U.S. patent application number 11/189824 was filed with the patent office on 2005-12-08 for push type scanner apparatus and image data transmitting and receiving system.
Invention is credited to Hori, Kiyoshi, Nagayama, Tokimune, Noda, Tatsuo, Sasaki, Wataru, Yoshioka, Tetsuya.
Application Number | 20050273498 11/189824 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 18746191 |
Filed Date | 2005-12-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050273498 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sasaki, Wataru ; et
al. |
December 8, 2005 |
Push type scanner apparatus and image data transmitting and
receiving system
Abstract
A push type scanner apparatus according to the present invention
can transmit image data read by the push type scanner apparatus
through a network to a desired personal computer only by operating
the push type scanner apparatus without transmitting any operation
command from the personal computer. In the push type scanner
apparatus, for transmitting image data, a destination address is
specified; a mail to be transmitted to the specified destination
address is created; an appended file comprising the image data read
by the scanner apparatus and appended to the mail is created; and
the created mail and appended file are outputted to the
network.
Inventors: |
Sasaki, Wataru; (Osaka,
JP) ; Noda, Tatsuo; (Osaka, JP) ; Nagayama,
Tokimune; (Osaka, JP) ; Hori, Kiyoshi; (Osaka,
JP) ; Yoshioka, Tetsuya; (Osaka, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SMITH, GAMBRELL & RUSSELL, LLP
1850 M STREET, N.W., SUITE 800
WASHINGTON
DC
20036
US
|
Family ID: |
18746191 |
Appl. No.: |
11/189824 |
Filed: |
July 27, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11189824 |
Jul 27, 2005 |
|
|
|
09938583 |
Aug 27, 2001 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
709/206 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 1/00222 20130101;
H04N 2201/3278 20130101; H04N 1/00214 20130101; H04N 2201/3214
20130101; H04N 1/00225 20130101; H04N 1/00411 20130101; H04N
2201/3208 20130101; H04N 2201/3205 20130101; H04N 1/00474 20130101;
H04N 2201/3277 20130101; H04N 1/00212 20130101; H04N 2201/3225
20130101; H04N 1/00482 20130101; H04N 2201/0081 20130101; H04N
1/32069 20130101; H04N 2201/0094 20130101; H04N 1/00217 20130101;
H04N 1/32101 20130101; H04N 2201/3274 20130101; H04N 2201/3266
20130101; H04N 1/32112 20130101; H04N 1/00432 20130101; H04N
1/00435 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
709/206 |
International
Class: |
G06F 015/16 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Aug 28, 2000 |
JP |
2000-257774 |
Claims
1-9. (canceled)
10. A push type scanner apparatus capable of transmitting image
data through a network comprising an original scanner for reading
an original set therein and outputting image data of an image on a
surface of the original, a network connecting interface for
connecting the push type scanner apparatus to the network, a
personal computer specifying means for specifying a specific
personal computer connected to the network at an IP address, and a
transmission executing means for transmitting, when the original is
read by the original scanner in association with the personal
computer specification executed by the personal computer specifying
means, the image data of the original read by the original scanner
directly to the specified personal computer at the IP address.
11. A push type scanner apparatus capable of transmitting image
data through a network comprising: an original scanner for reading
an original set in the push type scanner apparatus and outputting
image data of an image on a surface of the original, a network
connecting interface for connecting the push type scanner apparatus
to the network, a destination specifying means for specifying a
mail address or specifying a personal computer at an IP address, a
first transmission executing means for creating, in response to the
mail address specification by the destination specifying means, an
appended file comprising the image data of the original read by the
original scanner to be appended to a mail, and outputting the
created mail and the appended file through the network connecting
interface to the network, and a second transmission executing means
for transmitting, in response to the personal computer
specification by the destination specifying means, the image data
of the original read by the original scanner directly to the
specified personal computer at the IP address.
12. An image data transmitting and receiving system including a
push type scanner apparatus capable of transmitting image data
through a network and data processing apparatus connected to the
network, in which the push type scanner apparatus comprises: an
original scanner for reading an original set therein and outputting
image data of an image on a surface of the original, a network
connecting interface for connecting the push type scanner apparatus
to the network, an image data storing folder specifying means for
specifying an image data storing folder of a data processing
apparatus connected to the network by an address on the network,
and a transmission executing means for transmitting, when the
original is read by the original scanner in association with the
image data storing folder specification by the image data storing
folder specifying means, the image data of the original read by the
original scanner directly to the data processing apparatus at the
IP address, the data processing apparatus being provided with an
image data receiving software, in which a location of the image
data storing folder for storing image data is registered, and the
image data receiving software being used for receiving the image
data transmitted from the push type scanner apparatus and storing
the image data in the image data receiving folder.
13. An image data transmitting and receiving system as claimed in
claim 12, in which in each data processing apparatus, a location of
the image data storing folder for storing image data and in
addition, a password for the image data storing folder set by a
user are registered, so that the user selects a folder for storing
the image data read by the scanner apparatus and enters the
password set for the selected folder, and the scanner apparatus
transmits the password entered by the user to the data processing
apparatus having the image data storing folder selected by the user
on the basis of an address on the network on the data processing
apparatus corresponding to the selected image data storing folder,
to query the data processing apparatus whether the password entered
by the user coincides with the password registered for the image
data storing folder or not, and only when the two passwords
coincide with each other, the scanner apparatus scans the image and
transmits the image data thereof to the data processing apparatus
having the image storing folder.
