JP2007274214A - Information processor and method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To decide whether there is a need for executing access to document data, prior to actually accessing the data. <P>SOLUTION: The information processor reads an identification code on a manuscript to access document data stored in a memory indicated by the identification code and reads access information on the document data and the identification code, including attribute information concerning the document data for acquiring the access information and the attribute information; shows information concerning the document data, based on the acquired attribute information; inquires of a user about the need of executing the access to the document data; and executes accessing to the document data, based on the access information, if the access to the document data is instructed via a user interface. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for accessing electronic document data arranged on a network by reading an identification code added on a document.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a multi-function peripheral device (MFP) that performs functions such as copying, printing, and scanning with one device is widely known. The MFP apparatus includes a document reading unit and an image data recording unit, and realizes functions such as copying, printing, and scanning. The MFP apparatus is usually connected to a network such as a LAN and has a network print function for printing out print data coming from the network. Further, many MFP apparatuses have a FAX function for transmitting and receiving documents via a telephone line as one of the functions. Furthermore, there are already some MFPs that provide services such as copying, printing out, FAX transmission / reception to an unspecified number of users by installing the MFP apparatus as described above in a public place and collecting a fee.

  On the other hand, there has also been proposed a document management method for efficiently managing electronic document data by associating a paper-based document printed out on a recording sheet with original electronic document data managed on a network. In this document management method, an identification code including network link information of electronic document data arranged on a network is printed on a paper-based document and used for accessing the electronic document data. For example, the MFP apparatus acquires network link information by reading the identification code from a paper document on which such an identification code is printed. Then, the MFP apparatus accesses the electronic document data on the network, downloads the electronic document data, and prints out the downloaded electronic document data.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-228561 describes that an information processing apparatus that searches electronic document data by reading a barcode recorded on a paper document includes version information (date information) in the barcode. According to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228688, such version information is used to display the difference between the currently stored electronic document data and the paper document.
JP 2004-029964 A

  However, the identification code used in the general document management method as described above only records the network link information, and does not include information on the attribute of the electronic document data at the link destination. Also, in the barcode of Patent Document 1, link information for accessing the difference information based on the electronic document data and the version is recorded.

  Accordingly, unless the identification code added on the original is read and the electronic document data on the network is not actually accessed according to the network link information recorded in the identification code, the actual state of the electronic document data cannot be known. For this reason, for example, even when it is determined whether or not to print out according to the contents of the electronic document data, it is necessary to access the electronic document data for the determination. In other words, access to electronic document data on the network occurs regardless of whether or not printout is necessary, which may increase packet data on the network and congestion of the network.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it is possible to determine whether or not it is necessary to execute access to document data before actually accessing the document data.

In order to achieve the above object, an information processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes the following arrangement. That is,
An information processing apparatus that reads an identification code on a document and accesses document data stored in a memory indicated by the identification code,
An acquisition unit that reads an identification code including access information to document data and attribute information related to the document data on a document, and acquires the access information and the attribute information;
User interface means for displaying information on the document data based on the attribute information and inquiring the user whether or not to execute access to the document data;
Access means for executing access to the document data based on the access information when an instruction to execute access to the document data is given via the user interface means.

An information processing method according to another aspect of the present invention for achieving the above-described object is as follows:
An information processing method in an information processing apparatus for reading an identification code on a document and accessing document data stored in a memory indicated by the identification code,
An acquisition step of reading an identification code including access information to document data and attribute information related to the document data on a document, and acquiring the access information and the attribute information;
A presentation step of displaying information related to the document data based on the attribute information and providing a user interface for inquiring the user whether or not to execute access to the document data;
An access step of executing access to the document data based on the access information when an instruction to execute access to the document data is given via the user interface.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to determine whether or not it is necessary to execute access to document data before actually accessing the document data.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a document management system according to the first embodiment. The MFP apparatus 1 is a multi-function peripheral device having scanning, printing, network connection, and FAX communication functions. The MFP apparatus 1 is connected to a network (LAN) 2 via a line 8. The document server 3 is connected to the network 2 and stores electronic document data 4. The MFP apparatus 1 is also connected to a public line network (PSTN) 5 for performing FAX communication via the line 9. A FAX server 6 is connected to the public telephone line network 5, and the FAX server 6 stores FAX document data 7. The FAX server 6 is connected to the public line network 5 and transmits FAX document data 7 and the like as FAX data. However, the FAX server 6 is also connected to the network 2 and can communicate with the PC 10. Yes.

