JP4149446B2 - Electronic filing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic filing device that combines a filing function and a facsimile function, and more particularly, to an electronic filing device having a function for storing, retrieving, returning, and processing transmission / reception image information in facsimile transmission.

  Recently, facsimile machines (hereinafter referred to as FAX machines) have become widespread as means for easily communicating image information with remote destinations. Its applications range from personal use to business use and international communications. In particular, business fax machines often communicate business details such as sales, accounting, and document information with business partners, and the received content is recorded on paper. It is positioned.

On the other hand, the organization and management of document information, which continues to increase as an adverse effect of the information society, has become a major problem in business. An electronic filing device is a labor-saving means for managing such “paper information”. The electronic filing device has a function of reading document information with a scanner or the like, storing and storing the document information in an external storage medium such as an optical disc, and searching and outputting the document information as necessary. Further, as shown in Patent Document 1 and the like, a filing apparatus having a FAX function has been developed, and its functions and applications are expanding. Such an electronic filing device is positioned as an effective means for saving output paper, storing received images, and retrieving because it can directly write on a storage medium without directly printing the received images on recording paper. Yes.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 64-62956

  However, the conventional FAX apparatus does not have means for storing and retrieving the transmitted image when transmitting the document information. That is, in a general FAX apparatus, code information indicating when, where, and how many pages have been transmitted is recorded inside the apparatus and output as a recording paper as a post-transmission management report. In the report, it is not possible to confirm "what was sent", and the management report is output on the recording paper, so it is extremely cumbersome to search for multiple management reports later, and the necessary information is surely and quickly obtained. There was also a problem that it could not be obtained. Also, if the output management report is lost, the information cannot be saved and confirmed, and this will lead to a problem of "sent (sender) / not received (destination)" with the destination. There was also.

  The present invention stores the document information “when, where, what (including the number of pages)” inside the apparatus without requiring any special operation of the operator, and searches for the transmitted document after transmission. The first object is to provide an apparatus capable of satisfying the requirements.

  Further, the conventional FAX apparatus has a problem that image information (document information) cannot be changed. Originally, the FAX apparatus is intended to transmit image information as it is. However, quality information such as blurring or dust (isolated point) in image information read for transmission, or image information that can be reduced. The problem of communication costs, such as when transmitting a large amount of images as enlarged images, was not considered.

  A second object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus having a function of appropriately processing and editing a transmission / reception image within a range that does not impair the content of transmission information by an image editing program set in advance.

  Further, in a conventional FAX apparatus, a received image is output unconditionally on paper, or from a pre-registered counterpart as disclosed in JP-A-2-92070 and JP-A-2-249348. It is known that only the received image is output to paper, and the received image from the unregistered partner is received in memory, and then output to paper later if necessary. When the received image is needed again, there is a problem that the output document must be searched.

  A third object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus having a function of storing received image information and retrieving a received image as necessary.

  On the other hand, in an electronic filing apparatus having a conventional facsimile function, since setting of a search keyword for document information registered in a storage medium is left to the operator, the search keyword is set for each operator depending on the recognition level for the document information. There was a problem that the setting was varied and the searchability of information was impaired. Therefore, in order to ensure and improve the searchability of the registered document information, when setting the search keyword, it is necessary to acquire related knowledge and a keyword setting rule, and there is a problem that the operator's work becomes special and complicated.

  A fourth object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus capable of classifying document information without an operator performing a special operation.

  Further, in the conventional electronic filing apparatus, the association between the document information received by the facsimile function and the transmission source is weak, and when the reception confirmation information of the document information is returned to the transmission source, the same operation as the normal transmission procedure, that is, the other party There is a problem that it is necessary to input the telephone number, and the reception confirmation operation is extremely complicated.

  A fifth object of the present invention is to provide a device that allows an operator to send a reply to reception of document information with a simple operation.

  Further, in the conventional electronic filing apparatus, when document information received by the facsimile function is received in the memory, there is a problem that image reception considering the storage capacity of the memory cannot be performed. That is, when receiving document information, it is impossible to store all received documents due to the capacity of the storage medium, and even when document information is transmitted, all document information is transmitted in the same image size. When the amount of document information to be transmitted is large, the capacity of the storage medium on the receiving side overflows, and there is a problem that proper and prompt information transmission is not performed.

