JP2004112164A - Original information adding apparatus, method and system thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an original information adding apparatus, a method and system which effectively utilize an object original under reading. <P>SOLUTION: A printer 126 forms and outputs a question paper according to a user's request, a scanner 124 reads an answer paper filled out with answers to add received information to the read answer paper. A guide unit 290 guides the answer paper from the scanner 124 to a transport route 214 via a guide route 264. The scanner 124 further reads the answer paper with the added received information to add corresponding exemplary answers, etc. to the answer paper already having the added received information, thereby forming a rating mark result paper. Thus, questions, answers and solutions are formed on a single original, thus transferring information with the original used as a medium. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a document information adding apparatus, method, and system, and more particularly, to a document information adding apparatus, method, and system for adding additional information to a printed document.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art With the rapid improvement of electronic device technology in recent years, image forming apparatuses such as printers, image reading apparatuses such as scanners, and image transmission apparatuses such as facsimile machines have become multifunctional and highly accurate. These devices are used to exchange information by transferring images, and it is possible to transfer images between remote locations by transmitting images, and to transfer images by drawing images at arbitrary timing by storing image data. It is becoming.
[0003]
When an image is exchanged between devices, it is necessary to grasp the relationship between the image on a paper medium and electronic data (image data) to be exchanged. However, paper media and electronic data are separated and independent, and coordination is difficult.
[0004]
For this reason, a document information management system for establishing continuity and relevance of information between a digital document and a paper document has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1). In this technology, connection information for connecting to related data such as image data and output destination information indicating the output destination are recorded on a medium sheet in advance, and the correspondence information and the output destination information read from the medium sheet are used for the correspondence. Information to be output to a specified output destination.
[0005]
In recent years, image forming apparatuses capable of forming multicolor high-tone images have been widely distributed. However, it is known that the cost is higher and the processing time is longer than that of a single-color image forming apparatus. Therefore, an image forming apparatus capable of obtaining a multi-color image from a black-and-white image has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 2). In this technology, a multi-color image is output by reading a black-and-white original image on which a repetitive pattern has been applied using a scanner, identifying the pattern and color of each area on the original image, converting the pattern into a corresponding color, and forming an image. can do.
[0006]
Further, as an example of an apparatus for exchanging images between such apparatuses, there is an image processing apparatus that outputs and reads a test question at an arbitrary place, and obtains a score and answer sheet (for example, see Patent Document 3). According to this technique, the problem paper can be output externally by registering the image information of the document which is the problem paper read by the scanner or the like and transmitting the image information to the outside by the transmission unit. Further, it transmits image information obtained by reading, as a manuscript, an answer sheet on which the answer is described on the question paper, and prints the returned scoring result. For the scoring in the external device, the model answer is derived by recognizing the image of the answer sheet, and is returned. This makes it possible to obtain the output of the question paper and the scoring result at any place.
[0007]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-10-275153 (pages 4 to 7, FIG. 1)
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-6-253160 (Page 2-Page 3, FIG. 2)
[Patent Document 3]
JP-A-8-50577 (Pages 4-5, FIG. 1)
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, according to the related art, although effective when forming an image independently of a read image, the number of media by image formation including the same contents increases. That is, the image formation has a certain direction of outputting the read image again or combining and outputting the specified image. Therefore, the number of media such as prints obtained increases as information is added. For this reason, media management is required.
[0009]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances and provides a document information adding apparatus, method, and system that can effectively use a document to be read.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a document information adding apparatus according to the present invention is a document information adding apparatus that adds information to a document and outputs the information. The reading means reads an image formed on the document and forms an image on a recording material. An image forming unit, a conveying unit that conveys the original read by the reading unit to the image forming unit as the recording material, and when the image formed on the original is read, the original is read by the conveying unit. Control means for conveying the image to the image forming means, additionally recording predetermined additional information as an image on the document by the image forming means, and outputting the information as an information-added document. I do.
[0011]
In the document information adding apparatus of the present invention, the document whose image has been read by the reading unit is conveyed to the image forming unit by the conveying unit under the control of the control unit. The image forming means forms an image on a recording material, and forms an image based on predetermined additional information on the document using the conveyed document as a recording material. That is, when reading the image formed on the document, the control unit causes the document to be transported to the image forming unit by the transport unit, and causes the image forming unit to additionally record predetermined additional information as an image on the document. Control is performed so as to output as an original.
[0012]
The additional information to be additionally recorded corresponds to reading an image formed on a document in advance. Therefore, after an image is read from a document, an image based on the additional information can be additionally recorded on the document, and information can be easily added to the document used for reading.
[0013]
Therefore, according to the present invention, an image can be formed by adding an image to a document from which an image has been read, and a process of reading an image formed on the document and an image forming an image corresponding to the reading can be performed. It becomes possible to cooperate with the formation processing. As a result, recursive processing can be performed on the original image (read image), which can be additionally recorded on the read original.
[0014]
As an example of such a document information adding apparatus having a reading unit and an image forming unit, a “multifunction machine” having various output functions such as a scanner function, a copying function, and a facsimile function can be applied. it can.
[0015]
The additional information includes information such as characters and figures, and the additional information may be stored and read in advance, or may be received from an external device.
[0016]
When the additional information is stored in advance, the document information adding apparatus further includes a storage unit that stores predetermined image information. Then, the control unit sets the image information read from the storage unit as the additional information. This makes it easy to additionally record the image information previously stored in the storage means on the document.
[0017]
The document information adding apparatus further includes a detection unit configured to detect predetermined specific image information included in an image formed on the document based on an image read by the reading unit, wherein the control unit includes the detection unit. Thus, when the specific image information is detected, it can be controlled to output the information-added document.
[0018]
When adding the image of the additional information after reading the original, it is preferable to add additional information corresponding to the read original. In this case, if the predetermined specific image information is formed on the document as an image, and the specific image information is detected and the information-added document is output, additional information for the specified document can be added. Therefore, the document information adding device further includes a detection unit that detects predetermined specific image information included in an image formed on the document. Since the image based on the specific image information is included in the image read by the reading unit, the control unit controls to output the information-added document when the specific image information is detected by the detection unit. Thereby, additional information corresponding to the read original can be added.
[0019]
The control unit of the document information adding device generates reception information indicating that reading of the document has been received as the specific image information when the detection unit detects that the specific image information is not included. In addition, control can be performed such that the received document additionally recorded on the document by the image forming unit is output using the image of the specific image information as the image of the additional information.
[0020]
If the predetermined specific image information is not formed as an image on the document, it is not detected by the detecting means. However, there is a request to add the fact that the original has been read to the original. Therefore, when the detection unit detects that the specific image information is not included, the control unit generates reception information indicating that the reading of the document has been received as the specific image information, and sets the image of the specific image information as the additional information. Control is performed so as to output the received original document additionally recorded on the original document by the image forming unit as an image. By doing so, it is possible to add to the document the reception information indicating that the document has been read, that is, that the reading of the document has been received, and to additionally record information corresponding to the reception information at the next reading. can do.
[0021]
The document information adding apparatus further includes an instruction unit for instructing output of an original on which the predetermined problem information is recorded on the recording material, and the control unit, when instructed to output by the instruction unit, It is possible to control so as to generate predetermined problem information and to output a document in which the problem information is recorded as an image by the image forming means.
