JP2005020256A - Image reader and data management device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To unitarily impart a keyword to image data in a step of reading an original. <P>SOLUTION: An MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) that can be connected to the data management device which associates image data with the keyword used for retrieval of the image data to store them is provided with an image read means (S02) reading the original and acquiring image data, a reduced image transmission means (S06) reducing the acquired image data, creating a thumb nail image, and transmitting the thumb nail image to the data management device, a keyword candidate receiving means (S07) receiving a keyword candidate from the data management device, a designation receiving means (S08) displaying the received keyword candidate and receiving designation of the keyword corresponding to image data, and an image data transmitting means (S09) transmitting the designated keyword and acquired image data to the data management device. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus and a data management apparatus, and more particularly to an image reading apparatus that assigns a keyword to image data obtained by reading a document and transmits the image data to the data management apparatus, and a keyword used for searching the image data and the image data Is associated with the data management device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, a data management apparatus that manages a plurality of data in a centralized manner is known. In such a data management apparatus, in order to extract desired data, a characteristic keyword serving as a search key is stored in association with the data. Such keywords are registered by the user when registering or after registering data.
[0003]
A technique for automatically registering the keyword is described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-183165 (Patent Document 1). This Patent Document 1 has at least one of a copying function, a facsimile function, and an image data reading function, and a function that is physically connected to a file system that stores a document and that transmits the read document to the file system. In a digital copying machine, a character extraction function for extracting characters from an image of each page read when copying a document, executing image reading for facsimile transmission, or executing image reading; A keyword extraction function that analyzes the extracted characters and extracts keywords, a keyword display function that displays the extracted keywords, and a keyword selection function that allows the user to select a keyword from the displayed keywords are selected. The document is sent to the file system by the communication function as additional information of the document whose keyword is read Digital MFP is described.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2002-183165 A
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the digital multi-function peripheral described in Patent Document 1, since the digital multi-function peripheral itself extracts and assigns keywords, when a plurality of digital multi-function peripherals are connected to a file system for storing documents, the plurality of digital multi-function peripherals are used. Keywords must be assigned with the same algorithm in the digital multi-function peripheral. Also, if there is a change in the keyword assignment algorithm, all digital multifunction peripherals must be changed. Otherwise, the assigned keywords cannot be matched, and the desired document cannot be searched using the keywords.
[0006]
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and one of the objects of the present invention is to provide an image reading apparatus capable of assigning keywords in a unified manner at the stage of reading a document. is there.
[0007]
Another object of the present invention is to provide a data management apparatus capable of assigning keywords in a unified manner at the stage of reading an original with an image reading apparatus.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above-described object, according to an aspect of the present invention, an image reading apparatus is connectable to a data management apparatus that stores image data and a keyword used for searching the image data in association with each other. An image reading unit that reads a document to acquire image data, a reduced image generation unit that reduces the acquired image data, a reduced image transmission unit that transmits the reduced image data to the data management device, Keyword candidate receiving means for receiving keyword candidates from the data management device, designation receiving means for displaying the received keyword candidates and accepting designation of keywords corresponding to the image data, designated keywords and image reading means Image data transmitting means for transmitting the image data to the data management device.
[0009]
According to the present invention, when a document is read to acquire image data, and the acquired image data is reduced and transmitted to the data management apparatus, keyword candidates are received from the data management apparatus. Then, when the received keyword candidates are displayed and the specification of the keyword corresponding to the image data is accepted, the specified keyword and the image data are transmitted to the data management device. For this reason, since the keyword candidate is received from the data management apparatus, the keyword candidate is extracted in an integrated manner. Further, since the read image data and the keyword are associated with each other and transmitted to the data management apparatus, the keyword is given at the stage of reading the document. As a result, it is possible to provide an image reading apparatus capable of assigning keywords in a unified manner at the stage of reading a document.
[0010]
Preferably, the apparatus further includes a designated area receiving unit for allowing the user to designate a predetermined area of the reduced image data, and the reduced image transmission unit further transmits information on the designated area.
[0011]
According to the present invention, a predetermined area of the reduced image data is designated by the user, and information on the designated area is further transmitted. For this reason, since the area | region for extracting a keyword candidate is designated, a more suitable keyword candidate comes to be received.
