JP2008158727A - Electronic business form system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic business form system allowing intake of a business form created in each terminal in a managing computer without individually customizing a business form creation means of each the terminal, and allowing batch management of the business form. <P>SOLUTION: In each the terminal 20, after a spool file creation means 25b creates a spool file for print and print management information of the business form, a first file conversion means 25c converts business form peculiar information of the business form inputted on a prescribed input screen, and the spool file for the print and the print management information of the business form into one PostScript file. In the managing computer 30, a second file conversion means 34 creates business form data file and business form management information based on the PostScript file, and a file management means 35 stores the business form data file into a database 31 according to contents of the business form management information and manages it. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic form system that electronically stores and manages forms created using various application programs.

  In recent years, companies have introduced electronic form systems that electronically store and manage forms such as bills and quotations related to business. Such an electronic form system includes a plurality of terminals that create forms and a management computer that manages the forms created by each terminal. Normally, various types of application programs (form creation means) are used in each terminal, and the file format of the form data is different for each application program. For this reason, conventionally, the form data created using the application program of each terminal is converted into CSV (Comma Separated Value) format data that can be exchanged between different application programs, and the conversion is performed. In addition, an electronic form system has been proposed in which data in CSV format is managed by a management computer (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2002-15266 A

  By the way, in order to convert form data created using the application program of each terminal into CSV format data, a definition file that defines various definitions used in the conversion is required. For this reason, in the above electronic form system, the application program of each terminal is individually customized. Specifically, add-on software for creating a definition file is incorporated in each application program. However, since such add-on software must be created differently for each application program, it is practically difficult to collectively manage forms created using all kinds of application programs. For this reason, it is desired to realize an electronic form system that can take a form created at each terminal into a management computer and collectively manage the application program on each terminal without individually customizing the application program.

  Conventionally, a form system for managing a form created on a mainframe has been used in many companies. In such a form system, a form created on the mainframe is managed as data in a unique file format different from the CSV format. For this reason, in addition to the forms created in each terminal, there are many demands for collectively managing forms created on the mainframe.

  The present invention has been made based on the above circumstances, and an electronic form that can be collectively managed by taking a form created at each terminal into a management computer without individually customizing the form creation means of each terminal. The purpose is to provide a system.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is characterized in that the form created by each terminal connected to each of the terminals via a network, a plurality of terminals creating a form by the form creation means. In the electronic form system having a management computer for electronically managing the document, when each terminal registers the form created by the form creation means in the management computer, the document name of the form, print Spool file creation means for creating print management information including information relating to the processing date and printing paper and a print spool file representing the print image of the form, and the form created by the form creation means to the management computer When registering, an input screen for entering form-specific information including information on form name and date is displayed on the display means screen. And when the print management information and the print spool file for the form to be registered in the management computer are sent from the spool file creation means, A first file conversion means for converting the print management information and the print spool file and the form-specific information for the form entered on the input screen into a single PostScript file; and the first file conversion means. Communication control means for transmitting the obtained PostScript file to the management computer, and when the PostScript file is sent from each of the terminals, the management computer is specific to the form included in the PostScript file. Management required for managing the form based on the information and the contents of the print management information Form management information including information on the title and management date is created, and the data representing the contents of the print spool file included in the PostScript file is displayed on a line-by-line basis for each printed page. The second file conversion means for converting the data into a form data file including the print data described in the above, and the form management information and the form data file obtained by the second file conversion means. File management means for storing and managing the form data file in the data storage means in accordance with the contents of the information.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the electronic form system according to the first aspect, the first file conversion means is incorporated in the terminal as a printer driver.

  A third aspect of the invention is the electronic form system according to the first or second aspect, wherein the file management means relates to the form management information and the form data file obtained by the second file conversion means. The file name of the form data file is set using the management date included in the information, and a folder whose name is the management name included in the form management information does not exist in the data storage unit The folder having the folder name is created in the data storage means, and the form data file is stored and managed in the folder having the management name included in the form management information as the folder name. To do.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic form system according to the third aspect, when the second file conversion means creates the form management information, the form specific information includes information on the form name. For example, the form name is set as the management name, and if the form specific information does not include information on the form name, the document name included in the print management information is set as the management name. If the information related to the date is included in the form specific information, the date is set as the management date, and if the information specific to the date is not included in the form specific information, it is included in the print management information. The print processing date is set as the management date.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic form system according to the third or fourth aspect, information relating to a sorting key can be input on the input screen, and the file management means is the second file conversion means. If the form management information obtained in step (b) includes information on the sorting key, the form data file is stored in the folder with the management name included in the form management information as a folder name. Instead, the folder having the folder name if the folder having a name composed of the management name and the sorting key included in the form management information does not exist in the data storage means Is created in the data storage means, and the name composed of the management name and the sorting key included in the form management information is a folder name. It is characterized in storing the document data file to the folder to be.

  In order to achieve the above object, a computer-readable recording medium according to a sixth aspect of the present invention realizes the function of the electronic form system according to any one of the first, second, third, fourth, or fifth aspect in a computer. This is a program for recording.

  A program according to the invention described in claim 7 for achieving the above object is for causing a computer to realize the function of the electronic form system according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5. is there.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, when a form created by the form creation means of each terminal is registered in the management computer, in each terminal, the spool file creation means prints management information about the form and a print image of the form. After the print spool file representing the form is created, the first file conversion means converts the print management information for the form and the print spool file and the form specific information for the form entered on the predetermined input screen into one The file is converted to a PostScript file, and a file in a common format called a PostScript file is sent from each terminal to the management computer. As a result, even if the form creation means of each terminal creates form data in any file format, it is not necessary to individually customize the form creation means in order to add the function of the first file conversion means to the terminal. In addition, the management computer can take in and manage the forms created at each terminal. The second file conversion means of the management computer converts the PostScript file into a form data file. This form data file is a spool output from the main frame when registering a form created on a general main frame. The file format is similar to the file format of the file. For this reason, the management computer can collectively manage the forms created on the mainframe in addition to the forms created on each terminal.

