JP3883629B2 - Image input system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image input system and an image input method for transmitting an input image from a scanner to a file server or a user's personal computer via a LAN (local area network).
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, an image input system for transmitting an input image from a scanner to a file server or a user's personal computer via a LAN (local area network) has been put into practical use.
[0003]
The scanner is shared by a plurality of users. For this reason, in order to identify which user has input the input image information, for example, the following method is required.
[0004]
1) Method: For the time being, the input image information is sent to and saved in the shared directory (access right: all users), and then each user operates the terminal, etc. Go to (access rights: only that user).
[0005]
Problem: Since image information can be accessed by other users while in the shared directory, security cannot be ensured when handling important documents.
2) Method: Identify the user by inputting the user ID from the scanner's operation panel, or providing the scanner with a card reader to read the user's ID card, and send / save it to their preset directory. .
[0006]
Problem: Extra operation is required on the control panel or card reader.
3) Method: An instruction sheet in which a user ID and a storage destination directory are entered is attached to the input image and input, and the instruction sheet is interpreted to identify the user.
[0007]
Problem: An instruction sheet is required every time. It is also possible that a function for interpreting the instruction sheet such as OCR is required or malfunctions due to an interpretation error.
Therefore, when inputting an image with a scanner used by a plurality of users, there is a demand for an apparatus that can execute appropriate processing according to the setting of each user without requiring extra operations from the user or reducing security. ing
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, when inputting images with a scanner used by multiple users, it is possible to execute appropriate processing according to each user's settings without requiring users to perform extra operations or reducing security. When inputting images with a scanner used by multiple users, appropriate processing according to each user's settings can be performed without requiring extra operations or reducing security. An object is to provide an image input system and an image input method that can be executed.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  This inventionIn an image input system for transmitting an input image from a scanner to a file server or personal computer via a LAN, the scanner reads an image from a document and stores it as image data, and a wireless card. ID Receiving means for receiving the transmission data including the code, and in the transmission data received by the receiving means ID Number and the job management table stored in advance ID Compare number and match ID Read means for reading out job contents from the job management table as stored contents corresponding to the number, display means for displaying a selection icon corresponding to the contents of the job, and text by selecting the text file by the display means When judging the mode, it matches from the directory management table ID A file server and a personal computer in the save destination directory are read as stored contents corresponding to the number, the authentication is performed correctly, the read contents are displayed, and the image data is transmitted via the LAN. When the word processor mode is determined by selecting the word profiling by the processing unit and the display unit, the directory management table matches. ID After reading the file server and personal computer of the save destination directory as the storage content corresponding to the number, and displaying that the authentication was correctly performed and the read content, and converting the image data from image data to code data When the mail mode is determined by selecting the mail transmission by the second processing means for transmitting via the LAN and the display means, a plurality of destinations described in a predetermined area of the image data by the reading means are determined. And a third processing means for transmitting the contents of the area in which the text of the image data by the reading means is described to a file server as a storage destination directory of each corresponding destination via the LAN, and a personal computer.
[0010]
    This inventionIn an image input system for transmitting an input image from a scanner to a file server or personal computer via a LAN, the scanner reads an image from a document and stores it as image data, and a wireless card. ID Receiving means for receiving the transmission data including the code, and in the transmission data received by the receiving means ID Number and the job management table stored in advance ID Compare number and match ID Read the job contents from the job management table as stored contents corresponding to the number. 1 Reading means, a display means for displaying a selection icon corresponding to the contents of the job, and a text mode is determined by selecting a text file by the display means. 1 This judgment means and this first 1 When the text mode is judged by the judging means, it matches from the directory management table ID Read the file server and personal computer in the save destination directory as the memory contents corresponding to the number. 2 Reading means and this first 2 A file server as a storage destination directory read by the reading means, a first transmission means for transmitting the image data to the personal computer via the LAN, and a word processor mode that is determined by selection of word profiling by the display means. When the word processor mode is determined by the second determination unit and the second determination unit, they match from the directory management table. ID As a storage content corresponding to the number, a file server in the save destination directory, a third reading means for reading the personal computer, and the contents read by the third reading means are displayed, and the image data is converted from image data to code data. Then, when the mail mode is determined by selecting the mail transmission by the second transmission means for transmitting via the LAN and the display means, a plurality of destinations described in the predetermined area of the image data by the reading means The third determination means for determining the content of the area in which the text of the image data by the reading means is described via the LAN. Three A file server as a saving destination directory of each destination determined by the determining means, and a third transmitting means for transmitting to the personal computer.
