JP2009070062A - Image processing apparatus and image processing program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing apparatus and an image processing program for storing read image information as reusable image information, and for making it possible to additionally register new image information to the stored image information without generating wasteful data or identification code, and for re-outputting image information, when the output of additionally registered image information is instructed. <P>SOLUTION: This image processor is provided with a document management means for managing a registered electronic document, by associating it with identification information corresponding to the electronic document; an image reading means for reading the image information from a paper document; and an update registration means for, when first image information to which the identification information has been applied and second image information, to which the identification information has not been applied are contained in the image information read by the image reading means, adding the second image information to the electronic document managed by the document managing means so as to be associated with the identification information, and for updating and registering it. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and an image processing program.

  In Patent Document 1, input print job data is temporarily stored in a RAM, the print data is expanded into intermediate data and bitmap images for each page of print data, and then transmitted to the engine controller for one page. When the image is sequentially printed, the intermediate data or bitmap image stored in the RAM of the image is stored in the hard disk every time printing of the image for one page is completed, and the intermediate data or bitmap image is stored in the hard disk. The stored memory in the RAM is released, and the above-described print processing is repeatedly executed until the print data of the print job is completed. If the printing process has not been completed normally after the print job is completed, the intermediate data or bitmap image of the page where the abnormality is detected is read from the hard disk and read into the newly acquired memory in the RAM. A technique for executing a reprint process from an intermediate page or a bitmap image is disclosed.

  Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a new job related to processing of a stored job when the input print data is stored as a reusable stored job, and the user manages or outputs the stored job. A technology that generates information, generates information that associates the generated information with the processed saved job, and automatically notifies the user using the saved job via an information transmission unit. It is disclosed.

Further, in Patent Document 3, when image information of an original document is read, the read image data is stored in association with an identification code indicating that the original image information is obtained, and each original document having original image information is stored. When the reference information corresponding to each is stored in advance and the original to be processed is a duplicate original obtained by duplicating the original original, the encoded image data indicating the inquiry information is included in the image data read and output from the duplicate original. A technique for providing and displaying specific inquiry information based on code image data is disclosed.
JP 2001-105668 A JP 2003-044236 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 06-189090

  Each of the above prior arts discloses a configuration in which image data that has received a print instruction is output without being deleted after the image processing apparatus is output, and can be reused.

  In general, in offices, paper documents are often copied and distributed repeatedly, but the image quality of the copied paper documents often deteriorates.

  In this case, when the paper document at hand is a duplicated paper document, there is a desire to obtain a copy with good image quality in the original paper document.

  In order to realize this, original paper document data and an identification code corresponding to the original paper document data are generated and stored, and the copied paper document is provided with code image data including the identification code and copied. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-133867 discloses a configuration in which original paper document data corresponding to an identification code in code image data read from a paper document can be acquired and printed.

  By the way, there is a case where it is desired to re-use after newly registering and storing new data in the stored image data.

  As an example, there is a case in which estimate data is additionally registered to reusable approval document data that has already been saved to enable reuse.

  In this case, the technique of Patent Document 3 requires the following procedures (a) to (d).

(A) A copy of the approval document to which the approval document is read and electronically generated original approval document data and the corresponding identification code are generated and stored, and the code image data including the identification code is added. Output. (Thus, the approval document data can be reused by itself.)
(B) Read the estimate, generate and store the original electronic estimate data and the corresponding identification code, and copy the estimate with the code image data including the identification code. Output. (As a result, the estimate data can be reused by itself.)
(C) A copy of the approval document and a copy of the estimate document to which the code image data is assigned are read, and each identification code is specified.

(D) A copy that associates the obtained identification code, additionally registers the estimate data in the approval document data, generates and stores a new identification code, and is provided with code image data including the identification code Is output. (Thus, the data obtained by adding and updating the estimate data to the approval document data can be reused.)
In the above procedure, although the estimate data is not used alone, it is saved with an identification code, so unnecessary data and identification codes are generated and the identification code is handled by the user. Attaching is also necessary, making it less convenient to use.

  The present invention saves the read image information as reusable image information and performs addition registration of new image information to the saved image information without generating useless data or an identification code. An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus and an image processing program for re-outputting the image information when there is an instruction to output the additionally registered image information.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image processing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a document management unit that manages a registered electronic document in association with identification information corresponding to the electronic document, and an image that reads image information from a paper document. When the image information read by the reading unit and the image reading unit includes the first image information to which the identification information is added and the second image information to which the identification information is not added, the identification information includes Update registration means for adding and registering the second image information to the electronic document associated with and managed by the document management means.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the identification information includes document identification information that identifies the electronic document, and the update registration unit includes the electronic document identified by the document identification information. The update registration is performed by adding the second image information.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the present invention, the update registration means is specified by the document identification information in correspondence with the reading order of the first image information and the second image information. The update registration is performed by adding a new page corresponding to the second image information after or before the electronic document.

  The invention of claim 4 is the invention of claim 1, wherein the identification information includes document identification information for specifying the electronic document and page identification information for specifying a page of the electronic document. Corresponding to the reading order of the first image information and the second image information, the second image after or before the page of the electronic document specified by the page identification information included in the identification information. The update registration is performed by adding a new page for the information.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, the identification information includes document identification information for specifying the electronic document and page identification information for specifying a page of the electronic document. , Further comprising generation means for generating a new electronic document by adding the second image information to the electronic document of the page corresponding to the page identification information of the first image information, and generated by the generation means The electronic document is updated and registered as an electronic document of a page corresponding to the page identification information of the first image information.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the update unit adds image information obtained by adding first identification information to the image information read by the image reading unit and second identification information. When the image information is included, the electronic document associated with the first identification information and managed by the document management unit is associated with the second identification information and managed by the document management unit. Add and register updated electronic documents.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the identification information includes document identification information for specifying the electronic document and page identification information for specifying a page of the electronic document. When the first image information includes image information to which first identification information different from the document identification information is added and image information to which second identification information is added, the first image information is managed by the document management unit. The electronic document specified by the page identification information included in the second identification information is added after or before the page of the electronic document specified by the page identification information included in the first identification information. Register for update.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the identification information includes document identification information for specifying the electronic document and page identification information for specifying a page of the electronic document. When the first image information includes image information to which first identification information different from the document identification information is added and image information to which second identification information is added, the first image information is managed by the document management unit. The electronic document specified by the page identification information included in the second identification information is added to the electronic document specified by the page identification information included in the first identification information.

  The invention of an image processing program according to claim 9 is a document management means for managing a computer by associating a registered electronic document with identification information corresponding to the electronic document, and the identification information is included in image information read from a paper document. Is included in the electronic document that is associated with the identification information and managed by the document management means, when the first image information with the identification information and the second image information without the identification information are included. It functions as an update registration means for adding and registering the second image information.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, a paper document in which image information not registered and managed is attached to a paper document of an electronic document registered and managed, and scanned, and the image information is registered and managed electronically. It has the effect that it can be additionally registered in the document.

  According to the invention described in claim 2, the paper information of the specific electronic document registered and managed is scanned with the paper document on which the image information not registered and managed is formed, and the image information is specified. Can be additionally registered in the electronic document.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, a paper document on which image information that is not registered and managed is attached and scanned after or before the paper document of the specific electronic document that is registered and managed. The image information can be additionally registered behind or before a specific electronic document.

