JP2014068201A - Image processing device and image processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a compound machine 100 which can easily set a network scan without necessity of drivers and installation programs in the network scan.SOLUTION: A compound machine 100 has: setting program control means 402 for allowing a storage medium to store a setting program to transmit transmission destination identification information corresponding to a folder to the device itself while the terminal device creates the folder when a predetermined storage medium is attached to a storage medium attachment section of the device itself and the storage medium is executed in the terminal device; transmission destination setting means 407 for setting the folder of the terminal device which corresponds to the transmission destination identification information as a transmission destination of image data when the transmission destination identification information is received from the terminal device due to the execution of the setting program; and image data transmission means 408 for transmitting the image data to the folder of the set terminal device when a transmission instruction of the image data is received from the terminal device.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and an image processing method, and in particular, an image processing apparatus and an image processing method capable of easily setting the network scan without requiring a driver or an installation program in the network scan. About.

  In recent years, networking of personal computers (hereinafter referred to as “personal computers”) and workstations has progressed, and a network scanner system for connecting a network scanner and a personal computer via a network has been constructed.

  In a conventional network scanner system, a scanner driver is installed in a personal computer connected in advance to the network scanner via the network, and when reading a document, the personal computer connects to the network scanner via the network and designates a scanning mode. The network scanner reads the original and transmits the image data to the personal computer. The personal computer processes the image data received from the network scanner as necessary, and outputs the processed image data to the reading source application.

  However, since the conventional network scanner and network scanner system perform reading instructions for the scanner and image data processing of the scan results on the personal computer side, the user responds to the user's instructions unless the scanner driver is installed on the personal computer. Scan data processed in this way cannot be output to a PC application. Therefore, when a network system is constructed by connecting a plurality of personal computers to a network scanner via a network, a scanner driver must be installed in each personal computer, which is troublesome and troublesome. Further, there is a problem that it is troublesome for the user to acquire and manage the scanner driver (installation program).

  Further, in the conventional network scanner, it is necessary for the user to set the transmission destination of the image data (that is, a predetermined storage destination of the personal computer) on the personal computer side, and the setting operation is troublesome for the user. there were.

  In order to deal with such a problem, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2007-174444 (Patent Document 1) discloses a network scanner that is connected to a network and reads an original by a reading unit. The network scanner is a network folder, an instruction data storage folder in which instruction data is placed, instruction data reading means for reading instruction data from the instruction data storage folder, and the instruction data reading means read from the instruction data storage folder Reading control means for causing the reading means to read a document according to the instruction data. The network scanner is a network folder, and an image storage folder for storing scan data read by the reading unit according to the instruction data; and the reading control unit causes the reading unit to read a document according to the instruction data. And image storage control means for storing the scan data acquired by the above in the image storage folder. Thus, the scan data processed according to the user's instruction can be acquired by the terminal without installing the scanner driver in the terminal.

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-11799 (Patent Document 2) discloses a connection means for connecting an external storage device, driver software, an automatic installation program for installing this driver software in an information processing apparatus, and a device Storage means for storing unique information, and data writing means for writing the driver software, automatic installation program, and device unique information stored in the storage means to an external storage device connected to the connection means A device apparatus is disclosed. Accordingly, driver software can be easily installed in the information processing apparatus, and the network address of the device apparatus included in the unique information can be easily set. In addition, since the driver software, automatic installation program, and device-specific information are stored in the storage means of the device, there is no mistake in the correspondence between the device and the driver software, network address, etc. The driver software and network address can be installed and configured reliably.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-271560 (Patent Document 3) describes an execution program unit having at least one file and a code for performing an installation process for copying the file of the execution program unit. There is disclosed an operating environment setting device including a storage unit that stores a program in an execution format including a function unit and a setup function unit in which a code for performing an environment setting process executable by the execution program unit is described. The operating environment setting device reads the execution program unit and the installation function unit from the storage unit, performs installation processing of the execution program unit based on the code of the installation function unit, and sets up the setup from the storage unit And a setup unit that reads out the function unit and performs an environment setting process for enabling the execution program unit to be executed based on the code of the setup function unit. Thus, it is possible to set an operating environment in which an executable program can be executed without performing an installation operation and a setup operation by the user.

