JP3864740B2 - Form processing system, form processing apparatus, form processing method, form processing program, and computer-readable recording medium recording the form processing program - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a form processing system, a form processing apparatus, a form processing method, a form processing program, and a computer-readable recording medium that records the form processing program.
[0002]
[Prior art]
There is known a form processing device for extracting handwritten character information from image data of forms, which are ready-made standard documents used as various application forms, article order forms, travel tickets and various school application forms. .
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, a conventional form processing apparatus is a dedicated machine with limited forms that can be handled. In order to handle forms having different layouts, it is necessary to prepare another form processing apparatus.
[0004]
In other words, the number of form processing devices corresponding to the type of form is required, and in order to process many types of forms, a problem arises in the installation space of the form processing apparatus. In addition, an operation for selecting a form processing apparatus and a job corresponding to the type of form is required, and there is a problem that processing is troublesome.
[0005]
The present invention has been made to solve such a conventional problem, and handwritten character information can be extracted from the image data of a form and used even when the form type is different. It is an object of the present invention to provide a form processing system, form processing apparatus, form processing method, form processing program, and computer-readable recording medium recording the form processing program.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
To achieve the above object, the present invention is configured as follows.
[0007]
(1) A form processing system having a form processing apparatus and a plurality of servers connected via a network,
The form processing apparatus includes:
Image reading means for generating image data by reading an image of a form to which handwritten character information and a form identifier for specifying the type of form are attached;
A recognition means for recognizing the form identifier existing in the image data;
Receiving means for receiving layout information from a server identified based on the form identifier;
Recognition means for recognizing handwritten character information existing in the image data based on the layout information; and
A transfer means for transferring handwritten character information as a data item to the identified server;
The server
A transmission means for transmitting layout information corresponding to the form identifier to the form processing apparatus; and
It has a registration means for registering data items transmitted from the form processing apparatus in a database corresponding to the form identifier.
A form processing system characterized by that.
[0008]
(2) A form processing system having a form processing apparatus, a plurality of form servers, and a plurality of DB servers connected via a network,
The form processing apparatus includes:
Image reading means for generating image data by reading an image of a form to which handwritten character information and a form identifier for specifying the type of form are attached;
A recognition means for recognizing the form identifier existing in the image data;
Receiving means for receiving layout information from a form server identified based on a form identifier;
Recognition means for recognizing handwritten character information existing in the image data based on the layout information; and
A transfer means for transferring handwritten character information as a data item to the DB server identified based on the form identifier;
The form server
A transmission means for transmitting layout information corresponding to the form identifier to the form processing apparatus;
The DB server has registration means for registering data items transmitted from the form processing apparatus in a database corresponding to the form identifier.
A form processing system characterized by that.
[0009]
(3) having a form processing apparatus and a plurality of servers connected via a network; and
The server includes, as a form identifier, a transmission means for transmitting layout information corresponding to a form identifier for specifying a form type to the form processing apparatus, and a data item transmitted from the form processing apparatus. Has registration means to register in the corresponding database
A form processing apparatus in a form processing system,
Image reading means for reading a form image with handwritten character information and a form identifier, and generating image data;
A recognition means for recognizing the form identifier existing in the image data;
Receiving means for receiving layout information from a server identified based on the form identifier;
Recognition means for recognizing handwritten character information existing in the image data based on the layout information; and
Transfer means for transferring handwritten character information as a data item to the specified server
A form processing apparatus characterized by comprising:
[0010]
(4) having a form processing apparatus, a plurality of form servers, and a plurality of DB servers connected via a network;
The form server has a transmitting means for transmitting layout information corresponding to a form identifier for specifying a form type to the form processing apparatus,
The DB server has registration means for registering data items transmitted from the form processing apparatus in a database corresponding to the form identifier.
A form processing apparatus in a form processing system,
Image reading means for reading a form image with handwritten character information and a form identifier, and generating image data;
A recognition means for recognizing the form identifier existing in the image data;
Receiving means for receiving layout information from a form server identified based on a form identifier;
Recognition means for recognizing handwritten character information existing in the image data based on the layout information; and
Transfer means for transferring handwritten character information as a data item to a DB server identified based on a form identifier
A form processing apparatus characterized by comprising:
[0011]
(5) The form processing apparatus according to (3) or (4), further including a printing unit for printing the form with the form identifier.
