Image reading device, image reading system, method for controlling image reading device, and program

Abstract

An image reading device according to the present invention outputs a code image which can be read by a terminal device. Said image reading device, in response to an image reading request, obtains an image by causing a reading means, which reads a document image, to read a document and transmits the image to a request origin of the reading request. The code image includes: first connection information for connecting the terminal device to an information processing device so as to be capable of communication therewith; and second connection information for connecting the information processing device or the terminal device to the image reading device so as to be capable of communication therewith.

Description

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

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

[0002] Image reading devices have been used for electronically storing information written on paper, such as manuscripts. In recent years, with the development of image analysis technology, it has become common to analyze images read by image reading devices and utilize the information obtained as a result of the analysis. Many of these technologies are now offered on the market as information processing services.

[0003] Such information processing services are generally executed by an external information processing server, and it is necessary to link the external information processing server with the user's image reading device.

[0004] When linking an information processing service and an image reading device, establishing communication between the information processing server and the image reading device presents a challenge. The information processing server that executes the information processing service needs to communicate with the image reading device to provide a user interface, control the image reading device, receive scanned images, and so on. However, this requires that connection information, such as an IP address, required to establish communication with the image reading device be registered in the information processing server in advance or that the user inputs the information when using the information processing server, resulting in reduced convenience. Patent Document 1 describes a technology that enables an image reading device to connect to a terminal device and transmit and receive document data between the image reading device and the terminal device without requiring any prior configuration for the connection between the image reading device and the terminal device.

[0005] Patent No. 5822040

[0006] In the technology of Patent Document 1, a terminal device reads a code image displayed on an image reading device, and a user interface provided by the image reading device is displayed on the terminal device. This technology allows a user to be provided with a user interface without increasing the size or cost of the image reading device. However, the user interface is provided by the image reading device, not the information processing server. Therefore, the technology of Patent Document 1 does not solve the above-mentioned problems that arise when using information processing services.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for easily linking an information processing service with an image reading device.

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, an image reading device according to one aspect of the present invention has the following configuration: an image reading device including: reading means for reading an image of an original document; output means for outputting a code image readable by a terminal device; and control means for controlling the reading means to read the original document in response to an image reading request, and transmitting the image obtained by the reading means to a source of the reading request, wherein the code image includes first connection information for connecting the terminal device to an information processing device so as to be communicable with the terminal device, and second connection information for connecting the information processing device or the terminal device to the image reading device so as to be communicable with the terminal device.

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to easily link an information processing service with an image reading device.

[0010] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the same or similar elements are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0011] The accompanying drawings are included in the specification, constitute a part thereof, illustrate embodiments of the present invention, and are used together with the description to explain the principles of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an image reading system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of an image reading device A according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a control unit of image reading device A according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 4 is a front view illustrating the display unit of image reading device A according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a reading procedure in an image reading system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the connection process of S601 in Figure 6.

[0029] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the process flow in which information processing terminal B acquires a web application from information processing server C in S602 in Figure 6.

[0029] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of list information associating the IP address of image reading device A with the IP address of information processing terminal B according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating the process flow in which information processing server C generates a web application in S803 in Figure 8. 6 according to the first embodiment; FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a process of reading an original document by the information processing terminal B and the image reading device A and transmitting the read image data to the information processing server C in S603 of FIG. 6 according to the first embodiment; FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a process of generating a web application (S1703) performed by the information processing server C according to the second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a process of reading an original document by the image reading device A and the information processing terminal B and transmitting the read image data to the information processing server C according to the second embodiment; FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process of generating a web application by the information processing server C according to the third embodiment; FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a process of reading an original document by the image reading device A and the information processing terminal B and transmitting the read image data to the information processing server C according to the third embodiment; FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure in the image reading system according to the first embodiment; FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure in the image reading system according to the second embodiment; FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure in the image reading system according to the third embodiment; 10A and 10B are views showing examples of UI screens displayed on a touch panel of the information processing terminal B according to the first embodiment.FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure in an image reading system according to a fourth embodiment.

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention claimed. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0013] First Embodiment First, a system configuration according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of an image reading system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] An image reading device A (document reading device), an information processing terminal B, and an information processing server C (information processing device) are connected via a network configured by a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network). Here, the image reading device A is a device capable of reading documents, such as a scanner or an MFP, and the information processing terminal B is a mobile information terminal (terminal device), such as a smartphone or a PDA. It is assumed that the image reading device A is assigned an IP address (192.168.0.2), and the information processing terminal B is assigned an IP address (192.168.0.3). It is also assumed that the information processing server C can be accessed via a uniform resource locator (URL) (http: / / sample.com / imageservice / ). However, the network according to the first embodiment is assumed to be one in which at least image reading device A and information processing terminal B, and information processing terminal B and information processing server C can communicate with each other.

[0016] Next, an image reading apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the image reading apparatus A according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] <Device Configuration> The image reading device A transports one or more transport media (sheets) S loaded on a loading platform 1 one by one through a path RT into the device, reads the images, and discharges the media onto a discharge tray 2 serving as a loading member. The transport media S to be read include, for example, photographs, office paper, checks, paper cheques, business cards, and other cards, and may be thick or thin. Examples of cards include insurance cards, driver's licenses, and credit cards. Transport media S also include booklets such as passports. When a booklet is the target, a holder can be used. By placing a booklet in a transparent holder in a double-page spread and placing it on the loading platform 1, the booklet is transported along with the holder, and its image can be read. Reference numeral 83 denotes an operation unit.

[0019] <Paper feeding> A first transport unit 10 is provided as a feeding mechanism that feeds the transport medium S along the path RT. In this embodiment, the first transport unit 10 includes a feed roller 11 and a separation roller 12 arranged opposite the feed roller 11, and sequentially transports the transport medium S on the mounting table 1 one by one in the transport direction D1. A driving force is transmitted to the feed roller 11 from a drive unit 3 such as a motor via a transmission unit 5, and the feed roller 11 is driven to rotate in the direction of the arrow in the figure (the forward direction for transporting the transport medium S along the path RT). The transmission unit 5 is, for example, an electromagnetic clutch, and connects and disconnects the driving force from the drive unit 3 to the feed roller 11.

[0020] <Drive Unit> In the first embodiment, for example, the transmission unit 5 that connects the drive unit 3 and the feed roller 11 transmits a drive force under normal circumstances, and cuts off the drive force when the transported medium S is reversed or stopped. When the transmission of the drive force is cut off by the transmission unit 5, the feed roller 11 is allowed to rotate freely. Note that such a transmission unit 5 need not be provided when the feed roller 11 is driven in only one direction.

[0021] <Separation Structure> The separation roller 12, which is disposed opposite the feed roller 11, is a roller for separating the conveyed media S one by one, and is pressed against the feed roller 11 with a constant pressure. To ensure this pressed state, the separation roller 12 is configured to be swingable and to be biased toward the feed roller 11. A driving force is transmitted to the separation roller 12 from the drive unit 3 via a torque limiter 12a, and the separation roller 12 is driven to rotate in the direction of the solid arrow (the opposite direction to the forward direction of the feed roller 11).

