JP2014186456A - Electronic book management device, electronic book system, and electronic book management method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic book management device, an electronic book system, and an electronic book management method that are capable of appropriately managing electronic book data obtained by digitizing a paper book.SOLUTION: An electronic book management device 14 receives electronic book data 12 which is digitized by scanning a paper book and in which an electronic watermark is embedded from a terminal 13 of a business operator 10 digitizing paper books. The electronic book management device 14 stores the received electronic book data 12 in a user storage area 15 that a user is permitted to access.

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic book management apparatus, an electronic book system, and an electronic book management method.

  With the spread of electronic books, the way people read are diversifying. Recently, a paper book owned by an individual is converted into electronic book data using a scanning device such as a commercially available image scanner, and the converted electronic book data is personally viewed on a device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. Is starting to take place. This is due to the limited physical space (e.g., bookshelves) in which books are stored and the increasing needs of people who want to reduce the burden of carrying books.

  Scanning and other operations for digitizing such books are heavy, and it is not easy for individuals to digitize their own collections. Recently, there are businesses that respond to these needs and provide services that act as digitization of books owned by individuals.

JP 2003-162469 A

  However, if the converted electronic book data is not appropriately managed for a book that is a literary work, there may be a problem that the electronic book data is distributed beyond the range of personal use.

  On the other hand, because there is a limit to the storage capacity of devices, etc. that are held by individuals, the environment that can be used without worrying about the capacity of data is easy because the converted electronic files are accumulated Is preferred.

  Therefore, an object of the present application is to provide an electronic book management apparatus, an electronic book system, and an electronic book management method that can appropriately manage electronic book data obtained by digitizing a paper book.

  An electronic book management apparatus according to the present application includes: a receiving unit that receives electronic book data in which a paper book is scanned and digitized and embedded with a digital watermark from a terminal of a business operator who digitizes the paper book; Storage means for storing the electronic book data received by the receiving means in the storage area of the storage means included in the storage area permitted to be accessed by the user.

  According to the electronic book management apparatus according to the present application, it is possible to appropriately manage electronic book data obtained by digitizing a paper book.

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a flow of storing electronic book data obtained by digitizing a paper book. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of the entire system according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the electronic server according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data configuration of the approval list data. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the management server according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a flow for storing electronic book data. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the monitoring server according to the embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of monitoring book information. FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a flow of monitoring electronic book data. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a conversion processing procedure according to the embodiment. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of the storage process according to the embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of providing processing according to the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of monitoring processing according to the embodiment.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment for implementing an electronic book management apparatus, an electronic book system, and an electronic book management method according to the present application (hereinafter referred to as “embodiment”) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, the electronic book management apparatus, the electronic book system, and the electronic book management method according to the present application are not limited by this embodiment. In addition, the embodiments can be appropriately combined within a range that does not contradict processing contents.

[1. Management of e-book data]
First, an example of a flow of managing electronic book data obtained by digitizing a paper book will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a flow of storing electronic book data obtained by digitizing a paper book.

  When the user requests digitization of the paper book 11, the user sends the book 11 to the business operator 10 who digitizes the book 11. The business operator 10 digitizes the sent book 11. For example, the business operator 10 reads a book 11 of a paper medium that has been sent by a scanning device such as an image scanner and converts the book 11 into digital electronic book data 12. The electronic book data 112 may be, for example, a PDF (Portable Document Format) format file or an EPUB (electronic publication) format file. The electronic book data 12 may be image data obtained by reading a page with an image scanner or the like, or may be code data obtained by encoding characters or the like in an image by performing character recognition on the image data. The image data and code data may be included. The business operator 10 embeds a digital watermark in the converted electronic book data 12. This digital watermark is obtained by embedding specific information such as identification information in digitized data with little influence on image quality. By embedding a digital watermark in the electronic book data 12, the electronic book data 12 can be identified from the embedded information.

  The electronic book management device 14 is a device that manages electronic book data 12 obtained by digitizing a book 11 of a paper medium. The electronic book management apparatus 14 receives the electronic book data 12 from the terminal 13 of the business operator 10. The electronic book management device 14 is provided with a user storage area 15. The user storage area 15 is a storage area that is allowed to be accessed by the user, and the user can refer to the stored data. The user storage area 15 may be provided in a device different from the electronic book management device 14.

  The business entity 10 transmits the electronic book data 12 from the terminal 13 to the electronic book management apparatus 14.

  When receiving the electronic book data 12, the electronic book management apparatus 14 stores the received electronic book data in the user storage area 15.

  The user can read the contents of the digitized book 17 by accessing the user storage area 15 using the user terminal 16 and referring to the electronic book data 12.

  As described above, the electronic book management apparatus 14 scans and digitizes the paper book from the terminal 13 of the business operator 10 who digitizes the paper book, and the electronic book data 12 in which the digital watermark is embedded. Accept. The electronic book management apparatus 14 stores the received electronic book data 12 in the user storage area 15 that is allowed to be accessed by the user. As described above, when the electronic book management device 14 receives and manages the electronic book data 12, the electronic book data 12 is delivered from the business operator 10 to the user terminal 16 and stored in each user terminal 16. In comparison, since electronic book data 12 obtained by digitizing books on paper media can be centrally managed, the electronic book data 12 can be appropriately managed. Hereinafter, the electronic book system 100 that manages electronic book data obtained by digitizing a paper book will be described in detail.