[0022]
As an additional record for the manuscript, there are sheets such as answer sheets and answer sheets. Problems are recorded on these sheets, and an answer may be entered in a predetermined answer column. In the manuscript in which the question is recorded, the answer is entered, the answer and the score for the entered answer are made, and the result is further added. As a device for performing such additional writing, the document information adding device of the present invention is suitable. That is, the document information adding apparatus further includes an instruction unit for instructing output of a document in which predetermined problem information is recorded on a recording material. As a result, it is possible to output a document such as an answer sheet or an answer sheet. The control means generates predetermined problem information in response to an output instruction from the instruction means, and controls the document so that the problem information is output as an image by the image forming means. As a result, a manuscript such as an answer sheet or answer sheet is output. The manuscript such as the answer sheet or the answer sheet can be read next time after the answer is entered, and information such as the answer to the image of the read manuscript, that is, the answer can be additionally recorded.
[0023]
The document information adding device further includes an input unit for inputting writer information for identifying a writer to be added to the document on which the problem information is recorded, and the control unit includes an identification unit including the input entry information. It is possible to control so as to output a document recorded by the image forming means using information as an image.
[0024]
When reading the manuscript, by identifying the creator who created the answer, that is, the writer who owns the manuscript and adds it to the manuscript, it becomes easy to select additional information for each writer and store the read image. Therefore, the document information adding device further includes an input unit for inputting writer information for identifying a writer to be added to the document in which the problem information is recorded. Then, the control means controls to output the document recorded by the image forming means as an image using the identification information including the input entry information as an image. Thus, an image capable of identifying the writer can be added to the document in a format readable by the reading unit.
[0025]
The control means of the document information adding apparatus can control so as to output a document recorded by the image forming means as an image using identification information including problem identification information for identifying the problem information.
[0026]
In addition, when providing a question to a person who owns the manuscript and adds to the manuscript, it is necessary to identify which problem was provided. Therefore, the control unit controls so as to output the document recorded by the image forming unit using the identification information including the problem identification information for identifying the problem information as an image. Thus, identification information capable of identifying a problem in a format readable by the reading unit can be added to the document as an image.
[0027]
The control unit of the document information adding apparatus can control the image of the identification information to be recorded as an unreadable image by the image forming unit.
[0028]
In some cases, the identification information such as the writer information and the problem information does not want to be recognized by a third party. Therefore, the control unit controls the image of the identification information to be recorded as an unreadable image by the image forming unit, which makes it difficult for a third party to recognize the identification information. The unreadable image may be an image that can be read by the reading unit and is an image that is difficult to read visually, and examples thereof include an image in a color that is difficult to recognize and an image such as a one-dimensional barcode or a two-dimensional code. . In addition, as an unreadable image, it may be difficult to visually recognize an image only by identification information by embedding it in another image or using an electronic sash or the like. In this case, confirmation of the original image recorded on the document is not prevented.
[0029]
The control unit may generate the identification information by including the identification information in the specific image information. By including the identification information in the specific image information, a plurality of information can be mixed in one image.
[0030]
In the document information adding apparatus, the image forming unit is configured to be capable of forming an image on both sides of the recording material, and the control unit adds at least the additional information as an image to the reading side of the document by the image forming unit. It can be controlled to be recorded.
[0031]
Some image forming units are configured to be able to form an image on both sides of a recording material. In this case, the control unit controls the image forming unit to additionally record at least the additional information as an image on the reading side of the original, so that the image based on the additional information is additionally written on the reading side of the original. It is possible to reliably read an image based on the additional information added when reading.
[0032]
The control means of the document information adding device can control the image forming means to additionally record predetermined other information as an image on a surface opposite to the reading side of the document.
[0033]
There may be many blank areas on the side opposite to the original reading side. Therefore, the control unit controls the image forming unit to additionally record predetermined other information as an image on the surface opposite to the reading side of the document, so that the blank area can be effectively used.
[0034]
The image forming means of the document information adding device can be configured to be capable of forming a multicolor image.
[0035]
The document information adding apparatus further includes a charging unit that charges a predetermined fee corresponding to the output of the document, wherein the control unit is charged when the document is output by the image forming unit. Can control the charging means.
[0036]
It is possible to charge for the output of the document. That is, when a document on which a desired process has been performed is to be output, a fee may be charged when an image of the document is read or an image is formed and output. Therefore, if these are charged and collected from the user, the charges incurred in the processing can be reliably collected.
[0037]
The document information adding device further includes a transmission / reception unit that transmits image information to an external device and receives image information from the external device, wherein the control unit reads the transmission / reception unit with the reading unit. It is also possible to transmit an image formed on the document and to receive an additional image corresponding to the transmitted image, and to control the received image to be additionally recorded by the image forming means as an image based on the additional information. it can.
[0038]
When the read image is used, it can be used in a document information adding device, but may be used in an external device. Therefore, the document information adding device further includes a transmission / reception unit that transmits the image information to the external device and receives the image information from the external device. Thus, image information can be exchanged between the document information adding device and the external device via a wireless or wired communication line. In this case, the control unit causes the transmission / reception unit to transmit an image formed on the document read by the reading unit, receive an additional image corresponding to the transmitted image, and display the received image based on the additional information. Is controlled so as to be additionally recorded by the image forming means. Thus, an image based on the additional information from the external device can be formed on the document.
[0039]
The document information adding apparatus can realize mutual transmission and reception of image information between remote places or the like by the following document information adding system. Specifically, in a document information adding system that adds information to a document and outputs the document, the document information adding device, an external transmitting and receiving unit for transmitting and receiving information to and from the document information adding device, and the external transmitting and receiving unit Generating means for generating an additional image corresponding to the image formed on the document received in the document, and external control means for controlling transmission of the generated additional image, and an external device configured by a communication line. It is characterized by being connected and configured.
[0040]
Further, the processing executed in the document information adding device includes control means that can be achieved by the following document information adding method. Specifically, reading means for reading an image formed on a document, image forming means for forming an image on a recording material, and conveyance for conveying the document read by the reading means to the image forming means as the recording material A document information adding method for adding information to a document in the document information adding apparatus, wherein when the image formed on the document is read, the document is transferred to the image forming unit by the transport unit. The image forming apparatus is controlled so that the document is conveyed and predetermined additional information is additionally recorded as an image on the document by the image forming unit and output as an information-added document.
[0041]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, an image processing apparatus for executing a process related to a document is configured to be executable.
[0042]
FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of an image processing apparatus 110 according to the present embodiment that performs processing related to a document. The image processing apparatus 110 includes a scanner 124 and a printer 126 as main mechanism units.
[0043]
The printer 126 of the image processing apparatus 110 includes a main unit 200, a discharge tray 202 located on an upper surface of the main unit 200, a manual feed tray 206 disposed on a side surface (left wall surface in FIG. 1) of the main unit 200, It comprises a plurality of paper feed trays 208 (three in this embodiment) installed below the unit 200.
[0044]
Inside the main unit 200, the scanning output unit 204 of the optical system, the toner cartridge unit 209 for each color of Y, M, C, and K, and the recording paper P are conveyed or scanned to the scanning output unit 204 side of the optical system. A transport path 214 including various rolls 210 for discharging the recording paper P output as an image by the output unit 204 to the discharge tray 202 is accommodated therein.
[0045]
The paper feed tray 208 provided below the main unit 200 is composed of a feeder section 220 including a transport roll 216 and a paper sensor 218, and a paper cassette 222 for storing recording paper P of a predetermined size. . The feeder unit 220 takes out the recording paper P one by one from the paper cassette 222 and sends it out to the transport path 214 in the main unit 200.