A sixth object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that allows an operator to adjust the image amount of a transmitted / received document with a simple operation .

In particular, according to the present invention, the received image is stored and registered in a large-capacity storage medium together with search information related to the transmission source information of the image information, so that the reply destination (destination) FAX number for the received image is automatically set. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic filing device that can be determined as follows .

Its to the present invention, stores the received image in a mass storage medium, an electronic filing system for registering, storing reduced to received image, the reduction coupling image subjected to stitching processing on a mass storage medium, to register Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic filing device that can output a reduced concatenated image with a reduced number of image pages on recording paper, and can reduce the cost of image output in the receiving device.

In the electronic filing apparatus for storing and registering a received image in a large-capacity storage medium , the present invention determines predetermined processing on the received image by determining transmission source information including information indicating whether or not processing is performed on the received image. An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic filing device capable of performing processing.

Then , according to the present invention, in an electronic filing device that determines the presence / absence of processing of a received image based on the transmission source information, by determining the transmission source information including information indicating the presence / absence of processing regarding the received image and processing means. An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic filing device capable of performing predetermined processing on a received image from the transmission side.

In the electronic filing apparatus for storing and registering received images in a large-capacity storage medium , the present invention stores image information (magnified images) obtained by performing a predetermined scaling process on a plurality of received images in the large-capacity storage medium. It is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic filing device that can unify the size of a received image by registration and output the image with a unified image size without causing a change in recording paper size.

In the electronic filing apparatus for storing and registering a received image in a large-capacity storage medium , the present invention stores in a large-capacity image information (image with a pattern) subjected to processing for adding an image pattern prepared in advance to the received image. By storing and registering in a medium and returning a pattern-attached image to the transmission source, a pattern-attached image in which a predetermined image pattern such as a reception stamp is added to the received image can be automatically returned as a reception confirmation. An object is to provide an electronic filing device.

In the electronic filing apparatus that stores and registers a received image in a large-capacity storage medium , the present invention provides code data converted by performing OCR (Optical Character Reading) processing on the image data of the received image. By storing and registering in a large-capacity storage medium and returning code data to the transmission source, OCR processing of the received image is performed, and automatic and quick OCR service for returning (providing) the code data to the transmission source is realized. An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic filing device that can perform the above-described processing.

In the electronic filing apparatus for storing and registering a received image in a large-capacity storage medium , the present invention automatically transfers the received image by transferring the code data to a transfer destination obtained from the code data obtained by OCR processing. An object of the present invention is to provide an electronic filing device that determines the destination .

In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 1 is a communication unit that transmits and receives image information, and search information that sets search information based on transmission source information of image information received via the communication unit. The setting means, the registration information for storing and registering the search information set by the search information setting means in the storage means together with the image information received via the communication means, and the registration and storage in the storage means A search means for searching for image information based on the search information, and an agreement between the transmission and reception sides for storing the ID, the recognition pattern, and image position information indicating a predetermined position where the recognition pattern is overwritten on the image information in association with each other a recognition pattern table, included in the transmission source information, based on the recognition pattern adding information indicating whether the recognized pattern to the image information is overwritten An information discriminating means for the image information received, it is determined whether or not the patterned image, when the image information is determined as the patterned image by the information determination unit, by inputting the ID to the receiving user The recognition pattern and image position information associated with the ID are extracted from the recognition pattern table, and the recognition pattern associated with the ID and the predetermined position on the image information added on the transmission side are overwritten. a pattern discriminating means for comparing the recognition pattern, wherein the pattern determination means, a recognition pattern associated with the ID, and you recognition pattern on the image information added on the transmission side is determined to match in the search information setting unit, and sets the ID as the search information.
The invention described in claim 2 is the electronic filing device according to claim 1, wherein the image input means for reading the image information, the recognition pattern associated with the ID to be added to the transmission image, and the image position Information is extracted from the recognition pattern table, information adding means for overwriting the recognition pattern at a predetermined position on the image information indicated in the image position information, and the recognition pattern additional information is set in the transmission source information Information processing means, and when the image information is read by the image input means, the information addition means overwrites the image information with the recognition pattern, and the information processing means adds the information to the transmission source information. The recognition pattern additional information is set.

