JP3799260B2 - Image reading method, image reading system, control program for image reading system, and storage medium - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
According to the present invention, when an image or an attribute file is imported from a scanner device (reading device) shared by a plurality of users connected to a network, processing performed on the image according to user settings and information extracted from the image are indexed. The present invention relates to an image reading method that is automatically stored in a server, an image reading system, a control program for the image reading system, and a storage medium that stores the control program.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of opportunities for a service concept called a document management system (hereinafter referred to as DMS) to organize document information overflowing in the office, store it as a database, and facilitate search. ing.
[0003]
This is because information (documents) has been exchanged on paper media until now, but these documents are still accumulating, and when searching for necessary information, work to search from many documents Is very cumbersome and it is difficult to share the document among many people, so this service concept has come to be considered.
[0004]
Conventionally, various file servers, document management (database) servers, and the like have been proposed as an example of such a DMS, but many of them have not taken into consideration cooperation and fusion with a scanner device. The user creates data for manually storing image data obtained by scanning a document in various servers, such as performing image processing on each client PC (personal computer) or creating an index. There was annoyance to do.
[0005]
As a conventional example of a system for solving such problems, there is an image reading system disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-174949 (hereinafter referred to as a conventional system).
[0006]
In this conventional system, in an environment in which a digital copier as a scanner device (reading device) shared by a plurality of users and a computer as an information processing device used by each user are connected via a network (communication network), The digital copying includes a reading mode for reading a document registered in advance in the digital copying machine and a process (hereinafter referred to as a job) executed on an image of the document read in the reading mode registered in advance. By making a selection on the operation panel of the machine, the reading process is executed according to the selection.
[0007]
As a result, the user can store the image in the database simply by selecting the job and pressing the start button on the operation panel of the digital copying machine.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described conventional system, the means for registering the job in the digital copying machine is not specified, and it is not realistic to register the job in the digital copying machine.
[0009]
In addition, the image read by the digital copying machine via various networks is stored in a database or sent by e-mail, but information about the image can be determined only by a file name. Requires manual work to index the images on the database.
[0011]
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and the purpose of the present invention is according to the job. Read Images and indexes can be automatically stored in a database server In addition, users can store images properly in the database server without knowledge of the details of the database server. An image reading method, an image reading system, a control program for the image reading system, and a storage medium are provided.
[0012]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, an image reading method according to claim 1 of the present invention is provided via a communication network. image An image reading method for reading an image by an image reading system formed by connecting a reading device and an information processing device, wherein the user image A job creation step for creating a job for setting processing to be performed on an image read by the reading device; and the job created by the job creation step image A job registration step of registering in the reading device; image A transmission step of transmitting an image read by the reading device and an attribute file created when the image is read to the information processing device via the communication network; a receiving step of receiving the image and the attribute file; A processing step for processing the image according to the job, an index creation step for creating an index based on the attribute file and a result of processing the image by the processing step, and a database server according to the job. A storage step for automatically storing the image and the index; The job creation step includes a user interface having selection means for causing a user to select a database server for storing the image and the index, and designation means for causing the user to specify a storage location in the database server. A folder specified by the user based on the displayed folder structure is displayed on the information processing apparatus and when the designation is performed by the designation unit in a state where the database server is selected. Create a job with the storage location It is characterized by doing.
[0014]
In order to achieve the above object, the claims of the present invention are provided. 2 The image reading method described in claim 1 In the image reading method described above, each of the steps includes an output step of outputting a matter performed in the step as a log.
[0015]
In order to achieve the above object, the claims of the present invention are provided. 3 The image reading method according to claim 1. Or 2 In the image reading method described in (1), at least the reception step and the index creation step are respectively executed on the information processing apparatuses connected via the communication network and different from each other.
