JP2006094027A - Image input device, and its image managing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image input device for setting an attribute related to secondary usage such as printing concerning scan image data which is formed with the use of a scanner function, and to provide its image managing method. <P>SOLUTION: The image data acquired by scanning and attribute information related to the secondary usage of the image data are uploaded from a composite machine to a file managing server. The file managing server stores the image data and the attribute information. When the image data are downloaded from the composite machine on a network, a PC, or the file managing server so as to print the downloaded image data, the image data are printed on a printing condition (an output paper size, an output color mode, and invisible printing, etc.) corresponding to the attribute information of the image data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image input apparatus and an image management method thereof, and more particularly, to an image input apparatus that temporarily stores digital image data input by document scanning in a file management server on a network and an image management method thereof.

  In recent years, there is a service in which a color multifunction peripheral is installed in a store such as a convenience store or a copy center, and the usage fee is obtained from a user. This is a service in which a user brings a document to be copied and goes to a store where a color multifunction peripheral is installed, and the user performs a copy printing operation and pays a fee for the number of copies printed. .

  In addition to services that use the copy function of a color multifunction device, the user visits the store where the color multifunction device is installed by bringing the document, and the user inputs digital image data by scanning the document. A service that pays a fee based on the number of digital image data performed is realized.

  For example, there is an image input / output device that provides a service for inputting digital image data by scanning a document image and printing and outputting digital image data as an image, and a control method thereof (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  Further, for example, there is an image reading system, an image reading apparatus, and a processing method that can provide an image digital data conversion service via the Internet (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

  Furthermore, by connecting this color multifunction peripheral to the network, the user temporarily stores files such as documents and images on the file management server via a network from a PC (Personal Computer) or the like. A service in which the user visits the store where he / she downloaded the temporarily stored file from the file management server via the network using a color multifunction device, prints the downloaded file on the color multifunction device, and pays the fee for the number of copies printed Has also been put to practical use.

  For example, there are a print service system, a billing method, a recording medium, and a billing program for realizing a print service system that collectively processes calculation processing of a plurality of payment charges such as a telephone line usage fee and a print service usage fee (for example, (See Patent Document 3).

  Furthermore, the user goes to a store where the user brings a manuscript and installs the color MFP, and the user inputs digital image data by scanning the manuscript and pays the fee according to the number of input digital image data. A data file is temporarily stored in a file management server via a network from a color multifunction device, and temporarily stored from a file management server via a network on a color multifunction device in the same store, a color multifunction device in another store, or a PC. Services such as downloading and secondary use such as printing have also been put into practical use.

For example, there is a network system that can be stored in a web server using a scanner of a copying machine installed in the nearest convenience store, etc., and then taken into a personal computer (see, for example, Patent Document 4).
JP 2003-244349 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-219101 JP 2003-122538 A JP 2000-78328 A

  However, in the techniques described in Patent Documents 1, 2, 3, and 4, the digital image data file input by the color multifunction peripheral installed in the store is temporarily managed in the file management server, and the file is stored on the PC or the like. In the service to be downloaded, it is not possible to set attributes for designating print authority, print format, etc. for secondary use such as printing of a file downloaded by a PC or the like.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image input apparatus capable of setting an attribute relating to secondary use such as printing for scan image data formed using a scanner function, and an image management method thereof. To do.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is directed to image data input means for reading image data and inputting image data, and output conditions for outputting image data input by the image data input means. And attribute information setting means for setting as attribute information.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the image data and the attribute information are stored in a storage device on a network, and the image output device or information terminal on the network is stored in the storage device from the storage device. When image data is acquired, the image data is output under an output condition according to the attribute information.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the attribute information setting means sets an output right for the image data.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the attribute information setting unit sets a color mode when the image data is output.

  The invention of claim 5 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 1, the attribute information setting means sets a password for the image data.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the attribute information setting unit sets a paper size when the image data is output.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the attribute information setting means sets the number of times that the image data can be output.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the attribute information setting means sets an output expiration date of the image data.