[0012]
Preferably, it further includes an upper limit number input means for causing the user to specify an upper limit number of keyword candidates received from the data management device, and the reduced image transmission means further transmits the specified upper limit number.
[0013]
According to this invention, when the upper limit number of keyword candidates is designated by the user, the designated upper limit number is further transmitted. For this reason, since the number of keyword candidates to be received is limited, it is possible to easily specify keywords.
[0014]
Preferably, the keyword candidate receiving unit further receives a degree of association corresponding to the keyword candidate, and the designation receiving unit displays the degree of association in association with the keyword candidate.
[0015]
According to this invention, the degree of association corresponding to the keyword candidate is further received, and the degree of association is displayed in association with the keyword candidate. For this reason, it becomes possible to specify a keyword easily.
[0016]
According to another aspect of the present invention, the data management device is a data management device capable of communicating with an image reading device that reads a document and obtains image data, and receives the first image data from the image reading device. Extraction means for extracting an image feature amount from the received first image data; keyword candidate extraction means for extracting a keyword candidate corresponding to the first image data based on the extracted image feature amount; When the keyword candidate transmitting means for transmitting the keyword candidate to the image reading device and the second image data and the keyword designated by the user of the image reading device from the keyword candidates are received from the image reading device, the received first Storage means for storing the second image data and the keyword in association with each other.
[0017]
According to the present invention, when the first image data is received from the image reading device, the image feature amount is extracted from the first image data, and the first image data is handled based on the extracted image feature amount. Keyword candidates to be extracted are extracted, and the keyword candidates are transmitted to the image reading apparatus. When the second image data and the keyword designated by the user of the image reading device are received from the keyword candidates, the second image data and the designated keyword are stored in association with each other. For this reason, keyword candidates are centrally extracted by the data management apparatus. Also, if the first image data is reduced image data, the amount of data to be received is reduced. Further, since the keyword designated by the user is stored in association with the second image data from the keyword candidates extracted centrally, the keyword is assigned centrally at the stage of reading the document with the image reading device. It is possible to provide a data management apparatus capable of performing
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.
[0019]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall outline of a document management system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, document management system 100 includes a multifunction device 1 (hereinafter referred to as “MFP 1”) and a data management device 2 connected to network 3.
[0020]
An MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) 1 includes a scanner for reading an original, an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium such as paper based on image data, and a facsimile, and includes an image reading function, a copying function, and facsimile transmission / reception. It has a function. Although the MFP 1 is described as an example in the present embodiment, any scanner that has at least an image reading function may be used instead of the MFP.
[0021]
A detachable read-only memory (ROM) 4 is attached to the MFP 1. The ROM 4 stores a program executed by the central processing unit of the MFP 1 as will be described later, and the program can be changed by exchanging the ROM 4. Further, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) 5 is attached to the data management device 2.
[0022]
As the network 3, a local area network (LAN), the Internet, a general public line, or the like can be used, regardless of whether it is wired or wireless.
[0023]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the data management device 2 in the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 2, the data management device 2 is executed with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 131 connected to the bus 150 and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 132 recording a boot-up program of the operating system. A RAM (Random Access Memory) 133 for storing a program to be loaded and data during program execution, a hard disk 134 for storing a document database in a nonvolatile manner, and the data management device 2 in the network 3 A communication interface (I / F) 129 for connection, a mouse 137, a keyboard 138, a display unit 127, and a CD-ROM drive 135 are included. The CD-ROM 5 is mounted on the CD-ROM drive 135.
[0024]
As described above, the data management device 2 is configured by a general personal computer. Since the operation of the personal computer itself is well known, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.
[0025]
When the document management program is executed by the CPU 131, processing for managing the document database recorded on the hard disk 134 is executed. Generally, such a document management program is stored and distributed in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM 5, read from the recording medium by a CD-ROM drive 135, and temporarily stored in the hard disk 134. Further, it is read from the hard disk 134 to the RAM 133 and executed by the CPU 131.
