JP2001160875A - System and method for processing picture and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To collect fees in accordance with functions used by a user by setting fees corresponding to various functions which a multi-function digital copying machine has. SOLUTION: A picture input and output device having plural functions is provided with a using function designating means for selecting or setting a specific function from the picture input and output device, a fee storing means for storing a rental fee for each function and a rental fee calculation means for calculating the rental fee of a device by referring to the designated function information and the fee information of each stored function. Then, the calculated rental fee is electronically adjusted when operation by the function designated by the user is finished.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an image processing system,
The present invention relates to an image processing method and a storage medium, and more particularly to an image processing system in which an image input / output device for electronically reading or outputting a document image is connected to a line. This is suitable for use in automatically paying a service fee using a predetermined communication means.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a system for inputting / outputting an image, a system such as a so-called multifunction digital copying machine 800 as shown in FIG. 5 has been known.
The scanner 820 reads a document image recorded on paper or the like, an image read by the scanner 820, or a host computer (not shown).
And a printer 830 that outputs an image sent from the printer to a medium such as paper.

[0003] Further, a device controller 840 for controlling the operation of the scanner 820 and the printer 830 or for performing various image processing, an operation unit 810 for providing the user with the operation of the apparatus, and image data and processing. It comprises a memory 850 for temporarily or permanently storing the program, a hard disk 860 and the like. The management of the whole operation and the display of the operation unit is CP
This is performed in U870.

[0004] In the multifunction digital copying machine 800 having such a configuration, it is possible not only to copy a document image but also to copy the document image by performing various image processing.

For example, a negative / positive reversal process for reversing the original black and white, a trimming process for copying only a part of the original,
Various processes such as a reduced layout process of reducing a plurality of originals and combining them on one output sheet can be performed.

In addition to the copying of a document, a scanner 820 is also used.
Can be transferred to a host computer (not shown) via a LAN (network), or conversely, a document created by a word processing function of the host computer can be printed out by the printer 830. Alternatively, the apparatus generally has a function of transmitting a document image to a remote fax by using a fax transmission device (not shown).

[0007]

In such a multi-function digital copying machine 800, various functions can be used by the user. However, when collecting the usage fee, a uniform fee is used regardless of the function used. In many cases.

For example, a coin bender is installed to use the multi-function digital copier 800,
A configuration is conceivable in which the user inserts a coin prior to use, but a flat fee regardless of the function used,
Or at best, set the price to be different depending on the size of the output colored paper.

A mechanism for counting the number of times of use is provided inside the multifunction digital copying machine 800,
A method is also conceivable in which a usage fee is calculated based on the number of usages in a fixed period and collected. However, also in this case, the number of times is managed only by the classification of the output paper size or whether the copying function or the printing function is used.

In view of the above problems, the present invention can set a fee according to various functions of a multifunction digital copying machine, and can collect a fee according to a function used by a user. The purpose is to be.

[0011]

An image processing system according to the present invention is provided in an image processing system in which an image input / output device having a plurality of functions is connected via a line. A use function designating means for a user to select or set a specific function from a plurality of functions, a charge storage means for storing a use charge for each function settable by the use function designating means, Usage fee calculation means for calculating the usage fee of the image input / output device with reference to the function information selected or set by the usage function designation means and the usage fee information for each function stored in the fee storage means, A usage fee settlement unit that electronically setstle the usage fee calculated by the usage fee calculation unit when the operation by the function specified by the user is completed. It is characterized in that. Another feature of the present invention is that, in an image processing system in which an image input / output device having a plurality of functions is connected via a line, a user of the image input / output device is provided with the image input / output device. Use function designation means for selecting or setting a specific function from a plurality of functions provided in the apparatus, and charge storage means for storing a use charge set for each function of the use function designation means A usage fee for calculating the usage fee of the image input / output device by referring to the function information selected or set by the usage function designating unit and the usage fee information for each function stored in the fee storage unit. Calculation means, display control means for displaying the usage fee calculated by the usage fee calculation means on the display means,
A warning message display means for referring to a currency balance of an electronic settlement means owned by a person using the image input / output device and displaying a warning message on the display means when the balance is less than a usage fee. It is characterized by having. Another feature of the present invention is that the display means is an operation display unit used by the user to specify a function to be used. Another feature of the present invention is that, in an image processing system in which an image input / output device having a plurality of functions is connected via a line, a shortage of consumables of the image input / output device and presence or absence of a failure State detecting means for detecting a use state including: a service ordering means for ordering a specific service required by the image input / output device according to a detection result of the state detecting means; and a service ordering means. A service charge calculating means for calculating a charge for the ordered service; and a service charge settlement means for electronically setting the service charge calculated by the service charge calculation means when the order is executed. It is characterized by doing. Another feature of the present invention is that the image input / output device has a function of electronically reading a document image,
And at least a function of outputting a document image.