[0016]
In order to achieve the above object, the claims of the present invention are provided. 4 The image reading system described in is via a communication network image An image reading system formed by connecting a reading device and an information processing device, wherein a user image A job creation unit for creating a job for setting processing to be performed on an image read by the reading device; and a job created by the job creation unit image Job registration means for registering in the reading device; image A transmitting unit that transmits an image read by the reading device and an attribute file created when the image is read to the information processing device via the communication network; a receiving unit that receives the image and the attribute file; Processing means for processing the image according to the job, index creation means for creating an index based on the attribute file and the result of processing the image by the processing means, and a database server according to the job Storage means for automatically storing the image and the index; The job creation means includes a user interface having a selection means for allowing a user to select a database server for storing the image and the index, and a designation means for causing the user to specify a storage location in the database server. A folder specified by the user based on the displayed folder structure is displayed on the information processing apparatus and when the designation is performed by the designation unit in a state where the database server is selected. Create a job with the storage location It is characterized by doing.
[0018]
In order to achieve the above object, the claims of the present invention are provided. 5 The image reading system according to claim 4 In the image reading system described above, each of the units includes an output unit that outputs, as a log, matters performed by the unit.
[0019]
In order to achieve the above object, the claims of the present invention are provided. 6 The image reading system according to claim 4 or 5 In the image reading system described in (1), at least the receiving unit and the index creating unit are connected to each other through the communication network and exist on different information processing apparatuses.
[0028]
In order to achieve the above object, the claims of the present invention are provided. 7 The control program for the image reading system described in is via a communication network. image Computer for controlling an image reading system formed by connecting a reading device and an information processing device In A readable control program, In the information processing apparatus, The user image A job creation step for creating a job for setting processing to be performed on an image read by the reading device; and the job created by the job creation step image A job registration step of registering in the reading device; image An image read by the reading device and an attribute file created when the image is read via the communication network From the image reading device A receiving step for receiving, a processing step for processing the image according to the job, an index creating step for creating an index based on the attribute file and a result of processing the image by the processing step, A storage step of automatically storing the image and the index in a database server according to the job; A user interface comprising: a selecting unit for causing the user to select a database server for storing the image and the index; and a specifying unit for allowing the user to specify a storage location in the database server in the job creation step. On the information processing apparatus, when the designation by the designation unit is performed in a state where the database server is selected, a step of displaying a folder structure in the database server, and a user based on the displayed folder structure Each step including creating a job with the folder specified by Program code for causing a computer to execute Have It is characterized by that.
[0030]
In order to achieve the above object, the claims of the present invention are provided. 8 A control program for an image reading system according to claim 1 7 In the control program of the image reading system described in the item 1, each step includes an output step for outputting a matter performed in the step as a log.
[0031]
In order to achieve the above object, the claims of the present invention are provided. 9 A control program for an image reading system according to claim 1 7 or 8 In the control program for an image reading system described in (1), at least the reception step and the index creation step are respectively executed on the information processing apparatuses connected via the communication network and different from each other.
[0036]
Furthermore, in order to achieve the above object, the claims of the present invention are provided. 10 The storage medium described in claim 1 7 Thru 9 The control program for the image reading system described in 1 is stored.
[0037]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0038]
(First embodiment)
First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0039]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image reading system according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, this image reading system is a network directly connected MFP (scanner) device 1 (hereinafter referred to as an image reading device). Are described as MFP devices) and a server PC (personal computer) 3 which is an information processing apparatus including all components other than the MFP device 1 is connected via FTP (File Transfer Protocol) 2. It is configured.
[0040]
The MFP device 1 and the server PC 3 may be configured to be connected via a protocol such as SMTP (Send Mail Transfer Protocol) or SMB (Server Message Block) other than FTP.
[0041]
The server PC 3 includes a manager 31, an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) server 32, a management application 33, and a document management server 34.
[0042]
The outline of the processing flow of the image reading system according to the present embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.
[0043]
FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of the image reading system according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 2, the same parts as those in FIG.
[0044]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing operations of the image reading system according to the present embodiment.
[0045]
First, in step S301, the user uses the manager 31 to create a job. In step S302, the user registers the job created in step S301 in the MFP device 1.