[0015]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an image input system according to the present invention. The image input system includes a scanner unit 1, a file server 3 connected to the scanner unit 1 via a LAN (communication line) 2, and a plurality of personal computers 4,. The file server 3 stores user-specific data or user-shared data. The personal computer 4 is personally used by the user.
[0016]
The scanner unit 1 performs authentication based on the wireless card M possessed by the approaching user, and transmits the read content of the document to the file server 3 and the personal computer 4 via the LAN 2 based on the authentication result. It is. The wireless card M is held, for example, in a pocket of the user's chest.
[0017]
That is, the scanner unit 1 is provided with a control unit 10 that controls the entire scanner unit 1. The control unit 10 stores a wireless card reader 11 that exchanges data with the wireless card M, stores a control program, and has a memory unit 12 having various tables, and performs various operation guidance. A display unit 13a, an operation panel 13 including a touch panel and the like input by an icon displayed on the display unit 13a; a sound source unit 14 that emits an electronic sound including a speaker; a reading unit 15 that reads image data of a document image; An image-code conversion unit 16 that converts image data such as a word processor document into document data of a character code, an image memory 17 that stores image data read by the reading unit 15, and a file server 3 or a personal computer 4 via the LAN 2. A LAN interface 18 that outputs data is connected to To have.
[0018]
The memory unit 12 includes a job management table 12a that stores job contents for each ID number and a directory management table 12b that stores user data such as a save destination directory for each ID number as an authentication file. . As shown in FIG. 2, the job management table 12a stores, for example, text text, word processor text, and mail transmission as job contents for each ID number. As shown in FIG. 3, the directory management table 12b stores the affiliation, name, storage directory, and storage history as user data for each ID number.
[0019]
The ID number, affiliation, name, storage destination directory, storage destination history, and the like are set in advance by the administrator of the scanner unit 1 using keys (not shown) on the operation panel 13 or the like.
[0020]
On the display unit 13a of the operation panel 13, a job (icon) selection screen is displayed as shown in FIG. 4, or the authentication OK at the time of ID number authentication and the save destination directory are shown in FIG. And an authentication screen showing other directories are displayed.
[0021]
You may make it select the icon of the said display part 13a with the cursor key (not shown) of the operation panel 13. FIG.
The reading unit 15 reads a document placed on the document placing table by reading scanning of a reading unit below the document placing table, or reads and scans the document while conveying the document based on the document insertion from the document insertion opening. It has become a thing. When a document is placed on the document table, reading is started by turning on a start key (not shown) of the operation panel 13, and when reading is performed by conveying a document, the document is inserted into the insertion slot of the document. Reading is started.
[0022]
As the original, when a job is mail, a plurality of mail destinations (addresses) are described in a predetermined area as shown in FIG.
The control unit 10 always transmits an inquiry signal to the wireless card M using the wireless card reader 11, receives transmission data from the wireless card M in response to the inquiry signal, and uses the received transmission data to detect the scanner unit. It is determined whether or not the wireless card M is a legitimate wireless card M that can be handled by 1.
[0023]
When the control unit 10 determines a valid wireless card, the control unit 10 compares the ID number (user ID) in the transmission data with the ID number of the job management table 12a of the memory unit 12, and if there is a matching ID number In addition, the contents of the job corresponding to the ID number are read out, a selection icon corresponding to the contents of the read job is displayed on the display unit 13a in the operation panel 13, and the sound source unit 14 indicates authentication OK. A beeping sound is emitted.
[0024]
In response to the job selection, the control unit 10 determines a text mode, a word processor mode, a mail mode, and the like, and performs processing corresponding to the determined mode.
[0025]
If there is no matching ID number in the job management table 12a, the control unit 10 compares the ID number in the transmission data with the ID number in the directory management table 12b in the memory unit 12, and the matching ID number is found. If there is, the affiliation, name, storage directory, and storage destination history corresponding to the ID number are read out and displayed on the display unit 13a, and the sound source unit 14 emits a beep indicating “authentication OK”. It is like that.
[0026]
As shown in FIG. 7, the wireless card M includes a CPU 20, a memory 21, an antenna 22, a switch 23, a modulation / demodulation unit 24, an input / output control unit 25, a rectification unit 26, a storage battery 27, and the like. Of these, each part except the antenna 22 and the storage battery 27 is integrated and embedded in the main body of the wireless card M.