  According to the invention described in claim 4, the paper document on which the image information not registered and managed is added to the back or front of the paper document of the electronic document on the specific page of the specific registered and managed electronic document. The image information can be additionally registered after or before the electronic document on the specific page.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the paper document of the electronic document on the specific page of the specific electronic document registered and managed and the paper document on which the image information not registered and managed is placed side by side and scanned. Thus, the electronic document of a specific page can be updated and registered by replacing the electronic document of the page with image information added to the electronic document.

  According to the invention described in claim 6, the paper document of the specific electronic document registered and managed is scanned with the paper document of the other electronic document registered and managed, and the other electronic document is scanned with the other electronic document. There is an effect that a specific electronic document can be additionally registered.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the electronic data of a specific page of another specific electronic document registered and managed before or after the paper document of the electronic document of the specific page of the specific electronic document registered and managed is provided. This has the effect that it is possible to additionally register an electronic document of another specific page before or after the electronic document of the specific page by scanning with a paper document of the document.

  According to the eighth aspect of the invention, the paper document of the specific page of the specific electronic document registered and managed and the paper document of the electronic page of the specific page of the other specific electronic document registered and managed Are arranged and scanned, and the electronic document of a specific page can be updated and registered by replacing the electronic document of a specific page with an electronic document of a page in which another electronic document of a specific page is added to the electronic document.

  According to the invention described in claim 9, the paper information of the electronic document registered and managed is scanned with the paper document on which the image information not registered and managed is formed, and the image information is registered and managed. It is possible to cause the computer to execute the process of additionally registering in the electronic document.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of an image processing apparatus and an image processing program according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a configuration of an image processing system 100 to which an image processing apparatus according to the present invention is applied.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in an image processing system 100, a client PC 1, a multifunction device 2, and a print server 3 are connected via a network 4 such as a LAN (= Local Area Network).

  The client PC 1 and the print server 3 include an input unit (PC) 11 and an input unit (server) 31 of an input device (for example, a keyboard and a mouse), an output unit (PC) 12 and an output unit (for example of a display). Server) 32, control unit (PC) 10 and control unit (server) 30 of central processing unit (for example, CPU), storage unit (PC) 13 and storage unit of storage device (ROM, RAM, hard disk, external storage device, etc.) (Server) 33, a general computer composed of a communication control device (PC) 14 and a communication control device (server) 34 that are connected to the network 4 or an external device to control transmission / reception of control signals and data signals. It is.

  The print server 3 receives a print job execution request from the client PC 1 or the like connected to the network 4, and sends it to the MFP 2 or the printing device (not shown) managed by the own device connected to the network 4. In addition to conventional print control for sequentially printing received print jobs, control according to the present invention is performed.

  The multifunction device 2 has an image reading function for optically scanning a paper document to read image information of the paper document, and a printing function for forming and outputting document data instructed for printing on a sheet provided in the multifunction device 2. An image reading unit 25 that performs and controls the operation of the image reading function, a printing unit 22 that performs the operation and control of the printing function, and a storage device (ROM, RAM, hard disk, external storage device, etc.) Unit (multifunction machine) 23, user I / F (interface) 21, communication control device (multifunction device) 24 connected to network 4 or an external device to control transmission / reception of control signals and data signals, central processing unit ( For example, the control unit (multifunction machine) 20 of the CPU is configured.

  The user I / F 21 is a touch panel and instruction buttons for giving an instruction from the operator to the multifunction device 2, an operating state and status information of the multifunction device 2 from the multifunction device 2 to the operator, etc., and an operation of the multifunction device 2. It is composed of a display screen for displaying various information such as guidance information at the time, and performs various operations and control thereof.

  The control unit (PC) 10, the control unit (multifunction machine) 20, and the control unit (server) 30 of each device control each unit that constitutes the device, and control the entire device.

  CPU is an abbreviation for Central Processing Unit, ROM is an abbreviation for Read Only Memory, and RAM is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory.

  The image processing system 100 may be connected to various devices such as a server that manages various devices connected to the network 4, a printing device, and a client PC other than the client PC 1 in addition to the devices described above. Good.

  In this embodiment, the operation of the image processing apparatus according to the present invention is configured to be realized by each control operation of the multifunction peripheral 2 and the print server 3, but is configured to be realized by one apparatus. It may be.

  By the way, the image processing system 100 stores the print data of the print job instructed for printing from the client PC 1 in the storage unit (server) 33 of the print server 3 as reusable print data (hereinafter referred to as “electronic document”). In addition, the stored electronic document can be updated and re-output according to an instruction from the operator.

  Further, in order to realize operations for storing, updating, and re-outputting a reusable electronic document, the client PC 1 constituting the image processing system 100 has a printer driver 130, the multifunction device 2 has an image reading software 230, and a print server. Each program software (hereinafter referred to as “software”) of the print document management software 330 is installed in 30.

  Each piece of software is stored in advance in a storage unit (for example, a hard disk or a ROM) of each device, and the control unit of each device stores the software stored in the storage unit (ROM) of the device itself. The operation of each apparatus according to the present invention is realized by reading, executing, and starting.

  The printer driver 130 installed on the client PC 1 and operating on the client PC 1 causes the operator to specify the electronic document created by application software (not shown), the printing conditions, and the output destination on the client PC 1 In addition to the conventional normal print mode function (not shown) that creates a print job based on these information and prints it out, the print job is created and printed out, and the electronic document of the print job is reused A reusable printing function 131 that stores and manages a possible electronic document in a predetermined storage location is provided.

  The printing conditions include, for example, printing resolution, color mode (color / monochrome), gradation, layout printing (N-up), and printing surface designation (both sides / back side) for printing out a designated electronic document. ), Specified conditions such as paper size, paper type, number of output copies, and the like.

  The print document management software 330 installed on the print server 3 and operating on the print server 3 receives and manages a print job instructed to print from each device such as the client PC 1 connected to the network 4. A conventional image processing function for converting an electronic document of a print job into a page description language (hereinafter referred to as “PDL”) that can be interpreted by each device of a specified output destination such as the MFP 2 connected to the network 4 In addition to 331, each of the functions includes an identification information generation function 332, an identification information addition function 333, and a print document management function 334.

  The identification information generation function 332 is an electronic document of a print job instructed to be printed by the reusable printing function 131 from the printer driver 130 of the client PC 1 or a paper document by the multifunction device 2 instructed to save as a reusable electronic document. Identification information unique to the document to be assigned to the electronic document of the image read from the document is generated.

  The identification information addition function 333 codes the identification information generated by the identification information generation function 332 with respect to the electronic document instructed to be stored as a reusable document based on a specific rule, and gives the electronic document.

  The print document management function 334 stores an electronic document instructed to be stored as a reusable document in a storage unit (server) 33 of the print server 3 (for example, a predetermined storage area of a hard disk (not shown)), A print document management table in which the storage location (information indicating the storage location) and the identification information of the electronic document are associated with each other is generated and managed.

  The generated print document management table is stored in the storage unit (server) 33 of the print server 3.

  The image reading software 230 installed in the multifunction device 2 and operating on the multifunction device 2 is set on an automatic document feeder (not shown) of the multifunction device 2 and is sent one by one on a paper document. In addition to the conventional normal scan mode function that optically scans and reads an image of a paper document placed on a platen glass (not shown) of the multifunction device 2, the image read from the paper document can be used as a reusable electronic document. Reuse scan mode function to save (register) or update.

  In order to realize each of these functions, the image reading software 230 includes an image reading function 231, an identification information recognition function 232, and a document registration update function 233.

  The image reading function 231 optically scans a paper document set on an automatic document feeder or a paper document surface placed on a platen glass, and reads an image of the paper document.

  The identification information recognition function 232 analyzes the image read from the paper document by the image reading function 231 and recognizes the identification information of the paper document included in the image.