[0046]
Above the scanning output unit 204 of the optical system, there are provided transfer units 232 arranged in parallel in one direction for each of the colors Y, M, C, and K at regular intervals. The scanning output unit 204 includes a laser light source, a writing scanning optical system including a polygon mirror, other mirrors, and the like in order to form an image based on the image recording signal as a latent image on a drum serving as a photoconductor. The transfer unit 232 includes a drum, and the drum is irradiated with laser light from the scan output unit 204, and an image based on an image recording signal is formed on the drum. The transfer unit 232 transfers the image on the drum to the intermediate transfer body belt 228. An image can be output on the recording paper P by nipping the transferred image portion of the intermediate transfer belt 228 and the conveyed recording paper P by the transfer roll 230.
[0047]
Although a detailed description is omitted, a drum is provided in the transfer unit 232 for each color, and a charger and a developing device are provided around the drum. Further, the intermediate transfer belt 228 is wound around a plurality of belt transport rolls, and a belt cleaning unit is provided.
[0048]
On the transport path 214 (on the side of the transfer roll 230 where the recording paper P is discharged), the transport direction of the recording paper P of the transfer roll 230 to discharge the image-output recording paper P sent from the transfer roll 230 Various transport rolls such as a fixing roll 248 and a fixing discharge roll 250 are provided on the downstream side. The discharge tray 202 is provided with a discharge roll 252 for discharging the recording paper P sent from the main unit 200 to the outside of the apparatus. A discharge conveyance path 234 is formed as a conveyance path of the recording paper P by the fixing discharge roll 250 and the discharge roll 252.
[0049]
With the above-described configuration, the laser light source for each color is driven by the image signal in the scan output unit 204, and the driven laser light is irradiated toward the drum, whereby an electrostatic latent image is formed on the charged drum. . The electrostatic latent image is formed into a toner image by a developing device to which each color toner is supplied from the toner cartridge unit 209 for each color, and the toner image is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 228. After the transfer, excess toner is removed by the cleaner. That is, when the electrostatic latent images of the respective colors are sequentially formed, the toner images are sequentially formed and the respective toner images are sequentially transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 228. After this transfer, the portion of the intermediate transfer belt 228 where the image has been transferred is conveyed in the direction of the transfer roll 230.
[0050]
On the other hand, in the transport path 214, an image is output on the recording paper P while transporting the recording paper P. That is, an image is output on the recording paper P by transporting the transfer image portion on the intermediate transfer belt 228 and the recording paper P to the downstream side while sandwiching the transfer paper with the transfer roll 230. The recording paper P on which the toner images of the respective colors of Y, M, C, and K are successively multiplex-transferred is separated from the intermediate transfer belt 228, and the toner image is thermally fixed by the fixing roll 248, and the toner image is recorded. The sheet is fixed to the sheet P, and then discharged outside the apparatus such as the discharge tray 202.
[0051]
A manual tray 206 is mounted on a side surface (the left wall surface in FIG. 1) of the main unit 200. The manual feed tray 206 is an insertion portion for achieving a function of inserting a recording sheet P prepared by a user and recording an image on the inserted recording sheet P. Inside the main unit 200 of the manual feed tray 206, a paper detection sensor 226 for detecting the inserted recording paper P, and a transport roller 212 for transporting the inserted recording paper P and guiding it to the transport path 214 are provided. Is provided. Note that the path of the recording paper P conveyed by the conveyance rollers 212 forms a manual conveyance path 224.
[0052]
An image reading sensor 260 such as a CCD sensor for reading an image formed on the inserted recording paper P is provided on the manual feed path 224. Therefore, even when the recording paper P is inserted from the manual feed tray 206, the image formed on the recording paper P can be read. The image reading sensor 260 is configured to be included in a manual feed module including the manual feed tray 206. The manual feed module is configured to be detachable from the printer 126, and the image reading sensor 260 is also detached according to the detachment. .
[0053]
A double-sided module 254 is mounted on a side surface of the main unit 200 (on the left wall surface in FIG. 1 and above the manual feed tray 206). The double-sided module 254 has a function of switching back the recording paper P and reversing the image recording surface. By mounting the double-sided module 254, images can be formed on both sides. The double-sided module 254 is detachable from the main unit 200.
[0054]
Note that the double-sided module 254 is also applied as a reversing mechanism for reversing the direction of the front and back of the recording paper P. That is, it is possible to set such that the recording paper P discharged from the discharge tray 202 has a face-up configuration in which the image forming surface faces upward or a face-down configuration in which the image forming surface faces downward.
[0055]
A scanner 124 is provided above the main unit 200. The scanner 124 includes a paper feed mechanism 266 that feeds a document and an optical mechanism 268 that reads an image from the document in order to read an image from each document while controlling paper feed of one or more documents. I have.
[0056]
The paper feed mechanism 266 also serves as a cover for the optical mechanism section 268, and has a configuration that can be opened and closed by turning. An upper portion of the optical mechanism section 268 (on the paper feed mechanism 266 side) has a document placement section 270 made of a transparent material such as transparent glass including at least a readable range. A reading unit 272 configured to be movable in a readable range from the document (the range from position A to position B in the example of FIG. 1) is provided corresponding to the document placing unit 270. The reading unit 272 includes an exposure unit (not shown) and a detection unit (not shown). While the reading unit 272 is moving, light emitted from the exposure unit (not shown) is reflected by the document, and the detection unit detects the light. To read the image formed on the original. Thereby, it functions as a so-called flat bed type scanner.
[0057]
The reading section 272 is moved to a predetermined position (position X in the example of FIG. 1) when reading a document inserted by the paper feeding mechanism 266. The paper feed mechanism 266 includes a document table 280, a discharge tray 282 located below the document table 280, and a transport mechanism 284 that takes out a document from the document table 280 and discharges the document to the discharge tray 282. The transport mechanism 284 includes a document detection sensor 286 and a rotating roller 288. In the transport mechanism 284, the originals placed on the original placing table 280 are taken out one by one, and the originals are circulated by the rotating rollers 288, and the originals pass through the reading unit 272 located below the rotating rollers 288. Light emitted from an unillustrated exposure unit of the discharge tray 282 is reflected by the original document along with the movement of the original document, and the image formed on the original document is read by detecting the light by the detection unit.
[0058]
A guide device 290 that guides the read document to the printer 126 is attached to the transport mechanism 284. The guide device 290 includes a plurality of transport rollers 292, and forms a guide path 264 that guides the document that has been transported by the transport mechanism 284 and has been read to the transport path 214.
[0059]
The document guided by the guide device 290 to the transport path 214 is inserted by switching back the document that has been read by the transport by the transport mechanism 284. If the guide device 290 is provided downstream of the reading unit 272, there is no need to perform switchback.
[0060]
The image processing apparatus 110 described above provides other functions such as a scanner function, a copying function, and various types of function services such as a facsimile function, in addition to a printer that prints documents and images processed by a computer. A multifunction peripheral ".
[0061]
The reading unit 272 and the image reading sensor 260 correspond to a reading unit of the present invention, and the scanning output unit 204, the transfer unit 232, the intermediate transfer belt 228, and the transfer roll 230 correspond to an image forming unit of the present invention. . A guide device 290 for guiding a document from the guide path 264 to the transport path 214 corresponds to a transport unit of the present invention.
[0062]
Further, a control portion of the computer including the CPU 112, the ROM 114, and the RAM 116 of the image processing apparatus 110 corresponds to a control unit of the present invention. Further, the memory 120 corresponds to the storage unit of the present invention, the keyboard 128 corresponds to an instruction and input function unit of the instruction unit and the input unit, and the coin kit 132 corresponds to a charging unit. The communication device 122 corresponds to the transmitting / receiving means of the present invention.
