JP5829043B2 - Image forming apparatus, program, and information providing system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus connected to a server that stores a plurality of electronic data.

  A copying machine, which is a type of conventional image forming apparatus, only provides a copy of a book or a document. Recently, however, digital multifunction peripherals having various functions in addition to the copying function are common. That is, the original is read, electronically processed, and stored as original data (image data). It is used not only for outputting image data as a high-quality copy on recording paper, but also for the purpose of outputting image data taken by a digital camera or a mobile phone.

  As described above, the digital multi-function peripheral can scan a document, print a document input from the outside on a recording sheet, and provide it as image data.

  In addition, the digital multifunction peripheral not only prints out information such as image data possessed by the user through a network connection, but also has a function of providing content information such as electronic data to the user. It is coming.

  As a method for effectively utilizing the document image and the electronic data, for example, a technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 is disclosed. Patent Document 1 can be used by specifying electronic data stored from a read document image and paying a usage fee for acquiring the electronic data. At this time, if it is not stored, the content of newly reading the original and storing it as image data is disclosed.

JP 2006-148663 A

  Conventionally, when electronic data is provided, it is necessary to inquire whether the electronic data exists and to select the electronic data in response to the inquiry.

  Also, depending on the number and size of originals to be read, there are cases where the user wants to obtain electronic data and there are cases where he / she wants to read the original data. It was. For example, when the original is read halfway, the rest cannot be acquired as electronic data.

  In addition, there is a problem in that the document reading process cannot be performed while checking whether or not electronic data exists, resulting in a waiting time.

  Furthermore, when acquiring electronic data, it is necessary to search whether the electronic data is stored in the server by using an index of electronic data stored in the server.

  In view of the above-described problems, an object of the present invention is to determine whether or not electronic data can be provided in accordance with a read document in an image forming apparatus connected to a server, and an electronic device desired by a user. An object of the present invention is to provide an easy-to-use image forming apparatus by receiving data from a server.

In view of the above-described problems, an image forming apparatus of the present invention is an image forming apparatus connected to a server that stores a plurality of electronic data.
Image reading means for reading an image from a document;
Document identification information recognition means for recognizing document identification information from the image;
Confirmation means for confirming whether electronic data corresponding to the document identification information exists in the server;
By the confirmation means, when the electronic data corresponding to the document identification information is confirmed to be present in the server, as well as notifying the transmission condition of the electronic data from the presence and the server of the electronic data to a user, wherein selecting means for selecting whether to transmit to the user to the electronic data request information for requesting transmission of electronic data server,
When said electronic data request information selected to be transmitted to the server, and the electronic data request information transmitting means for transmitting the electronic data request information to the server,
When the electronic data from the server is transmitted, and the electronic data receiving means stops reading of the document, to receive the electronic data from the server by the image reading means,
It is characterized by providing.

The image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes:
The information processing apparatus further comprises notification means for notifying that the confirmation means confirms whether or not electronic data corresponding to the document identification information exists in the server.

The image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes:
When the confirmation means can confirm that electronic data corresponding to the document identification information is present in the server, the confirmation means further comprises notification means for informing the presence of the electronic data.

The image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes:
The image processing apparatus further comprises image data output means for outputting the electronic data received by the electronic data receiving means as image data.

In the image forming apparatus of the present invention,
The image data output means adds the electronic data to the image read by the image reading means and outputs the image data as image data.

In the image forming apparatus of the present invention,
The image data output means outputs the data read by adding necessary electronic data to the image read by the image reading means.

In the image forming apparatus of the present invention,
The electronic data request information includes a range of electronic data to be acquired among electronic data that can be provided by the server.

In the image forming apparatus of the present invention,
The electronic data request information includes a method of outputting electronic data that can be provided by a server.

The image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes:
The server further includes notification information receiving means for receiving notification information indicating whether or not electronic data corresponding to the document identification information exists;
The notification information includes billing information for electronic data.

The image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes:
The notification means, when electronic data corresponding to the document identification information is present in the server, a selection means for selecting whether to transmit electronic data request information in response to notification of the presence of electronic data and restrictions. Further comprising

An image forming apparatus of the present invention is an image forming apparatus in which electronic data associated with document identification information is stored.
Image reading means for reading an image from a document;
Document identification information recognition means for recognizing document identification information from the image;
Confirmation means for confirming whether electronic data corresponding to the document identification information is stored;
When electronic data corresponding to the original identification information is stored, image output means for stopping reading of the original by the image reading means and outputting the electronic data as image data;
It is characterized by providing.

