JP2006221296A - Electronic document output system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic document output system capable of directly outputting universal electronic documents generally circulating. <P>SOLUTION: The electronic document output system includes a portable electronic data storage device that stores electronic documents, and an output device that outputs to the outside the electronic documents stored in the electronic data storage device, the electronic data storage device being connected to the output device. The electronic data storage device stores output setting information that specifies the output format of the electronic documents. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention reads a digital document stored in a portable or portable electronic data storage device such as a USB memory and an output setting file associated with the electronic document, thereby allowing a copying machine, a printer, The present invention relates to an electronic document output system capable of outputting an electronic document from various output devices such as a display without any special operation by a user.

  Even if a user wants to perform an output operation such as printing or displaying an electronic document at a business trip destination or the like, if the application software corresponding to the electronic document is not installed on the destination computer, the electronic document is generally printed. Cannot output. Even if application software is installed on a destination computer or the like, an electronic document cannot be printed out in the form intended by the user because the detailed setting method of printout for printing out is not known. This is often the case.

  In view of this, an information output system in which print intermediate data is stored in a portable storage device having portability is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1). In this information output system, what is stored in the portable storage device is special printing intermediate data immediately before printing in which a document and its printing information are integrated. That is, the print intermediate data is data sent from the printer driver to the printer when normal printing is performed by the printer driver. It does not mean that the contents of the print intermediate data can be changed and output in another format. In addition, the name, size, number of pages, and the like of data indicated as data attributes are displayed when the user selects data to be printed, so that the selection can be made easily.

  Therefore, since special print intermediate data that is not generally used is stored in the portable storage device, the print output specialized so that the print output device can interpret the special print intermediate data. Must be equipment. That is, a general and general-purpose print output device cannot print out a document because it cannot interpret non-general and special print intermediate data. Also, since the setting information regarding the print output is not stored in the portable storage device separately from the document, it is impossible for the user himself to change the setting when it is necessary to set the print. .

JP 2002-268832 A

  Therefore, a technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an electronic document output system capable of directly outputting a universal electronic document that is generally distributed.

  Furthermore, another technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an electronic document output system having an optional function that reflects a user's intention at the time of output.

Means and actions / effects for solving the problem

  In order to solve the above technical problem, according to the present invention, a portable electronic data storage device storing an electronic document and an electronic data storage device are connected and stored in the electronic data storage device. An electronic document output system comprising: an output device that outputs an electronic document to the outside, wherein the electronic data storage device stores output setting information that defines an output form of the electronic document The

  In the electronic data storage device having the portability of the electronic document output system, output setting information is stored together with the electronic document. When an electronic data storage device carried by a user is connected to an output device at an external destination or the like, output setting information stored in the electronic data storage device is read, and an electronic document is output according to the output setting information. Are automatically output without user intervention in the form of printing or display. Therefore, the user can output a desired electronic document at an outside destination or the like by only a simple operation of connecting the electronic data storage device without being bothered by detailed output settings.

  Although at least one electronic document is stored in the electronic data storage device, the output setting information includes individual output setting information that defines an individual output form corresponding to a certain electronic document. When a plurality of electronic documents are stored, the output setting information further includes overall output setting information that defines the overall output form including each electronic document. Therefore, the output setting information includes at least one of individual output setting information that defines an individual output form of the electronic document and overall output setting information that specifies the overall output form of the electronic document.

  There are cases where the electronic document output system cannot directly handle the electronic document stored in the electronic data storage device. In this case, it is preferable that the electronic document output system further includes an electronic document conversion device that converts an electronic document that cannot be output into an electronic document that can be output.

  Although the electronic document stored in the electronic data storage device is basically output according to the output setting information, the user may want to output without following the preset output setting information immediately before the output operation. is assumed. Therefore, as an option, it is configured to confirm whether or not to output according to the output setting information stored in the electronic data storage device.

  Output setting information is usually included in the electronic data storage device, but if there is no individual output setting information, it is output in the default output form of the output device or in any output form of the user It is configured to select whether to output.

  The electronic document stored in the electronic data storage device is, for example, in the PDF file format, which is a standard electronic document file at present. It goes without saying that a substantially standard electronic document file other than the PDF file may be used.

  The output device includes display means for reducing and displaying the output image when the electronic document is output so that the output image of the electronic document can be confirmed before the electronic document is output.

  Hereinafter, an electronic document output system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. In the electronic document output system 1 according to the first embodiment, a case where an electronic document is printed out by an apparatus having a printing function will be described as an electronic document output form. However, the electronic document is displayed and output on a display. It is also applicable to cases.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an electronic document output system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a process of creating electronic data stored in the electronic data storage device in the electronic document output system of FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a print output process of an electronic document in the print output apparatus. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the electronic data creation process shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the print output process of the electronic document shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 1, an electronic document output system 1 includes an electronic data storage device 3, a print output device 5 to which the electronic data storage device 3 is connected in a wired or wireless manner, a print output device 5 and the like connected in a wired or wireless manner. And a network 7 such as a dedicated line such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a public telephone line.

