JP2010074389A - Information processing apparatus, processing control system, processing control method, processing control program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a user to select desired bar-codes through a simple operation. <P>SOLUTION: A distribution server 100 includes: a communication part 102 controlling transmission/reception of image data; a flow definition data holding part 110 for storing flow definition data in which one or a plurality of processing flows with respect to the image data are defined; a flow execution control part 104 for controlling execution of processing to image data in accordance with the flow definition data; a bar-code recognition processing part 106 that detects a plurality of bar-codes from the image data, transmits a plurality bar-code information to a multifunction machine via the communication part 102, displays image data on a display part of the multifunction machine, and displays the plurality of bar-code information corresponding to each bar-code in association with the bar-code in the image data; and a distribution processing part 108 processes the image data on the basis of the bar-code information specified by selection information and the flow definition data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a process control system, a process control method, a process control program, and a recording medium that control processing on image data in cooperation with an image forming apparatus capable of inputting image data.

  In recent years, in many companies, the arrangement and connection of image input / output devices such as multi-function multifunction devices on a network has been progressing. Image input / output devices play a major role as means for improving business efficiency. In particular, a distribution management system that efficiently digitizes and distributes paper documents is important. Major elements constituting this system are an image input device (scanner) and a distribution management server. In the distribution management server, a plurality of distribution processing menus are registered in advance for various tasks and uses. The user scans by selecting a processing menu suitable for the job from the operation panel (operation unit) of the scanner.

  For example, in the system described in Patent Document 1, bibliographic information transmitted by the distribution management server is displayed on an image input / output device and accepts input from a user. Then, the distribution management server performs processing on the scanned image based on the input from the user.

  Further, a technique is known in which information relating to image data is obtained by embedding information relating to image data in the image data as a barcode and reading the barcode. For example, the apparatus of Patent Document 2 reads a barcode embedded in document information, and determines the read barcode information as a file name of document information. Patent Document 3 discloses a technique for displaying options and allowing a user to make a selection when a plurality of barcodes are recognized in barcode recognition.

JP 2008-97586 A JP 2008-134723 A JP-A-8-263585

  However, since the barcode does not visually indicate the content indicated by the barcode, the user should select which barcode should be selected when multiple barcodes are included in the document information. It was difficult to identify if there was. In the technique of Patent Document 3, although the content indicated by the barcode is displayed, there is a problem that the process of selecting the barcode corresponding to the desired content becomes complicated.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an information processing apparatus, a process control system, a process control method, a process control program, and a recording medium that allow a user to select a desired barcode with a simple operation The purpose is to provide.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention is an information processing apparatus connected to an image forming apparatus capable of inputting image data via a network, and transmits and receives the image data and various data. A communication unit that controls the image data, a first storage unit that stores flow definition data that defines one or more processing flows for the image data, and a flow that controls execution of the process for the image data according to the flow definition data An execution control unit, a first processing unit that detects a plurality of barcodes from the image data, decodes each barcode to obtain barcode information, and the plurality of barcode information obtained by the first processing unit Is transmitted to the image forming apparatus via the communication unit, and the image data is displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus. A second processing unit that displays a plurality of the barcode information corresponding to each barcode in association with the barcode, and the selection information indicating the barcode selected by the user in the image forming apparatus; Is received by the communication unit, a third process for executing a process on the image data based on the barcode information specified by the selection information and the flow definition data stored in the first storage unit And a section.

  The present invention is also an information processing apparatus connected to an image forming apparatus capable of inputting image data via a network, a communication unit that controls transmission / reception of the image data and various data, and an image processing apparatus. Alternatively, a first storage unit that stores flow definition data that defines a plurality of processing flows, barcode information obtained by decoding the barcode, and correspondence information that indicates the contents of the barcode information so as to be visible A second storage unit that stores the barcodes in association with each other, a flow execution control unit that controls execution of processing on the image data in accordance with the flow definition data, and a plurality of barcodes detected from the image data. A first processing unit that obtains barcode information by decoding and inquires of the second storage unit for the correspondence information corresponding to the barcode information; A plurality of pieces of correspondence information obtained by an inquiry from a processing unit are transmitted to the image forming apparatus via the communication unit, the image data is displayed on a display unit of the image forming apparatus, and the image data in the image data is further displayed. A second processing unit that displays a plurality of pieces of correspondence information corresponding to each barcode in association with the barcode simultaneously with the image data; and selection information indicating the barcode selected by the user in the image forming apparatus. When the communication unit receives, a third processing unit that executes processing on the image data based on the barcode information specified by the selection information and the flow definition data stored in the first storage unit It is characterized by comprising.

  According to the present invention, even when a plurality of barcodes are embedded in the image data, the information indicated by the barcode is displayed together with the barcode in the image data. The effect is that the barcode to be selected can be selected.