[0026]
The recording media are not limited to the CD-ROM 5 and the hard disk 134, but are flexible disks, cassette tapes, optical disks (MO (Magnetic Optical Disc / MD (Mini Disc) / DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)), IC cards (memory cards). A medium carrying a fixed program such as a semiconductor memory such as an optical card, a mask ROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM, or a flash ROM.
[0027]
The program here is a concept including not only a program that can be directly executed by the CPU 131 but also a program in a source program format, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.
[0028]
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of functions of the document management system according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 3, MFP 1 displays a control unit 208 for controlling the entire MFP 1, a scanner 201 for reading a document, an input unit 204 for designating a keyword to be described later, an operation screen, and the like. A display unit 203 for generating the image, an image generation unit 202 for generating a reduced image (thumbnail image) of the image data obtained by reading the document with the scanner 201, and image data obtained by reading the document with the scanner 201. An image forming unit 209 that processes and forms an image on a recording medium such as paper, and a communication interface (I / F) 206 for connecting the MFP 1 to the data management apparatus 2 are included.
[0029]
The control unit 208 is a central processing unit (CPU), and includes a read only memory (ROM 4) and a random access memory (RAM). The control unit 208 executes the program stored in the ROM 4 by the CPU. The ROM 4 is detachably attached to the MFP 1. Note that the program executed by the control unit 208 is not limited to the program stored in the ROM 4, and the program stored in an EEPROM (electrically erasable / programmable read only memory) separately connected to the control unit 208 is read and executed. It may be. If the EEPROM is used, the program can be rewritten or additionally written. For this reason, the MFP 1 may be connected to a network, and another computer connected to the network may rewrite the program stored in the EEPROM of the MPP 1 or add a new program for writing. Further, the MFP 1 may download a program from another computer connected to the network and store the program in the EEPROM. Further, a memory card or the like may be attached to the MFP 1 so that a program stored in the memory card can be read.
[0030]
The scanner 201 includes a photoelectric conversion element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), optically reads a document, and outputs electronic data as image data.
[0031]
The input unit 204 is an input device such as a touch panel or a keyboard for receiving an operation input by the user of the MFP 1. The display unit 203 is a liquid crystal display device or an organic EL (electro-luminescence) display panel. In the case where a touch panel made of a transparent member is used for the input unit 204, the instruction of the button displayed on the display unit 203 can be detected by placing the input unit 204 on the display unit 203. Thereby, various operations can be input. By using the input unit 204 and the display unit 203 in combination, it becomes easy to input keyword designation information, which will be described later.
[0032]
The image generation unit 202 generates a thumbnail image from the image data read by the scanner 201.
[0033]
A communication I / F 206 is a communication interface for connecting the MFP 1 to the data management apparatus 2. The MFP 1 and the data management apparatus 2 are connected via the network 3, but may be directly connected using a serial interface or a parallel interface. The communication I / F 206 uses an interface corresponding to the connection form between the MFP 1 and the data management apparatus 2.
[0034]
The data management device 2 is received by the data management device control unit 211 for controlling the entire data management device 2, the communication I / F 129 for connecting the data management device 2 to the MFP 1, and the communication I / F 129. An image feature amount extraction unit 210 that extracts a feature amount of image data, a keyword candidate generation unit 212 that generates keyword candidates corresponding to the received image data, and the received image data and keywords are stored in association with each other. Storage unit 213.
[0035]
The communication I / F 129 is an interface for connecting the data management apparatus 2 to the MFP 1 via the network 3 and has the same function as the communication I / F 206.
[0036]
The storage unit 213 is a non-volatile memory such as a hard disk drive, and stores a document database and a keyword dictionary for storing the image data received by the communication I / F 129 and the corresponding keyword in association with each other.
[0037]
The keyword dictionary associates two keywords using similarity. By associating two keywords with similarity, a keyword similar to a certain keyword can be extracted. The keyword dictionary is registered in advance by the user.
[0038]
The image feature amount extraction unit 210 recognizes characters included in the image. Then, the words included in the image and the number of appearances of the words are counted from the recognized characters. The feature amount of the image includes a word included in the image and the number of appearances of the word.