[0012]
(6) A form processing method in a form processing system having a form processing apparatus and a plurality of servers connected via a network,
A form processing device reads an image of a form with handwritten character information and a form identifier for specifying the type of form, and generates image data;
A step in which the form processing device recognizes a form identifier existing in the image data;
A server identified based on the form identifier transmits layout information corresponding to the form identifier to the form processing apparatus;
A form processing device receiving layout information;
A form processing device recognizing handwritten character information existing in image data based on layout information;
The form processing device transfers handwritten character information as a data item to the identified server; and
A step in which the server registers the data item transmitted from the form processing apparatus in the database corresponding to the form identifier.
A form processing system characterized by comprising:
[0013]
(7) A form processing apparatus in a form processing system having a form processing apparatus, a plurality of form servers, and a plurality of DB servers connected via a network, wherein the form processing apparatus includes handwritten character information and form types Reading an image of a form with a form identifier for identifying the image and generating image data;
A step in which the form processing device recognizes a form identifier existing in the image data;
A form server identified based on the form identifier, transmitting layout information corresponding to the form identifier to the form processing apparatus;
A form processing device receiving layout information;
A form processing device recognizing handwritten character information existing in image data based on layout information;
The form processing device transfers handwritten character information as a data item to the DB server specified based on the form identifier, and
A step in which the DB server registers a data item transmitted from the form processing apparatus in a database corresponding to the form identifier.
A form processing method characterized by comprising:
[0014]
(8) having a form processing apparatus and a plurality of servers connected via a network;
The server includes, as a form identifier, a transmission means for transmitting layout information corresponding to a form identifier for specifying a form type to the form processing apparatus, and a data item transmitted from the form processing apparatus. Has registration means to register in the corresponding database
A form processing program in a form processing apparatus of a form processing system,
A procedure for generating image data by reading a form image with handwritten character information and a form identifier,
A procedure for recognizing form identifiers existing in image data,
A procedure for receiving layout information from a server identified based on a form identifier;
A procedure for recognizing handwritten character information existing in image data based on layout information, and
A form processing program for causing a form processing apparatus to execute a procedure for transferring handwritten character information as a data item to a specified server.
[0015]
(9) having a form processing apparatus, a plurality of form servers, and a plurality of DB servers connected via a network;
The form server has a transmitting means for transmitting layout information corresponding to a form identifier for specifying a form type to the form processing apparatus,
The DB server has registration means for registering data items transmitted from the form processing apparatus in a database corresponding to the form identifier.
A form processing program in a form processing apparatus of a form processing system,
A procedure for generating image data by reading a form image with handwritten character information and a form identifier,
A procedure for recognizing form identifiers existing in image data,
A procedure for receiving layout information from the server identified based on the form identifier, a procedure for recognizing handwritten character information existing in the image data based on the layout information, and
Procedure for transferring handwritten character information as a data item to the DB server specified based on the form identifier
A form processing program characterized by causing a form processing apparatus to execute the process.
[0016]
(10) A computer-readable recording medium on which the form processing program according to (8) or (9) is recorded.
[0017]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0018]
The form processing system shown in FIG. 1 includes a network scanner (form processing apparatus) 20, a form server 30, and a DB server 40 connected via networks 10A to 10D.
[0019]
The network 10A to which the form server 30 and the DB server 40 are connected is, for example, the Internet. The networks 10B to 10D to which the network scanner 20 is connected are, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network). A firewall 11A, a gateway 11B, and a router 11C are disposed between the network 10A and the networks 10B to 10D.
[0020]
FIG. 2 shows an example of a form used as a travel ticket application. As shown in the figure, the form has a form identifier, an entry field for handwritten character information, and explanatory text or characters arranged near the entry field so that the contents of the entry field can be understood.
[0021]
The form identifier is unique information for specifying the type of form, and is arranged at a predetermined position, for example. The form identifier is not limited to one configured by a numerical value as shown in the figure, and may be configured by, for example, a figure or a barcode uniquely associated with the numerical value.