  In the invention described in claim 2, the first file conversion means is incorporated in the terminal as a printer driver. Thereby, the function of the first file conversion means can be easily added to each terminal without individually customizing the form creation means of each terminal. Moreover, the process of registering the form in the management computer can be started simply by selecting the first file conversion means as the output destination of the form on the print screen for the form created by the form creation means of each terminal. Therefore, anyone can easily perform operations when registering forms.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, when registering a form created at each terminal in the management computer, the form-specific information about the form can be input, and the management computer is based on the form-specific information. In accordance with the contents of the form management information created in this way, the file name of the form data file for the form is set and the folder for storing the form data file is determined. As a result, the user who wants to register the form inputs the form-specific information of the desired content and arbitrarily sets the file name of the form data file for the form and the folder for storing the form data file. Can do.

  In the invention described in claim 4, when the form management information is created, the second file conversion means sets the form name as a management name if the form specific information includes information on the form name, and forms the form. If the specific information does not contain information related to the form name, the document name included in the print management information is set as the management name. If the form specific information contains information related to the date, the date is set as the management date. If the information specific to the date is not included in the form specific information, the print processing date included in the print management information is set as the management date. Thereby, even if the user does not input the form specific information when registering the form, the management computer can appropriately register and manage the form.

  In the invention described in claim 5, it is possible to input information relating to the sorting key on the input screen, and the file management means includes information relating to the sorting key in the form management information obtained by the second file converting means. If a folder having a folder name with a name composed of the management name and the sorting key included in the form management information does not exist in the data storage unit, the folder having the folder name is stored in the data. The form data file is stored in a folder whose name is a name composed of a management name and a sorting key that is created in the means and included in the form management information. Thereby, the file management means can classify and manage each form more finely by using the sorting key.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an electronic form system according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 (a) is a schematic block diagram of each terminal of the electronic form system, and FIG. 2 (b) is for management of the electronic form system. It is a schematic block diagram of a computer.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic form system according to the present embodiment includes a main frame 10, a plurality of terminals 20, 20,..., And a management computer 30. The main frame 10, the plurality of terminals 20, 20,... And the management computer 30 are connected via a network. Thereby, for example, data communication can be performed between the mainframe 10 and the plurality of terminals 20, 20,... And the management computer 30. Here, for example, a LAN, the Internet, an intranet, an extranet, or the like is used as the network.

  The main frame 10 is a general-purpose large computer and has a function of creating a form. Each terminal 20 is a personal computer, for example, and has a function of creating a form. The management computer 30 centrally manages the forms created by the mainframe 10 and each terminal 20. For example, the management computer 30 and the mainframe 10 are installed at the headquarters of the company where the system is installed, while the terminals 20 are installed at each department within the company, a branch office or a sales office of the company. ing. The plurality of terminals 20, 20,... May be in the form of a client / server. For example, a basic business system that realizes ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) in which information of the entire company is centrally managed to improve business efficiency may be configured.

  In general, when a form created on the main frame 10 is managed by the management computer 30, the main frame 10 divides the contents of the form into a print spool file and ruled line data and outputs them to the management computer 30. Here, the print spool file includes print data in which print contents for each print page are described for each line. The management computer 30 associates such a print spool file and ruled line data and registers them in the database. Incidentally, the file format of the print spool file output from the main frame 10 is different from the file format of the print spool file output from each terminal 20. Therefore, in order to manage the forms centrally by the management computer 30, the file format of the print spool file output from each terminal 20 is similar to the file format of the print spool file output from the mainframe 10. Need to convert to file format. The electronic form system of this embodiment is provided with each means for performing such conversion, and this is a characteristic point of the electronic form system of this embodiment. In the following, the feature points will be mainly described.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, each terminal 20 includes an input device 21, a display device 22, a printing device 23, a storage unit 24, and a central processing unit 25. Here, Windows (registered trademark) manufactured by Microsoft Corporation is used as the OS (Operating System) of each terminal 20.

  The input device 21 inputs various data and commands. As the input device 21, a keyboard, a mouse, or the like is used. The display device 22 displays, for example, a screen for creating a form or an input screen for inputting form-specific information to be described later. As the display device 22, a CRT display device, a liquid crystal display device, or the like is used. The printing device 23 prints various data such as a form on paper. The storage unit 24 stores various application programs and various data. For example, each terminal 20 incorporates Microsoft spreadsheet software “Excel” or an ERP package product as an application program for creating a form. In general, the application program for creating a form to be incorporated in each terminal 20 may be any program program that runs on Windows manufactured by Microsoft Corporation.

  The central processing unit 25 controls each part of the terminal 20 in an integrated manner. As shown in FIG. 2A, a form creation unit 25a, a spool file creation unit 25b, and a first file conversion unit 25c. And communication control means 25d.

  The form creation means 25a creates a form. The function of the form creation means 25a is realized by the central processing unit 25 reading and executing spreadsheet software stored in the storage unit 24.

  When the form created by the form creation unit 25a is registered in the management computer 30, the functions of the spool file creation unit 25b, the first file conversion unit 25c, and the communication control unit 25d are used. The functions of the spool file creation unit 25b, the first file conversion unit 25c, and the communication control unit 25d are realized by the central processing unit 25 reading and executing a predetermined program stored in the storage unit 24. In particular, in the present embodiment, the first file conversion unit 25c is incorporated in the terminal 20 as a printer driver. When printing the form created by the form creation means 25a, the printing function of the form creation means 25a displays a predetermined print screen on the screen of the display device 22, but the first file conversion means 25c is displayed on the terminal 20. By incorporating it as a printer driver, it is possible to designate the first file conversion means 25c as the output destination of the form on this print screen. That is, in the process of registering the form created by the form creation unit 25a in the management computer 30, the first file conversion unit 25c is designated as the form output destination on this print screen, and the “print execution” button is clicked. It will be started by pressing. Here, in the form print screen, in addition to a column for specifying an output destination, a “print execution” button, a column for specifying a print range, a column for specifying a print target, a column for specifying the number of copies, “property” Buttons are provided. This print screen itself is exactly the same as a normal one.