[0022] Because the transmission of driving force to the separation roller 12 is restricted by the torque limiter 12a, when the separation roller 12 is in contact with the feed roller 11, it rotates in the direction (indicated by the dashed arrow) that rotates together with the feed roller 11. As a result, when multiple conveyed media S are conveyed to the pressure contact portion between the feed roller 11 and the separation roller 12, two or more conveyed media S except for one are blocked so that they cannot be conveyed downstream.

[0023] In the first embodiment, the separation mechanism is constituted by the separation roller 12 and the feed roller 11, but such a separation mechanism is not necessarily provided, and any feeding mechanism that sequentially feeds the transport media S one by one along the path RT will suffice. Furthermore, when a separation mechanism is provided, instead of a configuration such as the separation roller 12, a separation pad that applies friction to the transport media S may be pressed against the feed roller 11 to provide a similar separation effect.

[0024] <Conveying Structure> The second conveying unit 20, which serves as a conveying mechanism located downstream of the first conveying unit 10 in the conveying direction, includes a drive roller 21 and a driven roller 22 driven by the drive roller 21, and conveys the conveyed medium S conveyed from the first conveying unit 10 downstream. A driving force is transmitted to the drive roller 21 from a driving unit 4 such as a motor, and the drive roller 21 is driven to rotate in the direction of the arrow in the figure. The driven roller 22 is pressed against the drive roller 21 with a constant pressure and rotates along with the drive roller 21. The driven roller 22 may be configured to be biased against the drive roller 21 by a biasing unit (not shown) such as a spring.

[0025] The third transport unit 30, which is located downstream in the transport direction from the second transport unit 20, includes a drive roller 31 and a driven roller 32 driven by the drive roller 31, and transports the transport medium S transported from the second transport unit 20 to the discharge tray 2. In other words, the third transport unit 30 functions as a discharge mechanism. A driving force is transmitted to the drive roller 31 from a drive unit 4 such as a motor, and the drive roller 31 is driven to rotate in the direction of the arrow in the figure. The driven roller 32 is pressed against the drive roller 31 with a constant pressure and rotates along with the drive roller 31. The driven roller 32 may be configured to be biased against the drive roller 31 by a biasing unit (not shown) such as a spring.

[0026] The discharge tray 2 on which documents are stacked is pivotally supported via a first hinge 101 provided below the image reading device A so as to be rotatable relative to the image reading device A. The device also has a first discharge tray 2a on the first hinge 101 side and a first extension tray 2b, a second extension tray 2c, and a third extension tray 2d connected to its tip end. The first extension tray 2b is supported so as to be slidable relative to the first discharge tray 2a and be retractable, the second extension tray 2c is supported so as to be slidable relative to the first extension tray 2b and be retractable, and the third extension tray 2d is supported so as to be slidable relative to the second extension tray 2c and be retractable.

[0027] <Image Reading Structure and Control> In the image reading device A according to the first embodiment, images are read by the image reading unit 70 disposed between the second conveying unit 20 and the third conveying unit 30, and therefore the second conveying unit 20 and the third conveying unit 30 convey the conveyed medium S at a constant speed. By always setting the conveying speed of this constant speed conveying to be equal to or higher than the conveying speed of the first conveying unit 10, it is possible to reliably prevent the following conveyed medium S from catching up with the preceding conveyed medium S. For example, in the first embodiment, the conveying speed of the conveyed medium S by the second conveying unit 20 and the third conveying unit 30 is controlled to be faster than the conveying speed of the conveyed medium S by the first conveying unit 10.

[0028] Furthermore, even if the conveying speed of the conveying medium S by the second conveying unit 20 and the third conveying unit 30 and the conveying speed of the conveying medium S by the first conveying unit 10 are the same, it is also possible to form a minimum gap between the preceding conveying medium S and the succeeding conveying medium S by controlling the drive unit 3 to intermittently shift the timing at which the feed of the succeeding conveying medium S begins.

[0029] <Multi-feed detection> The multi-feed detection sensor 40 disposed between the first conveying unit 10 and the second conveying unit 20 is an example of a detection sensor (a sensor that detects the behavior and state of sheets) for detecting when conveying media S such as paper have come into close contact with each other due to static electricity or the like and have passed through the first conveying unit 10 (i.e., when a multi-feed state occurs in which the conveying media S are conveyed overlapping each other). Various types of multi-feed detection sensor 40 can be used, but in this embodiment, it is an ultrasonic sensor that includes an ultrasonic wave transmitter 41 and a receiver 42, and detects multi-feed based on the principle that the attenuation of ultrasonic waves passing through conveying media S such as paper differs between when the conveying media S are conveyed overlapping each other and when the conveying media S are conveyed one by one.

[0030] <Registration Sensor> The medium detection sensor 50, which is located downstream in the conveying direction from the aforementioned double feed detection sensor 40, is an example of a detection sensor (a sensor that detects the behavior and state of a sheet) located upstream of the second conveying unit 20 and downstream of the first conveying unit 10 on the upstream side of the conveying path RT. The medium detection sensor 50 detects the position of the conveyed medium S conveyed by the first conveying unit 10, more specifically, whether the end of the conveyed medium S has reached or passed the detection position of the medium detection sensor 50. Various types of medium detection sensor 50 can be used, but in this embodiment, it is an optical sensor that includes a light-emitting unit 51 and a light-receiving unit 52 and detects the conveyed medium S based on the principle that the received light intensity (amount of received light) changes when the conveyed medium S arrives or passes through.

[0031] In the first embodiment, the medium detection sensor 50 is provided downstream of and near the double feed detection sensor 40 so that the medium S has reached a position where the double feed can be detected by the double feed detection sensor 40 when the leading edge of the medium S is detected by the medium detection sensor 50. Note that the medium detection sensor 50 is not limited to the optical sensor described above, and may be, for example, a sensor (such as an image sensor) that can detect the edge of the medium S, or a lever-type sensor that protrudes into the path RT. Furthermore, a plurality of medium detection sensors may be provided in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction to detect if the medium is traveling obliquely relative to the transport path.

[0032] A media detection sensor 60, separate from the media detection sensor 50, is disposed upstream of the image reading unit 70. The media detection sensor 60 is an example of a downstream detection sensor disposed downstream of the second conveying unit 20, and detects the position of the conveyed medium S conveyed by the second conveying unit 20. Various types of media detection sensor 60 can be used, but in this embodiment, like the media detection sensor 50, it is an optical sensor that includes a light-emitting unit 61 and a light-receiving unit 62 and detects the conveyed medium S based on the principle that the intensity of received light (amount of received light) changes as the conveyed medium S arrives or passes through. Note that, although the media detection sensors 50 and 60 are disposed upstream and downstream of the second conveying unit 20 in the conveying direction, only one of them may be used.

