Image forming apparatus and image forming system for secure transmission of image data

This application is a continuation of copending application Ser. No. 12/773,381, filed on May 4, 2010, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto.

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to an image transmission apparatus having a function of transmitting image data.

2. Description of Related Art

A related art image transmission apparatus having a function of transmitting image data, for example, serves as a scanner, a multi-functional peripheral (hereafter referred to as MFP), a photocopier, or a facsimile device. Such a related art image transmission apparatus is accessed from a terminal such as a personal computer on a network by a method, for example, disclosed in Patent Document 1 listed below. Patent Document 1 discloses the method for preventing multiple accesses by connection of the scanner and the network through a server capable of not allowing the scanner to be accessed from a plurality of terminals at the same time. Accordingly, the multiple access prevention method allows a request from one terminal (also referred to as a first terminal) to be accepted at a time. In a case where a connection request is provided from another terminal (also referred to as a second terminal) in a state that the scanner is being connected to the first terminal, the multiple access prevention method does not allow the request from the second terminal to be accepted.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2000-112867

In a case where a connection to the related art image transmission apparatus is first attempted from a terminal to which the image data are not intended to be transmitted, however, the related image transmission apparatus has the likelihood of transmitting the image data to the wrong or unintended terminal. Consequently, the related art transmission may not be satisfactory in terms of technology.

This invention is proposed in consideration of the aforementioned situations, and provides an image transmission apparatus capable of transmitting image data to a destination to which the image data are intended to be transmitted, thereby reducing wrong transmission of the image data based on an image transmission request from an unintended requester.

According to an aspect of this invention, an image transmission apparatus includes: an original document reading unit configured to read an original document, and produce image data; an operation unit configured to receive an input of a first password; a receiving unit configured to receive request information including a second password from an information processing apparatus; and a control unit configured to control the original document reading unit to read the original document based on the request information, and transmit the image data to an external device, the control unit restricting transmission of the image data to the external device if the first password does not correspond to the second password.

According to another aspect of this invention, an image transmission apparatus includes: an original document reading unit configured to read an original document and produce image data; an operation unit configured to receive an input of first identification information; a receiving unit configured to receive request information including second identification information from an information processing apparatus; and a control unit configured to switch modes of the image transmission apparatus between a first mode and a second mode, wherein the first mode allows the original document reading unit to read the original document based on the request information, and the second mode is different from the first mode, wherein the operation unit receives an instruction input to switch to the first mode, wherein the control unit switches the mode of the image transmission apparatus to the first mode when the operation unit receives the instruction input, wherein, if the mode of the image transmission apparatus is the first mode, the control unit controls the original document reading unit to read the original document based on image request information, and transmits the image data to the information processing apparatus, and wherein, if the first identification information does not correspond to the second identification information, the control unit restricts transmission of the image data to the information processing apparatus, and switches the mode of the image forming apparatus to the second mode.

According to other aspect of this invention, an image transmission system includes: an image transmission apparatus and an information processing apparatus, wherein the image transmission apparatus comprising: an original document reading unit configured to read an original document, and produce image data; an operation unit configured to receive an input of a first password; a receiving unit configured to receive request information including a second password from the information processing apparatus; and a control unit configured to control the original document reading unit to read the original document based on the request information, and transmit the image data to an external device, wherein the control unit restricts transmission of the image data to the external device if the first password does not correspond to the second password, and wherein the information processing apparatus transmits the request information including the second password to the image transmission apparatus.

Additional features and advantages of this invention will be more fully apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments, the accompanying drawings and the associated claims.

A more complete appreciation of the aspects of this invention and many of the attendant advantage thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image transmission apparatus according to a first embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an image reading unit in the image transmission apparatus of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram illustrating a circuit relating to an original document placement sensor in the image reading unit of FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B are cross-sectional views illustrating a case where an original document is not placed on the image reading unit of FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B are cross-sectional views illustrating a case where the original document is placed on the image reading unit of FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image transmission system according to the first embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an operation panel in the image transmission apparatus of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an input example of the operation panel of FIG. 7 ;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an image transmission request command to be received by a receiving unit in the image transmission apparatus of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example operating procedure of the image transmission apparatus of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a communication procedure in a case where transmission is permitted by a transmission permitting unit in the image transmission apparatus of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an image transmission request command to be transmitted from a personal computer;

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a communication procedure in a case where the transmission is rejected by the transmission permitting unit in the image transmission apparatus of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image transmission apparatus according to a second embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating an input example of an operation panel in the image transmission apparatus of FIG. 14 ;

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an image transmission request command to be received by a receiving unit in the image transmission apparatus of FIG. 14 ;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example operating procedure of the image transmission apparatus of FIG. 14 ;

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first communication procedure in a case where transmission is permitted by a transmission permitting unit in the image transmission apparatus of FIG. 14 ;

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second communication procedure in a case where the transmission is permitted by the transmission permitting unit in the image transmission apparatus of FIG. 14 ;

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an image transmission request command transmitted from the personal computer;

FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram illustrating a communication procedure in a case where the transmission is rejected by the transmission permitting unit in the image transmission apparatus of FIG. 14 ; and

FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image transmission apparatus according to a third embodiment of this invention.

An image transmission apparatus according to preferred embodiments of this invention is now described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The embodiments, therefore, may be modified or varied without departing from the scope of this invention.

In describing embodiments illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. However, the disclosure of the patent specification is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner. Preferred embodiments of this invention are described in detail referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views.

First Embodiment

Referring to FIG. 6 , an image transmission system according to a first embodiment of this invention is illustrated in a schematic diagram.

The image transmission system includes a local area network (hereafter referred to as LAN) 1 . The LAN 1 is connected with an image transmission apparatus 10 and a plurality of image processing apparatuses 201 , 202 such as personal computers (may be abbreviated as PC as necessary). The LAN 1 is also connected with a terminal (not shown) such as a domain name system server (hereafter referred to as DNS server). For example, the image transmission apparatus 10 serves as a scanner, and has an Internet protocol address (hereafter referred to as IP address) “192.168.100.100.” Each of the personal computers 201 , 202 performs a programming process of image data based on the control by a central processing unit (hereafter referred to as CPU). For example, the personal computer 201 has the IP address “192.168.100.101” while the personal computer 202 has the IP address “192.168.100.102.”

Referring to FIG. 1 , the image transmission apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 6 is illustrated in a schematic diagram.

The image transmission apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment of this invention is, for example, the scanner employing a flat-bed method. The image transmission apparatus 10 includes: an identification data input unit (e.g., operation panel) 11 allowing identification data to be input thereto to set an image data destination to which the image data are transmitted; a destination information storage unit 12 storing therein the identification data of the image data destination set by the operation panel 11 ; a receiving unit 13 connected to the LAN 1 ; a transmission permitting unit 14 ; a transmission control unit 15 ; an image reading unit 16 reading the original document and outputting the image data; an image memory 17 storing therein the image data output from the image reading unit 16 ; and a transmission unit 18 connected to the LAN 1 .

The receiving unit 13 receives transmission information (also referred to as transmission data) relating to an image data transmission request command transmitted through the LAN 1 from the personal computers 201 , 202 serving as image transmission requesters, and outputs the image transmission request command (e.g., CD 10 or CD 20 ) among the transmission data received. The receiving unit 13 includes an output side connected with the transmission permitting unit 14 , and the destination information storage unit 12 includes an output side connected with the transmission permitting unit 14 . The identification data to be input to the operation panel 11 serving as the identification data input unit are unique information identifying, for example, the personal computers 201 , 202 serving as the image transmission requesters.