14. An image data transmitting and receiving system including a
push type scanner apparatus capable of transmitting image data
through a network and a data processing apparatus connected to the
network, in which the push type scanner apparatus comprises: an
original scanner for reading an original set therein and outputting
image data of an image on a surface of the original, a network
connecting interface for connecting the push type scanner apparatus
to the network, an image data storing folder specifying means for
specifying an image data storing folder of a data processing
apparatus connected to the network by using an address on the
network and the name or the number of the image data storing
folder, and a transmission executing means for transmitting, when
the original is read by the original scanner in association with
the image data storing folder specification by the image data
storing folder specifying means, the image data of the original
read by the original scanner directly to the data processing
apparatus at the IP address, the data processing apparatus being
provided with image data receiving software on the operating
system, in which the location of the image data storing folder for
storing image data is registered, the image data receiving software
being used for receiving the image data transmitted from the push
type scanner apparatus and storing the image data in the image data
receiving folder.
15. An image data transmitting and receiving system as claimed in
claim 14, in which in each data processing apparatus, a name or a
number and a location of each image data storing folder for storing
image data and in addition, a password for each image data storing
folder set by a user are registered, so that the user selects a
folder name of the image data storing folder for storing the image
data read by the scanner apparatus and enters the password set for
the folder corresponding to the selected folder name, and the
scanner apparatus transmits the password entered by the user to the
data processing apparatus having the image data storing folder
corresponding to the folder name selected by the user on the basis
of an address on the network on the data processing apparatus
corresponding to the folder name, to query the data processing
apparatus having the image data storing folder corresponding to the
folder name whether the password entered by the user coincides with
the password registered for the image data storing folder
corresponding to the folder name or not, and only when the two
passwords coincide with each other, the scanner apparatus scans the
image and transmits the image data thereof to the data processing
apparatus having the image storing folder corresponding to the
folder name.
Description
[0001] This application is based on application No. 2000-257774
filed in Japan, the content of which is incorporated hereinto by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a push type scanner
apparatus capable of transmitting image data of an original, which
the scanner apparatus has read, trough a network such as a LAN
(Local Area Network), the Internet or the like to a specified
destination, and to an image data transmitting and receiving system
including the push type scanner apparatus at a terminal.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] In offices and companies, a printer or a digital copying
machine has been connected to a LAN to be shared.
[0006] When such a connection is adopted, in order to print out a
document or image data created in a personal computer, the data are
transmitted from the personal computer through the LAN to the
printer or the copying machine, and the printer or the copying
machine receives the data, then prints the data on a paper sheet
and outputs the same.
[0007] Further, sometimes a scanner apparatus (including a digital
copying machine usable as a scanner) is connected to the LAN. Such
a scanner can be also shared similarly to the printer or the
copying machine. The scanner can operate on the basis of a command
from the personal computer. On the basis of a command from the
personal computer, the scanner reads image data and outputs the
image data to a personal computer receiving the command.
[0008] When such a scanner apparatus is connected, the conventional
system operating only by a command from a personal computer PC1 has
a disadvantage that it is not easily usable. When a user uses the
scanner apparatus, the user, after setting an original to be read
on the scanner, has to operate the user's personal computer to give
an operation command to the scanner apparatus. Further, after the
scanner apparatus reads the original, the user has to go to the
scanner apparatus to take back the original. These operations are
complicated.
[0009] Otherwise, in a structure in which the scanner apparatus
preliminarily reads the original and the data read by the scanner
apparatus can be stored in a memory of the scanner apparatus, the
user has to operate the personal computer so as to read out the
image data stored in the scanner apparatus. These operations are
also complicated.
[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide push type
scanner apparatus capable of transmitting image data, which the
scanner apparatus itself has read, through a network.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] (1) A push type scanner apparatus according to the present
invention comprises an original scanner for reading an original set
therein and outputting image data of an image on the surface of the
original, a network connecting interface for connecting the push
type scanner apparatus to a network, an address specifying means
for specifying an address designating a destination for
transmitting the image data through the network, a mail creating
means for creating a mail to be transmitted to the address
specified by the address specifying means, an appended file
creating means for creating an appended file comprising the image
data of the original read by the original scanner to be appended to
the mail created by the mail creating means, and a transmission
executing means for outputting the created mail and the appended
file from the network connecting interface to the network (claim
1).
[0012] According to the structure of this push type scanner
apparatus, created in association with an address specification
executed by the address specifying means is a mail to be
transmitted to the specified address. Further when an original is
read in association with the address specification, the read image
data of the original are made into an appended file of the mail.
And the created mail and the appended file thereof are transmitted
to the specified address.
[0013] Therefore, image data read by the original scanner can be
transmitted in an appended file form to a destination personal
computer only by operating the push type scanner apparatus without
need of operating the destination personal computer. That is, since
image data are sent from the scanner apparatus side, this scanner
apparatus is called "push type".
[0014] As the result, the present invention can provide a scanner
apparatus having good operability and being easy to use.
[0015] As a way of address specification in this scanner apparatus,
a way comprising preliminarily storing a plurality of addresses in
an address memory and selecting a desired one of them can be
adopted, similarly to a way of mail address specification in a
personal computer (claim 2).
[0016] Otherwise, a structure may be adopted in which each time an
address can be entered by enter keys (claim 3).
[0017] Further, if the association of the address specification and
the original reading is limited to a case the original reading is
executed after the address specification, the image data of the
original can be transmitted to the specified address only by
specifying the address to which the image data are to be
transmitted and executing the original reading without need of any
other associating operation (claim 4).
[0018] Further, the association of the address specification and
the original reading may be executed, for example, by operating a
specific operation key, by setting the scanner apparatus in a
predetermined mode and operating the same, or the like.
[0019] (2) A push type scanner apparatus according to the present
invention may further comprise an address book data obtaining means
for obtaining address book data from any data processing apparatus
connected to the abovementioned network, and the address specifying
means may specifying a destination address from the address book
data obtained by the address book data obtaining means. (claim
5).