[0033] <CIS Placement> The image reading unit 70, located downstream of the media detection sensor 60, optically scans the image, converts it into an electrical signal, and reads it as image data. It includes a light source such as an LED, an image sensor, a lens array, and the like. The image reading unit 70 is a contact image sensor (CIS) unit. While the image reading unit 70 is described as a CIS unit here, it may also be a unit using a CCD as the image sensor, and the type of image sensor is not limited. In the embodiment, one image reading unit 70 (hereinafter, synonymous with CIS) is disposed on each side of the path RT (70a, 70b) to read the front and back surfaces of the transported medium S. However, one image reading unit 70 may be disposed on only one side of the path RT to read only one side of the transported medium S. In the embodiment, the image reading units 70 are disposed facing each other on both sides of the path RT, but they may also be disposed spaced apart in the direction of the path RT, for example.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the control unit 80 of the image reading apparatus A according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] The control unit 80 includes a CPU 81, a storage unit 82, a communication unit 84, and an interface unit 85a. The CPU 81 executes programs stored in the storage unit 82 to control various functions such as reading control of the image reading device A, medium transport, and notifications to the operator. The operation unit 83 includes, for example, a display unit 94 and a switch 83b, and displays information to the operator and accepts operations from the operator.

[0036] Here, the control unit 80 may have multiple CPUs, memory units, communication units, and interface units, and for example, one CPU may control the reading of the image reading device A and the transport of the medium, while another CPU may notify the operator, etc. In other words, the functions may be divided and controlled by multiple control systems.

[0037] The communication unit 84 has a communication interface for communicating information with a connected external device. In the first embodiment, the communication unit 84 has a wireless LAN interface and a wired LAN interface as communication interfaces. In the first embodiment, the external device with which the communication unit 84 performs wireless communication is the information processing terminal B. Note that in the first embodiment, the image reading device A is connected to a LAN as shown in FIG. 1, but this may be either a wired LAN or a wireless LAN.

[0038] The image reading device A has an internal web server (not shown) that can be accessed from an external device connected via a wired LAN. Communication with the web server is performed via the communication unit 84.

[0039] The interface unit 85a is an I / O interface connected to the CPU 81, and performs input and output of data with the actuator 86 and the sensor 87. The actuator 86 includes the aforementioned drive unit 3, drive unit 4, transmission unit 5, etc. The sensor 87 includes the aforementioned double feed detection sensor 40, medium detection sensors 50 and 60, etc. The interface unit 85b is, for example, a control interface connected to the display unit 94 of the operation unit 83. Possible interfaces for display control include, for example, SPI, USB interface, eDP, and HDMI.

[0040] 4 is a front view illustrating the display unit of the image reading device A according to the first embodiment of the present invention. More precisely, it is a view seen from a direction perpendicular to the front panel 90 provided at an angle on the front side of the image reading device A, and is a view seen from slightly above the front when the device is placed.

[0041] A display panel 93 is provided on the front panel 90 at the top of the front, and inside the display panel 93 are provided a power button 122, which is an example of a switch and an example of an operation unit 83, and a display unit 94. The display unit 94 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and is capable of displaying a screen according to the status of the image reading device A and providing device information to the operator. Examples of the displayed screen include a list of jobs specifying reading operations (e.g., reading resolution, output method and output destination of read image data, etc.) previously registered in the image reading device A, and a two-dimensional code image that can be read by the information processing terminal B. An icon indicating the status of the image reading device A may also be displayed.

[0042] <Control During Multifeed> During the image reading operation, the multifeed detection sensor 40 determines whether or not a multifeed has occurred while the medium S is being conveyed. If it is determined that a multifeed has not occurred, the conveyance continues. If a multifeed is determined to have occurred, the conveyance may be stopped, or the first conveying unit 10 may stop taking in the subsequent medium S, and the medium S in the multifeed state may be discharged as is. An indication that a multifeed has occurred may also be displayed on an external personal computer or on a display unit 94 inside the image reading device A. At this time, the user may also be prompted to select a recovery process, such as continuing reading, or discarding the read data of the multifeed medium S and starting with reading the medium S for which no image read data has been acquired, including the multifeed medium S.

[0043] <Start of Reading in Accordance with the Output of the Registration Sensor and Transmission and Storage of the Read Image> The control unit 80 starts image reading by the image reading unit 70 of the conveyed medium S conveyed by the second conveying unit 20 based on the detection result of the medium detection sensor 60. The control unit 80 processes the read image data, temporarily stores it, and sequentially transmits it to an external device. The temporarily stored image data is transmitted via the communication unit 84 to a connected external PC or network device. The external PC may display and then store the received read image, or the external PC may directly store the received read image in a predetermined location. The image data may also be stored in a predetermined location on a device on the network, such as an external storage device or FTP server directly connected to the network. Image processing of the image data read by the image reading unit 70 may be performed by the control unit 80 or by an external PC or external device. Naturally, multiple functions may be divided and performed by multiple control units 80, external PCs, or external devices.

[0044] <Paper Discharge Structure> The conveyed medium S from which the image has been read is discharged onto the discharge tray 2 by the third conveying section 30, thereby completing the image reading process of the conveyed medium S. The discharge tray 2 is an example of a document placement table.

[0045] A discharge opening 92 is provided in a lower panel 91 at the bottom of the front surface, through which the medium S conveyed by the third conveying unit 30 is discharged.

[0046] <Driving upon receiving a start instruction from outside> Next, the basic operation of the image reading device A will be described. When the control unit 80 receives an instruction to start image reading from, for example, an external personal computer or control device to which the image reading device A is connected, it starts driving the first conveying unit 10, the second conveying unit 20, and the third conveying unit 30. The conveying media S loaded on the mounting table 1 are conveyed one by one, starting with the lowest conveying media S. In the first embodiment, the instruction to start image reading is received from the information processing terminal B.

[0047] <Start of reading according to output of registration sensor> The control unit 80 reads the conveyed medium S conveyed by the second conveying unit 20 using the image reading unit 70. The timing for starting reading here is based on the detection result of the medium detection sensor 60 included in the sensor 87. The control unit 80 reads images from the image reading unit 70 at regular intervals according to the set reading resolution and the moving speed of the conveyed medium S.

[0048] <Image Processing of Read Image> The image read by the image reading unit 70 is subjected to various image processing in the image processing section 88 and is then transmitted to an external control device via the communication section 84 .

[0049] As described above, the image reading units 70a and 70b are arranged on either side of the second transport section 20, and are configured to read both sides of the transport medium S. When the operator places the transport medium S on the mounting table 1, the operator instructs the transport medium S to be placed with the front side of the transport medium S in contact with the mounting table, that is, the operator instructs the transport medium S to be placed in a direction such that the back side is visible when the transport medium S is placed on the mounting table 1. The transport medium S is then transported, and the front side of the transport medium S is read by the image reading unit 70a, and the back side is read by the image reading unit 70b.

[0050] <Mobile Terminal> Next, the information processing terminal B according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0051] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the information processing terminal B according to the first embodiment.

[0052] Information processing terminal B includes a CPU 201, a storage unit 202, a communication unit 203, a touch panel 204, and a camera 205. The CPU 201 controls various functions of information processing terminal B by executing programs stored in the storage unit 202. In the first embodiment, the programs stored in the storage unit 202 and programs received via the communication unit 203 are executed by the CPU 201. The communication unit 203 includes a communication interface for communicating information with external devices. In the first embodiment, the communication unit 203 includes a wireless LAN as a communication interface. In the first embodiment, the external devices with which the communication unit 203 communicates are the image reading device A and the information processing server C. In the first embodiment, information processing terminal B is connected to a LAN as shown in FIG. 1, but this connection is assumed to be via a wireless LAN interface.

[0053] The touch panel 204 displays a user interface of the program executed by the CPU 201 and receives input from the user. The camera 205 is an imaging device controlled by the CPU 201. In the first embodiment, the camera 205 is used to read a two-dimensional code.