  The PC 10 is a personal computer (general-purpose computer) connected to the network 2 and can control the MFP apparatus 1 via the network 2. Further, the PC 10 can access the electronic document data 4 stored in the document server 3 and the FAX document data 7 stored in the FAX server 6 via the network 2.

  The MFP apparatus 1 has a charge collection function. Therefore, if the MFP apparatus 1 is installed in a public place, it is possible to provide services for copying, printing, and FAX transmission / reception by collecting charges.

  In addition to the document data, the electronic document data 4 holds, as data attribute information, a network link address, a data size, a recording paper size when the document data is printed out, and the number of recording pages. In addition to the document data, the FAX document data 7 holds the data link telephone number, the data size, the recording paper size and the number of recording pages when the document is printed out, and the download expiration date of the document data as data attribute information. Yes.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a more detailed configuration example of the MFP apparatus 1 shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the configuration of the MFP apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the MFP apparatus 1, the CPU 22 is a central control unit that controls each part of the MFP apparatus 1 described below. The operation unit 23 provides a user interface for the operator to perform various operations. The display unit 24 displays various information and the like when the operator operates the operation unit 23. The scanner unit 25 optically reads a paper-based document image placed on a document table. The barcode data analysis unit 26 analyzes the barcode image recorded on the document image read by the scanner unit 25 and obtains barcode information. The image memory 27 is used to hold processing target image data when the image processing unit 28 processes various image data. The image processing unit 28 performs image processing of various image data of the read image and the recorded image.

  The recording control unit 29 controls a recording unit 30 that records image data as a visible image on a recording sheet and a recording sheet cassette 31 that stores the recording sheet. The recording unit 30 has a print engine for actually recording image data on the recording paper loaded in the recording paper cassette 31. The print engine applied to the recording unit 30 may be of any known form such as an electrostatic photographic method or an inkjet method. The recording paper cassette 31 is loaded with recording paper and supplies the recording paper to the recording unit 30 during recording. The barcode data generation unit 32 generates barcode data based on the given information.

The ROM 33 stores a control program for the CPU 22 to perform various controls. The RAM 34 provides a work memory for storing control data when the CPU 22 performs various controls.
The LAN control unit 35 transmits / receives data to / from the network when connected to the network. The LAN control unit 35 is connected to the network 2 via the line 8. The FAX modem unit 37 modulates and demodulates FAX data during FAX communication. The NCU unit 38 performs outgoing and incoming call control for the telephone line 9 during FAX communication.

  The telephone fee calculation unit 40 calculates a telephone fee for calling and communicating from the telephone number of the local station and the destination telephone number. As described above, an ACR function by a telephone communication carrier is already known as a system for calculating a telephone charge, and such a system can also be applied to this embodiment. At this time, it is assumed that the telephone number of the own station is set and held in the RAM 34. The fee collection unit 41 performs processing for collecting a fee from the user when the MFP apparatus 1 is installed in a public place and provides a copy, print, FAX transmission / reception service. The blackened portion 42 is used for recognizing date and time.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a paper document including a barcode used in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, on a paper document 51, print data (text / image information) 52 such as characters and images is recorded, and a barcode 53 is additionally recorded. The barcode 53 is associated with electronic data such as the electronic document data 4 and the FAX document data 7 in FIG. 1 and includes information such as a link address and attribute information of these electronic data. In the present embodiment, a QR code (two-dimensional barcode) is shown as the barcode 53, but the form of the code added to the paper document 51 is not limited to this.

The operation of the document management system of the present embodiment having the above configuration will be described below.
First, a process of recording information associated with the electronic document data 4 stored in the document server 3 as the barcode 53 of FIG. 3 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the PC 10 and the MFP apparatus 1 when recording and outputting the paper document 51 shown in FIG.

