Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application No. 12/562,185 filed Sep. 18, 2009, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 from Japanese Patent Application No. 2008-248589, filed on Sep. 26, 2008. The entire subject matter of the application is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Technical Field 
         [0003]    Aspects of the present invention relate to an image scanner and an image scanning system for generating image data based on an image formed on a medium such as a sheet of paper. 
         [0004]    2. Related Art 
         [0005]    Image scanning systems in which scanned image data is transmitted and received between an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) and a PC (Personal Computer) have been widely used. In such a conventional image scanning system, a so-called push-scan function of transmitting scanned image data generated on the MFP to the PC through a LAN in response to a command for direct-scanning inputted to the MFP by a user is employed. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    When the push-scan is performed, a user needs to place a document to be scanned on the MFP and to operate the MFP to input a start command for the push-scan. Therefore, in this case, the user is not at the place around the PC which receives the scanned image data. However, in the conventional image scanning system, the PC which has received the scanned image data automatically starts an application to display an image based on the scanned image data. 
         [0007]    Therefore, a possibility that an outsider might sneak a look at the displayed image on a display of the PC arises. As a result, important information may leak to the outsider. 
         [0008]    Aspects of the present invention are advantageous in that at least one of an image scanner and an image scanning system configured to prevent a displayed image obtained by a push-scan function from being looked by an outsider and thereby to prevent information from being leaked to the outsider is provided. 
         [0009]    According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided an image scanning system, comprising: an image scanner that scans an image in accordance with a command directly inputted by a user and generates image data based on the scanned image; and a terminal device that displays an image corresponding to the image data generated by the image scanner. The image scanner comprises: an image storing unit configured to store the generated image data; a terminal designation unit configured to allow the user to designate the terminal device as a transmission target of the image data; a terminal storing unit configured to record correspondence data in which the image data is associated with the designated terminal device; an information notification unit configured to transmit a notification of information concerning the image data to the designated terminal device; a request receiving unit configured to receive a request for image data from the designated terminal device; and an image transmission unit configured to transmit the image data which has been stored in the image storing unit and which is associated, by the correspondence data, with the designated terminal device for which the request has been received through the request receiving unit, to the designated terminal device, in response to reception of the request through the request receiving unit. The terminal device comprising: an indication unit configured to make an indication to the user in response receipt of the notification from the information notification unit; and a request transmission unit configured to transmit the request for image data to the image scanner in response to reception of a user operation for requesting the image data conducted in response to the indication by the indication unit. 
         [0010]    According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided an image scanner, comprising: a scan unit configured to scan an image in accordance with a command directly inputted by a use and to generate image data based on the scanned image; an image storing unit configured to store the generated image data; a terminal designation unit configured to allow a user to designate a terminal device as a transmission target of the image data; a terminal storing unit configured to record correspondence data in which the image data is associated with the designated terminal device; an information notification unit configured to transmit a notification of information concerning the image data to the designated terminal device; a request receiving unit configured to receive a request for image data from the designated terminal device; and an image transmission unit configured to transmit the image data which has been stored in the image storing unit and which is associated, by the correspondence data, with the designated terminal device for which the request has been received through the request receiving unit; to the designated terminal device, in response to reception of the request through the request receiving unit. 
         [0011]    It is noted that various connections are set forth between elements in the following description. It is noted that these connections in general and unless specified otherwise, may be direct or indirect and that this specification is not intended to be limiting in this respect. Aspects of the invention may be implemented in computer software as programs storable on computer-readable media including but not limited to RAMs, ROMs, flash memory, EEPROMs, CD-media, DVD-media, temporary storage, hard disk drives, floppy drives, permanent storage, and the like. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of an image scanning system according to an embodiment. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a flowchart illustrating a scanner main process. 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  illustrates examples of a PC list, a scan list and a scan completion notification list. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  illustrates examples of a scan completion notification, an expiration notification, a PC registration command, and a scan data transmission command. 
           [0016]      FIG. 5A  is a flowchart illustrating a scanner periodic process, and  FIG. 5B  is a flowchart illustrating a PC periodic process. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a flowchart illustrating a PC main process. 
           [0018]      FIG. 7A  is a ladder chart illustrating data exchange in a standby state, and  FIG. 7B  is a ladder chart illustrating data exchange at the time of expiration. 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a ladder chart illustrating data exchange at the time of scanning 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0020]    Hereafter, an embodiment according to the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
         [0021]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , an image scanning system  1  includes a plurality of scanners  10 ,  20  and  30 , and a plurality of personal computers  50  and  60  which are connected to each other via a network  5 . 