Its to an invention of claim 3, wherein, in the electronic filing apparatus of claim 1, wherein reducing the plurality of the image information received via the communication means, the reduction coupling means for performing processing for connecting The registration means stores and registers, in the storage means, the image information received through the communication means and the image information reduced and connected by the reduction connection means. To do.

The fourth aspect of the present invention, wherein the electronic filing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the source information of the image information received via the communication means, the image processing that has been subjected to the image information The information determination means is configured to further determine the presence or absence of an image processing process performed on the image information based on the transmission source information of the image information. based on the determination result of the presence or absence of the image processing from the unit comprising the image processing hand stage performing predetermined image processing on the image information, the registration means, said image processing from said information discrimination means based on the presence or absence of the discrimination result, the image information received via said communication means or said storage hands on one of the image information predetermined image processing has been performed by the image processing means, Stored, and registers.

The invention described in claim 5 is the electronic filing device according to claim 4 , wherein the transmission source information of the image information received via the communication means is subjected to image processing performed on the image information. and it includes information on how the image processing process, the information determination unit, on the basis of the source information of the image information, further determine how the presence and image processing of the image processing that has been subjected to the image information The image processing means performs image processing on the image information based on the presence / absence of the image processing from the information determining means and the determination result of the image processing method .

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the electronic filing device according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, the electronic filing device includes image output means for outputting the image information in a predetermined paper size, and a plurality of images received via the communication means. Image scaling processing means for performing processing for scaling the image information to an image size corresponding to a paper size output by the image output device , and the registration means uses the image scaling means to change the image size. Is stored and registered in the storage means.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the electronic filing device according to the first or second aspect , the image information in which the recognition pattern is overwritten by the information adding unit is transmitted from the image information via the communication unit. Communication control means for replying to the information, wherein the registration means stores and registers the image information in which the recognition pattern is overwritten by the information addition means in the storage means.

The invention according to claim 8 is the electronic filing device according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the image information received via the communication means is converted into code information by OCR processing ; Communication control means for returning the code information converted from the image information by the code conversion means to the transmission source of the image information via the communication means, and the registration means includes the image information by the code conversion means. The code information converted from is stored and registered in the storage means.

The invention described in claim 9 is the electronic filing device according to claim 8 , further comprising transfer destination recognition means for recognizing transfer destination information from the code information converted from the image information by the code conversion means, The communication control means transmits the code information converted from the image information by the code conversion means through the communication means based on the transfer destination number recognized by the transfer destination recognition means.

Its to an invention of claim 3 is used a transmission image image input, reducing the plurality of received image by reduction coupling means, and image information was Tsunishi 1 by connecting, the filing function by registration means It is characterized in that it is stored and registered in a mass storage medium.

  In this way, the number of received images can be reduced by performing reduction processing on a plurality of received images temporarily stored in the internal memory, and storing and registering image information obtained by joining the reduced images in a large-capacity storage medium. Can be reduced, and the cost required to output image information can be reduced. Further, by storing the image information before the reduction and connection processing in the large-capacity storage medium, the image information before the reduction and connection processing can be output.

The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that information relating to image processing added to the received image is discriminated by the information discriminating means, and the received image is subjected to predetermined image processing by the image processing means.

  In this way, when transmitting image information, by adding information regarding the presence or absence of processing and the type of processing to the transmission source information of the image information, the processing on the receiving device can be executed, It is possible to store and output predetermined image information.

The invention according to claim 5 determines the presence / absence of the image processing process added to the received image by the information determining means, the processing procedure, and information on the means, and the received image is processed by the image processing means by a predetermined processing method. It is characterized by processing.

  As described above, when transmitting image information, by adding information regarding the presence / absence of a processing process and a processing method to the transmission source information of the image information, the processing on the receiving side can be performed by the receiving side device. It is possible to store and output predetermined image information.

The invention described in claim 6 performs a process of scaling each received image to a predetermined image size by the image scaling unit, and uses the filing function of the registration unit for the image information subjected to the scaling process. It is stored and registered in a capacity storage medium.