  Exemplary embodiments of an information processing apparatus, a process control system, a process control method, a process control program, and a recording medium according to the present invention are explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the embodiments described below, a distribution server, a multifunction peripheral, and a network that perform distribution processing of image data obtained by scanning an information processing apparatus, a processing control system, a processing control method, a processing control program, and a recording medium of the present invention by a multifunction peripheral An example applied to a distribution system, a distribution processing control method, and a program will be described. However, the information processing apparatus, the process control system, the process control method, the process control program, and the recording medium of the present invention are not limited to this, and any apparatus or system can be used as long as it controls the process for image data. It can also be applied to.

  In the following embodiments, an image forming apparatus for inputting image data is described by taking a multifunction machine having a printer function, a scanner function, a copy function, and a facsimile function in one housing as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any image forming apparatus capable of inputting image data can be applied to any of a scanner apparatus, a facsimile apparatus, a copying apparatus, and the like.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a network configuration of the network distribution system according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the network distribution system according to the present embodiment mainly includes a distribution server 100 connected to the Internet 300 and a multifunction device 200 connected to the Internet 300. The multi-function device 200 may be further connected to another device such as a file server via a LAN or the Internet 300.

  The multi-function device 200 has a scan function, a copy function, a printer function, a facsimile function, and the like mounted in one housing. The multifunction device 200 scans a paper medium or the like with a scanner function to generate image data, and transmits the generated image data to the distribution server 100. Details of the MFP 200 will be described later.

  The distribution server 100 is a computer such as a workstation that receives image data scanned by the MFP 200 and executes various processes and distribution processes according to flow definition data described below.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the distribution server 100. The distribution server 100 mainly includes a communication unit 102, a flow execution control unit 104, a barcode recognition processing unit 106, a distribution processing unit 108, and a flow definition data holding unit 110.

  The flow definition data holding unit 110 holds flow definition data. The flow definition data is data that defines various processing flows for image data that is scanned and input from the multifunction device 200 and received from the multifunction device 200.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the flow definition data. In the flow definition data according to the present embodiment, it is defined that image data is first subjected to barcode recognition processing and then folder distribution processing. Further, in the distribution process, it is defined that the barcode recognition result is a distribution destination. The contents of the flow definition data are arbitrary, and can be defined by the user before inputting the image data.

  The flow definition data is stored in a storage medium (storage unit) such as a hard disk drive device (HDD: Hard Disk Drive). That is, the flow definition data holding unit 110 corresponds to a recording medium.

  The communication unit 102 in FIG. 2 receives image data from the multifunction device 200. In addition, various data is transmitted and received when various processes such as processes included in the flow definition data are executed. The flow execution control unit 104 reads the flow definition data from the HDD, and controls the execution of various processes defined by the flow definition data. Specifically, the communication unit 102, the barcode recognition processing unit 106, and the distribution processing unit 108 are instructed for various processes according to the flow definition data.

  The barcode recognition processing unit 106 detects a barcode included in the image data received by the communication unit 102 from the multifunction device 200 in accordance with an instruction from the flow execution control unit 104. Then, the barcode is decoded to obtain barcode information. That is, the barcode recognition process defined in the flow definition data is performed.

  In accordance with an instruction from the flow execution control unit 104, the distribution processing unit 108 performs folder distribution of image data using the information indicated by the barcode selected by the user of the multifunction device 200 as a distribution destination. That is, the distribution process defined in the flow definition data is performed.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the multifunction device 200. The multifunction device 200 includes a scanner application 201, a printer application 202, a control unit 203, a communication unit 204, a display control unit 205, an input control unit 206, an operation panel 210, a scanner engine 207, and a printer engine 208. And server information 209.

  Here, the server information 209 is a database in which the IP address of the distribution server 100 is registered, and is stored in a storage medium such as an HDD or a memory.

  The scanner engine 207 is hardware that executes a scanning operation, and the printer engine 208 is hardware that executes a printer operation. The operation panel 210 is hardware that allows the user to perform various screens and operation inputs. The operation panel 210 includes a display unit 211 capable of displaying various screens and an operation unit 212 such as a start button, a stop button, a copy button, and a scan button.

  The control unit 203 receives a request from an application such as the scanner application 201 or the printer application 202, and controls the scanner engine 207, printer engine 208, HDD, memory, and the like.

  The communication unit 204 controls transmission / reception of various data to / from the distribution server 100. Specifically, the communication unit 204 transmits the scanned image data to the distribution server 100 with the IP address registered in the server information 209. Further, the communication unit 204 receives barcode information obtained by barcode recognition in the distribution server 100.