The transmission permitting unit 14 determines whether to permit the transmission based on comparison between the identification data of the image data destination stored in the destination information storage unit 12 and the image transmission request command (e.g., CD 10 , CD 20 ) output from the receiving unit 13 . Where the identification data and the image transmission request command agree with each other, the transmission permitting unit 14 provides a transmission instruction. The transmission permitting unit 14 includes an output side connected with the transmission control unit 15 . The transmission control unit 15 is connected with: the image reading unit 16 ; the image memory 17 storing the image data output from the image reading unit 16 ; and the transmission unit 18 transmitting the image data input to the LAN 1 . The image reading unit 16 serves as an image input unit allowing the image data to be input therefrom. The image reading unit 16 , for example, reads the original document and outputs the image data.

The transmission control unit 15 has functions of controlling the instruction with respect to the image reading unit 16 to read the image and the instruction with respect to the transmission unit 18 to transmit the image data by acquisition of the image data stored in the image memory 17 according to the instruction provided by the transmission permitting unit 14 .

Referring to FIG. 2 , the image reading unit 16 of FIG. 1 is illustrated in a perspective view.

The image reading unit 16 includes: an original document table 16 a on which the original document to be read by the image reading unit 16 is placed; an original document pressing plate 16 b , disposed in an openable and closable manner, covering the original document placed on the original document table 16 a ; a pressing plate open-close sensor 16 c detecting the open and closed states of the original document pressing plate 16 b ; an original document placement sensor 16 d detecting whether or not the original document is placed on the original document table 16 a ; a hinge mechanism 16 e , including a first hinge 161 e and a second hinge 162 e , attaching the original document pressing plate 16 b to the original document plate 16 a ; and an optical unit 16 f reading the original document.

The original document pressing plate 16 b is attached to an end portion of the original document table 16 a in an openable and closable manner by the hinge mechanism 16 e.

The pressing plate open-close sensor 16 c is disposed in the end portion of the original document table 16 a and in a middle portion between the first hinge 161 e and the second hinge 162 e . The pressing plate open-close sensor 16 c determines whether or not the original document pressing plate 16 b is closed based on the conduction of a mechanical sensor (not shown) such as a TACT switch (trademark). Herein, the mechanical sensor is pressed when the original document pressing plate 16 e is closed, so that the mechanical sensor becomes electrically conductive.

The original document placement sensor 16 d is disposed on an inner right side of the original document table 16 a . Herein, the inner right side of the original document table 16 a is found as seen from an arrow of FIG. 2 . The original document placement sensor 16 d allows a light emitting diode 42 (described later) and the like to emit illumination light, and allows a photodiode 43 (described later) and the like to detect the illumination light reflected by the original document or the original document pressing plate 16 b , so that the original document placement sensor 16 d detects whether the image [[readig]] reading unit 16 is in one of the following states: the original document pressing plate 16 b is open; the original document is placed in such a manner as to contact the inner right side of the original document table 16 a ; and the original document is not placed in such a manner as to contact the inner right side of the original document table 16 a while the original document pressing plate 16 b is closed.

The optical unit 16 f is vertically disposed inside the original document table 16 a , and is moved by a drive unit (not shown) in a horizontal direction as seen from the arrow of FIG. 2 . Accordingly, the optical unit 16 f reads the original document placed on the original document table 16 a.

Each of the pressing plate open-close sensor 16 c and the original document placement sensor 16 d includes an output side connected with an input side of the transmission control unit 15 . The original document placement sensor 16 d detects the presence or absence of the original document on the image reading unit 16 , and serves as an image data change detection unit detecting a change of the image data relating to the original document.

Referring to FIG. 3 , a circuit relating to the original document placement sensor 16 d is illustrated in a circuit diagram.

The circuit relating to the original document placement sensor 16 d includes: a transistor 41 ; the light emitting diode 42 driven by the transistor 41 ; the photodiode 43 detecting reflection of the illumination light emitted by the light emitting diode 42 ; an amplifier 44 amplifying an output signal detected by the photodiode 43 ; and a reflection light detector 45 detecting the output signal amplified by the amplifier 44 .

An illumination light controller 40 outputs an output signal having a voltage of 5 V when detecting whether or not the original document is placed. The output signal allows the transistor 41 to turn ON, so that the light emitting diode 42 is driven and emits the illumination light. The original document or the original document pressing plate 16 b reflects the illumination light emitted from the light emitting diode 42 , and the photodiode 43 detects the reflection of the illumination light. Subsequently, the illumination light is amplified by the amplifier 44 and is input to the reflection light detector 45 . The image reading unit 16 is, for example, in one of the following states: the original document is not placed while the original document pressing plate 16 b is not detected; the original document is placed; and the original document pressing table 16 b is detected. The states of the image reading unit 16 are distinguished from one another according to a voltage level of the signal input to the refection light detector 45 .

Referring to FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B , the image reading unit 16 of FIG. 2 in a case where the original document is not placed is illustrated in cross-sectional views.

In a case where the original document pressing plate 16 b is open as illustrated in FIG. 4A , the pressing plate open-close sensor 16 c is not being pressed by the original document pressing plate 16 b , thereby being not conductive. Since the original document is not placed on the original document table 16 a , and the original document pressing plate 16 b is open, the photodiode 43 of the original document placement sensor 16 d hardly detects the reflection light when the light emitting diode 42 of the original document placement sensor 16 d emits the illumination light.

In a case where the original document pressing plate 16 b is closed as illustrated in FIG. 4B , the pressing plate open-close sensor 16 c is pressed by the original document pressing plate 16 b , thereby becoming conductive. When the light emitting diode 42 of the original document placement sensor 16 d emits the illumination light, the illumination light is reflected by a side surface of the original document placement sensor 16 d , and the photodiode 43 of the original document placement sensor 16 d detects the reflection light reflected by the side surface. Since the original document pressing plate 16 b is made of a material having a property of providing a strong reflection light, the reflection light reflected by the side surface thereof can be distinguished from the reflection light reflected by the original document.

Referring to FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B , the image reading unit 16 of FIG. 2 in a case where the original document is placed is illustrated in cross-sectional views.

In a case where the original document pressing plate 16 b is open as illustrated in FIG. 5A , the pressing plate open-close sensor 16 c is not being pressed by the original document pressing plate 16 b as similar to FIG. 4A , thereby being not conductive. Since the original document is placed on the original document table 16 a , the photodiode 43 of the original document placement sensor 16 d detects the reflection light reflected by the original document when the light emitting diode 42 of the original document placement sensor 16 d emits the illumination light.

In a case where the original document pressing plate 16 b is closed as illustrated in FIG. 5B , the pressing plate open-close sensor 16 c is pressed by the original document pressing plate 16 b as similar to FIG. 4B , thereby becoming conductive. Since the original document is placed on the original document table 16 a , the photodiode 43 of the original document placement sensor 16 d detects the reflection light reflected by the original document when the light emitting diode 42 of the original document placement sensor 16 d emits the illumination light.

Referring to FIG. 7 , the operation panel 11 of FIG. 1 is illustrated in a schematic diagram.