[0046]
The method for registering the job in the MFP device 1 is to scan the sheet on which the job information is written in the MFP device 1 or to register the job information in the MFP device 1 via a network protocol such as FTP or TCP / IP. It is also possible to use a known technique such as notification.
[0047]
In step S303, the user sets a document to be stored in the document management server 34 on the document table of the MFP device 1 or an ADF (automatic document feeder), and executes a job from an operation panel (not shown) in the MFP device 1. select. Thereafter, when the scan button on the operation panel is pressed, the MFP device 1 transmits an image data file and an attribute file to the FTP server 32.
[0048]
Next, in step S304, the image data file and the attribute file transmitted via FTP2 are stored in the FTP server 32.
[0049]
The MFP device 1 determines a path for storing the image data file and the attribute file in the FTP server 32 in accordance with the job information.
[0050]
Next, in step S <b> 305, the management application 33 acquires an image data file and an attribute file from the FTP server 32.
[0051]
The management application 33 obtains the path where the file is stored in the FTP server 32 from the job information created in step S301, and obtains the image data file and attribute file in the path.
[0052]
In step S306, the image data file and attribute file obtained in step S305 are extracted from the image data file or processed according to job information. Further, the image file data is processed according to the type of the document management server 34 to be stored obtained from the job information, and an index is created from the attribute file.
[0053]
In step S307, the image file and index obtained in step S306 are stored in the document management server 34, and then the processing operation is terminated.
[0054]
The path stored in the document management server 34 is a path specified in the job information file.
[0055]
Hereinafter, each processing will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 9.
[0056]
Create job
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface of the manager 31 that creates job information in the image reading system according to the present embodiment. The user can make detailed settings for each job using the manager 31. it can.
[0057]
The job setting content includes a job name, a job manager name, a job manager mail address, a type of document management server to be stored, a path stored in the document management server, and the like.
[0058]
The manager 31 creates job information set by the user in a text file format on the hard disk or memory in the server PC 3. When the user updates the job information, it is performed in the same manner as when creating a job.
[0059]
In the user interface of the manager 31 shown in FIG. 4, a folder and file structure in the document management server 34 to be stored can be displayed by pressing a “storage destination selection button” 401. As a result, in any type of document management server 34, the user can arbitrarily specify the storage location for the job, and the image data file and attribute file transmitted from the MFP device 1 can be stored on the MFP device 1. It is possible to store automatically only by the operation at.
[0060]
At this time, if there is security in the document management server 34 and it is necessary to register users to be used, users in all jobs created by the manager 31 can be automatically registered in the document management server 34. good. Further, the user name and password registered in the document management server 34 are input to the user interface of the manager 31, and the user name and password are stored in the document management server when the image data file and attribute file are stored. 34 may be automatically entered.
[0061]
In addition, the job setting content may include items other than these. For example, in step S304 of FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, a path for storing the image data file and the attribute file transmitted by the MFP device 1 in the FTP server 32 may be designated. However, if the path to be stored in the FTP server 32 is not specified, the manager 31 determines the path to be stored in the FTP server 32 from the path to be stored in the document management server 34, so that the user can Since less work is performed and there is no need to consider the directory and file structure of the FTP server 32, more troublesome work is reduced.
[0062]
Further, the user interface of the manager 31 may have a form as shown in FIG. 4 or a form other than a software application having a UI. For example, like a job sheet which is a known technique, a user checks a setting item written on the job sheet, and scans the job sheet to a server device (not shown) connected to the server PC 3 locally or via a network. Job information may be obtained.
[0063]
[Register Job to MFP Device]
The job information file created by the manager 31 is registered in the MFP device 1. More specifically, the server PC 3 uses the remote user interface (not shown) of the MFP device 1 to import the job information file and register it in the MFP device 1.