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2008-234438 (Patent Document 4) discloses a network setting program for setting network setting information of a first personal computer to a second personal computer via a removable storage medium. The network setting program causes the first personal computer to store the network setting information set for itself in a removable storage medium connected to the first personal computer, is connected to the second personal computer, and is connected to the first personal computer. The stored network setting information is read from the removable storage medium storing the network setting information of the personal computer, and the read network setting information is set as its own network setting information. Thus, the user can easily make various network settings such as Internet connection and mail connection without requiring difficult knowledge of a personal computer.

JP 2007-174444 A JP 2007-11799 A JP 7-271560 A JP 2008-234438 A

  However, the invention described in Patent Document 1 has a problem that it is difficult for a user who does not have knowledge of terminals and networks to create predetermined instruction data itself. Further, in the invention described in Patent Document 2, a problem may occur in the information processing apparatus due to installation of driver software or an automatic installation program. Further, when the information processing apparatus dynamically sets the network address by DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), there is a problem that it is necessary to change the device specific information including the network address again.

  Furthermore, the inventions described in Patent Documents 1-4 cannot solve the problem of unnecessary drivers and installation programs in network scanning.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and an image processing apparatus capable of easily setting the network scan without requiring a driver or an installation program in the network scan. An object is to provide an image processing method.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the image processing apparatus according to the present invention is based on an image processing apparatus that is communicably connected to a predetermined terminal device via a network, and adopts the following configuration. To do.

  That is, when a predetermined storage medium is loaded in the storage medium loading unit of the own apparatus, the image processing apparatus creates a folder in which the terminal apparatus can store image data when executed by the terminal apparatus. And a setting program control means for storing in the storage medium a setting program for transmitting destination identification information capable of specifying the folder on the network to the own apparatus. In addition, when the image processing apparatus receives the transmission destination identification information from the terminal apparatus by executing the setting program, the transmission destination sets the folder of the terminal apparatus corresponding to the transmission destination identification information as the transmission destination of the image data. The image processing apparatus includes: setting means; and image data transmitting means for transmitting image data to a folder of the set terminal device when receiving an image data transmission command from the terminal device.

  The folder may be a shared folder that can be browsed by a terminal device connected to the network or the device itself.

  The setting program control means displays a setting program screen for inquiring whether or not to store the setting program in the storage medium when the storage medium is loaded in the storage medium loading section of the own apparatus. When the key for storing is pressed, the setting program can be stored in the storage medium.

  In addition, the present invention can be configured as a network scan system in which a predetermined image processing apparatus and a predetermined terminal apparatus are communicably connected via a network. In the network scan system, the image processing apparatus can store image data when a predetermined storage medium is loaded in the storage medium loading unit of the own apparatus and the terminal apparatus executes the data when executed by the terminal apparatus. Setting program control means for creating a folder and storing in the storage medium a setting program for transmitting destination identification information capable of specifying the folder on the network to the own device; and by executing the setting program, the terminal When receiving the transmission destination identification information from a device, receiving a transmission destination setting means for setting a folder of the terminal device corresponding to the transmission destination identification information as a transmission destination of image data, and a transmission command of image data from the terminal device And image data transmitting means for transmitting image data to the set folder of the terminal device. The terminal device includes terminal device control means for creating the folder and transmitting the destination identification information to the image processing device when a setting program stored in the storage medium is executed. And

  In addition, the present invention can be provided as an image processing method of an image processing apparatus that is communicably connected to a predetermined terminal device via a network.

  That is, in the image processing method, when a predetermined storage medium is loaded in the storage medium loading unit of the image processing apparatus, a folder in which the terminal apparatus can store image data when executed by the terminal apparatus is created. And creating a setting program for transmitting to the image processing apparatus transmission destination identification information capable of specifying the folder on the network. In the image processing method, when the transmission destination identification information is received from the terminal device by executing the setting program, a folder of the terminal device corresponding to the transmission destination identification information is set as a transmission destination of image data; Receiving an image data transmission command from the terminal device, and transmitting the image data to the set folder of the terminal device. Even with such a configuration, the same effects as described above can be obtained.