The operation panel 11 , for example, includes: a display unit 11 a displaying thereon the image data destination which is input by a user; an input key 11 b for the input of the destination; a cursor key 11 c ; a backspace key 11 d ; and a setting key 11 e.

The display unit 11 a displays thereon, for example, an IP address of the destination, a domain name of the terminal of the destination registered in the DNS server. A character string is input using the input key 11 b and displayed on the display unit 11 a . The cursor key 11 c is used to move a cursor displayed on the display unit 11 a . The backspace key 11 d can be used to delete a characters or characters displayed on the display unit 11 a . The setting key 11 e is used to confirm the destination displayed on the display unit 11 a.

Referring to FIG. 8 , an input example of the operation panel 11 of FIG. 7 is illustrated. For example, in a case where the IP address “192.168.100.101” of the personal computer 201 is input as the image data destination, the display unit 11 a displays thereon “192.168.100.101” as illustrated in FIG. 8 .

Referring to FIG. 9 , an example of the image transmission request command CD 10 to be received by the receiving unit 13 in the image transmission apparatus 10 of FIG. 1 is illustrated. For example, the image transmission request command CD 10 includes: a destination data CD 11 ; a scan mode data CD 12 ; a color mode data CD 13 ; an original document size data CD 14 ; and a resolution data CD 15 .

The destination data CD 11 , for example, represents destination information indicating the destination of the image data. Herein, the destination information, is for example, the IP address “192.168.100.101.” The scan mode data CD 12 represents information indicating a location of the original document to be read, or namely a reading location. For example, an auto document feeder (hereafter referred to as ADF) is designated as the reading location in FIG. 9 . In addition to the ADF, a flat bed and the like can be designated as the reading location. The color mode data CD 13 represents color information of the image data to be generated by reading the original document. For example, the image data having the 24 bits color are designated in FIG. 9 . The original document size data CD 14 represents the size of the original document to be read by the image transmission apparatus 10 . For example, the size standard A4 is designated as the original document size in FIG. 9 . In a case where the size of the original document is automatically detected, “automatic” can be designated. The resolution data CD 15 represents the resolution used to read the original document. For example, the resolution of 300 dpi is designated in FIG. 9 .

A description is now given of example operation of the image transmission system according to the first embodiment of this invention. Particularly, the description is given by comparison of a related art example case in which first and second original documents are set in a related art image transmission apparatus at different timings by a first user using a first personal computer and a second user using a second personal computer respectively, and an example case in which the original documents AA, BB are set in the image transmission apparatus 10 by a user A using the personal computer 201 and a user B using the personal computer 202 respectively in the image transmission system of FIG. 6 according to the first embodiment of this invention.

Assuming that the first user using the first personal computer goes to the related art image transmission apparatus to set the first original document and returns to the first personal computer at a timing T 1 . The first user attempts to activate reading operation of the related image transmission apparatus using an application on the first personal computer at a timing T 2 . Assuming that the second user using the second personal computer removes the first original document set by the first user from the related art image transmission apparatus, and places the second original document to make a copy between the timings T 1 and T 2 . In such a case, the second original document is read when the first user activates the reading operation at the timing T 2 .

According to the first embodiment, on the other hand, when the user A goes to the image transmission apparatus 10 to set the original document AA, and the destination of the image data to be scanned is set (e.g., FIG. 8 ), the reading operation is allowed only where the destination is included in reading operation activation information (e.g., FIG. 9 ) provided from the personal computers 201 , 202 .

A description is now given of the operation of the image transmission apparatus 10 . Herein, the description is given by comparison of a related art example case and an example case of the first embodiment of this invention.

When the image data read by the related art image transmission apparatus are transmitted to the first or second personal computer, the user sets the original document in the related art image transmission apparatus, and then uses the related art image transmission apparatus to designate the destination of the image data to be transmitted. The reading operation of the image data is performed by a related art image reading method.

According to the first embodiment of this invention, on the other hand, the user uses the application programs on the personal computers 201 , 202 being familiar thereto to designate the destination of the image data after setting the original document in the image transmission apparatus 10 , so that the reading operation is performed. Since the personal computers 201 , 202 familiar to the user can be used, the image reading method according to the first embodiment can be preferred over the related art image reading method in a case where the user prefers a specific reading method, for example, in need of specific designation. The operation of the image transmission apparatus 10 is described in detail below.

Referring to a flowchart of FIG. 10 , an example operating procedure of the image transmission apparatus 10 is illustrated.

The image transmission apparatus 10 enters into a personal scan mode (hereafter referred to as PS mode) when a plurality of prescribed keys on the operation panel 11 are pressed for a prescribed time period, for example, when the pound sign (#) key and the asterisk (*) key are simultaneously pressed for greater than or equal to 5 seconds. The PS mode represents a mode used in a case of transmitting the image data to the destination from the image transmission apparatus 10 .

When a process of the PS mode in the flowchart shown in FIG. 10 is started, the image transmission apparatus 10 allows the display unit 11 a to display “PLEASE SET ORIGINAL DOCUMENT AND INPUT DESTINATION OF SCANNED DATA TO BE OUTPUT” thereon (step S 1 ). The image transmission apparatus 10 allows the pressing plate open-close sensor 16 c to detect the open and close operation of the original document pressing plate 16 b (step S 2 ). Where the open and close operation of the original document pressing plate 16 b is detected (Yes in step S 2 ), and where the original document is detected by the original document placement sensor 16 d as being set on the image reading unit 16 (step S 3 ), the image transmission apparatus 10 allows the display unit 11 a to display “PLEASE INPUT DESTINATION” thereon (step S 4 ). The process of steps S 2 , S 3 detects the open and close operation of the original document pressing plate 16 b , that is, the user opens the original document pressing plate 16 b to set the original document on the original document table 16 a of the image reading unit 16 and closes the original document pressing plate 16 b . Where the open and close operation of the original document pressing plate 16 b is not detected by the pressing plate open-close sensor 16 c (No in step S 2 ), or where the original document is not detected by the original document placement sensor 16 d as being set on the original document table 16 a on the image reading unit 16 (No in step S 3 ), the flow returns to step S 2 .

After allowing the display unit 11 a to display “PLEASE INPUT DESTINATION” thereon (step S 4 ), the image transmission apparatus 10 determines whether or not the original document placement sensor 16 d detects that the original document is not set on the original document table 16 a of the image reading unit 16 (step S 5 ). Where the original document is not set (No in step S 5 ), the flow returns to step S 1 . Where the original document is set (Yes in step S 5 ), on the other hand, the image transmission apparatus 10 determines whether or not the destination (e.g., identification data) is input in the operation panel 11 , and whether or not the setting key 11 e is pressed (step S 6 ). Where the conditions of step 6 are not satisfied, the flow returns to step 5 .

Herein, the operation of the image transmission apparatus 10 is described using an example case where the user transmits the image data to the personal computer 201 . The image transmission apparatus 10 detects the input of the IP address “192.168.100.101” of the personal computer 201 in the operation panel 11 . Herein, the display unit 11 a on the display panel 11 is displaying “192.168.100.101” as illustrated in FIG. 8 . When the user removes the original document from the image reading unit 16 , the image transmission apparatus 10 detects that the original document is not set on the original document table 16 a of the image reading unit 16 by the original document placement sensor 16 d , and the flow returns to step S 1 . The display unit 11 a is again allowed to display “PLEASE SET ORIGINAL DOCUMENT AND INPUT DESTINATION OF SCANNED DATA TO BE OUTPUT” thereon (step S 1 ). Where the user presses the setting key 11 e , that is, the conditions of step 6 are satisfied, flow proceeds to step S 7 .