[0064]
Note that the method of registering job information in the MFP device 1 is not limited to the method described above. For example, when a new job is created and updated by the manager 31, a job information file may be automatically transmitted to the MFP device 1 via a network protocol. When a new job is created and updated by the manager 31, the job information is printed on a printer (not shown) connected to the server PC 3 locally or on the network, and the MFP device 1 scans the printed job information to register the job information. It doesn't matter.
[0065]
[MFP device file transmission]
From the MFP device 1, the image data and attribute file of the document set by the user on the document table or ADF (automatic document feeder) of the MFP device 1 are transmitted. More specifically, after the user selects a job registered in the MFP device 1 in step S302 of FIGS. 2 and 3, the user presses a scan (read original or transmits image data and attribute file) button. The original set on the MFP device 1 is read, and the image data file and the attribute file are transmitted to the FTP server 32 according to the path stored in the FTP server 32 described in the job together with the attribute file.
[0066]
Note that there may be a plurality of documents. In this case, when the user sets an original on the ADF of the MFP device 1 and presses the scan button, all the originals are read, and the read data is transmitted to the FTP server 32. At this time, the file format of the transmitted image data file may be any format. However, if the file format can be stored in the document management server 34, the image format conversion process is not required before storing in the document management server 34, so that the processing speed is improved.
[0067]
When there are a plurality of documents, the format of the image data file may be a single page TIFF format or a multi-page TIFF format. However, when transmitting in the single page TIFF format, in order to clarify the relationship between the transmitted image data files, the name of each image data file is HHMMSSDDDZZYYY_XXXX. TIF (HH: time for reading, MM: minute for reading, SS: second for reading, DD: day for reading, ZZ: month for reading, YYYY: year for reading, XXXX: reading start page The number of pages when the first page is used). Thereby, even when an image is transmitted in the single page TIFF format, the relationship between the image data files can be clarified, and even if the document management server 34 can store only the multi-page TIFF format, the single page TIFF format can be used. Conversion to the multi-page TIFF format can be performed accurately.
[0068]
The information described in the attribute file is stored in the document management server 34, such as the transmission date and time, the model name of the MFP device 1, the installation location, the user name, and the name and size of the image data file transmitted at the same time. Good items useful as index information.
[0069]
The information described in the attribute file may be other matters.
[0070]
[Store file to FTP server]
2 and 3, the image data file and the attribute file transmitted from the MFP device 1 via FTP 2 are stored in the FTP server 32. More specifically, the image data file and the attribute file are stored in the path of the FTP server 32 designated by the MFP device 1. At this time, the MFP device 1 may issue a directory creation command to the FTP server 32 via FTP 2, specify the created directory as a path for storing the directory, and send the image data file and the attribute file. good.
[0071]
The FTP server 32 outputs the date and time transmitted from the MFP device 1, the image data file, the attribute file name, and the like as a log. Information output as a log may be other than these. Further, as a log output method, a file may be created at an arbitrary location in the server PC 3, and a means for notifying the log may be included in a means for collecting logs such as the manager 31.
[0072]
[Get files from FTP server]
Hereinafter, a processing procedure in which the FTP monitor 331 acquires data will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.
[0073]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a system configuration of the management application 33 in the image reading system according to the present embodiment.
[0074]
The management application 33 includes three modules, an FTP monitor 331, an application core 332, and a server interface 333. Each module exchanges data with the manager 31, the FTP server 32, and the document management server 34.
[0075]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing operation in which the FTP monitor 331 acquires the image data file and the attribute file from the FTP server 32.
[0076]
First, in step S <b> 601, the FTP monitor 331 confirms whether job information has been created in the manager 31. If the job information is created, in the next step S602, the FTP monitor 331 acquires the job information, and obtains a path to be monitored in the FTP server 32 from the job information.
[0077]
Next, in step S <b> 603, the FTP monitor 331 monitors the presence or absence of a folder to be monitored in the FTP server 32 according to the job information, and investigates the presence or absence of a file in the folder in the FTP server 32.
