JP2006197622A - Digital processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To efficiently utilize image data accumulated in a digital processing apparatus without wasting them and to also easily transmit the image data to a plurality of destinations. <P>SOLUTION: An image file accumulation unit 13 is provided for storing image data for each image file, a file control unit 11 is provided for controlling handling of the stored image data in response to a request transmitted from a client on a network 2, the image file accumulation unit 13 includes a folder 14 or classifying and storing image data and capable of registering attribute information including a destination of a client to be a distribution destination of the stored image data, and a notification means is provided for notifying each registered distribution destination of predetermined information when novel image data are stored in the folder 14. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention stores image data in a storage device for each image file, a digital copying machine configured to be used as an image file server by an information processing device on a network, a copying function, a scanner function, The present invention relates to a digital processing apparatus including a digital device and a personal computer having one or more functions such as a printer function and a FAX function.

  In recent years, there has been a demand for miniaturization and space saving of office automation equipment such as copying machines. Therefore, conventionally, in order to achieve miniaturization and space saving, the copy function is equipped with other functions such as a printer function and a scanner function, and multiple functions are combined and integrated to share the resources of the copier. Digital copiers such as the above, and digital copiers such as devices that combine the scanner function and facsimile function to send the scanned image to a specified destination on the network are already known. ing.

  This digital multi-function peripheral may be used as an image file server by allowing image data to be read or printed to be stored in a storage device such as a built-in hard disk and connected to a network. At this time, the digital multi-function peripheral accesses from the information processing apparatus functioning as a client on the network to which the digital multi-function peripheral is connected to instruct to search, quote or print the image data. The system (image file server system) which enables is configured.

  Specific applications for storing image data in a digital multi-function peripheral and using it as an image file server are as follows.

  First, when outputting image data by copying or printing, the image data is stored unconsciously or intentionally so that it can be printed again later if necessary. In addition, the data to be printed and the copy data obtained by reading the original are merged and printed as one file data, and the number is output by the number of continuous pages (Note that “merge” means , Which means that multiple files of the same file format are merged or combined into one file). Furthermore, when a plurality of copies are printed and output, only one copy is printed and the remaining copies are printed from the stored image data. In addition, the received data of the facsimile is sent to the client on the network without printing and output, and the client uses a viewer (software that displays the contents of the file) for confirmation and prints only the necessary data. There is also a usage method.

  As described above, since the digital multi-function peripheral has various uses as an image file server, the opportunity to be used as an image file server is increasing, and accordingly, accumulation of image data stored in the storage device is increased. The amount is also increasing. However, since the conventional digital multi-function peripheral is only storing the image data file in the storage device, the storage capacity becomes full immediately and the image information cannot be stored. Was causing serious problems.

  First, searching for and retrieving desired image data for printing or the like is troublesome as the amount of stored image data increases. In this regard, there may be a solution to narrow down the search condition by registering a search file name or user ID, or automatically adding information such as the storage date and the number of stored images as search information.

  However, whether the image information obtained as a result of the search is really what you want is not printed by printing on paper or using a viewer on a network client. The fact is that we do not know (the latter is often not practical due to the amount of data), and this does not solve the problem.

  There is also a concept of supporting the search by creating a thumbnail on the client, that is, by displaying a small image on the screen when the contents of the image file are opened. However, if a thumbnail having a recording density of 100 dpi or less is created from image data stored at a recording density of 600 dpi or 1200 dpi in the image file server, the image data may be far from the original image data. However, it is inconvenient to replace the search, and it does not solve the problem. In addition, the load required to compress the file that has been compressed and stored in the storage device, convert the resolution, create a thumbnail, and send it to the client on the network is never negligible. is there.

  On the other hand, since the resolution of the stored image data is increasing year by year, the data amount is expected to be considerably large even if it is compressed. For example, if the data read at 600 dpi and 8-bit multi-value is compressed using an A4 size black and white FAX chart (ITU-T No. 4 chart), the result is less than 4000 even if an 8 GB hard disk is used. Is out.

  The storage capacity for storing image data has increased dramatically year by year, and in the case of a hard disk, the storage capacity has reached about 20 GB. However, the resolution of the image data has been improved, and under the current situation where a full-scale transition from black and white to color images has been achieved, the data volume increases faster and can be stored even if the storage capacity increases. Instead of increasing the number, the number tends to decrease. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent the hard disk from becoming full immediately by selectively storing only what is necessary or automatically erasing the stored image data after the set time has elapsed. .