[0063]
The above-described image processing apparatus 110 is configured to be connectable to a communication line, thereby enabling data communication with an external device via the communication line, and increasing the degree of freedom of data to be transmitted and received. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to a case where the image processing apparatus 110 is configured to be connectable to a computer network system in which an information terminal such as a computer or a PDA can be wirelessly or wiredly connected to a network. It is also possible.
[0064]
FIG. 2 schematically shows the configuration of a computer network system as the document information adding system 100 provided for implementing the present invention. That is, the manuscript information adding system 100 is constituted by a so-called computer network system, and includes a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) as the Internet and other small-scale networks, and a communication network represented by a public telephone network. Various devices, which will be described later, are connected to the communication line 102 configured to include the communication line 102.
[0065]
The communication line 102 typified by the Internet includes an image processing apparatus 110 for a user to input / output a manuscript (question paper), a processing server 140 for processing information on the manuscript, a process of preparing a draft for the manuscript (question paper) A grader computer 170 that performs processing and a storage server 181 that stores various data are connected. These computers have a configuration in which information can be exchanged via the communication line 102 by mutual communication. For example, each can be accessed via a network line 104 for exchanging data via a network and a communication network line (for example, a fax line) 106 using a communication network.
[0066]
Note that the computers such as these servers will be described as one each, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of computers may be used, or these servers may be configured collectively.
[0067]
When data is transmitted / received via the communication line 102, an access position (data composed of a position of an access destination server or the like and a position of information in the server or the like) may be a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) or an IP. It can be specified by an address or a telephone number.
[0068]
[Image processing device 110]
The image processing apparatus 110 reads an image on a document and forms an image. These processes may be executed in the image processing apparatus 110 or may be entrusted to a computer such as another server on the communication line 102 by using a remote procedure call such as a CGI (Common Gateway Interface).
[0069]
The main configuration of the electrical components of the above-described image processing apparatus 110 includes a CPU 112, a ROM 114, and a RAM 116, and can exchange data and commands with each other via an input / output interface (hereinafter, referred to as I / O) 118. Computer. A memory 120, a communication device 122, a scanner 124, a printer 126, a keyboard 128, a display 130, and a coin kit 132 are connected to the I / O 118.
[0070]
The communication device 122 is a functional unit that mainly exchanges information with another computer. The scanner 124 is a functional unit that reads an image from a document, and the printer 126 is a functional unit that adds an image to a document and forms an image on the recording paper P. The memory 120 stores various data.
[0071]
Note that the image processing apparatus 110 can be provided with a billing processing function. This charging processing function is a function for obtaining (collecting) a charge for the processing executed in the image processing apparatus 110 from the user. In this charging processing function, the coin kit 132 is in charge of a substantial charge collecting function, and the coin kit 132 is a mechanism for collecting a charge when performing charging processing for the processing executed in the image processing apparatus 110. Part.
[0072]
[Processing server 140]
The processing server 140 includes a computer that has a CPU 142, a ROM 144, and a RAM 146, and is configured to be able to exchange data and commands with each other via the I / O 148. The memory 150, the communication device 152, the scanner 154, the printer 156, the keyboard 158, and the display 160 are connected to the I / O 148.
[0073]
The processing server 140 can control the image processing apparatus 110 including a printer capable of reading a document existing on the network and generally control information requests such as a print request issued on the communication line 102.
[0074]
That is, the processing server 140 outputs question information (for forming a answer sheet) in response to an information request from a client (such as the image processing apparatus 110), or outputs answer information (written on the answer sheet by the user). It controls and manages information processing, such as receiving an image) and outputting answer information (answer and grade of the question information) for the answer information.
[0075]
[Scoring computer 170]
The grader computer 170 includes a computer having a CPU 172, a ROM 174, and a RAM 176, and configured to be able to exchange data and commands with each other via an I / O 178. The memory 180 and the communication device 182 are connected to the I / O 178.
[0076]
The grader computer 170 is a computer belonging to a grader who creates question information to be formed on a questionnaire and scores the answer written on the answer sheet. The grader computer 170 includes a management function capable of storing, searching, and listing content such as question information and answer information, and an output function of extracting and outputting and transmitting content of a specified question or answer. I have. The function of the grader computer 170 can be executed by the processing server 140.
[0077]
[Storage server 181]
The storage server 181 has a CPU 182, a ROM 184, and a RAM 186, and includes a computer configured to be able to exchange data and commands with each other via an I / O 188. The memory 190 and the communication device 192 are connected to the I / O 188.
[0078]
The storage server 181 can handle data and a database belonging to a document serving as a question sheet. The storage server 181 includes a management function that can store, search, and list contents, and an output function that extracts contents from designated data using the management function, and outputs and transmits the contents. Thus, the data at the position designated by the client can be extracted and output. Specifically, the storage server 181 has a management function. That is, management of the content from which the data is created is performed. The content of this data is stored in the memory 190. The storage server 181 acquires and transmits content in response to a request from the processing server 140 or the grader computer 170.
[0079]
Although the computer such as the server includes a general-purpose and general hardware configuration, a detailed description of this portion is omitted.
[0080]
Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which a user requests a test question, the user answers the test question, answers and grades the answered answer at a center (such as the processing server 140), and returns the answer to the user. I do.
[0081]
In the following description, various processes are performed on the same original that is the recording paper P. However, the user enters the original G on which the question information is formed on the recording paper P and writes the answer on the question paper M. The written manuscript G will be described as an answer sheet T, and the manuscript G in which the answer and the score have been given to the answer sheet T will be referred to as a scoring result sheet S. A document G in which reception information indicating that the answer sheet T has been received and the like are added to the answer sheet T will be described as an answer sheet TA.
[0082]
The recording sheet P corresponds to the recording material of the present invention, the answer sheet TA and the scoring result sheet S correspond to the information-added document of the present invention, and the answer sheet TA corresponds to the accepted document of the present invention.
[0083]
FIG. 3 shows a process of transmitting and receiving a document and image information formed on the document in document information adding system 100 according to the present embodiment.
[0084]
First, when requesting the provision of a problem, the user inputs an ID for identifying the user using the keyboard 128 of the image processing apparatus 110 (process Pc01). The image processing apparatus 110 receives the ID input (process Pc02), and determines whether the user of the input ID is a registered user to the center side (the processing server 140 side) via the communication line 102. Inquire (process Pc02A). The processing server 140 at the center inquires that the user of the inquired ID is already registered (process Pc03), and if there is a corresponding user, approves and returns it to the image processing apparatus 110 (process Pc03A). ).
[0085]
The image processing device 110 receives the approval of the center side, executes the problem creation process (process Pc04), prints the created problem with the printer 126 (process Pc05), and outputs the created problem to the discharge tray 282, so that the problem paper is printed. M is formed and provided to the user (process Pc05A). The user takes this question sheet M home and writes a question corresponding to the question, thereby forming a question sheet T (process Pc06).
[0086]
The user brings the answer sheet T in which the answer is entered on the question sheet M, and causes the scanner 124 of the image processing apparatus 110 to scan the answer sheet T (a process of reading an image formed on the answer sheet T). (Process Pc07), a scoring request is made for the answer sheet T (Process Pc07A). The image processing apparatus 110 stores the image read from the answer sheet T (process Pc08), recognizes the ID on the answer sheet T (process Pc09), and indicates that the answer sheet T of the user corresponding to the ID has been received. The reception information is generated (process Pc10).
[0087]
This reception information is recorded by the printer 126 so as to be additionally written on the read answer sheet T (process Pc12). The answer sheet T to which the reception information is added is output to the discharge tray 282 and provided to the user. The answer sheet T to which the reception information is added is carried by the user, and is carried by the user until the grading and answering are completed (process Pc16).