  Further, the present invention can be provided as a program for causing a computer to circulate individually via a telecommunication line or the like. In this case, the central processing unit (CPU) realizes the control operation in cooperation with each circuit other than the CPU according to the program of the present invention. Each means realized by using the program and the CPU can also be configured by using dedicated hardware. The program can also be distributed in a state where it is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM.

  According to the image processing apparatus and the image processing method of the present invention, it is possible to easily perform setting of the network scan without requiring a driver or an installation program in the network scan.

1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an overall configuration inside a multifunction peripheral according to the present invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the whole structure of the operation part which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the control system hardware of the multifunctional device which concerns on this invention. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a multifunction machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a 1st flowchart for showing the execution procedure of embodiment of this invention. It is a 2nd flowchart for showing the execution procedure of embodiment of this invention. FIG. 7A shows an example of a setting program screen displayed on the touch panel of the embodiment of the present invention (FIG. 7A), and FIG. 7B shows an example of a message displayed on the setting program screen of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7B). FIG. 8A illustrates an example of a USB memory folder displayed on the liquid crystal display according to the embodiment of the present invention, and an example of a shared folder displayed on the USB memory folder according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram (FIG. 8B). FIG. 9A shows an example of a message displayed on the shared folder according to the embodiment of the present invention (FIG. 9A), and a message displayed on the image data stored in the shared folder according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the above (FIG. 9B).

  In the following, an embodiment of an image processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings for understanding of the present invention. In addition, the following embodiment is an example which actualized this invention, Comprising: The thing of the character which limits the technical scope of this invention is not. Moreover, the alphabet S added before the number in a flowchart means a step.

<Image processing device>
The image processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. However, details of each part not directly related to the present invention are omitted.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention corresponds to, for example, a printer, a single scanner, or a multifunction machine including a printer, a copy, a scanner, a fax, and the like, and includes a copy function, a scanner function, a facsimile function, a printer function, and the like. Functions as an image processing apparatus.

  The operation of the MFP 100 (MFP: Multi Function Peripheral) when using the copy function will be briefly described below.

  First, when the user uses the multifunction machine 100, the document is placed on the document table 101 provided on the upper surface of the casing. Subsequently, the user uses the operation unit 102 (operation panel) provided in the vicinity of the document table 101 to input setting conditions related to image formation from the operation screen of the operation unit 102. When the user presses a start key provided on the operation unit 102, the multifunction peripheral 100 starts image formation (print processing).

  Next, in the image reading unit 103, the light emitted from the light source 104 is reflected by the document placed on the document table 101. The reflected light is guided to the image sensor 108 by the mirrors 105, 106, and 107. The guided light is photoelectrically converted by the image sensor 108, and image data corresponding to the original is generated.

  Here, the generated image data may be used immediately for image formation as described below, or may be temporarily stored in a predetermined internal memory (storage medium) by the scanner function, By the network scan function (communication unit 200), it is transmitted to a predetermined terminal device 300a that is communicably connected via the network 300.

  An image forming unit 109 forms a toner image based on the image data. The image forming unit 109 is provided with a photosensitive drum 110. The photosensitive drum 110 rotates in a predetermined direction at a constant speed, and around the charger drum, the exposure unit 112, the developing unit 113, the transfer unit 114, the cleaning unit 115, and the like in that order from the upstream side in the rotation direction. Is arranged.

  The charger 111 uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 110. The exposure unit 112 irradiates the charged surface of the photosensitive drum 110 with a laser based on the image data to form an electrostatic latent image. The developer 114 forms a toner image by attaching toner to the formed electrostatic latent image. The formed toner image is transferred to a recording medium (for example, paper, sheet) by the transfer device 114. The cleaning unit 115 removes excess toner left on the surface of the photosensitive drum 110. A series of these processes is executed by rotating the photosensitive drum 110.

  The sheets are conveyed from a plurality of paper feed cassettes 116 provided in the multi function peripheral 100. When the sheet is conveyed, the sheet is pulled out from any one of the sheet feeding cassettes 116 to the conveyance path by the pickup roller 117. Each sheet cassette 116 stores sheets of different paper types, and the sheets are fed based on setting conditions relating to image formation.