[0054] <Web Browser> In the first embodiment, a web browser is pre-installed in the storage unit 202, and the user can operate the web browser using the touch panel 204. The user can also use the web browser to access a web server built in the image reading device A and the information processing server C.

[0055] <Two-dimensional Code Reader> In the first embodiment, it is assumed that a two-dimensional code reader is installed in information processing terminal B. The two-dimensional code reader is an application that analyzes a two-dimensional code contained in an image captured by camera 205 and extracts character string information contained therein. A user can activate the two-dimensional code reader using touch panel 204 and use touch panel 204 to capture the two-dimensional code. If the character string extracted by the two-dimensional code reader is URL information, a web browser is activated to access the URL. The two-dimensional code reader can also be activated from a web browser, in which case the extracted character string can be passed to the web browser. Two-dimensional code readers that perform such operations are commonly used on the market.

[0056] Hereinafter, a processing procedure performed by the image reading device A, the information processing terminal B, and the information processing server C according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the sequence diagram of FIG.

[0057] FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure in the image reading system according to the first embodiment.

[0058] First, the image reading device A displays a two-dimensional code on the display unit 94. For example, when a pre-registered job for transmitting an image to the information processing server C is selected, the corresponding two-dimensional code is displayed. Furthermore, the two-dimensional code may be configured to be displayed after image reading conditions (scan settings) are set at this point. Alternatively, the two-dimensional code may be displayed when specific conditions are met, or may be displayed at all times. This two-dimensional code includes the URL of the information processing server C (http: / / sample.com / imageservice / ) (first connection information) and the IP address of the image reading device A (192.168.0.2) (second connection information). Specifically, image reading device A displays a URL (http: / / sample.com / imageservice / ?scanner_ip=192.168.0.2) in which the IP address of image reading device A is added as an argument to the URL of information processing server C. In S1601, the user reads the displayed two-dimensional code on information processing terminal B, and information processing terminal B analyzes the content. Next, in S1602, information processing terminal B accesses the URL included in the two-dimensional code.

[0059] The display content of image reading device A is merely an example, and any display content may be used as long as it contains both the URL of information processing server C and the IP address of image reading device A. Instead of including the IP address of image reading device A as an argument (parameter) as described above, it may include the IP address as a subdirectory, as long as it can be analyzed by information processing server C. In other words, it may include the URL of information processing server C as the connection destination, and may also include the IP address of image reading device A as connection information (a directory hierarchy lower than the URL of information processing server C or a URL parameter) that is additionally used when connecting to the URL of information processing server C. Furthermore, the method of accessing the URL of information processing terminal B is merely an example, and a newly generated URL may be accessed based on the results of reading and analyzing the two-dimensional code. For example, it may access a URL obtained by converting the http contained in the two-dimensional code to https, or it may extract the URL of information processing server C and the IP address of image reading device A contained in the two-dimensional code and access a new URL that includes both.

[0060] As a result, in S1603, the information processing server C generates a web application for communicating with the image reading device A having that IP address. Then, in S1604, the information processing server C transmits the web application to the information processing terminal B.

[0061] As a result, in S1605, information processing terminal B executes the received web application and transmits an API (Application Programming Interface) to start using image reading device A. Next, in S1605, information processing terminal B transmits a scan API to instruct image reading device A to start scanning an original (a scanning request). Then, in S1607, information processing terminal B transmits an image request API to image reading device A to request image data obtained by scanning the original. As a result, in S1608, image reading device A responds to the request and transmits the image data obtained by scanning the original to information processing terminal B, which is the requestor. In this way, information processing terminal B can obtain the image data obtained by image reading device A scanning the original. Next, in S1609, information processing terminal B transmits the image data received from image reading device A to information processing server C. Then, in S1610, information processing terminal B transmits an API to image reading device A to terminate use of image reading device A.

[0062] FIG. 19A is a diagram showing an example of a UI screen displayed on the touch panel 204 of the information processing terminal B according to the first embodiment. This screen is displayed from when image data is requested from the image reading device A until the image reading device A starts reading the image.

[0063] Through this process, the user of the information processing terminal B can instruct the image reading device A to read an original document, and can cause the image reading device A to transmit the image data obtained by reading the original document to the information processing server C.

[0064] A detailed explanation is provided below.

[0065] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a reading procedure in the image reading system according to the first embodiment.

[0066] First, in S601, a connection between image reading device A and information processing terminal B is established.

[0067] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the connection process in S601 of FIG.

[0068] First, in S701, when the user performs a predetermined operation using the switch 83b of the image reading device A, the image reading device A displays on the display unit 94 a two-dimensional code that encodes two pieces of information: information for accessing the information processing server C and information for accessing a web server running inside the image reading device A. Specifically, in the first embodiment, the two-dimensional code that is displayed is an encoded string of characters "http: / / sample.com / imageservice / ?scanner_ip=192.168.0.2," which combines the URL of the information processing server C with the IP address of the image reading device A as a URL argument.

[0069] Next, in S702, the user activates the two-dimensional code reader of information processing terminal B and reads the two-dimensional code displayed on display unit 94 of image reading device A. This corresponds to S1601 in FIG. 16. Next, the process proceeds to S703, where the two-dimensional code reader extracts the URL with arguments encoded in S701 from the two-dimensional code, and activates a web browser to access the URL with arguments. This establishes a connection between information processing terminal B and information processing server C. Once the connection between information processing terminal B and information processing server C is established in this way, the process proceeds to S602 in FIG. 6.

[0070] Next, in S602, the information processing terminal B acquires the web application from the information processing server C.

[0071] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the process in which the information processing terminal B acquires a Web application from the information processing server C in S602 of FIG.

[0072] First, in S801, the information processing server C extracts the IP address "192.168.0.2" of the image reading device A from the URL argument "?scanner_ip=192.168.0.2" attached to the accessed URL. Next, in S802, the information processing server C associates the extracted IP address with the IP address of the access source, information processing terminal B, to generate list information shown in Fig. 9 and stores it in a storage unit (not shown).

[0073] 9 is a diagram showing an example of list information that associates the IP address of the image reading device A with the IP address of the information processing terminal B according to the first embodiment. Note that, for the sake of simplicity, only private IP addresses are shown in the list information in FIG. 9, but global IP addresses and other information included in HTTP requests may also be stored as list information as appropriate.

[0074] Next, the process proceeds to S803, where the information processing server C generates a Web application (JavaScript) AP. Note that this Web application AP is executed by the information processing terminal B, and provides a function for the information processing terminal B to communicate with the image reading device A, control the image reading device A to read an image, and transmit the read image to the information processing server C.

[0075] Fig. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the process flow for generating a Web application AP by the information processing server C in S803 of Fig. 8. This process corresponds to S1603 of Fig. 16. In the first embodiment, it is assumed that a Web application AP including a function for controlling an image reading device and transmitting image data is stored in advance in a storage unit (not shown) of the information processing server C. In the following explanation, it is assumed that the Web application AP is generated by, for example, rewriting the setting values ​​of this Web application AP.