[0020] According to this structure, since the push type scanner
apparatus can obtain the address book data from the terminal data
processing apparatus, an operator can select the destination
address from the obtained address book data. The image data are
transmitted to the selected destination address. Consequently, it
is not necessarily required to preliminarily register the
destination address data. Therefore, it is not necessary to install
a large capacity memory for registering the destination address
data. As a result, a low cost push type scanner apparatus can be
realized.
[0021] Further, when the push type scanner apparatus is shared by a
number of users, each user can transmit image data, for example, by
obtaining address book data from his data processing apparatus
connected to the network and selecting a destination address from
the address book data. Accordingly, since it is not necessary to
install a memory for registering number of destination address data
in the push type scanner apparatus and in addition, operation of
selecting a destination address can be efficiently executed, the
operability of the push type scanner apparatus can be improved.
[0022] Further, even when a plurality of push type scanner
apparatus are connected to the network, it is not necessary to
individually register destination address data in each of the push
type scanner apparatus. Thereby, operations of inputting and
renewing the destination address data by an administrator or the
like can be reduced.
[0023] (3) A push type scanner apparatus according to the present
invention may further comprise an additional data inputting means
for inputting additional data to be added to image data for
database processing (claim 6).
[0024] According to the present invention, it is possible to input
additional data for database processing from an operation panel of
the scanner apparatus, and the additional data and the image data
inputted by the original scanner are transmitted to a terminal data
processing apparatus. Thereby, it is possible to surely correspond
accurate additional data to the image data by the operation on the
scanner apparatus side without need of using forms or the like. As
a result, database processing in the data processing apparatus can
be facilitated, and for example, such database processing can be
automated.
[0025] "Database processing" here means to process data stored in
the database. For example, database processing includes retrieving
image data on a certain retrieving condition, or displaying list of
image data, etc. When the database in the data processing apparatus
is of such a kind that image data are classified by the hierarchy
structure, the abovementioned additional data inputting means
preferably includes a means for selecting the registered
classification data by the hierarchy structure (FIG. 8A, FIG.
8B).
[0026] Further, when the database in the data processing apparatus
is of such a kind that the registered image data is retrieved by
using attribute data comprising characters or symbols as a
retrieval key, the abovementioned additional data inputting means
preferably includes a means (FIG. 9: keyboard) for creating
attribute data comprising characters or symbols by key entry.
[0027] (4) Preferably a push type scanner apparatus according to
the present invention further includes a storing means for storing
the destination addresses to which image data transmission is
limited on the basis of the domain name of each of the said
destination addresses, and a transmission limiting means for
limiting image data transmission to a destination address by
corresponding the domain name of the destination address to the
domain names stored in the storing means (claim 7).
[0028] According to this structure, it is decided on the basis of
the domain name of a destination address whether to limit the image
data transmission thereto or not, and the image data are not
transmitted to the address to which the image data transmission is
limited. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the mail server on the
receiving side from being excessively loaded.
[0029] An image data input and transmission apparatus according to
the present invention may include a storing means for storing the
destination addresses to which the image data transmission is
permitted on the basis of the domain name of each of the said
destination addresses, and a transmission permitting means for
permitting the image data transmission to a destination address by
corresponding the domain name of the destination address to the
domain names stored in the storing means (claim 8).
[0030] According to this structure, it is decided on the basis of
the domain name of a destination address whether to permit the
image data transmission to the destination address or not, and the
image data is transmitted only to the permitted addresses. Thereby,
it is possible to prevent the mail server on the receiving side
from being excessively loaded.
[0031] (5) Preferably a push type scanner apparatus according to
the present invention further comprises a set expression storing
means for storing set expressions used for creating a text writing
of a mail (claim 9).
[0032] According to this structure, users of the push type scanner
apparatus are provided with facilitation and convenience of the
operation, and at the same time they can effectively utilize the
limited memory area.
[0033] (6) A push type scanner apparatus according to the present
invention comprises an original scanner for reading an original set
therein and outputting image data of an image on the surface of the
original, a network connecting interface for connecting the push
type scanner apparatus to a network, a personal computer specifying
means for specifying a specific personal computer connected to the
network, and a transmission executing means for transmitting, when
the original is read by the original scanner in association with
the personal computer specification executed by the personal
computer specifying means, the image data of the original read by
the original scanner to the specified personal computer (claim
10).
[0034] According to this structure, the image data can be directly
to the personal computer, unlike the case of the abovementioned (1)
in which the image data are transmitted in the form of an appended
file appended to a mail. The image data transmission can be also
executed only by the operation of the scanner apparatus without
need of operation from the personal computer. The personal computer
receives the image data and stores the same in a specific file
form.
[0035] Therefore, since the image data can be transmitted to a
specified personal computer only by operating the scanner
apparatus, the scanner apparatus has an excellent operability.
[0036] Especially when a user wants to store image data of a
plurality of original sheets in a memory of his personal computer,
he has only to set the original sheets in the scanner apparatus
according to the present invention, specify his own personal
computer, and let the scanner apparatus read the originals. Thereby
all the image data of the originals read by the scanner apparatus
are transmitted to his personal computer and stored in the memory
of his personal computer. Therefore, the scanner apparatus is easy
to use.
[0037] (7) A push type scanner apparatus according to the present
invention is provided with both of the functions described in the
abovementioned (1) and (6)(claim 11). It is more useful that the
two functions of the scanner apparatus can be changed over to
use.
[0038] (8) An image data transmitting and receiving system
according to the present invention is an image data transmitting
system including a push type scanner apparatus capable of
transmitting image data through a network and a data processing
apparatus connected to the network,
[0039] and the push type scanner apparatus comprises an original
scanner for reading an original set therein and outputting image
data of an image on the surface of the original, a network
connecting interface for connecting the push type scanner apparatus
to the network, an image data storing folder specifying means for
specifying an image data storing folder of a data processing
apparatus connected to the network by an address on the network,
and a transmission executing means for transmitting, when the
original is read by the original scanner in association with the
image data storing folder specification executed by the image data
storing folder specifying means, the image data of the original
read by the original scanner to the data processing apparatus,
[0040] the data processing apparatus being provided with an image
data receiving software on the operating system, in which the
location of the image data storing folder for storing image data is
registered, the image data receiving software being used for
receiving the image data transmitted from the scanner apparatus and
storing the same in the image data receiving folder (claim 12).