The program of the present invention is stored in a computer connected to a server that stores a plurality of electronic data.
An image reading function for reading an image from a document;
A document identification information recognition function for recognizing document identification information from the image;
A confirmation function for confirming whether or not electronic data corresponding to the document identification information exists in the server;
By the check function, when the electronic data corresponding to the document identification information is confirmed to be present in the server, as well as notifying the transmission condition of the electronic data from the presence and the server of the electronic data to a user, wherein a selection function for selecting whether to transmit to the user to the electronic data request information for requesting transmission of electronic data server,
When said electronic data request information selected to be transmitted to the server, and the electronic data request information transmitting function of transmitting the electronic data request information to the server,
When the electronic data from the server is transmitted, it stops the process of reading a document by the image reading function, an electronic data reception function of receiving the electronic data from the server,
It is characterized by realizing.

An information providing system of the present invention is an information providing system including a server that stores a plurality of electronic data, and an image forming apparatus connected to the server.
The image forming apparatus includes:
Image reading means for reading an image from a document;
Document identification information recognition means for recognizing document identification information from the image;
Confirmation means for confirming whether electronic data corresponding to the document identification information exists in the server;
By the confirmation means, when the electronic data corresponding to the document identification information is confirmed to be present in the server, as well as notifying the transmission condition of the electronic data from the presence and the server of the electronic data to a user, wherein selecting means for selecting whether to transmit to the user to the electronic data request information for requesting transmission of electronic data server,
When said electronic data request information selected to be transmitted to the server, and the electronic data request information transmitting means for transmitting the electronic data request information to the server,
With
The server
The electronic data included in the electronic data request information comprises electronic data transmission means for transmitting to the image forming apparatus,
Wherein the image forming apparatus, when receiving the electronic data from the server, to abort the reading of the document by the image reading means, and outputs the electronic data as image data.

  According to the present invention, when an image is read from an original, original identification information is recognized from the image, electronic data corresponding to the original identification information is present in the server, and electronic data is present in the server. Transmits electronic data request information for requesting electronic data. When electronic data is transmitted from the server, reading of the document is stopped and electronic data is received. Therefore, when the electronic data corresponding to the document exists in the server, it is not necessary to read the remaining document, and the electronic data can be used.

It is a figure for demonstrating the outline of an information provision system. 1 is an external view of a digital multi-function peripheral when the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a diagram for describing a functional configuration of a digital multifunction peripheral. It is a figure which shows an example of electronic data request information. It is a figure for demonstrating the function structure of a server. It is a figure which shows an example of an electronic data storage area. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of processing of the digital multi-function peripheral. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of a document identification information recognition process. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the flow of an electronic data output setting process. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the flow of a process of a server. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the flow of a process of an information provision system. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen in embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen in embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen in embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen in embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen in embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen in embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen in embodiment.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, as an example, a case where the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is applied to a digital multi-function peripheral will be described.

[1. System configuration]
First, the configuration of the entire information providing system to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, in the information providing system 1, a digital multifunction peripheral 10 as an image forming apparatus and a server 20 that provides electronic data as information are connected to a network.

  In the present embodiment, the network will be described as a LAN (Local Area Network) provided on the premises. Here, the network may be a wired LAN using Ethernet (registered trademark) such as 100BASE-T or 1000BASE-T, or may be a wireless LAN such as IEEE802.11a or IEEE802.11b. . Further, it may be a WAN using the Internet or an optical line. That is, it is only necessary that the digital multifunction peripheral 10 and the server 20 be a network capable of communication.

[2. Device configuration]
Then, it demonstrates using the figure about the structure of each apparatus contained in the information provision system 1. FIG.

[2.1 Digital MFP]
First, the configuration of the digital multifunction machine 10 will be described. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the digital multifunction peripheral 10, and FIG. 3 is a functional configuration diagram of the digital multifunction peripheral 10.

  As illustrated in FIG. 3, the digital multifunction peripheral 10 includes a control unit 100, an image input unit 110, an image forming unit 120, an image output unit 130, a communication unit 140, a storage unit 150, and an operation unit 160. The display screen generation unit 170 is connected.

  The control unit 100 is a functional unit for controlling the entire digital multi-function peripheral 10. The control unit 100 realizes various functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 150, and is configured by, for example, a CPU (Central Process Unit).