  In response to an instruction from the operator, the PC 10 calls and activates utility software for bar code generation (step S1). The PC 10 executing the utility software for generating the barcode provides the user with a user interface for generating and editing the text / image information 52 to be recorded on the paper document 51 (step S2). The user creates the text / image information 52 to be recorded on the paper document 51 using this user interface.

  Next, the operator designates electronic document data to be associated with the paper document 51 from the PC 11. For example, the electronic document data 4 stored in the document server 3 arranged on the network 2 is designated. An example of the user interface in this case is one that displays a list of document data stored in the document server 3 and allows the user to select desired document data from the list. The operator then instructs the PC 10 to print a paper document including a barcode.

  In response to the above operation, the PC 10 first acquires the attribute information held together with the document data regarding the designated electronic document data 4 (step S3). As described above, examples of the attribute information to be acquired include a network link address, a data size, a recording paper size and a number of recording pages when the document data is printed out. Then, in response to a printing instruction from the user, the MFP apparatus 1 is instructed to print a barcode-added paper document (step S4). At this time, the PC 10 transmits the text / image information 52 acquired in step S2 and the attribute information acquired in step S3 to the MFP apparatus 1 (step S5).

That is, the PC 10 transmits attribute information regarding the designated electronic document data 4 together with the text / image information 52 edited above to the MFP apparatus 1 via the network line 8 and the network 2. Examples of the attribute information to be transmitted include the following.
・ Network link address (in this example, “http://www.can.co.jp/abc.html”),
-Data size ("230MB" in this example),
Information on the recording paper size and the number of recording pages when this document data is printed out (in this example, “A4, 35 pages”).

Thereafter, the operations in steps S6 to S8 are executed by the MFP apparatus 1 that has received the barcode-added paper document print instruction.
The text / image information and attribute information transmitted from the PC 10 reaches the LAN control unit 35 of the MFP apparatus 1 via the network line 8. When the CPU 22 receives this, the CPU 22 first converts the text / image information portion into recording data by the image processing unit 28 and temporarily stores it in the image memory 27 (step S6). Further, the CPU 22 transfers the attribute information related to the electronic document data (network link address, data size, information on the recording paper size and the number of recording pages when the electronic document data is printed out) to the barcode data generation unit 32. To do. The barcode generation unit 32 generates barcode recording data indicating the attribute information and temporarily stores it in the image memory 27 (step S7).

  Thereafter, the CPU 22 synthesizes the recording data of the text / image information portion stored in the image memory 27 and the recording data of the barcode, and, for example, has a layout including the barcode 53 as shown in FIG. Recording data is generated and transferred to the recording control unit 29. The recording control unit 29 feeds the recording paper from the recording cassette 31, and causes the recording unit 30 to record the transferred recording data on the recording paper (step S8).

  Through the above processing, a paper document 51 including text / image information 52 and a bar code 53 as shown in FIG. 3 is obtained. Here, the bar code 53 includes attribute information of the electronic document data 4.

  Next, the operation when the information associated with the FAX document data 7 is generated as the barcode 53 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the PC 10 and the MFP apparatus 1 when recording and outputting the paper document 51 shown in FIG.

  In response to an instruction from the operator, the PC 10 calls and activates utility software for bar code generation (step S11). The PC 10 executing the utility software for generating the barcode provides the user with a user interface for generating and editing the text / image information 52 to be recorded on the paper document 51 (step S12). The user creates the text / image information 52 to be recorded on the paper document 51 using this user interface.

  Next, the operator designates FAX document data to be associated with the paper document 51 from the PC 11. For example, the FAX document data 7 stored in the FAX server 6 arranged on the network 2 is designated. As a user interface in this case, for example, a list of document data stored in the FAX server 6 is displayed, and the user can select desired document data from the list. The operator then instructs the PC 10 to print a paper document including a barcode.

  In response to the above operation, the PC 10 first acquires attribute information held together with the specified FAX document data 7 together with the document data (step S13). As described above, the acquired attribute information includes, for example, the data link telephone number, the data size, the recording paper size and the number of recording pages when this document is printed out, and the document data download expiration date. Then, in response to a printing instruction from the user, the MFP apparatus 1 is instructed to print a paper document with a barcode (step S14). At this time, the PC 10 transmits the text / image information 52 acquired in step S12 and the attribute information acquired in step S13 to the MFP apparatus 1 (step S15).