  When the first file conversion means 25c is designated as the output destination of the form on the form print screen and the “property” button is pressed after that, the print function of the form creation means 25a is pushed by the “property” button. A command to that effect is sent to the first file conversion means 25c. When receiving the command, the first file conversion unit 25 c displays a predetermined form specific information input screen on the screen of the display device 22. This form-specific information input screen is used to input form-specific information including information regarding the form name and date. FIG. 3 shows an example of a form specific information input screen. As shown in FIG. 3, this form specific information input screen is provided with input fields for form name, date, printer identifier, printing source application, and sorting key.

  In the form name input field, not the document name of the form but a name that allows the type of the form to be easily understood. For example, “invoice”, “estimate” and the like are input. As will be described later, the form name input here becomes a folder name of a folder for storing various files for the form when the management computer 30 registers the form. In the date input field, the current date is displayed as default information. The user can input a date convenient for managing the form, instead of the date of the default information. This date must be entered not only for year, month, and day, but also for hour, minute, and second. The date input here is used as file names of various files for the form managed by the management computer 30, as will be described later.

  In the printer identifier input field, when registering the form in the management computer 30 and printing the form, the identifier of the printing apparatus that performs the printing is input. Specifically, the name of the printing apparatus managed by the management computer 30 is input as the printer identifier. For this reason, if the name of a desired printing apparatus is entered in the printer identifier input field, the contents of the form can be automatically printed by the printing apparatus when the form is registered. That is, the printer identifier input field is a field for instructing automatic printing for the form.

  In the input field of the printing source application, the type of the application program that created the form is input. In this input field, predetermined default information is displayed. For example, if the form is created using a specific application program, the name of the specific application program is displayed as default information, while the form is created by another application program. If it is a thing, “other” is displayed as default information. As the specific application program, for example, the Web-compatible ERP package product “GRANDIT” is applicable. The application program “GRANDIT” has a function of always setting the document name to be the same when printing a form created using the application program. The meaning of providing an input field for the printing source application will be described in detail later.

  In the sorting key input field, a key for the management computer 30 to further classify and manage the form is input. For example, the name of the creator of the form, the department name that created the form, and the like are input. When a sorting key is entered in this input field, as will be described later, for example, when the management computer 30 registers the form, the name composed of the sorting key and the form name is as follows. This is the folder name of the folder that stores various files for the form.

  In this manner, the form name, date, printer identifier, printing source application, and sort key data entered in the input fields of the form specific information input screen shown in FIG. 3 become form specific information. Note that when registering a form in the management computer 30, if no form-specific information is entered on the form-specific information input screen, only the default information about the date and the printing source application becomes the form-specific information. Although it is possible to register the form in the management computer 30 without inputting the form specific information on the form specific information input screen, in order to systematically manage the form, the form specific information input screen It is desirable to always enter the form specific information.

  In addition, when the first file conversion unit 25c is designated as the output destination of the form on the form print screen, and then the “print execution” button is pressed, the print function of the form creation unit 25a stores the data of the form. It is sent to the spool file creation means 25b. Upon receipt of the form data, the spool file creation unit 25b creates print management information for the form and a print spool file representing the print image of the form based on the form data. In the present embodiment, as the spool file creation means 25b, the one provided in Windows as a standard is used. That is, the print spool file created by the spool file creation means 25b is a Windows spool file. For example, image data in EMF format or EMI format is created as a print spool file. An example of a print image of the print spool file is shown in FIG. The example of FIG. 4 represents an invoice. Specifically, the management information such as the title “invoice”, “invoice number” and “invoice date” is described in the upper part of the invoice. The description of the claim is described in the section.

  The print management information created by the spool file creation unit 25b includes information related to the document name, print processing date, and printing paper of the form. Such information is acquired from the data of the form. The document name is a document name given to the form at the time of creation by the form creation unit 25a. Therefore, the document name and the form name included in the form specific information are generally different. As the print processing date, for example, the date when the “print execution” button is pressed on the print screen is used. The information regarding the print processing date includes not only year / month / day information but also hour / minute / second information. Further, the information regarding the printing paper specifically corresponds to information regarding the size and orientation of the printing paper. The information relating to the printing paper is information having common contents according to the type of form. This is because the size and orientation of the printing paper is usually determined by the type of form such as an invoice or an estimate.

  The first file conversion unit 25c, when print management information about a form to be registered in the management computer 30 and a print spool file are sent from the spool file creation unit 25b, print management for the sent form. The information and print spool file and the form specific information about the form entered on the form specific information input screen are converted into one PostScript file. Here, the PostScript file is a text format file described in PostScript.

  The conversion process by the first file conversion unit 25c is performed using a PostScript driver manufactured by Microsoft Corporation. This PostScript driver is provided in Windows as a standard, and has a function of converting image data into text data described in PostScript. Specifically, the first file conversion means 25c performs conversion processing to a PostScript file as follows. That is, when the print management information and the print spool file for the form are sent from the spool file creation means 25b, the first file conversion means 25c acquires them and inputs the form entered on the form specific information input screen. Get form specific information about. Next, the first file conversion unit 25c converts each content included in the acquired print management information and form specific information into PostScript data. Each converted PostScript data is written as comment information in a predetermined file. At this time, the comment information includes a keyword representing the title of the content. Thereafter, the first file conversion unit 25c sends the print spool file to the PostScript driver together with an instruction to convert the contents of the print spool file into PostScript data and write the conversion result into the file. Thus, one PostScript file is obtained by the PostScript driver converting / writing the print spool file.