  The sheet pulled out to the conveyance path is fed between the photosensitive drum 110 and the transfer device 114 by the conveyance roller 118 and the registration roller 119. When the sheet is fed, the toner image is transferred to the sheet by the transfer unit 114 and conveyed to the fixing device 120.

  When the sheet on which the toner image is transferred passes between a heating roller and a pressure roller provided in the fixing device 120, heat and pressure are applied to the toner image, and the visible image is fixed on the sheet. The The amount of heat of the heating roller is optimally set according to the paper type, and the fixing is performed appropriately. The visible image is fixed on the sheet and the image formation is completed, and the sheet is guided to the path switching unit 121 by the conveyance roller 118.

  In the path switching unit 121, the sheet is guided to the sheet discharge tray 122 provided on the side surface of the casing unit or the casing through the sheet discharge port 123 according to a switching instruction from the multifunction peripheral 100. To the in-body tray 124 provided in the body cylinder. The sheets are stacked and stored on the paper discharge tray 122 or the in-body tray 124. Through the above procedure, the housing unit of the multifunction peripheral 100 provides a copy function to the user.

  By the way, in cases other than the copy function, for example, in the case of network scanning, the read image data is transmitted by the communication unit 200 via the network 300 to the terminal device 300a that is a predetermined transmission destination. Here, the terminal device 300a is, for example, a general personal computer, a notebook computer, a portable terminal, or the like, and is uniquely specified on the network by predetermined communication identification information (for example, an IP address).

  Here, when the network scan is used, a user attaches a predetermined portable USB memory 125 (storage medium) to the USB mounting portion 126 (USB insertion port) of the multi-function peripheral 100, and A predetermined setting program stored in advance in the device 100 is stored in the USB memory 125. Next, the user removes the USB memory 125 from the USB mounting unit 126 of the multi-function device 100, and attaches the USB memory 125 to the USB mounting unit 300 a 1 of the terminal device 300 a connected to the multi-function device 100 via the network 300. The terminal device 300a executes the setting program. As a result, communication settings between the multifunction device 100 and the terminal device 300a are performed, predetermined image data is transmitted from the multifunction device 100 to the terminal device 300a, and a network scan is performed (described later).

  FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing the overall configuration of the operation unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. The user uses the operation unit 102 to input setting conditions for image formation as described above, and to confirm the input setting conditions. When the setting conditions are input, a touch panel 201 (operation panel), a touch pen 202, and operation keys 203 provided in the operation unit 102 are used.

  The touch panel 201 has both a function for inputting setting conditions and a function for displaying the setting conditions. That is, by pressing a key in the screen displayed on the touch panel 201, a setting condition corresponding to the pressed key is input.

  A display unit (not shown) such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) is provided on the back surface of the touch panel 201, and the display unit displays an operation screen such as the initial screen, for example. A touch pen 202 is provided in the vicinity of the touch panel 201. When the user brings the tip of the touch pen 202 into contact with the touch panel 201, a sensor provided under the touch panel 201 detects the touch destination.

  Further, a predetermined number of operation keys 203 are provided in the vicinity of the touch panel 201, and for example, a ten key 204, a start key 205, a clear key 206, a stop key 207, a reset key 208, and a power key 209 are provided.

  Next, the configuration of the control system hardware of the multifunction peripheral 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control system hardware of the multifunction peripheral 100 according to the present invention. However, details of each part not directly related to the present invention are omitted.

  The control circuit of the MFP 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 302, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 303, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 304, a USB mounting unit 305 (126), and each drive. A driver 306 corresponding to each unit, an operation unit 307 (102), and a communication interface 308 (200) are connected by an internal bus 309.

  The CPU 301 uses, for example, the RAM 303 as a work area, executes a program stored in the ROM 302, the HDD 304, and the like, and based on the execution result, data and instructions from the driver 306 and the operation unit 307, key 1 is sent and received, and the operation of each drive unit shown in FIG. 1 is controlled. When the USB memory 125 on which a storage electronic circuit, for example, a flash memory is mounted, is mounted on the USB mounting unit 305, the CPU 301 stores predetermined data in a flash memory inside the USB memory 125. Let The communication interface 308 is connected to a predetermined terminal device 300a via the network 300, and the CPU 301 transmits image data to the terminal device 300a via the communication interface 308.