[0088]
On the other hand, the image data of the answer sheet T for which the reception information has been generated is transmitted to the center (the processing server 140) together with the generated reception information (process Pc11). The processing server 140 receives the image data of the answer sheet T (process Pc13), creates a model answer corresponding to the answer sheet T (process Pc14), and stores it together with the ID and the reception information (process Pc15).
[0089]
The user brings the answer sheet T to which the reception information is added, and causes the scanner 124 of the image processing apparatus 110 to scan the answer sheet T (process Pc17), thereby performing scoring and answering the answer sheet T. Request. The image processing apparatus 110 recognizes the ID by reading the ID from the image read from the answer sheet T (process Pc18), and determines whether or not the creation of the user's model answer based on the recognition result ID is completed. An inquiry is made to the center side (processing server 140 side) via 102 (process Pc18A). The processing server 140 on the center side confirms the ID of the user who made the inquiry (process Pc19), selects the answer of the user concerned (process Pc20), and returns it to the image processing apparatus 110 (process Pc20A).
[0090]
The image processing apparatus 110 receives the model answer data from the center side (process Pc21), and generates an answer image to be added to the answer sheet T based on the received data (process Pc22). The generated answer image is printed on the answer sheet T by the printer 126 (process Pc23), and is output to the discharge tray 282 to form the scoring result sheet S, which is provided to the user (process Pc24).
[0091]
In this way, at the request of the user, the question sheet M on which the question information is formed is formed as the manuscript G, and the question sheet M, which is the manuscript G with the answer written on the question sheet M, is read, and the reception information is entered into the answer sheet. Append to T. Next, the reception information is read from the answer sheet T (answer sheet TA) to which the reception information has been added, and is grasped, and the corresponding model answer and the like are added to the answer sheet T to which the reception information has been added, so that the scoring result sheet S is added. To form Accordingly, since question formation, answer formation, and answer formation are performed on a single document G, information can be exchanged using the single document as a medium.
[0092]
In each of the above processes, a billing process can be performed. For example, by charging for the process of forming an image on the recording paper P and the process of reading the image, the user can be charged for each output. That is, the processes Pc01 to Pc05 for outputting the question sheet M on which the question information is formed on the recording sheet P are set as the first unit. Then, the process Pc07 to Pc12 for reading the answer sheet T with the answer written on the question sheet M and adding the reception information to the answer sheet T when requesting an answer and outputting the answer sheet TA is used as the second unit. . Further, a process Pc17 to Pc23 in which a model answer corresponding to the answer sheet TA is added to the answer sheet TA to output the scoring result sheet S is set as a third unit. It is possible to perform billing processing for each of these units. Needless to say, any one of the first to third units can be further subdivided to perform the charging process.
[0093]
Note that the image data of the image formed on the original G corresponds to the additional information and the image information of the present invention, and the figures 506, 508, 516, and 520 correspond to the image based on the specific image information of the present invention. The question data obtained corresponds to question information of the present invention. Also, the figures 506, 508, 516, and 520 correspond to the image based on the identification information of the present invention, the figure 506 of the problem type corresponds to the image based on the problem identification information of the present invention, and the figure 508 corresponds to the writer information of the present invention. Corresponds to an image.
[0094]
Next, the operation of each device of the document information adding system 100 will be described in detail. In the present embodiment, details of the processing of the image processing apparatus 110 and the processing server 140 will be described.
[0095]
First, in the image processing apparatus 110, when the power is turned on, the processing routine shown in FIG. 4 is executed. In step 300 of FIG. 4, an initial display process is performed. The initial display process is a process of displaying each of these items on the display 130 in a selectable manner in order for the user to select a request for a problem, a request for scoring, and a request for output of a scoring result as various processes relating to the document G. is there.
[0096]
In the next step 302, a negative determination is repeated until a selection instruction is made by the user by determining a selection input on the display 130, and if affirmative, the process proceeds to step 304. At this time, it may be determined whether or not the user's ID has been input through the keyboard 128 described later.
[0097]
In step 304, one of the question request, the scoring request, and the request for the scoring result output is determined according to the process classification selected and input in step 302. If the result of the input in step 302 is a question request, the process proceeds to step 306, and after the question creation process for creating the question sheet M is executed, this routine ends. If the result of the input in step 302 is a scoring request, the process proceeds to step 308, in which an answer request process, which is a process request for the answer sheet T in which the answer is written on the question sheet M, is executed, and this routine ends. Similarly, if the input result of step 302 is a scoring result output request, the process proceeds to step 310, where the final product creating process for creating the scoring result sheet S is executed, and this routine ends.
[0098]
Next, the details of step 306 in FIG. 4 will be described. In step 306 of FIG. 4, the problem request processing routine of FIG. 5 is executed.
[0099]
First, in step 312, a negative determination is repeated until the user's ID is input through the keyboard 128, and if affirmative, the process proceeds to step 314. In step 314, the ID determined to have been input in step 312 is transmitted to the center (processing server 140), and the flow advances to step 316. At this time, although the details will be described later, the processing server 140 determines whether or not the ID is that of the registered user, and returns a result of the determination.
[0100]
Accordingly, the input of the ID at the time of the determination in step 312 corresponds to the process Pc01, and the processing in step 314 corresponds to the processes Pc02 and Pc02A.
[0101]
In step 316, it is determined whether or not the transmitted ID has been approved from the response result from the processing server 140. If the user is a registered user, the result is affirmative in step 316 and the question data is generated in step 320, and then the question paper M is printed in the next step 322, and this routine ends.
[0102]
In step 320, question data (question information) predetermined for the ID is generated. For example, it is generated by reading question data stored in the memory 120 in advance, or is generated by receiving question data from the processing server 140. In the next step 322, a question sheet M is created by performing printing for forming the question data generated in the above step 320 on the recording sheet P.
[0103]
Therefore, the processing in step 320 corresponds to the above-described process Pc04, and the processing in step 322 corresponds to the above-described process Pc05.
[0104]
On the other hand, if the result in step 316 is negative, the routine ends after executing ID registration processing in step 318. This ID registration process is a process of registering a user ID in the processing server 140. The user registration is prompted by inputting various data such as a user's name, address, and contact information, and the data is transmitted to the processing server 140. Is a process for requesting
[0105]
FIG. 9 shows an example of the question paper M formed in step 322. The question paper M includes a question area 500 in which a question based on the question data is formed, and a name and a score entry column 502 is provided at an upper portion thereof. In this question area 500, the lower section of the question column is a blank area 512 for answer entry. In the lower part of the question area 500, an entry area 504 for data on reception and data on answers, which will be described in detail later, is provided. Further, in the blank area 510 at the top of the question paper M, a figure 506 of the question type representing the type of the question data generated in step 320 and a figure 508 of the approved ID are recorded continuously. You.
[0106]
The figure 506 of the question type and the figure 508 representing the ID are recorded in a format readable by the image processing apparatus 110, that is, readable by the scanner 124 when reading the question sheet M as the answer sheet T, as described later. Just do it. For example, it may be character data, but it is preferably graphic data (glyphs) that is difficult to read easily. It should be noted that since these question types such as the figures 506 are formed on the question paper M, it is more preferable to record them in an unreadable image format that does not hinder the user's view. One example of an unreadable image format is an image format such as a two-dimensional barcode format. Further, by adopting a digital watermark (Water Mark) format or a color image format that is close to the color of yellow or the background of the recording paper P, it is difficult to read the image itself, and the effect is further improved. .