Where the destination is determined as being input in step S 6 , the receiving unit 13 of the image transmission apparatus 10 becomes in a reception waiting state of the image transmission request command CD 10 as illustrated in FIG. 9 (step S 7 ). The image transmission apparatus 10 determines by the original document placement sensor 16 d whether or not the original document is not set on the original document table 16 a of the image reading unit 16 (step S 8 ). Where the original document is not set (No in step S 8 ), the flow returns to step S 1 . After the destination is input, the image transmission apparatus 10 determines whether a certain time period has elapsed without receiving the image transmission request command CD 10 (step S 9 ). Where the certain time period has elapsed (Yes in step S 9 ), the flow of FIG. 10 is finished, thereby ending the PS mode and returning to a normal mode. Where the certain time period has not elapsed (No in step S 9 ), on the other hand, the image transmission apparatus 10 determines whether or not the receiving unit 13 has received the image transmission request command CD 10 as illustrated in FIG. 9 through the LAN 1 (step S 10 ). Where the image transmission request command CD 10 is not received (No in step S 10 ), the flow returns to step S 8 .

Where the image transmission request command CD 10 is received (Yes in step S 10 ), on the other hand, the image transmission apparatus 10 transmits the received image transmission request command CD 10 with respect to the transmission permitting unit 14 . The transmission permitting unit 14 determines whether or not the information of the destination (e.g., identification data) input in the operation panel 11 and the destination information (e.g., the destination data CD 11 of FIG. 9 ) included in the image transmission request command CD 10 received by the receiving unit 13 agree with each other (step S 11 ). Where the information of the destination (e.g., identification data) input in the operation panel 11 and the destination information (e.g., the destination data CD 11 of FIG. 9 ) included in the image transmission request command CD 10 agree to each other (Yes in step S 11 ), the transmission permitting unit 14 permits the transmission control unit 15 the transmission of the image data. Where the information of the destination (e.g., identification data) and the destination information (e.g., the destination data CD 11 of FIG. 9 ) do not agree with each other (No in step S 11 ), on the other hand, the flow of FIG. 10 is finished, thereby ending the PS mode and returning to a normal mode.

When the transmission of the image data is permitted by the transmission permitting unit 14 , the transmission control unit 15 instructs with respect to the image reading unit 16 to start reading the original document (step S 12 ). The transmission control unit 15 instructs with respect to the transmission unit 18 to transmit the image data to the destination address set in the operation panel 11 (step S 13 ). The image transmission apparatus 10 is on standby until the transmission of the image data is finished (step S 14 ). Where the transmission is finished (Yes in step S 14 ), the flow of FIG. 10 is finished, thereby ending the PS mode and returning to a normal mode.

Referring to FIG. 11 , a description is given of an example communication procedure in a case where the transmission permitting unit 14 shown in FIG. 1 permits the transmission according to the first embodiment. Particularly, the description is given using an example procedure of communications between the image transmission apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 and the personal computer 201 when the image data are transmitted to the personal computer 201 in a normal manner based on the image transmission request command CD 10 from the personal computer 201 in an attempt to transmit the image data to the personal computer 201 by the image transmission apparatus 10 .

According to the first embodiment, a transmission control protocol (hereafter referred to as TCP) packet including a TWAIN (Technology Without An Interesting Name) command is used in a payload as a command between the image transmission apparatus 10 and the personal computer 201 . Since the image transmission request command CD 10 is not included in the TWAIN command, the command as illustrated in FIG. 9 is used.

The communications between the image transmission apparatus 10 and the personal computer 201 are started in step S 7 in the flowchart of FIG. 9 . In the example communication procedure as illustrated in FIG. 11 , when the personal computer 201 starts the communications with the image transmission apparatus 10 , a synchronize (hereafter referred to as SYN) command is transmitted from the personal computer 201 with respect to the image transmission apparatus 10 (step S 101 ). The image transmission apparatus 10 receives the SYN command from the personal computer 201 , and transmits a synchronize and acknowledge (SYN and ACK) command (step S 102 ). Upon receiving the SYN and ACK command from the image transmission apparatus 10 , the personal computer 201 transmits an acknowledge (ACK) command with respect to the image transmission apparatus 10 (step S 103 ). Upon receiving the ACK command from the personal computer 201 , the image transmission apparatus 10 returns an okay response (hereafter referred to as OK) to the personal computer 201 (step S 104 ). At this point, a TCP connection is established between the image transmission apparatus 10 and the personal computer 201 .

When the TCP connection is established between the image transmission apparatus 10 and the personal computer 201 , the personal computer 201 transmits the image transmission request command CD 10 as illustrated in FIG. 9 to the image transmission apparatus 10 (step S 105 ). Where the destination (e.g., identification data) of the image input in the operation panel 11 of the image transmission apparatus 10 and the destination data CD 11 included in the image transmission request command CD 10 agree with each other, the image transmission apparatus 10 transmits a Successful command including the TWAIN command in the payload in the TCP to the personal computer 201 (step S 106 ). Since the image transmission request command CD 10 is accepted, the personal computer 201 transmits a Scan command including the TWAIN command in the payload in the TCP to the image transmission apparatus 10 (step S 107 ). Upon receiving the Scan command from the personal computer 201 , the image transmission apparatus 10 starts reading the original document, and transmits the Successful command including the TWAIN command in the payload in the TCP to the personal computer 201 (step S 108 ).

Subsequently, the personal computer 201 transmits a ReadData command including the TWAIN command in the payload in the TCP to the image transmission apparatus 10 to read the image data from the image transmission apparatus 10 (step S 109 ). Herein, the data having 100 kilo bytes are requested to be read in FIG. 11 . The image transmission apparatus 10 transmits a readable image data size to the personal computer 201 with the Successful command (step S 110 ), and transmits the image data (“ImageData”) which are read to the personal computer 201 (step S 111 ). The personal computer 201 transmits the ReadData command of the image and continues to read the image data.

In a case where no readable image data remains, the personal computer 201 transmits the ReadData command to the image transmission apparatus 10 (step S 112 ), and is notified of zero (0) as the size of the image data read from the image transmission apparatus 10 (step S 113 ). Accordingly, the personal computer 201 finishes the image reading.

The personal computer 201 cuts the TCP connection established with the image transmission apparatus 10 towards the end of the procedure in FIG. 11 . The personal computer 201 transmits a finish (FIN) command to the image transmission apparatus 10 (step S 114 ). The image transmission apparatus 10 transmits the ACK command with respect to the personal computer 201 (step S 115 ), and then transmits the FIN command with respect to the personal computer 201 (step S 116 ). Upon receiving the FIN command from the image transmission apparatus 10 , the personal computer 201 transmits the ACK command to the image transmission apparatus 10 , and the cutting of the TCP connection is competed (step S 117 ).

A description is given of an example communication procedure in a case where the transmission permitting unit 14 rejects the transmission according to the first embodiment. The description is given using an example command as illustrated in FIG. 12 and an example communication procedure between the image transmission apparatus 10 and the personal computer 202 as illustrated in FIG. 13 .