  Now, the PostScript file obtained by the first file conversion means 25c will be described in detail. FIG. 5 shows an example of the contents of a PostScript file. Here, FIG. 5 shows an example of a PostScript file obtained by converting the print spool file shown in FIG.

  The PostScript file includes a first data portion A, a second data portion B, and a third data portion C as shown in FIG. The first data portion A is a portion in which a plurality of comment information about the form specific information is described. In the example of FIG. 5, the first data portion A consists of five records from the first line to the fifth line. The record in the first line includes a keyword (TyohyoName) representing the title “form name” and the content of information for the title. The record on the second line includes a keyword (Date) representing the title “date” and the content of information for the title, and the record on the third line includes a keyword (PrinterIdentifier) representing the title “printer identifier”. ) And the content of the information for the title. The record on the fourth line includes a keyword (SourceApp) representing the title “print source application” and the information content for the title, and the record on the fifth line includes the title “sort key”. A keyword (AssortmentKey) to be expressed and information contents for the title are included. In FIG. 5, the content of the information for the title included in each record is omitted. In each record, “%%” indicates that the record is comment information.

  Below the first data portion A is a second data portion B. The second data portion B is a portion in which a plurality of comment information about the print management information is described. In the example of FIG. 5, the second data portion B is composed of 18 records from the sixth line to the 23rd line. For example, the record on the sixth line includes a keyword (Title) representing the title “document name” and the content of information for the title, and the record on the seventh line includes the title “print processing date”. A keyword (CreationDate) to be represented and information contents for the title are included.

  Below the second data portion B is a third data portion C. The third data portion C is a portion where a large number of PostScript data obtained by converting the print spool file is described. In the example of FIG. 5, the third data portion C is composed of a plurality of records from the 24th line to the last line. The spool file for printing is composed of a plurality of character data, a plurality of ruled line data, a plurality of font data, a plurality of color data, etc. The PostScript driver individually converts these data into PostScript data. Each converted PostScript data is described as one record. Specifically, the character data is converted into PostScript data composed of a character code of the character and position data (XY coordinate data) representing the position of the character. For example, the record on the 32nd line in FIG. 5 describes the contents of character data for drawing a predetermined character at the coordinate position of X = 2696 and Y = 1111. The ruled line data is converted into PostScript data composed of a code representing the type of the ruled line and two position data representing the position of the start point and the position of the end point. For example, the record on the 31st line in FIG. 5 is a ruled line in which a predetermined ruled line is drawn from the coordinate position (start point) of X = 2383, Y = 1049 to the coordinate position (end point) of X = 2383, Y = 1123. The contents of the data are described. The font data is converted into PostScript data composed of a code representing the size of the font and a code representing the name of the font. For example, the record on the 30th line in FIG. 5 describes the contents of the font data that is drawn in the Mincho style with a size of 9 points. The color data is converted into PostScript data composed of a code representing the color type. The contents of the font data or color data described in the record of one line are described in the record of each line existing from the line to the line of the record in which the contents of another font data or color data are described. Valid for character data or ruled line data. The third data portion C includes a record indicating the page start and a record indicating the page end for each print page. That is, the contents described in a plurality of records existing in a range sandwiched between the record indicating the page start and the record indicating the page end represent the print contents on the print page.

  By the way, conventionally, conversion of certain data into a PostScript file has been performed, but the conventional PostScript file is different from the PostScript file obtained by the first file conversion means 25c. That is, the conventional PostScript file includes only the print management information and the contents of the print spool file. On the other hand, the PostScript file obtained by the first file conversion unit 25c includes the contents of the form specific information in addition to the contents of the print management information and the print spool file as described above. This is a major feature of the electronic form system of this embodiment.

  The communication control means 25d performs data communication between the terminal 20 and the other terminals 20, 20,... And between the terminal 20 and the management computer 30. For example, the communication control unit 25d transmits the PostScript file obtained by the first file conversion unit 35c to the management computer 10.

  Next, the configuration of the management computer 30 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2B, the management computer 30 includes a database (data storage means) 31, a form table storage means 32, a communication control means 33, a second file conversion means 34, and a file management means 35. With. The database 31 stores various files for a plurality of forms created by the mainframe 10 and the terminals 20, 20,. The form table storage unit 32 stores a predetermined form table. This form table will be described in detail later. The communication control means 33 performs data communication between the management computer 30 and each of the terminals 20, 20,... And between the management computer 30 and the mainframe 10.

  When a PostScript file is sent from each terminal 20, the second file conversion means 34 creates form management information and form attribute information based on the contents of the form unique information and print management information included in the PostScript file. The portion of data representing the contents of the print spool file contained in the PostScript file is converted into a form data file.

  The form management information created by the second file conversion means 34 includes information on a management name and a management date necessary for managing the form. Specifically, when a PostScript file is sent from each terminal 20, the second file conversion unit 34 uses the keyword in each record in the PostScript file as a clue, and forms specific information and print management information included in the PostScript file. Get the contents of. Thereafter, the second file conversion means 34 sets the form name as a management name if the form specific information includes information on the form name, while the form specific information includes information on the form name. If not, the document name included in the print management information is set as the management name. If the form-specific information includes information related to the date, the date is set as the management date. On the other hand, if the form-specific information does not include information related to the date, the print management information includes the print date. Set the processing date as the management date. The form management information includes information on the printer identifier, the printing source application, and the sorting key included in the form specific information, in addition to the information on the management name and the management date.

  Further, the form attribute information created by the second file conversion means 34 is information having common contents according to the type of form. The information regarding the contents common to the types of forms corresponds to information on the size and orientation of the printing paper. Specifically, the second file conversion unit 34 creates form attribute information by analyzing the contents of the print management information included in the PostScript file and acquiring information related to the printing paper.

  The form data file obtained by the second file conversion means 34 includes ruled line data and print data in which print contents are described for each line for each print page. That is, this form data file is created in a file format similar to the file format of the print spool file output from the main frame 10. FIG. 6 shows an example of the contents of the form data file. Here, FIG. 6 shows an example of a form data file obtained by converting the PostScript file shown in FIG.