[0041] According to this structure, it is possible to transmit the
image data read by the push type scanner apparatus from the push
type scanner apparatus directly to a user's data processing
apparatus using an address on the network.
[0042] And the user can store the image data in a folder unshared
on the network without aid of any server. Since the location of the
folder can be kept private, the image data can be prevented from
being viewed by others.
[0043] Further, the system may be such that the image data
transmission to the data processing apparatus having the image data
storing folder for storing the image data is permitted when the
user enters a valid password (claim 13). Thereby, it can be also
prevented that, on operation of the push type scanner apparatus by
any other person than the user, unnecessary data are transmitted
from the push type scanner apparatus and stored in the image data
storing folder in the data processing apparatus.
[0044] Further, in the image data transmitting and receiving system
according to the present invention, the image data storing folder
may be specified by using the name or the number, as well as the
address on the network, of the image data storing folder (claim
14). It is very convenient for the user to specifying the image
data storing folder by using the name or the number thereof.
[0045] In this case, the system may be also such that the image
data transmission to the data processing apparatus having the image
data storing folder for storing the image data is permitted when
the user enters a valid password (claim 15).
[0046] Now, embodiments of the present invention will be described
in the following with reference to the appended drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0047] FIG. 1 is a view showing the connection structure of a
network including a push type scanner apparatus according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0048] FIG. 2 is a block diagram explaining the structure of the
push type scanner apparatus.
[0049] FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing control operation of the
control section.
[0050] FIG. 4 is a view showing a user data input screen.
[0051] FIG. 5 is a view showing a user password input screen.
[0052] FIG. 6 is a view showing a scanner function basic
screen.
[0053] FIG. 7 is a view showing a destination selecting screen.
[0054] FIGS. 8A and 8B are views for explaining additional data
input operation.
[0055] FIG. 9 is a view showing an attribute data input screen.
[0056] FIG. 10 is a view showing a read setting screen.
[0057] FIG. 11 is a view showing a data form of additional
data.
[0058] FIG. 12 is a view showing an example of a mail destination
limitation list written in the address memory 16.
[0059] FIG. 13 is a view showing an example of a mail destination
permitting list written in the address memory 16.
[0060] FIG. 14 is a flow chart of transmitting operation in the
case of limiting mail transmission on the basis of the mail
destination limitation list.
[0061] FIG. 15 is a view showing an example of a text writing
composed of component sentences is shown.
[0062] FIG. 16 is a schematic view showing an example of a folder
setting screen displayed on each personal computer by the image
data receiving software.
[0063] FIG. 17 is a schematic view showing an example of a Web Page
(destination administrating data registering screen) provided by
the digital copying machine 1 when a predetermined user accesses
the digital copying machine 1 using the Web Browser function of any
one of the personal computers.
[0064] FIG. 18 is a schematic view showing an example of a
destination folder selecting screen displayed in the operating
section of the digital copying machine 1.
[0065] FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing the procedure of operations
of the digital copying machine 1 and a personal computer for
storing data read by the digital copying machine 1 as an image file
in the folder in the personal computer specified by a user.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0066] FIG. 1 is a view showing a network connection structure
including a push type scanner apparatus according to an embodiment
of the present invention.
[0067] In FIG. 1, a digital copying machine 1 is used as a push
type scanner apparatus. The digital copying machine 1 is connected
to a LAN 20. The LAN 20 is a network connecting, for example, a
plurality of personal computers PC1, PC2 and a documentation server
3 provided in an office to one another. A SMTP server (Simple Mail
Transfer Protocol Server) 5 is connected to the LAN 20.
[0068] The LAN 20 is further connected, through a gateway and a
firewall 6 at need, to the Internet 6. And external personal
computers 4a, 4b are connected through the Internet to the LAN
20.
[0069] In such a network connection structure, the digital copying
machine 1 can read an original and transmit (deliver) image data of
the original to a desired personal computer PC1 (arrow {circle over
(1)}). This data transmission (delivery) can be executed only by
operating the digital copying machine 1 without need of operating
the personal computer PC1.
[0070] Further, the digital copying machine 1 can transmit image
data of the original read by the digital copying machine 1, for
example, to the documentation server 3 installed in the office
(arrow {circle over (2)}). This transmittal can be also executed
only by operating the digital copying machine 1 without operating
the documentation server 3.
[0071] The image data stored in the documentation server 3 can be
read and retrieved by the personal computers PC1, PC2 connected to
the LAN 20 (arrow {circle over (3)}).
[0072] Further, the digital copying machine 1 can read an original
and transmit the image data of the original in a mail form, to the
SMTP server 5 on the LAN 20 (arrow {circle over (4)}). This
transmittal can be also executed only by operating the digital
copying machine 1.
[0073] The SMTP server 5 receives the mail from the digital copying
machine 1 and delivers the mail body and an appended file attached
to the mail body to the external personal computers 4a, 4b the
addresses of which are specified by the mail (arrow {circle over
(5)}).
[0074] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the structure of the
digital copying machine 1 of FIG. 1. The digital copying machine 1
includes a control section 11 constituted by a microcomputer and
the like. The control section 11 controls an original reading
section 12 and an image forming section 9. Further, an image memory
13 for storing image data read by the original reading section 12
is provided. The image memory 13 is controlled by the control
section 11. Therefore, the image data read by the original reading
section 13 is stored in the image memory 13 and the image data are
fed from the image memory to the image forming section 9, so that a
copy (form) on which a copy image of the original has been formed
can be obtained.