[0022]
The network scanner 20 is an input terminal disposed in, for example, a convenience store, an office, a city hall, or a hospital. The form server 30 is a computer system managed by an intermediary, for example, a travel agent or a portal site operating company. The DB server 40 is a computer system managed by an actual user of handwritten character information, for example, a school or a travel ticket issuer.
[0023]
Next, the configuration of each device will be described in detail. In that case, in order to avoid duplication about the part which has the same function, only the first time is demonstrated and it omits after the second time.
[0024]
As shown in FIG. 3, the network scanner 20 includes a control unit 21, a display unit 22, an operation unit 23, a storage unit 24, an image reading unit 25, and a communication interface 26, which are connected via a bus 27. And connected to each other.
[0025]
The control unit 21 is a control circuit composed of a microprocessor or the like, and controls the units 22 to 27 in accordance with a control program such as a form processing program.
[0026]
The display unit 22 includes a liquid crystal display and displays various messages. The operation unit 23 includes a plurality of keys and a touch panel arranged on the liquid crystal display.
[0027]
The storage unit 24 includes a read-only memory such as a ROM, a high-speed random access memory such as a RAM, and a large-capacity random access storage device such as a hard disk drive. The storage unit 24 has a storage area for storing the control program, various setting data, and image data, and a work area for executing the control program.
[0028]
The image reading unit 25 includes, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor, and reads an image of a form set at a predetermined reading position to generate image data.
[0029]
The communication interface 26 includes a network interface card (NIC), and is used to connect the network scanner 20 to a network.
[0030]
As illustrated in FIG. 4, the form server 30 includes a control unit 31, a storage unit 32, and a communication interface 33, which are connected to each other via a bus 34.
[0031]
In the storage unit 32, a form identifier that satisfies the authentication conditions of the form server 30 and correspondence information indicating the relationship between the form identifier and the DB server are registered in advance. FIG. 5 shows an example of correspondence information, and a form identifier and a DB server are associated with each other via a DB identifier that is unique information for specifying a database corresponding to the form identifier.
[0032]
As illustrated in FIG. 6, the DB server 40 includes a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, and a communication interface 43, which are connected to each other via a bus 44.
[0033]
The storage unit 42 stores a database having a record structure including data items corresponding to handwritten character information, in addition to DB identifiers that satisfy the authentication conditions of the DB server 40 registered in advance.
[0034]
For example, when handwritten character information extracted from the entry field of the form shown in FIG. 2 is applied, the data items include the date of use, departure station, arrival station, number of users as shown in FIG. , User name, telephone number, ticket price, and scheduled transfer date fields.
[0035]
Next, the flow of processing of the entire form processing system will be described with reference to FIG.
[0036]
First, the network scanner 20 transmits a connection request including a form identifier to a plurality of form servers 30 existing on the network (step S101).
[0037]
Thereafter, the form server 30 that has determined that the form identifier satisfies the authentication condition transmits a connection permission to the network scanner 20 (step S102).
[0038]
Next, the network scanner 20 transmits a DB search request to the specified form server 30 (step S103).
[0039]
The form server 30 extracts a DB identifier corresponding to the form identifier, and transmits a connection request including the DB identifier to a plurality of DB servers 40 existing on the network (step S104).
[0040]
Thereafter, the DB server 40 that determines that the DB identifier satisfies the authentication condition transmits a connection permission to the form server 30 (step S105).
[0041]
Next, the form server 30 transmits a DB search response including the DB identifier to the network scanner 20 to notify that the connection with the DB server 40 has been established (step S106).
[0042]
The network scanner 20 transmits a layout information transfer request corresponding to the form identifier to the form server 30 (step S107). The layout information includes the position and shape of a character recognition area such as an entry field.
[0043]
The form server 30 transfers the layout information to the network scanner 20 (step S108). When the transfer is completed, the form server 30 transmits a transfer completion notification to the network scanner 20 (step S109).
[0044]
Next, the network scanner 20 transmits a connection request including a DB identifier to the DB server 40 (step S110).
[0045]
When the DB identifier satisfies the authentication condition, the DB server 40 transmits a connection permission to the network scanner 20 (step S111). Then, the DB server 40 transmits a data item transfer request corresponding to the DB identifier to the network scanner 20 (step S112).