         [0022]    Each of the scanners  10 ,  20  and  30  includes a display unit  11 , a scan unit  12 , a processing unit  13 , an input unit  14  and a communication unit  15 . Since the scanners  10 ,  20  and  30  have the same configuration, in  FIG. 1  the detailed configuration is illustrated only for the scanner  10 . In the following, explanations of the detailed configuration of the scanner  10  are provided, and explanations of the detailed configuration for the scanners  20  and  30  will not be repeated for the sake of simplicity. 
         [0023]    The display unit  11  is, for example, a LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and is configured to display an image based on an image signal from the processing unit  13 . The scan unit  12  has a scanning mechanism which scans an image formed on a document placed on the scanner  10 . The input unit  14  is a user interface having a plurality buttons or a touch panel. When a scan command is inputted by a user through the input unit  14 , the scan unit  12  is activated in accordance with instructions from the processing unit  13 . 
         [0024]    The communication unit  15  is configured as a communication interface which communicates with an external device (e.g., the PCs  50  and  60 ) via the network  5 . 
         [0025]    The processing unit  13  is implemented by a microcomputer chip in which a CPU, a ROM and a RAM are embedded. In response to a command inputted from the input unit  14  or the communication unit  15 , the processing unit  13  executes a process in accordance with a program stored in the ROM embedded therein. Further, the processing unit  13  includes a non-volatile memory (e.g., a flash memory). 
         [0026]    Each of the PCs  50  and  60  includes a communication unit  51 , a control unit  52 , a display  53 , and an operation unit  54 . Since the PCs  50  and  60  have the same configuration, in  FIG. 1  the detailed configuration is illustrated only for the PC  50 . In the following, explanations of the detailed configuration of the PC  50  are provided, and explanations of the detailed configuration for the PC  60  will not be repeated for the sake of simplicity. 
         [0027]    The communication unit  51  is configured as a communication interface which communicates with an external device (e.g., the scanners  10 ,  20  and  30 ) via the network  5 . The display  53  is, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and is configured to display an image based on an image signal from the control unit  52 . The operation unit  54  is a user interface, such as a keyboard and a mouse. 
         [0028]    The control unit  52  is implemented by a microcomputer chip in which a CPU, a ROM and a RAM are embedded. In response to a command inputted from the operation unit  54  or the communication unit  51 , the control unit  52  executes a process in accordance with a program stored in the ROM embedded therein. Further, the control unit  52  includes a non-volatile memory (e.g., an HDD (hard disk drive)). 
         [0029]    The image scanning system  1  has a so-called push-scan function where, in response to a command for direct-scanning inputted by the user to one of the scanners  10 ,  20  and  30 , scanned image data (hereafter, simply referred to as scanned data) is generated on the scanner to which the command is inputted, and the scanned image data is transmitted to the PC ( 50  or  60 ). 
         [0030]    Hereafter, processes for achieving the push-scan function are explained with reference to drawings from  FIG. 2 . 
         [0031]    A scanner main process shown in  FIG. 2  is started, for example, when power of the scanner ( 10 ,  20  or  30 ) is turned ON. The scanner main process is executed under control of the processing unit  13  of the scanner. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the processing unit  13  judges whether a command is inputted through the input unit  14  or the communication unit  15  (steps S 110 ,  5210  and S 260 ). The control unit  13  waits until one of a scan start command, a scan data transmission command and a PC registration command is inputted (steps S 110 , S 210  and S 260 ). 
         [0032]    When the scan start command is inputted (S 110 : YES), the processing unit  13  displays a list of PC names included in a PC list at the present moment (step S 120 ) to allow a user to select a PC name of a transmission target to which scanned data is to be transmitted. As shown at the upper portion in  FIG. 3 , the PC list has a data structure in which a PC name and a registration time (i.e., a time when a PC registration command is accepted) are associated with each other. Data is added to the PC list in step S 270  which is explained later. 
         [0033]    Then, in step S 130 , the processing unit  13  judges whether at least one of the PC names is selected from the list (step S 130  which functions as a terminal designation unit). The processing unit  13  waits until at least one of the PC names is selected (S 130 : NO). When one of the PC names is selected (S 130 : YES), the processing unit  13  registers the selected PC name in a scan list (correspondence data) (step S 140  which functions as a terminal storing unit). 
         [0034]    As shown in the middle portion in  FIG. 3 , the scan list has a data structure in which a scan ID for identifying image data, a registration time of the image data, a PC name and a data pointer indicating an address in the RAM storing the image data are associated with each other. In step S 140 , a corresponding filed of the scan list is filled with the PC name. 