  According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the attribute information setting means sets whether or not hidden printing is performed on the image data.

  The invention according to claim 10 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the attribute information setting means sets whether to notify the contents of the attribute information set for the image data by e-mail. Features.

  The invention of claim 11 is the invention of claim 1, further comprising charge calculating means for calculating a charge corresponding to the set attribute information when the attribute information is set. To do.

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the image data is input by the image data input means after reading the document, and the output condition for outputting the input image data is set by the attribute information setting means as the attribute information of the image data. It is characterized by doing.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the invention, in the twelfth aspect of the invention, the image data and the attribute information are stored in a storage device on a network, and the image output device or the information terminal on the network receives the information from the storage device. When image data is acquired, the image data is output under an output condition according to the attribute information.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the invention, in the twelfth aspect of the invention, the attribute information setting means sets an output right for the image data.

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the invention, in the twelfth aspect of the invention, the attribute information setting means sets a color mode when outputting the image data.

  According to a sixteenth aspect of the invention, in the twelfth aspect of the invention, the attribute information setting means sets a personal identification number for the image data.

  According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the twelfth aspect of the invention, the attribute information setting unit sets a paper size when the image data is output.

  According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, in the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the attribute information setting means sets the number of times the image data can be output.

  According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the twelfth aspect of the invention, the attribute information setting means sets an output expiration date of the image data.

  According to a twentieth aspect of the invention, in the twelfth aspect of the invention, the attribute information setting unit sets whether or not to execute hidden printing on the image data.

  In the invention of claim 21, in the invention of claim 12, the attribute information setting means sets whether to notify the contents of the attribute information set for the image data by e-mail. Features.

  The invention of claim 22 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 12, when the attribute information is set, a charge corresponding to the set attribute information is calculated by a charge calculating means.

  According to the present invention, secondary use of scanned image data can be easily used, and a paper medium can be transmitted in accordance with the convenience of an image data input person and an image data output person.

  Embodiments of an image input apparatus and its attribute setting method according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a file management system 1 to which the present invention is applied.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the file management system 1 includes a plurality of multifunction devices 3 connected to a network 2, a plurality of computers (hereinafter referred to as PCs) 4, and a file management server 5.

  The multifunction device 3 is a digital device capable of processing a plurality of functions such as copying, printing, scanning, and faxing.

  The PC 4 can access the file management server 5 as a client machine.

  The file management server 5 manages files such as image data and documents.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the appearance of the multifunction machine 3.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the multifunction machine 3 having a copy function, a print function, a scan function, and a fax function includes a scanner 6 that reads a document, a scanner control unit 7 that controls the scanner 6, an image processing unit 8 that performs image processing, A printer 9 that prints an image on paper, a printer control unit 10 that controls the printer 9, a post-processing unit 11 that performs post-processing on the paper output from the printer 9, a fax control unit 12 that performs fax communication via the public line 18, A liquid crystal touch panel type operation panel 13 that displays a user interface (UI) screen for the user to use the service of the multifunction device 3 and accepts parameter settings for each function of the multifunction device 3 from the user, a storage device / media Necessary to use the file system 14 that manages the above files and services of the MFP 3 Money acceptor 15 to inject rates, and comprises a first system control unit 16 and the second system control unit 17 for controlling the processing of each of these components.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of the multifunction machine 3.

  The first system control unit 16 is connected to the operation panel 13 and performs processing for generating a job based on display control of the UI screen on the operation panel 13 and parameters accepted by the operation panel 13. The first system control unit 16 manages the file system 14. The first system control unit 16 is connected to the coin kit 15, receives information on the amount of money inserted into the coin kit 15, and processes the received amount of information. Further, the first system control unit 16 is connected to the network 2 and performs file download from the file management server 5 on the network 2 and file upload to the file management server 5. Further, the first system control unit 16 is connected to the second system control unit 17 to transfer the job and information about each function to the second system control unit 17, and transfer from the second system control unit 17. The process of receiving the status information of the job that has been performed is performed.