[0046]
Next, the network scanner 20 recognizes the handwritten character information based on the layout information, and transfers the handwritten character information as a data item to the DB server 40 (step S113).
[0047]
When the transfer of the data item is completed, the DB server 40 transmits a transfer completion notification to the network scanner 20 (step S114). The received data item is registered in the database as a new record.
[0048]
As described above, the network scanner 20 can acquire layout information corresponding to the form identifier from the form server 30 based on the form identifier for specifying the form type. Even if it exists, the handwritten character information existing in the image data of the form can be recognized.
[0049]
That is, the network scanner 20 that is a form processing apparatus does not need to hold form layout information, and is a general-purpose apparatus that can handle many types of forms. In addition, an operation for selecting a form processing apparatus and a business according to the form type is not required. Therefore, space saving performance and workability can be improved.
[0050]
Furthermore, since the handwritten character information extracted from the image data of the form is registered in the database of the DB server 40, it can be used for various purposes.
[0051]
Next, the operation of the network scanner 20 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. The flowcharts of FIGS. 9 and 10 are stored as a form processing program in the storage unit 24 and executed by the control unit 21.
[0052]
First, in response to a start instruction input to the operation unit 26 by the user, the image reading unit 22 reads image data of a form (see FIG. 3) in which necessary items are written in the entry field by the user (step S201). The read image data is stored in the storage unit 23 (step S202).
[0053]
Next, it is determined whether or not a form identifier exists in the image data based on, for example, character recognition (step S203). If the form identifier does not exist, the display unit 22 displays “read error” (step S219). For example, a case where a form identifier is not added to a predetermined area or a case where reading fails is assumed.
[0054]
When the form identifier is detected, a connection request including the form identifier and the identification information of the network scanner 20 is transmitted to the plurality of form servers 30 existing in the network (step S204). The identification information of the network scanner 20 is not particularly limited as long as it is unique with respect to a plurality of network scanners 20 existing in the network.
[0055]
Thereafter, the connection with the form server 30 is established by receiving the connection permission from the form server 30 (step S205: YES). For example, when the connection permission is not received even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the form server 30 corresponding to the form identifier is not operating (step S205: NO), the display unit 22 displays “connection error” ( Step S220).
[0056]
Next, a DB search request is transmitted to the form server 30 that has transmitted the connection permission (step S206).
[0057]
Thereafter, when a DB search response including a DB identifier is received from the form server 30 (step S207: YES), a transfer request for layout information corresponding to the form identifier is transmitted to the form server 30 (step S208).
[0058]
If the DB search response is not received even after the predetermined time has elapsed (step S207: NO), the display unit 22 displays “connection error” and disconnects from the form server 30 (step S221). Note that the same operation is performed when a connection error notification is received from the form server 30 that has not received a connection permission from the DB server 40.
[0059]
Next, when a layout information transfer completion notification is transmitted (step S209: YES), the connection with the form server 30 is disconnected (step S210). If the transfer completion notification is not received even after the predetermined time has elapsed (step S209: NO), the display unit 22 displays “transfer error” and disconnects from the form server 30 (step S222).
[0060]
Thereafter, a connection request including the DB identifier is transmitted to the DB server 40 (step S211). And the connection with DB server 40 is established by receiving the connection permission from DB server 40 (step S212: YES).
[0061]
For example, when the connection permission is not received even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the DB server 40 is not operating (step S212: NO), the display unit 22 displays “connection error” (step S223). Further, when a connection error notification is received from the DB server 40 based on the fact that the connection request does not satisfy the authentication condition, the same operation is executed.
[0062]
Next, when a data item transfer request is received from the DB server 40 (step S213: YES), the handwritten character information of the form is recognized based on the layout information (step S214). The handwritten character information is transferred as a data item to the DB server 40 (step S215).
[0063]
Thereafter, when a data item transfer completion notification is received from the DB server 40 (step S216: YES), the connection with the DB server 40 is disconnected (step S217).