  When the reusable scan mode function is selected, the document registration / update function 233 is based on the identification information of the paper document set on the automatic document feeder or the identification information of the paper document placed on the platen glass. An operation for newly saving and registering an image read from a document as a reusable electronic document in the print server 3 or adding and updating an electronic document already stored as a reusable electronic document Take control.

  In the image processing system 100 configured as described above, an image processing control method according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the processing flow of a print job instructed to print as a reusable electronic document.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, an operator selects the reusable printing function 131 on the client PC 1 and an electronic document (for example, an electronic document A01 for three pages) created by application software (not shown). When the print condition and the output destination (for example, the multifunction device 2) are designated and a print instruction is given, the print driver attribute indicating the print condition and the output destination information (for example, the multifunction device 2) for the electronic document for which the printer driver 130 is instructed to print. And a print job (for example, print job A01) to which print mode information (for example, identification information indicating the reusable print mode) is added, and transmitted to the print server 3.

  The print job transmitted from the client PC 1 is received by the print server 3 via the network 4 and temporarily stored in the storage unit (server) 33 of the print server 3 as shown in FIG. It is determined by referring to the print mode information included in the print job whether the print instruction for the print job is normal printing or reuse printing.

  If the print mode information indicates normal printing, the image processing function 331 (print document management software 330) of the print server 3 can interpret the electronic document of the print job as a PDL (page After conversion to (description language), a print job (for example, print job A01) including print job attributes, output destination information (for example, identification information of the MFP 2), and print mode information (for example, identification information indicating the normal print mode) is specified. To the output destination (for example, the multifunction device 2).

  If the print mode information indicates the reusable print mode, as shown in FIGS. 2C and 2D, the electronic document of the print job is saved as a reusable electronic document. In order to manage, document identification information (hereinafter referred to as “document ID”) that can identify the electronic document of the print job is generated, the number of pages of the electronic document including the generated document ID, the total data length, Attribute information 351 such as creation date of electronic document, position information (address information) where electronic document of each page is stored, data length of electronic document of each page, page ID indicating page information of electronic document of each page Is added to the electronic document (electronic document 352 made up of electronic documents on each page) and stored in a predetermined storage location (storage unit (server) 33) (see FIG. 2D), then the print job The document ID of the electronic document and the storage location of the electronic document It generates a print document managing table 340 associating the broadcast or the like (see FIG. 2 (c)) is stored in a predetermined storage location (storage unit (server) 33).

  Specifically, the generation of the document ID of the electronic document to be stored as a reusable electronic document is performed on the print job (for example, print job A01) by the identification information generation function 332 (print document management software 330) of the print server 3. A corresponding unique document ID (for example, A01) is generated.

  Further, the generation of the print document management table 340 is specifically performed by the attribute information 351 including the document ID generated by the identification information generation function 332 by the print document management function 334 (print document management software 330) of the print server 3. After being added to the electronic document of the print job and stored in a predetermined storage location (storage unit (server) 33), a print document management table 340 in which the storage location information is associated with the document ID (see FIG. 2 (c)) is generated and stored in a predetermined storage location (storage unit (server) 33) for management.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2C, the print document management table 340 stores a document ID 341 indicating a document ID of a reusable electronic document stored in a predetermined storage location, and stores the electronic document. Print document management information configured by associating a storage location 342 or the like indicating the location information is generated and managed.

  For example, the print document management information 343 of the print document management table 340 includes the storage unit (server) 33 of the print server 3 that stores the electronic document A01 (document ID 341 “A01”) of the print job A01 that is instructed to be printed in the reuse print mode. It is stored in ABC001 ("D: ABC001" in the storage location 342) of the D drive of the hard disk.

  Further, for example, the print document management information 344 is the D of the hard disk of the storage unit (server) 33 of the print server 3 in which the electronic document B01 (document ID 341 “B01”) of the print job B01 instructed to be printed in the reusable print mode. It is stored in BCD001 of the drive ("D: BCD001" in the storage location 342).

  When an electronic document of a print job instructed to be printed in the reusable print mode is saved (see FIG. 2D) and a print document management table 340 (see FIG. 2C) related to the electronic document is generated, The document ID of the electronic document is encoded based on a predetermined rule, and the encoded document ID (hereinafter referred to as “document ID code”) is added to the electronic document on each page of the print job, and the document ID code is added. As in the case of normal printing, the electronic document on each page is converted into a PDL (page description language) that can be interpreted by the output destination (for example, the multifunction device 2), and then designated to the specified output destination (for example, the multifunction device 2). Send.

  Specifically, the encoding of the document ID and the addition of the document ID code to the electronic document are the document ID generated by the identification information generation function 332 by the identification information addition function 333 (print document management software 330) of the print server 2. Is converted into a two-dimensional dot pattern image or the like (document ID code) based on a predetermined rule and encoded, and the encoded document ID code is combined with the electronic document on each page of the print job and added.

  A print job including an electronic document to which a document ID code is added (for example, print job A01) is transmitted from the print server 3 and received by the multifunction device 2 via the network 4, as shown in FIG. The printing unit 22 of the multifunction device 2 analyzes the PDL according to the print job attribute included in the print job, converts the PDL into an image (bit map) image for each page, and prints and outputs the image on a sheet included in the multifunction device 2. .

  For each paper document on which a print job (for example, print job A01) is printed out by the multifunction device 2, in addition to the image corresponding to the electronic document on each page of the print job, the document ID of the electronic document (for example, “A01”) ) Is formed at a predetermined position on the paper of each paper document and printed out.

  Next, an image (electronic document) read from a paper document is newly added to an electronic document that has been instructed to be printed in the above-described reusable printing mode and saved as a reusable electronic document. The flow of processing (hereinafter referred to as “reusable electronic document update processing”) will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the flow of reusable electronic document update processing (example 1).

  FIG. 3 shows an example in which an image read from a paper document (estimate) is newly added and stored in the electronic document A01 stored in the print server 3 as a reusable electronic document. It is a thing.

  Each of the first to third paper documents of the paper document A01 is assigned a document ID code indicating a document ID of “A01”, and a document ID code is assigned to the paper document (estimate). Shall not.

  When an image (electronic document) read from a paper document (estimate) is added to the reusable electronic document A01 stored in the print server 3 and stored, as shown in FIG. Then, a paper document (estimate) is added to any one of the three paper documents A01 from which the electronic document A01 is printed and set in the automatic document feeder of the multifunction machine 2, After selecting the reusable scan mode on the menu selection screen displayed on the display screen (not shown) of the user I / F 21 of the multifunction device 2, the user presses the start button disposed on the user I / F 21 of the multifunction device 2. Thus, the update process of the electronic document A01 stored as a reusable electronic document is started.

  The paper document A01 and the paper document (estimate) set on the automatic document feeder of the multifunction device 2 are sequentially conveyed one by one to the image reading unit 25 of the multifunction device 2 by the automatic document feeder, and an image of each paper document. Is read and the image read from the paper document (estimate) is added to the first or last page of the electronic document A01 of the paper document A01 stored in the print server 3 as a reusable electronic document and stored. .

  When the image of the paper document (estimate) is read before the image of the paper document A01, the image read from the paper document (estimate) is added to the first page of the electronic document A01, and the paper document ( When the image of the estimate sheet is read after the image of the paper document A01, the image read from the paper document (estimate sheet) is added to the last page of the electronic document A01 and stored.

  In the case of this example, a paper document (estimate) is added after the paper document A01 and set in the automatic document feeder, and the reuse scan mode is instructed to be selected. As shown in FIG. The image read from the paper document (estimate) is added and stored in the print server 3 as the fourth page electronic document of the electronic document A01 already stored as a reusable electronic document.