  Also, each means (shown in FIG. 4) described later other than the drive unit is realized by the CPU 301 executing a program. The ROM 302, the HDD 304, and the like store programs and data for realizing each means described below.

  Similarly to the control circuit of the multi-function device 100, the terminal device 300a is equipped with a CPU, RAM, ROM, etc. (not shown), and these have the same functions as described above. Also, the terminal device 300a is provided with a USB mounting unit 300a1, and when the USB memory 125 is mounted in the USB mounting unit 300a1, the terminal device 300a stores data in the flash memory inside the USB memory 125. It can be read or a predetermined program can be executed.

<Embodiment of the present invention>
Next, the configuration and execution procedure according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the multifunction machine of the present invention. 5 and 6 are flowcharts for showing the execution procedure of the present invention.

  First, when the user turns on the power of the multi-function device 100 that is communicably connected to the predetermined terminal device 300 a via the network 300 and attaches the self-owned USB memory 125 to the USB mounting portion 126 of the multi-function device 100. (FIG. 5: S101 YES), the USB detection means 401 of the multifunction peripheral 100 detects the installation of the USB memory 125 and notifies the setting program control means 402 to that effect. Upon receiving the notification, the setting program control unit 402 makes a setting to inquire whether or not to store a predetermined setting program (described later) in the USB memory 125, to the display receiving unit 403 that controls the operation unit 102 of the multifunction peripheral 100. A program screen is displayed (FIG. 5: S102). In response, the display accepting unit 403 displays the setting program screen on the touch panel 201.

  On the setting program screen 700, as shown in FIG. 7A, a message 701 that the USB memory 125 is attached and a message 702 that inquires whether or not to write the setting program to the USB memory 125. Then, an OK key 703 corresponding to the writing and a cancel key 704 corresponding to the non-writing are displayed.

  When the user presses the cancel key 704 while looking at the setting program screen 700, the display receiving unit 403 receives the pressing of the cancel key 704 (FIG. 5: S103 NO), and the setting program Notify the control means 402. Upon receiving the notification, the setting program control unit 402 does not perform any processing in response to the cancel key 704, and displays, for example, a predetermined initial screen for inputting setting conditions for the copy function in the display receiving unit 403. It is displayed on the touch panel 201. In this case, all processing is completed.

  On the other hand, when the user presses the OK key 703, the display accepting unit 403 accepts the press of the OK key 703 (FIG. 5: S103 YES), notifies the setting program control unit 402 to that effect, and Upon receiving the notification, the setting program control unit 402 creates a folder in which the terminal device 300a can store image data when executed by the terminal device 300a, and can specify the folder on the network 300. A setting program for transmitting destination identification information to the multi-function device 100 (own device) is stored in the USB memory 125 (FIG. 5: S104).

  Specifically, the setting program control unit 402 reads the setting program stored in the setting program storage unit 404 in advance, and the read setting program is stored in the USB memory 125 via the USB mounting unit 126. The data is stored in the storage unit 405 (for example, an internal flash memory).

  Here, the setting program is a program that can be executed by the general terminal device 300a. The folder may be any folder as long as the image data can be stored (stored). For example, the folder can be viewed by the terminal device 300a connected to the network 300 or the MFP 100. If the image file is a shared folder, the user confirms the image data using the terminal device 300a or the multifunction device 100 when the network scanner transmits predetermined image data from the multifunction device 100 to the terminal device 300a. This is preferable.

  The transmission destination identification information may be any information as long as the folder of the terminal device 300a can be identified on the network 300. For example, the IP address, host name, Network information, server information, server name, folder name, address book, etc.

  In the setting program, naturally, transmission source identification information that can identify the multifunction peripheral 100 (own device) on the network 300 is registered (set) in advance, and the transmission source identification information is, for example, The IP address, host name, network information, server information, server name, port information, and the like of the multifunction machine 100 are included.