[0064]
If the transfer completion notification is not received even after the predetermined time has elapsed (step S216: NO), the display unit 22 displays “transfer error” and disconnects from the DB server 40 (step S224). The same operation is executed when a transfer error notification is received from the DB server 40.
[0065]
Next, the display unit 22 displays “form processing complete” to notify the user that the handwritten character information has been registered in the DB server 40 (step S218).
[0066]
Next, the operation of the form server 30 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. The flowcharts of FIGS. 11 and 12 are stored as a form processing program in the storage unit 32 and executed by the control unit 31.
[0067]
First, when a connection request from the network scanner 20 is received (step S301: YES), it is determined whether or not the connection request satisfies an authentication condition (step S302). Specifically, when the form identifier included in the connection request is included in the form identifier registered in the storage unit 32, it is determined that the authentication condition is satisfied.
[0068]
If the connection request satisfies the authentication condition (step S302: YES), a connection permission is transmitted to the network scanner 20 (step S303).
[0069]
Thereafter, when a DB search request is received from the network scanner 20 (step S304: YES), a DB identifier corresponding to the form identifier is extracted based on the correspondence information registered in the storage unit 32 (step S305). ). If the DB search request is not received even after a predetermined time has elapsed (step S304: NO), the process ends.
[0070]
Then, a connection request including a DB identifier is transmitted to a plurality of DB servers 40 existing on the network (step S306).
[0071]
Next, the connection with the DB server 40 is established by receiving the connection permission from the DB server 40 (step S307: YES). If the connection permission is not received even after the predetermined time has elapsed (step S307: NO), a connection error notification is transmitted to the network scanner 20 (step S312).
[0072]
Thereafter, a DB search response including a DB identifier is transmitted to the network scanner 20 specified by the identification information (step S308). As a result, the network scanner 20 is notified that the connection with the DB server 40 has been established.
[0073]
Next, when a layout information transfer request is received from the network scanner 20 (step S309: YES), the layout information is transferred to the network scanner 20 (step S310). If the layout information transfer request is not received even after the predetermined time has elapsed (step S309: NO), the process ends.
[0074]
When the transfer is completed, a transfer completion notification is transmitted to the network scanner 20 (step S311).
[0075]
Next, the operation in the DB server 40 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 13 and FIG. The flowcharts of FIGS. 13 and 14 are stored as a form processing program in the storage unit 42 and executed by the control unit 41.
[0076]
First, when a connection request from the form server 30 is received (step S401: YES), it is determined whether or not the connection request satisfies an authentication condition (step S402). Specifically, when the DB identifier included in the connection request is included in the DB identifier registered in the storage unit 42, it is determined that the authentication condition is satisfied.
[0077]
If the connection request satisfies the authentication condition (step S402: YES), a connection permission is transmitted to the form server 30 (step S403). If the connection request does not satisfy the authentication condition (step S402: NO), the process ends.
[0078]
Thereafter, when a connection request including the DB identifier is received from the network scanner 20 (step S404: YES), it is determined whether or not the connection request satisfies the authentication condition in the same manner as in step S402. Step S405). If a connection request is not received even after a predetermined time has elapsed (step S404: NO), the connection with the form server 30 is disconnected (step S411).
[0079]
If the connection request satisfies the authentication condition (step S405: YES), a connection permission is transmitted to the network scanner 20 (step S406). If the connection request does not satisfy the authentication condition (step S405: NO), a connection error notification is transmitted to the network scanner 20 (step S412).
[0080]
Next, a transfer request for the data item corresponding to the DB identifier is transmitted to the network scanner 20 (step S407).
[0081]
Thereafter, when a data item transferred from the network scanner 20 is received (step S408: YES), it is further determined whether or not reception has been completed (step S409). When it is determined that the reception has been completed (step S409: YES), a transfer completion notification is transmitted to the network scanner 20 (step S410).
[0082]
If the data item is not received even after the predetermined time has elapsed (step S408: NO), and if it is not determined that the reception has been completed even after the predetermined time has elapsed (step S409: NO), a transfer error to the network scanner A notification is transmitted (step S413). Note that the same operation is also performed when a data item cannot be received normally due to a lack of capacity in the storage unit 42 or the like.
[0083]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims.
[0084]
For example, the form server and the DB server can be configured as a single server.