[0078]
Next, in step S604, the FTP monitor 331 performs a file transmission end determination process. Details of the file transmission end determination process will be described later with reference to FIG.
[0079]
Next, in step S605, the FTP monitor 331 loads all of the attribute file and the image data file into the application core 332 (hard disk or memory) in the server PC 3.
[0080]
Next, in step S606, the FTP monitor 331 determines whether all of the attribute file and the image data file have been taken into the application core 3 in the server PC 3. If all of the attribute file and the image data file have not been captured, the process returns to step S605, and the attribute file and the image data file are captured again in the application core 332 in the server PC 3.
[0081]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S606 that all of the attribute file and the image data file have been imported, the FTP monitor 331 imports all of the attribute file and the image data file into the application core 3 in the server PC 3. In step S607, the folder in the FTP server 32 containing the attribute file and the image data file that have been imported is deleted.
[0082]
In step S608, the FTP monitor 331 confirms with the manager 31 whether the job information has been updated. If the job information is not updated, the process returns to step S603. If the job information is updated, the process returns to step S602.
[0083]
In step S608, the FTP monitor 331 confirms new creation and update of job information to the manager 31, but the manager 31 may notify the FTP monitor 331 of new creation and update of job information.
[0084]
In step S603, the FTP monitor 331 monitors whether there is a folder to be monitored in the FTP server 32 according to the job information. However, if the MFP device 1 does not create a folder in the FTP server 32, It is sufficient to monitor only the presence or absence of the attribute file and the image data file in the folder.
[0085]
Similarly, in step S607, the folder in the FTP server 32 where the attribute file and the image data file that have been imported into the FTP monitor 331 are deleted is deleted, but the MFP device 1 does not create a folder in the FTP server 32. Only the attribute file and the image data file in the folder need be deleted.
[0086]
In addition, information on processing performed by the FTP monitor 331 is output as a log. As a method for outputting the log, a file may be created at an arbitrary location in the server PC 3, or a means for collecting logs of the manager 31 and the like. In addition, a means for notifying a log may be provided.
[0087]
Next, the file transmission end determination process executed in step S604 of FIG. 6 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0088]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the file transmission end determination processing operation executed in step S604 of FIG.
[0089]
First, in step S701, it is determined whether or not there is an attribute file in the folder in the FTP server 32. If it is determined that the folder in the FTP server 32 is an attribute file, in the next step S702, the attribute file is opened and information written in the attribute file is obtained (attribute file determination process).
[0090]
Here, the information written in the attribute file is the name and size of the image data file.
[0091]
Next, in step S703, it is determined from the attribute file information whether or not all the image data files have been transmitted to the folder in the FTP server 32 until they are transmitted. The process proceeds to step S605 in FIG.
[0092]
[Image and attribute file processing]
Hereinafter, a procedure in which the application core 332 processes the attribute file and the image data file captured in the FTP monitor 331 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 8.
[0093]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing operations in the application core 332.
[0094]
First, in step S801, the application core 332 confirms whether or not the manager 31 has an attribute file and the image data file in the FTP monitor 331.
[0095]
Next, in step S <b> 802, when the FTP monitor 331 includes the attribute file and the image data file, the manager 31 notifies the application core 332 of the storage path and job information of the attribute file and the image data file.
[0096]
In step S803, the application core 332 takes in the attribute file and the image data file from the FTP monitor 331.
[0097]
Next, in step S804, image processing such as OCR is performed on the image data file according to the job information, and an index is created from the information obtained from the image processing and the attribute file, and stored on the hard disk or memory in the server PC3. Store.
[0098]
In step S805, the application core 332 notifies the manager 31 that the processing of the image data file and the attribute file has been completed, and then returns to step S801.
[0099]
In step S801, the application core 332 confirms whether or not the attribute file and the image data file exist in the FTP monitor 331, but the manager 31 notifies the application core 332 of the presence or absence of the attribute file and the image data file. You may do it.
[0100]
In step S804, image processing such as OCR is performed on the image data file according to the job information, but general processing such as image format conversion processing may be performed.