[2. System configuration]
A system according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of the entire system according to the embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the electronic book system 100 includes a user terminal 101, an electronic server 110, and a management system 120. In the electronic book system 100 according to the embodiment, the electronic server 110 corresponds to the book electronic device of the present invention.

  The user terminal 101, the computerized server 110, and the management system 120 are communicably connected via a network (not shown) so that various types of information can be exchanged. As an aspect of such a network, there is an arbitrary communication network such as a LAN (Local Area Network), a VPN (Virtual Private Network), the Internet, a mobile communication network, regardless of wired or wireless.

  The user terminal 101 is a terminal device operated by a user, and is, for example, an information processing apparatus such as a desktop PC (personal computer), a tablet PC, or a notebook PC. The user terminal 101 may be a smart phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or a mobile phone. In the example of FIG. 2, one desktop PC and one smartphone are illustrated as the user terminals 101, but the disclosed system is not limited to this, and the number of user terminals 101 can be any number.

  The computerization server 110 is a server owned by a business operator 111 who digitizes the paper book 102. The digitization server 110 is connected to an image scanner and digitizes the book 102.

  The management system 120 is a system that performs various types of management. For example, the management system 120 manages the electronic book data 112. The management system 120 includes a management server 121, an authentication server 122, a settlement server 123, an index server 124, and a monitoring server 125. In the electronic book system 100 according to the embodiment, the management server 121 corresponds to the electronic book management apparatus of the present invention.

  The management server 121, the authentication server 122, the settlement server 123, the index server 124, and the monitoring server 125 are communicably connected via a network (not shown) so that various types of information can be exchanged. An example of such a network is a LAN.

  The management server 121 is a server that manages user data for each user. In addition, the management server 121 receives the electronic book data 112 digitized from the business operator 111 and stores it in the storage. The authentication server 122 is a server that performs user authentication. The settlement server 123 is a server that performs settlement of expenses incurred for the user. The index server 124 is a server that stores index information of the electronic book data 112 stored in the management server 121 and provides a search function of electronic book data using the index information. The monitoring server 125 is a server that monitors whether there is illegal data in the data stored in the management server 121. The management server 121, the authentication server 122, the settlement server 123, the index server 124, and the monitoring server 125 may each be implemented as a single computer, or may be implemented as a plurality of computers. In the present embodiment, a case where the management server 121, the authentication server 122, the settlement server 123, the index server 124, and the monitoring server 125 are each a single computer will be described as an example.

  The management system 120 accepts user registration from users who wish to use the system. The management system 120 registers various information related to the user at the time of user registration. Examples of the various types of information include payment information such as a user ID (account name) and password, a user name and contact information, and a credit card number. The various registered information is stored and managed as user information in the authentication server 122, for example.

  The business entity 111 provides a web page 103 and can request the digitization of the book 102 from the web page 103. When digitizing the paper book 102, the user registers as a member from the Web page 103 and logs in to the Web page 103 using the assigned member number (FIG. 2 (1)). Various information such as a fee related to digitization of the book 102 is displayed on the Web page 103 (FIG. 2 (2)). The management system 120 may log in to the web page 103 using a user ID and password registered by the user.

  The business operator 111 can provide the electronic book data 112 to the user via the management system 120. The Web page 103 is provided with an input area for inputting a user ID and password registered by the user in the management system 120. When the user requests digitization of the book 102, the Web page 103 is authenticated using the user ID and password. The server 122 authenticates the user. The user requests the digitization of the book 102 by inputting the user ID and password of the management system 120 on the Web page 103 (FIG. 2 (2)). A web server (not shown) that provides the web page 103 authenticates the user by the authentication server 122 using the input user ID and password, and accepts a request for digitization of the book 102 when the authentication is obtained. When receiving the request, the Web server issues an identification code for identifying the request for digitizing the book 102 such as an order number, for example. The order number is displayed on the Web page 103 and notified to the user. Further, the order number is notified to the electronic server 110 and the authentication server 122.

  When the request for digitization of the book 102 on the Web page 103 is completed, the user ships the paper medium book 102 to be digitized together with information such as the user's name, member number, and order number to the business operator 111 (FIG. 2). (3)).

  The authentication server 122 stores the notified order number in association with the user ID. Thereby, the user ID and the order number are linked. The authentication server 122 transmits information associated with the order number and the user ID to the monitoring server 125. The monitoring server 125 stores information associated with the order number and the user ID as monitoring book information described later.

  The business operator 111 digitizes the paper book 102 sent from the user. In performing digitization, the business entity 111 uses the approval list data 113 to determine whether the book 102 sent from the user is a book of a copyright holder who has gained approval for digitization. The business entity 111 manages the approval list data 113 by storing it in the electronic server 110, for example. The approval list data 113 is data in which copyright holders and books that support the digitization of books on paper media, for example, are collected. The approval list data 113 is created by a management organization and provided to the business operator 111. When the book 102 sent from the user is a book of a copyright holder who has not obtained approval for digitization, the book 102 is sent back to the user, for example. The approval list data 113 may be disclosed on the Web page 103. Thereby, it is possible to suppress a request to digitize a book that cannot be digitized.