  In this example, an example in which an image read from one paper document (estimate) is added to the already-stored electronic document A01 is shown. However, the paper document (estimate) is composed of a plurality of sheets. Then, a plurality of images read from a plurality of paper documents (estimate) may be added to the electronic document A01, and the number of paper documents (estimate) is not particularly limited.

  The control operation of the reusable electronic document update process (example 1) will be described in more detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a paper document (for example, one paper document A01 and one paper document (estimate) added after it) set in the automatic document feeder of the multifunction machine 2 is The automatic document feeder sequentially conveys the sheets one by one to the image reading unit 25 of the multifunction machine 2, and the image of the conveyed paper document is read by the image reading unit 25 (step S401).

  The image of the paper document read by the image reading unit 25 (hereinafter referred to as “read image”) is image-analyzed by the identification information recognition function 232 (image reading software 230) of the multifunction device 2 and is included in the read image. A document ID code is extracted (step S402).

  As described above, the document ID code indicating the document ID “A01” is assigned to the paper document A01, and the document ID code is not assigned to the paper document (estimate).

  If the document ID code is not extracted from the read image in step S402 (NO in step S403), an electronic document in which the read image can be reused by the document registration / updating function 233 (image reading software 230) of the multi-function device 2. Information indicating that the read image and the page number of the read paper and all the paper documents set in the automatic document feeder have been read. (Hereinafter referred to as “reading page ID”) is stored (step S406).

  If the document ID code is extracted from the read image in step S402 (YES in step S403), the document ID of the extracted document ID code is stored in the print server 3 as a reusable electronic document. The document registration / update function 233 inquires the print server 3 to check whether the document ID is the document ID. If the document ID is a reusable electronic document ID (YES in step S404), the document ID is updated. The document ID of the electronic document to be updated is recognized and stored (step S405).

  To confirm whether the document ID of the read image is a document ID of a reusable electronic document, the MFP 2 sends the document ID of the document ID code extracted from the read image to the print server 3 to make an inquiry. The print server 3 makes an inquiry with reference to a print document management table (for example, the print document management table 300) stored in the storage unit (server) 33 by the print document management function 334 (print document management software 330) of the print server 3. It is confirmed whether or not the document ID of the document is recorded and managed. If the document ID is recorded and managed, the MFP 2 indicates that the document ID of the inquiry is the document ID of the document stored as a reusable electronic document. If the information is not recorded and managed, the MFP 2 is notified that the document ID of the inquiry is not stored as a reusable electronic document.

  In step S404, when the document ID of the read image is not the document ID of the electronic document stored as a reusable electronic document (NO in step S404), the document ID code is not extracted from the read image. Similarly, the document registration / updating function 233 recognizes the scanned image as an image to be additionally stored as a reusable electronic document, the scanned image, and the scanned page ID of the paper document from which the scanned image is scanned. Is stored (step S406).

  When one paper document A01 and paper document (estimate) set in the automatic document feeder are repeatedly processed in steps S401 to S406, images of all paper documents are read ( In step S407, YES), information (hereinafter referred to as “additional page ID”) indicating the page number of the electronic document to be updated is added and generated. The added page ID, the document ID of the electronic document to be updated (in this case, A01), and the read image to be added (in this case, the read image read from the paper document (estimate)) It is transmitted to the print server 3 by the document registration / update function 233 (image reading software 230), and the read image is added to the page indicated by the additional page ID for the electronic document having the document ID to be updated. Is required.

  In this case, information indicating the page after the last page of the paper document A01 (in this case, 004) is set as the additional page ID.

  Reusable electronic document update request, document ID to be updated, read image to be added, and additional page ID information are transmitted from the MFP 2 to the print server 2 via the network 4. The read image to be added to the electronic document with the document ID to be updated is additionally stored and managed as an electronic document of the page indicated by the additional page ID by the print document management function 334 (print document management software 330).

  Specifically, the reusable electronic document update operation by the print document management function 334 is performed as shown in FIG. 5A. The update target document ID transmitted from the MFP 2 (in this case, A01 ) To the electronic document 353 (in this case, the electronic document with document ID A01) from the storage location (in this case, D: ABC001) associated with the document ID specified with reference to the print document management table 340 After reading A01), as shown in FIG. 5B, a read image 355 to be additionally stored (in this case, a read image read from a paper document (estimate)) is added to the read electronic document 353. An electronic document 356 as shown in FIG. 5C is generated by adding as an electronic document of the page indicated by the page ID (in this case, the fourth page), and the generated electronic document 356 is shown in FIG. The original store, as shown Tokoro (in this case, D: ABC001) after saving to be managed by the print document managing table 340.

  In this example, the read image read from the paper document (estimate) is added to the last page of the electronic document A01. However, the paper document (estimate) is automatically added before the paper document A01. An image read from a paper document (estimate) can be added to the first page of the electronic document A01 by setting the document feeding device and reading the image of each document.

  FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a flow of processing other than the above-described processing (see FIG. 2) when a print instruction is given as a reusable electronic document.

  As shown in FIGS. 6A to 6D, the operator selects the reusable printing function 131 on the client PC 1 and an electronic document (for example, for three pages) created by application software (not shown). The electronic document B01), the print condition and the output destination (for example, the multifunction device 2), and instructing the print, the printer driver 130 issues the print job B01 of the electronic document instructed to print (the print job to the electronic document B01). Attributes, output destination information, and print mode information are added) and transmitted to the print server 3.

  The sequence of processing shown in FIGS. 6A to 6D until the print server 3 stores and manages the electronic document B01 of the print job B01 as a reusable electronic document is as follows. The processing flow is the same as that shown in FIGS. 2A and 2D described above, and description of the flow of these processing (FIGS. 6A to 6D) is omitted.

  When the electronic document B01 of the print job B01 is saved as a reusable electronic document (see FIG. 6D), and the print document management table 340 (see FIG. 6C) related to the electronic document B01 is generated. For the electronic document B01 of each page of the print job 01, a document ID code is generated by encoding information (page ID) indicating the number of pages of the electronic document and the document ID of the electronic document B01 based on a predetermined rule. The electronic document B01 to which the document ID code is added is converted into a PDL (page description language) that can be interpreted by the output destination (for example, the multifunction device 2), and then transmitted to the specified output destination (for example, the multifunction device 2). To do.

  Specifically, the generation of the document ID code to be added to the electronic document of each page of the electronic document B01 and the addition of the document ID code to the electronic document are specifically performed by the identification information adding function 333 (print document management software 330 of the print server 2). ), The document ID generated by the identification information generation function 332 and the page ID of the electronic document of each page are converted into, for example, a two-dimensional dot pattern image (document ID code) based on a predetermined rule, and encoded. The converted document ID code is combined with the electronic document of each page of the electronic document B01 and added.

  As shown in FIG. 6E, the print job B01 transmitted from the print server 3 is received by the MFP 2 via the network 4, and the print job attribute included in the print job by the printing unit 22 of the MFP 2 is displayed. Then, the PDL is analyzed and converted into an image (bit map) image for each page, printed on a sheet provided in the multi-function device 2 and output.

  In addition to the image of the first-page electronic document B01, the paper document corresponding to the first-page electronic document B01 of the print job B01 printed out by the multifunction device 2 includes the document ID (for example, B01) of the electronic document. And a document ID code indicating a page ID indicating the page of the electronic document (for example, 001) is formed at a predetermined position on the paper, and the electronic document B01 on the second and third pages is printed out. In addition to the image of the electronic document B01 on each page, the document includes a document ID code indicating a document ID (for example, B01) of the electronic document and a page ID (for example, 002 or 003) indicating the page of the electronic document. It is formed at a predetermined position on the paper and printed out.