  Further, when the user sets attribute information related to secondary use of image data obtained by scanning a document with the scan function, the first system control unit 16 uploads the attribute information together with the image data to the file management server 5.

  The second system control unit 17 controls the scanner control unit 7, the image processing unit 8, the printer control unit 10, and the fax control unit 12.

  Next, a processing procedure of scan processing performed by the multifunction machine 3 will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG.

  If the scan function is selected (step S401) and attribute information is input (YES in step S402), the process proceeds to step S403. If attribute information is not input (NO in step S402), the process proceeds to step S410.

  When the attribute information is input (YES in step S402), the attribute information is retained (step S403), the charging information of each attribute information is acquired from the file management server (step S404), and the number of scan processes is input (step S404). S405) The fee corresponding to the attribute information and the number of scan processes is displayed (step S406). When the fee is accepted (step S407), the scan process is started (step S408), and the image acquired by scanning to the file management server Data and attribute information are uploaded (step S409), and the process proceeds to step S415.

  When attribute information is not input (NO in step S402), the number of scan processed sheets is input (step S411), a charge corresponding to the number of scan processed sheets is displayed (step S412), and the charge is received (step S413). (Step S414), the image data obtained by scanning is uploaded to the file management server (step S414), and the process proceeds to step S415.

  After the upload is completed, a billing process is performed (step S415), and the scanning process procedure is terminated.

  In addition to the configuration in which the charging information for each attribute information is acquired from the file management server as described above, for example, a configuration in which a charging table representing the charging information for each attribute information is held in the multifunction peripheral itself can be applied.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining secondary use of image data in the file management system 1.

  Image data 19 obtained by scanning and attribute information 20 relating to secondary use of the image data 19 are uploaded from the multifunction machine 3 to the file management server 5, and the file management server 5 stores the image data 19 and the attribute information 20. To do.

  When the multifunction device 3 on the network 2 downloads and prints the image data 19 from the file management server 5, the multifunction device 3 prints the print conditions (output paper size, output color mode, hidden printing, etc.) according to the attribute information 20. ), And presenting the printing fee corresponding to the currently set printing conditions (users to be used, number of pages, etc.) to the user, and when the user inputs the printing fee into the coin kit 15, the multifunction device 3 starts from the file management server 5. When the image data 19 is downloaded and the downloaded image data 19 is printed, the image data 19 is printed under the printing conditions according to the attribute information 20 and the printing conditions set at present.

  When the registered user of the file management server 5 downloads the image data 19 from the file management server 5 using the PC 4 on the network 2, the file management server 5 sets the image data in which printing conditions according to the attribute information 20 are set in the PC 4. When the charge for downloading the charge 19 is presented and the payment of the charge is received from the PC 4, the image data 19 is downloaded to the PC 4, and the charge is deducted from the registered account.

  Next, a specific example of attribute information related to secondary use of image data will be described.

  As a first specific example, a case where print authority is set for image data will be described with reference to FIGS.

  Here, the printing authority indicates, for example, a plurality of user IDs registered in advance in the file management server 5 or a group ID for bundling users. When setting the printing authority, authentication with the file management server 5 at the time of printing is performed. When a user ID and password are input for the purpose, a list of image data or file names of the image data to which printing authority is given is displayed, and the user selects and prints a desired scanned image from the list. .

  The user brings a document, goes to the multifunction device 3, sets the document on the scanner 6 of the multifunction device 3, and then performs an operation according to the UI screen displayed on the operation panel 13. The user inputs a user ID (or group ID) on the UI screen shown in FIG. 6A displayed on the operation panel 13, inputs a password corresponding to the input user ID (not shown), and image data. When the scan authority is set by setting the print authority to the user, pressing the “Confirm” button on the UI screen, etc., the acquired image data and the input user ID and password are uploaded to the file management server 5 and operated. A UI screen shown in FIG. 6B is displayed on the panel 13.