[0075] The control section 11 is connected through a network
interface 19 to the LAN 20. A plurality of personal computers PC1,
PC2, . . . , PCn (n being an integer equal to or larger than 1) are
connected to the LAN 20. As a result, the digital copying machine 1
can function as a network scanner and network printer shared by the
plurality of personal computers PC1, PC2, . . . , PCn. That is, the
digital copying machine 1 can transmit image data of an original
read by the original reading section 12 through a network interface
19 to an arbitrary personal computer PCi (i=1, 2, . . . , n) on the
LAN (network scanner function). Further, the digital copying
machine 1 can receive image data from an arbitrary personal
computer PCi on the LAN and can form an image corresponding to the
image data on a form by theoperation of the image forming section 9
(network printer function).
[0076] Further, the digital copying machine 1 includes an operating
section 14 so that a user can make various kinds of operations. The
user can enter or select an address, specify a personal computer
and the like. Further, the digital copying machine 1 includes a
display section 15 for displaying operation data and other
contents, which is constituted by a liquid crystal display panel or
the like. The display section 15 is controlled by the control
section 11. The operating section 14 includes, in addition to enter
keys such as ten keys, a touch panel disposed on the display
surface of the display section 15.
[0077] Further, connected to the control section 11 is an address
memory 16 storing addresses which are destination data shared by a
plurality of users. A user data memory 17 is also connected to the
control section 11. In the user data memory 17, user data of the
personal computers PC1.about.PCn connected to the LAN 20 and the
corresponding IP addresses of the personal computers PC1.about.PCn
are registered in correspondence with each other. Further,
connected to the control section 11 is a general memory 18 for
temporarily storing address data and the like.
[0078] Furthermore, a network interface 19 is connected to the
control section 11. The digital copying machine 1 is connected
through the network interface 19 to the LAN 20.
[0079] FIG. 3 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the
digital copying machine 1 used as a push type scanner. When an
operator selects the scanner function by operating the operating
section 14 and selects a transmitting form of image data (whether
transmitting the image data in a form of an electronic mail or
transmitting the image data directly) (step S1), a user data input
screen shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the display 15 (step
S2).
[0080] On the user data input screen, a plurality of user selecting
buttons showing user numbers and user names are arranged and
displayed. A touch panel is disposed on the surface of the display
15 as abovementioned, and when the operator selects and pushes any
user selecting button, user data of the pushed user selecting
button are inputted (step S2). Instead of such operation, user data
can be also inputted by entering a user number from the ten key
provided on the operating section 14. If the user selecting button
corresponding to the user name of the operator is not displayed on
the user data input screen, the operator can find out the user
selecting button corresponding to his user name by operating a
scroll button.
[0081] By thus inputting the user data, a user password input
screen shown in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display 15. Each user
can set a password at need. When a user has set a password, the
operator enters the predetermined password by ten key entry or the
like and operates by pushing set buttons, the user data entry
becomes effective.
[0082] When the user data entry becomes effective, a scanner
function basic screen shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display
15. By making predetermined operations on the scanner function
basic screen, a destination address for transmitting the image data
can be set (step S3).
[0083] The scanner function basic screen includes an original
reading condition setting section and a destination setting section
as shown in FIG. 6. In the destination setting section, a "Store in
User's PC" button and a "Destination Book" button are provided. The
"Store in User's PC" button is operated when image data are sent to
a user's personal computer corresponding to the user data entered
at step S2 in FIG. 3.
[0084] When the "Store in User's PC" button is operated, the
control section 11 reads out, from the user data memory 17, an IP
address of the personal computer corresponding to the user
concerned, and sets the IP address as the destination for
transmitting the image data.
[0085] When the "Destination Book" button is operated (YES at step
S13), the destination selecting screen shown in FIG. 7 is displayed
on the display 15. On this destination selecting screen, a
"personal destination book" display and a "common destination book"
display can be changed over by operating a tab.
[0086] The "common destination book" is used for selecting
destinations registered in the address memory 16 of the digital
copying machine 1. On the other hand, the "personal destination
book" is a destination book (address book data) preliminarily set
in a personal computer corresponding to the user data entered at
step S2 in FIG. 3.
[0087] When the "personal destination book" tub is operated, an
address (IP address) of a personal computer corresponding to the
user data entered at step S2 in FIG. 3 is read out of the user data
memory 17. With respect to this address, the control section 11
transmits an address book data requesting signal through the
network interface 19 to the network. On receiving the address book
data requesting signal, an address book software of the
corresponding personal computer outputs address book data set in
the said personal computer. The address book data are obtained by
the control section 11 of the digital copying machine 1 through the
network interface 19, and stored in the general memory 18. The
address book data stored in the general memory 18 are displayed on
the display 15 as destination candidates in the personal
destination book.
[0088] The operator selects an intended destination from the
destination candidates in the personal destination book displayed
on the display 15, and sets the same as the destination for
transmitting the image data. One or more destinations can be
selected from the personal destination book and a destination
candidate selection screen (FIG. 7) of the common destination book.
By pushing a "destination addition" button after thus selecting the
destination, the destination for transmitting the image data is
defined.
[0089] When the "common destination book" tab is operated, the
control section 11 reads out the destination book from the address
memory 16 of the digital copying machine 1 and displays the same on
the display 15. By selecting one or more destinations from the
displayed destination candidates and operating the "destination
addition" button, the destination for transmitting the image data
can be set.
[0090] In the digital copying machine 1, by obtaining address book
data from any of the personal computers PC1.about.Pcn connected to
the LAN 20, the destination for transmitting the image data can be
set using the address book data as abovementioned. Accordingly, it
is not necessary to store a number of destination data in the
address memory 16 of the digital copying machine 1, and therefore
the capacity of the address memory 16 need not be so large. As the
result, the cost of the digital copying machine 1 can be
lowered.