  The electronic data storage device 3 is a device for storing the electronic data 10 such as the electronic document file 12 and the output setting information files 14 and 16 and can be easily carried by the user to the destination or the like. It has portability and portability. The electronic data storage device 3 includes a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM, and a communication I / F for electrically connecting to a connector and a slot of the print output device 5. A CPU (Central Processing Unit) constitutes a control unit that performs various processes in the electronic data storage device 3. A program executed by the control unit is stored in a storage unit including a ROM (Read Only Memory), a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and the like. A storage unit including a RAM (Random Access Memory) is used as a temporary work area when a program is executed by the control unit.

  The electronic data storage device 3 can be used in various ways, for example, a flash memory card such as a USB memory, an SD card or a compact flash (registered trademark), a micro hard disk drive such as a micro drive, a floppy disk, etc. There are drive devices such as disks and MOs.

  An electronic document file 12 and output setting information files 14 and 16 are stored in the storage unit of the electronic data storage device 3.

  As the electronic document file 12, a PDF file format which is a de facto standard electronic document file is used. In the future, when a substantially standard electronic document file other than the PDF file is used, it goes without saying that such a standard electronic document file may be used.

  The output setting information file includes an individual print setting information file 14 and an entire print setting information file 16.

  The individual print setting information file 14 is a file in which individual print setting information that defines an individual print output form corresponding to a certain electronic document is described. The individual print setting information includes, for example, how to fold paper, booklet printing, presence / absence of punch, presence / absence of staples, and the like.

  The overall print setting information file 16 is a file in which overall print setting information that defines the overall print output form including each electronic document is described. The overall print setting information is, for example, the printing order of each electronic document, an alarm after the end of printing, notification by e-mail, or providing a pause state after the end of printing of a certain electronic document.

  The print output apparatus 5 is an image forming apparatus having a print output function capable of printing out an electronic document. For example, the print output apparatus 5 is a printer, a copier with a print function, that is, a digital multifunction peripheral (Multi Function Peripheral). Note that various display devices such as a liquid crystal display and an EL display are used to display and output an electronic document instead of printing.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the print output device 5 includes an electronic data reading means 51 (for example, a communication I / F) for reading electronic data stored in the electronic data storage device 3 in a wired or wireless manner, and an electronic document. A print output unit 57 that prints out the data, a control unit that performs various processes in the print output device 5, a storage unit that stores various data, and an operation panel that performs input operations and displays various types of information. I have. Various processes in the print output device 5, such as reading by the electronic data reading means 51 and print output by the print output unit 57, are controlled by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) as a control unit. The electronic data read by the electronic data reading means 51 and the program executed by the control unit are stored in a storage unit such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a HDD (Hard Disk Drive). A storage unit including a RAM (Random Access Memory) includes a storage area for temporarily storing electronic data read by the electronic data reading unit 51, and a temporary work area when a program is executed by the control unit. Used as.

  The electronic data creation device 2 is a device for creating the electronic data 10 including the electronic document file 12, the individual output setting information file 14, and the overall output setting information file 16, and includes a control unit, a storage unit, and the like. It is constructed with a general personal computer or the like. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the electronic data creation device 2 is a CPU that executes an electronic data generation program 21 that creates electronic data 10 from the electronic document file 12, the individual output setting information file 14, and the overall output setting information file 16. A storage unit such as a ROM, RAM, or HDD for storing the program and data, and electronic data writing means 24 for sending the electronic data 10 and writing it in the electronic data storage device 3 (for example, , Communication I / F).

  First, the process of creating the electronic data 10 stored in the electronic data storage device 3 of the electronic document output system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In a state where the electronic data storage device 3 is connected to the electronic data creation device 2, the electronic data creation operation is started by starting the electronic data creation device 2 (step S100). When an icon or the like of the electronic data creation program 21 displayed on the display is clicked, the electronic data creation program 21 stored in a storage unit such as a ROM or HDD of the electronic data creation device 2 is activated. The electronic document file 12 stored in the electronic data creation device 2 or the electronic data storage device 3 is read into a storage unit such as a RAM of the electronic data creation device 2, and a list of a plurality of stored electronic document files 12 is displayed as a list. Is done. The user selects at least one electronic document file 12 to be printed out from the display list (step S101).

  Regarding the individual print output form of the selected electronic document file 12, for example, individual print setting information such as how to fold paper, booklet printing, presence / absence of punch, presence / absence of stapling is set according to the individual print setting file generation program 22. These pieces of information are created in the form of the individual print setting information file 14 (step S102).