[0101]
In addition, information on processing performed by the application core 332 is output as a log. As a method for outputting the log, a file may be created at an arbitrary location in the server PC 3, or a means for collecting logs such as the manager 31. It is also possible to have means for notifying the log.
[0102]
[Store image and index file in document management server]
Hereinafter, the procedure for the server interface 333 to process the image data file and the index created in the application core 332 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 9.
[0103]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing operations in the server interface (hereinafter referred to as server I / F) 333.
[0104]
First, in step S901, the server I / F 333 checks with the manager 31 whether or not the application core 332 has an image data file and an index.
[0105]
Next, in step S <b> 902, if the application core 332 includes an image data file and an index, the manager 31 notifies the server I / F 333 of the storage path of the image data file and the index and job information.
[0106]
In step S <b> 903, the server IF 333 takes in the image data file and the index from the application core 332.
[0107]
In step S904, the image data file and the index are converted into a file format that can be stored in the document management server 34 in accordance with the job information.
[0108]
In step S905, the image data file and the index are stored in the document management server 34 according to the job information, and then the process returns to step S901.
[0109]
In step S901, the server I / F 333 confirms whether the manager 31 and the application core 332 have the image data file and the index. The manager 31 determines whether the server I / F 333 has the image data file and the index. You may be notified.
[0110]
Information on processing performed by the server I / F 333 is output as a log. As a method for outputting the log, a file may be created at an arbitrary location in the server PC 3 or logs of the manager 31 and the like are collected. The means may have means for notifying the log.
[0111]
[View log]
Log information in the FTP server 32, the FTP monitor 331, the application core 332, and the server I / F 333 can be collected, and the log can be displayed by the manager 31 using a user interface (not shown). When an error occurs in the process until the image data file and the index are stored in the document management server 34, the user checks the log using the user interface and investigates in which process the error has occurred.
[0112]
As described above, according to the image reading system according to the present embodiment, the user selects a job registered in advance using the operation panel on the MFP device 1 that is a scanner device or presses the scan button. At this time, the captured image and information when the user operates the MFP device 1 are extracted from the attribute file as information that can be an index, and the image is converted into a format for storing in various database servers according to the job. The converted image and the index can be automatically stored in the database server according to the job, and the search in the database server can be easily performed based on the index information.
[0113]
In addition, since the folder and file structure in the database server can be displayed when the job is created, the user does not need to have knowledge about the details of the database server, and automatically creates images and indexes. Can be stored.
[0114]
In addition, by leaving a log in each process, even if an error occurs in the process until the image and index are stored in the database server, it is possible to confirm in which process the error has occurred. it can.
[0115]
(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
[0116]
[Outline of this embodiment]
The present embodiment is different from the configuration of the first embodiment described above in that many scanner devices and computers are connected via a network.
[0117]
FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image reading system according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the image reading system according to this embodiment includes an FTP server 14 and an application server / client 15 ( Manager and management application) are connected via FTP 13, and application server / client 15 and document management server 17 are connected via network protocol 16 such as FTP or TCP / IP.
[0118]
That is, the difference from the first embodiment described above is that receiving means for receiving images and attribute files transmitted by the MFP devices 11 and 12 as scanner devices, the result of processing the attribute files and the images, and the like. Further, the index creation means for creating an index is present on a different PC (information processing apparatus).
[0119]
Hereinafter, only the portions of the image reading system according to the present embodiment that are different from the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
[0120]
Create job
The user creates a job using a manager (corresponding to the manager 31 in FIG. 1) which is an index creating means in the application server / client 15. In a plurality of application servers / clients 15 (not shown), a plurality of users can create the job.
[0121]
[Register Job to MFP Device]
The job information file created by the manager is registered in one MFP device 11.
[0122]
More specifically, the application server / client 15 uses the remote user interface (not shown) of any of the plurality of MFP devices 11 and 12 to import the job information file, and either of the MFP devices 11 or 12 is imported. Register with.