  The display control unit 205 controls the display unit 211 to display various screens, a software keyboard screen, and the like so that touch input is possible. The input control unit 206 receives a touch input from the display unit 211, a software key input, and an operation input from the operation unit 212, and controls the input. Specifically, the touch input or button press is detected by inputting an event by touch input to the display unit 211 or pressing of various buttons of the operation unit 212.

  The scanner application 201 is an application that executes setting of scan conditions and scan processing according to an instruction from the operation unit 212 (scan button or the like) by a user. Specifically, the scanner application 201 makes a scan request to the control unit 203, operates the scanner engine 207, and scans the document. Then, the scanner application 201 inputs image data of the scanned document.

  The printer application 202 is an application that executes print processing. Specifically, the printer application 202 makes a print request to the control unit 203 and operates the printer engine 208.

  In FIG. 4, only the scanner application 201 and the printer application 202 are shown as applications. However, as other applications, a copy application that performs copy processing, a fax application that performs facsimile transmission / reception processing, and the like operate.

  FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram of image data distribution processing in the network distribution system according to the first embodiment. First, on the MFP 200 side, the user operates the operation panel 210 to operate the scanner engine 207 from the scanner application 201, scans a document, and obtains image data (step S100). Next, the communication unit 204 transmits the image data to the distribution server 100 (step S102).

  In the distribution server 100, when the communication unit 102 receives image data from the multifunction device 200, the flow execution control unit 104 starts control of various processes in accordance with the flow definition data. Thereby, the barcode recognition processing by the barcode recognition processing unit 106 is first performed. That is, the barcode recognition processing unit 106 detects a barcode from the image data received by the communication unit 102, decodes the detected barcode, and obtains barcode information (step S104). Next, the communication unit 102 transmits the barcode information obtained by the barcode recognition processing unit 106 to the multifunction device 200 together with the image data (step S106).

  In the multifunction device 200, when the barcode information and the image data are received, the display control unit 205 displays the image data on the display unit 211, and further associates each barcode with each barcode in the image data. Bar code information is displayed (step S108). That is, image data and a plurality of barcode information are simultaneously displayed on one screen.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display screen displayed on the display unit 211 in step S108. Image data including a barcode is displayed on the display screen, and barcode information is displayed beside the image data. Each barcode information is associated with a corresponding barcode by an arrow. In this way, by associating each barcode in the image data with the barcode information corresponding to each barcode and displaying them simultaneously on one screen, the user can easily display the barcode and barcode information. Can be understood.

  In this embodiment, the bar code and the bar code information are displayed in proximity to each other and the correspondence is clearly shown by connecting with an arrow. However, the user can visually recognize the correspondence. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, the barcode information may be displayed at a position within a predetermined range from the barcode position, or the barcode information may be displayed in contact with the barcode below the barcode.

  In the MFP 200, when a desired barcode is selected by the user via the operation unit 212 (step S110), the communication unit 204 sends selection information indicating the barcode selected by the user to the distribution server 100. (Step S112). Note that the user may select a bar code or bar code information.

  In the distribution server 100, when the communication unit 102 receives the selection information, the distribution processing unit 108 executes distribution processing in the flow definition data in accordance with an instruction from the flow execution control unit 104. That is, the image data is distributed in a folder using the barcode information indicated in the selection information as a distribution destination (step S114). This is the end of the distribution process of the network distribution system according to the first embodiment.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the barcode and the barcode information are simultaneously displayed on one screen, the user can easily grasp the correspondence relationship between the barcode and the barcode information and request You can select the correct barcode.

(Embodiment 2)
In the network distribution system according to the second embodiment, the distribution server stores the position of the barcode indicating the distribution destination in the image data, and specifies the barcode information of the barcode at this position as the distribution destination.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a functional configuration of the distribution server 120 according to the second embodiment. In addition to the functional configuration of the distribution server 100 according to the first embodiment, the distribution server 120 further includes a position data holding unit 132.

  The position data holding unit 132 holds position data. The position data is information indicating a specific position that is a position in the image data. The specific position is a position in which a bar code indicating information used by a user as a folder distribution destination is embedded among a plurality of bar codes included in image data. Position data having a specific position as the position in the image data in which the barcode selected as the distribution destination by the user in the past is embedded is registered in the position data holding unit 132.

  The barcode recognition processing unit 126 registers position data in the position data holding unit 132 in addition to the processing of the barcode recognition processing unit 106 according to the first embodiment. Further, the barcode to be barcode-recognized is specified according to the position data.

  FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram of image data distribution processing in the network distribution system according to the second embodiment. Similar to the distribution process according to the first embodiment, image data is generated in the multifunction device 200 (step S120) and transmitted to the distribution server 120 (step S122).

  When the distribution server 120 receives the image data, the barcode recognition processing unit 126 confirms whether or not the position data holding unit 132 holds the position data in accordance with an instruction from the flow execution control unit 124.