An image processing method according to the present invention is an image processing method in an image processing system in which image input / output devices having a plurality of functions are connected via a line. A use function designation process in which a user selects or sets a specific function from the functions, a charge storage process of storing a use fee for each function that can be designated by the use function designation process in a charge storage means, A usage fee calculation process of calculating a usage fee of the image input / output device based on the function information designated by the usage function designation process and the usage fee information of each function stored in the fee storage process; Performing a usage fee settlement process in which the usage fee calculated by the calculation process is electronically settled when the operation by the function specified by the user is completed. It is characterized. Another feature of the present invention is that in an image processing method in an image processing system in which image input / output devices having a plurality of functions are connected via a line, a user of the image input / output device Use function designation processing for selecting or setting a specific function from a plurality of functions provided in the image input / output device, and use set for each function that can be designated by the use function designation processing The charge of the image input / output device with reference to the charge storage processing for storing the charge, the function information designated by the use function designation processing, and the charge information for each function stored in the charge storage processing. Charge calculation processing for calculating the usage charge calculation, display control processing for displaying the usage charge calculated by the charge calculation processing on display means, and a user who uses the image input / output device. Referring to currency balance of electronic payment means owned, if the balance is less than use fee is a warning message characterized by performing the warning message display process for displaying on the display means. Another feature of the present invention is that the display means is an operation display unit used by the user to specify a function to be used. Another feature of the present invention is that in an image processing method in an image processing system in which an image input / output device having a plurality of functions is connected via a line, there is a shortage of consumables of the image input / output device. A state detection process for detecting a use state including the presence or absence of a failure; a service ordering process for ordering a specific service required by the image input / output device according to a detection result of the state detection process; A service charge calculation process for calculating a charge for the service ordered by the process, and a service charge calculated by the service charge calculation process,
It is characterized in that a service charge settlement process for electronic settlement is performed at the time the order is executed. Another feature of the present invention is that the image input / output device has at least a function of electronically reading a document image and a function of outputting a document image.

[0013] The storage medium of the present invention is characterized in that a program constituting each of the above means is stored so as to be readable from a computer. Another feature of the storage medium of the present invention is that a program for executing the above-described image processing method is stored so as to be readable from a computer.

[0014]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment] An embodiment of an image processing system, an image processing method and a storage medium according to the present invention will be described below. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system for implementing the image processing system of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes a communication network such as the Internet. A web server 200 is connected to the Internet 100 and provides a specific service to Internet users. .

Reference numeral 300 denotes an electronic money server which performs a settlement process between a financial institution and a consumer client. 4
Reference numeral 00 denotes a service provider that performs connection processing between the terminal of the individual user and the Internet 100.

Reference numeral 500 denotes a firewall. The firewall is software for preventing a computer or a network connected to the Internet from entering the network from the outside. In an open network in which computers are connected to each other via the Internet 100, a corporate LAN is connected to the Internet 100. If connected directly, there is a risk that malicious external users may steal data or destroy the system itself.

In order to prevent such damage, a firewall computer designed to pass only specific data and protocols is placed between the LAN and the Internet 100, and all data exchange between the LAN and the outside is performed through this machine. By doing so, we try to prevent intrusion from outside.

In this case, even when the Internet 100 is used from within the LAN, the firewall 50 is used.
0, and if the software on the client side does not support the firewall 500, the Internet 1
00 cannot be connected normally. Thereby, the inside of the LAN network shown below the firewall 500 is connected to the external communication network (Internet),
Security management can be performed.

