Patent Publication Number: US-2005134941-A1

Title: Scanner apparatus, method for controlling scanner apparatus and multifuntion apparatus

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      1. Field of the Invention  
      The present invention relates to a scanner apparatus and a method for controlling a scanner apparatus which transfers, to a terminal device or other such device, data, data being scanned from an original document, and also relates to a multifunction apparatus to which the scanner device is installed.  
      2. Description of Related Art  
      Conventionally, in a processing procedure of scanned data, the processing procedure being utilized in order that a terminal may obtain data from a scanner through a network, it was required to increase the transfer speed of data sent from a scanner apparatus to a terminal device. For example, a scanner apparatus scans data, compresses the scanned data, and transmits the compressed data to a terminal device via a network. The terminal device receives the transmitted data, stored the received data, decompresses the stored data, and transfers the decompressed data to a software application (see Related Art 1).  
      The above-noted processing procedure of scanned data could increase the transfer speed of data sent from the scanner to the terminal because the transfer speed on the network need not be matched to the read-in speed of the application software in the receiving terminal device, nor to the decompression speed of the decompression section. Furthermore, in a case that the scanned data is stored and that the stored data can selectively be read out by each single page or by multiple pages, when data is selected to read out by each single page, the user is able to easily select any page for transferring to the software application.  
      [Related Art 1] 
      Japanese Kokai Patent H11-168609  
      However, the technology described by the above-noted Related Art 1 can not transmit the scanned data through the network until all of the documents have completely been scanned, when multiple original document pages are scanned. As a result, this type of processing procedure of scanned data is inefficient when applied to the scanning of multiple page documents.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      Taking the above-noted factors into consideration, the present invention provides a scanner apparatus, a method for controlling a scanner apparatus, and multifunction apparatus which can reduce the time that elapses from the start of the scanning operation to the end of transferring the scanned data, and then can faster and more efficiently obtain data, when multiple original document pages are scanned. The scanner apparatus is connected to a terminal device via a network. The scanner apparatus comprises a scanner which scans a plurality of documents and obtains image data of the plurality of documents. The scanner apparatus also comprises a memory which stores the obtained image data. The scanner apparatus comprises a controller which begins transmitting the stored image data to the terminal device via the network, before the image data of all of the plurality of documents is stored in the memory. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      The present invention is further described in the detailed description which follows, with reference to the noted plurality of drawings by way of non-limiting examples of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, in which like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings, and wherein:  
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram of the network to which the network scanner apparatus invention is connected.  
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram of the network scanner apparatus and client computer shown in  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 3  is a scanning and transmission timing chart of the network scanner apparatus shown in  FIG. 2 .  
       FIG. 4  is a flow chart illustrating the operational sequence of the network scanner apparatus shown in  FIG. 2 .  
       FIG. 5  is a block diagram of the network to which the network scanning device invention is connected.  
       FIG. 6  is a block diagram of the network scanning device and client computer shown in  FIG. 5 .  
       FIG. 7  is a scanning and transmission timing chart of the network scanning device shown in  FIG. 6 .  
       FIG. 8  is a flow chart illustrating the operational sequence of the network scanning device shown in  FIG. 6 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
      The embodiments of the present invention are explained in the following, in reference to the above-described drawings.  
      First Embodiment  
       FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating the structure of a network that includes the network scanner apparatus. Network scanner apparatus  1  is connected to client computer  3 , monochrome MFP (Multi-Function Peripherals)  4 , color MFP  5 , monochrome printer  6 , and color printer  7  through a network  2  such as an LAN (Local Area Network). Network scanner apparatus  1  is able to communicate with each of devices  3 ˜ 7 , through network  2 , by using a predetermined communications protocol (for example, TCP/IP (Transmission Control protocol/Intemet Protocol) ). Network scanner apparatus  1  is able to scan the original document image and to send the scanned data to a specified device with instruction regarding a processing operation which is applied to the scanned data.  
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating the general structure of the network scanner apparatus and client computer shown in  FIG. 1 . Network scanner apparatus  1  includes scanner  10 , memory  12 , image processor  14 , network controller  16 , controller  18 , and control panel  20 ; each of the aforesaid main components being mutually connected through system bus  22 .  
      Scanner  10  recognizes the type (color or monochrome), size, and number of pages of the original document(s) placed on the original document tray, and then optically scans the document for image data. Memory  12 , which may be a flash memory, hard disk, or other like memory device, first stores the image data scanned by scanner  10 , and than restores the image data after pre-transfer processing (data compression etc.) has been performed to the stored image data. Image processor  14  performs image processing such as compressing the image data stored in memory  12 . Network controller  16  controls the transmission and reception of image data, commands, communications control signals, and the like, for communication with the other devices connected to network  2 . Controller  18  is a central processing device that executes generalized control over the operation of the aforementioned devices. Control panel  20 , which allows an operator to input commands and operational settings, is equipped with operating keys (a numerical keypad, start button etc. for example), and with a display (i.e. liquid crystal display) that displays various informational items.  