  The image input unit 110 reads an image of a document and generates image data. The image input unit 110 includes, for example, a scanner device including a device that converts optical information such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) into an electrical signal. . In addition to the scanner device, the image input unit 110 may capture an image captured by a digital camera or the like from the outside, a storage medium such as a USB memory or a compact flash (registered trademark), and the like. Original data may be input from the information terminal.

  The image forming unit 120 is a functional unit for forming image data on a recording medium (for example, recording paper). For example, the recording paper is fed from the paper feed tray 132 in FIG. 2, and after the image is formed on the surface of the recording paper in the image forming unit 120, the paper is discharged from the paper discharge tray 134. The image forming unit 120 is constituted by, for example, a laser printer using an electrophotographic method.

  The image output unit 130 is a functional unit for processing and outputting input image data. The image output unit outputs image data from document data output from the image input unit 110 and electronic data received from the communication unit 140. The output destination in this embodiment includes a case where the image data is output to the image forming unit 120 and printed, and a case where the image data is output to another storage device or terminal.

  The communication unit 140 is a functional unit that provides an interface for communication between the digital multifunction peripheral 10 and an external terminal. For example, a network interface card (NIC) that can be connected to the Ethernet is used.

  The storage unit 150 is a functional unit that stores various programs and various data necessary for the operation of the digital multi-function peripheral 10. The storage unit 150 includes, for example, a semiconductor memory, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or the like. The storage unit 150 also has a document data storage area 152 for storing document data, and stores document identification information 154 and electronic data request information 156.

  The document data storage area 152 is an area for storing document data (image) input from the image input unit 110.

  The document identification information 154 is information for identifying the input document (data). For example, an ISBN code of a book, a book name, a publisher name, or the like is used. In addition, necessary identification information may be separately provided by a publisher or a content provider.

  The electronic data request information 156 is information regarding the requested electronic data when the digital multifunction peripheral 10 requests electronic data from the server 20. The control unit 100 creates electronic data request information 156 in an electronic data output setting process described later, and transmits it to the server 20.

  An example of the electronic data request information 156 is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the name of the requested electronic data (for example, “electronic data A”), the range of electronic data to be acquired (for example, “all”), and the output method (for example, “print”) Including and remembering.

  The operation unit 160 is an input device for a user to instruct an operation or to instruct a setting. For example, it is composed of various key switches and a touch panel including a display unit composed of an LCD or the like for displaying various information to the user.

  In the present embodiment, a key switch (hard key) for inputting the number of copies, operation start, and the like and a touch panel capable of inputting an instruction based on the displayed content are configured. It may be constituted only by. Moreover, it is good also as providing a display part separately, without using a touch panel.

  The display screen generation unit 170 is a functional unit for generating a display screen that displays various types of information to the user. The display screen generated by the display screen generation unit 170 is displayed on the touch panel of the operation unit 160 in the present embodiment.

[2.2 Server]
Next, the configuration of the server 20 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, in the server 20, a communication unit 240 and a storage unit 250 are connected to the control unit 200.

  The control unit 200 is a functional unit for controlling the entire server 20. The control unit 200 implements various functions by reading and executing various programs stored in the storage unit 250, and is configured by, for example, a CPU (Central Process Unit).

  The storage unit 250 is a functional unit that stores various programs and various data necessary for the operation of the server 20. The storage unit 250 includes, for example, a semiconductor memory, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or the like. The storage unit 250 has an electronic data storage area 252 for storing electronic data.

  The electronic data storage area 252 is an area for storing electronic data. An example of the electronic data storage area 252 is shown in FIG. The electronic data storage area 252 corresponds to an electronic data name (for example, “electronic data A”), identification information (for example, “49998776658”), the number of pages (for example, “250 pages”), and electronic data. Attached and remembered.

  The electronic data stores electronic data of a document. For example, in this embodiment, the electronic data is stored in a PDF (Portable Document Format) file for each page. Here, as a storage format of the electronic data, for example, a PDF or tiff format, an image format such as JPEG or GIF, text, HTML (HyperText Markup Language), XML (Extensible Markup Language) or the like, XMDF (ever-eXtending) Mobile book format) or other e-book format or other unique file format is used.

[3. Process flow]
Next, the flow of processing will be described with reference to the drawings.