  Actually, the second file conversion means 34 creates a form data file as follows. That is, first, the second file conversion means 34 reads each record in order from the top in the portion (third data portion C) representing the contents of the print image data included in the PostScript file as shown in FIG. Get the data for the page. Next, the second file conversion unit 34 analyzes the content of each record in order from the top of the data for one page. Specifically, if the record represents the contents of the character data, the second file conversion means 34 determines what character based on the character code and the position data (XY coordinate data) that are the contents of the character data. To recognize where to print. At this time, the printing position of the character is converted from the expression by the XY coordinates to the expression by the row position and the column position. If the record represents the content of the ruled line data, the second file conversion unit 34 recognizes the type of the ruled line and its start point and end point based on the content of the ruled line data. However, the positions of the start point and the end point of the ruled line are not converted into the expression by the row position and the column position, but are specified by the expression by the XY coordinates. Then, if the record represents the content of the font data, the second file conversion means 34 recognizes the content of the font data, and records the content of another font data from the row of the record. It is determined that characters and the like described in each record existing up to the line should be printed with the font of the recognized content. In addition, if the record represents the content of the color data, the second file conversion unit 34 recognizes the content of the color data and records the content of another color data from the row of the record. It is determined that characters and the like described in each record existing up to the line should be printed with the color of the recognized content. Further, the second file conversion means 34 creates line pitch data for the page based on the data for the one page.

  After analyzing the content of the data for one page in this way, the second file conversion unit 34 creates data for one page of the form data file based on the analysis result. As shown in FIG. 6, the data for one page in the form data file includes line pitch data, ruled line data, and print data for each line. The ruled line data includes a code representing the type of each ruled line printed on the page and XY coordinate data representing the start point and the end point. The print data for each line includes the character code and the data of the column position for each character to be printed on the line. Here, if there is a blank in the line, the data of the blank is also included in the print data. In the example of FIG. 6, the print data on the first line on the first page indicates that the line should be broken without printing characters, and the print data on the second line contains the characters “invoice”. The content that should be printed at a predetermined row position is shown. In addition, in the print data for each line, a font instruction code and a color instruction code are embedded at predetermined positions. The contents of the font instruction code / color instruction code are valid until an instruction code / color instruction code of another font appears thereafter.

  Thereafter, the second file conversion unit 34 creates the data for one page of the form data file for each print page by repeating the above processing for the data of other pages. Then, the second file conversion means 34 collects these data into one file, thereby obtaining a form data file. The form management information, form attribute information, and form data file obtained by the second file conversion means 34 are sent to the file management means 35.

  The file management means 35 creates various files based on the form management information, form attribute information, and form data file for each form obtained by the second file conversion means 34, and according to the contents of the form management information. The form is managed by storing the created various files and the form data file in the database 31. Specifically, various files created by the file management unit 35 include a form setting file, a page index file, a management file, a line pitch file, and the like. The file management unit 35 creates a form setting file based on the form attribute information. This form setting file includes the same contents as the form attribute information, that is, information relating to the size and size of the printing paper. For this reason, the contents of the form setting file are common to forms of the same type as the form type.

  In this embodiment, as can be seen from the fact that the form data file is composed of data for each print page, the file management unit 35 manages each form using the concept of pages. In order to perform such management efficiently, the file management means 35 creates a page index file, a management file, and a line pitch file. The page index file includes information regarding the start position of each print page of the form. The management file includes information on the total number of pages of the form. The line pitch file includes line pitch data for each print page of the form. The file management means 35 creates these files based on the contents of the form data file.

  Further, the file management means 35 uses the management date included in the form management information obtained by the second file conversion means 34 to generate a form data file, page index file, management file, and line pitch file for the form. Set the file name. In fact, these files all have the same file name, and only the extensions that indicate the file type are different. Hereinafter, the form data file, the page index file, the management file, and the line pitch file are collectively referred to as a “form file group”.

  Further, the file management unit 35 performs processing for storing and registering the form file group and the form setting file in the database 31. Specifically, the file management unit 35 first determines whether or not the form management information obtained by the second file conversion unit 34 includes information on the sorting key. If the form management information does not include information relating to the sorting key, the file management unit 35 determines whether a folder having the management name included in the form management information as a folder name already exists in the database 31. Judging. If the file management unit 35 determines that the folder having the folder name does not exist in the database 31, the file management unit 35 creates a folder having the folder name in the database 31, and creates a form for the form in the created folder. Stores file group and form setting file. On the other hand, when the file management unit 35 determines that the folder having the folder name already exists in the database 31, the file management unit 35 stores the form file group for the form in the folder having the folder name. That is, the folder includes a form file group for a plurality of forms. In this case, the form setting file for the form is not stored in the folder. This is because the form setting file has a common content according to the type of form, and therefore the form setting file having the same contents stored previously already exists in the folder.

  Further, when the form management information includes information related to the sorting key, the file management unit 35 sets the name composed of the management name and the sorting key included in the form management information as the folder name. It is determined whether the folder already exists in the database 31. Here, for example, the name “(sorting key) _ (management name)” is used as the name composed of the management name and the sorting key. If the file management unit 35 determines that the folder having the folder name does not exist in the database 31, the file management unit 35 creates a folder having the folder name in the database 31, and creates a form for the form in the created folder. Stores file group and form setting file. On the other hand, when the file management unit 35 determines that the folder having the folder name already exists in the database 31, the file management unit 35 stores the form file group for the form in the folder having the folder name. In this case, the folder includes a form file group for a plurality of forms. As described above, in this embodiment, the file management unit 35 can classify and manage each form more finely by using the sorting key.