  When the book 102 sent from the user is a book for which approval has been obtained, the business entity 111 digitizes the book (FIG. 2 (4)). For example, the business operator 111 cuts the paper medium book 102 and divides it into individual paper sheets, reads the divided paper sheets with a device such as an image scanner connected to the electronic server 110, and digital e-book data 112. Convert to The converted electronic book data 112 is stored in the electronic server 110. Further, the business entity 111 specifies the requesting user who requested the digitization from the name, membership number, order number, etc. of the sending source of the book 102 sent from the user. The electronic server 110 generates a digital watermark from information associated with the user and embeds it in the electronic book data 112. In the present embodiment, the electronic server 110 embeds an order number as electronic watermark in the electronic book data 112 as information associated with the user. In this way, by embedding information associated with a user in the electronic book data 112 as a digital watermark, the user associated with the digital watermark information can be identified. In addition, the information embedded as a digital watermark is not information that directly identifies a user such as a user ID or name, but an order number associated with the user ID is used to indirectly identify the user. However, user information can be prevented from leaking directly from the digital watermark information. Note that the digital watermark may be embedded so as not to be visible, or may be embedded so as to be visible in a peripheral portion when a book is referred to. When embedding a digital watermark so as to be visible, information that directly identifies the user, such as a user ID or a name, may be employed. In this case, since the user can recognize that the user can be specified from the digital watermark, the user can be prevented from using the electronic book data illegally.

  The management server 121 is provided with a user storage area for each registered user. The user can log in using the user ID and password from the user terminal 101, access his / her user storage area, and reference data. Here, the user storage area is provided with a first storage area in which data release to other users is prohibited and a second storage area in which data release to other users is enabled. Yes. The disclosure of data means that other users can access the storage area or the data stored in the storage area (as a result, other users can view the data stored in the storage area. Or downloadable). On the other hand, when data disclosure is prohibited, it means that other users cannot access the storage area or the data stored in the storage area (as a result, the data stored in the storage area The user cannot view or download). In the first storage area, data can be referred to the user and data upload is prohibited. In the second storage area, data reference, data upload, and data download are possible for the user.

  The electronic server 110 transmits the electronic book data 112 to the management server 121. For example, the computerization server 110 designates the user ID of the user who requested the computerization, and uploads the electronic book data 112 to the user storage area (first storage area) of the management server 121.

  When the management server 121 receives the electronic book data 112, the management server 121 stores the received electronic book data 112 in the user storage area of the user with the specified user ID. Here, the management server 121 stores the electronic book data 112 in a first storage area provided in the user storage area. (FIG. 2 (5)).

  When the storage of the electronic book data 112 is completed, the electronic server 110 requests the payment server 123 to charge the electronic cost to the user who requested the electronic conversion ((6) in FIG. 2). In response to the request, the settlement server 123 settles the digitization cost to the user who requested the digitization. The settlement of expenses is not limited to money, but may be performed at points given by various services provided by the management system 120.

  The requesting user can refer to the electronic book data 112 by accessing the user's own storage area (first storage area) provided in the management server 121 using the user terminal 101. For example, the user terminal 101 browses the electronic book data 112 through a dedicated viewer (FIG. 2 (7)).

  The index server 124 extracts index information used for search from the electronic book data 112 stored in the management server 121. For example, the index server 124 extracts an author name, a book name, a keyword, and the like as index information. The index server 124 manages the extracted index information in association with the electronic book data 112. The index server 124 provides a search function for searching the electronic book data 112. For example, when a search keyword is specified and a search is requested, the search keyword is searched from the index information, and the search keyword is included in the index information. The included electronic book data is returned as a search result.

  The monitoring server 125 stores information associated with the order number notified from the authentication server 122 and the user ID as monitoring book information. The monitoring server 125 crawls the user storage area for each user provided in the management server 121 and monitors whether there is unauthorized electronic book data 112. For example, the monitoring server 125 searches the electronic book data 112 from the second storage area of the user storage area of the management server 121. Since the second storage area is a storage area where data can be disclosed to other users, the electronic book data 112 is disclosed to other users and used by other users. Is to prevent. For example, when the electronic book data 112 has a specific file format such as PDF, and the electronic book data 112 has a specific extension such as “.pdf”, the monitoring server 125 adds a file with a specific extension. Search for. The crawling by the monitoring server 125 may be automatically performed periodically, or may be performed according to an instruction from the administrator.

[3. Configuration of electronic server]
Next, the electronic server 110 according to the embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the electronic server according to the embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the computerized server 110 includes a communication I / F (interface) unit 20, a display unit 21, an input unit 22, a storage unit 23, and a control unit 24. The electronic server 110 is connected to the image scanner 25 via, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus).