Reference numeral 600 denotes a device management server that manages each device of the file server 700 to the personal computer 1000 connected via the LAN network, user management, data management such as billing information, and the like.

The file server 700 manages various data and the like, and the scanner unit 8 of the multi-function digital copying machine 1800 as needed.
It has a function of reading and storing and managing image data from the printer 20 or downloading and outputting specific document data to the printer 900.

As described with reference to FIG. 5, the multifunction digital copying machine 1800 mainly has functions such as image input / output. Here, the functions will be described again. 810 is an operation unit for operating from a user, 820 is an image scanner for inputting an image according to an instruction from the operation unit 810 or the personal computer 1000, and 830 is a personal computer 1000 or a file server 700.
Is a printer that prints data from

A device controller 840 controls input / output of image data among the scanner 820, the printer 830, the memory 850, the hard disk 860, and the personal computer 1000 based on instructions from the operation unit 810 and the personal computer 1000. Things. For example, control is performed such that image data captured from the scanner 820 is stored in the memory 850 or the hard disk 860 as necessary, output to the personal computer 1000, or printed by the printer 830.

Further, it also has a role of performing communication control for transmitting and receiving various kinds of information via a network at the time of charge settlement described later. What is the overall operation and operation unit display method?
PU870 performs this. Note that the present embodiment differs from FIG. 5 in that a reading unit 880 of the electronic money card of the present embodiment is provided. This is used at the time of toll collection described later.

Reference numeral 900 denotes a printer, which is a personal computer 10.
00 or image data from the file server 700 can be printed on a recording medium. Reference numeral 1000 denotes a personal computer connected as a terminal device.
In addition, the user can browse information provided from the web server 200 and output document data to the multifunction digital copier 1800 and the printer 900 via the web server 200. Note that the configuration below the firewall 500 may be under an individual user who is connected to the Internet 100 via the service provider 400.

Here, the operation of the image processing system of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The operation is started in the first step 201, and the subsequent setting and selection of the user are performed through the operation unit 810 in FIG.

Next, at step 202, a selection is made as to whether or not to collect a fee from the user's bank account or a predetermined online account. This specifies a so-called usage form of electronic money, and when the direct debit is selected, the assets of the user registered in the electronic money server 300 owned by the bank or the electronic money management company are transferred to the network 100. Payment processing is carried out directly via.

In the present embodiment, a virtual currency in which money value is replaced by an electronic signal is called electronic money. Generally, electronic money forms are roughly classified into two types. That is, there are two types, one using a plastic card and a card reader in which a microchip is embedded, and the other using a personal computer or the like to manage it in software.

In the card system, the available money amount is recorded as data on a chip of the card, and payment is made through a card reader. Therefore, if a card reader is attached to a personal computer, payment for online shopping can be made with electronic money. Replenishment of monetary value is possible not only via the network but also at banks and stores. If a card reader is installed, it can be used for payment at stores in the real world.

On the other hand, when electronic money is managed by software, the monetary value is limitedly stored in a specific personal computer or server, so that the place where it can be used is limited to a network or the like.

On the other hand, the case where the account debit is not selected corresponds to the case where a so-called built-in electronic money card is used. In this type, a predetermined monetary value is recorded in a card, and only the used amount is debited from the card on the spot and settled.

There are various other forms of electronic money. In any case, the same treatment is possible in the sense that the fee is collected electronically. If the user has selected direct debit in step 202, the process proceeds to step 203, where the user ID and password registered in the user's electronic money account are stored in the operation unit 8
Enter from 10.

If the user does not select the account withdrawal in step 202, the process proceeds to step 204, where the electronic money card is inserted into the card reading section 880. Next, at step 205, the multifunction digital copier 18
At 00, the function to be used is selected.

This is, for example, whether the copying function is used or not.
Whether to use the X function, scan, print function, or, in the case of the copy function, whether to use single-sided copy, double-sided copy, and whether to use the specified image processing function, and whether to use color copy or black and white copy, and the paper size Selects various used functions such as "A3" or "A4". Here, if not selected, a default function set in advance is used.