The image transmission request command CD 20 , serving as the example command, to be transmitted from the personal computer 202 is illustrated in FIG. 12 . The image transmission request command CD 20 includes a destination data CD 21 , a scan mode data CD 22 , a color mode data CD 23 , an original document size data CD 24 , and a resolution data CD 25 as similar to the image transmission request command CD 10 of FIG. 9 except for the destination data CD 21 . The destination data CD 21 has an IP address “192.168.100.102” of the personal computer 202 .

The example communication procedure in a case where the transmission permitting unit 14 rejects the transmission is illustrated in FIG. 13 .

With reference to FIGS. 12 , 13 , the example communication procedure is described of the communications between the image transmission apparatus 10 and the personal computer 202 when the image transmission apparatus 10 receives the image transmission request command CD 20 from the personal computer 202 after the transmission of the image data to the personal computer 201 is set in the image transmission apparatus 10 .

When the personal computer 202 starts the communications with the image transmission apparatus 10 , the SYN command is transmitted from the personal computer 202 to the image transmission apparatus 10 (step S 121 ). The image transmission apparatus 10 receives the SYN command from the personal computer 202 and then transmits the SYN and ACK command to the personal computer 202 (step S 122 ). Upon receiving the SYN and ACK command from the image transmission apparatus 10 , the personal computer 202 transmits the ACK command with respect to the image transmission apparatus 10 (step S 123 ). Upon receiving the ACK command from the personal computer 202 , the image transmission apparatus 10 returns the OK to the personal computer 202 (step S 124 ). At this point, the TCP connection is established between the image transmission apparatus 10 and the personal computer 202 .

When the TCP connection is established between the image transmission apparatus 10 and the personal computer 202 , the personal computer 202 transmits the image transmission request command CD 20 as illustrated in FIG. 12 to the image transmission apparatus 10 (step S 125 ). The image transmission request command CD 20 of FIG. 12 has the destination data CD 21 including the IP address “192.168.100.102” of the personal computer 202 . The destination “192.168.100.101” input in the operation panel 11 of the image transmission apparatus 10 and the destination data CD 21 “192.168.100.102” included in the image transmission request command CD 20 do not agree with each other. Accordingly, the image transmission apparatus 10 returns a Fail command including the TWAIN command in the payload in the TCP to the personal computer 202 to inform the rejection of the image data reading (step S 126 ).

Subsequently, the personal computer 202 cuts the TCP connection established with the image transmission apparatus 10 towards the end of the procedure in FIG. 13 . The personal computer 202 transmits the FIN command to the image transmission apparatus 10 (step S 127 ). The image transmission apparatus 10 transmits the ACK command with respect to the personal computer 202 (step S 128 ), and then transmits the FIN command with respect to the personal computer 202 (step S 129 ). Upon receiving the FIN command from the image transmission apparatus 10 , the personal computer 202 transmits the ACK command to the image transmission apparatus 10 , and the cutting of the TCP connection is competed (step S 130 ).

According to the image transmission apparatus 10 of the first embodiment, therefore, the identification data (e.g., IP address) of the destination input in the operation panel 11 and the destinations data CD 11 , CD 12 (e.g., IP addresses) of the respective image transmission request commands CD 10 , CD 20 are compared, and the image data are transmitted to the destination where the identification data and the destination agree with each other. Therefore, the image transmission apparatus 10 can transmit the image data to the destination intended to be the destination of the image data, thereby reducing the wrong transmission of the image based on the requests from the unintended personal computer 201 or 202 .

According to the image transmission apparatus 10 of the first embodiment, moreover, the identification data are allowed to be input, and the transmission of the image data is permitted while determining whether or not the original document to be scanned is set on the original document table 16 a of the image reading unit 16 . The original document to be scanned can be allowed to correspond to the identification data. Accordingly, in a case where another user replaces the original document on the original document table 16 a with another original document in a time between the input of the identification data and the request provided from the personal computers 201 , 202 , the image transmission apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment can reduce occurrences of transmitting the unintended image data relating to the replaced original document.

A description is now given of modification of the first embodiment.

The image transmission apparatus 10 uses the IP address of the destination to determine whether or not to transmit the image data according to the first embodiment. However, information known only by the user attempting to transmit the data can be included in each of the image transmission request commands CD 10 , CD 20 . The information is, for example, a password or a setting value such as a domain name or a media access control address (hereafter referred to as MAC address) necessary for the connection to the network. The modification of the first embodiment can provide an advantage similar to that provided according to the first embodiment.

Second Embodiment

An image transmission system according to a second embodiment is similar to that according to the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 except for an image transmission apparatus 10 A.

Referring to FIG. 14 , the image transmission apparatus 10 A according to the second embodiment of this invention is illustrated. Components similar to that illustrated in FIG. 1 of the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals.

The image transmission apparatus 10 A of the second embodiment, for example, serves as a scanner employing a flat-bed method as similar to the first embodiment. The image transmission apparatus 10 A includes: an operation panel 11 ; a destination information storage unit 12 A; a receiving unit 13 A; a transmission permitting unit 14 A; a transmission control unit 15 ; an image reading unit 16 ; an image memory 17 ; and a transmission unit 18 . The operation panel 11 , the transmission control unit 15 , the image reading unit 16 , the image memory 17 , and the transmission unit 18 function similar to those described above in the first embodiment. The destination information storage unit 12 A, the receiving unit 13 A, and the transmission permitting unit 14 A of the second embodiment function different from the destination information storage unit 12 , the receiving unit 13 , and the transmission permitting unit 14 of the first embodiment.

The operation panel 11 , serving as an identification data input unit, is used to set identification data (e.g., password) for permission of the image data transmission. The operation panel 11 includes an output side connected with the destination information storage unit 12 A. The destination information storage unit 12 A, serving as a storage region, stores therein the identification data (e.g., password) set in the operation panel 11 , and includes an output side connected with the receiving unit 13 A through the transmission permitting unit 14 A. The receiving unit 13 A receives data transmitted through LAN 1 from personal computers 201 , 202 serving as image transmission requesters, and outputs an image transmission request command CD 30 among the transmission data received to the transmission permitting unit 14 A.

The transmission permitting unit 14 A compares the identification data (e.g., password) stored in the destination information storage unit 12 A with the image transmission request command CD 30 received by the receiving unit 13 A. Where the identification data and the image transmission request command CD 30 agree with each other, the transmission permitting unit 14 A provides a transmission instruction to the transmission control unit 15 . As similar to the first embodiment, the transmission control unit 15 is connected with the image reading unit 16 , the image memory 17 , and the transmission unit 18 .

Referring to FIG. 15 , an input example of the operation panel 11 of FIG. 14 is illustrated. As similar to the first embodiment, the operation panel 11 , for example, includes: a display unit 11 a displaying thereon the image data destination which is input by a user; an input key 11 b for an input of the destination; a cursor key 11 c ; a backspace key 11 d ; and a setting key 11 e . When the user inputs the identification data (e.g., “PASSWORD” serving as the password) using the input key 11 b to allow the transmission of the image data, the “PASSWORD” is stored in the transmission information storage unit 12 A and is displayed on the display unit 11 a as illustrated in FIG. 15 .