  The image scanner 25 scans a paper book 102 and converts it into electronic book data 112. For example, the image scanner 25 is provided with a paper feeding device that feeds the set sheets one by one to the image reading unit, and the book 102 is cut by the paper feeding device under the control of the scanner control unit 40 described later. Paper is fed one by one to the image reading unit, scanning is performed, and the electronic book data 112 is converted. The converted electronic book data 112 is stored in the storage unit 23.

  The communication I / F unit 20 is an interface such as a NIC (Network Interface Card). The communication I / F unit 20 transmits / receives various data to / from other devices via a network (not shown). For example, the communication I / F unit 20 transmits various data such as the electronic book data 112 to the management server 121.

  The display unit 21 is a display device that displays various types of information. Examples of the display unit 21 include display devices such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube). The display unit 21 displays various information.

  The input unit 22 is an input device that inputs various types of information. For example, the input unit 22 includes an input device such as a mouse or a keyboard. The input unit 22 receives an operation input from an operator who digitizes the business operator 111 and inputs operation information indicating the received operation content to the control unit 24.

  The storage unit 23 is a device that stores various types of information. For example, the storage unit 23 may be a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a disk array. The storage unit 23 stores various programs including an OS (Operating System) executed by the control unit 24 and a program for executing a conversion process described later. Further, the storage unit 23 stores various data. For example, the storage unit 23 stores electronic book data 112 and approval list data 113.

  The electronic book data 112 is book data generated by scanning a book on a paper medium with the image scanner 25. The electronic book data 112 may be image data, or may be code data obtained by encoding characters or the like in an image by performing character recognition on the image data, and includes image data and code data. It may be.

  The approval list data 113 is data that summarizes the copyright holders and books that support the digitization of books on paper media. For example, the approval list data 113 is provided from a management organization.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the data configuration of the approval list data. As shown in FIG. 4, the approval list data 113 includes items of “author name”, “book name”, and “publisher name”. The item of author name is an area for storing the name of a work that agrees with the digitization of paper-based books. The item “book name” is an area for storing a book name that the work permits to digitize the book. The publisher name field is an area for storing the name of the publisher that published the book. FIG. 3 is an example of the approval list data 113 and may include other items. For example, identification information for identifying a book such as an ISBN (International Standard Book Number) code may be included.

  In the example of FIG. 4, the author with the author name “A” permits the digitization of the book with the book name “XXXX”, indicating that the publisher is “XX publication”.

  Returning to FIG. 3, the control unit 24 is a device that controls the computerized server 110. For example, as the control unit 24, an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) can be employed.

  The control unit 24 has an internal memory for storing programs defining various processing procedures and control data, and executes various processes using these. The control unit 24 functions as various processing units by operating various programs. For example, the control unit 24 includes a scanner control unit 40, a watermark processing unit 41, and a transmission unit 42.

  The scanner control unit 40 controls the operation of the image scanner 25. For example, the scanner control unit 40 causes the display unit 21 to display an operation screen on which various operations such as an instruction to start reading an image and a setting of reading image quality can be performed, and the operation of the image scanner 25 is performed according to the operation on the operation screen. Control.

  The watermark processing unit 41 embeds information associated with the user in the electronic book data 112 using a digital watermark. In the present embodiment, the order number is embedded in the electronic book data 112 as an electronic watermark as information associated with the user. This order number may be input from the input unit 22. Further, when a request for digitization of a book is received, an order number is stored in the storage unit 23 in association with the user ID of the user who requested the digitization, and the order number associated with the user stored in the storage unit 23 May be used.

  The transmission unit 42 transmits the electronic book data 112 to the management server 121. For example, when an operation for instructing the input unit 22 to transmit the electronic book data 112 is performed, the transmission unit 42 transmits the electronic book data 112 to the management server 121.

  Note that the control unit 24 may further include a determination unit that determines whether or not the paper book is a book that has been approved for digitization. For example, identification information such as an ISBN code is stored in the approval list data 113, the identification information such as an ISBN code attached to a book on a paper medium is read by a bar code reader or the like, and the identification information read by the determination unit is expressed in the approval list data. By comparing with the identification information stored in 113, it may be determined whether or not the book is approved for digitization.

[4. Management Server Configuration]
Next, the management server 121 according to the embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the management server according to the embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the management server 121 includes a communication I / F unit 50, a storage unit 51, and a control unit 52.

  The communication I / F unit 50 is an interface such as a NIC. The communication I / F unit 50 transmits and receives various data to and from other devices via a network (not shown). For example, the communication I / F unit 50 receives various data such as the electronic book data 112 transmitted from the electronic server 110. Further, the communication I / F unit 50 transmits the electronic book data 112 stored in the user storage area to the user terminal 101 when browsing the electronic book data 112.

  The storage unit 51 is a device that stores various types of information. For example, the storage unit 51 includes a storage device such as an HDD or a disk array. The storage unit 51 stores various programs including an OS executed by the control unit 52 and a program for executing a storage process described later. Further, the storage unit 51 is provided with a user storage area 53.