[3.1 Digital MFP processing]
A processing flow of the digital multi-function peripheral 10 will be described with reference to a flowchart of FIG. First, the control unit 100 detects whether or not a document is set on the image input unit 110 (step S100).

  If it is detected that the document is set, it is next determined whether or not the start key is turned on (step S102). The start key is a key for the user to instruct the digital multifunction peripheral 10 to start a job, and is included in the operation unit 160.

  When the start key is turned on (step S102; Yes), document reading processing is executed (step S104). The document reading process is a process of reading a document by the image input unit 110 and outputting it as document data. The output document data is temporarily stored in the document data storage area 152.

  Subsequently, document identification information recognition processing is executed (step S106). The document identification information recognition process is a process for recognizing information for identifying a document from read document data.

  For example, FIG. 8A is a diagram showing a cover (back cover) of a book. For books, an ISBN code for identifying the book is printed in the region R100, or a barcode for identifying the book is printed in the region R102.

  The document identification information is recognized by reading the ISBN code by OCR processing or reading the barcode.

  In the present embodiment, a book has been described. However, for example, a two-dimensional barcode may be added to a document, or a identifiable symbol may be printed on a predetermined order slip and read. . Moreover, you may recognize the title of a book, a publisher, an author name, etc. from a cover or an imprint. For example, when the imprint page in FIG. 8B is read, the content printed on the imprint is recognized by OCR processing, and the title, publisher, author name, etc. are recognized as document identification information.

  The document identification information is not limited to the code added for reading, and may be feature data stored in the image information database together with the image data. For example, it is possible to identify a document by storing hashed image data such as a cover on a server and comparing the hash value of a scanned image with the hash value of a cover.

  In the present embodiment, the ISBN code printed in the region R100 is recognized as document identification information by recognizing it by OCR.

  Returning to FIG. 7, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the document identification information can be recognized from the document (S108). If the document identification information can be identified (S108; Yes), the document identification information is transmitted to the server 20 (step S110). On the other hand, when the document identification information cannot be recognized, if the document has not been read, the next document is read and the document identification information recognition process is executed (Step S108; No → Step S126; No → Step S104).

  If the reading of the original is completed at this next point (step S126; Yes), the original reading ends (step S128), and the original data is output (step S130).

  The document data is output, for example, by forming an image on a recording sheet by the image forming unit 120 (that is, printing the document data), converting the document data into electronic data such as PDF, and the image output unit. It is good also as outputting from 130.

  If the document identification information can be recognized in step S108 (step S108; Yes), the document identification information 154 is output, and the document identification information 154 is transmitted to the server 20 (step S110).

  Here, when a notification signal is received from the server 20 via the communication unit 140, the control unit 100 determines whether the server 20 can provide electronic data from the notification signal (step S112). Here, the notification signal is a signal transmitted from the server 20 and is a signal including information on whether or not electronic data exists in the server 20.

  Here, when it is determined from the notification signal that the electronic data is not present in the server 20, that is, the electronic data cannot be provided from the server 20 (step S112; No), the document is read to the end, The document reading is terminated and document data is output (step S132; Yes → S134 → S136).

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S112 that the electronic data exists in the server 20, that is, it is determined that the electronic data can be provided from the server 20 (step S112; Yes), the user is notified of the fact (step S112). S114).

  Subsequently, when the user selects to receive electronic data (step S116; Yes), the document reading is interrupted (step S118), and electronic data output setting processing is executed (step S120). The electronic data output setting process is a process of generating the electronic data request information 156 and transmitting it to the server 20, and details will be described later.

  Then, when electronic data is received from the server 20 (step S122), the received data is output by a predetermined method (step S124). Here, in the present embodiment, processing for outputting electronic data includes processing for printing (processing output from the image forming unit 120), processing for outputting electronic data to a connected external device such as a USB memory, wireless processing, and the like. A process of outputting to another device (for example, a mobile phone or the like) is executed via the.

  If it is determined in step S116 that the user has not received electronic data (step S116; No), the read document is output.

  That is, the original is read until reading of the original is completed. When reading of the original is completed (step S132; Yes), the reading of the original is terminated (step S134), and the original data is output (step S136).

(Electronic data output setting process)
Here, the electronic data output setting process executed in step S120 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, when a notification signal indicating the presence of electronic data is received from the server, the electronic data to be acquired is selected (step S150). The selection of electronic data to be acquired can be various selections such as the type of electronic data, image quality, color information, text additional information, and data format. In this embodiment, the type of electronic data is selected.