  Specifically, the file management means 35 manages each form by making the folder structure into a hierarchical structure in the database 31. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a folder hierarchy structure in the database 31. In the highest hierarchy in such a folder hierarchy structure, as shown in FIG. 7, only one highest folder having a folder name “form root” is provided. A plurality of folders are provided in the second hierarchy immediately below the highest folder. These second-level folders are a folder for storing a form file group and a form setting file for each form. In the example of FIG. 7, three folders are provided in the second hierarchy, and the folder names of these three folders are “invoice”, “estimate”, and “AAA_invoice”, respectively. In the “Invoice” folder, there is a form file group and a form setting file for forms that do not contain a sorting key in the form management information, but the form management information contains the management name “invoice”. Stored. In the “Estimate” folder, the form file group and the form setting file for the form that does not include the sorting key in the form management information but the management name “estimate” is included in the form management information. Stored. In the folder “AAA_invoice”, a form file group and a form setting file are stored for the form in which the form management information includes the sorting key AAA and the management name invoice. In the example of FIG. 7, a form file group and a form setting file for one form are stored in the “invoice” folder. Among these, the names of the files in the form file group are “20061120130000.data”, “20061120130000.page”, “20061120130000.management”, and “20061120130000.pitch”, respectively. Here, the first 14-digit number in the file name represents the management date of the form. That is, the management date is 2006/11/20 13:00:00. A character string following the dot following the 14-digit number represents the extension. In FIG. 7, the extensions are shown in Japanese so that the contents of the extensions can be easily understood. The four files in the form file group are a form data file, a page index file, a management file, and a line pitch file in order from the top.

  Further, the file management means 35 determines whether or not a printer identifier is included in the form management information for the form when the form registration process is completed. If it is determined that the printer identifier is included, the file management unit 35 executes processing for printing the form from the printing apparatus specified by the printer identifier. When the printing process is completed, the file management unit 35 writes information indicating that the printing based on the automatic printing instruction has been executed in the management file for the form.

  Incidentally, as described above, some of the form creation means 21 has a function of always setting the document name to be the same when printing a form created using the form creation unit 21. For example, the Web-compatible ERP package product “GRANDIT” corresponds to this. When registering a form created by such a specific form creation means 21 in the management computer 30, if the form name is not entered on the form-specific information input screen, the management computer 30 determines the type of the form. The same folder is created no matter what, and the form is stored in that folder. That is, invoices, estimates, and the like are stored together in the same folder, and various forms cannot be systematically managed. In the present embodiment, in order to prevent such a situation from occurring, the second file conversion unit 34 determines whether or not the form is created by the specific form creation unit 21 having the above function, and When it is determined that the form has been created by the form creation unit 21, an automatic name setting function for automatically setting the management name of the form to an appropriate name is provided.

  Now, the automatic name setting function by the second file conversion means 34 will be described. In the present embodiment, when a form created by the specific form creation unit 21 as described above is registered in the management computer 30, the column of the printing source application in the form specific information input screen displays the form creation unit 21. The name is entered by default. Therefore, even if the user does not input any data on the form specific information input screen, the form specific information of the form includes at least information related to the printing source application. When the PostScript file is sent from the terminal 20, the second file conversion unit 34 acquires the form specific information included in the PostScript file. At this time, the form specific information must include information on the form name. For example, it is determined whether or not the specific form creation means 21 is designated as the printing source application included in the form specific information. If it is determined that the specific form creation means 21 is designated, the management table of the form is determined with reference to the form table stored in the form table storage means 20. Here, the correspondence relationship between the character string and the management name is defined in the form table. For example, a correspondence such as “Invoice” for the character string “◯ □ △”, “Estimate” for the character string “× ◎ ◇”,... In general, since the format of a form is determined according to the type, the type of form can be easily determined from the contents of the first part. As each character string defined in the form table, the first part of the character string determined for each type of form is used. Specifically, the second file conversion unit 34 recognizes the contents of the character string in the first part of the data representing the contents of the print spool file included in the PostScript file. Then, a character string in the form table matching the recognized character string is found, and a management name corresponding to the found character string is specified. The second file conversion unit 34 creates form management information using the name thus identified as the management name of the form. Thereby, in this embodiment, it is possible to avoid a situation in which any type of form created by the specific form creation means 21 is stored together in the same folder.

  The process for registering the form created in each terminal 20 in the management computer 30 has been described above. Here, the process for registering the form created in the mainframe 10 in the management computer 30 will be briefly described. . In general, in the mainframe 10, the form data is managed separately from the ruled line data. Therefore, when registering a form created in the mainframe 10 in the management computer 30, it is necessary to specify ruled line data to be registered in association with the data of the form. This designation is performed on a predetermined setting screen. Further, form management information and form attribute information for the form are input on the setting screen. Thereafter, the main frame 10 displays the print spool file created from the form data, ruled line data associated with the form data (the print spool file), and the form management input on the setting screen. Information and form attribute information are transmitted to the management computer 30. Here, the spool file for printing sent from the main frame 10 is created in the same file format as that of the above-described form data file except that it does not include ruled line data. The file management means 35 of the management computer 30 creates a form created at each terminal 20 for the print spool file, ruled line data, form management information, and form attribute information for the form sent from the mainframe 10. The same processing as the case of registration is performed, and various files relating to the form are stored and managed in the database 31. However, the ruled line data is handled as an independent file and is registered in the database 31 in association with the print spool file.

  As described above, when the electronic form system according to the present embodiment is used, the form created by each terminal 20 and the form created by the mainframe 10 can be collectively managed by the database 31 of the management computer 30. .

  Next, in the electronic form system of this embodiment, a procedure of processing for registering the form created by each terminal 20 in the database 31 of the management computer 30 will be described. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the processing procedure for registering a form created by each terminal 20 in the database 31 of the management computer 30 in the electronic form system of this embodiment, and FIG. 9 is a first file of each terminal 20. FIG. 10 is a flow chart for explaining the procedure of the conversion process by the second file conversion means 34 of the management computer 30. FIG.