  Next, the flow of update processing for an electronic document stored as a reusable electronic document shown in FIG. 6 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the flow of reusable electronic document update processing (example 2).

  As shown in FIG. 7B, an image read from a paper document (plan) for an electronic document B01 composed of a three-page electronic document stored in the print server 3 as a reusable electronic document is an electronic document. When adding and saving between the second page and the third page of B01, as shown in FIG. 7A, a paper document is placed behind the paper document B01 on which the electronic document B01 of the second page is printed out. The two paper documents to which the (plan) is added or the two paper documents to which the paper document (plan) is added before the paper document B01 on which the electronic document B01 on the third page is printed out are combined with the multifunction peripheral 2. After selecting the reusable scan mode on the menu selection screen displayed on the display screen (not shown) of the user I / F 21 of the multifunction device 2, the user can press the start button again. Electronic document B stored as an available electronic document 1 of the update process is started.

  As described above, the paper document B01 in which the first page of the electronic document B01 of the paper document B01 is printed out includes a document ID (for example, B01) and a page ID (for example, 001), and the second page of the electronic document B01. The document ID (for example, B01) and the page ID (for example, 002) are included in the paper document B01 in which the document B01 is printed out, and the document ID (for example, B01) is in the paper document B01 in which the electronic document B01 for the third page is printed out. ) And a page ID (for example, 003) are formed at predetermined positions on each sheet, and the document ID code is not assigned to the paper document (plan).

  A paper document B01 (paper document on which the second page electronic document B01 is printed) and a paper document (plan) set on the automatic document feeder of the MFP 2 or a paper document B01 (third page electronic document) The paper document in which B01 is printed out and the paper document (plan) are sequentially conveyed one by one by the automatic document feeder to the image reading unit 25 of the multifunction machine 2, and the image of each paper document is read. An electronic document B01 stored in the print server 3 as a reusable electronic document based on the document ID and page ID of the document ID code included in the read image read from B01 is read from a paper document (plan). The electronic document as the electronic document of the page (additional page ID) specified from the read order of the read image of the paper document B01 and the paper document (plan) and the page ID of the paper document B01. B To save in addition to the 1.

  In the case of this example, a paper document (plan) is added after the paper document B01 on the second page and is set in the automatic document feeder of the multifunction machine 2, and the reuse scan mode is instructed to be selected. As shown in (b), the read image read from the paper document (plan) is additionally stored in the print server 3 as the third page electronic document of the electronic document B01.

  By adding a read image read from a paper document (plan) to the electronic document B01, the electronic document B01 on the third page before addition is stored as the electronic document B01 on the fourth page.

  Further, in this example, an example in which an image read from one paper document (plan) is added and stored is shown, but the paper document (plan) is composed of a plurality of sheets, and a plurality of paper documents (plans) A plurality of images read from the (plan) may be added to the electronic document B01, and the number of paper documents (plan) is not particularly limited.

  The control operation of the reusable electronic document update process (example 2) will be described in more detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In FIG. 8, the description of the operation similar to the control operation (see FIG. 4) of the reusable electronic document update process (Example 1) described above is omitted or simplified for convenience of explanation. .

  As shown in FIG. 8, a paper document (plan) is added after the paper document B01 (paper document on which the electronic document B01 on the second page is printed out) set in the automatic document feeder of the multifunction machine 2. Two paper documents or two paper documents in which a paper document (plan) is added before the paper document B01 (paper document on which the electronic document B01 on the third page is printed) are automatically fed. The apparatus sequentially conveys the paper document one by one to the image reading unit 25 of the multifunction machine 2, and the image reading unit 25 sequentially reads the image of the paper document (step S801).

  The read image of the paper document is subjected to image analysis by the identification information recognition function 232 (image reading software 230) of the multifunction device 2, and the document ID code included in the read image is extracted (step S802).

  If the document ID code is not extracted from the read image in step S802 (NO in step S803), the electronic document in which the read image can be reused by the document registration update function 233 (image reading software 230) of the multifunction device 2 is used. As a result, the read image and the paper document (plan) of the read image are read on the page number of all the paper documents set in the automatic document feeder. The read page ID indicating whether or not is stored (step S806).

  If the document ID code is extracted from the scanned image in step S802 (YES in step S803), the document ID of the extracted document ID code is stored in the print server 3 as a reusable electronic document. The document registration / update function 233 inquires the print server 3 to check whether the document ID is the document ID. If the document ID is a reusable electronic document ID (YES in step S804), the document ID is updated. The document ID of the electronic document to be updated is recognized and stored (step S805).

  In step S804, when the document ID of the read image is not the document ID of the electronic document stored as a reusable electronic document (NO in step S804), the document ID code is not extracted from the read image. Similarly, the read image is recognized as an image to be additionally stored as a reusable electronic document, and the read image and the read page ID of the paper document of the read image are stored (step S806). .

The processing in steps S801 to S806 described above is repeated for one paper document B01 and one paper document (plan) set in the automatic document feeder, and images of all paper documents are read. If so (YES in step S807), information (additional page ID) indicating the page number of the electronic document to be added to which the target image to be additionally stored is added is generated, and the generated additional page ID and the update target are generated. The document ID of the electronic document (in this case, B01) and the read image to be added (in this case, the read image read from the paper document (plan)) are the document registration update function 233 (image reading). Is transmitted to the print server 3 by the software 230), and the electronic document having the document ID to be updated is requested to be added to the page indicated by the additional page ID.

  The additional page ID is set with information corresponding to a value obtained by adding the read page ID to the page ID of the paper document B01 and further subtracting one.

  Reusable electronic document update request, document ID to be updated, read image to be added, and additional page ID information are transmitted from the MFP 2 to the print server 2 via the network 4. A read image to be added to the electronic document having the document ID to be updated is additionally stored and managed as electronic data of the page indicated by the additional page ID by the print document management function 334 (print document management software 330).

  Specifically, the reusable electronic document update operation by the print document management function 334 is performed as shown in FIG. 9A. The update target document ID transmitted from the MFP 2 (in this case, B01 ) To the electronic document 354 (in this case, the electronic document with the document ID B01) from the storage location (D: BCD001 in this case) associated with the document ID specified with reference to the print document management table 340 B01) is read out, and as shown in FIG. 9B, the read image 357 of the electronic document to be additionally stored on the read electronic document 354 (in this case, the read image read from the paper document (plan)) ) Is added as electronic data of the page indicated by the additional page ID (in this case, the third page) to generate an electronic document 358 as shown in FIG. 9C, and the generated electronic document 358 is shown in FIG. as shown in d) , Original storage location (in this case, D: BCD001) Save and managed by the print document managing table 340 to.

  Next, processing other than the reusable electronic document update processing (example 2) shown in FIG. 7 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the flow of reusable electronic document update processing (example 3).

  Note that FIG. 10 shows an electronic image read from a paper document B01 in which the electronic document B01 is printed out with respect to the electronic document A01 and the electronic document B01 stored in the print server 3 as a reusable electronic document. An example of adding and saving to the document A01 is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 10B, for example, when the electronic document B01 of the first page is added and stored between the second and third pages of the electronic document A01, as shown in FIG. Two paper documents in which the paper document B01 in which the first page electronic document B01 is printed out is added after the paper document A01 in which the second page electronic document A01 is printed out, or the third page electronic document Two paper documents in which a paper document B01 is added before a paper document A01 on which A01 is printed out are set on the automatic document feeder of the multifunction machine 2, and a display screen (not shown) of the user I / F 21 of the multifunction machine 2 is shown. After selecting the reuse scan mode on the menu selection screen displayed in (1), the update process of the stored electronic document A01 is started by pressing the start button.