Referring to FIG. 16 , an example of the image transmission request command CD 30 to be received by the receiving unit 13 in the image transmission apparatus 10 A of FIG. 14 is illustrated. The image transmission request command CD 30 is similar to the image transmission request command CD 10 of FIG. 9 .

For example, the image transmission request command CD 30 of the second embodiment includes a destination data CD 31 , a scan mode data CD 33 , a color mode data CD 34 , an original document size data CD 35 , and a resolution data CD 36 as similar to the image transmission request command CD 10 including the destination data CD 11 , the scan mode data CD 12 , the color mode data CD 13 , the original document size CD 14 , and the resolution data CD 15 described above in the first embodiment. The image transmission request command CD 30 according to the second embodiment also includes an identification data CD 32 .

The identification data CD 32 include the identification data (e.g., “PASSWORD”) for obtaining the image transmission permission with respect to the image transmission apparatus 10 A. The destination data CD 31 includes the IP address “192.168.100.102” of the personal computer 202 serving as the destination of the image data.

A description is now given of example operation of the image transmission system according to the second embodiment.

For example, in a case where original documents AA, BB are set at different times in the image transmission apparatus 10 A by a user A using the personal computer 201 and a user B using the personal computer 202 respectively in the image transmission system as similar to the first embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 6 , the example operation of the image transmission system according to the second embodiment differs from that of the first embodiment as follows.

According to the second embodiment, when the user A goes to the image transmission apparatus 10 A to set the original document AA, the user sets a prescribed password (e.g., FIG. 15 ) with respect to scanned image data, so that the image transmission apparatus 10 A allows the reading operation only where the prescribed password (e.g., FIG. 16 ) is included in reading operation activation information from the personal computers 201 , 202 .

Referring to a flowchart of FIG. 17 , a description is given of an example operating procedure of the image transmission apparatus 10 A shown in FIG. 14 .

The example operating procedure of the image transmission apparatus 10 A is described using an example case when the image data are transmitted to the personal computer 202 from the image transmission apparatus 10 A based on the request from the personal computer 201 .

The image transmission apparatus 10 A enters into a personal scan mode (referred to as PS mode) when detecting a plurality of prescribed keys on the operation panel 11 as being pressed for a prescribed time period.

When a process of the PS mode in the flowchart of FIG. 17 is started, the image transmission apparatus 10 A allows the display unit 11 a to display “PLEASE SET ORIGINAL DOCUMENT AND INPUT PASSWORD FOR DESTINATION OF SCANNED DATA TO BE OUTPUT” thereon (step S 21 ). The image transmission apparatus 10 A allows a pressing plate open-close sensor 16 c to detect the open and close operation of an original document pressing plate 16 b (step S 22 ). Where the open and close operation of the original document pressing plate 16 b is detected (Yes in step S 22 ), and where the original document is detected by the original document placement sensor 16 d as being set on the image reading unit 16 (step S 23 ), the image transmission apparatus 10 A allows the display unit 11 a to display “PLEASE INPUT DESTINATION PASSWORD” thereon (step S 24 ). Where the open and close operation of the original document pressing plate 16 b is not detected by the pressing plate open-close sensor 16 c (No in step S 22 ), or where the original document is not detected by the original document placement sensor 16 d as being set on the original document table 16 a of the image reading unit 16 (No in step S 23 ), the flow returns to step S 22 .

After allowing the display unit 11 a to display “PLEASE INPUT DESTINATION PASSWORD” thereon (step S 24 ), the image transmission apparatus 10 A determines whether or not the original document placement sensor 16 d detects that the original document is not set on the original document table 16 a of the image reading unit 16 (step S 25 ). Where the original document is not set (No in step S 25 ), the flow returns to step S 21 . Where the original document is set (Yes in step S 25 ), the image transmission apparatus 10 A determines whether or not the password relating to the destination is input in the operation panel 11 , and whether or not the setting key 11 e is pressed (step S 26 ). Where the conditions of step 26 are not satisfied, the flow returns to step 25 .

Herein, the operation of the image transmission apparatus 10 A is described using an example case where the user sets the password relating to the personal computer 202 as the “PASSWORD” and transmits the image data to the personal computer 202 . The image transmission apparatus 10 A detects the input of the “PASSWORD” in the operation panel 11 .

Herein, the display unit 11 a on the display panel 11 is displaying “PASSWORD” as illustrated in FIG. 15 . When the user removes the original document from the image reading unit 16 , the image transmission apparatus 10 A detects that the original document is not set on the original document table 16 a of the image reading unit 16 by the original document placement sensor 16 d , and the flow returns to step S 21 . The display unit 11 a is again allowed to display “PLEASE SET ORIGINAL DOCUMENT AND INPUT PASSWORD FOR DESTINATION OF SCANNED DATA TO BE OUTPUT” thereon (step S 21 ). Where the user presses the setting key 11 e , that is, the conditions of step 26 are satisfied, flow proceeds to step S 27 .

Where the password is input in step S 26 , the receiving unit 13 A of the image transmission apparatus 10 A becomes in a reception waiting state of the image transmission request command CD 30 as illustrated in FIG. 16 (step S 27 ). The image transmission apparatus 10 A determines by the original document placement sensor 16 d whether or not the original document is not set on the original document table 16 a of the image reading unit (step S 28 ). Where the original document is not set (No in step S 28 ), the flow returns to step S 21 . After the destination is input, the image transmission apparatus 10 A determines whether a certain time period has elapsed without receiving the image transmission request command CD 30 (step S 29 ). Where the certain time period has elapsed (Yes in step S 29 ), the flow of FIG. 17 is finished, thereby ending the PS mode and returning to a normal mode. The image transmission apparatus 10 A determines whether or not the receiving unit 13 has received the image transmission request command CD 30 as illustrated in FIG. 16 through the LAN 1 (step S 30 ). Where the image transmission request command CD 30 is not received (No in step 30 ), the flow returns to step S 28 .

Where the image transmission request command CD 30 is received (Yes in step S 30 ), on the other hand, the image transmission apparatus 10 A transmits the received image transmission request command CD 30 with respect to the transmission permitting unit 14 A. The transmission permitting unit 14 A determines whether or not the password for the destination input in the operation panel 11 and the password for the destination included in the image transmission request command CD 30 received by the receiving unit 13 A agree with each other (step S 31 ). Where the password for the destination input in the operation panel 11 and the password for the destination included in the image transmission request command CD 30 agree with each other (Yes in step S 31 ), the transmission permitting unit 14 A permits the transmission control unit 15 to transmit the image data. Where the password for the destination input in the operation panel 11 and the password for the destination included in the image transmission request command CD 30 do not agree with each other (No in step S 31 ), on the other hand, the flow of FIG. 17 is finished, thereby ending the PS mode and returning to the normal mode.

When the transmission of the image data is permitted by the transmission permitting unit 14 A, the transmission control unit 15 instructs with respect to the image reading unit 16 to start reading the original document (step S 32 ). Moreover, the transmission control unit 15 instructs with respect to the transmission unit 18 to transmit the image data to the destination address relating to the password for the destination set in the operation panel 11 (step S 33 ). The image transmission apparatus 10 A is on standby until the transmission of the image data is finished (step S 34 ). Where the transmission is finished (Yes in step S 34 ), the flow of FIG. 17 is finished, thereby ending the PS mode and returning to the normal mode.