         [0035]    Next, the processing unit  13  activates the scan unit  12  to scan a document, and stores a data pointer to the generated image data in the RAM of the processing unit  13 , the scan ID and the registration time in the scan list (step S 150  which functions as an image storing unit). That is, in step S 150 , fields in the scan list other than the filed for the PC name are filled with data. The scan ID may be a particular character string for identifying the scanned data. Therefore, for example, the scan ID may be generated automatically using a random number generated in accordance with the registration time and a MAC address of the scanner ( 10 ,  20 , or  30 ). 
         [0036]    In step S 160 , a scan completion notification including information concerning the image data, such as the scanner&#39;s own name (i.e., the name of one of the scanners  10 ,  20  and  30 ), the scan ID and the registration time, is transmitted to the PC selected in step S 130  (step S 160  which functions as an information notification unit). Then, the scanner main process is repeated from the beginning The PC ( 50  or  60 ) which has received the scan completion notification registers the data included in the scan completion notification into a scan completion notification list, and displays an icon indicating that the notification is received (see steps S 420  and S 430  in a PC main process which is explained later). 
         [0037]    When the processing unit  13  judges that the scan data transmission command is accepted (S 110 : NO and S 210 : YES), the processing unit  13  reads the scanned data corresponding to the scan ID included in the scan data transmission command, by referring to the scan list, and transmits the scanned data to the PC ( 50  or  60 ) which is a source of the scan data transmission command (step S 220 ). In this case, step S 210  functions as a request receiving unit, and step S 220  functions as an image transmission unit. 
         [0038]    As shown in the lower portion in  FIG. 4 , the scan data transmission command includes information of the scan ID. In step S 220 , the processing unit  13  may judge whether the PC name described in the scan list matches the PC name of the source of the scan data transmission command, and  13  may transmit the scanned data only when the PC name described in the scan list matches the PC name of the source of the scan data transmission command. On the other hand, when the PC name described in the scan list does not match the PC name of the source of the scan data transmission command, the processing unit  13  may not transmit the scanned data to the PC of the source of the scan data transmission command. 
         [0039]    After step S 220  is processed (i.e., after the scanned data is transmitted), the processing unit  13  deletes data relating to the scanned data which has been transmitted, from the scan list, and deletes the scanned data itself (step S 230 ). Then, the scanner main process is repeated from the beginning. 
         [0040]    If the PC registration command has been received when the scanner main process is started (S 110 : NO, S 210 : NO and S 260 : YES), the processing unit  13  registers the PC name included in the PC registration command into the PC list while adding a current time (i.e., a registration time) to the PC name (step S 270 ). Then, the scanner main process is repeated from the beginning. 
         [0041]    Hereafter, processes where the scanner ( 10 ,  20  or  30 ) identifies the PC ( 50  or  60 ) in an operating state with reference to  FIGS. 5A and 5B . A scanner periodic process shown in  FIG. 5A  is executed under control of the processing unit  13  of the scanner. The scanner periodic process is started, for example, when the scanner is turned ON. A PC periodic process shown in  FIG. 5B  is executed under control of the control unit  52  of the PC. The PC periodic process is started, for example, when the PC is turned ON. 
         [0042]    As shown in  FIG. 5A , when the scanner periodic process is started, the processing unit  13  refers to the PC list, and deletes the data which was registered 6 minutes or more ago (step S 310  which functions as a first deletion unit). Then, the processing unit  13  refers to the scan list to delete the data for which one day or more has elapsed from the registration time, and then transmits an expiration notification indicating that the information concerning the image data is to be deleted, to the PC (step S 320  which functions as a deletion notification unit). 
         [0043]    At this time, the processing unit  13  deletes the scanned data corresponding to the data deleted from the scan list. As shown at the middle portion in  FIG. 4 , the expiration notification includes a scan ID. Then, the processing unit  13  moves the scanner into a sleeping state of sleeping for a predetermined time period (e.g., 5 minutes). After the predetermined time period has elapsed, the scanner periodic process is repeated from the beginning 
         [0044]    As shown in  FIG. 5B , when the PC periodic process is started, the control unit  52  of the PC ( 10 ,  20  or  30 ) transmits the PC registration command which is data containing the PC name, to the scanner ( 10 ,  20  or  30 ) of which scanner name has been registered (step S 360 ). Then, the control unit  52  moves the PC to a sleeping state of sleeping a predetermined time period (e.g., 5 minutes) (step S 370 ). After the predetermined time period has elapsed, the PC periodic process is repeated from the beginning. 
