

[0193] If there is no image data for which a new URL has not been generated in step S49 (S52, No), the processor 22 rewrites the communication interface associated with user ID of user AAA in the management table stored in the user information management unit 26 (S53). For example, the processor 22 rewrites the communication interface associated with user ID of user AAA from WiFi to Ethernet1.

[0194] As described above, even when the available interfaces are managed by the authentication server, if the communication interface available to a user changes, an email containing a URL for downloading image data using the communication interface available to that user after the change will be sent to that user.

[0195] The functions of the image processing device 10 described above are realized, for example, through the cooperation of hardware and software. For instance, the processor reads and executes programs stored in the memory of each device, thereby realizing the functions of each device. The programs are stored in memory via a recording medium such as a CD or DVD, or via a communication path such as a network.

[0196] In each of the above embodiments, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, including general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.). Furthermore, the operation of the processor in each of the above embodiments may not be performed by a single processor, but may be performed by multiple processors located in physically separate locations working together. In addition, the order of the processor's operations is not limited to the order described in each of the above embodiments, and may be changed as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0197] 10 Image processing unit, 12A, 12B Terminal unit, 14 Image reading unit, 20 Memory, 22 Processor.

Claims

1. It has a processor, The aforementioned processor, First information for acquiring image data generated by reading by an image reading device using a specific communication interface that the user can utilize is transmitted to the user. If the specific communication interface available to the user is changed, second information for acquiring the image data using another communication interface available to the user is transmitted to the user. Information processing device.

2. The aforementioned image data is stored in memory. The first information and the second information are information for obtaining the image data from the memory, The aforementioned processor, If the image data has not been acquired from the memory and the specific communication interface has been changed, the second information is sent to the user; if the image data has been acquired from the memory, the second information is not sent to the user. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned processor, If the aforementioned specific communication interface fails or is removed, the second information is transmitted to the user. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The aforementioned processor, If there are no other communication interfaces available to the user, the user may be permitted to use another communication interface, but only for the purpose of acquiring the image data. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned processor, If, after the transmission of the first information, a change is made to one or more sets of communication interfaces available to the user, and the user can still use the specific communication interface related to the first information after the change, the second information will not be transmitted to the user. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The aforementioned processor, Until the image data is acquired by the user, the information indicating the specific communication interface is stored in memory. When the user is authenticated and logs into the device, the authentication device manages one or more communication interfaces that the user can use and authenticates the user logging into the device, and obtains information indicating one or more communication interfaces that the user can use. If the information indicating the specific communication interface stored in the memory is not included in the information indicating the one or more communication interfaces obtained from the authentication device, the authentication device sends information to the user for acquiring the image data using a communication interface included in the one or more interfaces managed by the authentication device. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The aforementioned processor, First information for acquiring image data is sent to multiple users using a specific communication interface available to each user. If a specific communication interface available to a user is changed, second information for acquiring the image data using another communication interface available to the user is sent to the user. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

8. The aforementioned image data is stored in memory. The first information and the second information are information for obtaining the image data from the memory, The aforementioned processor, If any of the users mentioned above retrieves the image data stored in the memory, delete the image data from the memory. The information processing apparatus according to claim 7.

9. Computers First information for acquiring image data generated by reading by an image reading device using a specific communication interface that the user can utilize is transmitted to the user. If the specific communication interface available to the user is changed, second information for acquiring the image data using another communication interface available to the user is transmitted to the user. A program designed to make it work in that way.

Images