Referring to FIGS. 18 , 19 , a description is given of an example communication procedure in a case where the transmission permitting unit 14 A shown in FIG. 14 permits the transmission according to the second embodiment. Particularly, the description is given using: a first example procedure (with respect to FIG. 18 ) of communications between the image transmission apparatus 10 A shown in FIG. 14 and the personal computer 201 shown in FIG. 6 when the image data are transmitted to the personal computer 202 in a normal manner based on the image transmission request command CD 30 from the personal computer 201 in an attempt of the transmission of the image data to the personal computer 202 by the image transmission apparatus 10 A; and a second example procedure (with respect to FIG. 19 ) of communications between the image transmission apparatus 10 A and the personal computer 202 .

In the first and second communication procedures according to the second embodiment, the commands (e.g., SYN, SYN and ACK, ACK, Successful, and FIN commands) similar to those used between the image transmission apparatus 10 and the personal computers 201 , 202 in the first embodiment are used.

The communications between the image transmission apparatus 10 A and the personal computer 201 are started in step S 27 in the flowchart of FIG. 17 .

In the first example communication procedure as illustrated in FIG. 18 , when the personal computer 201 starts the communications with the image transmission apparatus 10 A, the SYN command is transmitted from the personal computer 201 with respect to the image transmission apparatus 10 A (step S 201 ). The image transmission apparatus 10 A receives the SYN command from the personal computer 201 , and transmits the SYN and ACK command (step S 202 ). Upon receiving the SYN and ACK command from the image transmission apparatus 10 A, the personal computer 201 transmits the ACK command with respect to the image transmission apparatus 10 A (step S 203 ). Upon receiving the ACK command from the personal computer 201 , the image transmission apparatus 10 A returns an okay response (OK) to the personal computer 201 (step S 204 ). At this point, a TCP connection is established between the image transmission apparatus 10 A and the personal computer 201 .

When the TCP connection is established between the image transmission apparatus 10 A and the personal computer 201 , the personal computer 201 transmits the image transmission request command CD 30 as illustrated in FIG. 16 to the image transmission apparatus 10 A (step S 205 ). Where the password serving as the identification data input in the operation panel 11 of the image transmission apparatus 10 A and the “PASSWORD” serving as the identification data CD 32 included in the image transmission request command CD 30 agree with each other, the image transmission apparatus 10 A transmits the Successful command including the TWAIN command in the payload in the TCP to the personal computer 201 (step S 206 ).

Since the image transmission request command CD 30 is accepted, the personal computer 201 cuts the TCP connection established with the image transmission apparatus 10 A towards the end of the procedure of FIG. 18 . Herein, the personal computer 201 transmits the FIN command to the image transmission apparatus 10 A (step S 207 ). The image transmission apparatus 10 A transmits the ACK command with respect to the personal computer 201 (step S 208 ), and then transmits the FIN command with respect to the personal computer 201 (step S 209 ). Upon receiving the FIN command from the image transmission apparatus 10 A, the personal computer 201 transmits the ACK command to the image transmission apparatus 10 A, and the cutting of the TCP connection is competed (step S 210 ).

Subsequently, the image transmission apparatus 10 A starts the second communication procedure to transmit the image data to the destination data CD 31 included in the image transmission request command CD 30 . Since the destination data CD 31 of the image transmission request command CD 30 as illustrated in FIG. 16 includes the IP address “192.168.100.102” of the personal computer 202 , the image transmission apparatus 10 A starts the second communication procedure as illustrated in FIG. 19 to establish the TCP connection between the image transmission apparatus 10 A and the personal computer 202 .

In the procedure of FIG. 19 , the SYN command is transmitted from the image transmission apparatus 10 A to the personal computer 202 (step S 211 ). Upon receiving the SYN command from the image transmission apparatus 10 A, the personal computer 202 transmits the SYN and ACK command to the image transmission apparatus 10 A (step S 212 ). The image transmission apparatus 10 A transmits the ACK command with respect to the personal computer 202 upon receiving the SYN and ACK command from the personal computer 202 (step S 213 ). Upon receiving the ACK command from the image transmission apparatus 10 A, the personal computer 202 returns an okay (OK) response to the image transmission apparatus 10 A (step S 214 ). At this point, the TCP connection is established between the image transmission apparatus 10 A and the personal computer 202 .

Subsequently the image transmission apparatus 10 A notifies with respect to the personal computer 202 of “image transmissible” indicating that the image data are acquirable since the transmission of the image data to the personal computer 202 is permitted (step S 215 ). Since the acquisition of the image data is permitted, the personal computer 202 transmits the Scan command including the TWAIN command in the payload in the TCP to the image transmission apparatus 10 A (step S 216 ). Upon receiving the Scan command from the personal computer 202 , the image transmission apparatus 10 A starts reading the original document, and transmits the Successful command including the TWAIN command in the payload in the TCP to the personal computer 202 (step S 217 ). Subsequently, the personal computer 202 transmits the ReadData command including the TWAIN command in the payload in the TCP to the image transmission apparatus 10 A to read the image data from the image transmission apparatus 10 A (step S 218 ). Herein, the data having 100 kilo bytes are requested to be read in FIG. 19 . The image transmission apparatus 10 A transmits a readable image data size to the personal computer 202 with the Successful command including the TWAIN command in the payload in the TCP (step S 219 ). The image transmission apparatus 10 A continues to transmit ImageData which are read to the personal computer 202 (step S 220 ). The personal computer 202 transmits the ReadData command of the image data and continues to read the image data.

In a case where no readable image data remains, the personal computer 202 transmits the ReadData command to the image transmission apparatus 10 A (step S 221 ), and is notified of zero (0) as the size of the image data read from the image transmission apparatus 10 A (step S 222 ). Accordingly, the personal computer 202 finishes the image data reading.

The personal computer 202 cuts the TCP connection established with the image transmission apparatus 10 A towards the end of the procedure in FIG. 19 . The personal computer 202 transmits the FIN command to the image transmission apparatus 10 A (step S 223 ). The image transmission apparatus 10 A transmits the ACK command with respect to the personal computer 202 (step S 224 ), and then transmits the FIN command with respect to the personal computer 202 (step S 225 ). Upon receiving the FIN command from the image transmission apparatus 10 A, the personal computer 202 transmits the ACK command to the image transmission apparatus 10 A, and the cutting of the TCP connection is competed (step S 226 ).

A description is given of an example communication procedure in a case where the transmission is rejected according to the second embodiment. The description is given using an example command serving as an image transmission request command CD 40 transmitted from the personal computer 202 as illustrated in FIG. 20 and an example communication procedure as illustrated in FIG. 21 .

The image transmission request command CD 40 includes: a destination data CD 41 , an identification data CD 42 , a scan mode data CD 43 , a color mode data CD 44 , an original document size data CD 45 , and a resolution data CD 46 as similar to the image transmission request command CD 30 of FIG. 16 . The identification data CD 42 includes “PASSWORD” as illustrated in FIG. 20 unlike the identification data CD 32 having the “PC202” as illustrated in FIG. 16 .

The example communication procedure in FIG. 21 illustrates in a case where the transmission is rejected by the transmission permitting unit 14 of FIG. 14 according to the second embodiment.