  When the position data does not exist (No at Step S124), the subsequent processing is almost the same as the distribution processing according to the first embodiment. That is, the barcode recognition processing unit 126 of the distribution server 120 performs barcode recognition processing on all barcodes in the image data (step S126), and the barcode information is transmitted to the multi-function device 200 (step S128). . Also in the multifunction device 200, processing similar to the processing (step S108 to step S112) by the multifunction device 200 according to the first embodiment is performed (step S130 to step S134).

  Subsequently, when the selection information is received, the distribution server 100 first registers the specific position of the barcode indicated in the selection information in the position data holding unit 132 as position data (step S136). Next, folder distribution is performed using the barcode information indicated in the selection information as a distribution destination (step S138), and the process ends.

  As described above, the position data is registered in the position data holding unit 132 in the course of the distribution process for the image data. As another example, when the specific position is known in advance, the position data may be registered in the position data holding unit 132 by an input from a user or the like. The registration of the position data may be performed only by the user's operation. In this case, the registration of the position data (step S136) is unnecessary.

  On the other hand, when the position data is registered (step S124, Yes), the barcode recognition processing unit 126 performs barcode recognition processing on the barcode embedded in the specific position indicated by the position data. (Step S140). That is, the barcode information is obtained by decoding. Next, the distribution processing unit 108 distributes image data in a folder using the barcode information obtained by the barcode recognition processing unit 126 as a distribution destination (step S138).

  In this way, when the position of the barcode where the delivery destination is embedded is known in advance, the delivery destination can be identified without inquiring the barcode indicating the delivery destination to the user. A delivery destination can be specified by a simple process and a delivery process can be performed.

  The remaining configuration and processing of the network distribution system according to the second embodiment are the same as the configuration and processing of the network distribution system according to the first embodiment.

(Embodiment 3)
In the network distribution system according to the third exemplary embodiment, specific distribution destination information indicated by the barcode information is displayed on the display unit of the multi-function peripheral instead of the barcode information together with the image data.

  FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a functional configuration of the distribution server 140 according to the third embodiment. The distribution server 140 according to the third embodiment further includes a corresponding data holding unit 152 in addition to the functional configuration of the distribution server according to the first embodiment.

  The correspondence data holding unit 152 holds the barcode information and the correspondence data corresponding to the barcode information in association with each other. Here, the correspondence data is information visualized so that the user can visually recognize the content of the barcode information. As described in the first embodiment, the barcode information is, for example, an enumeration of numbers. Therefore, in the present embodiment, correspondence data is used in order to convey the contents of the barcode more easily to the user. Corresponding data in the present embodiment is text information indicating a folder name as a distribution destination, and is indicated as “folder A”, for example.

  The barcode recognition processing unit 146 makes an inquiry to the corresponding data holding unit 152 using the barcode information as an input, and obtains delivery destination information.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating a data configuration of the correspondence data holding unit 152. Bar code information is associated with delivery destination information as corresponding data. Therefore, the delivery destination information can be obtained by making an inquiry to the corresponding data holding unit 152 with the barcode information as an input as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram of image data distribution processing in the network distribution system according to the third embodiment. Similar to the distribution processing according to the first embodiment, when image data is generated in the multifunction device 200 (step S150) and transmitted to the distribution server 140 (step S152), the barcode recognition processing unit 146 of the distribution server 140 The barcode is detected from the image data received by the communication unit 142, and barcode information obtained by decoding the detected barcode is obtained (step S154).

  Further, the barcode recognition processing unit 146 inquires the correspondence data holding unit 152 about the delivery destination associated with the barcode information, and acquires the delivery destination information (step S156). Note that the processes in steps S154 and S156 correspond to the barcode recognition process in the flow definition data. Next, the communication unit 142 transmits the distribution destination information specified by the barcode recognition processing unit 146 to the multifunction device 200 together with the image data (step S158).

  In the multifunction device 200, when the distribution destination information and the image data are received, the display control unit 205 displays the image data on the display unit 211, and further associates each barcode with each barcode in the image data. Distribution destination information is displayed (step S160).

  If the delivery destination information corresponding to the barcode information is not stored in the correspondence data holding unit 152 in step S156, the communication unit 142 transmits information indicating that delivery destination information does not exist in step S158. .

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a display screen displayed on the display unit 211 in step S160. Image data is displayed on the display screen, and distribution destination information is displayed below the image data. If the delivery destination information corresponding to the barcode information is not registered in the correspondence data holding unit 152, the user is notified that there is no delivery information such as “no correspondence information” as shown in FIG. Information to inform is displayed. Thus, by specifically displaying the delivery destination, the user can select a barcode indicating the delivery destination more reliably.

  Processes after the barcode selection by the user (steps S162 to S166) are the same as the corresponding processes (steps S110 to S114) according to the first embodiment. Other configurations and processes in the network distribution system according to the third embodiment are the same as those in the network distribution system according to the first embodiment.