  Here, the storage unit 51 has a plurality of storage devices. For example, in the example of FIG. 5, the storage unit 51 includes two disk units 54A and 54B as storage devices. The disk unit 54A is provided with a first storage area 55A in which data disclosure to other users is prohibited for each user. In the first storage area 55A, data can be referred to the user and data upload is prohibited. In the present embodiment, the first storage area 55A permits the user to download data, but the data download may be prohibited. The disk unit 54B is provided with a second storage area 55B for each user where data can be disclosed to other users. In the second storage area 55B, the user can refer to data, upload data, and download data. For each user, the user storage area 53 includes a first storage area 55A and a second storage area 55B. In the actual embodiment, the storage unit 51 has two disk units 54A and 54B as storage devices. However, the storage unit 51 may be an external storage device or the like. For example, the storage unit 51 may provide the first storage area 55A and the second storage area 55B in different storage apparatuses as a plurality of external storage apparatuses. Thus, by providing the first storage area 55A and the second storage area 55B in different storage devices, for example, if one storage device fails or all information is lost even if unauthorized access occurs, Leakage can be suppressed. Further, since the first storage area 55A and the second storage area 55B have different access authority for the user, management of access authority is facilitated by providing them in different storage devices.

  The control unit 52 is a device that controls the management server 121. For example, as the control unit 52, an electronic circuit such as a CPU or MPU, or an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA can be employed.

  The control unit 52 has an internal memory for storing programs defining various processing procedures and control data, and executes various processes using these. The control unit 52 functions as various processing units by operating various programs. For example, the control unit 52 includes a receiving unit 60, a storage unit 61, and a providing unit 62.

  The accepting unit 60 accepts the electronic book data 112 from the business operator 111. For example, the reception unit 60 displays an operation screen for transmitting the electronic book data 112 in response to an access from the electronic server 110, and receives a transmission of the electronic book data 112 by specifying a user ID from the operation screen.

  The storage unit 61 stores the received electronic book data 112 in the user storage area 53. For example, the storage unit 61 stores the electronic book data 112 in the first storage area 55 </ b> A of the user storage area 53 of the user having the designated user ID.

  The providing unit 62 provides the data stored in the first storage area 55A and the second storage area 55B to the user. For example, the providing unit 62 provides the data stored in the first storage area 55A and the second storage area 55B as data stored in one storage area in response to an access from the user.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a flow for storing electronic book data. The management server 121 receives the electronic book data 112 from the business operator 111. The storage unit 61 stores the electronic book data 112 in the first storage area 55 </ b> A of the user storage area 53.

  Here, since the user cannot upload data, only the electronic book data 112 obtained by digitizing the book 102 of the paper medium is stored in the first storage area 55A. As described above, since only the electronic book data 112 obtained by digitizing the paper book 102 is stored in the first storage area 55A, there is no need to monitor unauthorized data by the monitoring server 125. The load can be reduced.

  On the other hand, since the user can upload various data such as document files and photos, the second storage area 55B stores various data of the user. For this reason, the user data 130 is uploaded to the second storage area 55B by the user. In addition, the electronic book data 131 may be uploaded to the second storage area 55B by the user. For example, in the second storage area 55B, there are cases where the user himself / herself uploads electronic book data obtained by digitizing a paper medium book using a scanner owned by the user himself / herself. A digital watermark is not embedded in the electronic book data digitized by the user. In addition, the user may upload electronic book data digitized by the business operator 10 to the second storage area 55B. A digital watermark is embedded in the electronic book data digitized by the business operator 10.

  In the second storage area 55B, data can be disclosed to other users. The user publishes data that the user wants to share with other users among the data stored in the second storage area 55B.

  The providing unit 62 provides the data stored in the first storage area 55A and the second storage area 55B as data stored in one storage area in response to an access from the user. For example, the providing unit 62 can integrate the electronic book data 112 stored in the first storage area 55A and the electronic book data 131 stored in the second storage area 55B, and display them on the user terminal without distinguishing between the storage areas. To provide. A viewer 140 for referring to the electronic book is installed in the user terminal 101. The viewer 140 is provided by the management system 120, for example. The providing unit 62 receives the electronic book data 112 stored in the first storage area 55A and the electronic book data 131 stored in the second storage area 55B as a group of electronic book data in response to an access from the viewer 140 as a user. It is provided so that it can be displayed by the viewer 140 of the terminal 101. The viewer 140 displays the electronic book without distinguishing the difference between the first storage area 55A and the second storage area 55B. In the example of FIG. 6, the viewer 140 displays electronic books arranged in a bookshelf, and the electronic book data 112 of “Book A” stored in the first storage area 55A and the second storage area 55B. The stored electronic book data 131 of “Book B” is displayed. By adopting the above-mentioned storage area configuration and viewer display function, the electronic book data digitized using the system can be prevented from leaking beyond the personal range, while the system It is possible to improve convenience for a user who wants to freely use electronic book data owned by himself / herself as well as electronic book data digitized by an individual as well as electronic book data digitized using.

[5. Monitoring server configuration]
Next, the monitoring server 125 according to the embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the monitoring server according to the embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the monitoring server 125 includes a communication I / F unit 70, a display unit 71, an input unit 72, a storage unit 73, and a control unit 74.