With reference to FIGS. 20 , 21 , the example communication procedure is described of the communications between the image transmission apparatus 10 A and the personal computer 202 when the image transmission apparatus 10 A receives the image transmission request command CD 40 from the personal computer 202 after the identification data (e.g., “PASSWORD”) are set in the image transmission apparatus 10 A of FIG. 14 . Particularly, the description is given of the communications between the image transmission apparatus 10 A and the personal computer 202 when the image transmission apparatus 10 A receives the image transmission request command CD 40 including the identification data CD 42 (e.g., PC 202 ) being different from the identification data which are set in the image transmission apparatus 10 A.

When the personal computer 202 starts the communications with the image transmission apparatus 10 A, a SYN command is transmitted from the personal computer 202 with respect to the image transmission apparatus 10 A (step S 231 ). The image transmission apparatus 10 A receives the SYN command from the personal computer 202 , and transmits a SYN and ACK command (step S 232 ). Upon receiving the SYN and ACK command from the image transmission apparatus 10 A, the personal computer 202 transmits an ACK command with respect to the image transmission apparatus 10 A (step S 233 ). Upon receiving the ACK command from the personal computer 202 , the image transmission apparatus 10 A returns an okay response (OK) to the personal computer 202 (step S 234 ). At this point, a TCP connection is established between the image transmission apparatus 10 A and the personal computer 202 .

When the TCP connection is established between the image transmission apparatus 10 A and the personal computer 202 , the personal computer 202 transmits the image transmission request command CD 40 as illustrated in FIG. 20 to the image transmission apparatus 10 A (step S 235 ). Herein, the image transmission request command CD 40 as illustrated in FIG. 20 includes the identification data CD 42 having the “PC202” therein. The identification data CD 42 , however, does not agree with the “PASSWORD” serving as the identification data input in the operation panel 11 of the image transmission apparatus 10 A. Accordingly, the image transmission apparatus 10 A returns a Fail command including the TWAIN command in the payload in the TCP to the personal computer 202 to inform the rejection of the image data reading (step S 236 ).

Subsequently, the personal computer 202 cuts the TCP connection established with the image transmission apparatus 10 A towards the end of the procedure in FIG. 21 . Herein, the personal computer 202 transmits a FIN command to the image transmission apparatus 10 A (step S 237 ). The image transmission apparatus 10 A transmits the ACK command with respect to the personal computer 202 (step S 238 ), and then transmits the FIN command with respect to the personal computer 202 (step S 239 ). Upon receiving the FIN command from the image transmission apparatus 10 A, the personal computer 202 transmits the ACK command to the image transmission apparatus 10 A, and the cutting of the TCP connection is competed (step S 240 ).

According to the image transmission apparatus 10 A of the second embodiment, therefore, the identification data (e.g., “PASSWORD”) of the destination input in the operation panel 11 and the identification data CD 32 (e.g., “PASSWORD”) of the image transmission request command CD 30 are compared, and the image data are transmitted to the destination where the identification data and the identification data CD 32 agree with each other. Therefore, the image transmission apparatus 10 A can transmit the image data to the destination intended to be the destination of the image data, thereby reducing the wrong transmission of the image based on the requests from the unintended personal computer 201 or 202 . Since the image transmission request command CD 30 includes the destination data CD 31 and the identification data CD 32 , the image data can be transmitted in case where a personal computer (e.g., personal computer 201 ) serving as a requester of the image data transmission and a personal computer (e.g., personal computer 202 ) serving as a destination of the image data are different from each other.

A description is now given of modification of the second embodiment.

The image transmission apparatus 10 A uses the password as the identification data to determine whether or not to transmit the image data according to the second embodiment. However, information, serving as the identification data, known only by the user attempting to transmit the data can be included in the image transmission request commands CD 30 . The modification of the second embodiment can provide an advantage similar to that provided according to the second embodiment.

Third Embodiment

Referring to FIG. 21 , an image transmission apparatus 10 B according to a third embodiment of this invention is illustrated. Components similar to that illustrated in FIG. 14 of the second embodiment will be given the same reference numerals.

In the image transmission apparatus 10 B of the third embodiment, a transmission control unit 15 is connected with a peripheral device 30 (e.g., storage) through a local interface 19 . The local interface 19 is, for example, a universal serial bus (USB), and can transmit image data to be transmitted to the transmission unit 18 to the storage 30 . Other components and configurations of the image transmission apparatus 10 B according to the third embodiment are similar to those of the image transmission apparatus 10 A according to the second embodiment, and descriptions thereof are omitted for the sake of simplicity.

A description is now given of operation of the third embodiment.

In case where an IP address “192.168.100.100” of the image transmission apparatus 10 B is designated in a destination data CD 31 included in an image transmission request command CD 30 to be transmitted to the image transmission apparatus 10 B from the personal computers 201 , 202 , the image data read by an image reading unit 16 and stored in an image memory 17 are stored in the storage 30 through the transmission control unit 15 and the local interface 19 .

According to the second embodiment described above, the destination of the image data is personal computer 201 or 202 . According to the third embodiment, on the other hand, the image data can be transmitted to and stored in the storage 30 connected to the image transmission apparatus 10 B, thereby enhancing the utilization of the image data.

A description is now given of modification of the third embodiment.

The storage 30 is connected to the image transmission apparatus 10 B according to the third embodiment. However, another peripheral device can be connected to the image transmission apparatus 10 B instead of the storage 30 . Moreover, in addition to the personal computers 201 , 202 , or the peripheral device such as the storage 30 , a device or a storage unit on the network such as the LAN 1 can serve as the destination of the image data.

This invention has been described above with regard to the first, second, and third embodiments, and the modifications thereof, but this invention is not limited thereto. For example, this invention can be modified, or various utilization of this invention can be allowed as follows.

The structures of the image transmission apparatuses 10 , 10 A, and 10 B can be changed other than respective FIGS. 1 , 14 , and 22 described above. Moreover, the communications between the image transmission apparatuses 10 , 10 A, and 10 B and the personal computers 201 , 202 can be changed other than the example communication procedures described above with reference to the respective drawings.

The image processing apparatus serving as the image transmission requester can be a terminal other than the personal computers 201 , 202 described above.

Each of the image transmission apparatuses 10 , 10 A, and 10 B can be applied to a multi-functional peripheral (MFP), a photocopier, and a facsimile device and the like other than the scanner described above.

In addition to the designation of the above flat-bed method by which the original document is manually placed to be read by the image reading unit 16 , each of the image transmission apparatuses 10 , 10 A, and 10 B can allow the automatic document feeder (ADF) to be designated to automatically feed the original document and can allow the reading unit 16 to read the original document. In a case where the ADF is designated, an original document stacking portion sensor can be disposed in the ADF to determine whether or not the original document is set in an original document stacking portion of the ADF. Accordingly the original document stacking sensor can detect the replacement of the original document instead of the pressing plate open-close sensor 16 described above.

Each of the image transmission apparatuses 10 , 10 A, and 10 B allows the original document placement sensor 16 d to determine whether or not the original document placed on the original document table 16 a is changed. However, each of the image transmission apparatuses 10 , 10 A, and 10 B can determine whether or not the original document is changed by detecting the presence or absence of the open and close operation of the pressing plate open-close sensor 16 c.

As can be appreciated by those skilled in the art, numerous additional modifications and variation of this invention are possible in light of the above-described teachings. It is therefore to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the disclosure of this patent specification may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.