[0085]
It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the database of the DB server is specified based on the form identifier instead of the DB identifier. In this case, for example, if the connection request transmitted from the form server to the DB server includes the form identifier, and the form identifier is included in the registered form identifier by the DB server, the authentication condition is satisfied. Configure to be judged.
[0086]
Furthermore, it is possible to print a form to which a form identifier is attached by providing a printing means in the form processing apparatus.
[0087]
Further, the form processing apparatus is not limited to the form of the network scanner, and can be applied to, for example, a digital copying machine having a network function, a computer connected to the scanner, and a computer connected to the scanner and the printer. is there.
[0088]
The form processing program in the form processing apparatus, form server, and DB server is not limited to being provided alone as application software, but may be provided in a form preinstalled in the apparatus. Also, a dedicated hardware circuit corresponding to the form processing program can be provided in a form incorporated in the apparatus.
[0089]
The application software is provided by being stored in a computer-readable recording medium, for example, a flexible disk or a CD-ROM. It is also possible to store application software in a server, download the application software via a network, and install it in the apparatus.
[0090]
Furthermore, the application software stored in the server can be started up via a network and directly executed in the device.
[0091]
Furthermore, the embodiments of the present invention described above include the inventions as shown in the following supplementary notes 1 to 8 in addition to the inventions described in claims 1 to 10 of the claims.
[0092]
[Supplementary Note 1] The form processing apparatus includes a transmission unit for transmitting a connection request to a server.
The server allows a connection request transmitted from the form processing apparatus to determine whether or not the authentication condition is satisfied, and permits transmission of layout information when determining that the authentication condition is satisfied. Have permission means to
The form processing system according to claim 1.
[0093]
[Supplementary Note 2] The form processing system according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the connection request includes a form identifier.
[0094]
[Supplementary Note 3] The form according to Supplementary Note 2, wherein the determination unit determines that the authentication condition is satisfied when the form identifier related to the connection request is included in the registered form identifier. Processing system.
[0095]
[Supplementary Note 4] The form processing apparatus includes a transmission unit for transmitting a connection request to the form server.
The form server determines whether the connection request transmitted from the form processing apparatus satisfies the authentication condition. When determining that the connection request satisfies the authentication condition, the form server connects to the DB server. A transmission unit for transmitting the request, and a permission unit for permitting transmission of the layout information when connection permission from the DB server is received;
The DB server determines whether the connection request transmitted from the form server satisfies the authentication condition, and when determining that the connection request satisfies the authentication condition, The form processing system according to claim 2, further comprising a transmission unit for transmitting a connection permission.
[0096]
[Supplementary Note 5] The form processing system according to Supplementary Note 4, wherein the connection request transmitted from the form processing apparatus and the form server includes a form identifier.
[0097]
[Appendix 6] The determination unit of the form server and the DB server determines that the authentication condition is satisfied when the form identifier related to the connection request is included in the registered form identifier. The form processing system according to attachment 5.
[0098]
[Supplementary Note 7] The connection request transmitted from the form processing apparatus includes a form identifier,
The connection request transmitted from the form server includes a DB identifier that is unique information for specifying a database corresponding to the form identifier.
The form processing system according to supplementary note 4, wherein
[0099]
[Supplementary Note 8] The determination unit of the form server determines that the authentication condition is satisfied when the form identifier related to the connection request is included in the registered form identifier,
The determination unit of the DB server determines that the authentication condition is satisfied when the DB identifier related to the connection request is included in the registered DB identifier.
The form processing system according to appendix 7, which is characterized by the above.
[0100]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention described above, handwritten character information can be extracted and used from image data of a form even when the types of forms are different.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a form processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a form to which handwritten character information and a form identifier for specifying a form type are attached.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a network scanner according to a form processing system.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a form server according to a form processing system.
FIG. 5 is a chart showing an example of correspondence information indicating a relationship between a form identifier, a DB identifier, and a DB server name stored in the form server.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a DB server according to a form processing system.
FIG. 7 is a chart showing an example of a record structure of a database stored in a DB server.
FIG. 8 is a sequence chart of the form processing system.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the operation of the network scanner.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the operation of the network scanner continued from FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the operation of the form server.