  In addition to the above, when a digital multi-function peripheral is used as an image file server, it may be desired to distribute stored image data to a plurality of specific partners on the network. In this case, after the image data is temporarily stored for each file, the image data is searched from the client on the network, and the delivery destination is set and transmitted. To perform such transmission, It is necessary to select and input many delivery destinations from the client. This input work itself is a very troublesome work, and moreover, it is expected that it will become more cumbersome as the number of stored files increases as the number of use opportunities as an image file server increases.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems when a digital multifunction peripheral or a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a “personal computer”) is used as an image file server. The purpose is to make it possible to use and to easily transmit to a plurality of destinations.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides storage means for storing image data for each image file and handling of image data stored in the storage means in response to a request transmitted from an information processing apparatus on a network. A digital processing apparatus including image file control means for controlling the image file, and is characterized by the following points.

  That is, the storage means has a folder in which the image data is classified and stored, and attribute information including the destination of the information processing apparatus that is the distribution destination of the stored image data can be registered. When the image data is stored, notification means for notifying predetermined registered information to each registered delivery destination is provided.

  A registration unit that registers a distribution information file that defines a destination of the information processing apparatus that is a distribution destination of the image data stored in the storage unit; a designation unit that designates the distribution information registered in the registration unit; Merge means for merging the delivery information designated by the designation means with the image data to be delivered, merge designation means for designating the merge means to be merged, and image data targeted for merging by the merge means, There is also a feature in a digital processing apparatus provided with a means for delivering to a destination defined by merged delivery information.

  Further, means for transmitting a file list of each image data stored in the storage device to the corresponding information processing device and supplementary information added to the file list are received from the information processing device that has received the file list. Means for storing the information, and specifying the supplementary information corresponding to the information specified by the operation information sent from the information processing device, and displaying the specified supplementary information on the corresponding information processing device. The provided digital processing apparatus is also characterized.

  And means for storing the identification code of the manager or owner of the image data stored in the storage means, means for measuring the cumulative retention period since each image data stored in the storage device, When it is determined that the cumulative storage period of each image data has passed a predetermined period, it is determined that the image data has passed. There may be provided means for transmitting inquiry information relating to data deletion and means for deleting the image data by deletion instruction information returned from the information processing apparatus.

In any of the above digital processing apparatuses, there is provided resolution conversion storage means for reducing the resolution of the image data stored in the storage means and re-storing it when it is determined that the free space of the storage means is less than a predetermined value. Good thing.
Further, a digital processing apparatus that includes a reading unit that reads image data of a document and is configured to store the image data of the document read by the reading unit in the storage unit is preferable.

  According to the digital processing apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to share information about image data by using a folder. Even when image data stored in the image file storage unit is efficiently shared, the information is effectively used, and distribution to a plurality of destinations is possible with a simple operation. Even if there are a plurality of distribution destinations of image data, it can be distributed by a simple operation. Since the stored image data is automatically deleted, the storage area can be efficiently used without storing unnecessary image data. Furthermore, when the resolution is converted and stored again, more efficient use is possible.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of an image file server system according to a first embodiment configured by a digital processing apparatus according to the present invention.

  This image file server system is configured by connecting an image file server 1 (hereinafter referred to as “server 1”) and a personal computer functioning as clients 3 and 4 via a network 2.

  The server 1 includes a reading unit 5 that reads an image of a document, a main controller 6, and a print engine 7 that realizes a printing function. The server 1 functions as a scanner that reads an image of a document, and the image data is electrophotographic. This is a digital multi-function peripheral that combines the functions of a copier that copies and prints on paper.

  The reading unit 5 is an image reading unit that reads an image described in a document, scans the set document, reads an image recorded therein by an optical unit, and converts the image into an electrical signal. It is binarized and output as image data. For example, an image scanner using a CCD as a photoelectric conversion means.

  The main controller 6 is a unit for controlling the entire image file server 1 and is realized by means of a built-in microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as “CPU”) and storage means comprising a memory chip or a hard disk. Each unit includes a frame memory 8, a band buffer 9, a compression / decompression unit 10, a file control unit 11, a network control unit 12, and an image file storage unit 13.