[0091] Further, since each user can obtain, in the digital copying
machine 1, the address book data which he has made for his own use
on his personal computer and select a destination, he can execute
the destination setting operation easier than in the case in which
destinations of a number of users are all registered in the address
memory 16. Further, even if a plurality of network scanner
equipments are connected to the LAN, the administrator need not
register or renew destination data relative to all of the network
scanner equipments.
[0092] In the abovementioned embodiment, the address memory 16 for
registering address data to be displayed on the common address book
is provided in the digital copying machine 1. However, the address
memory 16 need not be provided in the digital copying machine 1,
but address book data to be displayed on the common address book
may be obtained from any computer (for example, the documentation
server 3 or a personal computer of the administrator).
[0093] Now, operation of entering additional data to be added to
the image data will be described in the following.
[0094] By operating the display 15 and the operating section 14,
the digital copying machine 1 operates so as to accept entry of
classification data and attribute data as the additional data to be
added to the image data. Here, when data classified by hierarchical
structure are stored, the classification data include the
classification name of each hierarchical structure. Further, when
attribute data can be retrieved by keywords made of letters or
symbols or attributes, the attribute data include these keywords or
attributes.
[0095] Classification data or attribute data capable of being input
in the digital copying machine 1 can be edited from the personal
computers PC1.about.PCn using an administrating/editing tool
software.
[0096] FIGS. 8A and 8B are views for explaining the additional data
input operation in the digital copying machine 1. In this case, the
control section 11 displays a screen shown in FIG. 8A on the
display 15. A touch panel is provided on the surface of the display
15. By pushing the touch panel at positions of operation buttons or
the like displayed on the display 15, predetermined input operation
can be executed.
[0097] In FIG. 8A, a classification selecting screen is shown. In
this classification selecting screen, a category selecting screen
for selecting "section" as a first category, and on the right side
thereof, a plurality of the first category "section" candidates re
displayed in a form of a list. An up-scroll button and a
down-scroll button are provided below the section candidate list,
and the operator can scrolls the section candidate list by
operating the scroll buttons. By selecting an intended candidate
from the section candidate list and pushing the same, the display
of the candidate is reversed and the characters of the selected
candidate are entered.
[0098] When the first category "section" is entered in such a
manner, the operator operates a "next" button, and transfers the
screen to one for selecting the next category "work" (see FIG. 8B).
In order to change a before-selected category, the operator has
only to operate "return" button. By executing similar operations,
the operator can select and input a plurality of categories in
order.
[0099] After entering the classification data, the control section
11 controls the display 15 so that an attribute data input screen
is displayed on the display 15.
[0100] FIG. 9 shows the attribute data input screen. In the example
of FIG. 9, the document name, the implementor, the keywords
1.about.5, the document date and the achieve time limit can be
inputted as the attribute data.
[0101] By touching each column with the finger to reverse the same,
an input screen appears. This input screen includes a pull-down
list box and a keyboard. In the pull-down list box, data inputted
in the past are shown, and by selecting the relevant ones, the
operator can input the attribute data. In the keyboard input
section, for example, the alphabet buttons and the like are
displayed, so that the operator can execute Japanese character
input through Roman character input. This input screen further
includes a "return" button for canceling inputted data and an
"input end" button for defining inputted data.
[0102] By operating "defined" button, the attribute data are set
and the display is changed over to a read setting screen shown in
FIG. 10.
[0103] The read setting screen shown in FIG. 10 includes a scanning
condition setting section on the right side and an additional data
display section on the left side. Provided in the additional data
display section are a classification data tab and an attribute data
tab for confirming classification data and attribute data
respectively. In order to change these data, the operator operates
a "change" button to return to the classification selecting screen
or the attribute data input screen shown in FIG. 8A, FIG. 8B or
FIG. 9.
[0104] FIG. 11 is a view showing data forms of the additional data.
The additional data include each field of the classification data
Cat. 1.about.4 and the attribute data Doc. 1-9. Stored in the
fields are the classification data and the attribute data inputted
on the classification selecting screen and the attribute data input
screen respectively.
[0105] By reading an original after inputting the classification
data and the attribute data using the network scanner function of
the digital copying machine 1 as abovementioned, the image data can
be automatically registered in the user's personal computer. In
this case, since a predetermined form sheet need not be used, forms
are not wasted. Further, since OCR operation and the like are not
necessary, loads of the digital copying machine 1 and the personal
computer can be reduced and a variety of troubles caused by
erroneous recognition occurring in OCR operation can be avoided.
Furthermore, since the image data and the additional data can be
corresponded to each other in the digital copying machine 1 in this
case, no error occurs in such correspondence, unlike a case of
corresponding the image data to the additional data on a personal
computer.
[0106] Thus, the operator can easily register the image data and
the additional data by only operating the digital copying machine
1.
[0107] Among the abovementioned additional data, the classification
data can be used for retrieving data utilizing hierarchical
structure, and the attribute data can be used for retrieving any
data on a basis of a keyword made of characters or symbols or the
like.
[0108] Now, how to limit mail destinations will be described in the
following. For this purpose, a mail destination limiting list or a
mail destination permitting list is used.
[0109] FIG. 12 shows an example of a mail destination limiting list
written in the address memory 16. This list limits destinations for
transmitting the image data on the basis of the domain of each mail
destination address. This writing is executed for each address.
However, by using a wild card, all the addresses including, for
example, "ne. jp" such as "**.ne.jp" can be written in a lump in
the destination limiting list.
[0110] FIG. 13 shows an example of a mail destination permitting
list. This mail destination permitting list permits to transmit a
mail to the destinations on the basis of the domain of each mail
destination address. However, addresses can be written in a lump in
the list using a wild card, similarly as above mentioned.