  When the setting program control unit 402 stores the setting program in the USB storage unit 405 of the USB memory 125, the display receiving unit 403 is notified to that effect, and the display receiving unit 403 that has received the notification is shown in FIG. As shown in (B), a message 706 indicating that the setting program has been stored and an OK key 707 are displayed on the front of the setting program screen 700.

  When the user confirms the message 706 and presses the OK key 707, the display accepting unit 403 accepts the press of the OK key 707, notifies the setting program control unit 402 to that effect, and The setting program control unit 402 is ready to receive the transmission destination identification information described later. Further, the display accepting unit 403 makes the USB memory 125 of the USB mounting unit 126 mountable, and the user removes the USB memory 125 from the USB mounting unit 126 of the multi-function device 100. (FIG. 5: S105), the storage of the setting program is completed.

  Next, the user takes the USB memory 125 storing the setting program to a predetermined terminal device 300a (for example, a self-owned terminal device), turns on the power to the terminal device 300a, and When the USB memory 125 is attached to the USB attachment unit 300a1 of the terminal device 300a, the terminal device control means 406 of the terminal device 300a detects the attachment of the USB memory 125 (FIG. 6: S201 YES), and the USB memory 125 is detected. The USB storage means 405 is referred to. Then, the terminal device control means 406 displays the folder (internal information) of the USB memory 125 stored in the USB storage means 405 on the liquid crystal display.

  In the folder 800 of the USB memory 125, as shown in FIG. 8A, an execution icon 801 of the setting program is displayed so as to be pressed.

  While viewing the folder 800 of the USB memory 125, the user uses, for example, an operation unit (not shown) of the terminal device 300a (for example, a keyboard, a mouse, etc.) to move the cursor 802 of the liquid crystal display, for example, If the cursor 802 is double-clicked and the execution icon 801 is pressed, an instruction to execute the setting program is input, and the terminal device control unit 406 displays an instruction to execute the setting program. The input is accepted and the setting program is executed (FIG. 6: S202 YES).

  Specifically, according to the setting program, the terminal device control means 406 first creates a new shared folder 803 in the terminal device 300a as shown in FIG. 8B (FIG. 6: S203). Here, the name of the shared folder 803 is set to, for example, a name “network scan shared folder” preset in the setting program.

  Next, the terminal device control means 406 collects transmission destination identification information corresponding to the shared folder 803 from the shared folder 803 and information such as the properties of the terminal device 300a.

  Here, as described above, in addition to the IP address of the terminal device 300a and the name “network scan shared folder” of the shared folder 803, the transmission destination identification information relates to the owner (user) of the terminal device 300a. User information (user name, user ID, etc.), display language information (Japanese, etc.) of OS (Operating System) of the terminal device 300a, country information (Japan, etc.), and network scan settings associated with the user information The initial value of is included. Then, the terminal device control unit 406 transmits the collected transmission destination identification information to the multifunction peripheral 100 via the network 300, with the transmission source identification information of the multifunction peripheral 100 preset in the setting program as a destination. (FIG. 6: S204).

  On the other hand, the setting program control means 402 of the multi-function device 100 is in a state where the transmission destination identification information can be received (FIG. 6: S205), and the transmission destination identification information is sent from the terminal device 300a via the network 300. (FIG. 6: S205 YES), the fact is notified to the transmission destination setting means 407. Upon receiving the notification, the transmission destination setting unit 407 sets the shared folder 803 of the terminal device 300a corresponding to the transmission destination identification information as the transmission destination of the image data (FIG. 6: S206).

  As a result, the user can automatically make the setting by executing the setting program of the USB memory 125 without setting the transmission destination of the image data of the multifunction peripheral 100. Therefore, it is possible to omit the time and effort for setting.

  When the transmission destination setting unit 407 completes the setting of the transmission destination, the terminal device control unit 406 notifies the terminal device control unit 406 of the fact via the network 300. As shown in FIG. 6A, a message 900 for prompting transmission of a connection confirmation command (corresponding to an image data transmission command) and an OK key 901 are displayed on the front surface of the shared folder 803 (FIG. 6: S207). ). Further, the transmission destination setting means 407 is ready to receive the connection confirmation command.