[0039]
The keyword candidate generation unit 212 generates keyword candidates using the feature amounts calculated by the image feature amount extraction unit 210 and the keyword dictionary stored in the storage unit 213. The keyword candidate generation unit 212 uses the feature amount calculated by the image feature amount extraction unit 210 to set a predetermined number of words as a keyword in descending order of appearance. In the following description, a keyword extracted from a feature amount is referred to as an “extracted keyword” to simplify the description.
[0040]
The keyword candidate generating unit 212 also extracts a keyword similar to the extracted keyword using the keyword dictionary stored in the storage unit 213. Here, for the sake of explanation, keywords similar to the extracted keyword are referred to as similar keywords, and the extracted keyword and similar keywords are collectively referred to as keyword candidates. The keyword candidates generated by the keyword candidate generation unit 212 include similar keywords, but the similar keywords do not need to be included in the image.
[0041]
The data management device control unit 211 manages a document database provided in the storage unit 213. Further, based on the input user operation, the document database is accessed, and general database operations such as data search, addition, change, and deletion are executed.
[0042]
In document management system 100 according to the present embodiment, a user operates MFP 1 to read a document with scanner 201. A thumbnail image obtained by reducing the image data obtained by reading the document with the scanner 201 is generated and transmitted to the data management apparatus 2. The data management apparatus 2 extracts keyword candidates based on the received image data, and transmits the extracted keyword candidates to the MFP 1. When the MFP 1 receives the keyword candidate and receives the keyword specification from the user, the MFP 1 transmits the specified keyword together with the image data to the data management apparatus 2. In the data management device 2, the transmitted image data and the keyword are associated with each other and stored in the document database of the storage unit 213.
[0043]
Hereinafter, these processes will be specifically described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing executed by the document management system in this embodiment. In FIG. 4, for the sake of explanation, the process executed by the MFP 1 and the process executed by the data management apparatus 2 are shown separately. Referring to FIG. 4, when an image scanning function is selected in MFP 1, first, in step S01, an initial setting process for initializing flags and the like necessary for the following processes is performed. In the next step S02, the MFP 1 determines whether or not the user places a paper document on a document table or an automatic document feeder (ADF) and clicks the start button. Then, the document placed on the document table is scanned (step S02). In this scanning process, the scanner 201 reads a document placed on a document table and generates image data. Then, a thumbnail image is generated from the generated image data. This scanning process will be described in detail later.
[0044]
In the next step S03, it is determined whether or not a registration instruction has been input by the user. The registration instruction refers to an instruction for transmitting scanned image data to the data management apparatus 2 and registering it in a document database stored in the storage unit 213 of the data management apparatus 2. This registration instruction is input by the user operating the input unit 204 of the MFP 1. More specifically, a button displaying the characters “Register” is displayed on the display unit 203 of the MFP 1, and when the user designates this button using the input unit 204, it is detected that there is a registration instruction. . If there is a registration instruction, the process proceeds to step S04. If not, processing such as image formation of the read image data by the image forming unit 209 is executed.
[0045]
In step S04, an input of the upper limit number of keywords is accepted. The input of the upper limit number of keywords is accepted when the user operates the input unit 204. More specifically, a field for inputting the upper limit number of keywords is displayed on the display unit 203 of the MFP 1, and the user selects this field using the input unit 204 and inputs a desired number using the numeric keypad. A number is entered. The input of the keyword upper limit number can be arbitrarily selected, and the user can operate the input unit 204 to instruct not to input the upper limit number.
[0046]
In the next step S05, the range designation is accepted. The range designation is for designating a region desired by the user in the image data read by the scanner 201. This range designation input is accepted by the user operating the input unit 204. As a range designation input method, for example, a figure divided into a plurality of predetermined areas is displayed, and a desired area is designated. Alternatively, the target image may be displayed on the display unit 230, and the user may designate two points that are diagonal to the rectangle with a finger. Further, the coordinates of the two diagonal points may be input numerically. The range may be a shape other than a rectangle. In addition, the range specification specified here specifies a necessary area for the user to extract a keyword. In the specified area, for example, information that can be a keyword such as a main term is included. included. As will be described later, when a keyword candidate is extracted in the data management apparatus, the keyword candidate is extracted using the image data in the specified range.