  The user writes in the memo the user ID, which is the print authority for the image data displayed on the UI screen shown in FIG. 6B, and the image data number on the system registered for the image data, and then leaves the MFP 3.

  Thereafter, the user goes to the multifunction device 3 to print the image data (note that this multifunction device may be a multifunction device that has previously scanned a document or another multifunction device) and is displayed on the operation panel 13. Operate according to the UI screen. When the user inputs a user ID on the UI screen shown in FIG. 7A displayed on the operation panel 13, presses the “Confirm” button, and enters a password corresponding to the input user ID (not shown). ), The image data number or the like of the image data to which printing authority is given is displayed on the operation panel 13 as shown in FIG. 7B, and the user presses the “print” button corresponding to the image data to be printed. When the user presses a button such as “Confirm”, the multifunction machine 3 downloads the selected image data from the file management server 5 and starts printing.

  Note that a configuration that obligates the user, group, and the like to be registered in the file management server 5 in advance is also applicable.

  As a second specific example, a case where a color mode at the time of output is set for image data will be described with reference to FIG.

  The user brings a document, goes to the multifunction device 3, sets the document on the scanner 6 of the multifunction device 3, and then performs an operation according to the UI screen displayed on the operation panel 13. The user sets the output color mode on the UI screen shown in FIG. 8A displayed on the operation panel 13 (in the figure, “color fixed” is set), and presses the “confirm” button on the UI screen. When the scanning process is performed, the acquired image data and the input output color mode setting are uploaded to the file management server 5.

  Thereafter, the user goes to the multifunction device 3 to print the image data (note that this multifunction device may be a multifunction device that has previously scanned a document or another multifunction device) and is displayed on the operation panel 13. When an operation is performed according to the UI screen, the multifunction device 3 displays the UI screen shown in FIG. 8B on the operation panel 13 when downloading image data from the file management server 5. Information on the image data (image data number, file size, number of pages, etc.) is displayed on the UI screen, and the output paper size and output color mode can be set on this UI screen. However, since the output color mode is set for this image data (in the figure, “color” is set), the output color mode cannot be set on this UI screen. When the output color mode is set to “selection at output” on the UI screen shown in FIG. 8A, the output color mode can be set on the UI screen shown in FIG. 8B.

  When the user presses a “confirm” button on the UI screen shown in FIG. 8B, the multifunction device 3 downloads image data from the file management server 5 and starts printing.

  As a third specific example, a case where a password is set for image data will be described with reference to FIG.

  The user brings a document, goes to the multifunction device 3, sets the document on the scanner 6 of the multifunction device 3, and then performs an operation according to the UI screen displayed on the operation panel 13. When the user sets a personal identification number on the UI screen shown in FIG. 9A displayed on the operation panel 13 and presses a “confirm” button on the UI screen to perform a scanning process, the acquired image data and The entered password is uploaded to the file management server 5.

  Thereafter, the user goes to the multifunction device 3 to print the image data (note that this multifunction device may be a multifunction device that has previously scanned a document or another multifunction device) and is displayed on the operation panel 13. Operate according to the UI screen. However, since a password is set for the image data, the UI screen shown in FIG. 9B is displayed on the operation panel 13. Then, when the user inputs the password on the UI screen shown in FIG. 9B and presses the “Confirm” button, the multifunction device 3 downloads the image data from the file management server 5 and starts printing.

  As a fourth specific example, a case where a paper size at the time of output is set for image data will be described with reference to FIG.

  The user brings a document, goes to the multifunction device 3, sets the document on the scanner 6 of the multifunction device 3, and then performs an operation according to the UI screen displayed on the operation panel 13. The user sets the output paper size on the UI screen shown in FIG. 10A displayed on the operation panel 13 (“A4” is set in the figure), presses the “Confirm” button on the UI screen, etc. When the scanning process is performed, the acquired image data and the input output paper size setting are uploaded to the file management server 5.