  In this way, a plurality of received images temporarily stored in the internal memory are subjected to a process of scaling to a predetermined image size, and the obtained image information is stored and registered, so that all received images are unified. Management of media because it is not necessary to change the size of media such as paper to match the image size when outputting image information, and the size of the output media is unified. Efficiency can be increased.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, image information on which a predetermined recognition pattern is overwritten by the information adding means is stored and registered in a large-capacity storage medium using a filing function by the registration means, and is recognized by the communication control means. The image information overwritten with the pattern is returned to the transmission source.

  In this way, by adding a predetermined image pattern to the received image temporarily stored in the internal memory and returning the obtained image information to the transmission source, a reception confirmation mark or the like is automatically added to the received image. You can reply.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the code conversion means performs OCR processing on the image data of the received image to convert it into code data, uses the filing function of the registration means, stores it in a large-capacity storage medium, and performs communication. The code data converted by the control means is returned to a predetermined destination, for example, a transmission source.

  In this way, an OCR service system is constructed that performs automatic OCR processing of received images and returns code data by performing OCR processing on the received images temporarily stored in the internal memory and returning the obtained code data to the transmission source. can do.

According to the ninth aspect of the invention, the code conversion means performs OCR processing on the image data of the received image to convert it to code data, recognizes the transfer destination from the code data obtained by the transfer destination recognition means, and performs communication control. The code data converted by the means is transferred to a predetermined transfer destination.

As described above, the received image temporarily stored in the internal memory is subjected to the OCR process, the transfer destination is determined from the obtained code data, and the transfer is performed, thereby performing the automatic OCR process of the received image and the automatic transfer of the code data. An OCR service system can be constructed .

As described above , according to the present invention, the FAX number associated with the transmission source information sent at the time of reception is input or selected from a list of FAX numbers prepared in advance to associate the transmission source information with the FAX number. Accordingly, for a received image having transmission source information associated with the FAX number thereafter, the return FAX number is automatically determined based on the transmission source information without checking the destination FAX number again at the time of the return operation. Can do .

Their to, when automatically stores the received image in multiple in the storage medium, and reduction processing the received image, and by joining each of the image reduced less than the number of images upon receiving a number of images Can reduce the output cost. Further, by storing together the image information before being reduced in the storage medium, it is possible to output the image information before being subjected to the reduction process.

Then, by including information specifying the necessity of image processing for transmit the image to the source information, it is possible to perform the specified sender processing on the reception side.

Then, by including information specifying the necessity and processing procedure of the image processing for transmit the image to the source information, it is possible to perform the processing as expected on the transmitting side to the receiving side.

Then, when the automatic storing the received image in multiple to a storage medium by storing the image information subjected to scaling processing on the image a predetermined size, a unified size for all of the received image It can be stored, and when outputting an image to a medium such as paper, it is not necessary to adjust the output paper size to the image size, and the output operation is facilitated. Further, since the sizes of the output media are unified, the management efficiency of these media can be improved.

Then, when the automatic storing received image in the storage medium, provided by automatically returns the image information added with the image pattern which has been previously prepared as the reply for transmission image, for example, in the received image It is possible to easily realize a reception confirmation function that adds a reception mark to the reception mark field and automatically returns a reply.

Then, by returning the code data of the received image and the OCR processing to the transmission source, it is possible to realize an automatic and quick OCR service system.

Then, by determining the transfer destination based on the received image to the OCR processing the code data, without performing the transfer destination indicated by the code data from the source, it can be performed automatically forwarded to a forwarding number.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an electronic filing apparatus according to the present invention.