[0123]
[MFP device file transmission]
One MFP device 11 transmits image data and attribute files of a document set by the user on the document table or ADF (automatic document feeder) of the MFP device 11.
[0124]
More specifically, after the user selects a job registered in one MFP device 11, the user presses a scan (read original or transmits image data and attribute file) button to set the MFP device 11. The original is read, and the image data file and the attribute file are transmitted to the FTP server 14 according to the path stored in the FTP server 14 which is a PC different from the application server / client 15 described in the job together with the attribute file.
[0125]
[Store file to FTP server]
The image data file and the attribute file transmitted from the MFP device 11 via the FTP 13 are stored in the FTP server 14.
[0126]
Further, the image data file and the attribute file transmitted from the MFP device 11 via the FTP 13 are stored in the FTP server 14.
[0127]
[Get files from FTP server]
An FTP monitor (not shown) in the application server / client 15 acquires the image data file and the attribute file from the FTP server 14.
[0128]
In the first embodiment described above, the FTP server 32 and the FTP monitor exist on the same PC. However, in the present embodiment, the FTP server 32 and the FTP monitor exist on separate PCs.
[0129]
Hereinafter, the detailed algorithm by which the FTP monitor (not shown) in the application server / client 15 acquires the image data file and the attribute file from the FTP server 14 is the same as that in the first embodiment described above.
[0130]
[Image and attribute file processing]
The image data file and the attribute file captured in the FTP monitor (not shown) in the application server / client 15 are processed in an application core in the server / client 15 (not shown).
[0131]
Details of the subsequent algorithm are the same as those of the first embodiment described above.
[0132]
[Store image and index file in document management server]
An image data file and an index file obtained by processing by an application core (not shown) in the server / client 15 are stored in a document management server existing on a PC (not shown) other than the server / client 15 (not shown).
[0133]
The details of the subsequent algorithm are the same as those of the first embodiment described above.
[0134]
As described above, according to the image reading system according to the present embodiment, each unit is distributed on many application servers / clients 15 via the network (FTP 13 and FTP, TCP / IP 16). Since the above congestion and processing performed on the PC (FTP server 14) can be distributed, the image reading processing speed is further increased.
[0135]
(Other embodiments)
Even if the present invention is applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices (for example, a host computer, interface device, reader, printer, etc.), a device (for example, a copier, a facsimile device, etc.) composed of a single device. You may apply to.
[0136]
Another object of the present invention is to supply a storage medium storing software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or apparatus, and store the computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or apparatus. Needless to say, this can also be achieved by reading and executing the program code stored in the medium.
[0137]
In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiment, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.
[0138]
Examples of the storage medium for supplying the program code include a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a CD-RW, a DVD-ROM, a DVD-RAM, and a DVD. -RW, DVD + RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM, etc. can be used.
[0139]
Further, by executing the program code read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also an OS (operating system) running on the computer based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by performing part or all of the actual processing and the processing is included.
[0140]
Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, the function expansion is performed based on the instruction of the program code. It goes without saying that the CPU or the like provided in the board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing.
[0141]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to automatically store an image and an index converted according to a job in a database server, and easily search in the database server by using index information. Yes.