  As described above, the document ID code indicating the document ID (for example, A01) and the page ID (for example, 002) has a predetermined position on the paper in the paper document A01 from which the electronic document A01 for the second page is printed out. In the paper document B01 in which the first page of the electronic document B01 is printed out, a document ID code indicating a document ID (for example, B01) and a page ID (for example, 001) is formed at a predetermined position on the sheet. ing.

  Paper document A01 (paper document on which the second page electronic document A01 is printed out) and paper document B01 (paper document on which the first page electronic document B01 is printed out) set in the automatic document feeder of the MFP 2 ) Or paper document A01 (paper document on which the third page electronic document A01 is printed out) and paper document B01 (paper document on which the first page electronic document B01 is printed out) are set to 1 by the automatic document feeder. The print server 3 is sequentially transported to the image reading unit 25 of the multi-function device 2 and images of each paper document are read and specified from the document ID code of the document ID code included in the image read from the paper document A01. The electronic document B01 corresponding to the image read from the paper document B01 and the page ID of the paper document A01 are read from the electronic document B01 corresponding to the image read from the paper document B01. Saving in addition to the electronic document A01 as an electronic document page (additional page ID) to be constant.

  In the case of this example, a paper document B01 (paper document on which the first page electronic document B01 is printed) is added after the paper document A01 (paper document on which the second page electronic document A01 is printed). Since it is set in the automatic document feeder of the MFP 2 and the reuse scan mode is instructed, as shown in FIG. 10 (b), the first page electronic corresponding to the read image read from the paper document B01 is displayed. The document B01 is added between the second and third pages of the electronic document A01 stored as a reusable document and stored in the print server 3.

  Note that by adding the electronic document B01 to the electronic document A01, the electronic document A01 on the third page before the addition is stored as the electronic document A01 on the fourth page.

  Further, in this example, an example in which an image read from one paper document B01 is added and stored is shown. However, the paper document B01 is composed of a plurality of pages on which each page of the electronic document B01 is printed out. It may be a paper document, and the number of sheets is not particularly limited.

  Further, in this example, when each of the electronic documents of the paper document A01 and the paper document B01 is stored as a reusable electronic document, the paper document (first read by the image reading unit 25 of the multifunction device 2) In this case, an example is shown in which an image of a paper document (in this case, paper document B01) read later is added to the electronic document A01 of the paper document A01) and stored. The image of the paper document read first may be added to the electronic document of the read paper document and stored, and is not particularly limited.

  The control operation of the reusable electronic document update process (example 3) will be described in more detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In FIG. 11, the description of the operation similar to the control operation (see FIG. 8) of the reusable electronic document update process (example 2) described above is omitted or simplified for convenience of explanation. .

  As shown in FIG. 11, the paper document B01 (the electronic document on the first page) is placed behind the paper document A01 (the paper document on which the electronic document A01 on the second page is printed out) set in the automatic document feeder of the multifunction machine 2. The paper document B01 (first page) before the two paper documents to which the document B01 is printed and the paper document A01 (paper document with the third page electronic document A01 printed) is added. The two paper documents to which the electronic document B01 is printed out) are sequentially conveyed one by one by the automatic document feeder to the image reading unit 25 of the multi-function device 2, and each image is read by the image reading unit 25. Document images are sequentially read (step S1101).

  The read image of each paper document is image-analyzed by the identification information recognition function 232 (image reading software 230) of the multifunction device 2, and the document ID code included in the read image is extracted (step S1102).

  If the document ID code is not extracted from the read image in step S1102 (NO in step S1103), the electronic document in which the read image can be reused by the document registration update function 233 (image reading software 230) of the multifunction device 2 is used. As a new target image to be additionally stored, and indicates the page number of the read image and the paper document of the read image read from all the paper documents set in the automatic document feeder. The read page ID is stored (step S1106).

  If a document ID code is extracted from the scanned image in step S1102 (YES in step S1103), the document ID is reusable as an electronic document based on the document ID and page ID indicated by the extracted document ID code. An inquiry as to whether or not the document ID is a stored electronic document is made to the print server 3 by the document registration / update function 233, and is the document ID of the electronic document stored as a reusable electronic document. In this case (YES in step S1104), the document ID is recognized as the document ID of the electronic document to be updated, and the document ID and page ID are stored (step S1105).

  In step S1104, when the document ID of the read image is not the document ID of the electronic document stored as a reusable electronic document (NO in step S1104), the document ID code is not extracted from the read image. Similarly, the read image is recognized as an image that is newly added and saved as a reusable electronic document, and the document ID of the read image and the read page ID of the paper document of the read image are stored. (Step S1106). When the processes of steps S1101 to S1106 described above are repeatedly performed on the paper document A01 and the paper document B01 set in the automatic document feeder, and all the images of the paper document are read (YES in step S1107), an addition is made. Information (additional page ID) indicating the page number of the electronic document to be updated to which the read image to be stored is added is generated, and the generated additional page ID and the document ID of the electronic document to be updated (in this case) A01), the document ID of the read image to be additionally stored (in this case, B01) and its page ID are transmitted to the print server 3 by the document registration update function 233 (image reading software 230) of the multifunction device 2. The electronic document B01 specified from the document ID and page ID of the read image is added to the page indicated by the additional page ID with respect to the electronic document of the document ID to be updated. It is required to pressure.

  The additional page ID is set with information corresponding to a value obtained by adding the read page ID to the page ID of the paper document B01 and further subtracting one.

  Reusable electronic document update request, document ID to be updated, read image to be added or document ID of the read image, page ID, and additional page ID information are printed from the MFP 2 via the network 4. A read image transmitted to the server 2 and added to the electronic document with the document ID to be updated by the print document management function 334 (print document management software 330) of the print server 2 or an electronic document corresponding to the read image (in this case) Is stored and managed as an electronic document of the page indicated by the additional page ID.

  Specifically, the reusable electronic document update operation by the print document management function 334 is performed as shown in FIG. 12A. The update target document ID transmitted from the MFP 2 (in this case, A01 ) To the electronic document 353 (in this case, the electronic document with document ID A01) from the storage location (in this case, D: ABC001) associated with the document ID specified with reference to the print document management table 340 After reading A01), as shown in FIG. 12B, the electronic document corresponding to the read image to be additionally stored in the read electronic document 353 is read and read based on the document ID and page ID of the read image. The electronic document 359 (in this case, the electronic document B01 of the first page) is added as electronic data of the page indicated by the additional page ID (in this case, the third page), as shown in FIG. Generates a child document 360, the generated electronic document 360 as shown in FIG. 12 (d), the original storage location (in this case, D: ABC001) Save and managed by the print document managing table 340 to.

  Next, processing other than the reusable electronic document update processing (example 3) shown in FIG. 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the flow of reusable electronic document update processing (example 4).

  13A and 13B show a paper document with respect to an electronic document C01 (for example, an electronic document corresponding to the paper size of A4) stored in the print server 3 as a reusable electronic document. An example in which an image read from (Estimate) is added to an electronic document C01 of a specified page to generate an electronic document of a new page and stored as the electronic document C01 of the page is shown. FIG. 13C and FIG. 13D show an electronic document C01 and an electronic document D01 stored in the print server 3 as reusable electronic documents, read from a paper document D01 on which the electronic document D01 is printed out. An example is shown in which a new page electronic document is generated by adding the image to the electronic document C01 of the specified page and stored as the electronic document C01 of the page.