  The frame memory 8 stores image data of a still image (frame) input from the reading unit 5 and includes a semiconductor storage element. The band buffer 9 serves as a storage location for temporarily storing image data of a still image input from the reading unit 5 during transfer.

  The compression / decompression unit 10 performs processing for compressing image data to remove redundancy, and processing for decompressing the compressed image data and restoring original information.

  The file control unit 11 receives a request from the client 3 or the like via the network control unit 12, handles image data stored in the image file storage unit 13, for example, stores image data newly or has been stored Control and management necessary for deleting data are performed, and control necessary for transmitting image data to the outside via the network control unit 12 is performed. Details thereof will be described later.

  The network control unit 12 executes control necessary for connection to the network 2 and controls communication with the client 3 or 4 that is a counterpart of a handling request regarding image data.

  The image file storage unit 13 is a storage device including a hard disk that stores image data input from the reading unit 5 and subjected to predetermined compression processing by the compression / decompression unit 10. In addition to the hard disk, a semiconductor memory element or memory card with a backup power source can also be used. This image file storage unit 13 has a plurality of folders for classifying and storing image data for each image file. The folder will be described in detail later.

  Next, functions of the image file server system configured as described above will be described.

  In the image file server system, the image file storage unit 13 registers, in each folder, attribute information related to a delivery destination for delivering image data via the network 2 from the client 3 or 4 (the client 3 will be described as an example below). It is configured to be able to. When the attribute information is registered in the folder, the image data is automatically transmitted to the client specified by the destination in the attribute information at the timing when the image data is stored in the folder thereafter. It has become.

  The folder of the image file storage unit 13 means a storage location of image data stored in units of image files. A plurality of folders are provided in the image file storage unit 13, and as shown in FIG. 2, the image file storage unit 13 includes three folders 14a, 14b, and 14c.

Each folder can newly register and update attribute information related to the distribution destination of stored image data and attribute information related to image data.
The attribute information regarding the distribution destination is information for specifying the distribution destination, and corresponds to, for example, an e-mail address. The attribute information related to the image data is stored or stored such as access authority to the image data, file list of the folder in which the image data is stored, storage date and time of the image data, elapsed time since storage, deletion date and time, etc. This corresponds to information regarding various attributes relating to the stored image data. Furthermore, a notification message for a registered delivery destination can be registered in each folder. Of course, this notification message can also be newly registered and updated from the client.

  Next, the function of the image file server system will be described by taking as an example a case where a document on which a document relating to CPU performance is described is assumed and an image of the document is read and stored in the image file storage unit 13.

  First, when the original is set in the reading unit 5 and a reading instruction is input from an operation panel (not shown), image data obtained by reading an image described in the original is output from the reading unit 5. The image data is temporarily stored in the frame memory 8 or the band buffer 9 and then compressed by the compression / decompression unit 10 and then stored in the image file storage unit 13. The file control unit 11 executes control for storing the compressed image in the image file storage unit 13. In parallel with the storage in the image file storage unit 13, the image data is also sent to the print engine 7, and a copy process for printing on a predetermined sheet by a copy mechanism (not shown) is performed.

  If the image data is stored as new image data in the folder 14a of the image file storage unit 13 as described above, the main controller 6 executes the following processing according to the flowchart shown in FIG. Note that “S” in the drawing is an abbreviation of a step.

  At this time, it is assumed that the attribute information A is registered in advance in the folder 14a as shown in FIG. The attribute information A includes the e-mail addresses a, b, and c of the three distribution destinations, the access authority (the contents are not registered), the two image file lists d and e, and the notification that “new technology file has been accumulated” It is assumed that the registration date / time, deletion date / time, and the like of the stored image data are stored together with the message f.

  First, in step 1, the file control unit 11 accesses the folder 14a in which image data is stored, and in the subsequent step 2, the stored attribute information A is read. In subsequent step 3, it is determined whether or not the contents of the distribution destination of the attribute information A read by the file control unit 11 have been registered. If it has already been registered, the process proceeds to the subsequent step 4; otherwise, the process is exited.

  In step 4, it is determined whether or not it has been registered by referring to the item of the notification message that is the content of the read attribute information A. If it has been registered, the process proceeds to the subsequent step 5, and if not, step 7 follows. Proceed to In step 5, a registered notification message f “new technology file accumulated” is sent to the client 3, which is one of the registered delivery destinations (addresses of the mail addresses a, b, and c). To do.