[0107]
FIG. 10 shows an example of the answer sheet T as a result of the user writing the answer on the question sheet M formed in step 322. The answer sheet T is a sheet in which an answer or the like is additionally written on the question sheet M. In the example of FIG. 10, the name in the name field of the entry field 502 and the answer in the blank area 512 are shown as handwritten entry information 514. Have been.
[0108]
Next, the details of step 308 in FIG. 4 will be described. In step 308 of FIG. 4, the scoring request processing routine of FIG. 6 is executed.
[0109]
First, in step 324, the scanning process of the answer sheet T (image reading process in the scanner 124) is executed, and in the next step 326, the image data of the image scanned in step 324 is stored in the memory 120. In the next step 328, transmission information for the image data saved in step 326 is generated.
[0110]
Since the answer sheet T has already formed the figure 506 and the figure 508 of the question type, if it is detected in step 324 that these images are included in the read image, the read document is converted to the answer sheet. It is possible to know that it is T. For this reason, it is possible to make a determination if image recognition is performed in step 304 only by a scan instruction (image reading instruction in the scanner 124) without prompting selection input in step 302 in FIG. 4 described above.
[0111]
The sending information includes reception information indicating that the answer sheet T has been scanned and received, basic information including the problem type represented by the graphic 506 and the ID represented by the graphic 508, and image data of the scanned image. , Is composed.
[0112]
The basic information can be obtained from the processing result of the recognition processing for recognizing the figure read by the scanner 124 with the figure 506 of the problem type and the figure 508 of the approved ID. That is, the reading direction of the scanner 124 is determined, and the image formed at the predetermined position (the blank area 510 at the top of the answer sheet T) is recognized. The basic information can include data obtained by character recognition of the name entered in the name field of the entry field 502 and encoded. Note that the basic information is not essential because it is included in the answer sheet T scanned as an image.
[0113]
The reception information includes a date and time when the answer sheet T was scanned and received, and a reception number. This reception information is generated to identify the scanned answer sheet T.
[0114]
In the next step 330, the transmission information generated in step 328 is transmitted to the center (processing server 140). In this transmission process, the transmission information may be transmitted as it is to the processing server 140 as data, or may be separated and sequentially transmitted. In the case of transmitting separately, it is preferable to add mutual relation information indicating the mutual relation between the separated data.
[0115]
In step 330, image data may be sent as image data using a line such as a facsimile. In this case, the transmission information can be transmitted by combining the reception information when the image data (image data) of the scanned image is transmitted as it is. For example, to combine the reception information, image data using the reception information as an image may be added to a blank portion of the image data (image data) of the scanned image. Further, in this case, the basic information is not essential because it is included in the answer sheet T scanned as an image.
[0116]
In the next step 332, the answer sheet T in which the image has been read by the scanner 124 is used as a recording sheet P, and the reception information generated in step 328 is additionally printed as an image in the printer 126. In this step 332, the image processing apparatus 110 switches to the guide path 264 as the conveyance path of the recording paper P when the image reading is completed. As a result, the answer sheet T is guided from the scanner 124 to the transport path 214 of the printer 126. As a result, the answer sheet T for which image reading has been completed can be transported as the recording sheet P. The scan output unit 204 scans and exposes the image based on the reception information, forms an image, and discharges the image to the discharge tray 202 in the next step 334. Then, the present routine ends, and the process returns to the routine of FIG.
[0117]
In this step 334, the answer sheet T on which the reception information is additionally recorded is conveyed along the conveyance path 214 in the normal direction (H direction in the example of FIG. 1), discharged from the main unit 200, and placed on the discharge tray 202. Is done. That is, the scanning output unit 204 scans and exposes the image based on the reception information, and conveys the image on the conveyance path 214, discharges the answer sheet T on which the reception information is additionally recorded, and places it on the discharge tray 202.
[0118]
Therefore, the process of step 324 corresponds to the process Pc07, the process of step 326 corresponds to the process Pc08, and the processes of steps 328 and 328 correspond to the processes Pc09 and Pc10. Further, the process of step 330 corresponds to the process of the process Pc11, and the processes of steps 322 and 324 correspond to the process Pc12.
[0119]
FIG. 11 shows an example of the answer sheet T (answer sheet TA) on which the reception information formed in step 330 is additionally recorded. On the answer sheet TA, a figure 516 representing a receipt number is formed in the blank area 510 at the top of the answer sheet, following the figure 506 and the figure 508 of the question type. It is formed with.
[0120]
The figure 516 representing the reception number may be recorded in a format that can be read by the scanner 124 in the same manner as the figure 506 of the question type, and may be, for example, character data. Glyph). Further, the character data 518 is preferably the most appropriate character so that the user can easily recognize the character data.
[0121]
Next, the details of step 310 in FIG. 4 will be described. In step 310 of FIG. 4, the scoring result output request processing routine of FIG. 7 is executed.
[0122]
First, in step 336, the scanning process of the answer sheet TA (image reading process in the scanner 124) is executed, and in the next step 338, the ID on the answer sheet TA is recognized. The recognition process of step 338 is a process of recognizing the figures 506, 508, and 516 formed on the answer sheet TA. That is, the process of detecting these images from the images read in step 336 and extracting them as data.
[0123]
Since the answer sheet TA has already formed the figures 506, 508, and 516, it is detected that the image read in step 336 includes these images, similarly to the answer sheet T described above. Then, it is possible to grasp that the read manuscript is the answer sheet TA. For this reason, it is possible to make a determination if image recognition is performed in step 304 only by a scan instruction (image reading instruction in the scanner 124) without prompting selection input in step 302 in FIG. 4 described above.
[0124]
In the next step 340, inquiry data for the user with the ID recognized in step 338 is transmitted to the center (processing server 140). In this transmission process, by transmitting data including a problem type, a user ID, and a reception number, it is possible to respond to inquiring whether the creation of the model answer has been completed. The processing server 140 transmits the data with the model answer when the creation of the model answer is completed or the scoring is completed, and transmits the data without the model answer when the preparation is not completed (for details, refer to FIG. See below).
[0125]
In the next step 342, data from the processing server 140 is received, and it is determined whether or not the received data is data indicating that there is a model answer. If affirmative in step 342, the process proceeds to step 344, where the model answer data transmitted from the processing server 140 is received. In the next step 346, an image forming process for generating an image for image formation is performed on the received model answer data, and in the next step 348, the model answer is additionally printed on the answer sheet TA. When this additional printing is completed, the present routine is terminated, and the process returns to the processing routine of FIG.
[0126]
That is, in step 346, the model answer image received in step 344 is generated. Then, in the next step 348, the answer sheet TA whose image has been read by the scanner 124 in the above step 336 is used as the recording sheet P, and the model answer image generated in the above step 346 is additionally printed in the printer 126. In this step 346, the image processing apparatus 110 is switched to the guide path 264 as the conveyance path of the recording paper P when the image reading is completed. As a result, the answer sheet TA is guided from the scanner 124 to the transport path 214 of the printer 126. As a result, the answer sheet TA for which image reading has been completed can be transported as the recording sheet P. The scanning output unit 204 scans and exposes the image based on the reception information, and the scoring result sheet S on which the image is formed is discharged to the discharge tray 202.
[0127]
In this step 348, the scoring result sheet S on which the model answer is additionally recorded is conveyed along the conveyance path 214 in the normal direction (H direction in the example of FIG. 1), discharged from the main unit 200, and placed on the discharge tray 202. Is placed. That is, the image based on the model answer is scanned and exposed by the scan output unit 204, and is conveyed through the conveyance path 214. Then, the scoring result sheet S on which the model answer is additionally recorded is ejected and placed on the ejection tray 202.