Next, in step 206, more detailed settings are made. For example, when enlargement or reduction is selected in the image processing function, the enlargement or reduction ratio is set, or when the FAX function is selected, the telephone number of the other party or image quality such as "fine" or "super fine" Make the settings for

In these cases, similarly to step 205,
If not set, default settings are used. Next, in step 207, the number of output sheets when the copy function or the print function is used is specified. If there are a plurality of originals, the number is also specified. If not set, “1” is set as a default setting value.

When the above setting is completed, next, an instruction for starting a job (apparatus operation) having the contents set in step 208 is issued. This is performed in such a manner that the user presses a start button existing on the operation unit.
Then, in the next step 209, the usage fee is calculated.

This is because the CPU 870 performs steps 205 to
The calculation is performed based on the various set values set in step 207. At this time, referring to the charge table stored in the memory 850 and the hard disk 860 in advance, the charge corresponding to each set value is obtained, and the charges are calculated. It is executed by doing.

The charge table may be, for example, as shown in FIG. This is a diagram showing a correspondence table in which a usage fee is determined for each function of the multifunction digital copying machine 1800 of the present embodiment. Here, the unit of the numerical value may be an actual pass unit such as yen or ＄, or may be set as an arbitrary unit and separately set a conversion ratio with the actual pass unit to convert to a usage fee. Is also good.

When used overseas, the conversion rate for passing overseas is automatically downloaded from a web server that distributes rate information, and converted based on the downloaded data.
Such a method is also conceivable.

The charge table shown here is a charge per document or output, and in the case of a plurality of jobs, it is generally added for the number of sheets.
For example, it is also possible to set a discount rate or the like when the number of sheets increases in the charge table, and reduce the basic charge per sheet according to the number of sheets.

When the usage fee is obtained as described above, the CPU 8
70 displays the fee on the operation unit screen and calculates the balance of the electronic money account of the user referred to via the network 100 in step 210 or the balance of the electronic money card inserted in the electronic money card reading unit 880. Check whether the usage fee is sufficient.

As a result of the above confirmation, if the money balance is insufficient, the process proceeds to step 211, where a message indicating that the balance is insufficient is displayed on the screen of the operation unit 810 and the process is started (step 2).
01). If not, go to Step 2
At 13 the actual operation of the job is started.

When all jobs are completed, step 214
When the normal end is confirmed in step 216, an actual usage fee is collected in step 216. This means that in the case of an online electronic money account, electronic money equivalent to the usage fee is transferred from the user's account to the electronic money account owned by the organization or individual that collects the fee, such as the device administrator. The electronic money server 300 is instructed. In the case of an electronic money card, the usage balance is subtracted from the balance of the card, and the remaining balance is written back to the electronic money card.

If it is detected in step 214 that the job has not been completed normally, it is possible that the job has been interrupted halfway due to an abnormality such as a paper shortage or a paper jam. In this case, the process proceeds to step 215 to recalculate the fee only for the portion normally completed up to that time, to display on the operation section screen that the job has been completed halfway, and then return to step 216 to calculate again. The fee will be collected in the same manner as above. This is the end step 217, and all operations are ended.

[Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment, a case has been described in which the number of originals when using the copying function or the FAX function is known in advance in the contents of the job set by the user. Usually, in order to specify the number of sheets, the user has to count the number of documents in advance, so that the burden on the user increases.

Therefore, in order to reduce such a burden,
The steps from the job start instruction (step 208) to the fee collection (step 216) in FIG. 2 may be executed for each document. That is, step 2
07, the number of originals is not specified, the procedure of steps 208 to 216 is executed for the first original, and the processing from step 208 is continued again for the next original. Good.

Therefore, when the electronic money balance runs short in the middle of a plurality of originals, the program returns to the start through step 212 at that time. 3 shows a case in which the charge table shown in FIG. 3 is stored in advance in the hard disk 860 or the like in the apparatus.
Web server 20 that distributes the charge table via
It is also possible to have a structure in which a fee table is downloaded from there, and the fee table is downloaded therefrom. A configuration in which the charge table is stored in the file server 700 on the LAN and downloaded from here is also conceivable.