  In the subsequent step 6, the file list g (CPU performance.ext) of newly stored image data is newly registered, and the process is terminated. Then, the file list g is newly registered in the attribute information A as shown in FIG. In step 7, a general-purpose message (for example, “file accumulated”) is transmitted as a case where the notification message is not registered.

  On the other hand, the client 3 receives the above notification message f. When the operator confirms the received notification message f and accesses the folder 14a (for example, clicks with a mouse not shown), the file control unit 11 transmits the registered attribute information A to the client 3. Then, a detailed list B of attribute information including registered file lists d, e, and f, registration date and time h, and deletion date and time i is displayed. Further, when a newly registered file list g is selected and clicked by the client 3, a confirmation screen C asking whether printing of stored image data is necessary is displayed.

  Here, when “print” of the item C 1 is selected, instruction information for instructing the printing is transmitted to the file control unit 11 via the network 2. The file control unit 11 receives the instruction information and reads out the stored image data from the folder 14 a and transmits it to the client 3. The client 3 can print and output this from a predetermined printer.

  As described above, in the image file server system, the file control unit 11 notifies the client 3 that is a registered destination as a distribution destination when a new image data is stored in the folder, and a notification unit As a result, it is possible to actively ask the operator of the client 3 whether to immediately print the image data stored in the folder or to use it again later.

  This makes it possible to share information about image data by using folders. For example, the folder may be used as a bulletin board when someone copies and distributes a special feature article such as a technical magazine. In other words, if the address of the person who is scheduled to be distributed is registered in this folder as a distribution destination, all the members scheduled for distribution will be notified when the image data obtained by copying is stored. Then, if each member needs the image data, a request may be made to re-use (print) each client remotely. By doing so, the image data stored in the image file storage unit 13 can be efficiently shared, and the information can be used effectively, and can be delivered to a plurality of destinations with a simple operation.

  Next, a second embodiment of the image file server system will be described. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the image file server system is configured by providing a distribution information file specifying unit 20 and a merge specifying unit 21 in the server 1 in the first embodiment.

  The image file storage unit 13 is configured so that a distribution information file (metafile) can be registered. The distribution information file is a file that records information that defines the destination of the client that is the distribution destination of the stored image data. The distribution information file is created in a predetermined format at the client, and is received by the server 1 to generate an image. It is registered in the file storage unit 13.

  The distribution information file designation means 20 is a means for allowing the operator to select and designate a distribution information file registered in the image file storage unit 13 for distribution. This can be realized by an operation panel (not shown).

  The merge designation unit 21 instructs to perform a process of merging the distribution information file specified by the distribution information file specification unit 20 and the image data to be transmitted to the destination specified by the distribution information file. Specifically, this can also be realized by an operation panel (not shown).

Next, the function of the image file server in the second embodiment will be described more specifically.
In this embodiment, it is necessary to create a distribution information file in the client 3 in advance and register it by transmitting it to the server 1. The distribution information file is created in the client 3 as a distribution information file E created as a single file by editing the mail address D into a predetermined layout, for example, as shown in FIG. After creation, the distribution information file E is transmitted to the server 1 via the network 2 and registered in the image file storage unit 13.

  On the other hand, the server 1 displays the file name or identification number (ID number) of the distribution information file E received on the operation panel when the distribution information file E is received and registered. At this time, the operator appropriately operates the operation panel and designates a destination to which the read image data is to be merged and transmitted from the file name or identification number of the distribution information file E displayed there. . Further, when the merge is designated following the designation of the destination, the main controller 6 of the server 1 executes the following process according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, in step 10, a message requesting that a document to be read is set on the reading unit 5 is displayed on the operation panel. In step 11, it is determined whether or not a document is set. If there is a document set, the process proceeds to step 12. If not, the process returns to step 10 to display a message again.

  In the following step 12, the reading unit 5 is operated to start reading the set document. After that, in the subsequent step 13, a process of merging the image data of the read original upon completion of the reading and the delivery information of the destination specified in advance is executed. This merging is performed by the file control unit 11. As a result, the distribution information file is newly assigned to the read image data and stored. At this time, as shown in FIG. 5, a new image data file list m is added to the already stored image data file lists j and k, and a distribution information file E is further added to form one image data file. It is formed.