  The communication I / F unit 70 is an interface such as a NIC. The communication I / F unit 70 transmits and receives various data to and from other devices via a network (not shown). For example, the communication I / F unit 70 transmits a transmission request for data stored in the second storage area 55 </ b> B to the management server 121. In addition, the communication I / F unit 70 receives data stored in the second storage area 55 </ b> B from the management server 121.

  The display unit 71 is a display device that displays various types of information. Examples of the display unit 71 include a display device such as an LCD or a CRT. The display unit 71 displays various information.

  The input unit 72 is an input device that inputs various types of information. For example, examples of the input unit 72 include an input device such as a mouse or a keyboard. The input unit 72 receives an operation input from an administrator or the like of the management system 120 and inputs operation information indicating the received operation content to the control unit 74.

  The storage unit 73 is a device that stores various types of information. For example, the storage unit 73 may be a storage device such as an HDD or a disk array. The storage unit 73 stores various programs including an OS executed by the control unit 74 and a program for executing a monitoring process described later. Furthermore, the storage unit 73 stores monitoring book information 80.

  The monitoring book information 80 is data storing information related to a legitimate electronic book to be monitored. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of monitoring book information. As shown in FIG. 8, the monitoring book information 80 includes items of “watermark information” and “user”. The item of watermark information is an area for storing watermark information embedded in the electronic book data 112 as a digital watermark. Here, in this embodiment, an order number is embedded in the electronic book data 112 as a digital watermark. In the watermark information item, an order number embedded as a digital watermark in the electronic book data 112 is stored. The user item is an area for storing the user ID of the user who has the rightly owned digital book data 112 in which the digital watermark of the watermark information is embedded. That is, the user item stores the user ID of the user who requested the digitization of the book 102 digitized as the electronic book data 112. In the example of FIG. 8, the user name is shown as the user ID in order to make it easy to identify the user. In the example of FIG. 8, the electronic book data 112 whose watermark information is “XXA” indicates that the user A is a valid owner.

  The control unit 74 is a device that controls the monitoring server 125. For example, as the control unit 74, an electronic circuit such as a CPU or MPU, or an integrated circuit such as an ASIC or FPGA can be employed.

  The control unit 74 has an internal memory for storing programs defining various processing procedures and control data, and executes various processes using these. The control unit 74 functions as various processing units by operating various programs. For example, the control unit 74 includes a monitoring unit 90.

  The monitoring unit 90 monitors the data stored in the management server 121 for unauthorized electronic book data 112. For example, the monitoring unit 90 searches the electronic book data 112 from the second storage area 55 </ b> B of the user storage area 53 of each user of the management server 121. When the electronic book data 112 is searched, the monitoring unit 90 reads watermark information embedded as an electronic watermark in the electronic book data 112. The monitoring unit 90 compares the read watermark information with the monitoring book information 80 to identify the user. When the user storage area 53 in which the electronic book data 112 is stored is the user storage area 53 of the collated user, the monitoring unit 90 determines that the data is valid. On the other hand, when the user storage area 53 in which the electronic book data 112 is stored is a user storage area 53 different from the collated user, the monitoring unit 90 determines that the electronic book data 112 is invalid. When the unauthorized electronic book data 112 is detected as a result of monitoring, the monitoring unit 90 causes the display unit 71 to display information regarding the electronic book data 112 determined to be unauthorized.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a flow of monitoring electronic book data. In the monitoring server 125, the monitoring unit 90 monitors whether there is unauthorized electronic book data 112 in the second storage area 55B of the user storage area 53 of each user. For example, in the example of FIG. 9, electronic book data 112 </ b> A having watermark information “XXA” is stored in the first storage area 55 </ b> A of the user storage area 53 of the user A. The second storage area 55B stores electronic book data 112B with watermark information “XXB” and electronic book data 112C with watermark information “XXC”. In such a state, for example, when the monitoring book information 80 is in the state shown in FIG. 8, the monitoring unit 90 has the electronic book data 112 </ b> C whose watermark information is “XXC” as the legitimate possession of the user B. A warning is displayed on the display unit 71 with the book data 112 </ b> C as unauthorized electronic book data 112.

  The administrator of the management system 120 issues a warning to the user who owns the unauthorized electronic book data 112 and prompts deletion. Note that the monitoring server 125 may delete the unauthorized electronic book data 112 when it is detected.

[6. Process flow]
Next, the flow of a conversion process in which the electronic server 110 according to the present embodiment converts the paper book 102 into the electronic book data 112 will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a conversion processing procedure according to the embodiment. This conversion process is executed, for example, at a timing when a sheet obtained by cutting the book 102 is set in the image scanner 25 and a predetermined operation for instructing to start image reading is performed on the operation screen from the input unit 22.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the scanner control unit 40 controls the image scanner 25, reads the set paper by the image scanner 25, and converts it into digital electronic book data 112 (S10). The converted electronic book data 112 is stored in the storage unit 23.