12 is a flowchart of the operation of the form server continued from FIG.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the operation of the DB server.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the operation of the DB server continued from FIG. 13;
[Explanation of symbols]
10A-10D ... Network,
11A ... Firewall,
11B ... Gateway,
11C ... router,
20 ... Network scanner,
21 ... control unit,
22 ... display part,
23 ... operation unit,
24. Storage unit,
25. Image reading unit,
26: Communication interface,
27 ... Bus,
30: Form server,
31 ... control unit,
32 ... storage part,
33 ... communication interface,
34 ... Bus
40 ... DB server,
41. Control unit,
42. Storage unit,
43. Communication interface,
44 ... Bus.

Claims (18)

A form processing system having a form processing apparatus and a plurality of servers connected via a network,
The form processing apparatus includes:
Image reading means for generating image data by reading an image of a form to which handwritten character information and a form identifier for specifying the type of form are attached;
A recognition means for recognizing the form identifier existing in the image data;
Receiving means for receiving layout information from a server identified based on the form identifier;
Recognition means for recognizing handwritten character information existing in the image data based on the layout information; and
A transfer means for transferring handwritten character information as a data item to the identified server;
The server
A transmission means for transmitting layout information corresponding to the form identifier to the form processing apparatus; and
A form processing system comprising registration means for registering data items transmitted from a form processing apparatus in a database corresponding to a form identifier. A form processing system having a form processing apparatus, a plurality of form servers, and a plurality of DB servers connected via a network,
The form processing apparatus includes:
Image reading means for generating image data by reading an image of a form to which handwritten character information and a form identifier for specifying the type of form are attached;
A recognition means for recognizing the form identifier existing in the image data;
Receiving means for receiving layout information from a form server identified based on a form identifier;
Recognition means for recognizing handwritten character information existing in the image data based on the layout information; and
A transfer means for transferring handwritten character information as a data item to the DB server identified based on the form identifier;
The form server
A transmission means for transmitting layout information corresponding to the form identifier to the form processing apparatus;
The DB server has registration means for registering data items transmitted from a form processing apparatus in a database corresponding to a form identifier. A form processing apparatus and a plurality of servers connected via a network; and
The server includes, as a form identifier, a transmission means for transmitting layout information corresponding to a form identifier for specifying a form type to the form processing apparatus, and a data item transmitted from the form processing apparatus. A form processing apparatus in a form processing system having a registration means for registering in a corresponding database,
Image reading means for reading a form image with handwritten character information and a form identifier, and generating image data;
A recognition means for recognizing the form identifier existing in the image data;
Receiving means for receiving layout information from a server identified based on the form identifier;
Recognition means for recognizing handwritten character information existing in the image data based on the layout information; and
A form processing apparatus comprising a transfer means for transferring handwritten character information as a data item to a specified server. A form processing apparatus, a plurality of form servers, and a plurality of DB servers connected via a network; and
The form server has a transmitting means for transmitting layout information corresponding to a form identifier for specifying a form type to the form processing apparatus,
The DB server is a form processing apparatus in a form processing system having registration means for registering data items transmitted from the form processing apparatus in a database corresponding to the form identifier,
Image reading means for reading a form image with handwritten character information and a form identifier, and generating image data;
A recognition means for recognizing the form identifier existing in the image data;
Receiving means for receiving layout information from a form server identified based on a form identifier;
Recognition means for recognizing handwritten character information existing in the image data based on the layout information; and
A form processing apparatus comprising a transfer means for transferring handwritten character information as a data item to a DB server specified based on a form identifier.   The form processing apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a printing unit for printing the form with the form identifier. A form processing method in a form processing system having a form processing apparatus and a plurality of servers connected via a network,
A form processing device reads an image of a form with handwritten character information and a form identifier for specifying the type of form, and generates image data;
A step in which the form processing device recognizes a form identifier existing in the image data;
A server identified based on the form identifier transmits layout information corresponding to the form identifier to the form processing apparatus;
A form processing device receiving layout information;
A form processing device recognizing handwritten character information existing in image data based on layout information;
The form processing device transfers handwritten character information as a data item to the identified server; and
A form processing system, characterized in that the server has a step of registering data items transmitted from the form processing apparatus in a database corresponding to the form identifier. A form processing apparatus in a form processing system having a form processing apparatus, a plurality of form servers, and a plurality of DB servers connected via a network,