  Next, when the user presses the OK key 901 while looking at the message 900, the terminal device control unit 406 receives the press of the OK key and transmits the connection confirmation command to the multifunction device 100. (FIG. 6: S207 YES). The terminal device control means 406 is ready to receive image data.

  On the other hand, when receiving the connection confirmation command (FIG. 6: S208 YES), the transmission destination setting unit 407 of the multifunction peripheral 100 notifies the image data transmission unit 408 to that effect, and the image data transmission unit 408 that has received the notification. Transmits to the shared folder 803 of the set terminal device 300a (FIG. 6: S209).

  Here, the image data includes, for example, image data for connection confirmation as image data to be transmitted first. However, the image data may be image data preset by the user in the multifunction peripheral 100. The image data is stored in advance by, for example, image data storage means (not shown). The transmission of the image data corresponds to, for example, SMB (Server Message Block) transmission.

  On the other hand, when the terminal device control means 406 of the terminal device 300a receives the image data, the shared folder 803 set by the image data transmission means 408 is stored in the image data 902 as shown in FIG. 9B. The image data 902 is saved (stored) in the shared folder 803 as a save destination (FIG. 6: S210).

  As a result, the image data 902 of the multifunction device 100 can be stored in the shared folder 803 of the terminal device 300a, and a network scan is possible.

  In the processing so far, it is understood that the user does not use any conventional driver or installation program. Therefore, the user can set the network scan very easily compared to the conventional case, and the convenience of the network scan can be improved.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9B, the terminal device control means 406 displays a message 903 for prompting the start of reception of image data and an OK key 904 on the front surface of the shared folder 803.

  Here, if the user presses the OK key 904, the terminal device control unit 406 accepts the press of the OK key 904, and notifies the image data transmission unit 408 to that effect via the network 300. The image data transmission means 408 that receives the notification and starts transmitting predetermined image data. As a result, the network scan process is executed in earnest.

  As described above, in the present invention, since only the execution of the setting program is performed, a driver and an installation program necessary for network scanning in the related art are not required in the terminal device 300a. This eliminates the need for the user to acquire or manage the driver or the like via the network 300, thereby saving time and work for the user.

  Further, even a user who has little knowledge related to the network 300 can set the network scan only by executing the setting program, so that the convenience of the network scan is remarkably improved.

  Further, since the setting of the network scan described above is almost completed by the terminal device 300a, the user does not monopolize the multifunction device 100 for a predetermined time for the setting of the network scan. It is also excellent in terms of effective use.

  As described above, when the predetermined USB memory 125 is mounted on the USB mounting unit 126 of the multi-function device 100, the multi-function device 100 of the present invention displays the image of the terminal device 300a when the terminal device 300a executes. Setting program control means for creating a folder 803 capable of storing data and storing in the USB memory 125 a setting program for transmitting destination identification information that can specify the folder 803 on the network 300 to the multi-function peripheral 100 402. Further, when the MFP 100 of the present invention receives the transmission destination identification information from the terminal device 300a by executing the setting program, the folder 803 of the terminal device 300a corresponding to the transmission destination identification information is stored in the transmission destination of image data. Destination setting means 407 for setting the image data, and image data transmission means 408 for transmitting the image data to the folder 803 of the set terminal apparatus 300a when receiving an image data transmission command from the terminal apparatus 300a.

  Accordingly, it is possible to easily set the network scan without requiring a driver or an installation program for the network scan, and it is possible to improve convenience for the user.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the storage medium (storage medium) for storing the setting program is the USB memory 125. However, the present invention is not limited to this, for example, a CD-ROM, MO, MD, SD memory card. It may be a memory stick, a multimedia card (MMC), smart media, or the like. In particular, the storage medium is preferably a storage medium portable to the user.