         [0045]    The scanner ( 10 ,  20  or  30 ) which has received the PC registration request through the PC periodic process operates to write data into the PC list in which the PC name is associated with the registration time (see steps S 260  and S 270  in the scanner main process). The PC list is registered, for example, in the RAM. 
         [0046]    Through the above described PC periodic process and scanner periodic process, the scanner ( 10 ,  20 , or  30 ) becomes able to identify the PC in an operating state. 
         [0047]    Hereafter, the PC main process shown in  FIG. 6  is explained. The PC main process is executed under control of the control unit  52  of the PC ( 50  or  60 ). The PC main process is started when the PC is turned ON. 
         [0048]    When the PC main process is started, the control unit  52  judges whether a command is inputted to the PC through the communication unit  51  or the operation unit  54  (steps S 410 , S 460  and S 560 ). If no command is received, the control unit  52  waits until a command is received (S 410 : NO, S 460 : NO and S 560 : NO). 
         [0049]    If the control unit  52  of the PC ( 50  or  60 ) has received the scan completion notification from the scanner ( 10 ,  20  or  30 ) through the communication unit  51  (S 410 : YES), the control unit  52  registers the scan completion notification in the scan completion notification list (step S 420 ). 
         [0050]    As shown at the lower portion in  FIG. 3 , the scan completion notification list includes the scan ID, the scanner name and a registration time which is a time of registration in the scan completion notification list. That is, in the scan completion notification list, the registration time is related to the scan ID and the scanner name which are contained in the scan completion notification. The scan completion notification list is stored, for example, in the RAM or HDD in the control unit  52 . 
         [0051]    Next, the control unit  52  of the PC displays an icon (e.g., an image representing the scanner and data) indicating existence of the scanned data, on a tool bar on the display  53  (step S 430  which functions as a notification unit). Then, the scanner periodic process is repeated from the beginning 
         [0052]    If the user has clicked the icon on the tool bar through the operation unit  54  when the PC main process is started (S 410 : NO and S 460 : YES), the control unit  52  reads the scan completion notification list, and displays the list of the scan completion notification list (step S 470 ). Then, the control unit  52  judges whether the user has selected at least one of the scanned data from the list through the operation unit  54  (step S 480 ). It should be noted that if the scan completion notification list includes only one piece of scanned data, the control unit  52  may judge that the scanned data has selected by the user and may skip steps S 470  and S 480 . 
         [0053]    If the scanned data has not selected (S 480 : NO), the control unit  52  waits until the scanned data is selected. When the scanned data has selected (S 480 : YES), the control unit  52  transmits the scan data transmission command to the scanner ( 10 ,  20  or  30 ) corresponding to the scanner name described in the scan completion notification (step S 490  which functions as a request transmission unit). 
         [0054]    The control unit  52  received the scanned data transmitted from the scanner in response to the request (i.e. the command), displays an image corresponding to the received scanned data, and stores the scanned data, for example, in the HDD of the control unit  52  (step S 500 ). Then, the control unit  52  deletes the data corresponding to the received scanned data from the scan completion notification list (step S 510 ). 
         [0055]    Next, the control unit  52  judges whether an unprocessed data exists in the scan completion notification list (i.e., judges whether an item for which the scanned data has not been received exists in the scan completion notification list) (step S 610 ). If an unprocessed data is not found in the scan completion notification list (S 610 : NO), the control unit  52  displays an icon indicating that no scanned data exists on the tool bar on the display  53  (step S 620 ). If an unprocessed data is found in the scan completion notification list (S 610 : YES), the control unit  52  displays an icon indicating that the scanned data exists, on the tool bar on the display  53  (step S 630 ). Then, the PC main process terminates. 
         [0056]    If the control unit  52  has received the expiration notification when the PC main process is started (S 560 ; YES), the control unit  52  deletes the data item corresponding to the scan ID included in the expiration notification (step S 570  which functions as a second deletion unit). Then, the steps from S 610  are executed. 
         [0057]    Hereafter, data exchanged between the scanner ( 10 ,  20  or  30 ) and the PC ( 50  or  60 ) is explained with reference to  FIGS. 7A ,  7 B and  8 . 
         [0058]    As shown in  FIG. 7A , in a standby state, the PC ( 50  or  60 ) transmits periodically the PC registration command to the scanner ( 10 ,  20  or  30 ) to notify the scanner that the PC is in an operating state (step S 360 ). Each time the scanner receives the registration request, the scanner registers the PC name and the registration time in the PC list (step S 310 ). 