That is, the PC 10 transmits the attribute information regarding the designated FAX document data 7 together with the text / image information 52 edited above to the MFP apparatus 1 via the network line 8 and the network 2. Examples of attribute information include the following.
・ Data link phone number ("0123-45-6789" in this book),
-Data size ("230MB" in this example),
-Recording paper size and number of recording pages (in this example, "A4, 20 pages") when printing out this document,
-The download expiration date for this document data (in this example, “midnight, November 30, 2005”).

  Thereafter, the operations in steps S16 to S18 are executed by the MFP apparatus 1 that has received the barcode-added paper document print instruction.

  The text / image information and attribute information transmitted from the PC 10 reaches the LAN control unit 35 of the MFP apparatus 1 via the network line 8. When the CPU 22 receives this, the CPU 22 first converts the text / image information portion into recording data by the image processing unit 28, and temporarily stores it in the image memory 27 (step S16). Further, the CPU 22 displays the attribute information relating to the electronic document data (data link telephone number, data size, recording paper size and number of recording pages when this document is printed out, information on the download expiration date of this document data, etc.). Transfer to the code data generation unit 32. The barcode generation unit 32 generates barcode recording data indicating the attribute information and temporarily stores it in the image memory 27 (step S17).

  Thereafter, the CPU 22 synthesizes the recording data of the text / image information portion stored in the image memory 27 and the barcode recording data, and records the layout including the barcode 53 as shown in FIG. Data is generated and transferred to the recording control unit 29. The recording control unit 29 feeds the recording paper from the recording cassette 31, and causes the recording unit 30 to record the transferred recording data on the recording paper (step S18).

  Through the above processing, a paper document 51 including text / image information 52 and a bar code 53 as shown in FIG. 3 is obtained. Here, the bar code 53 includes attribute information of the FAX document data 7.

  In the above processing, the electronic document data and FAX document data to be associated are specified using the PC 10, but the electronic document data and FAX document data for creating the paper original 51 are specified from the MFP apparatus 1. Also good. In this case, an image captured from the scanner unit 25 can be used as the text / image recorded on the paper document 51.

  Next, the operation when the operator who possesses the paper original 51 including the attribute information of the electronic document data 4 in the barcode 53 portion downloads and prints out the electronic document data 4 using this is shown in FIG. This will be described with reference to a flowchart.

The operator places the paper document 51 on the document table of the scanner unit 25 and performs a download / printout operation from the operation unit 23. When the CPU 22 recognizes this, the scanner unit 25 scans the paper document 51 and transfers the scan data to the image processing unit 28 (temporarily stores it in the image memory 27) (step S21). The image processing unit 28 extracts the image data (barcode image data) of the barcode 53 (step S22). Thereafter, the CPU 22 causes the barcode image data to be transferred from the image processing unit 28 to the barcode data analysis unit 26. The barcode data analysis unit 26 analyzes the transferred barcode image data and restores attribute information (step S23). As described above, the restored attribute information includes the following data, and the CPU 22 recognizes them.
・ Network link address (in this example, “http://www.can.co.jp/abc.html”),
-Data size ("230MB" in this example),
Information on the recording paper size and the number of recording pages when this document data is printed out (in this example, “A4, 35 pages”).

  The CPU 22 calculates additional information such as download time, print time, fee, etc. using the attribute information (step S24) and presents it to the user together with the attribute information (step S25).

  For example, in step S24, the CPU 22 recognizes the data transfer speed on the network line 8 by the LAN control unit 35, and calculates the time required for downloading the data size (230 MB) (in this example, “about 4 minutes”). ). Further, the CPU 22 calculates the time required to print out the document data based on the information on the recording paper size and the number of recording pages (A4, 35 pages in this example) when the document data is printed out (this book). In the example, “about 10 minutes”). Further, the CPU 22 calculates the print fee for this printout based on the billing information set in the fee collection unit 41 (in this example, “300 yen”).