  Thereafter, the user goes to the multifunction device 3 to print the image data (note that this multifunction device may be a multifunction device that has previously scanned a document or another multifunction device) and is displayed on the operation panel 13. When an operation is performed according to the UI screen, the multifunction device 3 displays the UI screen shown in FIG. 10B on the operation panel 13 when downloading image data from the file management server 5. Information on the image data (image data number, file size, number of pages, etc.) is displayed on the UI screen, and the output paper size and output color mode can be set on this UI screen. However, since the output paper size is set for this image data ("A4" is set in the figure), the output paper size cannot be set on this UI screen. When the output paper size is set to “select at output” on the UI screen shown in FIG. 10A, the output paper size can be set on the UI screen shown in FIG. 10B.

  When the user presses a “confirm” button on the UI screen shown in FIG. 10B, the multifunction device 3 downloads image data from the file management server 5 and starts printing.

  As a fifth specific example, a case where the possible number of outputs is set for image data will be described with reference to FIG.

  The user brings a document, goes to the multifunction device 3, sets the document on the scanner 6 of the multifunction device 3, and then performs an operation according to the UI screen displayed on the operation panel 13. The user sets the number of possible outputs on the UI screen shown in FIG. 11A displayed on the operation panel 13 (in the figure, “5 times” is set), and presses the “Confirm” button on the UI screen. When the scanning process is performed, the acquired image data and the input setting of the number of times that can be output are uploaded to the file management server 5.

  Thereafter, the user goes to the multifunction device 3 to print the image data (note that this multifunction device may be a multifunction device that has previously scanned a document or another multifunction device) and is displayed on the operation panel 13. When the operation is performed according to the UI screen, the multifunction device 3 displays the UI screen shown in FIG. 11B on the operation panel 13 when downloading image data from the file management server 5. Information (image data number, file size, number of pages, etc.) relating to image data is displayed on the UI screen, and the remaining number of times that can be output (“5 times” in the figure) is displayed. When the remaining number of times that can be output becomes “0”, the image data cannot be output, and this is displayed on the UI screen.

  When the user presses a “confirm” button on the UI screen shown in FIG. 11B, the multifunction device 3 downloads image data from the file management server 5 and starts printing.

  As a sixth specific example, a case where an output expiration date is set for image data will be described with reference to FIG.

  The user brings a document, goes to the multifunction device 3, sets the document on the scanner 6 of the multifunction device 3, and then performs an operation according to the UI screen displayed on the operation panel 13. The user sets an output expiration date on the UI screen shown in FIG. 12A displayed on the operation panel 13 (“5 days” is set in the figure), and presses the “confirm” button on the UI screen. When the scanning process is performed, the acquired image data and the input output expiration date setting are uploaded to the file management server 5.

  Thereafter, the user goes to the multifunction device 3 to print the image data (note that this multifunction device may be a multifunction device that has previously scanned a document or another multifunction device) and is displayed on the operation panel 13. When an operation is performed according to the UI screen, the multifunction device 3 displays the UI screen shown in FIG. 12B on the operation panel when downloading image data from the file management server 5. Information (image data number, file size, number of pages, etc.) relating to image data is displayed on the UI screen, and the remaining output expiration date (“5 days” in the figure) is displayed. When the remaining output expiration date has passed, image data cannot be output, and a message to that effect is displayed on the UI screen.

  When the user presses a “confirm” button on the UI screen shown in FIG. 12B, the multifunction device 3 downloads image data from the file management server 5 and starts printing.

  As a seventh specific example, a case of setting hidden printing (printing a “hidden character string” that emerges when copying in addition to print information at the same time as printing a document) with respect to image data will be described with reference to FIG. To do.

  The user brings a document, goes to the multifunction device 3, sets the document on the scanner 6 of the multifunction device 3, and then performs an operation according to the UI screen displayed on the operation panel 13. When the user sets hidden printing on the UI screen shown in FIG. 13A displayed on the operation panel 13 and performs a scanning process by pressing a “confirm” button on the UI screen, the acquired image data and The input hidden print setting is uploaded to the file management server 5.