  In the present invention, a network scanning system in which a predetermined multifunction device 100 and a predetermined terminal device 300a are communicably connected via the network 300 may be used. In the network scan system, when the predetermined USB memory 125 is attached to the USB attachment unit 126 of the self-device 100, the multifunction device 100 causes the terminal device 300a to execute image data when executed by the terminal device 300a. And a setting program control unit 402 for storing a setting program for transmitting destination identification information capable of specifying the folder 803 on the network 300 to the own device in the USB memory 125. When the transmission destination identification information is received from the terminal device 300a by executing the setting program, a transmission destination setting unit 407 that sets the folder 803 of the terminal device 300a corresponding to the transmission destination identification information as the transmission destination of image data; The image data transmission order from the terminal device 300a Upon receiving the, and an image data transmitting unit 408 for transmitting image data in a folder of the set terminal 300a. Further, when the setting program stored in the USB memory 125 is executed, the terminal device 300a creates the folder 803 and transmits the transmission destination identification information to the multi-function device 100. Is provided. Even with such a configuration, the same effects as described above can be obtained.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the MFP 100 is configured to include each unit. However, a program that realizes each unit may be stored in a storage medium, and the storage medium may be provided. In this configuration, the multifunction device 100 reads the program, and the multifunction device 100 implements the respective units. In that case, the program itself read from the recording medium exhibits the effects of the present invention. Furthermore, it is possible to provide a method for storing the steps executed by each means in a hard disk.

  As described above, the image processing apparatus and the image processing method according to the present invention are useful not only for multifunction peripherals but also for scanners, copiers, printers, facsimile transmission / reception apparatuses, communication apparatuses, and the like. This is effective as an image processing apparatus and an image processing method capable of easily setting the network scan without requiring it.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 MFP 102 Operation part 125 USB memory 126 USB mounting part 300 Network 300a Terminal apparatus 300a1 USB mounting part 401 USB detection means 402 Setting program control means 403 Display reception means 404 Setting program storage means 405 USB storage means 406 Terminal apparatus control means 407 Destination setting means 408 Image data transmission means

Claims (7)

In an image processing apparatus that is communicably connected to a predetermined terminal apparatus via a network,
When a predetermined storage medium is attached to the storage medium attachment unit of the own device, when executed by the terminal device, the terminal device creates a folder in which image data can be stored, and the folder is stored on the network. A setting program control means for storing in the storage medium a setting program for transmitting destination identification information that can be specified in the storage device;
When receiving the transmission destination identification information from the terminal device by executing the setting program, transmission destination setting means for setting a folder of the terminal device corresponding to the transmission destination identification information as a transmission destination of image data;
An image processing apparatus comprising: an image data transmitting unit configured to transmit image data to the set folder of the terminal device when receiving an image data transmission command from the terminal device. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein the folder is a shared folder that can be browsed by a terminal device connected to the network or the device itself. The setting program control means, when the storage medium is attached to the storage medium attachment unit of its own device, displays a setting program screen for inquiring whether or not to store the setting program in the storage medium on the operation unit, and The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the key for storing is pressed, the setting program is stored in the storage medium. In a network scan system in which a predetermined image processing device and a predetermined terminal device are connected to be able to communicate via a network,
The image processing apparatus creates a folder in which the terminal device can store image data when executed by the terminal device when a predetermined storage medium is attached to the storage medium attachment unit of the device. Setting program control means for storing in the storage medium a setting program for transmitting destination identification information capable of specifying the folder on the network to the own device;
When receiving the transmission destination identification information from the terminal device by executing the setting program, transmission destination setting means for setting a folder of the terminal device corresponding to the transmission destination identification information as a transmission destination of image data;
An image data transmission means for transmitting image data to the folder of the set terminal device when receiving an image data transmission command from the terminal device;
The terminal device includes a terminal device control unit that creates the folder and transmits the transmission destination identification information to the image processing device when a setting program stored in the storage medium is executed. Network scanning system to do. In an image processing method of an image processing apparatus that is communicably connected to a predetermined terminal device via a network,
When a predetermined storage medium is attached to the storage medium attachment unit of the image processing device, when executed by the terminal device, the terminal device creates a folder in which image data can be stored, and the folder is Storing a setting program for transmitting destination identification information identifiable on a network to the image processing apparatus in the storage medium;
When receiving the transmission destination identification information from the terminal device by executing the setting program, setting a folder of the terminal device corresponding to the transmission destination identification information as a transmission destination of image data;
And a step of transmitting image data to the set folder of the terminal device when an image data transmission command is received from the terminal device.   A program for causing a computer to execute the image processing method according to claim 5.   A computer-readable storage medium storing the program according to claim 6.

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