Thereafter, in step S25, the CPU 22 displays the attribute information restored in step S23 and the additional information calculated in step S25 on the display unit 24, and displays a user interface for determining whether the document data needs to be downloaded to the user. provide. Examples of information displayed here include the following.
・ Network link address (in this example, “http://www.can.co.jp/abc.html”),
-Data size ("230MB" in this example),
-Download time (in this example, "about 4 minutes"),
-The time required to print this out ("about 10 minutes" in this example)
Information on the recording paper size and the number of recording pages when this document data is printed out (in this example, “A4, 35 pages”),
-Print fee for this printout ("300 yen" in this example).

  In this display, the CPU 22 prompts the operator to determine whether download printing is necessary and displays a message for selection. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a display example (401) of the display unit 24 in step S25. The operator can confirm the information (display of attribute information and additional information 402) when electronic document data is downloaded and printed out by displaying on the display unit 24, and can determine whether download or printout is necessary. If it is determined that download and printout are not necessary, “NO” 403 is selected by the operation unit 23. When the CPU 22 recognizes the selection of “No” 403, it ends this operation without downloading and printing the document (step S26, step S27).

  On the other hand, when the operator desires to download and print out the electronic document data, the operator selects “Yes” 404 through the operation unit 23. When the CPU 22 recognizes the selection of “Yes” 404, it displays on the display unit 24 to prompt the operator to input a fee (steps S26 and S28). When the CPU 22 obtains confirmation of the input of the fee from the fee collection unit 41, the CPU 22 accesses the electronic document data 4 (step S29). That is, the CPU 22 accesses the network link address previously recognized from the barcode by the LAN control unit 35 and recognizes the electronic document data 4 stored on the document server 3 through the network line 8 and the network 2. To do. In this example, the network link address is “http://www.can.co.jp/abc.html”.

  Thereafter, the CPU 22 controls the LAN control unit 35 to download the accessed electronic document data 4 via the network 2 and the network line 8. That is, the CPU 22 receives the electronic document data 4 transferred from the document server 3 by the LAN control unit 35 and accumulates it in the image memory 28 (step S30).

When the CPU 22 finishes storing the electronic document data 4 in the image memory 28, the reception by the LAN control unit 35 is ended. Then, the image of the electronic document data 4 stored in the image memory 28 is transferred to the recording control unit 29 (step S31). Based on the transferred image data, the recording control unit 29 feeds the recording paper from the recording paper cassette 31 and sequentially records each page by the recording unit 30 (step S32).
When downloading and printing are completed as described above, the CPU 22 collects the fee input to the fee collection unit 41 and ends this processing (step S33).

  As described above, the operator who has the paper document 51 on which the barcode 53 including the attribute information of the electronic document data 4 is printed can download and print out the electronic document data 4 using this.

  Next, the operation when the operator who possesses the paper original 51 including the attribute information of the FAX document data 7 in the barcode 53 portion downloads and prints out the FAX document data 7 using this is shown in FIG. This will be described with reference to a flowchart. In the processing of FIG. 10, the target is FAX document data, or downloading is performed by FAX communication.

The operator places the paper document 51 on the document table of the scanner unit 25 and performs a download / printout operation from the operation unit 23. When the CPU 22 recognizes this, the scanner unit 25 scans the paper document 51 and transfers the scan data to the image processing unit 28 (temporarily stores it in the image memory 27) (step S41). The image processing unit 28 extracts the image data (barcode image data) of the barcode 53 (step S42). Thereafter, the CPU 22 causes the barcode image data to be transferred from the image processing unit 28 to the barcode data analysis unit 26. The barcode data analysis unit 26 analyzes the transferred barcode image data and restores attribute information (step S43). As described above, the restored attribute information includes the following data, and the CPU 22 recognizes them.
・ Data link phone number (in this example, “0123-45-6789”),
-Data size ("230MB" in this example),
-Recording paper size and number of recording pages (in this example, "A4, 20 pages") when printing out this document,
-Download expiration date of this FAX document data (in this example, “midnight, November 30, 2005”).