(Embodiment 4)
In the network distribution system according to the fourth embodiment, barcode recognition is performed at a specific position as in the network distribution system according to the second embodiment, and when there is no barcode at the specific position, a position other than the specific position. Bar code recognition processing is performed on the bar code embedded in.

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a functional configuration of the distribution server 160 according to the fourth embodiment. In addition to the functional configuration of the distribution server 100 according to the first embodiment, the distribution server 160 according to the fourth embodiment further includes a position data holding unit 172 and a corresponding data holding unit 174. The position data holding unit 172 and the corresponding data holding unit 174 are the same as the position data holding unit 132 according to the second embodiment and the corresponding data holding unit 152 according to the third embodiment, respectively.

  The barcode recognition processing unit 166 performs processing with a barcode at a specific position indicated in the position data as a processing target. Further, the barcode recognition processing unit 166 makes an inquiry to the corresponding data holding unit 152 by using the barcode information as input, and obtains distribution destination information. Detailed processing of the barcode recognition processing unit 166 will be described later.

  FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram of image data distribution processing in the network distribution system according to the fourth embodiment. In the distribution process according to the fourth embodiment, as in the distribution process according to the second embodiment, when image data is generated in the multifunction device 200 (step S170) and transmitted to the distribution server 160 (step S172), In the distribution server 160, the barcode recognition processing unit 166 confirms whether or not position data exists in the position data holding unit 172 according to an instruction from the flow execution control unit 164.

  When position data does not exist in the position data holding unit 172 (step S174, No), the subsequent processing is substantially the same as the processing according to the third embodiment (step S154 to step S158). That is, the barcode recognition processing unit 166 of the distribution server 160 detects a barcode, obtains barcode information obtained by decoding the detected barcode (step S176), and inquires the corresponding data holding unit 174 to obtain distribution destination information. (Step S178). Then, the communication unit 162 transmits the distribution destination information to the multifunction device 200 (step S180). The processing after receiving the distribution destination information in the multifunction device 200 (steps S182 to S186) is the same as the processing after the multifunction device 200 according to the third embodiment receives the distribution destination information (steps S160 to S164). It is.

  When the distribution server 160 receives the selection information from the multi-function device 200 (step S186), the distribution server 160 registers the specific position of the barcode indicated in the selection information as position data (step S188). Next, distribution processing is executed using the barcode information indicated in the selection information as a distribution destination (step S190).

  On the other hand, when position data exists in the position data holding unit 172 (step S174, Yes), the barcode recognition processing unit 166 performs barcode detection at a specific position indicated by the position data. If the barcode is embedded at the specific position (step S192, Yes), barcode recognition processing is performed on the barcode at the specific position (step S194). Then, the distribution processing unit 168 distributes image data in a folder using the barcode information obtained by the barcode recognition processing unit 166 as a distribution destination (step S190).

  Further, when the position data exists but the barcode does not exist at the specific position (step S174, Yes, step S192, No), the barcode recognition processing unit 166 targets all the barcodes included in the image data. Barcode recognition processing is performed. That is, the barcode recognition processing unit 166 decodes the detected barcode (step S196), and then inquires of the correspondence data holding unit 174 for distribution destination information corresponding to the barcode information (step S198). When the delivery destination information corresponding to the barcode information is obtained (Yes in step S200), the barcode recognition processing unit 166 passes the barcode information corresponding to the delivery destination information to the delivery processing unit 168. The distribution processing unit 168 distributes image data in a folder using the barcode information received from the barcode recognition processing unit 166 as a distribution destination (step S190), and the process ends.

  As described above, when there is no barcode at a specific position, barcode recognition processing is performed on all barcodes in the image data in order to obtain distribution destination information from barcodes other than the specific position. Further, the following processing is performed using the fact that only the barcode information corresponding to the delivery destination is registered in the correspondence data holding unit 174. That is, the barcode information registered in the corresponding data holding unit 174 is specified as the delivery destination, instead of specifying the barcode indicating the delivery destination by selection from the user. Thereby, the operation by the user can be reduced.

  In step S200, when the distribution destination information does not exist in the corresponding data holding unit 174 (No in step S200), the folder distribution process (step S190) is not performed, and the process ends.

  As another example, if there is no distribution destination information in the corresponding data holding unit 174 in step S200 (No in step S200), distribution destination information indicating that no distribution destination information exists is stored in the multi-function device 200. The information may be transmitted and displayed on the display unit 211 of the multifunction device 200 to prompt the user for an instruction.

  Other configurations and processes of the network distribution system according to the fourth embodiment are the same as the configurations and processes of the network distribution system according to the other embodiments.