  As shown in FIG. 13A, the paper document C01 on which the electronic document C01 of the first page is printed out and the paper document (estimate) are placed side by side so as not to overlap on a platen (not shown) of the multifunction machine 2. Specify the scan paper size (in this case, specify the A3 paper size) and the reuse scan mode on the menu selection screen displayed on the display screen (not shown) of the user I / F 21 of the MFP 2 After selection, the update process of the stored electronic document C01 is started by pressing a start button arranged in the multifunction device 2.

  As described above, the paper document C01 from which the first page of the electronic document C01 is printed is assigned a document ID code indicating a document ID (for example, C01) and a page ID (for example, 001). The document ID code is not assigned to the (plan).

  Each image of the paper document C01 and the paper document (plan) placed on the platen is read by the image reading unit 25 of the multifunction machine 2, and is included in the image read from the paper document C01 among the read images. For the electronic document C01 stored in the print server 3 as a reusable electronic document based on the document ID and the page ID of the document ID code, the electronic of the page indicated by the page ID is an image read from the paper document (plan). A new page electronic document added to the document C01 is generated and stored as the electronic document C01 of the page.

  In the case of this example, a paper document (plan) whose paper size is both A4 size and a paper document C01 (paper document on which the first page of the electronic document C01 is printed) are placed side by side on the platen and reused. Since the scan mode is selected and selected, as shown in FIG. 13B, the image read from the paper document (plan) is added to the first page of the reusable electronic document C01. The generated electronic document (paper size is A3 size) is generated, and the generated electronic document is stored in the print server 3 as the first page of the electronic document C01.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 13C, a paper document C01 in which the electronic document C01 of the second page is printed out and a paper document D01 in which the electronic document D01 of the first page is printed out are combined in the multifunction device 2. Specify the scan paper size on the menu selection screen displayed on the display screen (not shown) of the user I / F 21 of the multi-function device 2 (in this case, specify the A3 paper size). And after selecting the reuse scan mode, the update process of the stored electronic document C01 is started by pressing the start button.

  The paper document C01 on which the electronic document C01 for the second page is printed out is assigned a document ID code indicating a document ID (for example, C01) and a page ID (for example, 002), and the electronic document D01 for the first page is A printed document document D01 is assigned a document ID code indicating a document ID (eg, D01) and a page ID (eg, 001).

  Each image of the paper document C01 and the paper document D01 placed side by side on the platen is read by the image reading unit 25 of the multifunction device 2, and the document ID included in the image read from the paper document C01 of the read images. With respect to the electronic document C01 of the paper document C01 saved in the print server 3 as a reusable electronic document based on the document ID and page ID of the code (in this case, the electronic document C01 on the second page), the paper document D01 A new page electronic document to which an electronic document corresponding to the image (in this case, the first page electronic document D01) is added is generated and stored as the electronic document C01 of the page.

  In the case of this example, the paper document C01 (paper document on which the second page electronic document C01 is printed) and the paper document D01 (paper on which the first page electronic document D01 is printed out) are both A4 size paper. Document) are placed side by side on the platen, and the reusable scan mode is instructed to be selected. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13D, a paper document D01 is added to the second page of the reusable electronic document C01. An electronic document (paper size A3 size) to which an electronic document (in this case, the electronic document D01 of the first page) corresponding to the read image read from is added is generated, and the generated electronic document is the electronic document. It is stored in the print server 3 as an electronic document on the second page of C01.

  The control operation of the reusable electronic document update process (example 4) will be described in more detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In FIG. 14, the description of the operation similar to the control operation (see FIG. 11) of the reusable electronic document update process (example 3) described above is omitted or simplified for convenience of explanation. .

  As shown in FIG. 14, a paper document C01 (paper document on which the first page of the electronic document C01 is printed) and a paper document (estimate) or a paper document C01 (paper document C01) placed side by side on the platen of the MFP 2 The paper document on which the second-page electronic document C01 is printed out and the paper document D01 (the paper document on which the first-page electronic document D01 is printed out) are scanned paper sizes specified in this case (in this case) , A3 size) is scanned by the image reading unit 25, and these images are read (step S1401, step S1402).

  Note that each paper size of the paper document C01, paper document (estimate), and paper document D01 is, for example, A4 size, and the paper document C01 and paper document (estimate) or paper document C01 and paper document placed side by side on the platen The paper size of the image read from D01 is set to A3 size.

  When a paper document C01 and a paper document (estimate) are placed on the platen of the multifunction device 2, the read images read from the paper document C01 and the paper document (estimate) are identification information of the multifunction device 2. The image is analyzed by the recognition function 232 (image reading software 230), and the document ID code included in the image read from the paper document C01 of the read image is extracted, and the document ID is detected.

  When the paper document C01 and the paper document D01 are placed on the platen of the multifunction machine 2, the read images read from the paper document C01 and the paper document D01 are the identification information recognition function 232 ( The image is analyzed by the image reading software 230), and the document ID code included in the image read from the paper document C01 of the read image is extracted, and the document ID is detected (step S1403).

  Specifically, the first half of the read image corresponding to the A3 paper size (in this case, the A4 size) read image (in this case, the read image of the paper document C01) is subjected to image analysis, A document ID code included in the read image is extracted, and the document ID is detected.

  If no document ID code is extracted in step S1403 (NO in step S1403), the processing operation ends.

  If a document ID code is extracted in step S1403 (YES in step S1404), an electronic document in which the document ID is stored as a reusable electronic document based on the document ID indicated by the extracted document ID code. If the document registration / update function 233 makes an inquiry to the print server 3 and the document ID is an electronic document stored as a reusable electronic document (in step S1405). YES), the document ID is recognized as the document ID of the electronic document to be updated, the paper size specified from the electronic document is acquired, and the document ID and page ID of the read image are stored (step S1406, Step S1407).

  If it is determined in step S1405 that the document ID of the read image is not a document ID of an electronic document stored as a reusable electronic document (NO in step S1405), the processing operation ends.

  The scan paper size (in this case, A3 size) and the paper size of the electronic document to be updated (in this case, A4 size) are compared by the document registration / update function of the MFP 2, and both paper sizes are the same. If this is the case (YES in step S1408), this processing operation is terminated. If they are not the same (NO in step S1408), the reading read from the paper document C01 and the paper document (estimate) or from the paper document C01 and the paper document D01. An image to be added to the electronic document to be updated is extracted from the image, the extracted image is subjected to image analysis, a document ID code included in the extracted image is extracted, and the document ID is detected (steps S1409 and S1410). .

  Specifically, paper excluding the read image of the left half (in this case, the read image of the paper document C01) from the read image read from the paper document C01 and the paper document (estimate) or the paper document C01 and the paper document D01. After extracting an image (hereinafter referred to as “extracted image”) read from a document (estimate) or paper document D01, and extracting a document ID code included in the extracted image, a document ID indicated by the document ID code is displayed. To detect.

  If the document ID code is not extracted in step S1409 (NO in step S1411), the document ID and page ID of the paper document C01 and the extracted image are sent to the print server 3 by the document registration update function 233 of the multifunction device 2. The print document management function 334 of the print server 3 adds the extracted image to the electronic document C01 specified from the document ID and page ID of the paper document C01 to generate an image of a new page. The electronic document C01 (in this case, the electronic document C01 of the first page) is additionally stored in the electronic document C01 and managed (step S1412).