[Third Embodiment] In the first and second embodiments described above, the method of settling the usage fee with an electronic money account or an electronic money card has been described. As described above, the electronic money data storage unit 890 for electronically storing the money data of the electronic money inside the multifunction digital copying machine 2800.
Is also conceivable.

In this case, the user can download a predetermined amount of money data from his / her own electronic money account to the electronic money data storage unit 890 in advance and execute a job within the range of the balance. .

In this case, the money data may be downloaded not by the user of the multifunction digital copying machine 2800 but by the administrator who manages the apparatus. In this case, in the multifunction digital copying machine 2800, the normal user usage fee is settled from the user's electronic money account or electronic money card as in the first embodiment. The repair cost and maintenance cost in the event of a failure are more effective if the repair cost is settled automatically using the accumulated electronic money data.

For example, when consumables such as toner and paper are insufficient, the CPU 870 automatically detects the shortage and notifies the repair / maintenance company of the apparatus through the network 100 to order consumables. CPU
870 calculates the charge corresponding to the ordered goods, and calculates the amount corresponding to the price calculated from the electronic money data stored in the electronic money data storage unit 890 when the receipt of the order is confirmed by the service provider side. By automatically transferring to the electronic money account of the trader, it is possible to always maintain the state of the device in a good state.

At this time, the cost of the consumables and the service fee may be stored in the hard disk 860 in advance. In addition, a configuration may be adopted in which the service is automatically downloaded from the web server 200 operated and transmitted by the service provider.

(Other Embodiments of the Present Invention) The present invention can be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, an interface device, a reader, a printer, etc.) and can be applied to an apparatus composed of one device. May be applied.

Further, the functions of the above-described embodiment are implemented in an apparatus connected to the above-described various devices or a computer in a system so that various devices are operated so as to realize the functions of the above-described embodiment. Supply the software program code for performing the
The invention implemented by operating the various devices according to the program stored in U) is also included in the scope of the present invention.

Further, in this case, the program code itself of the software realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the program code itself and means for supplying the program code to the computer,
For example, a storage medium storing such a program code constitutes the present invention. As a storage medium for storing such a program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM,
A magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, a ROM, or the like can be used.

When the computer executes the supplied program code, not only the functions described in the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the OS (operating system) or the operating system in which the program code runs on the computer. It goes without saying that such a program code is included in the embodiment of the present invention even when the functions described in the above embodiment are realized in cooperation with other application software or the like.

Further, after the supplied program code is stored in a memory provided in a function expansion board of the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion board or the function expansion unit is specified based on the instruction of the program code. The present invention also includes a case where a CPU or the like provided in the apparatus performs part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

[0059]

As described above, according to the present invention, various functions of the multi-function digital copying machine can be used efficiently, and fine fee setting and fee collection according to the function used by the user can be performed. Can be performed easily and reliably.

According to another feature of the present invention, the complicated procedures involved in the maintenance of the multi-function digital copying machine can be greatly reduced, and the state of the multi-function digital copying machine is always maintained at the best. I can put it.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an image processing system according to the present invention and illustrating a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the image processing system of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a charge table used for calculating a charge in the image processing system of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating another embodiment of the image processing system according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a conventional multifunction digital copying machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

 100 Communication Network 200 Web Server 300 Electronic Money Server 400 Service Provider 500 Firewall 600 Device Management Server 700 File Server 810 Operation Unit 820 Image Scanner 830 Printer 840 Device Controller 850 Memory 860 Hard Disk 870 CPU 880 Reading Unit 900 Printer 1000 Personal Computer 1800 Multifunction Digital copier

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2C061 AP01 AP03 AP04 AP07 HK23 HQ17 HX10 2H027 EJ06 5C062 AB20 AB23 AB40 AB42 AC58 AF08 AF15 BA00 BD06 5C075 CE01 CE14 FF02 GG01 GG90 9A001 JJ35 JJ67

Claims (12)