  Here, when the CPU 22 recognizes the attribute information, the CPU 22 confirms the download expiration date of the FAX document data (step S44). That is, the CPU 22 compares the download expiration date of the FAX document data 7 with the current date and time information by the clock unit 42. If it is determined that the download expiration date of the FAX document data 7 has already passed, it is determined that the download is impossible and this is displayed on the display unit 24 and the operation is terminated (step S45). FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display example of the display unit 24 in this case. On the other hand, when the CPU 22 determines that the FAX document data is within the valid download period by the comparison, the CPU 22 proceeds to step S46 and subsequent steps as downloadable, and performs processing similar to the download and printout processing described with reference to FIG. Do.

  First, using the attribute information, the CPU 22 calculates additional information such as the time required for FAX communication of the document data, the print time of the document data, and the fee (step S46), and presents it to the user together with the attribute information. (Step S47).

  For example, the CPU 22 recognizes the data transfer rate on the telephone line 39 by the FAX modem unit 37 and calculates the time required for FAX communication for the data size (230 MB) (in this example, “about 12 minutes”). Further, the CPU 22 calculates the FAX communication fee based on the data link telephone number which is the telephone number of the FAX communication partner, the telephone number of the own station stored in the RAM 34, and the FAX communication time calculated above. (In this example, “100 yen”). It is assumed that the relationship between the telephone number between the communication terminals and the call charge is registered in the telephone charge calculation unit 40.

  Further, the CPU 22 calculates the time required to print out the document data from the information of the recording paper size and the number of recording pages (in this example, “A4, 35 pages”) when printing out the document data ( In this example, “about 10 minutes”). Further, the CPU 22 calculates the print fee for this printout based on the billing information set in the fee collection unit 41 (in this example, “300 yen”).

Thereafter, in step S47, the CPU 22 displays the attribute information restored in step S43 and the additional information calculated in step S46 on the display unit 24, and provides a user interface for determining whether the document data needs to be downloaded to the user. provide. Examples of information displayed here include the following.
Thereafter, in step S47, the CPU 22
・ Data link phone number (in this example, “0123-45-6789”),
-Data size ("230MB" in this example),
-Time required for FAX communication (in this example, "about 12 minutes"),
-Total FAX communication fee for the time required for FAX communication (in this example "100 yen"),
Information on the recording paper size and the number of recording pages when printing out (in this example, “A4, 35 pages”),
・ Time required for printout (in this example, “about 10 minutes”),
-Print fee for this printout ("300 yen" in this example).

  In this display, the CPU 22 prompts the operator to determine whether download printing is necessary and displays a message for selection. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display example (501) of the display unit 24 in step S47. The operator can receive the FAX document data by the display on the display unit 24, confirm the information (attribute information and additional information display 502) at the time of printout, and determine whether download or printout is necessary. it can. If it is determined that the download and printout are not necessary, “NO” 503 is selected by the operation unit 23. Upon recognizing the selection of “No” 503, the CPU 22 ends this operation without downloading and printing the document (steps S48 and S49).

  On the other hand, when the operator desires to download and print out the electronic document data, the operator selects “Yes” 504 using the operation unit 23. When the CPU 22 recognizes the selection of “Yes” 504, it displays on the display unit 24 to prompt the operator to input a fee (steps S48 and S50). When the CPU 22 obtains confirmation of charge input from the charge collection unit 41, the CPU 22 receives the FAX document data 7 (step S51). That is, the CPU 22 makes a dial call by the NCU control unit 38 to the data link telephone number (in this example, “0123-45-6789”) previously recognized from the barcode. As a result, the FAX document server 6 is called via the telephone line 9 and the public line network 5. When the FAX communication loop is closed, the CPU 22 performs FAX communication with the FAX server 6 via the NCU control unit 38 under the control of the FAX modem unit 37. The FAX server 6 transmits the FAX document data 7 as FAX image data to the MFP apparatus 1 via the public line network 5 and the telephone line 9.

  The CPU 22 receives the FAX data of the FAX document data 7 via the telephone line 9 and the NCU control unit 38, demodulates it by the FAX modem unit 37, and stores it in the image memory 28 as image data (step S52). .