[0076] In S1001, the information processing server C sets the communication information of the image reading device A in the Web application AP. Specifically, the information processing server C rewrites the IP address information of the image reading device included in the Web application AP, which has been stored in advance in a storage unit (not shown), to the IP address of the image reading device A extracted in S801.

[0077] Next, the process proceeds to S1002, where the information processing server C sets destination information for the image data in the web application AP. Specifically, the information processing server C rewrites the destination of the image data included in the web application AP, which has been stored in advance in a storage unit (not shown), to its own URL. If a destination folder or the like corresponding to the IP address of information processing terminal B already exists, the information processing server C may rewrite the URL to the corresponding URL. If a destination folder or the like corresponding to the IP address of information processing terminal B does not exist at the time of S1002, the information processing server C may create the folder and rewrite the URL to the corresponding URL. Alternatively, the web application AP may simply have the URL of the information processing server C set in advance as the destination of the image data. In this case, when receiving image data from image reading device A (described later) (S1308), the image data may be transmitted in a manner that allows the sender to be identified.

[0078] According to the above procedure, the IP address of image reading device A is embedded in the generated Web application AP, so information processing terminal B can communicate with image reading device A via the network. In addition, the URL of information processing server C is also embedded, so image reading device A and information processing terminal B can also communicate with information processing server C via the network.

[0079] In the first embodiment, the application generated by the information processing server C is a Web application AP, but any application may be used as long as it can be executed by the information processing terminal B. However, if the application does not need to be installed on the information processing terminal B, it is preferable in terms of improving user convenience.

[0080] Furthermore, if the application can be executed on the web browser of information processing terminal B, after information processing terminal B accesses information processing server C using the web browser in S601, the user can continue to operate the application on the web browser, which is preferable for improving user convenience.

[0081] Once the web application AP is generated by the information processing server C in this manner, the process proceeds to S804, where information processing terminal B downloads the web application AP generated in S803 from the information processing server C (corresponding to S1604 in FIG. 16 ). If the web application AP is executable by a web browser, the web application AP is displayed as a web page on the web browser of information processing terminal B. Once information processing terminal B acquires the web application AP (accesses the web application AP), the process automatically proceeds to S603 in FIG. 6 and executes image reading processing. In this reading processing, information processing terminal B causes image reading device A to read an original, and information processing terminal B acquires the image data read by image reading device A and transmits it to the information processing server C. Note that the image reading conditions applied at this time are those set for the job, etc. selected to display the two-dimensional code, and if the configuration allows these conditions to be set when selecting the job, etc., these settings are applied.

[0082] FIG. 19B is a diagram showing an example of a UI screen displayed on the touch panel 204 of the information processing terminal B according to the first embodiment.

[0083] In the above description, when information processing terminal B accesses the URL of information processing server C, the web application AP is automatically downloaded and scanning is started. However, the screen of Fig. 19B may be displayed on touch panel 204 of information processing terminal B, and the image reading process may be executed by image reading device A when the user presses button 1901. In this case, the image reading conditions may be configured to be set at this point, as shown on the right side of the screen of Fig. 19B.

[0084] 11 is a flowchart for explaining the process of reading an original document by the information processing terminal B and the image reading device A and transmitting the read image data to the information processing server C in S603 in FIG. 6 according to the first embodiment. This process corresponds to S1605 to S1610 in FIG.

[0085] In S1101, information processing terminal B starts the Web application AP acquired from information processing server C in S602, and an API for starting use of image reading device A is sent to image reading device A. Next, the process proceeds to S1102, and information processing terminal B executing the Web application AP sends an instruction to start scanning to image reading device A (S1606).

[0086] As a result, in S1103, image reading device A transports the document stacked on table 1 and reads the image. That is, CPU 81 of image reading device A starts controlling actuator 86, transports one sheet of transport medium S located at the bottom of the transport media S placed on table 1, reads the image using image reading unit 70, stores the image data obtained thereby in memory unit 82, and discharges the document. This process is repeated until all documents stacked on table 1 are gone.

[0087] In the first embodiment, image reading is continued until all the documents loaded on the document table 1 are gone, but the present invention is not limited to this, and only a predetermined number of documents may be read. In this case, an item for setting the number of documents to be read may be added to the reading setting screen for setting the image reading conditions, which is displayed at any of the above-mentioned times.

[0088] Next, the process proceeds to S1104, where image reading device A performs image processing on the acquired image data and stores the processed image data in storage unit 82. The image processing may be of any type, but may include, for example, correcting the brightness or color of the image, deleting unnecessary white space, or deleting blank images.

[0089] Next, the process proceeds to S1105, where information processing terminal B executing the Web application AP instructs image reading device A to transmit the scanned image data (corresponding to S1607). As a result, in S1105, image reading device A transmits the image data stored in storage unit 82 to information processing terminal B via the network. In this way, information processing terminal B acquires the image data obtained by scanning (corresponding to S1608). Next, the process proceeds to S1106, where information processing terminal B executing the Web application AP transmits the image data received from image reading device A to information processing server C (corresponding to S1609).

[0090] Having received the image data in this manner, the information processing server C searches for the list information shown in FIG. 9 stored in a storage unit (not shown) and deletes the information including the IP address of the sender of the image data. Then, the process proceeds to S1107, where the information processing terminal B terminates the Web application AP (corresponding to S1610). This process may be performed by the Web application AP instructing the information processing terminal B to terminate its own process. Alternatively, the termination process may display a continuous scan setting screen that allows the user to select whether or not to continue reading the image data. If the user selects to continue reading the image data, the screen may be switched to a setting screen for image reading conditions, and the information processing server C may again transmit an instruction to set the IP addresses of the image reading device A and the information processing terminal B in the list information. Since the IP addresses of the image reading device A and the information processing terminal B are included as information in the Web application AP, they may be extracted from there and transmitted to the information processing server C.

[0091] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the display unit of the image reading device is only required to be able to display a two-dimensional code (code image), and does not need to display complex information or perform complex operations. This prevents the image reading device from becoming larger and less costly. Note that the two-dimensional code is merely an example, and other code images may be used.

[0092] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the user of the information processing terminal B does not need to input information such as an IP address required for communication with the image reading device into the information processing terminal B or to register the information in advance with the information processing server C. This improves user convenience.

[0093] In the first embodiment, the information processing server C manages the IP address of the image reading device A in association with the IP address of the information processing terminal B, as shown in FIG. 9 . This allows the information processing server C to determine which image reading device was used to read image data transmitted from the Web application AP. However, this management method is merely an example, and the IP address of the image reading device A may also be managed together with a unique number that does not overlap. In this case, a unique number may be embedded when the Web application AP is generated, and the unique number may be added when the Web application AP transmits information to the information processing server C, allowing the information processing server C to identify the image reading device.

[0094] In addition, in the first embodiment, the Web application AP only communicates with the image reading device A, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the Web application AP may simultaneously display the progress of processing on the display unit of the information processing terminal B or periodically communicate with the information processing server C.

[0095] In addition, in embodiment 1, the Web application AP terminates after sending the image data to the information processing server C, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the information processing server C may display the results of processing the image data.

[0096] In addition, in the first embodiment, the image reading device A displays a two-dimensional code on the display unit 94, but if the image reading device A is a multifunction device, for example, the two-dimensional code may be printed and read by the information processing terminal B.