[Claims] In an image processing system in which an image input / output device having a plurality of functions is connected via a line, a user can select a specific one of a plurality of functions provided in the image input / output device. Use function designation means for selecting or setting a function, charge storage means for storing use charges for each function settable by the use function designation means, and function information selected or set by the use function designation means And a usage fee calculating unit that calculates a usage fee of the image input / output device with reference to usage fee information for each function stored in the fee storage unit. ,
An image processing system comprising: a usage fee payment means for electronically performing payment when the operation by the function designated by the user is completed. 2. An image processing system in which an image input / output device having a plurality of functions is connected via a line, wherein a user of the image input / output device is provided with a plurality of image input / output devices provided in the image input / output device. A use function specifying means for selecting or setting a specific function from the functions, a charge storage means for storing a use charge set for each function of the use function specification means, and a use function specification means Usage fee calculation means for calculating the usage fee of the image input / output device by referring to the selected or set function information and the usage fee information for each function stored in the fee storage means; and the usage fee calculation Display control means for displaying the usage fee calculated by the means on the display means, and referring to the currency balance of the electronic settlement means owned by the person using the image input / output device, and The image processing system if the balance is less than the use charge, characterized by comprising a warning message display means for displaying a warning message on the display means. 3. The image processing system according to claim 2, wherein the display unit is an operation display unit used by the user to specify a function to be used. 4. An image processing system in which an image input / output device having a plurality of functions is connected via a line, wherein a use state including a shortage of consumables of the image input / output device and presence or absence of a failure is detected. Detecting means, service ordering means for ordering a specific service required by the image input / output device according to the detection result of the state detecting means, and calculating a fee for the service ordered by the service ordering means Image processing, comprising: a service charge calculating means for performing the service charge calculation means; and a service charge settlement means for electronically setting the service charge calculated by the service charge calculation means when the order is executed. system. 5. The image input / output device according to claim 1, wherein the image input / output device has at least a function of electronically reading a document image and a function of outputting a document image.
The image processing system according to the item. 6. An image processing method in an image processing system in which an image input / output device having a plurality of functions is connected via a line, wherein an image input / output device is used from among a plurality of functions provided in the image input / output device. Function specification process for the user to select or set a specific function, charge storage process for storing the usage fee for each function that can be specified by the above-mentioned use function specification process in the charge storage means, and specification by the above-mentioned use function specification process Function information and
A usage fee calculation process of calculating a usage fee of the image input / output device based on usage fee information for each function stored in the fee storage process, and a usage fee calculated by the usage fee calculation process,
An image processing method comprising: performing a toll settlement process for electronic settlement when the operation by the function designated by the user is completed. 7. An image processing method in an image processing system in which an image input / output device having a plurality of functions is connected via a line, wherein a user of the image input / output device is provided with the image input / output device. A use function designation process for selecting or setting a specific function from a plurality of functions being set, and a charge storage process for storing a use fee set for each function that can be designated by the use function designation process. , Function information specified by the use function specification process,
The usage fee calculation process of calculating the usage fee of the image input / output device with reference to the usage fee information for each function stored in the fee storage process, and the usage fee calculated by the usage fee calculation process are displayed. Display control processing for displaying on the means, and referring to the currency balance of the electronic settlement means owned by the person using the image input / output device, and if the balance is less than the usage fee, a warning message is displayed on the display means. And performing a warning message display process for displaying an image. 8. The image processing method according to claim 7, wherein the display unit is an operation display unit used by the user to specify a function to be used. 9. An image processing method in an image processing system in which an image input / output device having a plurality of functions is connected via a line, wherein a use state including a shortage of consumables of the image input / output device and presence or absence of a failure. A service ordering process for ordering a specific service required by the image input / output device according to a detection result of the status sensing process, and a service ordered by the service ordering process. A service charge calculation process for calculating the charge, and a service charge settlement process for electronically setting the service charge calculated by the service charge calculation process when the order is executed. Image processing method. 10. The image according to claim 5, wherein the image input / output device has at least a function of electronically reading a document image and a function of outputting a document image. Processing method. 11. A storage medium storing a program constituting each means according to claim 1 so as to be readable from a computer. 12. A storage medium storing a program for executing the method according to claim 6 so as to be readable from a computer.