  In subsequent step 14, the network control unit 12 is activated, and the destination client 3 defined by the distribution information file E stored for the image data file newly created by the file control unit 11 is processed. The newly read image data m is sequentially distributed.

  As described above, according to the image file server system in the second embodiment, if the distribution information file is registered in advance, the image data can be simply specified by merging the read image data with the distribution information file. Can be automatically distributed to clients of desired destinations. This has a beneficial effect especially when distributing image data of a document to be read.

  When there are many delivery destinations, it is very troublesome and time-consuming to input the delivery destinations with operation input on the operation panel. Even if the registered data is cited from a mail server etc. It is not easy to specify one item at a time. However, according to the image file server system of this embodiment, when a destination to be distributed is registered in the server 1 in advance, the destination is specified by designating a distribution information file from the destination and reading the document. The image data is automatically distributed. Therefore, it is freed from annoying distribution destination designation work.

  Specifically, the following cases can be considered. For example, when trying to distribute meeting minutes to attendees, it is common to copy the required number of copies of a written paper or electronically record the contents of a board and distribute it directly to each attendee or to each individual addressee. It is a conventional method to designate and designate a facsimile and distribute it. However, according to the image file server system in this embodiment, when the distribution information file including the attendee's e-mail address is registered in the server 1, the image data of the read minutes is automatically merged with the attendee and automatically sent to the attendee. Can be delivered. Therefore, it is free from troublesome distribution destination designation work, and transmission to a plurality of destinations is also simplified.

  The above distribution information file may be automatically deleted when one distribution process is completed, or may be stored when it is known in advance that it will be used repeatedly. Further, editing may be performed by an operation input of the server 1 without fixing the distribution destination. This distribution information file can be distributed by merging with a plurality of image data already stored in the image file storage unit 13 as well as newly registered image data.

  Next, a third embodiment of the image file server system will be described. In the case of the image file server system in this embodiment, the image file storage unit 13 of the server 1 can store various incidental information to be added to the file list of each stored image data. Yes.

  The supplementary information is information added to the stored image data to easily grasp the contents. For example, the importance of the image data, the source, the title, etc. Information that implies the contents. Further, as will be described later, this incidental information is information that is created by the client of the image data manager and sent from the client.

Subsequently, the image file server in the third embodiment executes processing as follows according to the flowchart shown in FIG.
As in the case of the second embodiment, after executing Step 10 to Step 12, Step 20 is executed, and the stored file list of the image data is transmitted to the corresponding client. In this case, the client only needs to identify the destination mail address with reference to the attribute information registered in the folder storing the image data.

  On the other hand, the client 3 receives the above-described file list via the network 2 and receives it. Therefore, the client operator can add various incidental information to the file list. At this time, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, in the file list transmitted from the server 1, four image data from “COPY001.jpg” to “COPY004.jpg” are formed for “COPY FILE”. Assume that a file list n indicating a hierarchical structure in which four image data from “USER001.jpg” to “USER004.jpg” are formed with respect to a file list n indicating a hierarchical structure and “USER XXX”.

  Then, the administrator operates the client 3 to refer to these file lists n and o, and adds desired incidental information for each image data. For example, a comment p “CPU performance comparison Nikkei Electronics to COPY” is added to the file list n as additional information. Thereafter, the incidental information is transmitted from the client 3 to the server 1.

  Then, after transmitting the file lists n and o in step 20, the server 1 enters a standby state in which it is determined whether or not incidental information has been received from the client 3 in step 21. If there is reception, the process proceeds to step 22. Step 21 is executed. In subsequent step 22, incidental information received by the file control unit 11 is stored in the image file storage unit 13.

  Further, in step 23, a standby state for accepting designation of incidental information is entered. If there is an input for designating incidental information, the process proceeds to step 24, and the incidental information corresponding to the designation is transmitted to the client 3 that has designated the incident. The process is terminated in such a way that it is displayed.

  As described above, when an input designating a file list to be referred to from the client 3 is performed, the contents of the additional information added thereto can be displayed, so that the contents of the image data can be simplified. Can grasp. Therefore, even when a large amount of image data is stored in the server 1, it is possible to easily search for the required image data with a simple operation, and it is also necessary to print all the contents of the image data or display it on the viewer. And efficient search.