[0111] FIG. 14 is a flow chart of transmitting operation executed
by the control section 11 in the case of limiting mail transmission
on the basis of the mail destination limiting list.
[0112] First, original reading conditions are inputted in the
original reading condition setting section shown in FIG. 6 (step
T1). The original reading conditions include, for example, the
resolution (600, 400, 300, 200 dpi), the original mode ("photograph
mode", "text mode", "color mode" or the like), the original size
(A3, A4 or the like).
[0113] A user sets an original, and after completing the original
setting, the user pushes a start key (step T2).
[0114] The control section 11 judges whether the destination
limitation setting has been executed or not (step T3). The
destination limitation setting is to preliminarily set whether to
limit the image data transmission on the basis of the domain name
of the destination address or not, and the administrator executes
the destination limitation setting at the time of initialization of
the image data inputting, transmitting and receiving apparatus or
the like.
[0115] The control section 11 checks the number of the inputted
destination addresses, and regards the number as N (step T4).
[0116] To begin with, it is checked whether the domain name of the
first destination address is limited or not on the basis of the
abovementioned mail destination limiting list (step T6).
[0117] When the domain name is limited, the program proceeds to
step T7. And at step T7, it is displayed through the operating
section 14 to the user whether to transmit the data by changing the
destination address or not. The user is informed by the display
that the data cannot be transmitted to the address concerned, and
the user can take a measure of, for example, changing the address.
This measure is effective when the destination concerned has more
than two addresses.
[0118] Then, it is checked whether the domain names of the second
and downward destination addresses are limited or not on the basis
of the abovementioned mail destination limiting list (step T7).
When all addresses are checked (YES at step TB), the program
proceeds to the original reading procedure (FIG. 3; step S4).
[0119] That is, by setting the original on the original reading
section 12 and operating the start button provided in the control
section 11, the image on the surface of the original is read (step
S4). Thereby, the original reading section 12 produces image data.
The produced image data are stored in the image memory 13.
[0120] The following procedure is branched in accordance with the
transmission form selected at step S1. That is, when direct
transmission of the image data is selected (NO at step S5), the
control section 11 reads out the image data from the image memory,
and transmits the image data through the network interface to an
address or addresses set at the destination setting step (step S3)
as the destination or destinations (step S6).
[0121] On the other hand, when an electronic mail (E-mail) is
selected as the transmission form (YES at step S5) the E-mail body
and an appended file to be attached to the E-mail body are formed.
The E-mail body may be, for example, a set expression such as
"Dispensing with the preliminaries. I send you appended images.
Yours sincerely." or an arbitrary expression. The appended file is
a file of the image data read by the original reading section 12
and stored in the image memory 13. The appended file may be a data
file in the form of the image data as they are, or a data file
obtained by compressing the image data in a predetermined form.
[0122] The E-mail body and the appended file are transmitted to the
E-mail address or addresses set at the destination setting step
(step S3)(step S8).
[0123] By storing the transmission date, the sender, destination,
transmitted image data size as a log, the administrator can be
informed what image data has been transmitted to the
destination.
[0124] Now, the storing structure of set expressions for E-mail
will be described in the following.
[0125] Such a set expression is constituted by a plurality of
component sentences. They are, for example, "I owe you much for
your kindness." "I am ( ) of **Inc." "I send you appended data.
Please receive the same." "I trust it to your discretion." "**Inc."
and "E-mail:".
[0126] A user can extract some component sentences from the text
data stored in the memory, and compose the same. Thereby, the user
can create a text writing having his intended content and send the
same.
[0127] With this structure, users of the push type scanner
apparatus are provided with facilitation and convenience of the
operation, and at the same time they can effectively utilize the
limited memory area.
[0128] In FIG. 15, an example of a text writing composed of the
said component sentences is shown.
[0129] Now, description is given to a function of setting a folder
(hereinafter referred to as image data storing file) for storing
image data read by the digital copying machine 1 as an image file,
and a function of receiving image data transmitted from the digital
copying machine 1 and storing the image data as an image file in a
predetermined image data storing folder.
[0130] These functions are realized by a software (application on
the OS) for receiving image data installed in each of the personal
computers PC1.about.PCn.
[0131] The digital copying machine 1 has a function of providing a
Web Page for registering destination administrating data therein
when a user accesses using Web Browser from any of the personal
computers PC1.about.PCn. Further, the digital copying machine 1 has
a function of transmitting image data which the digital copying
machine 1 has read to any of the personal computers PC1.about.PCn
having a destination file specified by the user on the basis of the
user's destination folder selecting operation. These functions are
realized by image data transmission control software of the digital
copying machine 1.
[0132] FIG. 16 shows an example of a folder setting screen
displayed on each of the personal computers PC1.about.PCn by the
image data receiving software.
[0133] The user of each of the personal computers PC1.about.PCn
registers, on the folder setting screen, the image data storing
folder for storing image data read by the digital copying machine 1
as an image file. In this example, a plurality of image data
storing folders can be registered in each of the personal computers
PC1.about.PCn, and the folder number (No. 1 or the like), the
folder's location and a password are registered for each image data
storing folder. The password need not necessarily registered.
[0134] The content (image data storing folder setting data)
registered on the folder setting screen is stored in the personal
computer concerned. The image data storing folder setting data can
be changed and deleted on the folder setting screen.
[0135] FIG. 17 shows an example of a Web Page (destination
administrating data registering screen) provided by the digital
copying machine 1 when a predetermined user accesses the digital
copying machine 1 using the Web Browser function of one of the
personal computers PC1.about.PCn.
[0136] The user registers each image data storing folder registered
in all of the personal computers PC1.about.PCn on this destination
administrating data registering screen.