[0128]
Therefore, the process of step 336 corresponds to the process Pc17, the process of step 338 corresponds to the process Pc18, the process of step 340 corresponds to the process Pc18A, and the process of step 344 after the affirmative determination in step 342. Corresponds to the process Pc21. Further, the process of step 346 corresponds to the process of the process Pc22, and the process of step 348 corresponds to the process Pc23.
[0129]
On the other hand, if the result in step 342 is negative, the process proceeds to step 350 to execute a message notification process, and in the next step 352, outputs the answer sheet TA for returning to the user. In step 350, a notification process is performed by displaying on the display 130 that the creation of the model answer has not been completed yet.
[0130]
In step 352, the answer sheet TA whose image has been read by the scanner 124 in step 336 is discharged to the discharge tray 202 without executing additional printing of the image. That is, the answer sheet TA from the document table 280 is directly discharged to the discharge tray 282 without being guided to the guide path 264. At the time when the reading of the image is completed, if the switching to the guide route 264 is performed, the answer sheet TA is guided to the transport route 214 without executing the image forming process, and then the transport route 214 is switched to the normal route. The sheet is transported in the direction (H direction in the example of FIG. 1), discharged from the main unit 200 and discharged to the discharge tray 202.
[0131]
FIG. 12 shows an example of an image of the image generated in step 346. FIG. 13 shows a scoring result sheet which is a final product in which the image formed in step 346 is additionally recorded on the answer sheet TA. An example of S was shown.
[0132]
In the image of the image generated in step 346 and to be formed as the scoring result sheet S, the figure of the answered information indicating that the answer has been completed is placed at the top of the blank area 510 in a position continuous with the figures 506, 508, and 516. The answer date and time are included as character data 532 at 520 and at the position of the answer field in the entry area 504. In addition, character data 522 of a score representing a scoring result is included in the position of the scoring column of the entry column 502, and a graphic image 524 indicating correctness is included in a position corresponding to each of the question data.
[0133]
Also, a comment 526 written by the grader is included in the position of the blank area at the top, and an image 530 indicating the note is placed at a position corresponding to each of the question data to which the note written by the grader is added. include. When a predetermined commentary is added to an incorrect answer, an image 528 representing the commentary is included at a position corresponding to each of the question data.
[0134]
As shown in FIG. 13, by additionally recording the image of the image shown in FIG. 12 on the answer sheet TA shown in FIG. 11, the scoring result sheet S as the final product is formed.
[0135]
Note that, when the marking result sheet S is created as the final product, when a margin area exists on the back surface of the marking result sheet S, the image processing apparatus 110 includes the double-sided module 254 so that information is further added to the margin area. Can be additionally recorded. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, it is possible to collectively record a commentary for each question or record a total evaluation of the scoring result in a blank area of the back surface SA of the scoring result sheet S.
[0136]
Next, the processing of the processing server 140 of the document information adding system 100 will be described in detail. When the processing server 140 is turned on, the processing routine shown in FIG. 8 is executed.
[0137]
In step 400 in FIG. 8, the negative determination is repeated until a signal from another device is received. If the determination is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 402, where the type of the received signal is determined. Here, the other device is the image processing device 110.
[0138]
That is, in step 402, in response to the inquiry from the image processing apparatus 110 or the reception of the transmission information, any one of the inquiry request, the answer transmission, and the scoring result output request is determined. That is, when an ID inquiry is first made from the image processing apparatus 110 (transmission in step 314 in FIG. 5), it is determined to be an inquiry request, and the process proceeds to step 404. When transmission information is transmitted from the image processing apparatus 110 (transmission in step 330 of FIG. 6), it is determined that the answer is transmission, and the process proceeds to step 412. When an inquiry about the ID recognized by the image processing apparatus 110 is made (transmission in step 340 in FIG. 7), it is determined that the request is a scoring result output request, and the process proceeds to step 420.
[0139]
The process of step 404 corresponds to the process Pc03, and the process of approving the corresponding user when there is a corresponding user and returning the same to the image processing apparatus 110 among the query result replies of step 406 corresponds to the process Pc03A. .
[0140]
In step 404, which is executed when the ID is first inquired from the image processing apparatus 110, the user inquires of the requested ID by searching the user database stored in the memory 150 and searching for the ID. The process is executed, and the query result is returned to the image processing apparatus 110 in the next step 406, and then the process proceeds to step 408. In step 408, it is determined whether or not the corresponding ID exists. If the inquiry result indicates that the corresponding ID exists, the result is affirmed and the routine ends.
[0141]
On the other hand, if the inquiry result indicates that there is no corresponding ID, a negative result is obtained in step 408 and registration processing is executed in step 410. In the registration process, when the data without the corresponding ID is returned in step 406, various data such as the user's name, location, and contact information for registering the ID of the user from the image processing apparatus 110 to the unregistered user are registered. When transmitted, this is a process of receiving this and registering the user in the user database of the memory 150.
[0142]
In step 412, which is executed when the transmission information is transmitted from the image processing apparatus 110, the ID of the transmission information transmitted from the image processing apparatus 110 is confirmed. This ID confirmation process is a process of extracting an ID from the basic information included in the transmission information. This extraction may be performed from the basic information sent as data. In the next step 414, image data (image data of a scanned image) is received. That is, this is a process of receiving the answer sheet T read by the scanner 124. The ID confirmation processing may be extracted from the ID represented by the figure 508 when the answer sheet T is scanned. That is, the reading direction of the scanner 154 may be determined, and the image formed at the predetermined position (the blank area 510 at the top of the answer sheet T) may be recognized.
[0143]
After receiving the image data of the scanned image in step 414, the image data of the scanned image is stored in the memory 150 together with the ID and the reception information.
[0144]
In the next step 416, a model answer data creation process is performed on the image data of the scan image stored in the memory 150. This model answer data creation processing can be obtained from the processing result of the recognition processing for recognizing the question type included in the basic information. That is, since the question type is included in the basic information, the model answer corresponding to the question by the user ID can be created by extracting the answer corresponding to the question type from the memory 150. When the answer sheet T is transmitted as an image by facsimile or the like, the answer sheet T can be obtained from the processing result of the recognition processing for recognizing the figure 506 of the question type. In this case, the reading direction of the scanner 154 is determined, and an image formed at a predetermined position (the uppermost blank area 510 of the answer sheet T) is recognized.
[0145]
The process of step 416 can be requested to a predetermined grader. In this case, the image data received in step 414 is transferred to the grader computer 170. On the side of the grader computer 170, the grader can give an answer or grade by referring to the image data. The preparation of the model answer is made up of only image data to be formed as the answer image shown in FIG. 12 and data such as notes.
[0146]
In the next step 418, the model answer created in step 416 is stored in the memory 150 in cooperation with the data of the user whose ID is confirmed in step 412 and corresponding to the reception information. Here, a case will be described in which data such as the answer sheet T transmitted from the image processing apparatus 110 is stored in the memory 150. However, the data may be stored in the storage server 181.
[0147]
The processing of steps 412 and 414 corresponds to the process Pc13, the processing of step 416 corresponds to the process Pc14, and the processing of step 418 corresponds to the process Pc15.
[0148]
In step 420, which is executed when an inquiry about the ID recognized by the image processing apparatus 110 is made, the ID of the transmission information transmitted from the image processing apparatus 110 is confirmed. In this ID confirmation processing, the ID is confirmed in the same manner as in step 412. In this step 420, the ID is checked, and a search is made as to whether a model answer to the sending information is stored in the memory 150.