[0097] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the URL of the information processing server C is registered in advance in the image reading device A, but this is not limiting. For example, the image reading device A may be configured to display a code image that can be connected to the image reading device A and display an input screen (web application) that allows the URL of the information processing server C to be input. In this case, if the result of reading with the camera allows access via a web browser, the IP address of the image reading device A may be displayed instead of the code image. By inputting the URL of the information processing server C into the input screen displayed in this manner, the process from step S602 onward of the web application acquisition process may be executed.

[0098] [Embodiment 2] Next, embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described. Note that the configuration of the image reading system according to embodiment 2 and the hardware configurations of image reading device A and information processing terminal B are the same as those of embodiment 1 described above, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. Embodiment 2 is a modified example of embodiment 1. The difference from embodiment 1 is the method by which a web application running on information processing terminal B acquires the IP address of image reading device A. This difference will be described in detail below.

[0099] In the second embodiment, it is assumed that the URL of the information processing server C is embedded in the web application AP2 generated by the information processing server C in step S803, but the IP address of the image reading device A is not embedded.

[0100] FIG. 17 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure in the image reading system according to the second embodiment.

[0101] First, image reading device A displays a two-dimensional code on display unit 94. This two-dimensional code includes the URL of information processing server C (http: / / sample.com / imageservice / ) and the IP address of image reading device A (192.168.0.2). Specifically, image reading device A displays a URL (http: / / sample.com / imageservice / ?scanner_ip=192.168.0.2) in which the IP address of image reading device A is added as an argument to the URL of information processing server C. In S1701, the user reads the displayed two-dimensional code using information processing terminal B, and information processing terminal B analyzes its contents. Next, in S1702, information processing terminal B accesses the URL included in the two-dimensional code.

[0102] Note that the display content of image reading device A is an example, and any content may be used as long as it includes both the URL of information processing server C and the IP address of image reading device A. Furthermore, the method of accessing the URL of information processing terminal B is an example, and it is also possible to access a newly generated URL based on the results of reading and analyzing the two-dimensional code. For example, it is possible to access a URL obtained by converting http contained in the two-dimensional code to https, or it is possible to extract the URL of information processing server C and the IP address of image reading device A contained in the two-dimensional code and access a new URL that includes both of them.

[0103] As a result, in S1703, the information processing server C generates a web application AP2 for transmitting image data to itself. Then, in S1704, the information processing server C transmits the web application AP2 to the information processing terminal B. Note that at this time, the information processing server C may create a web application for transmitting image data to itself in advance, and generate the web application AP2 by adding the communication information of the image reading device A to the web application.

[0104] Thus, in S1705, information processing terminal B launches the received Web application AP2. At this time, this Web application AP2 does not include the IP address of image reading device A. Therefore, in S1706, information processing terminal B requests the IP address of image reading device A to execute scanning from information processing server C. In response to this, in S1707, information processing server C replies to information processing terminal B with the IP address of image reading device A. The subsequent processes in S1708 to S1713 are the same as S1605 to S1610 in FIG. 16 , and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0105] Through this processing, as in the above-described embodiment 1, the user of information processing terminal B can instruct image reading device A to read a document and have the image data obtained by reading the document with image reading device A sent to information processing server C.

[0106] A detailed explanation is provided below.

[0107] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the process of generating the Web application AP2 (S1703) performed by the information processing server C according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0108] In S1201, the information processing server C sets destination information for image data in the web application AP2. Specifically, the destination of image data included in the web application, which has been stored in advance in a storage unit (not shown), is rewritten to its own URL. According to this procedure, the URL of the information processing server C is embedded in the generated web application AP2, so that the information processing terminal B executing the web application AP2 can communicate with the information processing server C via the network.

[0109] However, in this case, the IP address of image reading device A is not embedded in Web application AP2. Therefore, as shown in S1705 to S1707, information processing terminal B obtains the IP address of image reading device A from information processing server C when information processing terminal B executes Web application AP2.

[0110] 13 is a flowchart illustrating a process of reading an original document by the image reading device A and the information processing terminal B according to the second embodiment, and transmitting the read image data to the information processing server C. As will be described below, in this process, the IP address of the image reading device A is received from the information processing server C.

[0111] In S1301, information processing terminal B starts up Web application AP2 in the same manner as in S1101 (corresponding to S1705). Next, in S1302, information processing terminal B executing Web application AP2 transmits a request to obtain the IP address of image reading device A to information processing server C (corresponding to S1706). In response to this, in S1303, information processing server C, which has received the request to obtain the IP address, searches for list information stored in a storage unit (not shown), such as that shown in FIG. 9, references information including the IP address of the sender of the image data, and returns the corresponding IP address of image reading device A (corresponding to S1707). The subsequent processes in S1304 to S1309 are similar to the processes in S1102 to S1107 in FIG. 11, respectively, and therefore will not be described further.

[0112] As described above, according to the second embodiment, even if the IP address of the image reading device A is not embedded in the web application AP2 from the information processing server C, the information processing terminal B executing the web application AP2 can communicate with the image reading device A.

[0113] In the above-described first and second embodiments, the information processing server C communicates only with the information processing terminal B, and the image reading device A also communicates only with the information processing terminal B. Therefore, these first and second embodiments can be applied to a case where the information processing server C and the image reading device A cannot communicate directly with each other. Specifically, they can be used in a case where communication with the information processing server C is performed via the Internet and the IP address assigned to the image reading device A is not communicable from the Internet.

[0114] In the second embodiment, information processing terminal B inquires of information processing server C about the IP address of image reading device A, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, since the two-dimensional code read in S1701 contains the IP address of image reading device A, information processing terminal B may obtain the IP address of image reading device A from the two-dimensional code.

[0115] Furthermore, if multiple users (information processing terminals B) are using image reading device A, in S1707 of Figure 17, information processing server C may limit the information processing terminal B that returns the IP address of image reading device A, thereby preventing multiple users from using image reading device A at the same time.

[0116] [Embodiment 3] Next, embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described. Note that the configuration of the image reading system according to embodiment 3 and the hardware configurations of image reading device A and information processing terminal B are the same as those of embodiment 1 described above, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. Embodiment 3 is a modified example of embodiment 1. The difference from embodiment 1 is that an information processing server C communicates with image reading device A, rather than a web application running on information processing terminal B communicating with image reading device A. This difference will be described in detail below.

[0117] FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure in the image reading system according to the third embodiment.

[0118] First, image reading device A displays a two-dimensional code on display unit 94. This two-dimensional code includes the URL of information processing server C (http: / / sample.com / imageservice / ) and the IP address of image reading device A (192.168.0.2). Specifically, image reading device A displays a URL (http: / / sample.com / imageservice / ?scanner_ip=192.168.0.2) in which the IP address of image reading device A is added as an argument to the URL of information processing server C. In S1801, the user reads the displayed two-dimensional code using information processing terminal B, and information processing terminal B analyzes its contents. Next, in S1802, information processing terminal B accesses the URL included in the two-dimensional code.

[0119] Note that the display content of image reading device A is an example, and any content may be used as long as it includes both the URL of information processing server C and the IP address of image reading device A. Furthermore, the method of accessing the URL of information processing terminal B is an example, and it is also possible to access a newly generated URL based on the results of reading and analyzing the two-dimensional code. For example, it is possible to access a URL obtained by converting http contained in the two-dimensional code to https, or it is possible to extract the URL of information processing server C and the IP address of image reading device A contained in the two-dimensional code and access a new URL that includes both of them.