  With respect to the overall print output form of the selected plurality of electronic document files 12, for example, the print order of each electronic document, an alarm after the end of printing, an e-mail notification, or a pause state after the end of printing of an electronic document The entire print setting information such as provision is set according to the entire print setting file generation program 23, and the information is created in the form of the entire print setting information file 16 (step S103).

  The electronic document file 12 and the created individual print setting information file 14 and overall print setting information file 16 are written and saved as electronic data 10 in the electronic data storage device 3 by the electronic data writing means 24 ( Step S104), a series of electronic data storage work is completed (Step S105).

  Next, a process of printing out an electronic document using the electronic data 10 stored in the electronic data storage device 3 of the electronic document output system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  When the print output device 5 is turned on and activated, an electronic document print output operation is started (step S200). When the electronic data storage device 3 is connected to the print output device 5 by wire or wirelessly (step S201), the print output device 5 recognizes the connection of the electronic data storage device 3, and the electronic data reading means 51 of the print output device 5 The electronic data 10 of the electronic data storage device 3 is automatically read, and the electronic data 10 is stored in the storage unit (step S202). Note that when the electronic data storage device 3 is connected to the print output device 5, user authentication may be performed to determine whether the system can be used.

  First, the presence / absence of the entire print setting information file 16 is determined from the electronic data 10 (step S203). When the entire print setting information file 16 exists, the entire print setting information is read by the entire print setting file interpretation unit 52. If the entire print setting information file 16 does not exist, a list of electronic document files 12 stored in the electronic data storage device 3 is displayed, and the electronic document file 12 to be printed out is selected (step S204). ).

  The presence / absence of the individual setting information file 14 is determined from the electronic data 10 (step S205). When the individual print setting information file 14 exists, the individual print setting file interpretation unit 53 reads the individual print setting information described above into the storage unit of the print output device 5. If the individual print setting information file 14 does not exist, the default print output setting stored in advance in the print output device 5 is read (step S206). Alternatively, an optional print output setting desired by the user at the time of print output can be input.

  When the electronic document file 12 is read, the print output unit 55 of the print output device 5 corresponds to the designated print output setting such as the entire print setting, the individual print setting, the default print output setting, or the optional print output setting. Print output parameters are set (step S207). Then, according to the designated print output setting, the electronic document is printed out by the print output means 57 (step S208), and a series of print output operations of the electronic document is completed (step S210).

  Next, the electronic document output system 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. Note that the electronic document output system 1 according to the second embodiment is an electronic device that can print out an electronic document when the electronic document output system 1 according to the second embodiment includes an electronic document that cannot be printed out. An electronic document conversion function for converting into a document is further provided. The electronic document output system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described below with a focus on differences from the first embodiment.

  6, the electronic document output system 1 according to the second embodiment includes an electronic data storage device 3, a print output device 5 to which the electronic data storage device 3 is connected by wire or wirelessly, a print output device 5 and the like wired. Alternatively, in addition to a network 7 such as a dedicated line such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a public telephone line connected wirelessly, an electronic document conversion device 9 is further provided.

  When the electronic document file stored in the electronic data storage device 3 includes an electronic document file that cannot be printed out, the electronic document conversion device 9 converts the electronic document file into an electronic document file that can be printed out. And is constructed by a general personal computer including a control unit and a storage unit. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the electronic document conversion apparatus 9 includes a control unit including a CPU that executes an electronic document conversion program 91 that converts an electronic document file that cannot be printed out into an electronic document file that can be printed out, and the like. A storage unit such as a ROM, RAM, and HDD for storing the program and data, and an electronic document transfer unit (for example, a communication I / F) for transferring the electronic document file 12 are provided.

  Since the other components of the electronic document output system 1 are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment described above, detailed description thereof is omitted. Also, since the creation process of the electronic data 10 stored in the electronic data storage device 3 of the electronic document output system 1 is substantially the same as that of the first embodiment described above, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Next, a process of printing out an electronic document using the electronic data 10 stored in the electronic data storage device 3 of the electronic document output system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  When the print output device 5 is turned on and activated, an electronic document print output operation is started (step S300). When the electronic data storage device 3 is connected to the print output device 5 by wire or wireless (step S301), the print output device 5 recognizes the connection of the electronic data storage device 3, and the electronic data reading means 51 of the print output device 5 The electronic data 10 of the electronic data storage device 3 is automatically read, and the electronic data 10 is stored in the storage unit (step S302). Note that when the electronic data storage device 3 is connected to the print output device 5, user authentication may be performed to determine whether the system can be used.