When the CPU 22 finishes storing the FAX document data 7 in the image memory 28, the FAX modem unit 37 ends FAX reception. Then, the image of the FAX document data 7 stored in the image memory 28 is transferred to the recording control unit 29 (step S53). Based on the transferred image data, the recording control unit 29 feeds the recording paper from the recording paper cassette 31 and sequentially performs recording for each page by the recording unit 30 (step S54).
When downloading (FAX reception) and printing are completed as described above, the CPU 22 collects the fee input to the fee collection unit 41 and ends this processing (step S55).

  Through the above processing, the operator who has the network original 51 including the attribute information of the FAX document data 7 in the barcode 53 downloads the FAX document data 7 (FAX reception) and prints it out. Is possible.

In the above embodiment, the apparatus for generating a barcode and printing out a paper document including the barcode is the same as the apparatus for scanning the paper document, reading the barcode, downloading and printing out the document data. MFP apparatus 1. However, the present invention is not limited to such a form, and each may be performed by separate MFP apparatuses. Further, the means for generating the barcode and printing out the paper document including the barcode may be in other forms as long as the barcode can be generated according to the attribute information and recorded on the paper document.
In addition, although an example in which the expiration date is set for FAX document data has been shown, it may be set for electronic document data downloaded via a network.

In the embodiment, electronic document data, FAX document data download, and print processing are separate processes. That is, the process of FIG. 9 is executed when the download and printout of electronic document data is selected, and the process of FIG. 10 is executed when the download and printout of FAX document data is selected. However, the attribute information represented by the barcode 53 includes type information indicating whether the document is an electronic document or a FAX document, and either one of the processes shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 is selected and executed according to the type information. Also good. Even if the type information is not used, whether the attribute information has “network link address” or “data link telephone number” can be determined as an electronic document or a FAX document. .
In the above embodiment, the expiration date is used to automatically determine that download (access) is not possible (step S46), but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the case where downloading of document data of a certain data size or more is prohibited, it may be determined whether or not downloading is prohibited by comparing the data size of the document data with a predetermined data size. .

  As described above, according to the above embodiment, whether or not to access and download document data before actually accessing and downloading electronic document data or FAX document data (hereinafter collectively referred to as document data). Can be determined. For this reason, when access and download of document data are unnecessary, useless access to the document data can be prevented. As a result, an increase in packet data on the network and network congestion can be avoided, and waste of communication costs due to access and download of electronic document data can be eliminated.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the MFP apparatus is used has been described. However, the present invention can be realized using a general-purpose computer including a printer, a scanner, a FAX modem, and the like. Accordingly, the present invention can take the form of, for example, a system, apparatus, method, program, or storage medium. Specifically, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices, or may be applied to an apparatus composed of a single device.

  In the present invention, the functions of the above-described embodiments are achieved by supplying a software program directly or remotely to a system or apparatus, and the computer of the system or apparatus reads and executes the supplied program code. Including the case. In this case, the supplied program is a program corresponding to the flowchart shown in the drawing in the embodiment.

  Accordingly, since the functions of the present invention are implemented by computer, the program code installed in the computer also implements the present invention. In other words, the present invention includes a computer program itself for realizing the functional processing of the present invention.

  In that case, as long as it has the function of a program, it may be in the form of object code, a program executed by an interpreter, script data supplied to the OS, or the like.

  Examples of the recording medium for supplying the program include the following. For example, floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, MO, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, DVD (DVD-ROM, DVD- R).

  As another program supply method, a client computer browser is used to connect to a homepage on the Internet, and the computer program of the present invention is downloaded from the homepage to a recording medium such as a hard disk. In this case, the downloaded program may be a compressed file including an automatic installation function. It can also be realized by dividing the program code constituting the program of the present invention into a plurality of files and downloading each file from a different homepage. That is, a WWW server that allows a plurality of users to download a program file for realizing the functional processing of the present invention on a computer is also included in the present invention.

  Further, the program of the present invention may be encrypted, stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, and distributed to users. In this case, a user who has cleared a predetermined condition is allowed to download key information for decryption from a homepage via the Internet, execute an encrypted program using the key information, and install the program on the computer. You can also.

  In addition to the functions of the above-described embodiment being realized by the computer executing the read program, the embodiment of the embodiment is implemented in cooperation with an OS or the like running on the computer based on an instruction of the program. A function may be realized. In this case, the OS or the like performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.