  In addition, the processing control program executed by the distribution server as the information processing apparatus according to the first to fourth embodiments is provided by being stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded via the network. You may comprise as follows. The processing control program executed by the distribution server according to the first to fourth embodiments may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  Further, the processing control programs of the first to fourth embodiments may be provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like.

  The processing control program executed by the distribution server according to the first to fourth embodiments has a module configuration including the above-described units (communication unit, flow execution control unit, barcode recognition processing unit, distribution processing unit). As actual hardware, a CPU (processor) reads the processing control program from the storage medium and executes it, so that the above-described units are loaded on the main storage device, and a communication unit, a flow execution control unit, a barcode recognition processing unit The distribution processing unit is generated on the main storage device.

1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a network configuration of a network distribution system according to a first exemplary embodiment; 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a distribution server 100. FIG. It is a figure which shows flow definition data typically. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a multifunction machine 200. FIG. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram of image data distribution processing in the network distribution system according to the first exemplary embodiment; It is a figure which shows the display screen displayed on the display part 211 in step S108. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the delivery server 120 concerning Embodiment 2. FIG. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram of image data distribution processing in the network distribution system according to the second exemplary embodiment; It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the delivery server 140 concerning Embodiment 3. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating a data configuration of a corresponding data holding unit 152. FIG. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram of image data distribution processing in the network distribution system according to the third embodiment; It is a figure which shows the display screen displayed on the display part 211 in step S160. It is a block diagram which shows the function structure of the delivery server 160 concerning Embodiment 4. FIG. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram of image data distribution processing in the network distribution system according to the fourth embodiment;

Explanation of symbols

100, 120, 140, 160 Distribution server 102, 122, 142, 162 Communication unit 104, 124, 144, 164 Flow execution control unit 106, 126, 146, 166 Bar code recognition processing unit 108, 128, 148, 168 Distribution processing Unit 110, 130, 150, 170 Flow definition data holding unit 132, 172 Position data holding unit 152, 174 Corresponding data holding unit 200 MFP 201 Scanner application 202 Printer application 203 Control unit 204 Communication unit 205 Display control unit 206 Input control unit 207 Scanner engine 208 Printer engine 209 Server information 210 Operation panel 211 Display unit 212 Operation unit 300 Internet

Claims (22)