  First, the user uses the print function of the form creation unit 25 a to display a print screen for the form to be registered on the screen of the display device 22. Next, on the print screen, the user designates the first file conversion means 25c as the form output destination and presses the “property” button. Then, the printing function of the form creation unit 25a sends a command indicating that the “property” button has been pressed to the first file conversion unit 25c. When receiving the command, the first file conversion unit 25 c displays a predetermined form specific information input screen on the screen of the display device 22. The user inputs the form specific information on the form specific information input screen (S1). Here, in order to simplify the explanation, it is assumed that the user has input only information relating to the form name and date of the form as the form specific information.

  When the user presses the “print execution” button on the print screen after inputting the form specific information, the print function of the form creation unit 25a sends the data of the form to the spool file creation unit 25b. Then, the spool file creation means 25b creates print management information and a print spool file based on the form data (S2). The created print management information and print spool file are sent to the first file conversion means 25c.

  When the print management information and the spool file for printing are sent from the spool file creation means 25b to the first file conversion means 25c, the first file conversion means 25c performs a predetermined conversion process (S3). The conversion processing by the first file conversion means 25c is performed according to the processing flow shown in FIG. Specifically, the first file conversion unit 25c first obtains the print management information and the print spool file for the form sent from the spool file creation unit 25b, and also inputs the information input on the form specific information input screen. The form specific information about the form is acquired (S11). Next, the first file conversion unit 25c converts each information included in the acquired print management information and form specific information into PostScript data (S12). Each converted PostScript data is written in a predetermined file. Thereafter, the first file conversion means 25c outputs the print spool file to the PostScript driver together with an instruction to convert the contents of the print spool file into PostScript data and write the conversion result into the file (S13). . Thus, the PostScript driver performs conversion / writing processing of the print spool file, whereby the form specific information, the print management information, and the print spool file for the form are converted into one PostScript file (S14). . Thereafter, the communication control unit 25d transmits the PostScript file obtained by the first file conversion unit 25c to the management computer 30 (S4).

  Next, when a PostScript file is sent from the terminal 20 to the management computer 30, the second file conversion means 34 of the management computer 30 performs a predetermined conversion process (S5). The conversion process by the second file conversion means 34 is performed according to the process flow shown in FIG. Specifically, the second file conversion unit 34 first creates form management information and form attribute information based on the contents of the form specific information and the print management information included in the PostScript file (S21). Here, form management information is created with the form name and date included in the form specific information as the management name and the management date, respectively. Next, the second file conversion unit 34 acquires data for one page among the data of the portion representing the contents of the print spool file included in the PostScript file (S22). Then, the second file conversion unit 34 analyzes the content of the acquired data for one page (S23), and then creates data for one page of the form data file based on the analysis result (S24). Here, the data for one page of the form data file includes line pitch data, ruled line data, and print data for each line. Thereafter, the second file conversion unit 34 repeats the processes of steps S22, S23, and S24 for each print page (S25). A form data file is obtained by combining all the data thus obtained into one file (S26).

  Next, the file management means 35 performs a process of creating various files based on the form management information, form attribute information, and form data file for the form obtained by the second file conversion means 34 (S6). Specifically, a form setting file, a page index file, a management file, and a line pitch file are created as various files. At this time, the file management means 35 uses the management date included in the form management information to set the file name of each file in the form file group. As a result, the same file name is assigned to these files, and only the extensions representing the file types are different.

  Thereafter, the file management unit 35 creates a folder having the file name in the database 31 if the folder having the management name included in the form management information as a folder name does not yet exist in the database 31. Then, the file management means 35 stores the form data file and the various files created in step S6 in a folder whose folder name is the management name included in the form management information, and thereby stores the form. Register in the database 31 (S7).

  In the electronic form system of this embodiment, when a form created by the form creation means of each terminal is registered in the management computer, the spool file creation means prints the print management information and the form for the form at each terminal. After creating the print spool file representing the image, the first file conversion means obtains the print management information for the form and the print spool file and the form specific information for the form entered on the form specific information input screen. The file is converted into a single PostScript file, and a file in a common format called a PostScript file is sent from each terminal to the management computer. As a result, even if the form creation means of each terminal creates form data in any file format, it is not necessary to individually customize the form creation means in order to add the function of the first file conversion means to the terminal. Moreover, the management computer takes in and manages the forms created on each terminal, specifically, the forms created using application programs (including open core business systems) that run on Windows. can do. The second file conversion means of the management computer converts the PostScript file into a form data file. This form data file is a spool output from the main frame when registering a form created on a general main frame. The file format is similar to the file format of the file. For this reason, the management computer can collectively manage the forms created on the mainframe in addition to the forms created on each terminal.

  In the present embodiment, the first file conversion unit is incorporated in the terminal as a printer driver. Thereby, the function of the first file conversion means can be easily added to each terminal without individually customizing the form creation means of each terminal. Moreover, the process of registering the form in the management computer can be started simply by selecting the first file conversion means as the output destination of the form on the print screen for the form created by the form creation means of each terminal. Therefore, anyone can easily perform operations when registering forms.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when registering a form created at each terminal in the management computer, the form specific information about the form can be input, and the management computer is based on the form specific information. In accordance with the contents of the form management information to be created, the file name of the form data file for the form is set and the folder for storing the form data file is determined. As a result, the user who wants to register the form inputs the form-specific information of the desired content and arbitrarily sets the file name of the form data file for the form and the folder for storing the form data file. Can do.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when creating the form management information, the second file conversion means sets the form name as a management name if the form specific information includes information on the form name, and creates the form specific information. If the information about the form name is not included in the information, the document name included in the print management information is set as the management name. If the information specific to the form includes the date, the date is set as the management date. If the information is not included in the form specific information, the print processing date included in the print management information is set as the management date. Thereby, even if the user does not input the form specific information when registering the form, the management computer can appropriately register and manage the form.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to said embodiment, A various deformation | transformation is possible within the range of the summary.