  Thereafter, the user goes to the multifunction device 3 to print the image data (note that this multifunction device may be a multifunction device that has previously scanned a document or another multifunction device) and is displayed on the operation panel 13. When an operation is performed according to the UI screen, the multifunction device 3 displays the UI screen shown in FIG. 13B on the operation panel when downloading image data from the file management server 5. Information on the image data (image data number, file size, number of pages, etc.) is displayed on the UI screen, and the fact that hidden printing is performed is displayed.

  When the user presses a “confirm” button on the UI screen shown in FIG. 13B, the multifunction device 3 downloads image data from the file management server 5 and starts printing.

  As an eighth specific example, the case of setting a mail notification for uploading image data will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The user brings a document, goes to the multifunction device 3, sets the document on the scanner 6 of the multifunction device 3, and then performs an operation according to the UI screen displayed on the operation panel 13. When the user sets e-mail notification on the UI screen shown in FIG. 14A displayed on the operation panel 13 and presses the “Confirm” button on the UI screen, the operation panel 13 displays FIG. 14B. A UI screen is displayed.

  When the user inputs a mail address of a mail transmission destination on the UI screen shown in FIG. 14B and performs a scanning process by pressing a “confirm” button on the UI screen, the acquired image data and mail notification are displayed. Settings and email addresses are uploaded to the file management server 5. Then, the file management server 5 transmits a mail notifying the upload of the image data to the mail address destination.

  In addition to the configuration for inputting the email address of the email transmission destination as described above, for example, by inputting a user, group or the like registered in the file management server 5 in advance, the file management server 5 corresponds to the user or group. It is also possible to apply a configuration in which a mail is transmitted to a registered mail address.

  15 includes information on the uploaded image data (image data number, file size, number of documents, etc.) and attribute information on secondary use of the image data (user ID, password). Output paper size, output color mode, output expiration date, hidden printing, etc.).

  Next, fee display corresponding to attribute information related to secondary use of image data will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the setting of each attribute information by the user is completed, the UI screen shown in FIG. On this UI screen, set attribute information and a fee corresponding to the number of documents are displayed. For example, in the figure, “10 yen” is charged for the setting of “password”, “60 yen” is charged for “number of documents: 3”, and “50 yen” is set for “output expiration date: 5 days”. ”Is charged,“ 30 yen ”is charged for the setting of“ hidden printing: yes ”, and“ 50 yen ”is charged for the setting of“ mail notification: 5 people ”, so that the reading fee is“ 200 yen ”. Is displayed on the UI screen.

  Further, the user can access the file management server 5 from the PC 4 via the network 2 and change the attribute information stored together with the image data.

  The file management server 5 transmits the Web screen shown in FIG. 17 to the PC 4 in response to the request to the PC 4, and the PC 4 receives the Web screen and displays it on a monitor or the like. The user changes the attribute information for the image data on the displayed Web screen, the PC 4 transmits the changed attribute information to the file management server 5, and when the file management server 5 receives the changed attribute information, the attribute information is changed. I do. For example, on the Web screen shown in the figure, the user ID, password, output paper size, output color mode, output expiration date, and hidden printing attribute information can be changed.