  Next, it is selected whether the electronic data to be acquired is a part or all (step S152). Here, when it is selected that all the acquisition data is acquired (step S152; No), the acquisition range is set as a whole (S160).

  If the electronic data to be acquired is selected as a part (step S152; Yes), whether to set the acquired data automatically or arbitrarily is selected (step S154).

  If the acquisition data is set to automatic (step S154; Yes), the acquisition range is set to the original after the read document (after the page) (step S156). That is, the read document data is used as it is.

  On the other hand, when the range of acquired data is arbitrary (step S154; No), an acquisition range setting process is executed (step S158). The acquisition range setting process is to arbitrarily set the range (page) to be acquired. For example, “page 8” and a single page are set, or “pages 20 to 40” is set as a predetermined range. It is possible to set a plurality of ranges such as “1 page to 8 pages, 16 pages to 20 pages”.

  Subsequently, a data output method is selected (step S162). Specifically, an output method of making a print request, making a request to save as image data in an external device such as a USB memory, or transferring to another terminal device by wireless or the like is selected.

  Note that the type, image quality, and the like of requested image data may be set according to the output method. For example, it is possible to request unique image data in the case of printing, or request a PDF format when saving as image data. Further, for example, an image quality of 200 dpi or 400 dpi may be set.

Based on the above processing, electronic data request information to be transmitted to the server 20 is created (step S164), and the electronic data request information is transmitted to the server 20 (step S166).
[3.2 Server processing]
Subsequently, the processing of the server 20 will be described with reference to FIG. The server 20 determines whether or not the document identification information 154 is received from the digital multi-function peripheral 10 (step S200).

  When the document identification information 154 is received (step S200; Yes), it is searched whether electronic data corresponding to the document identification information 154 is stored in the electronic data storage area 252 (step S202).

  Here, the document identification information may be searched for whether exact matches are stored, or partially matched electronic data may be searched and output as candidates.

  If electronic data corresponding to the document identification information 154 is not stored (step S204; No), a notification signal indicating that electronic data does not exist (not stored in the electronic data storage area 252) is digitally displayed. The data is transmitted to the multifunction machine 10 (step S206).

  On the other hand, when the electronic data exists (stored in the electronic data storage area 252) (step S204; Yes), a notification signal indicating that the electronic data exists is transmitted (step S208).

  Here, it is assumed that the notification signal in the present embodiment includes an electronic data name and the number of pages of electronic data together with identification information indicating that electronic data exists. However, the combination of information included in the notification signal can be changed in accordance with the operation of the digital multi-function peripheral 10 (for example, when the number of pages cannot be set in the digital multi-function peripheral 10, the information on the number of pages is notified. Not to be included in the information).

  Next, when the electronic data request information 156 is received (step S210; Yes), the electronic data is transmitted to the digital multifunction peripheral 10 based on the received electronic data request information 156 (step S212). On the other hand, when the electronic data request information 156 is not received for a predetermined time (step S210; No-> step S214; Yes), the control unit 200 determines that the electronic data is unnecessary, and ends this process.

[3.3 System processing]
Here, the overall flow of the information providing system 10 including the digital multi-function peripheral 10 and the server 20 will be generally described with reference to FIG.

  First, a document reading process is executed in the digital multifunction peripheral 10 (step S1000), and document data is generated from the document. Then, the document identification information 154 is recognized from the read document by the document identification information recognition process (step S1002). The recognized document identification information 154 is transmitted to the server 20 (step S1004).

  Upon receiving the document identification information 154 (step S2000), the server 20 searches the electronic data storage area 252 for electronic data corresponding to the document identification information 154 (step S2002). Then, a notification signal including whether or not electronic data exists is transmitted to the digital multi-function peripheral 10 (step S2004).

  Upon receiving the notification signal (step S1006), the digital multifunction peripheral 10 executes a process for creating the electronic data request information 156 (step S1008). Then, the electronic data request information 156 is transmitted to the server 20 (step S1010).

  When the server 20 receives the electronic data request information 156 (step S2006), the server 20 reads the electronic data based on the received electronic data request information 156 and transmits the electronic data to the digital multi-function peripheral 10 (step S2008).

  When receiving the electronic data (step S1012), the digital multi-function peripheral 10 outputs the received electronic data by a predetermined method (step S1014).