[0149]
In the next step 422, it is determined whether or not there is a model answer based on the search result in the above step 420. If affirmative in step 422, the model answer is read from the memory 150 in step 424 and transmitted to the image processing apparatus 110 in the next step 426, followed by terminating the present routine. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step 422 is negative, the process proceeds to step 428, in which the fact that the creation of the model answer is not completed is transmitted to the image processing apparatus 110, and the present routine ends.
[0150]
The process in step 420 corresponds to the process Pc19, and the process in which the model solution is given and the result is affirmed in step 422 and read and transmitted in steps 424 and 426 corresponds to the process Pc20.
[0151]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the question paper M is output from the image processing apparatus 110 at the request of the user. On the question paper M, a user ID and data for identifying the question are added. The answer sheet T is read by the image processing apparatus 110 in order to answer or grade the answer sheet T by the user filling in the answer sheet M. At the time of reading, the user and the problem can be easily recognized by recognizing the added ID and data for identifying the problem. In response to this reading, an answer or a scoring request is made, and reception information that has received the answer or the scoring request is added to the answer sheet T. The answer to the answer sheet T is determined by reading the answer sheet T by the image processing apparatus 110, and the answer and the score are added to the answer sheet T, and the marking result sheet S is formed. This scoring result sheet S is returned to the user. As described above, in the present embodiment, the image formed on the original G is read from the original G, and data corresponding to the read image is additionally recorded on the read original G. As a result, information can be added at any time via a single document G. Therefore, a plurality of recording sheets P on which substantially the same information is recorded are not formed. Therefore, document management using only a single document G can be executed.
[0152]
In the above-described embodiment, the case where an image is read from the original G by the scanner 124 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the scanner 124, and the original G placed on the manual feed tray 206 is read by the image reading sensor 260. It can be easily applied to reading.
[0153]
Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to the image processing apparatus 110 capable of forming a multicolor image by each color of YMCK has been described, but the present invention is applied to an apparatus capable of forming a multicolor image. It is not limited. For example, the present invention can be applied to an image forming apparatus capable of forming a single-color image such as a black-and-white image, and can be applied to an image forming apparatus capable of forming a multi-color image of two or more colors. is there.
[0154]
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and those skilled in the art can modify or substitute the embodiments without departing from the gist thereof. That is self-evident.
[0155]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, an image can be further added to a document from which an image has been read, and a reading process of an image formed on the document and an image corresponding to the reading can be performed. This makes it possible to cooperate with the image forming process to be formed, and has the effect of enabling a recursive process in which an image can be additionally recorded on a read original.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an image diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an image diagram schematically showing a configuration of a document information adding system according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a flow of a process of transmitting and receiving a document and image information formed on the document in the document information addition system according to the embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing of the image processing apparatus.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process of step 306 in FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in step 308 of FIG. 4;
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in step 310 of FIG. 4;
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the processing server.
FIG. 9 is an image diagram illustrating an example of a problem sheet M formed by the image processing apparatus.
FIG. 10 is an image diagram showing an example of an answer sheet T in which an answer is entered on a question sheet M;
FIG. 11 is an image diagram showing an example of a answer sheet TA formed when an answer request for the answer sheet T is received by the image processing apparatus.
FIG. 12 is an image diagram showing an example of an image of a model answer corresponding to the answer sheet TA.
FIG. 13 is an image diagram showing an example of a scoring result sheet S in which an image of a model answer is additionally recorded on an answer sheet TA.
FIG. 14 is an image diagram showing the back surface of the scoring result sheet S.
[Explanation of symbols]
G: manuscript
M: Question paper
P: Recording paper
S: Scoring result sheet
T, TA ... answer sheet
100 manuscript information addition system
102 ... Communication line
110 ... Image processing device
120 ... Memory
124 ... Scanner
126 ... Printer
130 ... Display
132 ... Coin kit
140 ... Processing server
150 ... Memory
154 ... Scanner
214: transport route
224: Manual feed path
234: discharge conveyance path
254: Double-sided module
260 ... Image reading sensor
264: Guide route
266… Paper feed mechanism
268 ... Optical mechanism
270: Document placement section
272 ... Reading unit
284: Transport mechanism
290 ... Guide device

Claims (16)

In a document information adding device that adds information to a document and outputs the information,
Reading means for reading an image formed on a document,
Image forming means for forming an image on a recording material,
Conveying means for conveying the document read by the reading means to the image forming means as the recording material,
When the image formed on the document is read, the document is transported to the image forming unit by the transporting unit, and the additional information predetermined as an image is additionally recorded on the document by the image forming unit. Control means for controlling so as to output as an additional original;
A document information adding device comprising: Further comprising a storage means for storing predetermined image information,
2. The document information adding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit uses the image information read from the storage unit as the additional information. A detection unit configured to detect predetermined specific image information included in an image formed on the document based on an image read by the reading unit;
3. The document information adding device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls to output the information-added document when the specific image information is detected by the detection unit. 4. The control means, when the detection means detects that the specific image information is not included, generates reception information indicating that the reading of the document has been received as the specific image information, and generates the specific image information. 4. The document information adding apparatus according to claim 3, wherein control is performed such that a received document additionally recorded on the document by the image forming means is output as an image of the additional information. Further comprising instruction means for instructing to output a document in which predetermined problem information is recorded on the recording material,
The control means, when instructed to output by the instructing means, generates predetermined problem information and controls the problem information to output a document recorded by the image forming means as an image. The document information adding device according to claim 1, wherein the document information adding device is a document information adding device. Input means for inputting writer information for identifying a writer to be added to the document in which the problem information is recorded, further comprising:
6. The document information adding apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control unit controls to output the document recorded by the image forming unit, using the identification information including the input entry information as an image. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the control unit controls to output a document recorded by the image forming unit as an image using identification information including problem identification information for identifying the problem information. Document information adding device. 8. The document information adding apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the control unit controls the image of the identification information to be recorded as an unreadable image by the image forming unit. 9. The document information adding apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the control unit generates the identification information by including the identification information in the specific image information. The image forming unit is configured to be able to form an image on both sides of the recording material, and the control unit controls so that at least the additional information is additionally recorded as an image on the reading side of the document by the image forming unit. The document information adding device according to claim 1, wherein: 11. The document information addition apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the control unit controls the image forming unit to additionally record predetermined other information as an image on a surface opposite to a reading side of the document. apparatus. The document information adding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming unit is configured to form a multicolor image. A charging unit for charging a predetermined fee in accordance with the output of the document;
13. The document according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the charging unit so that the document is charged when the document is output by the image forming unit. Information addition device. Transmitting the image information to the external device, further comprising a transmitting and receiving means for receiving the image information from the external device,
The control unit causes the transmission / reception unit to transmit an image formed on the document read by the reading unit and to receive an additional image corresponding to the transmitted image, and to display the received image based on the additional information. 14. The document information adding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein control is performed such that the image is additionally recorded as an image by the image forming unit. In a document information addition system that adds information to a document and outputs the information,
A document information adding device according to claim 14,
External transmitting and receiving means for mutually transmitting and receiving information to and from the document information adding device; generating means for generating an additional image corresponding to an image formed on the document received by the external transmitting and receiving means; An external control unit configured to control transmission, and an external device configured from:
Are connected by a communication line. Reading means for reading an image formed on a document,
Image forming means for forming an image on a recording material,
Conveying means for conveying the document read by the reading means to the image forming means as the recording material,
A document information adding method for adding information to a document in a document information adding apparatus having
When the image formed on the document is read, the document is transported to the image forming unit by the transporting unit, and additional information predetermined as an image is additionally recorded on the document by the image forming unit. A document information adding method characterized by controlling so as to output as an additional document.

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