  Accordingly, if the above-described multi-function devices 3 are respectively installed at remote locations, it is possible to transmit a paper medium in accordance with the convenience of the image data input person and the image data output person.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the file management system 1 to which this invention is applied. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of an appearance of a multifunction machine 3. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a multifunction machine 3. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of scan processing performed by the multifunction machine 3. It is a figure explaining the secondary use of the image data in the file management system. It is a figure explaining the 1st specific example which sets the printing authority with respect to image data. It is a figure explaining the 1st specific example which sets the printing authority with respect to image data. It is a figure explaining the 2nd specific example which sets the color mode at the time of output with respect to image data. It is a figure explaining the 3rd specific example which sets a PIN code with respect to image data. It is a figure explaining the 4th specific example which sets the paper size at the time of output with respect to image data. It is a figure explaining the 5th specific example which sets the frequency | count of possible output with respect to image data. It is a figure explaining the 6th specific example which sets the output expiration date with respect to image data. It is a figure explaining the 7th specific example which sets hidden printing with respect to image data. It is a figure explaining the 8th specific example which sets the mail notification which conveys upload of image data. It is a figure which shows an example of the email which conveys upload of image data. It is a figure which shows an example of the charge display corresponding to the attribute information regarding secondary use of image data. It is a figure which shows an example of the Web screen for changing attribute information.

Explanation of symbols

1 File management system 2 Network 3 Multifunction device 4 PC
5 File Management Server 6 Scanner 7 Scanner Control Unit 8 Image Processing Unit 9 Printer 10 Printer Control Unit 11 Post-Processing Unit 12 Fax Control Unit 13 Operation Panel 14 File System 15 Coin Kit 16 First System Control Unit 17 Second System Control Part 18 Public line 19 Image data 20 Attribute information

Claims (22)

Image data input means for reading an original and inputting image data;
An image input apparatus comprising: attribute information setting means for setting, as attribute information of the image data, output conditions for outputting the image data input by the image data input means. Storing the image data and the attribute information in a storage device on a network;
The image according to claim 1, wherein when the image output device or information terminal on the network acquires the image data from the storage device, the image data is output under an output condition according to the attribute information. Input device. The attribute information setting means includes
The image input apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an output authority for the image data is set. The attribute information setting means includes
The image input device according to claim 1, wherein a color mode at the time of outputting the image data is set. The attribute information setting means includes
The image input device according to claim 1, wherein a password is set for the image data. The attribute information setting means includes
The image input apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a paper size at the time of outputting the image data is set. The attribute information setting means includes
The image input device according to claim 1, wherein the number of times that the image data can be output is set. The attribute information setting means includes
The image input device according to claim 1, wherein an output expiration date of the image data is set. The attribute information setting means includes
The image input device according to claim 1, wherein whether or not hidden printing is performed on the image data is set. The attribute information setting means includes
The image input device according to claim 1, wherein whether or not to notify the content of the attribute information set for the image data by e-mail is set. The image input apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a charge calculating unit that calculates a charge corresponding to the set attribute information when the attribute information is set. Read the document and input the image data using the image data input means.
An image management method for an image input device, characterized in that an output condition for outputting the input image data is set as attribute information of the image data by attribute information setting means. Storing the image data and the attribute information in a storage device on a network;
13. The image according to claim 12, wherein when the image output device or information terminal on the network acquires the image data from the storage device, the image data is output under an output condition according to the attribute information. Image management method for input device. The attribute information setting means includes
The image management method of the image input apparatus according to claim 12, wherein an output authority for the image data is set. The attribute information setting means includes
The image management method of the image input apparatus according to claim 12, wherein a color mode at the time of outputting the image data is set. The attribute information setting means includes
The image management method of the image input device according to claim 12, wherein a password for the image data is set. The attribute information setting means includes
The image management method of the image input apparatus according to claim 12, wherein a paper size at the time of outputting the image data is set. The attribute information setting means includes
The image management method of the image input apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the number of times that the image data can be output is set. The attribute information setting means includes
The image management method of the image input apparatus according to claim 12, wherein an output expiration date of the image data is set. The attribute information setting means includes
The image management method of the image input apparatus according to claim 12, wherein whether or not hidden printing is performed on the image data is set. The attribute information setting means includes
13. The image management method for an image input apparatus according to claim 12, wherein whether to notify the contents of the attribute information set for the image data by e-mail is set. 13. The image management method for an image input device according to claim 12, wherein when the attribute information is set, a fee corresponding to the set attribute information is calculated by a fee calculation unit.

Images