  First, the presence / absence of the entire print setting information file 16 is determined from the electronic data 10 (step S303). When the entire print setting information file 16 exists, the entire print setting information is read by the entire print setting file interpretation unit 52. If the entire print setting information file 16 does not exist, a list of electronic document files 12 stored in the electronic data storage device 3 is displayed, and the electronic document file 12 to be printed out is selected (step S304). ).

  The presence or absence of the individual setting information file 14 is determined from the electronic data 10 (step S305). When the individual print setting information file 14 exists, the individual print setting file interpretation unit 53 reads the individual print setting information described above into the storage unit of the print output device 5. If the individual print setting information file 14 does not exist, the default print output setting stored in advance in the print output device 5 is read (step S306). Alternatively, an optional print output setting desired by the user at the time of print output can be input.

  The print output parameters are set by the print output unit 55 of the print output device 5 so as to correspond to the specified print output setting such as the overall print setting, the individual print setting, the default print output setting, or the optional print output setting (step). S307).

  The electronic document file 12 is read, and the electronic document file interpretation unit 54 determines whether or not the electronic document file 12 is a printable electronic document (step S308). If the electronic document file 12 is a printable electronic document, the electronic document is printed out by the print output means 57 in accordance with the designated print output setting (step S310). On the other hand, if the electronic document file 12 is an electronic document that cannot be printed, the electronic document file 12 is temporarily transferred to the electronic document conversion device 9 via the electronic document transfer means. Delivery of the electronic document file 12 is controlled by the electronic document file input / output control unit 56. After an unprintable electronic document file is converted into a printable electronic document file by the electronic document conversion program 91 in the electronic document conversion apparatus 9, the printable electronic document file is printed via the electronic document delivery means. It is delivered to the output device 5. The printable electronic document file is returned to the storage unit of the print output device 5, and is confirmed as a printable electronic document file by the electronic document file interpretation unit 54 (step S309).

  The electronic document file 12 converted into a printable electronic document file is printed out by the print output means 57 in accordance with the designated print output setting (step S310), and a series of electronic document print output operations is completed. (Step S311).

  In addition, in order to prevent the electronic data storage device 3 from being inadvertently removed during use, the print output device 5 is provided with a display lamp such as an LED for indicating that the electronic data storage device 3 is in use, or cannot be accessed during use. A protective cover can be provided. Alternatively, when the electronic data storage device 3 is connected, a monitoring program for monitoring the connection state is activated, and when the connection is disconnected, a display for notifying the connection disconnection is displayed on the operation panel or the like. The print output device 5 can also be configured to return to the previous initial state.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the electronic document output system which concerns on 1st embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the creation process of the electronic data stored in the electronic data storage apparatus in the electronic document output system of FIG. It is a figure explaining the print output process of the electronic document in a print output apparatus. It is a flowchart of the electronic data creation process shown in FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an electronic document printout process shown in FIG. 3. It is a figure which shows the structure of the electronic document output system which concerns on 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the print output process of the electronic document in the print output apparatus in the electronic document output system of FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an electronic document printout process shown in FIG. 7. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Electronic document output system 2 Electronic data creation apparatus 3 Electronic data storage apparatus 5 Print output apparatus 7 Network 9 Electronic document conversion apparatus 10 Electronic data 12 Electronic document file 14 Individual print setting file 16 Whole print setting file 21 Electronic document generation program 22 Individual Print setting file generation program 23 Whole print setting file generation program 24 Electronic data writing means 51 Electronic data reading means 52 Whole print setting file interpretation section 53 Individual print setting file interpretation section 54 Electronic document file interpretation section 55 Print processing section 56 Electronic document entry Output control unit 57 Print output unit 91 Electronic document conversion program

Claims (7)

A portable electronic data storage device storing electronic documents;
An electronic data storage device is connected, and an output device that outputs an electronic document stored in the electronic data storage device to the outside.
An electronic document output system, wherein the electronic data storage device stores output setting information that defines an output form of an electronic document.   The output setting information includes at least one of individual output setting information that defines an individual output form of an electronic document and overall output setting information that defines an overall output form of the electronic document. The electronic document output system according to claim 1.   The electronic document output system according to claim 1, further comprising an electronic document conversion device that converts an electronic document that cannot be output into an electronic document that can be output.   2. The electronic document output system according to claim 1, wherein the electronic document output system is configured to confirm whether or not to output in accordance with output setting information stored in the electronic data storage device.   When the individual output setting information does not exist, it is configured to select whether to output in the default output form of the output device or in any output form of the user. Item 3. The electronic document output system according to Item 2.   The electronic document output system according to claim 1, wherein the electronic document stored in the electronic data storage device is in a PDF file format. 2. The electronic document output system according to claim 1, wherein the output device comprises display means for reducing and displaying an output image when the electronic document is output.

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