  Furthermore, the program read from the recording medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, so that part or all of the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized. May be. In this case, after a program is written in the function expansion board or function expansion unit, the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the document management system by 1st Embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a more detailed configuration example of the MFP apparatus 1 illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows the example of the paper original document containing the barcode used by this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a display (401) of the display part 24 in step S25. It is a figure which shows the example of a display (501) of the display part 24 in step S47. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the display part 24 in case the attribute information has shown the FAX document data in which the expiration date has passed. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the PC 10 and the MFP apparatus 1 when recording and outputting the paper document 51 shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the PC 10 and the MFP apparatus 1 when recording and outputting the paper document 51 shown in FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the MFP apparatus 1 when electronic document data is downloaded and printed out. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the MFP apparatus 1 when downloading and printing out FAX document data.

Claims (18)

An information processing apparatus that reads an identification code on a document and accesses document data stored in a memory indicated by the identification code,
An acquisition unit that reads an identification code including access information to document data and attribute information related to the document data on a document, and acquires the access information and the attribute information;
User interface means for displaying information on the document data based on the attribute information and inquiring the user whether or not to execute access to the document data;
An information processing apparatus comprising: access means for executing access to the document data based on the access information when an instruction to execute access to the document data is instructed via the user interface means . Based on the attribute information acquired by the acquisition unit and the processing capability and / or processing environment of the information processing apparatus, additional information including a processing time required when access by the access unit is executed is generated. Further comprising generating means,
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the user interface unit presents additional information generated by the generation unit to a user.   The generation means determines the time required for downloading the document data based on the data size of the document data included in the attribute information and the communication speed with the device holding the document data as one of the additional information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the information processing apparatus calculates the information processing apparatus.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the generation unit calculates a print fee based on the number of print pages of the document data included in the attribute information as one of the additional information.   The generation unit calculates a FAX call charge based on a data size of the document data included in the attribute information as one of the additional information when the document data is downloaded by FAX communication. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.   And determining whether to prohibit access to the document data based on the attribute information, and further comprising prohibiting means for prohibiting the user interface means and the access means when it is determined to be prohibited. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.   7. The prohibition unit refers to an expiration date included in the attribute information, and determines that access to the document data is prohibited when the document data is outside the expiration date. Information processing device.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the access unit controls the document data to be downloaded and printed out. An information processing method in an information processing apparatus for reading an identification code on a document and accessing document data stored in a memory indicated by the identification code,
An acquisition step of reading an identification code including access information to document data and attribute information related to the document data on a document, and acquiring the access information and the attribute information;
A presentation step of displaying information related to the document data based on the attribute information and providing a user interface for inquiring the user whether or not to execute access to the document data;
An information processing method comprising: an access step of executing access to the document data on the basis of the access information when execution of access to the document data is instructed via the user interface. Based on the attribute information acquired in the acquisition step and the processing capability and / or processing environment of the information processing apparatus, additional information including a processing time required when the access by the access step is executed is generated. Further comprising a generation step,
The information processing method according to claim 9, wherein the presenting step presents additional information generated in the generating step to a user.   In the generating step, as one of the additional information, a time required for downloading the document data is determined based on a data size of the document data included in the attribute information and a communication speed with an apparatus holding the document data. The information processing method according to claim 10, wherein calculation is performed.   11. The information processing method according to claim 10, wherein the generation step calculates a print fee based on the number of print pages of the document data included in the attribute information as one of the additional information.   The generation step calculates a FAX call charge based on a data size of the document data included in the attribute information as one of the additional information when the download of the document data is executed by FAX communication. The information processing method according to claim 10.   Determining whether to prohibit access to the document data based on the attribute information, and further comprising a prohibiting step for prohibiting the execution of the presenting step and the accessing step when it is determined to prohibit the access. The information processing method according to claim 9.   15. The prohibiting step refers to an expiration date included in the attribute information, and determines that access to the document data is prohibited when the document data is outside the expiration date. Information processing method.   The information processing method according to claim 9, wherein the access step performs control so that the document data is downloaded and printed out.   A control program for causing a computer to execute the information processing method according to claim 9.   A computer-readable memory storing the control program according to claim 17.

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