A form processing device reads an image of a form with handwritten character information and a form identifier for specifying the type of form, and generates image data;
A step in which the form processing device recognizes a form identifier existing in the image data;
A form server identified based on the form identifier, transmitting layout information corresponding to the form identifier to the form processing apparatus;
A form processing device receiving layout information;
A form processing device recognizing handwritten character information existing in image data based on layout information;
The form processing device transfers handwritten character information as a data item to the DB server specified based on the form identifier, and
A form processing method, comprising: a step in which a DB server registers a data item transmitted from a form processing apparatus in a database corresponding to a form identifier. A form processing apparatus and a plurality of servers connected via a network; and
The server includes, as a form identifier, a transmission means for transmitting layout information corresponding to a form identifier for specifying a form type to the form processing apparatus, and a data item transmitted from the form processing apparatus. A form processing program in a form processing apparatus of a form processing system having a registration means for registering in a corresponding database,
A procedure for generating image data by reading a form image with handwritten character information and a form identifier,
A procedure for recognizing form identifiers existing in image data,
A procedure for receiving layout information from a server identified based on a form identifier;
A procedure for recognizing handwritten character information existing in image data based on layout information, and
A form processing program for causing a form processing apparatus to execute a procedure for transferring handwritten character information as a data item to a specified server. A form processing apparatus, a plurality of form servers, and a plurality of DB servers connected via a network; and
The form server has a transmitting means for transmitting layout information corresponding to a form identifier for specifying a form type to the form processing apparatus,
The DB server is a form processing program in a form processing apparatus of a form processing system having registration means for registering data items transmitted from the form processing apparatus in a database corresponding to the form identifier,
A procedure for generating image data by reading a form image with handwritten character information and a form identifier,
A procedure for recognizing form identifiers existing in image data,
A procedure for receiving layout information from a server identified based on a form identifier;
A procedure for recognizing handwritten character information existing in image data based on layout information, and
A form processing program for causing a form processing apparatus to execute a procedure for transferring handwritten character information as a data item to a DB server specified based on a form identifier.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the form processing program according to claim 8 or 9 is recorded. The form processing apparatus has a transmission means for transmitting a connection request to the server,
The server allows a connection request transmitted from the form processing apparatus to determine whether or not the authentication condition is satisfied, and permits transmission of layout information when determining that the authentication condition is satisfied. Have permission means to
The form processing system according to claim 1. The form processing system according to claim 11, wherein the connection request includes a form identifier. 13. The form processing system according to claim 12, wherein the determination unit determines that the authentication condition is satisfied when the form identifier related to the connection request is included in the registered form identifier. The form processing apparatus has a transmission means for transmitting a connection request to the form server,
The form server determines whether the connection request transmitted from the form processing apparatus satisfies the authentication condition. When determining that the connection request satisfies the authentication condition, the form server connects to the DB server. A transmission unit for transmitting the request, and a permission unit for permitting transmission of the layout information when connection permission from the DB server is received;
The DB server determines whether the connection request transmitted from the form server satisfies the authentication condition, and when determining that the connection request satisfies the authentication condition, The form processing system according to claim 2, further comprising a transmission unit for transmitting a connection permission. The form processing system according to claim 14, wherein the connection request transmitted from the form processing apparatus and the form server includes a form identifier. The determination unit of the form server and the DB server determines that the authentication condition is satisfied when the form identifier related to the connection request is included in the registered form identifier. The document processing system described. The connection request transmitted from the form processing apparatus includes a form identifier,
The connection request transmitted from the form server includes a DB identifier that is unique information for specifying a database corresponding to the form identifier.
The form processing system according to claim 14. The determination unit of the form server determines that the authentication condition is satisfied when the form identifier related to the connection request is included in the registered form identifier;
The determination unit of the DB server determines that the authentication condition is satisfied when the DB identifier related to the connection request is included in the registered DB identifier.
The form processing system according to claim 17.

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