[0047]
In the next step S06, the thumbnail image is generated by reducing the image data read by the scanner 201 to a predetermined size, and the generated thumbnail image is transmitted to the data management device 2 (step S06). When transmitting the thumbnail image, if the keyword upper limit number is input in step S04, the keyword upper limit number is also transmitted together with the thumbnail. If the range is specified in step S05, the specified range is transmitted together with the thumbnail image.
[0048]
On the other hand, the data management device 2 is in a standby state until a thumbnail image is received (step S11). If a thumbnail image has been received, the process proceeds to step S12. In step S11, when the keyword upper limit number is transmitted together with the thumbnail image, the keyword upper limit number is also received. In addition, when information on a range in which a range is designated is received together with the thumbnail image, the information on the range is also received together.
[0049]
In step S12, keyword candidate generation processing is executed. The keyword candidate generation process will be described in detail later.
[0050]
In the next step S13, a process of transmitting the keyword candidates generated in step S12 to the MFP 1 is executed.
[0051]
The MFP 1 is in a standby state until a keyword candidate is received from the data management device (step S07). When a keyword candidate is received, the received keyword candidate is displayed on the display unit 203, and a user designation is accepted from the displayed keyword candidates (step S08). The processing in step S08 will be described in detail later.
[0052]
Then, the designated keyword and the image data obtained by scanning in step S02 are transmitted to the data management apparatus 2 (step S09).
[0053]
The data management device 2 is in a standby state until the keyword and image data transmitted from the MFP 1 are received (step S14). When the keyword and image data are received, in the next step S15, The received keyword and image data are registered in the document database of the storage unit 213 (step S15).
[0054]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of scan processing executed in step S02 of FIG. Referring to FIG. 5, in step S21, scan setting is performed. The scan setting refers to setting of various conditions for reading an image with the scanner 201. The setting of various conditions includes reading resolution, document type, format, and the like. If it is detected in step S22 that the scan button has been clicked, an image is read in step S23.
[0055]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the thumbnail image transmission process executed in step S06 of FIG. Referring to FIG. 6, the image generation unit 202 generates a thumbnail image based on the image data read by the scanner 201 (step S31). The thumbnail image includes an image obtained by reducing the original image data (reduced image) and a partial image (partial image) of the original image data. Further, by combining these, the thumbnail image may be an image obtained by reducing a part of the original image data. When the thumbnail image is a reduced image, the thumbnail image may be reduced at a reduction rate corresponding to the size of the generated thumbnail image, or may be reduced at a predetermined reduction rate. When the thumbnail image is a partial image, the size of a part of the original image data may be determined in accordance with the size of the thumbnail image.
[0056]
Further, instead of generating thumbnail images, the original image data is compressed by using a compression method such as JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group), PNG (Portable Network Graphics) or GIF (Graphic Interchange Format). You may make it do. Further, image data in which the number of gradations of the original image data is reduced may be generated. Further, it may be image data obtained by compressing a thumbnail image or image data having a reduced number of gradations. In the following description, a case where a thumbnail image is generated will be described. However, compressed image data or image data with a reduced number of gradations can be used in place of a thumbnail image.
[0057]
As described above, generating the thumbnail image, the compressed image data, or the image data with the reduced number of gradations from the original image data reduces the amount of data transmitted from the MFP 1 to the data management apparatus 2 as will be described later. Because.
[0058]
Then, it is determined whether the upper limit number of keywords is set (step S32). If the upper limit number of keywords is set, the process proceeds to step S33, and if not, the process skips step S33 and proceeds to step S34. This keyword upper limit number is information set in step S04 of FIG. Moreover, since this setting is arbitrary, the upper limit number of keywords may not be set. In step S33, for example, an upper limit number transmission flag is set in order to transmit the upper limit number of keywords.
[0059]
In step S34, it is determined whether a range has been designated. If the range is designated, the process proceeds to step S35, and if not, step S35 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S36. This range designation is designated in step S05 of FIG. 4 described above. Further, the range designation is arbitrarily designated, and there is a case where the range designation is not performed. In step S35, in order to transmit the designated range, for example, a range transmission flag or the like is set.