[0137] In other words, for each image data storing folder, the
folder name (Folder 1 or the like), the network address of the
personal computer in which the image data storing folder is formed,
and the folder number (No. 1 or the like) of the image data storing
folder are registered.
[0138] The content (destination administrating data) registered on
the destination administrating data registering screen is stored in
the digital copying machine 1.
[0139] FIG. 18 shows an example of a destination folder selecting
screen displayed in the operating section of the digital copying
machine 1. On the destination folder selecting screen, a list of
folder names (Folder 1 and the like) is displayed.
[0140] FIG. 19 shows the procedure of operations of the digital
copying machine 1 and a personal computer for storing data read by
the digital copying machine 1 as an image file in a predetermined
folder in the personal computer specified by a user.
[0141] First, operation of the digital copying machine 1 will be
described.
[0142] The digital copying machine enters a scan mode by user
operation (step U1). Further, the digital copying machine 1 enters
a PC transmission mode in the scan mode by user operation (step
U2).
[0143] When the digital copying machine 1 enters the PC
transmission mode, the destination folder selecting screen as shown
in FIG. 18 is displayed, and the user selects a folder name
(hereinafter referred to as destination folder name) corresponding
to an image data storing folder which is the destination for
transmitting the image data (step U3).
[0144] When the destination folder name is selected, the network
address and the folder n umber of the destination personal computer
are obtained on the basis of the destination administrating data
(see FIG. 17) (step U4). Then, a scanner signal and the folder
number are sent to the destination personal computer.
[0145] When the destination personal computer receives the scanner
signal and the folder number, the destination personal computer
sends a confirming signal to the digital copying machine 1.
[0146] Depending upon whether the confirming signal is sent or not,
it is judged whether an image data receiving application software
in the destination personal computer properly operates or not (step
U5).
[0147] When the image data receiving application software is judged
to properly operate, it is judged by querying to the destination
personal computer whether a password is set in the destination
folder (step U6). When any password is not set in the destination
folder, the program proceeds to step U9.
[0148] When a password is set in the destination folder, a password
input screen is displayed so that the user can input the password
set in the said destination folder. When the user inputted the
password (step U7), the inputted password is sent to the
destination personal computer to query it to the personal computer
whether the password inputted by the user coincides with the
password set in the destination folder.
[0149] Depending upon the result of the query, the digital copying
machine 1 judges whether the password inputted by the user
coincides with the password set in the destination folder (step
U8).
[0150] When the two passwords do not coincide with each other, the
program returns to step U7. And when they coincide with each other,
the program proceeds to step U9.
[0151] At step U9, on the basis of user operation, the program
enters an original read mode to start image data reading and at the
same time start transmitting the read image data to the destination
personal computer (steps U10, 11).
[0152] When all the image data reading and transmission are
completed in such a manner (YES at step 12), this time operation
ends.
[0153] Now, operation of the personal computer PC1 will be
described in the following.
[0154] The personal computer always monitors signals sent from the
digital copying machine 1 (step U21). when receiving the scanner
signal and the folder number sent from the digital copying machine
1 at step U4 (YES at step U21), the personal computer sends a
receipt signal to the digital copying machine 1 and at the same
time confirms the incoming folder number (step U23).
[0155] Then, on the basis of the folder number and the image data
store folder setting data (see FIG. 16), the personal computer PC1
defines the destination image data store folder (step U24) and at
the same time judges whether a password is set in the destination
image data store folder or not (step U25). The personal computer
sends the result of the judgment to the digital copying machine 1
in response to the query from the digital copying machine 1 whether
a password is set or not at step U6. When any password is not set,
the program proceeds to step U28.
[0156] When a password is set in the image data store folder, the
personal computer obtains the password inputted by the user from
the digital copying machine 1 (step U26), then judges whether the
obtained password coincides with the passwords set in the image
data store folder (step U27), and sends the result of the judgment
to the digital copying machine 1.
[0157] When the two passwords coincide with each other, the program
proceeds to step U28. At step u28, the personal computer starts
capturing the image data sent from the digital copying machine 1.
And the personal computer starts storing the captured image data in
the destination store folder (step U29).
[0158] When the operation of capturing all the image data and
storing the same in the destination store folder are completed in
this way (YES at step U30), this time operation ends.
[0159] In the abovementioned embodiment, without accessing directly
the folder in the personal computer from the digital copying
machine 1, image data are transmitted to the image data receiving
software in the personal computer and the image data receiving
software in the personal computer stores the image data in the
destination store folder. Accordingly, image data read by the
digital copying machine 1 can be stored in a private folder other
than folders which an operating system on the personal computers
publishes on the network as shared folders. Therefore, the image
data stored by a user in his personal computer can be protected
from the risk of being viewed by others.
[0160] Further, a user can utilize image data stored directly in a
personal computer, applications uncorresponding to the network can
directly utilize the image data.
[0161] Further, by setting a password in an image data storing
folder as abovementioned, it can be prevented that unnecessary data
sent from the digital copying machine 1 are stored in an image data
store holder in the personal computer through operation of the
digital copying machine 1 by others than the user.
[0162] Furthermore, since the location of the image data store
folder can be changed only by changing the image data store folder
setting data on the personal computer side, operation of changing
the location of the image data store folder is very simple.
[0163] A color digital copying machine 1 is used as a scanner
apparatus in the abovementioned embodiment, but a scanner apparatus
itself having no copying function can be used, and a facsimile
apparatus capable of high-speed reading or the like can be also
used, of course.
[0164] Further, since the digital copying machine 1 used in this
network system has a copying function in addition to the
abovementioned original reading function, naturally it can be used
as a copying machine.
[0165] Although the present invention has been described and
illustrated in detail, it is clearly understood that the same is by
way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken by way
of limitation, the spirit and scope of the present invention being
limited only by the terms of the appended claims.
* * * * *