[4. Example of operation]
Subsequently, an operation example will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 12 is an example of a display screen W100 displayed on the display device (touch panel) of the operation unit 160 in the digital multi-function peripheral 10. On the display screen W100, it is possible to read a document from the image input unit 110.

  FIG. 13 is an example of a display screen W110 during reading of a document. The document identification information 154 is recognized from the document data read by the document reading process (step S104 in FIG. 7) (step S106), and the recognized document identification information 154 is transmitted to the server 10 (step S110). At this time, the region R110 informs the user of whether or not the server 20 can inquire whether or not the electronic data can be provided. As a result, it is understood that the user is inquiring the server 20 about electronic data relating to the document currently being read.

  FIG. 14 is an example of a display screen W120 in the case where electronic data is present (electronic data can be provided). Since electronic data can be provided from the server 20, a notification process is performed for the user (step S112; Yes → step S114). In the case of FIG. 14, “Information provision” is displayed as “Providable” in the region R120.

  FIG. 15 is an example of a display screen W130 displaying a screen for selecting a range to be acquired as electronic data. In the area R130, provided electronic data is selected (step S150 in FIG. 9), and a button for setting a range to be acquired as electronic data is displayed.

  For example, when the button B130 is selected, the entire electronic data is set as the acquisition range (Step S152; No → Step S160).

  When the button B132 is selected, a part of the electronic data is set as the acquisition range. An example of the display screen W140 displayed when the button B132 is touched is shown in FIG.

  In the area R140 of the display screen W140 in FIG. 16, a screen for setting an acquisition range to be acquired as electronic data is displayed. For example, when M140 is selected, an arbitrary acquisition range can be set (step S154; No → step S158). If M142 is selected, the electronic data for the pages that have not been read are set as the acquisition range using the already read document data (step S154; Yes → step S156).

  Then, in FIG. 15, when the button B134 is touched, a transition is made to FIG. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen W150 for selecting an electronic data output method. In the area R150, the output destination of electronic data is displayed, and the user is allowed to select it.

  When selected by the user, electronic data request information 156 is created (step S164), and the electronic data request information 156 is transmitted to the server 20 (step S166).

  As a result, the digital multi-function peripheral 10 receives electronic data based on the electronic data request information 156 from the server 20, and the electronic data is output by the selected output method.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when scanning a document including a plurality of pages such as a book, if it is possible to save the trouble of scanning while turning a book in order, the user is notified of that. , Leading to a full proposal of work efficiency.

  In addition, it is possible to select whether or not to use electronic data as necessary, and it is possible to leave a degree of freedom that the user can select as necessary. For example, if the remaining number of pages is large, electronic data is provided, but if the remaining number of pages is small, it is possible to provide a flexible digital multifunction peripheral (image forming apparatus) that continues reading.

[5. Application example]
Here, as an application example, a case where charging control is performed will be described. For example, in the server 20, charging information is stored in the electronic data storage area 252 in association with the electronic data name. For example, it stores the amount of money for one piece of electronic data or the amount (unit price) for each page.

  When the document identification information is received from the digital multi-function peripheral 10, a notification signal corresponding to the document identification information is transmitted, and the billing information is also transmitted here.

  The digital multi-function peripheral 10 can display billing information together with the acquired electronic data. For example, in FIG. 18, the billing information is displayed in the area R150 of the display screen W150.

  The user can select whether to acquire all the electronic data or only a part based on the billing information displayed in the region R150. In this way, it is possible to provide effective information to the user in a content providing service such as an electronic book service.

[6. Modified example]
The embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and the design and the like within the scope of the present invention are also within the scope of the claims. include.

  In the above-described embodiments, the case where the image forming apparatus is applied to a digital multi-function peripheral has been described. That is, in a computer that executes a program capable of providing the present invention, document identification information is recognized from an input image, and it is confirmed whether or not electronic data corresponding to the document identification information exists in the server. And when electronic data exists in a server, it is implement | achieved by receiving provision of electronic data from a server.

  In the above-described embodiment, a storage device for storing electronic data and a digital multifunction peripheral connected to a server are described in consideration of maintainability. The same applies to a digital multifunction peripheral alone in the future. Of course, is feasible.

  That is, the electronic data is stored in the storage unit 150 of the digital multifunction peripheral 10. As a result, the digital multi-function peripheral 10 can implement the present invention without checking whether or not electronic data exists in the server 20.