[0027]
The CPU 20 controls the entire wireless card M. The memory 21 stores a control program and the like, and is used for storing various data, and stores information such as an ID number and information of the person carrying the wireless card M. The antenna 22 transmits and receives radio waves to and from the wireless card reader 11. The switch 23 selectively switches and connects the antenna 22 to the modulation / demodulation unit 24 or the rectification unit 26 and is controlled by the CPU 20.
[0028]
The modulation / demodulation unit 24 modulates a transmission signal and demodulates a reception signal. The input / output control unit 25 converts transmission data into a prescribed signal or converts demodulated received data into a prescribed signal. The rectifying unit 26 rectifies the charging radio wave received via the antenna 20 and converts it into electric energy, and charges the storage battery 27 with the electric energy. The storage battery 27 is an operation power source that supplies an operation voltage to each unit, and can be charged.
[0029]
As shown in FIG. 8, the wireless card reader 11 includes a CPU 30, a memory 31, an antenna 32, a modulation / demodulation unit 33, an input / output control unit 34, and the like.
[0030]
The CPU 30 controls the entire wireless card reader 11. The memory 31 stores a control program and the like and is used for storing various data. The antenna 32 transmits and receives radio waves to and from the wireless card M. The modulation / demodulation unit 33 modulates a transmission signal and demodulates a reception signal. The input / output control unit 34 converts transmission data into a prescribed signal and converts demodulated received data into a prescribed signal.
[0031]
Next, image input processing in the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.
That is, the control unit 10 enters a user waiting mode in which an inquiry signal for the wireless card M is transmitted from the wireless card reader 11 (ST1).
[0032]
In this state, the user holding the wireless card M on the chest approaches the scanner unit 1 and the wireless card M and the wireless card reader 11 can perform wireless communication.
Then, the wireless card M receives the inquiry signal, and transmits transmission data including the ID number stored in the memory 21 to the wireless card reader 11 in response to the reception.
[0033]
The wireless card reader 11 receives transmission data from the wireless card M (ST2).
Then, the wireless card reader 11 outputs the transmission data to the control unit 10.
[0034]
The control unit 10 determines whether or not the wireless card M can be handled by the scanner unit 1 based on the transmission data (ST3). When determining that the wireless card M can be handled, the control unit 10 determines the ID number in the transmission data and the memory unit. The ID numbers of the 12 job management tables 12a are compared (ST4).
[0035]
As a result of the comparison, if there is a matching ID number, the control unit 10 reads the job content as the stored content corresponding to the ID number from the job management table 12a (ST5), and displays the job content on the display unit 13a. A corresponding selection icon is displayed (ST6).
[0036]
For example, as shown in FIG. 4, icons for selecting text file, word profile, and mail transmission are displayed.
At the same time, the control unit 10 uses the sound source unit 14 to emit an electronic sound “pee” indicating authentication OK, thereby notifying the user that the sound has been authenticated (ST7).
[0037]
In response to the display, when the text file is selected by the selection key, the control unit 10 determines that the mode is the text mode (ST8), and the stored contents corresponding to the ID number are stored from the directory management table 12b as the affiliation, name, The storage destination directory and storage destination history are read (ST9), and the display unit 13a displays that the authentication has been correctly performed and the read contents (ST10).
[0038]
For example, as shown in FIG. 5, “[920001 Development Department 1st Section, Mr. Taro Suzuki] has been authenticated. The save destination directory is [¥¥ pc]. Suzuki \ tmp]. Other directory: 1: \\ pc suzuki \ tmp 2: \\ pc Suzuki \ doc 3: \\ sv kaihatsu \ ka1 \ suzuki \ doc "is displayed.
[0039]
At this time, another directory may be selected by a selection key. Thereafter, when the document is read by the reading unit 15 and stored in the image memory, the control unit 10 controls the LAN interface 18 based on the confirmed or selected storage destination directory, thereby controlling the image memory. Is transmitted to the corresponding file server 3 or personal computer 4 via the LAN 2 (ST11).
[0040]
When the word profiling is selected by the selection key according to the display in step 6, the control unit 10 determines that the word processor mode is selected (ST12), and is confirmed by performing steps 9 and 10 in the same manner. By controlling the LAN interface 18 based on the selected saving destination directory, the image data (image data) read by the reading unit 15 and stored in the image memory 17 is encoded by the image-code conversion unit 16. After conversion to data (ST13), the data is transmitted to the corresponding file server 3 or personal computer 4 via the LAN 2 (ST14).