  The object of the present invention is to supply the program code (including the execution format) of software that realizes the functions of the apparatus of the above-described embodiment to the apparatus of the present embodiment by a recording medium that records all or part of the program code. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by the computer (or CPU, MPU) of the apparatus reading out the program code stored in the recording medium and executing all or part of the operation. In this case, the program code itself read from the recording medium realizes the functions of the present embodiment, and the recording medium on which the program code is recorded constitutes the present invention.

  Recording media for supplying the program code include ROM, floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD-ROM, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, etc. Can be used. Furthermore, the program code may be supplied by downloading via a communication line, or the program code may be supplied and executed using a technology such as JAVA (registered trademark).

  Further, by executing the program code read out by the computer, not only the functions of the present embodiment are realized, but also the OS running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code performs an actual process. Needless to say, the present invention also includes a case where the function of the present embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the processing.

  Further, after the program code read from the recording medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted in the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the present invention includes a case where the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing and the functions of the present embodiment are realized by the processing.

  In addition, the present invention may be a program product including a program for causing a computer to realize the functions of the apparatus of the above-described embodiment. Here, the program product includes not only a computer program but also a recording medium or a computer on which the program is recorded.

  As described above, in the electronic form system of the present invention, when the form created by the form creation unit of each terminal is registered in the management computer, the print management information on the form is stored in each terminal by the spool file creation unit. And a print spool file representing the print image of the form, and then the first file conversion unit prints the print management information and the spool file for the form and the form for the form entered on the predetermined input screen. The unique information is converted into a single PostScript file, and a file in a common format called a PostScript file is sent from each terminal to the management computer. As a result, even if the form creation means of each terminal creates form data in any file format, it is not necessary to individually customize the form creation means in order to add the function of the first file conversion means to the terminal. In addition, the management computer can take in and manage the forms created at each terminal. The second file conversion means of the management computer converts the PostScript file into a form data file. This form data file is a spool output from the main frame when registering a form created on a general main frame. The file format is similar to the file format of the file. For this reason, the management computer can collectively manage the forms created on the mainframe in addition to the forms created on each terminal. Therefore, the present invention is suitable for use in an electronic form system that electronically stores and manages forms created using various application programs.

It is a schematic block diagram of the electronic form system which is one Embodiment of this invention. (A) is a schematic block diagram of each terminal of the electronic form system, and (b) is a schematic block diagram of a management computer of the electronic form system. It is a figure which shows an example of a form specific information input screen. It is a figure which shows an example of the printing image of the spool file for printing. It is a figure which shows an example of the content of a PostScript file. It is a figure which shows an example of the content of a form data file. It is a figure which shows an example of the folder hierarchical structure in a database. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the procedure of the process which registers the form produced in each terminal in the database of a management computer in the electronic form system of this embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the procedure of the conversion process by the 1st file conversion means of each terminal. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the procedure of the conversion process by the 2nd file conversion means of the management computer.

Explanation of symbols

10 mainframe 20 terminal 21 input device 22 display device 23 printing device 24 storage unit 25 central processing unit 25a form creation means 25b spool file creation means 25c first file conversion means 25d communication control means 30 management computer 31 database (data storage means) )
32 Form table storage means 33 Communication control means 34 Second file conversion means 35 File management means

Claims (7)

In an electronic form system comprising a plurality of terminals that create forms by means of form creation means, and a management computer that electronically manages the forms created by the terminals connected to the terminals via a network ,
Each terminal is
When the form created by the form creation means is registered in the management computer, print management information including information on the document name, print processing date, and print paper of the form and a print image representing the print image of the form A spool file creating means for creating a spool file;
A function of displaying an input screen for inputting form-specific information including information related to form name and date on the screen of the display means when registering the form created by the form creation means in the management computer; The print management information for the form to be registered in the management computer and the print spool file when the print spool file is sent from the spool file creation means. Management information and the print spool file and first form conversion means for converting the form specific information about the form entered on the input screen into one PostScript file;
Communication control means for transmitting the PostScript file obtained by the first file conversion means to the management computer;
With
The management computer is:
When the PostScript file is sent from each terminal, the management name and management date required for managing the form based on the form-specific information and the contents of the print management information included in the PostScript file Creates form management information including information, and prints the data representing the contents of the print spool file included in the PostScript file, with ruled line data and print contents described for each print page for each line. Second file conversion means for converting to a form data file configured to include data,
For the form management information and the form data file obtained by the second file conversion means, file management means for storing and managing the form data file in the data storage means according to the contents of the form management information;
An electronic form system characterized by comprising:   The electronic form system according to claim 1, wherein the first file conversion unit is incorporated in the terminal as a printer driver.   The file management means sets the file name of the form data file using the management date included in the form management information for the form management information and the form data file obtained by the second file conversion means. If the folder having the management name included in the form management information as a folder name does not exist in the data storage means, the folder having the folder name is created in the data storage means, and the form management information 3. The electronic form system according to claim 1, wherein the form data file is stored and managed in the folder having the management name included in the folder as a folder name.   When creating the form management information, the second file conversion means sets the form name as the management name if the form specific information includes information on the form name, and the form specific information If the information on the form name is not included, the document name included in the print management information is set as the management name, and if the information on the date is included in the form specific information, The date is set as the management date, and if the information related to the date is not included in the form specific information, the print processing date included in the print management information is set as the management date. 3. Electronic form system described in 3. In the input screen, it is possible to input information on the sorting key,
When the file management means includes information on the sorting key in the form management information obtained by the second file conversion means, the management name included in the form management information is set as a folder name. Instead of storing the form data file in the folder, the folder having the name composed of the management name and the sorting key included in the form management information as the folder name is stored in the data storage means. If the folder name does not exist, the folder having the folder name is created in the data storage unit, and the folder name is the name composed of the management name and the sorting key included in the form management information. 5. The electronic form system according to claim 3, wherein the form data file is stored in the electronic form system.   A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for causing a computer to realize the function of the electronic form system according to claim 1.   A program for causing a computer to realize the function of the electronic form system according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.

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