Then, if you want to find out the additional information and find out more detailed information, double-click on the corresponding file name, etc., to imply the contents and display the hint information in a pop-up window You may make it easy to confirm.
In addition to the comments regarding the contents of the image data described above, figures and symbols such as unique icons and marks may be used as the accompanying information.

  Subsequently, a fourth embodiment of the image file server system will be described. The image file storage unit 13 in this embodiment can store an identification number (user ID) of a person who holds or manages stored image data (hereinafter referred to as “manager”). By designating, the stored image data can be identified.

  The server 1 operates as follows according to flowcharts shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 under the control of the main controller 6.

  First, as in the case of the second embodiment, after executing Steps 10 to 12, Step 30 is executed, and the image data of the read original is stored in the image file storage unit 13 by the file control unit 11, while the subsequent In step 31, the file name of the image data is displayed on the operation panel, and a screen for inputting the administrator identification number is displayed. In step 32, it is determined whether or not the identification number has been input. If there is an input, the process proceeds to the subsequent process. If not, the process returns to step 31 to display again.

  When the screen for inputting the file name and identification code of the image data is displayed in the above step 32, as shown in FIG. 11, the screen is for determining whether or not to automatically delete the image data. Ask for information. When the image data is automatically deleted, the deletion deadline is designated together with the “r” item “r” in the “automatic deletion” display q in FIG. The deletion deadline may be specified by an arbitrary time, the number of days or the number of months, or, as shown in FIG. 11, a display of a specific period such as “3 days, 1 week, 1 month”. You may decide according to the contents chosen from. If automatic deletion is not performed, an item “No” is designated.

  Subsequently, in step S33, if the content specified in step 31 is judged and the content is “Yes”, that is, if it is an automatic deletion, the process proceeds to Step 34, and if it is “No”, the process ends. In step 34, the file control unit 11 measures the accumulated storage period after each image data is stored in the image file storage unit 13. In subsequent step 35, it is determined whether or not the current date and time has passed the notification time determined from the deletion deadline. If it has elapsed, the process proceeds to step 36. If not, the process returns to step 34. .

  Here, the notification time refers to a time when information (inquiry information) for inquiring about deletion is notified in advance to an administrator who has designated “automatic deletion” of image data. It is set at a time when a certain time has passed from the deadline (for example, one day before deletion).

  In step 36, inquiry information u regarding deletion of the image data addressed to the client 3 used by the administrator, for example, information such as cancellation of deletion, extension of the deletion time limit, deletion permission is sent to a predetermined message ("PCI bus information"). The file is deleted on XX month 00 ”) and the file control unit 11 transmits the file.

On the other hand, the administrator client 3 receives the inquiry information u, and then returns information (response information) regarding deletion of the image data.
Further, the server 1 receives the response information in step 37, and determines in step 38 whether or not the content is “deleted”. If “deleted”, the server 1 proceeds to step 39 and proceeds to step 39. The image data corresponding to is deleted. If not, the process proceeds to step 40, and processing corresponding to each mode (for example, in the case of extension of the deletion deadline, a deletion deadline is newly set) is executed and the processing is terminated. If there is no response from the client, step 39 may be executed assuming that the response information is “deleted”.

  As described above, in the fourth embodiment, when storing image data in the image file storage unit 13, the image data is automatically deleted by designating the administrator and necessity of automatic deletion. Therefore, it is possible to ensure that an empty area is automatically secured in the storage area of the image file storage unit 13. Moreover, since the deletion is automatically performed by notifying the administrator in advance of whether or not the automatic deletion is necessary, it is not deleted without the knowledge of the administrator. In addition, since it is possible to change the contents once set, such as extending the deletion deadline, it can be automatically deleted in consideration of the convenience of the administrator, so that the image file storage unit 13 can be used efficiently and efficiently. Figured.

  Furthermore, the file control unit 11 of each of the above embodiments can be provided with a resolution conversion storage unit. This resolution conversion means executes a process of reducing and re-storing the resolution of the already stored image data when the size of the empty area of the image file storage unit 13 becomes a predetermined value or less. In the case of providing this resolution conversion storage means, in the server 1, following the image reading by the file control unit 11, a step of executing processing according to the following flowchart shown in FIG. 12 (referred to as “resolution conversion routine”) is added. That's fine.