  The watermark processing unit 41 acquires information to be embedded as a digital watermark (S11). For example, when the order number is input from the input unit 22 as information to be embedded, the watermark processing unit 41 displays an order number input screen and acquires the order number from the input screen. Alternatively, when the order number is stored in the storage unit 23 in association with the user ID, the watermark processing unit 41 reads out and acquires the order number associated with the user ID of the user who requested the digitization from the storage unit 23. .

  The watermark processing unit 41 embeds the acquired order number in the electronic book data 112 as a digital watermark (S12), and ends the process.

  Next, a flow of storage processing in which the management server 121 according to the present embodiment stores the electronic book data 112 will be described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of the storage process according to the embodiment. For example, this storage process is executed at the timing of accepting transmission of the electronic book data 112 by designating a user ID from the operation screen.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the storage unit 61 stores the electronic book data 112 in the first storage area 55A of the user storage area 53 of the user having the designated user ID (S20), and ends the process.

  Next, a flow of providing processing in which the management server 121 according to the present embodiment provides electronic book data in response to access from a user will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of providing processing according to the embodiment. This providing process is executed, for example, at a timing when information on electronic book data is requested from the viewer 140.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the providing unit 62 reads the electronic book data 112 stored in the first storage area 55A (S25). Further, the providing unit 62 reads out the electronic book data 131 stored in the second storage area 55B (S26). Then, the providing unit 62 integrates the electronic book data 112 stored in the first storage area 55A and the electronic book data 131 stored in the second storage area 55B, and transmits the integrated data to the viewer 140 (S27). finish. Note that the order of the processes of S25 and S26 may be reversed. That is, either reading of the electronic book data 112 from the first storage area 55A or reading of the electronic book data 131 from the second storage area 55B may be performed first. The viewer 140 displays the electronic books integrated and transmitted from the management server 121 in a state where they are arranged on the bookshelf. Note that the user can use the electronic book data while selecting a terminal to be used according to circumstances by mounting the viewer 140 on a plurality of terminals owned by the user.

  Next, a flow of monitoring processing in which the monitoring server 125 according to the present embodiment monitors unauthorized electronic book data 112 will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of monitoring processing according to the embodiment. This monitoring process is executed, for example, on a daily basis or at regular intervals, or at a timing when a predetermined operation instructing the start of the process is performed from the administrator.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the monitoring unit 90 searches the electronic book data 112 from the second storage area 55B of the user storage area 53 of each user of the management server 121 (S30). The monitoring unit 90 determines whether there is the electronic book data 112 as a result of the search (S31). If there is no electronic book data 112 (No at S31), the process ends.

  On the other hand, if the electronic book data 112 exists as a result of the search (Yes at S31), the monitoring unit 90 reads the searched electronic book data 112 (S32). Then, the monitoring unit 90 reads watermark information from the read electronic book data 112 (S33). The monitoring unit 90 compares the read watermark information with the monitoring book information 80, and identifies a legitimate user (S34). The monitoring unit 90 determines whether or not the user storage area 53 in which the read electronic book data 112 is stored is the user storage area 53 of the legitimate user (S35). When the user storage area 53 in which the electronic book data 112 is stored is not the user storage area 53 of the collated user (No in S35), the monitoring unit 90 uses the read electronic book data 112 as invalid data. (S36). On the other hand, when the user storage area 53 storing the electronic book data 112 is the user storage area 53 of the collated user (Yes in S35), the monitoring unit 90 uses the read electronic book data 112 as valid data. (S37).

  The monitoring unit 90 determines whether all the retrieved electronic book data 112 has been read (S38). If all the retrieved electronic book data 112 have not been read (No at S38), the process proceeds to S32. On the other hand, when all the retrieved electronic book data 112 has been read (Yes in S38), the monitoring unit 90 displays the electronic book data 112 determined to be invalid on the display unit 71 (S39), and ends the process.

[7. Others]
In the above-described embodiment, the electronic server 110 has described the case where the order number is embedded in the electronic book data 112 as an electronic watermark as information associated with the user, but is not limited thereto. For example, even when the payment server 123 notifies the electronic server 110 of a payment number when the user has settled the cost of electronicization, the electronic server 110 embeds the payment number in the electronic book data 112 as a digital watermark. Good. Alternatively, the management system 120 may notify the computerized server 110 of information to be embedded as a digital watermark in association with the user, and the computerized server 110 may embed the notified information in the digital book data 112 as a digital watermark.

  In the above embodiment, in addition to electronic book data obtained by digitizing paper-based books, the management server 121 is provided as a book on electronic media by a publisher or a copyright holder, and can be used by purchase by a user. A third storage area for storing electronic book data (hereinafter referred to as purchased electronic book data) may be provided in the user storage area. Note that the third storage area adopts the same configuration as the first storage area 55A in the above embodiment (for example, prohibition of disclosure to other users). In this case, an electronic book store server that stores, manages, and provides purchased electronic book data and the management system 120 of the above-described embodiment are configured to be connectable via a network such as the Internet. In addition, the payment server 123 may perform the payment processing for the price of the purchased electronic book data provided by the electronic book store server, as in the above embodiment. In addition, the management server 121 stores the purchased electronic book data transmitted from the electronic book store server after the settlement is completed in the user storage area (third storage area) of the user who purchased the purchased electronic book data. Also good. The providing unit 62 of the management server 121 also includes the electronic book data 112 stored in the first storage area 55A, the electronic book data 131 stored in the second storage area 55B, and the purchase stored in the third storage area. The electronic book data may be read out, and these may be integrated and transmitted to the viewer 140. The viewer 140 may display each electronic book data integrated and transmitted from the management server 121 in a state of being arranged on the bookshelf. Even if it does in this way, while being able to manage the electronic book data 12 appropriately, the convenience of the user who wants to utilize electronic book data which he owns freely can be improved.