[0060]
In step S36, the thumbnail image generated in step S31 is transmitted to the data management apparatus 2. At this time, if the keyword upper limit number is set to be transmitted in step S33, the keyword upper limit number is also transmitted. In addition, when the keyword upper limit number is not set, a preset default value may be transmitted. If it is set in step S35 to transmit the specified range, the specified range is also transmitted.
[0061]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of keyword candidate generation processing executed in step S12 of FIG. As described with reference to FIG. 4, the data management apparatus 2 receives the thumbnail image from the MFP 1. When the keyword upper limit number is set, the keyword upper limit number is also received. Furthermore, when the designated range is set, the designated range is also received.
[0062]
In the keyword candidate generation process, first, it is determined whether or not a designated range is set (step S51). Whether or not the specified range is set is determined based on whether or not the specified range is received. If the designated range is set, the process proceeds to step S53, and if not, the process proceeds to step S52. In step S53, the feature amount of the image in the specified range is extracted from the received thumbnail images (step S53). On the other hand, in step S52, since the designated range is not set, the feature amount of the entire received thumbnail image is extracted. In step S52, the image to be processed is the entire image. In step S53, the image is in the designated range, and only the range of the image to be processed is different.
[0063]
Next, in step S54, keyword candidates are extracted using the feature amount extracted in step S52 or step S53 and the keyword dictionary stored in the storage unit 213. First, using a feature amount, a predetermined number of words are set as extraction keywords in order of appearance frequency. Then, using the keyword dictionary stored in the storage unit 213, keywords similar to the extracted keyword are extracted.
[0064]
It should be noted that the extraction of similar keywords may be performed selectively, or the keyword candidates may be extracted keywords only and no similar keywords may be used. When a similar keyword is not used, the keyword dictionary does not need to be provided in the data management device 2.
[0065]
In step S55, the relevance of each keyword candidate is calculated. In calculating the degree of association, first, the degree of association of the extracted keyword is calculated from the feature amount extracted in step S52 or step S53. The relevance of the extracted keyword is calculated as follows. Using the feature amount extracted in step S52, the degree of association with the image is set to “1”, which is the maximum value that the degree of association can take, for the extracted keyword having the largest number of appearances. Then, the degree of association between an extracted keyword other than the extracted keyword with the highest number of appearances and the image is obtained by the following equation.
[0066]
Relevance between the extracted keyword and the image = (number of appearances of the extracted keyword) / (number of appearances of the extracted keyword having the highest number of appearances) (1)
Note that the degree of association between the extracted keyword and the image may be obtained by the following equation.
[0067]
Relevance between extracted keyword and image = (number of appearances of the extracted keyword) / (total number of extracted keywords in the image) × α (2)
Α is a constant.
[0068]
The relevance level of the similar keyword extracted in step S54 is the product of the relevance level of the extracted keyword calculated in step S55 and the similarity calculated in step S54. The similarity set in the keyword dictionary is a value of “1” or less. That is, the relevance level of similar keywords is calculated using the following equation (3).
[0069]
Similarity of similar keyword = (Relationship between extracted keyword and image) × (Similarity between extracted keyword and similar keyword) (3)
In this way, the degree of association with the image is calculated for all keyword candidates. In the next step S56, the keyword candidates are rearranged in descending order of relevance.
[0070]
In the next step S57, it is determined whether or not the keyword upper limit number is limited. Whether or not the keyword upper limit number is limited is determined by whether or not the keyword upper limit number is received. If the keyword upper limit number is limited, the process proceeds to step S58, and if not, step S58 is skipped and the process ends.
[0071]
In step S58, the number of keyword candidates is limited to the keyword upper limit number. This restriction is given priority to keyword candidates having a high degree of relevance. That is, from the keyword candidates, as many keyword candidates as the number of keyword upper limit numbers are extracted in descending order of relevance. The keyword candidates that are not extracted are deleted from the keyword candidates.