      Also, client computer  3  manages image data received from network scanner apparatus  1  through document file system  24  which is able to execute various operations such as data processing and image display.  
      When scanned image data is sent from network scanner apparatus  1  to a destination specified as client computer  3 , the original document is first placed on the scanning tray. Then, scanner  10  scans the original document and generates image data (bit units). The image data is sent to memory  12  and is stored in memory  12 . Next, the stored image data is compressed into predetermined transfer units by image processor  14  (monochrome image data can be compressed, for example, into JBIG (Joint Bi-level Image experts Group) format, and color images into JPEG (Joint Photographic coding Experts Group) format). The image data compression operation is able to generate a data unit pertaining to a single page, a predetermined number of pages (two pages, for example), or a predetermined amount of data.  
      Controller  18  sends compressed image data to client computer  3  (destination), through network controller  16 , without waiting for scanner  10  to finish scanning all of the document pages. At this time, controller  18  sends image data in units pertaining to the number of pages (single or multiple pages) or to a predetermined data amount, while the scanning operation is in progress.  
       FIG. 3  is a chart illustrating the scanning and transfer timing of the network scanner apparatus shown in  FIG. 2 . The chart shows the scanning and transferring procedure applied to three same sized documents. In  FIG. 3 , ‘a’ represents the timing for scanning and transferring data by a single page data unit, ‘b’ represents the timing for scanning and transferring data by a multiple page data unit, ‘c’ represents the timing for scanning and transferring data by a predetermined data amount, and ‘d’ represents the timing for scanning and transferring data by the conventional data image transmission method.  
      The scanning process blocks (for example, shown as “the 1 st  page scan” in  FIG. 3 ) relate to scanning procedure of image data and indicate the time that elapses from scanning start until the scanned data is completely placed in memory  12 . The transfer blocks (for example, shown as “the 1 st  page transfer” in  FIG. 3 ) relates to transferring of scanned image data and indicate the time that elapses from the start of image data compression of image data to until data transfer is complete. The horizontal axis of the chart indicates the passage of time, and the length of each block indicates the time required for that specific process.  
      To provide a simplified explanation, each block of processing time is not illustrated as an exact, but rather an approximate amount of time. For example, the time required to scan the first page of the original document and the time required to send that single page of image data are each illustrated as processing time unit ‘t’, but in reality the scanning and data transmission times would normally be different. Furthermore, the scanning time for each page will vary as a result of differences between color and monochrome documents and other reasons, and transmission times will differ as a result of differences in compressed image data amount, network condition, and other factors.  
      In regard to the conventional method shown by ‘d’ in  FIG. 3 , transfer of first page image data initiates only after the first, second, and third pages of the original document have been completely scanned. After that, the second and third page image data is sequentially transmitted. As a result, the time from scanning start to the completion of image data transfer is 6×t.  
      Conversely, when applying the single page data unit transmission method described by the present invention, shown as timing line ‘a’ in  FIG. 3 , the first page of the original document is scanned. Then, scanning of the second page initiates simultaneously with transfer of the first page image data. After that, scanning of the third page initiates simultaneously with transfer of the second page image data. The process continues with transfer of the third page image data. Therefore, the time required from scanning start to the end of data transfer can be expressed as 4×t.  
      The present invention also describes a method through which data can be transferred in multiple page units. This is illustrated as the 2-page data unit transmission shown in timing line ‘b’ of  FIG. 3 . In this process, the first and second pages of the original document are scanned. Then, transfer of data scanned from the first and second pages begins simultaneously with the scanning operation for the third page. In this example, as the number of pages is uneven, the image data for the third page is transferred separately after transfer of the first and second page image data is completed.  
      Moreover, the present invention also operates as shown at timing line ‘c’ where the transferred data units are based on data amount. The amount of data is predetermined. In this method, the first page of the original document is scanned, and the second page is subsequently scanned until scanned image data reaches a predetermined data amount. After that, the transfer of scanned image data (the first data block) begins. After the third page has been scanned, the remaining data (the second data block) is transferred. In this case, the predetermined data amount should be set as a value which does not exceed capacity of memory  12  of scanner apparatus  1  shown in  FIG. 2 , and is normally set as a value which is approximately equal to the capacity of memory  12 .  