[8. effect]
As described above, the management server 121 scans the paper book 102 from the electronic server 110 and digitizes the electronic book data 112 in which the electronic watermark is embedded. The management server 121 stores the accepted electronic book data 112 in the user storage area 53 that is permitted to be accessed by the user. As a result, the management server 121 delivers the electronic book data 12 from the business operator 10 to the user terminal 16 and stores the electronic book data 12 in an electronic form as compared with the case where the electronic book data 12 is stored in each user terminal 16. Therefore, the electronic book data 12 can be managed appropriately.

  In addition, the management server 121 includes a first storage area 55A in which data disclosure to other users is prohibited and a second storage area in which data disclosure to other users is enabled. 55B. The management server 121 stores the accepted electronic book data in the first storage area 55A. Thereby, the management server 121 can manage the electronic book data 112 in the first storage area 55 </ b> A in the user storage area 53, where the disclosure of data to other users is prohibited.

  In the management server 121, the first storage area 55A and the second storage area 55B are provided in different storage devices. Then, the management server 121 integrates the electronic book data stored in the first storage area 55A and the electronic book data stored in the second storage area 55B in accordance with the access from the user, without distinguishing between the storage areas. Provided to be displayed on the user terminal. Thereby, the management server 121 can provide the data stored in the first storage area 55A and the second storage area 55B without being aware of the difference between the storage areas.

  In the electronic book data 112, information associated with the user is embedded as a digital watermark. Thereby, the electronic book data 112 can identify the user from the associated information.

  Further, the management server 121, the authentication server 122, the settlement server 123, the index server 124, and the monitoring server 125 described above may be realized by a plurality of server computers. Depending on the function, an external platform or the like may be implemented by an API (Application Programming). The configuration can be flexibly changed, for example, by calling it by interface) or network computing.

  Further, the “means” described in the claims can be read as “section (module, unit)” or “circuit”. For example, the reception unit can be read as a reception unit or a reception circuit.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 provider 11 book 12 electronic book data 13 terminal 14 electronic book management apparatus 15 user storage area 16 user terminal 23 storage unit 24 control unit 25 image scanner 40 scanner control unit 41 watermark processing unit 42 transmission unit 51 storage unit 52 control unit 53 User storage area 54A, 54B Disk unit 60 Accepting unit 61 Storage unit 62 Providing unit 73 Storage unit 74 Control unit 80 Monitored book information 90 Monitoring unit 100 Electronic book system 101 User terminal 102 Book 110 Electronic server 111 Provider 112 Electronic Book data 113 Approval list data 120 Management system 121 Management server 122 Authentication server 123 Payment server 124 Index server 125 Monitoring server

Claims (6)

Accepting means for receiving electronic book data in which a paper book is scanned and digitized and embedded with a digital watermark from a terminal of an operator who digitizes the paper book;
Storage means for storing the electronic book data received by the receiving means in the storage area of the storage means included in the storage area permitted to be accessed by the user;
An electronic book management apparatus comprising: The storage means is provided with a first storage area in which data disclosure to other users is prohibited, and a second storage area in which data release to other users is enabled,
The electronic book management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit stores the electronic book data received by the reception unit in the first storage area. The storage means has a plurality of storage devices, and the first storage area and the second storage area are provided in separate storage devices,
The electronic book data stored in the first storage area and the electronic book data stored in the second storage area are integrated according to the access from the user, and can be displayed on the user terminal without distinction of each storage area The electronic book management apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising providing means for performing the above-described provision.   The electronic book management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein information associated with a user is embedded in the electronic book data as a digital watermark. A book digitizing apparatus comprising: conversion means for scanning a book on a paper medium to generate electronic book data; and embedding means for embedding a digital watermark in the electronic book data converted by the conversion means;
Receiving means for receiving the electronic book data; and storing means for storing the electronic book data received by the receiving means in the storage area of the storage means included in the storage area permitted to be accessed by the user. An electronic book management device characterized by;
A user terminal that is accessible to the storage area and has a reference means for referring to electronic book data stored in the storage area;
An electronic book system comprising: An electronic book management method for managing an electronic book by a book electronic device, an electronic book management device, and a user terminal,
The book electronic device is
Scan a book on paper and convert it to electronic book data, embed a digital watermark in the converted electronic book data,
The electronic book management apparatus is
Receiving electronic book data from the book digitizing apparatus, storing the received electronic book data in the storage area of the storage means included in the storage area permitted to be accessed by the user;
The user terminal is
An electronic book management method characterized in that the storage area can be accessed and electronic book data stored in the storage area is referred to.

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