[0072]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of keyword candidate display and selection processing executed in step S08 of FIG. In MFP 1, keyword candidates and their relevance are received from data management device 2. The MFP 1 displays the received keyword candidates on the display unit 203 in descending order of relevance (step S61). Then, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction to select a desired keyword candidate from the displayed keyword candidates (step S62). This selection instruction is input by the operation of the input unit 204 by the user, and the keyword candidate to be selected may be singular or plural. More specifically, the keyword candidate displayed at the position where the user touches the keyword candidate displayed on the display unit 203 with the finger is selected. Alternatively, the keyword candidates may be displayed with serial numbers, and the keyword candidates corresponding to the numbers input by the user from the numeric keypad may be selected. Then, the keyword candidate that has been selected is set as a keyword (step S63). That is, the keyword candidates set as keywords are limited to the keyword candidates selected and designated by the user using the input unit 204. As a result, only the keyword candidates selected and specified by the user from the keyword candidates automatically and centrally extracted by the data management apparatus 2 are set as keywords, so only the keywords required by the user are registered. It becomes possible to do.
[0073]
As described above, in the MFP 1 according to the present embodiment, the scanner 201 reads a document and acquires image data. When a thumbnail image obtained by reducing the acquired image data is transmitted to the data management device 2, keyword candidates are received from the data management device 2. Further, when the received keyword candidate is displayed on the display unit 203 and the specification of the keyword corresponding to the image data is received from the input unit 204 by the user, the specified keyword and the image data are transmitted to the data management device 2. The For this reason, in MFP 1, keyword candidates are received from data management device 2, and thus keyword candidates are extracted in a unified manner by data management device 2. In addition, since the MFP 1 associates the read image data with the keyword and transmits it to the data management apparatus 2, the keyword is assigned when the MFP 1 reads the document. As a result, keywords can be assigned in a unified manner at the stage of reading a document.
[0074]
In addition, when the user designates a predetermined area of the image data read from the input unit 204, the MFP 1 transmits the thumbnail image and information on the designated area to the data management apparatus 2. For this reason, when the data management device 2 receives the information of the designated area, the keyword candidate is extracted from the designated area in the received thumbnail image, and thus the probability that the keyword desired by the user is extracted. Becomes higher, and more appropriate keyword candidates are displayed on the display unit 203.
[0075]
Furthermore, when the upper limit number of keyword candidates is designated from the input unit 204 by the user, the MFP 1 transmits the designated upper limit number to the data management apparatus 2. When the upper limit number of keyword candidates is received, the data management device 2 transmits to the MFP 1 as many keyword candidates as the maximum number of keywords among the keyword candidates extracted from the received thumbnail images. For this reason, since the number of keyword candidates displayed on the display unit 203 is limited in the MFP 1, the user can easily specify an appropriate keyword from the displayed keyword candidates. Further, when the keyword candidate is displayed, the display unit 203 displays the degree of association with the image data calculated when the data management apparatus 2 extracts the keyword candidate. The keyword can be specified with reference to the degree, and the selection of the keyword becomes easier.
[0076]
Furthermore, by transmitting thumbnail images from the MFP 1 to the data management apparatus 2, the amount of data to be transmitted can be reduced. For this reason, network resources can be used effectively. Further, since the keyword candidates are extracted at one place in the data management device 2, the keyword candidates are extracted in a unified manner. For this reason, even if a change occurs in the algorithm for extracting keyword candidates, it is only necessary to modify the data management program executed by the data management apparatus 2, and it is not necessary to modify the MFP 1. Further, since the keyword candidates are extracted only by the data management apparatus 2, even if a plurality of MFPs 1 are connected to the data management apparatus 2, the keyword candidates can be extracted based on a unified standard. Search using is effective.
[0077]
(1) In the data management device according to claim 5, the keyword candidate extraction unit includes a relevance level calculating unit that calculates a relevance level corresponding to the keyword candidate,
The keyword candidate transmitting means rearranges and transmits the keyword candidates in descending order of the calculated relevance.
[0078]
(2) In the data management device according to claim 5, when the keyword candidate transmission unit receives the upper limit number of keyword candidates from the data management device, the keyword candidate transmission unit receives the keyword candidate in descending order of the calculated relevance. Send as many keyword candidates as possible.
[0079]
(3) In the data management device according to claim 5, the first image data is smaller in size than the second image data.