[0120] As a result, in S1803, the information processing server C generates a Web application AP3 for display confirmation. Then, in S1804, the information processing server C transmits the Web application AP3 for display confirmation to the information processing terminal B. This Web application AP3 for display confirmation does not communicate with the image reading device A, and therefore does not include the IP address of the image reading device A. Therefore, unlike the first embodiment described above, it is not necessary to create a Web application AP3 each time. Then, in S1805, the information processing terminal B executing the Web application AP3 for display confirmation periodically accesses the information processing server C to display the progress status (scanning in progress, completed, etc.).

[0121] Next, in S1806, the information processing server C transmits an API (Application Programming Interface) to start using the image reading device A. Next, in S1807, the information processing server C transmits a scan API to instruct the image reading device A to start reading the document. Then, in S1808, the information processing server C transmits an image request API to the image reading device A to request image data obtained by reading the document. In response to this request, in S1809, the information processing server C transmits the image data obtained by reading the document to the information processing server C. In this way, the information processing server C obtains the image data from the image reading device A. Then, in S1810, the information processing server C transmits an API to the image reading device A to end the use of the image reading device A.

[0122] Through this processing, as in the above-described embodiment, the user of information processing terminal B can instruct image reading device A to read a document, and information processing server C can obtain the image data obtained by reading the document with image reading device A.

[0123] A detailed explanation is provided below.

[0124] 14 is a flowchart illustrating a process for generating a Web application AP3 by an information processing server C according to the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, the information processing server C determines whether to communicate directly with the image reading device A, and if so, generates a Web application AP3 to be used for the direct communication. On the other hand, if direct communication is not to be performed, the information processing terminal B generates a Web application AP3 for communicating with the image reading device A, as in the first embodiment.

[0125] In the third embodiment, it is assumed that two web applications are stored in advance in a storage unit (not shown) of the information processing server C. One of the stored web applications periodically communicates with the information processing server C and displays the progress of processing on the display unit of the information processing terminal B, and is used when the information processing server C communicates directly with the image reading device A. The other stored web application controls the image reading device A and transmits image data, as in the first embodiment, and is used when the information processing server C does not communicate directly with the image reading device A.

[0126] In S1401, the information processing server C determines whether to communicate directly with the image reading device A. In the third embodiment, the information processing server C determines whether the IP address extracted in S801 is communicable from the information processing server C. Specifically, the information processing server C issues a Ping request to the extracted IP address and determines whether a response is returned within a predetermined time. In the third embodiment, it is assumed that a response is returned within a predetermined time to the Ping request issued by the information processing server C to the extracted IP address, and it is determined that the information processing server C will communicate directly with the image reading device A. In this case, the process proceeds to S1402.

[0127] However, other methods may be used to determine whether the information processing server will communicate directly with the image reading device. For example, a method may be used in which the IP address extracted in S801 is analyzed to determine whether it is communicable from the information processing server C. Alternatively, a method may be used in which the determination is made based on whether the access source information processing terminal B and the web browser used for the access are capable of executing a web application that has the function of controlling the image reading device A and transmitting image data. Alternatively, the method may be selected when the two-dimensional code is displayed on the image reading device A, in which case the method is transmitted by an argument or the like at the time of access in S1802.

[0128] If the information processing server C communicates directly with the image reading device A, the process proceeds to S1402, where the information processing server C selects one of two Web applications stored in a storage unit (not shown) to be used in subsequent processing. Specifically, the information processing server C selects Web application AP3, which periodically communicates with the information processing server C and displays the progress of processing on the display unit of the information processing terminal B. The process then proceeds to S1403, where the information processing server C sets, in the Web application AP3 selected in S1402, communication destination information to be periodically executed. Specifically, the information processing server C rewrites the communication destination included in Web application AP3, which has been stored in advance in a storage unit (not shown), to its own URL.

[0129] On the other hand, if it is determined in S1401 that the information processing server C will not communicate directly with the image reading device A, the process proceeds to S1404. In S1404, the information processing server C selects a web application AP4 from two web applications stored in a storage unit (not shown) that will control the image reading device and transmit image data. This web application is the same as the web application AP used in the first embodiment. Next, the process proceeds to S1405, where the information processing server C sets communication information for the image reading device A in the web application AP4 selected in S1404. This process is the same as S1001 in FIG. 10. Then, the process proceeds to S1406, where the information processing server C sets image data transmission destination information in the web application AP4 selected in S1404. This process is the same as S1002 in FIG. 10.

[0130] According to the process described above, an appropriate web application can be generated depending on whether the information processing server C communicates directly with the image reading device A.

[0131] 15 is a flowchart illustrating the process of reading an original document by image reading device A and information processing terminal B according to the third embodiment, and transmitting the read image data to information processing server C. In the third embodiment, since it is determined in S1401 that information processing server C will communicate directly with image reading device A, only a method in which information processing server C communicates directly with image reading device A will be described here. If it is determined in S1401 that information processing server C will not communicate directly with image reading device A, the same process as in the first embodiment may be performed.

[0132] 6. Next, the process proceeds to S1502, where the information processing terminal B executing the Web application AP3 starts periodic communication with the information processing server C. The information processing terminal B executing the Web application AP3 acquires the progress of the processing from the information processing server C through the periodic communication, and displays the progress on the display unit of the information processing terminal B (corresponding to S1805). As will be described later, the termination process of the Web application AP3 is also executed based on the periodic communication.

[0133] Next, the process proceeds to S1503, where the information processing server C transmits a scan start instruction to the image reading device A (corresponding to S1806 and S1807). As a result, in S1504, the image reading device A transports the document loaded on the document table 1 and reads the image, similar to S1103 in FIG. 11 . Then, the process proceeds to S1505, where the image reading device A performs image processing on the read image, similar to S1104 in FIG. 11 . Then, the process proceeds to S1506, where the information processing server C instructs the image reading device A to transmit the read image data (corresponding to S1808). As a result, the image reading device A transmits the read and processed image data to the information processing server C via the network. As a result, the information processing server C acquires the image data scanned by the image reading device A (corresponding to S1809). Next, the process proceeds to S1507, where the information processing server C terminates the web application AP3 executed on the information processing terminal B (corresponding to S1810). Specifically, after receiving the image data in S1506, when the information processing server C receives periodic communication from Web application AP3, it returns information indicating the termination of Web application AP3 to Web application AP3. Upon receiving this information, Web application AP3 instructs information processing terminal B to perform its own termination process.

[0134] In the third embodiment, the information processing server C communicates directly with the image reading device A, and image data is sent directly to the information processing server C without going through the information processing terminal B. This eliminates the possibility of information leaking from the information processing terminal B, improving security.

[0135] [Fourth Embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that the configuration of the image reading system according to the fourth embodiment and the hardware configurations of the image reading device A and the information processing terminal B are the same as those of the first embodiment described above, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. The fourth embodiment is a modification of the first embodiment. The difference from the first embodiment is the destination of the image data sent by the image reading device A. In the first embodiment, the image data is sent via the information processing terminal B to the information processing server C, but in the fourth embodiment, the image data is sent to the information processing server D, which is a second information processing server. This difference will be described in detail below.