         [0059]    As shown in  FIG. 7B , at the time of expiration when the scanned data stored in the scanner should be deleted, an expiration notification is transmitted from the scanner to the PC registered in the scan list (S 320 ). The PC which has received the expiration notification deletes the scan completion notification (S 510 ). 
         [0060]    As shown in  FIG. 8 , at the time of scanning, the scan completion notification is transmitted from the scanner to the PC prior to sending of the scanned data (S 160 ). The PC which has received the scan completion notification registers the data of the scan completion notification in the scan completion notification list (S 420 ). Then, the PC displays the icon indicating receipt of the notification (S 430 ). Subsequently, when the PC receives designation of the scanned data (S 480 ), the PC transmits the scan data transmission command to the scanner (S 490 ). The scanner whish has received the scan data transmission command transmits the scanned data to the PC (S 220 ). 
         [0061]    Hereafter, advantages achieved by the above described embodiment are described. In the above described image scanning system  1 , the scanner ( 10 ,  20  or  30 ) allows the user to designate the PC ( 50  or  60 ) to which the image data is to be transmitted, and stores the generated scanned data, for example, in the RAM in the processing unit  13 . Then, the scanner registers the scan list in which the scan data is related to the PC, in the RAM of the processing unit  13 , and transmits the information concerning the scanned data to the PC. 
         [0062]    Then, in response to receipt of the notification (i.e., the scan completion notification) from the scanner ( 10 ,  20  or  30 ), the PC notifies the user of receipt of the notification. When the user operation for requesting the scanned data is received, the PC transmits the data request to the scanner. 
         [0063]    In response to receipt of the data request from the scanner, the scanner transmits the scanned data stored in the RAM of the processing unit  13 , to the PC. 
         [0064]    That is, in the image scanning system  1  of the embodiment, the scanner ( 10 ,  20  or  30 ) does not transmit the scanned data to the PC ( 50  or  60 ) until the data request based on the user operation on the PC is received. Therefore, according to the embodiment, it becomes possible to prevent information from leaking due to the fact that an outsider sneaks a look at the displayed image corresponding to the scanned data. 
         [0065]    In the image scanning system  1 , in response to receipt of the scan completion notification from the scanner, the control unit  52  of the PC ( 50  or  60 ) displays, on the display  53 , an image (e.g., an icon and a list of scanned data) indicating that the notification has been received. In this case, when the user selects a notification image corresponding to the notification on the display  53 , the PC judges that the user operation for requesting the scanned data from the user is accepted, and transmits a request to the scanner. Therefore, according to the image scanning system  1 , the user is able to obtain the scanned data from the scanner by only selecting the notification image displayed on the PC. 
         [0066]    In the image scanning system  1 , the scanner deletes the scanned data when a predetermined time period has elapsed since the scanned data has been generated, and transmits a deletion notification indicating deletion of the scanned data, to the PC ( 50  or  60 ) corresponding to the deleted scanned data. 
         [0067]    In the PC ( 50  or  60 ), information concerning the scanned data is stored. When the notification indicating deletion of the scanned data is received from the scanner ( 10 ,  20  or  30 ), the PC deletes the information concerning the scanned data corresponding to the received deletion notification. Furthermore, the PC notifies the user of information indicating existence of the scanned data in response to a fact that at least a piece of scanned data is stored in the PC. 
         [0068]    According to the image scanning system  1 , it is possible to prevent the scanned data from remaining in the scanner ( 10 ,  20  or  30 ) for a long period of time. Furthermore, it is possible to delete the information concerning the scanned data on the PC ( 50  or  60 ) when the scanner ( 10 ,  20  or  30 ) deletes the scanned data. At this time, if at least a piece of scanned data remains on the PC, the PC is able to notify the user of existence of the scanned data. 
         [0069]    Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, other embodiments are possible. 
         [0070]    In the above described embodiment, the control unit  52  of the PC ( 50  or  60 ) provides the same indication (i.e., the icon indicating existence of the scanned data) regardless of times that the notification indicating existence of the scanned data is received. However, the PC may be configured to display, on the display  53 , notification images, the number of which is equal to the times that the notification is received such that the notification images are associated with respective scan IDs and are selectable on the display  53 . In this case, when one of the notification images is selected on the display  53  of the PC, the PC judges that a request for the scanned is inputted by the user, and transmits the data request containing the scan ID corresponding to the selected notification image, to the scanner ( 10 ,  20  or  30 ). It should be noted that in this case the same advantages as those of the above described embodiment can also be achieved. 
         [0071]    The scanner may be configured as a multifunction peripheral having multiple functions including a printer function and a facsimile function.

Technology Category: 5