[0041]
When mail transmission is selected by the selection key according to the display in step 6, the control unit 10 determines that the mail mode is selected (ST15), and the image data of the document read by the reading unit 15 and stored in the image memory. A plurality of destinations described in a predetermined area of (image data) are determined (ST16), the contents of the area in which the text of the image data (image data) of the document is described are read from the image memory 17, and the LAN 2 is connected. To the corresponding file server 3 or personal computer 4 (ST17).
[0042]
If there is no matching ID number as a result of the comparison in step 4, the control unit 10 compares the ID number in the transmission data with the ID number in the directory management table 12b of the memory unit 12 (ST18).
[0043]
As a result of this comparison, if there is no matching ID number, the control unit 10 provides guidance that "Use a correct card for authentication error" on the display unit 13a as shown in FIG. 11 (ST19). At the same time, the control unit 10 uses the sound source unit 14 to emit an electronic sound “Pippi” indicating an authentication error, and notifies the user of the authentication error by sound (ST20).
[0044]
If there is a matching ID number as a result of the comparison in the step 13, the control unit 10 reads the affiliation, name, storage destination directory, and storage destination history as the storage contents corresponding to the ID number from the directory management table 12b (ST21). ), The display unit 13a displays that the authentication has been correctly performed and the read content (ST22).
[0045]
For example, as shown in FIG. 5, “[920001 Development Department 1st Section, Mr. Taro Suzuki] has been authenticated. The save destination directory is [¥¥ pc]. Suzuki \ tmp]. Other directory: 1: \\ pc suzuki \ tmp 2: \\ pc Suzuki \ doc 3: \\ sv kaihatsu \ ka1 \ suzuki \ doc "is displayed.
[0046]
At the same time, the control unit 10 uses the sound source unit 14 to emit an electronic sound “Peep” indicating authentication OK to notify the user that the sound has been authenticated (ST23).
[0047]
At this time, another directory may be selected by a selection key. Thereafter, when the document is read by the reading unit 15 and stored in the image memory 17, the control unit 10 determines the text mode and controls the LAN interface 18 based on the confirmed or selected storage destination directory. As a result, the image data (image data) of the document stored in the image memory 17 is transmitted to the corresponding file server 3 or personal computer 4 via the LAN 2 (ST24).
[0048]
If the user's wireless card M leaves the authenticable range during the image input process in the scanner unit 1, the image input process is performed to the end without interruption. Thereby, a user's convenience can be aimed at.
[0049]
In addition, when the wireless card is forgotten or when the authentication of the wireless card is bad, the control unit 10 stores the wireless card in the shared directory of the file server 3. Thereby, a minimum function can be achieved.
[0050]
As described above, since the user can be identified by reading the user information of the wireless card carried by the user, when inputting images with a scanner used by a plurality of users, the user is required to perform an extra operation or security. Appropriate processing according to the setting of each user can be executed without lowering. For example, it can be transmitted and stored in a directory of each preset user.
[0051]
In addition, the history of the storage directory that the user has used so far is displayed on the control panel together with the storage directory set by the user so that the user can select it on the spot. In addition, a directory frequently used by the user can be easily selected.
[0052]
In addition, when a user is authenticated, the job flow such as text file creation, word profile creation, and email transmission set by the user is displayed in the form of a Windows icon on the operation panel display. It becomes possible.
[0053]
Further, the result of authentication of the user ID is guided and displayed using a display unit of an operation panel for displaying to the user, and the result of authentication is notified to the user by voice using a sound source unit. Thereby, the user can clearly know whether or not authentication is possible.
[0054]
In the above embodiment, the case where the job selection process is performed has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the process directly moves to the directory management table ID number comparison process without performing the job selection process. Also good. In this case, steps 4 to 17 are deleted in the image input processing shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 9 and 10, and when it is determined that the wireless card M can be handled in step 3, the process proceeds to step 18.
[0055]
Further, although the case where the storage destination history is stored in the directory management table 12b has been described, the storage destination history may not be stored in the directory management table 12b as shown in FIG. In this case, at the time of authentication OK, as shown in FIG. 13, an authentication screen including authentication OK at the time of ID number authentication and a storage destination directory is displayed.
[0056]
Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the authentication process performed by the scanner unit may be collectively performed by a management device 42 connected to a plurality of scanner units 40,. . In this case, the directory management table (authentication file) for authentication exists in the memory unit 22 a in the management device 42.
[0057]
That is, the ID number read by the wireless card reader of the scanner unit 40 is inquired to the management apparatus 41 through the LAN 41. The management apparatus 41 performs the authentication process as described above, and the result is returned to the corresponding scanner unit 40 through the LAN 41.