[0080]
(4) A keyword addition program executed by an image reading device connectable to a data management device that stores image data and a keyword used for searching the image data in association with each other,
Reading a document to obtain image data;
Reducing the acquired image data;
Transmitting the reduced image data to the data management device;
Receiving keyword candidates from the data management device;
Displaying the received keyword candidates and accepting designation of keywords corresponding to the image data;
A keyword addition program for executing the step of transmitting the designated keyword and the acquired image data to the data management device.
[0081]
(5) A data management program executed by a data management device capable of communicating with an image reading device that reads a document and obtains image data,
Receiving first image data from the image reading device;
Extracting an image feature amount from the received first image data;
Extracting keyword candidates corresponding to the first image data based on the extracted image feature amount;
Transmitting the extracted keyword candidates to the image reading device;
Receiving second image data and a keyword designated by the user of the image reading device from the keyword candidates from the image reading device;
A data management program causing the received second image data and a keyword to be stored in association with each other.
[0082]
(6) A data management program executed in a computer capable of communicating with an image data input device for inputting image data,
Receiving an image data packet in which the data amount of the original image data is reduced in the image data input device;
Extracting one or more keywords corresponding to the received image data;
A data management program for executing the step of transmitting the extracted keyword to the image data input device.
[0083]
(7) The data management program according to (6) further receives a keyword selected in the image data input device and the original image data associated with the keyword from the image data input device, and receives the image data And storing the keywords in association with each other.
[0084]
(8) The data management program according to (6) further extracts a keyword by referring to a keyword database.
[0085]
(9) In the data management program described in (6), the keyword is extracted based on the image data of the designated area in the received image data.
[0086]
(10) The data management program according to (6) transmits the extracted keyword to the image input device in the order of the degree of association between the keyword and the image.
[0087]
The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall outline of a document management system according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a data management apparatus according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of functions of a document management system according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing executed by the document management system in the present embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a flow of scan processing executed in step S02 of FIG.
6 is a flowchart showing a flow of thumbnail image transmission processing executed in step S06 of FIG.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of keyword candidate generation processing executed in step S12 of FIG.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of keyword display and selection processing executed in step S08 of FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 MFP, 2 data management device, 3 network, 4 ROM, 5 CD-ROM, 100 document management system, 127 display unit, 129, 206 communication I / F, 134 hard disk, 135 CD-ROM drive, 137 mouse, 138 keyboard , 150 bus, 201 scanner, 202 image generation unit, 203 display unit, 204 input unit, 208 control unit, 209 image formation unit, 210 image feature amount extraction unit, 211 data management device control unit, 212 keyword candidate generation unit, 213 Memory part.

Claims (5)

An image reading device connectable to a data management device that stores image data and a keyword used for searching the image data in association with each other,
Image reading means for reading a document and acquiring image data;
Reduced image generation means for reducing the acquired image data;
Reduced image transmission means for transmitting the reduced image data to the data management device;
Keyword candidate receiving means for receiving keyword candidates from the data management device;
Designation accepting means for displaying the received keyword candidates and accepting designation of a keyword corresponding to the image data;
An image reading apparatus comprising: an image data transmitting unit configured to transmit the designated keyword and the image data acquired by the image reading unit to the data management apparatus. A designated area receiving means for allowing a user to designate a predetermined area of the reduced image data;
The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reduced image transmission unit further transmits information on the designated area. Further comprising an upper limit number input means for allowing a user to specify an upper limit number of keyword candidates received from the data management device;
The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reduced image transmission unit further transmits the designated upper limit number. The keyword candidate receiving means further receives a degree of relevance corresponding to the keyword candidate,
The image reading apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the designation receiving unit displays the degree of association in association with the keyword candidate. A data management device capable of communicating with an image reading device that reads a document and obtains image data,
Extracting means for extracting an image feature amount from the received first image data when receiving the first image data from the image reading device;
Keyword candidate extraction means for extracting keyword candidates corresponding to the first image data based on the extracted image feature amount;
Keyword candidate transmission means for transmitting the extracted keyword candidates to the image reading device;
When the second image data and the keyword specified by the user of the image reading device from the keyword candidates are received from the image reading device, the received second image data and the keyword are stored in association with each other. A data management device comprising storage means.

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