  Here, the electronic data stored in the storage unit 150 may be stored in advance, or may be distributed from another server to the digital multifunction peripheral 10. Further, when electronic data does not exist in the storage unit 150 of the digital multi-function peripheral 10, a process of confirming with the server 20 may be performed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the user selects the electronic data acquisition range. However, in addition to the user selecting, the control unit 100 may determine and automatically set the electronic data acquisition range. Specifically, when the amount of remaining read originals is equal to or smaller than a predetermined number, it is possible to use all original data without using electronic data.

  In the above-described embodiment, image data is acquired as electronic data. However, other necessary electronic data (information) may be acquired. For example, it is possible to acquire text information corresponding to the read original and add (synthesize) the text information to the read original data. That is, electronic data (text data) can be synthesized based on image data of document data. Compared with adding text information by OCR processing or the like, it is possible to execute processing at high speed and accurately.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Digital multifunction peripheral 100 Control part 110 Image input part 120 Image formation part 130 Image output part 140 Communication part 150 Storage part 152 Original data storage area 154 Original identification information 156 Electronic data request information 160 Operation part 170 Electronic data request information 20 Server 200 Control unit 240 Communication unit 250 Storage unit 252 Electronic data storage area

Claims (8)

In an image forming apparatus connected to a server that stores a plurality of electronic data,
Image reading means for reading an image from a document;
Document identification information recognition means for recognizing document identification information from the image;
Confirmation means for confirming whether electronic data corresponding to the document identification information exists in the server;
By the confirmation means, when the electronic data corresponding to the document identification information is confirmed to be present in the server, as well as notifying the transmission condition of the electronic data from the presence and the server of the electronic data to a user, wherein selecting means for selecting whether to transmit to the user to the electronic data request information for requesting transmission of electronic data server,
When said electronic data request information selected to be transmitted to the server, and the electronic data request information transmitting means for transmitting the electronic data request information to the server,
When the electronic data from the server is transmitted, and the electronic data receiving means stops reading of the document, to receive the electronic data from the server by the image reading means,
An image forming apparatus comprising: The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by further comprising an image data output means for outputting the electronic data received by the electronic data receiving means as image data. Wherein the electronic data request information, among the electronic data that can be provided the server, the image formation according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that it contains a range of electronic data acquisition apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the range of the electronic data is a range of electronic data for acquiring pages after the document read by the image reading unit. Wherein the electronic data request information, the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, any one of 4, wherein the server contains the output method of the electronic data that can be provided. Notification information receiving means for receiving notification information indicating whether or not electronic data corresponding to the document identification information exists from the server;
Wherein the notification information, the image forming apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it contains charging information for the electronic data. To a computer connected to a server that stores multiple electronic data,
An image reading function for reading an image from a document;
A document identification information recognition function for recognizing document identification information from the image;
A confirmation function for confirming whether or not electronic data corresponding to the document identification information exists in the server;
By the check function, when the electronic data corresponding to the document identification information is confirmed to be present in the server, as well as notifying the transmission condition of the electronic data from the presence and the server of the electronic data to a user, wherein a selection function for selecting whether to transmit to the user to the electronic data request information for requesting transmission of electronic data server,
When said electronic data request information selected to be transmitted to the server, and the electronic data request information transmitting function of transmitting the electronic data request information to the server,
When the electronic data from the server is transmitted, it stops the process of reading a document by the image reading function, an electronic data reception function of receiving the electronic data from the server,
A program characterized by realizing. In an information providing system including a server that stores a plurality of electronic data and an image forming apparatus connected to the server,
The image forming apparatus includes:
Image reading means for reading an image from a document;
Document identification information recognition means for recognizing document identification information from the image;
Confirmation means for confirming whether electronic data corresponding to the document identification information exists in the server;
By the confirmation means, when the electronic data corresponding to the document identification information is confirmed to be present in the server, as well as notifying the transmission condition of the electronic data from the presence and the server of the electronic data to a user, wherein selecting means for selecting whether to transmit to the user to the electronic data request information for requesting transmission of electronic data server,
When said electronic data request information selected to be transmitted to the server, and the electronic data request information transmitting means for transmitting the electronic data request information to the server,
With
The server
The electronic data included in the electronic data request information comprises electronic data transmission means for transmitting to the image forming apparatus,
Wherein the image forming apparatus, when receiving the electronic data from the server, the discontinue reading of the document by the image reading means, the information providing system and outputs the electronic data as image data.