[0058]
In this way, since the authentication files can be managed in a centralized manner, even if the authentication file is changed, only the authentication file of the management device needs to be changed, and a plurality of scanner units can be easily managed. it can.
[0059]
In other words, when it is necessary to rewrite authentication information due to employee changes, etc., it is not necessary to rewrite the authentication information of all scanner units, and the information in the management device as the authentication server that collectively manages the information is rewritten. Just good. Since all the scanner units do not need to be operated, the possibility of mistakes in rewriting work is reduced, and the burden on the administrator can be greatly reduced.
[0060]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the present invention, when an image is input by a scanner used by a plurality of users, it is possible to respond to the setting of each user without requiring an extra operation from the user or reducing security. It is possible to provide an image input system and an image input method capable of executing appropriate processing.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a schematic configuration of an image input system according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a storage example of a job management table in a memory unit.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a storage example of a directory management table in a memory unit.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a job (icon) selection screen on the display unit.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an authentication screen of a display unit.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a document in which a plurality of mail destinations (addresses) are described in a predetermined area.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a wireless card.
FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a wireless card reader.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining image input processing;
FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining image input processing;
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an authentication error screen on the display unit.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a storage example of a directory management table of a memory unit in another example.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an authentication screen of a display unit in another example.
FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a schematic configuration of an image input system in another example.
[Explanation of symbols]
M ... Wireless card
1 ... Scanner section
2 ... LAN
3 ... File server
4. Personal computer
10. Control unit
11 ... Wireless card reader
12 ... Memory section
12a ... Job management table
12b ... Directory management table
13 ... Control panel
13a ... Display section
14 ... Sound source
15: Reading unit
16: Image-code conversion unit
17 ... Image memory
18 ... LAN interface

Claims (2)

In an image input system for transmitting an input image from a scanner to a file server or personal computer via a LAN,
The scanner is
Reading means for storing an image from a document as read image data;
Receiving means for receiving transmission data including an ID code from a wireless card ;
The ID number in the transmission data received by the receiving means is compared with the ID number of the job management table stored in advance, and the job content is read from the job management table as the stored content corresponding to the matching ID number. Means,
Display means for displaying a selection icon corresponding to the contents of the job;
When the text mode is determined by selecting the text file by this display means, the file server and personal computer in the storage destination directory are read from the directory management table as the stored contents corresponding to the matching ID number, and this authentication is performed correctly. And a first processing means for displaying the read contents and transmitting the image data via the LAN,
When the word processing mode is determined by selecting the word profiling by the display means, the file server and personal computer in the save destination directory are read from the directory management table as stored contents corresponding to the matching ID number, and this authentication is performed correctly. A second processing means for displaying the read contents, converting the image data from image data to code data, and transmitting the data via a LAN;
When the mail mode is determined by selecting the mail transmission by the display unit, a plurality of destinations described in a predetermined area of the image data by the reading unit are determined, and the text of the image data by the reading unit is described. A file server as a storage destination directory of each corresponding destination via the LAN, and a third processing means for transmitting to the personal computer.
An image input system characterized by that . In an image input system for transmitting an input image from a scanner to a file server or personal computer via a LAN,
The scanner is
Reading means for storing an image from a document as read image data;
Receiving means for receiving transmission data including an ID code from a wireless card ;
The ID number in the transmission data received by the receiving means is compared with the ID number of the job management table stored in advance, and the contents of the job are read from the job management table as the stored contents corresponding to the matching ID number. 1 reading means;
Display means for displaying a selection icon corresponding to the contents of the job;
A first determination means for determining a text mode by selecting a text file by the display means ;
When the text mode is determined by the first determination means, the file server of the storage destination directory as the storage content corresponding to the matching ID number from the directory management table, the second reading means for reading the personal computer ,
A file server as a storage destination directory read by the second reading means, a first transmitting means for transmitting the image data to a personal computer via a LAN;
Second determination means for determining a word processor mode by selecting word profiling by the display means;
A third reading means for reading a file server of a storage destination directory and a personal computer as storage contents corresponding to a matching ID number from the directory management table when the word processing mode is determined by the second determination means ;
A second transmission means for displaying the content read by the third reading means, converting the image data from image data to code data, and transmitting the data via a LAN;
When judging that a mail mode by the selection of the mail transmitted by the display means, and third determination means for determining a plurality of destinations are described in a predetermined area of the image data by the reading hand stage,
A third content is transmitted to the file server or personal computer as the storage destination directory of each destination determined by the third determining means via the LAN, in the area where the text of the image data by the reading means is described . Transmission means
An image input system characterized by that .

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