  First, in step 41, the file control unit 11 is caused to access the image file storage unit 13 to check the size of the free area (remaining amount) of the storage area. In the following step 42, it is determined whether or not the free area is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value. If so, the process proceeds to step 43. If not, the resolution conversion routine is exited.

  In step 43, the stored image data is read out, and in the subsequent step 44, the resolution of the read image data is read and converted into image data having a lower resolution (for example, the resolution of the read image data is lower). When the resolution is 1200 dpi, the resolution is converted to 600 dpi, which is lower than that, and the converted image data is compressed by the compression / decompression unit 10. Further, the converted and compressed data is stored in the image file storage unit 13 again in the subsequent step 45. Thereafter, in step 46, it is determined whether or not the resolution conversion has been completed for all the image files. If all of the image files have been converted, the process ends. If not, the process returns to step 43 to return to the next image data. The resolution conversion process is executed on the file.

  In the case where the resolution conversion storage means as described above is provided, when the free area of the image file storage unit 13 decreases and falls below a predetermined value, the resolution is automatically reduced and stored again. Although it decreases, the storage capacity of the image data in terms of the number of sheets is increased, so that it can be used more efficiently. In general, it is considered that the content of image data is more important than the resolution of the image data. Therefore, even if the resolution of the image data is reduced from, for example, 1200 dpi to 600 dpi, there is almost no problem.

  For image data that is subject to resolution conversion, priority should be given to data with a large storage area, automatic deletion set, low usage frequency, and long time elapsed since storage. .

  Further, in each of the embodiments described above, the configuration in which each server is provided with the reading unit 5 that reads the image described in the document has been described. However, the reading unit 5 may not be provided, and for example, a personal computer may be used. . In the case of a personal computer, there is no reading unit (reading unit 5 in FIG. 1) for reading the image data described in the original document, so that the image data is received from an external client via the network 2 and the network control unit 12. It is received and input, and the input image data is compressed and stored in the image data storage unit.

  Further, the server 1 has been described as a digital multi-function peripheral in which a function as a scanner and a function as a copier are combined and integrated. However, for example, a facsimile function that is a transmission / reception function of image data, and an image A combination of functions as a printer for printing data may be used.

  Further, it may be a digital device that has only one application function, for example, only a function as a copier, does not have other application functions such as a facsimile function, and is equipped with a network control function.

  As described above, according to the digital processing device of the present invention, it is possible to share information about image data by using a folder. Even when image data stored in the image file storage unit is efficiently shared, the information is effectively used, and distribution to a plurality of destinations is possible with a simple operation. Even if there are a plurality of distribution destinations of image data, it can be distributed by a simple operation. Since the stored image data is automatically deleted, the storage area can be efficiently used without storing unnecessary image data. Furthermore, when the resolution is converted and stored again, more efficient use is possible.

1 is a system configuration diagram of an image file server system configured by a digital processing apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the function of the folder provided in the digital processing apparatus by this invention. 3 is a flowchart of processing executed by a main controller when image data is newly stored in the folder shown in FIG. 2. It is another system block diagram of the image file server system comprised with the digital processing apparatus by this invention. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the function of the delivery information file memorize | stored in the digital processing apparatus by this invention.

6 is a flowchart of processing executed by the main controller when a destination is specified from the distribution information file shown in FIG. 5. 10 is a flowchart of processing relating to transmission of a file list and reception of incidental information corresponding thereto in the third embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the file list transmitted from the server 1 in 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart of the process which a main controller performs about the automatic deletion of the image data shown in FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a subsequent process of FIG. 9. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining contents displayed on a screen for designating a deletion deadline or the like in automatic deletion processing. It is a flowchart of the process which a main controller performs about a resolution conversion process.

Explanation of symbols

1: Image file server 2: Network 3, 4: Client 5: Reading unit 6: Main controller 7: Print engine 8: Frame memory 9: Band buffer 10: Compression / decompression unit 11: File control unit 12: Network control unit 13: Image file storage unit 20: file designation means 21: merge designation means

Claims (1)

Storage means for storing image data for each image file, and image file control means for controlling handling of image data stored in the storage means in response to a request transmitted from an information processing apparatus on the network A digital processing device,
The storage means classifies and stores image data, and has a folder capable of registering attribute information including a destination of an information processing apparatus that is a distribution destination of the stored image data,
A digital processing apparatus comprising notification means for notifying each registered delivery destination of predetermined information when new image data is stored in this folder.

Images