An information processing apparatus connected to an image forming apparatus capable of inputting image data via a network,
A communication unit for controlling transmission and reception of the image data and various data;
A first storage unit for storing flow definition data defining one or a plurality of processing flows for the image data;
In accordance with the flow definition data, a flow execution control unit that controls execution of processing on the image data;
A first processing unit that detects a plurality of barcodes from the image data and decodes each barcode to obtain barcode information;
A plurality of the barcode information obtained by the first processing unit is transmitted to the image forming apparatus via the communication unit, the image data is displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus, and the image data A second processing unit that displays a plurality of the barcode information corresponding to each barcode in association with the barcode, simultaneously with the image data;
When the communication unit receives selection information indicating the barcode selected by the user in the image forming apparatus, the barcode information specified by the selection information and the flow stored in the first storage unit An information processing apparatus comprising: a third processing unit that executes processing on the image data based on definition data. A second storage unit for storing position information indicating a specific position in which the barcode to be selected by the user is described, which is a position in the image data;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first processing unit detects the barcode at the specific position. The second processing unit does not transmit the barcode information to the image forming apparatus when the barcode is detected at the specific position by the first processing unit.
The information processing according to claim 2, wherein the third processing unit performs processing on the image data based on the barcode information and the flow definition data obtained by the first processing unit. apparatus.   The said 1st process part detects the said barcode from positions other than the said specific position in the said image data, when the said barcode is not detected from the said specific position. Information processing device.   The second processing unit displays image data on a display unit of the image forming apparatus, and further displays the barcode information corresponding to the barcode at a position within a predetermined range from the barcode in the image data. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the information processing apparatus is an information processing apparatus. An information processing apparatus connected to an image forming apparatus capable of inputting image data via a network,
A communication unit for controlling transmission and reception of the image data and various data;
A first storage unit for storing flow definition data defining one or a plurality of processing flows for the image data;
A second storage unit that stores bar code information obtained by decoding the bar code and correspondence information indicating the content of the bar code information in a visually recognizable manner;
In accordance with the flow definition data, a flow execution control unit that controls execution of processing on the image data;
A first processing unit that detects a plurality of barcodes from the image data, decodes each barcode to obtain barcode information, and inquires the correspondence information corresponding to the barcode information to the second storage unit;
A plurality of the correspondence information obtained by the inquiry of the first processing unit is transmitted to the image forming apparatus via the communication unit, the image data is displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus, and the image data A second processing unit that displays a plurality of the correspondence information corresponding to each barcode in association with the barcode in the image data,
When the communication unit receives selection information indicating the barcode selected by the user in the image forming apparatus, the barcode information specified by the selection information and the flow stored in the first storage unit An information processing apparatus comprising: a third processing unit that executes processing on the image data based on definition data.   The second processing unit transmits information indicating that there is no correspondence information to the image forming apparatus via the communication unit when the correspondence information is not obtained by an inquiry from the first processing unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein information indicating that there is no corresponding information is displayed together with the image data on a display unit of the image forming apparatus. A third storage unit for storing position information indicating a specific position in which a barcode to be selected by the user is described, which is a position in the image data;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the first processing unit detects the barcode at the specific position. The second processing unit does not transmit the barcode information to the image forming apparatus when the barcode is detected at the specific position by the first processing unit.
The information processing according to claim 8, wherein the third processing unit performs processing on the image data based on the barcode information and the flow definition data obtained by the first processing unit. apparatus.   9. The first processing unit detects one or a plurality of the barcodes from positions other than the specific position in the image data when the barcode is not detected from the specific position. Or the information processing apparatus according to 9; The first processing unit inquires of the second storage unit about the correspondence information corresponding to the barcode information of the barcode detected from a position other than the specific position;
The second processing unit does not transmit the correspondence information to the image forming apparatus when the correspondence information is obtained by an inquiry from the first processing unit.
The third processing unit, based on the barcode information corresponding to the correspondence information obtained by the inquiry from the first processing unit, and the flow definition data stored in the first storage unit, The information processing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein processing for image data is executed. The second processing unit does not transmit the correspondence information to the image forming apparatus when the correspondence information cannot be obtained by an inquiry from the first processing unit;
The information processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the third processing unit does not perform processing on the image data.   The second processing unit transmits information indicating that the correspondence information does not exist to the image forming apparatus when the correspondence information is not obtained by an inquiry from the first processing unit, and displays the image forming apparatus. The information processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein information indicating that there is no correspondence information is displayed together with the image data in a section.   The second processing unit displays image data on a display unit of the image forming apparatus, and further displays the correspondence information corresponding to the barcode at a position within a predetermined range from the barcode in the image data. The information processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein: The flow definition data defines a processing flow including folder distribution processing of the image data,
The barcode information is information indicating a delivery destination in the delivery process,
The said 3rd process part carries out folder delivery of the said image data by making the said barcode information specified by the said selection information into a delivery destination based on the said flow definition data. The information processing apparatus according to one item. A processing control system comprising an image forming apparatus capable of inputting image data, and an information processing apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus via a network,
The information processing apparatus includes:
A communication unit for controlling transmission and reception of the image data and various data;
A first storage unit for storing flow definition data defining one or a plurality of processing flows for the image data;
In accordance with the flow definition data, a flow execution control unit that controls execution of processing on the image data;
A first processing unit that detects a plurality of barcodes from the image data and decodes each barcode to obtain barcode information;
A plurality of the barcode information obtained by the first processing unit is transmitted to the image forming apparatus via the communication unit, the image data is displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus, and the image data A second processing unit that displays a plurality of the barcode information corresponding to each barcode in association with the barcode, simultaneously with the image data;
When the communication unit receives selection information indicating the barcode selected by the user in the image forming apparatus, the barcode information specified by the selection information and the flow stored in the first storage unit A third processing unit that executes processing on the image data based on the definition data,