[0136] FIG. 20 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a processing procedure in the image reading system according to the fourth embodiment.

[0137] The processes of S2001 to S2006 are the same as S1601 to S1606 in FIG. 16, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

[0138] In S2007, information processing terminal B transmits an image request API to image reading device A, requesting image data obtained by scanning an original. In the fourth embodiment, however, the image request API includes information indicating the destination of the image. Specifically, the information indicating the destination of the image includes address information of information processing server D, which is the second information processing server.

[0139] In step S2008, the image reading device A transmits the image data obtained by reading the document in accordance with the destination information included in the image request API received in step S2007. In the fourth embodiment, the image reading device A transmits the image data to the information processing server D.

[0140] In S2009, information processing terminal B transmits an API to image reading device A to terminate use of image reading device A.

[0141] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, it becomes possible to transmit image data read by the image reading device A to a destination different from the information processing terminal B and the information processing server C. This allows the generation of a web application and the reception and storage of image data to be performed by different information processing servers, thereby realizing load balancing among the information processing servers.

[0142] In the fourth embodiment, the image request API includes information indicating the destination of the image, but may further include authentication information for transmitting image data to the destination, and the image reading device A may perform authentication processing based on the authentication information. For example, if the information processing server D is configured to request login information when receiving image data, the login information may be included in the image request API, and the image reading device A may log in to the information processing server D using the login information before transmitting the image data.

[0143] In the above-described first to third embodiments, the information processing server C performs both the generation of the web application and the reception of image data, but the present invention is not limited to this, and different information processing servers may perform these processes as shown in the fourth embodiment. For example, when generating a web application, the URL of a second information processing server may be embedded in advance as the destination of the image data, and the web application may transmit the image data to the URL of the second information processing server.

[0144] Furthermore, for example, a configuration may be adopted in which an identification number can be assigned to image data in order to identify which scan instruction caused the image data to be sent to the information processing server C. For example, the information processing server C may create an identification number and incorporate it into a Web application, and when the information processing terminal B executes the Web application to send image data received from the image reading device A to the information processing server C, the image data may be assigned an identification number and sent.

[0145] Alternatively, before the Web application transmits the image data, the Web application may transmit a request to obtain the destination of the image data to the information processing server C, the information processing server C may return the URL of the second information processing server, and the Web application may transmit the image data to the URL of the second information processing server. Alternatively, the Web application may display a screen on the display unit of the information processing terminal B inquiring of the user about the destination of the image data, prompt the user to input the destination, and transmit the image data to the input destination.

[0146] Furthermore, in each of the embodiments described above, the information processing terminal B transmits the image data received from the image reading device A to the information processing server C or the information processing server D, but this may be performed by a web application on the information processing terminal B, or may be performed by software other than a web application, such as the OS (Operating System) of the information processing terminal B.

[0147] The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program that realizes one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that realizes one or more of the functions.

[0148] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Furthermore, it is not prohibited to combine the respective embodiments appropriately, and it is also possible to combine only some of the configurations, processes, etc. of multiple embodiments.

[0149] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-217162, filed December 22, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0150] 70: Image reading unit, 80: Control unit, 81: CPU, 83: Operation unit, 84: Communication unit, 94: Display unit,

Claims

1. An image reading device comprising: a reading means for reading an image of a document; an output means for outputting a code image that can be read by a terminal device; and a control means for controlling the reading means to read the document in response to a request to read an image, and to transmit the image obtained by the reading means to the source of the read request, wherein the code image includes first connection information for connecting the terminal device to an information processing device so as to be able to communicate with the image reading device, and second connection information for connecting the information processing device or the terminal device to the image reading device so as to be able to communicate with the image reading device.

2. The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the request source is the terminal device, and the terminal device issues the reading request by executing a program received from the information processing apparatus.

3. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the request source is the information processing device, and the information processing device issues the reading request by executing a program generated by the information processing device.

4. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the first connection information includes a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the information processing device.

5. The image reading device according to claim 1, wherein the second connection information includes an IP address of the image reading device.

6. The image reading device according to claim 2, characterized in that the code image includes information in which the URL of the information processing device is given the IP address of the image reading device as an argument, and the program specifies the URL of the information processing device as the destination for sending the image.

7. An image reading system having an information processing device, a terminal device, and an image reading device, wherein the image reading device has reading means for reading an image of an original document, output means for outputting a code image readable by the terminal device, and control means for controlling the reading means to read the original document in response to an image reading request and transmit the image obtained by the reading means to a source of the read request, wherein the code image includes first connection information for the terminal device to be communicatively connected to the information processing device, and second connection information for the information processing device or the terminal device to be communicatively connected to the image reading device, and the terminal device has imaging means for reading the code image output by the output means, extraction means for extracting the first connection information and the second connection information included in the code image obtained by the imaging means, first communication means for communicating, and control means for communicating with the information processing device based on the first connection information using the first communication means and communicating with the image reading device based on the second connection information.

8. The image reading system according to claim 7, characterized in that the information processing device has: a second communication means for performing communication; a generation means for generating a program executable by the terminal device; and a means for transmitting the program generated by the generation means to the terminal device via the second communication means for execution.

9. The image reading system according to claim 8, characterized in that the information processing device transmits an image reading request to the image reading device via the second communication means, and receives an image obtained by the image reading device in response to the reading request.

10. An image reading system having an information processing device, a terminal device, and an image reading device, wherein the information processing device sends a web application to the terminal device, and the terminal device executes the web application to cause the image reading device to read an image of a document.

11. The image reading system according to claim 10, wherein the Web application includes identification information of the image reading device, and the terminal device executes the Web application to cause the image reading device to read the image of the document based on the identification information.

12. The image reading system of claim 10, wherein when the Web application does not include identification information of the image reading device, the terminal device executing the Web application causes the image reading device to read the image of the document by obtaining the identification information from the information processing device.

13. An image reading system according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the terminal device executes the Web application to obtain image data of the document from the image reading device and transmit the image data to the information processing device.

14. The image reading system according to claim 10, wherein the terminal device executing the Web application accesses the information processing device and causes the image of the original to be read by the image reading device via the information processing device, and the information processing device acquires the image of the original from the image reading device.

15. A control method for an image reading device having a reading means for reading an image of a document, comprising: an output step of outputting a code image that can be read by a terminal device; and a control step of controlling the reading means to read the document in response to a request to read an image, so that the image obtained is transmitted to a source of the read request, wherein the code image includes first connection information for connecting the terminal device to an information processing device so as to be communicatively connected, and second connection information for connecting the information processing device or the terminal device to the image reading device so as to be communicatively connected.

16. A control method for an image reading device having a reading means for reading an image of a document, comprising: an output step of outputting a code image that can be read by a terminal device and includes first connection information for communicatively connecting to an information processing device as a connection destination and second connection information for communicatively connecting to the image reading device which is additionally used when connecting using the first connection information; a reading step of reading the document using the reading means based on a reading request issued from the terminal device that read the code image based on access to the information processing device; and a transmission step of transmitting a web application from the information processing device to the terminal device for displaying information related to the reading request.

17. A program for causing a computer to execute each step of the control method according to claim 15 or 16.

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