       FIG. 4  is a flow chart describing the operation of the network scanner apparatus shown in  FIG. 2 . First, at Step  101 , the operator uses a control key on control panel  20  to select the image data transfer method by choosing either [Page Unit] or [Data Amount Unit]. When [Page Unit] is selected as the transfer method, the number of pages of the transfer unit is entered. Conversely, when [Data Amount Unit] is selected, the data amount of the transfer unit is entered. At Step  102 , the original document is placed on scanner  10 , and the transfer destination is selected and indicated (in this case, client computer  3 ) at control panel  20 . At Step  103 , controller  18  receives the transmission instructions and instructs scanner  10  to begin the scanning operation. The data storage operation, through which the image data scanned by scanner  10  is transferred to and stored in memory  12 , begins at Step  104 .  
      The selected transfer method is determined at Step  105 . When the [Page Unit] transfer method was selected at Step  101 , the control sequence will go on to Step  106  where scanner  10  will perform the scanning operation for the number of pages that was entered by the operator. Conversely, when the [Data Amount Unit] transfer method was selected at Step  101 , the control sequence will go to Step  107  where scanner  10  will perform the scanning operation until the predetermined amount of data has been obtained  
      In cases where Step  106  determines whether the scanning operation for the specified number of pages has completed, and in cases where Step  107  determines whether the scanning operation for the predetermined amount of data has completed, image processor  14 , at Step  108 , will execute the data compression operation for the scanned image data and then store the compressed data in memory  12 . At Step  109 , the compressed image data in memory  12  is sent to the transmission destination, which is client computer  3  in this case.  
      Step  110  will repeat the operations performed in Steps  105  through  109  until all pages have been scanned. Lastly, Step  110  will stop the operation of network scanner apparatus  1  when all pages have been scanned.  
      Second Embodiment  
      The following will describe a second embodiment of the invention with reference to the attached drawings.  
       FIG. 5  is a block diagram illustrating the structure of a network that includes the network scanning device. Network scanning device  51  is connected to client computer  53 , monochrome MFP (Multi-Function Peripherals)  54 , color MFP  55 , monochrome printer  56 , and color printer  57  through a network  52  such as an LAN (Local Area Network). Network scanning device  51  is able to communicate with devices  53 ˜ 57 , through network  52 , by using a predetermined communications protocol (for example, TCP/IP (Transmission Control protocol/Internet Protocol)). Network scanning device  51  is able to scan the original document image and send the scanned image data to the specified device, based on the processing operation to be applied to the scanned image data.  
       FIG. 6  is a block diagram illustrating the general structure of the network scanning device and client computer shown in  FIG. 5 . Network scanning device  51  includes scanner  510 , memory  512 , image processor  514 , network controller  516 , device controller  518 , and control panel  520 ; each of the aforesaid main components being mutually connected through system bus  522 .  
      Scanner  510  recognizes the type (color or monochrome), size, and number of pages of the original documents placed on the original document tray, and then optically and sequentially scans the documents for image data. Memory  512 , which may be a flash memory, hard disk, or other like memory device, temporarily stores the image data scanned by scanner  510 , and then stores the image data after pre-transfer processing (collection, data compression etc.) has been performed. Image processor  514  combines a predetermined number of pages of image data stored in memory  512  into a single page of image data, and then compresses the combined image data. The combining operation reduces and combines image data representing a predetermined number of pages (two pages, for example) into one page (containing the images from two pages reduced and arranged in alignment, for example). In some cases, however, the image will not be reduced, but only be combined, and in some cases it will be possible to obtain the combined image data that combines images onto a single sheet of paper, without reduction. Network controller  516  oversees the reception and transmission of command and communication control signals to and from a device connected to network  52 . Device controller  518  is a CPU that controls and coordinates all of the above noted operations. Control panel  520  is equipped with control keys (i.e. numerical keypad and start key) that allow input of commands and operational settings by the operator, and a display (i.e. liquid crystal display) that provides various types of information.  
      Also, client computer  53  includes document file system  524  which is used to manage image data received from network scanning device  51  and which is able to execute various operations such as data processing and image display.  
      In cases where scanned image data from network scanning device  51  is to be sent to a destination specified as client computer  53 , the original document is first placed on the scanning tray, image data (in bit units) is generated by scanner  510  scanning the document, and the image data is sent to and stored in memory  512 . Next, the stored image data is combined and generated as combined image data for a predetermined number of pages, after which it is compressed into page units (i.e. monochrome images into JBIG (Joint Bi-level Image experts Group) format, and color images into JPEG (Joint Photographic coding Experts Group) format). Device controller  518  transfers the compressed and combined image data to client computer  53  through network controller  516  without waiting for scanner  510  to finish reading the images on all of the original document pages.  