The image forming apparatus includes:
An acquisition unit for acquiring the image data;
A communication unit for controlling transmission and reception of the image data and various data;
When the communication unit receives a plurality of barcode information from the information processing device, a display unit that simultaneously displays the image data and the plurality of barcode information;
A processing control system comprising: an operation unit that receives a selection of a desired barcode from a user among a plurality of barcodes in the image data. A processing control system comprising an image forming apparatus capable of inputting image data, and an information processing apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus via a network,
The information processing apparatus includes:
A communication unit for controlling transmission and reception of the image data and various data;
A first storage unit for storing flow definition data defining one or a plurality of processing flows for the image data;
A second storage unit that stores bar code information obtained by decoding the bar code and correspondence information indicating the content of the bar code information in a visually recognizable manner;
In accordance with the flow definition data, a flow execution control unit that controls execution of processing on the image data;
A first processing unit that detects a plurality of barcodes from the image data, decodes each barcode to obtain barcode information, and inquires the correspondence information corresponding to the barcode information to the second storage unit;
A plurality of the correspondence information obtained by the inquiry of the first processing unit is transmitted to the image forming apparatus via the communication unit, the image data is displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus, and the image data A second processing unit that displays a plurality of the correspondence information corresponding to each barcode in association with the barcode in the image data,
When the communication unit receives selection information indicating the barcode selected by the user in the image forming apparatus, the barcode information specified by the selection information and the flow stored in the first storage unit A third processing unit that executes processing on the image data based on the definition data,
The image forming apparatus includes:
An acquisition unit for acquiring the image data;
A communication unit for controlling transmission and reception of the image data and various data;
When the communication unit receives a plurality of barcode information from the information processing device, a display unit that simultaneously displays the image data and the plurality of barcode information;
A processing control system comprising: an operation unit that receives a selection of a desired barcode from a user among a plurality of barcodes in the image data. A processing control method executed by an information processing apparatus connected to an image forming apparatus capable of inputting image data via a network,
The information processing apparatus includes a storage unit that stores flow definition data that defines one or more processing flows for the image data.
A communication step of controlling transmission and reception of the image data and various data by a communication unit;
A control step of controlling execution of processing on the image data in accordance with the flow definition data by a flow execution control unit;
A first processing step of detecting a plurality of barcodes from the image data by the first processing unit and decoding each barcode to obtain barcode information;
The second processing unit transmits a plurality of the barcode information obtained by the first processing unit to the image forming apparatus via the communication unit, and causes the display unit of the image forming apparatus to display the image data. A second processing step of displaying a plurality of barcode information corresponding to each barcode in association with the barcode in the image data simultaneously with the image data;
When the communication unit receives selection information indicating the barcode selected by the user in the image forming apparatus by the third processing unit, the barcode information specified by the selection information and the first storage unit And a third processing step for executing processing on the image data based on the stored flow definition data. A processing control method executed by an information processing apparatus connected to an image forming apparatus capable of inputting image data via a network,
The information processing apparatus includes: a first storage unit that stores flow definition data that defines one or more processing flows for the image data;
A second storage unit that stores the barcode information obtained by decoding the barcode and the correspondence information indicating the content of the barcode information in a visually recognizable manner;
A communication step of controlling transmission and reception of the image data and various data by a communication unit;
A flow execution control step for controlling execution of processing on the image data according to the flow definition data by a flow execution control unit;
A first processing unit detects a plurality of barcodes from the image data, decodes each barcode to obtain barcode information, and inquires the second storage unit for the correspondence information corresponding to the barcode information. One processing step;
The second processing unit transmits the plurality of correspondence information obtained by the inquiry from the first processing unit to the image forming apparatus via the communication unit, and displays the image data on the display unit of the image forming apparatus. A second processing step of displaying a plurality of correspondence information corresponding to each barcode in association with the barcode in the image data simultaneously with the image data;
When the communication unit receives selection information indicating the barcode selected by the user in the image forming apparatus by the third processing unit, the barcode information specified by the selection information and the first storage unit And a third processing step of executing a process on the image data based on the stored flow definition data. A processing control program to be executed by a computer connected to an image forming apparatus capable of inputting image data via a network,
The computer includes a storage unit that stores flow definition data that defines one or more processing flows for the image data.
The computer,
A communication unit for controlling transmission and reception of the image data and various data;
In accordance with the flow definition data, a flow execution control unit that controls execution of processing on the image data;
A first processing unit that detects a plurality of barcodes from the image data and decodes each barcode to obtain barcode information;
A plurality of the barcode information obtained by the first processing unit is transmitted to the image forming apparatus via the communication unit, the image data is displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus, and the image data A second processing unit that displays a plurality of the barcode information corresponding to each barcode in association with the barcode, simultaneously with the image data;
When the communication unit receives selection information indicating the barcode selected by the user in the image forming apparatus, the barcode information specified by the selection information and the flow stored in the first storage unit The program for functioning as a 3rd process part which performs the process with respect to the said image data based on definition data. A processing control program to be executed by a computer connected to an image forming apparatus capable of inputting image data via a network,
The computer stores a first storage unit that stores flow definition data that defines one or more processing flows for the image data;
A second storage unit that stores the barcode information obtained by decoding the barcode and the correspondence information indicating the content of the barcode information in a visually recognizable manner;
The computer,
A communication unit for controlling transmission and reception of the image data and various data;
In accordance with the flow definition data, a flow execution control unit that controls execution of processing on the image data;
A first processing unit that detects a plurality of barcodes from the image data, decodes each barcode to obtain barcode information, and inquires the correspondence information corresponding to the barcode information to the second storage unit;
A plurality of the correspondence information obtained by the inquiry of the first processing unit is transmitted to the image forming apparatus via the communication unit, and the image data is displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus, and the image data A second processing unit that displays a plurality of the correspondence information corresponding to each barcode in association with the barcode of the image data,
When the communication unit receives selection information indicating the barcode selected by the user in the image forming apparatus, the barcode information specified by the selection information and the flow stored in the first storage unit The program for functioning as a 3rd process part which performs the process with respect to the said image data based on definition data.   A computer-readable recording medium storing the program according to claim 20 or 21.

Images