[0142]
According to the present invention, when creating the job, a folder in the database server is created. Da structure Since the structure can be displayed, the user can automatically store the image and the index in the database without having to know the details of the database server.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image reading system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram of an image reading system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing operations in the image reading system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface of a manager that creates job information in the image reading system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a system configuration of a management application in the image reading system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing operations in which the FTP monitor acquires an image data file and an attribute file from the FTP server of the image reading system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing operations in which the FTP monitor acquires an image data file and an attribute file from the FTP server of the image reading system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing operations in the application core of the image reading system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing operations in the server interface of the image reading system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image reading system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 MFP device (image reading device)
2 FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
3 Server PC (Personal computer: Information processing device)
14 FTP server
15 Application server / client
16 Network protocol
17 Document management server
31 Manager
32 FTP (File Transfer Protocol) server
33 Management application
34 Document Management Server
331 FTP monitor
332 Application Core
333 server interface
401 “Select storage location” button

Claims (10)

An image reading method for reading an image by an image reading system formed by connecting an image reading device and an information processing device via a communication network,
A job creation step for creating a job for setting processing to be performed on an image read by the image reading apparatus by the user;
A job registration step of registering the job created in the job creation step in the image reading device;
A transmission step of transmitting an image read by the image reading device and an attribute file created when the image is read to the information processing device via the communication network;
A receiving step of receiving the image and the attribute file;
Processing steps for processing the image according to the job;
An index creation step for creating an index from the attribute file and a result of processing the image by the processing step;
Possess a storage step of automatically storing said said image in the database server index in accordance with the job,
In the job creation step, a user interface having a selection unit for causing a user to select a database server for storing the image and the index and a designation unit for causing the user to specify a storage location in the database server is used as the information. Displayed on a processing device, and when specified by the specifying means with the database server selected, displays the folder structure in the database server and stores the folder specified by the user based on the displayed folder structure An image reading method comprising creating a job as a place . The image reading method according to claim 1, wherein each of the steps includes an output step of outputting a matter performed in the step as a log. At least said receiving step and said indexing step, an image reading method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each executed on connected and different information processing apparatus via the communication network. An image reading system comprising an image reading device and an information processing device connected via a communication network,
Job creation means for creating a job for setting processing to be performed on an image read by the user with the image reading device;
Job registration means for registering the job created by the job creation means in the image reading device;
Transmitting means for transmitting an image read by the image reading device and an attribute file created when the image is read to the information processing device via the communication network;
Receiving means for receiving the image and the attribute file;
Processing means for processing the image according to the job;
Index creation means for creating an index from the attribute file and the result of processing the image by the processing means;
Have a storage means for automatically storing said said image in the database server index in accordance with the job,
The job creation means includes a user interface having a selection means for causing a user to select a database server for storing the image and the index and a designation means for causing the user to specify a storage location in the database server. Displayed on a processing device, and when specified by the specifying means with the database server selected, displays the folder structure in the database server and stores the folder specified by the user based on the displayed folder structure An image reading system that creates a job as a place . 5. The image reading system according to claim 4, wherein each of the units includes an output unit that outputs a matter performed by the unit as a log. 6. The image reading system according to claim 4 , wherein at least the receiving unit and the index creating unit are connected to each other through the communication network and exist on different information processing apparatuses. A computer readable control program for controlling the image reading system formed by connecting an image reading apparatus and the information processing apparatus via a communication network,
In the information processing apparatus, a job creation step for creating a job for setting processing to be performed on an image read by the image reading apparatus by the user , and a job registration for registering the job created in the job creation step in the image reading apparatus a step, a receiving step of receiving from the image reading apparatus and an attribute file that is created when the image reading device has read the image and the image read through the communication network, in accordance with the job to the image A processing step for performing processing, an index creation step for creating an index based on the attribute file and a result of processing the image by the processing step, and automatically processing the image and the index in a database server according to the job. A storing step for storing automatically,
In the job creation step, the information includes a user interface having selection means for allowing a user to select a database server for storing the image and the index, and designation means for allowing the user to specify a storage location in the database server. A step of displaying on the processing device; a step of displaying a folder structure in the database server when the designation is performed in a state where the database server is selected; and a designation by the user based on the displayed folder structure And a program code for causing a computer to execute each step including a step of creating a job with the stored folder as a storage location . 8. The control program for an image reading system according to claim 7 , wherein each step includes an output step for outputting, as a log, matters performed in the step. 9. The image reading system according to claim 7 , wherein at least the reception step and the index creation step are respectively executed on different information processing devices connected via the communication network. 10. Control program. Storage medium characterized by storing a control program of an image reading system according to any one of claims 7 to 9.

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