  If a document ID code is extracted in step S1409 (YES in step S1411), the document ID and page ID indicated by the document ID code of the extracted image, and the document ID and page ID of the paper document C01 are combined. The document registration / update function 233 transmits the electronic document corresponding to the document ID and page ID of the extracted image (in this case, the electronic document D01 of the first page) sent to the print server 3 by the print document management function 334 of the print server 3. An image of a new page is generated by adding to the electronic document C01 specified from the document ID and page ID of the paper document C01, and the electronic document C01 of the page indicated by the page ID (in this case, the electronic document C01 of the first page) Are additionally stored in the electronic document C01 and managed (step S1413).

  Specifically, the reusable electronic document update operation by the print document management function 334 includes a paper document C01 (paper document on which the first page of the electronic document C01 is printed out) and paper on the platen of the multifunction device 2. When documents (estimates) are placed side by side, as shown in FIG. 15A, a print document management table 340 is created based on the document ID to be updated (in this case, C01) transmitted from the multifunction device 2. After reading the electronic document 360 (in this case, the electronic document C01 whose document ID is C01) from the storage location (in this case, D: CDE001) associated with the document ID specified by reference, FIG. As shown in (b), an extracted image (in this case, a read image read from a paper document (estimate)) is added to the electronic document of the page to be updated (in this case, the electronic document C01 of the first page). Generated electronic document 362 As shown in FIG. 12C, the generated electronic document 362 is a new electronic document C01 of the page to be updated (in this case, the first page of the electronic document C01), and as shown in FIG. The data is stored in the original storage location (in this case, D: CDE001) and managed by the print document management table 340.

  Also, a paper document C01 (paper document on which the second page electronic document C01 is printed out) and a paper document D01 (paper document on which the first page electronic document D01 is printed out) are arranged side by side on the platen of the multifunction machine 2. If it is placed, as shown in FIG. 16 (a), it is specified by referring to the print document management table 340 based on the document ID to be updated (in this case, C01) transmitted from the multifunction device 2. After reading the electronic document 360 (in this case, the electronic document C01 with the document ID C01) from the storage location associated with the document ID (in this case, D: CDE001), as shown in FIG. The electronic document corresponding to the extracted image added to the electronic document of the page to be updated (in this case, the electronic document C01 of the second page) is read based on the document ID and page ID of the extracted image, and the update target Extracted into electronic document on page An electronic document 362 to which an electronic document corresponding to the image (in this case, the electronic document D01 of the first page) is added is generated, and the generated electronic document 362 is updated as shown in FIG. A new electronic document C01 (in this case, the electronic document C01 of the second page) is stored in the original storage location (in this case, D: CDE001) as shown in FIG. It is managed according to Table 340.

  The present invention can be applied to document management techniques corresponding to various usage forms of documents.

1 is a configuration diagram of an image processing system 100 to which an image processing apparatus according to the present invention is applied. Conceptual diagram showing the flow of processing of a print job instructed to be printed as a reusable electronic document Conceptual diagram showing the flow of reusable electronic document update processing (example 1) Flow chart showing control operation of reusable electronic document update processing (example 1) Schematic diagram showing the update operation of reusable electronic document update processing (example 1) Conceptual diagram showing the flow of processing of a print job instructed to be printed as a reusable electronic document Conceptual diagram showing the flow of reusable electronic document update processing (example 2) Flow chart showing control operation of reusable electronic document update process (example 2) Schematic diagram showing the update operation of reusable electronic document update processing (example 2) Conceptual diagram showing the flow of reusable electronic document update processing (example 3) Flow chart showing control operation of reusable electronic document update process (example 3) Schematic diagram showing the update operation of reusable electronic document update processing (example 3) Conceptual diagram showing the flow of reusable electronic document update processing (example 4) Flow chart showing control operation of reusable electronic document update process (example 4) Schematic diagram showing the update operation of reusable electronic document update processing (example 4) Schematic diagram showing the update operation of reusable electronic document update processing (example 4)

Explanation of symbols

1 Client PC
2 MFP 3 Print server 4 Network 10 Control unit (PC)
11 Input unit (PC)
12 Output unit (PC) 12
13 Storage Unit (PC) 13
14 Communication controller (PC)
20 Control unit (multifunction machine)
21 User I / F (interface)
22 Printing Unit 23 Storage Unit (Multifunction Device)
24 Communication control device (multifunction machine)
25 Image reading unit 30 Control unit (server)
31 Input section (server)
32 Output unit (server)
33 Storage unit (server)
34 Communication control device (server)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Image processing system 130 Printer driver 131 Reuse printing function 230 Image reading software 231 Image reading function 232 Identification information recognition function 233 Document registration update function 330 Print document management software 331 Image processing function 332 Identification information generation means 333 Identification information addition function 334 Print document management function 340 Print document management table 341 Document ID
342 Storage location 343, 344 Print document management information 351 Attribute information 352, 353, 354, 356, 358, 359, 360, 362 Electronic document 355, 357 Read image

Claims (9)

Document management means for managing a registered electronic document in association with identification information corresponding to the electronic document;
Image reading means for reading image information from a paper document;
When the image information read by the image reading unit includes the first image information to which the identification information is added and the second image information to which the identification information is not added, the image information is associated with the identification information. An image processing apparatus comprising: update registration means for adding and registering the second image information to an electronic document managed by the document management means. The identification information is
Including document identification information identifying the electronic document,
The update registration means includes:
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the update registration is performed by adding the second image information to an electronic document specified by the document identification information. The update registration means includes:
Corresponding to the reading order of the first image information and the second image information, a new page corresponding to the second image information is added after or before the electronic document specified by the document identification information. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the update registration is performed. The identification information is
Including document identification information for specifying the electronic document and page identification information for specifying a page of the electronic document,
The update registration means includes:
Corresponding to the reading order of the first image information and the second image information, the second image information after or before the page of the electronic document specified by the page identification information included in the identification information. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a new page is added to perform update registration. The identification information is
Including document identification information for specifying the electronic document and page identification information for specifying a page of the electronic document,
The update registration means includes:
And further comprising generating means for generating a new electronic document by adding the second image information to the electronic document of the page corresponding to the page identification information of the first image information,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electronic document generated by the generation unit is updated and registered as an electronic document of a page corresponding to page identification information of the first image information. The updating means includes
When the image information read by the image reading means includes image information to which the first identification information is given and image information to which the second identification information is given, the image information is associated with the first identification information. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electronic document managed by the document management unit is added to the electronic document managed by the document management unit in association with the second identification information, and is updated and registered. The identification information is
Including document identification information for specifying the electronic document and page identification information for specifying a page of the electronic document,
The updating means includes
When the first image information includes image information to which first identification information different from the document identification information is added and image information to which second identification information is added, the first image information is managed by the document management unit. The electronic document specified by the page identification information included in the second identification information is added after or before the page of the electronic document specified by the page identification information included in the first identification information. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus performs update registration. The identification information is
Including document identification information for specifying the electronic document and page identification information for specifying a page of the electronic document,
The updating means includes
When the first image information includes image information to which first identification information different from the document identification information is added and image information to which second identification information is added, the first image information is managed by the document management unit. The electronic document specified by the page identification information included in the second identification information is added to the electronic document specified by the page identification information included in the first identification information and updated and registered. The image processing apparatus described. Computer
Document management means for managing a registered electronic document in association with identification information corresponding to the electronic document,
When the image information read from the paper document includes the first image information with the identification information and the second image information without the identification information, the document information is associated with the identification information. An image processing program that functions as update registration means for adding and registering the second image information to an electronic document managed by a management means.

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