       FIG. 7  is a chart illustrating the scanning and transfer timing of the network scanning device shown in  FIG. 6 . The chart shows the scanning and transfer procedure applied to images on a document of three uniformly sized pages in which the ‘a’ time line represents the scanning and transmission method specified by the present invention, and the ‘b’ time line represents the conventional method.  
      The scanning process blocks (each representing a single page scan in the diagram) show the scanning process of the original document image as the time that elapses from the start of image scan until the data is placed in memory  512 . The transfer blocks (for a single page transfer as shown in the diagram) show the scanned image data transfer process as the time that elapses from the image data combining and compression processes until the completion of data transfer. In the diagram, the ‘a’ time line represents the operation of the invention when image data from two pages is combined into a single page (a so-called “two into one” combination). The horizontal axis shows the passage of time, and the length of each block corresponds to a respective processing time segment.  
      To provide a simplified explanation, each block of processing time is not illustrated as an exact, but rather an approximate amount of time. For example, the time required to scan the first page of the original document and the time required to send that single page of image data are each illustrated as processing time unit ‘t’, but the actual scanning and data transmission times would normally be different. Furthermore, the scanning time for each page will vary as a result of differences between color and monochrome documents and other reasons, and transmission times will differ as a result of differences in compressed image data quantity, network condition, and other factors.  
      In the ‘b’ time line which represents a conventional data transfer method, the first, second and third pages are scanned before the scanning process is completed. After that, transfer begins for the first page data. This is followed, in sequence, by the transfer of data from the second and third pages until the data transfer operation is completed.  
      On the other hand, in the ‘a’ time line which represents the transfer method applied by the network device of the present invention, the image data from the first and second pages are scanned after which that image data is combined and transferred concurrent with the scanning of the third page. This is followed by transfer of the third page of combined image data.  
       FIG. 8  is a flow chart describing the operation of the network scanning device shown in  FIG. 6 . First, at step ST 201 , the operator uses a control key on control panel  520  to specify the number of pages (N-pages) from which image data will be combined. At step ST 202 , the original document is placed on scanner  510 , and the transfer destination (in this case, client computer  53 ) is selected at control panel  520  which executes the transfer. At step ST 203 , device controller  518  receives the transmission instructions and instructs scanner  510  to begin the scanning operation. The transfer and storage to memory  512  of image data scanned by scanner  510  begins at step ST 204 .  
      The image on one original document page is scanned at step ST 205  after which it is determined, at step ST 206 , if all of the original document pages have been scanned. If all of the original document pages have not been scanned, the scanning operation is executed, at step ST 207 , for the preset “N” number of pages. When the “N” number of pages has been scanned, the image data from those pages is combined and generated into one page of collective image data which is then compressed and placed into memory  512  at step ST 205 . Conversely, if it is determined, at step ST 206 , that all of the original document pages have been scanned, because the number of remaining pages is less than the preset “N” number of pages, the image data from those pages is combined into one page of collective image data which is then compressed and placed into memory  512  at step ST 208 . Network controller  516  then transfers the compressed collective image, at step ST 209 , to the specified destination which is client computer  53 .  
      The above-noted operation taking place from step ST 206  through step ST 209  is repeated at step ST 210  until all of the original document pages have been scanned. Lastly, when it is determined, at step ST 210 , that all of the original documents have been scanned, the operation of network scanning device  51  terminates.  
      The foregoing embodiment has been provided for the purpose of explanation and is not to be construed as a limiting embodiment of the present invention. Changes may be made, by those familiar with the art, within the limits of the claims, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, the network scanning device invention is not limited to connection to a local area network as shown in  FIG. 5 , but may be connected to other types of networks, and to other types of networks to which devices other than those shown in  FIG. 5  are connected. Moreover, the network scanning device invention is not limited to a single independent apparatus, but may be included in a multifunction apparatus that provides facsimile, printing, copying, and other functions.  
      It is noted that the foregoing examples have been provided merely for the purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting of the present invention. While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is understood that the words which have been used herein are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made, within the purview of the appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention in its aspects. Although the present invention has been described herein with reference to particular structures, materials and embodiments, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein; rather, the present invention extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims.  
      The present invention is not limited to the above described embodiments, and various variations and modifications may be possible without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the network scanning device invention is not limited to connection to a local area network as shown in  FIG. 1 , but may be connected to other types of networks, and to other types of networks to which devices other than those shown in  FIG. 1  are connected. Moreover, the network scanning device invention is not limited to a single independent device, but may be included in a multifunctional apparatus that provides facsimile, printing, copying, and other functions.  
      This application is based on the Japanese Patent Applications Nos. 2003-421330 filed on Dec. 18, 2003 and 2003-421344 filed on Dec. 18, 2003, entire content of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.