1 is an electronic filing device, 11 is a facsimile communication device (hereinafter referred to as FAX communication device: communication means) that transmits and receives image information by facsimile communication, and 12 is facsimile communication that controls transmission and reception of image information in the FAX communication device 11. A control unit (hereinafter referred to as a FAX communication control unit: communication control unit), 13 is a registration control unit (registration unit) that stores and registers transmission / reception image information and search information in a large-capacity storage medium, and 14 is image information. A central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as a CPU) for controlling and instructing transmission / reception, registration of transmission / reception image information, retrieval of registered image information, input / output of transmission / reception image information, and the like, and 15 is an image input device 34 such as a scanner. An internal memory 16 for temporarily storing the read transmission image information or the reception image information received via the FAX communication device 11; A display control unit for controlling display of image information on the display device 31 such as Nita, 17 is an input control unit for controlling input of search information, control commands, etc. from the input device 32 such as a keyboard, and 18 is a mass storage medium 33, an input / output control unit 19 for controlling input / output of image information or the like in the image input device 34 or the image output device 35, and the like. 19 is an image information based on a predetermined search condition from the image information stored in the mass storage medium 33. A search control unit (search means) for executing a search, 20 is a facsimile document search condition setting unit (hereinafter referred to as a FAX document) for setting search information (search conditions) such as transmission date information, destination information, and transmission / reception discrimination information in the image information. A search condition setting unit: search information setting means), 21 is a transmission image processing process for performing a predetermined image processing process (such as a thinning process, an isolated point removal process, a reduction connection process) on the transmission image. (Image processing means) 22 is a facsimile number list search unit (hereinafter referred to as a FAX number list search unit: a transmission source number) for selecting a FAX number related to transmission source information of a received image from a prepared FAX number list. (Retrieval means), 23 is a communication information processing unit (information processing means) for adding processing information relating to image operation applied to the image information to the image information, and 24 is an image for determining information relating to image operation added to the image information. An information check unit (information discriminating unit), 25 is a received image processing unit (image processing unit) that performs predetermined image processing (reduction and connection processing, restoration processing, scaling processing, etc.) on the received image, and 26 is image information. An image information addition processing unit (information adding unit) for adding a predetermined image pattern, 27 is an optical character reading processing unit (hereinafter referred to as image data) for converting image data of image information into code data. , OCR processing section: code conversion means), 28 is a transfer destination information recognition section (transfer destination recognition means) for recognizing the transfer destination FAX number based on the code data of the OCR processed image information, and 29 is added to the image information. A recognition pattern check unit (pattern discriminating means) for comparing and discriminating between the recognized recognition pattern and a prepared recognition pattern, and 31 is a monitor screen (hereinafter referred to as a search screen for displaying image information or a control command from the input device 32). , A display device such as CRT), 32 is various information relating to transmitted / received images, an input device such as a keyboard for inputting commands for controlling various functions of the electronic filing device 1, and 33 is a large hard disk device, optical disk, magnetic disk, etc. Capacity storage medium (hereinafter referred to as storage medium: storage means) 34 is an image input such as a scanner for reading image information to be transmitted Location (image input unit), 35 is an image output apparatus such as a printer for outputting the received image information, the image information retrieval results and the like at a predetermined paper size. Also, thick arrows in the figure indicate the flow of data such as image information, and thin arrows indicate commands and status .

  Next, the filing function registration operation applied to the electronic filing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When document registration work for the filing function is started (S1), preprocessing for opening a document for storing the registered document is performed (S2). Next, a reading condition for reading a document (image) with the image input device 34 such as a scanner is set (S3). Then, the desired document is scanned and read, written in the storage medium 33, and registered (S4). When there are a plurality of documents, all documents are automatically read by, for example, an auto document feeder (ADF). Here, the original document is compressed and written (registered) in the storage medium 33, but may be written without being compressed as necessary. After all the originals are read and registered, search information (information that becomes a search condition when searching for keywords, marks, etc.) is input and set by the input device 32 such as a keyboard (S5). Next, the registered document in which the search information is set is classified into a box or the like in the storage medium 33. After completion of the classification process, post-processing for closing the document is performed (S7), and the document registration work is ended (S8). The handling of search information in the storage medium 33 will be described later.

Next, an embodiment of an electronic filing device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, when the start of the transmission function of the FAX function is set by a command from the input device 32 or the like, preprocessing such as document opening (S11) and setting of the scanner input condition (S12) as in the above-described filing function registration operation. ) Is executed. Next, the FAX communication control unit 12 works on the CPU 14 to read a desired transmission original by the image input device 34 such as a scanner, and stores it as image information in the internal memory 15 via the input / output control unit 18 (S13). The read image information is positioned as a FAX transmission image, and is sent to the FAX communication apparatus 11 by the FAX communication control unit 12 and transmitted (S14). In this embodiment, in parallel with this transmission operation or before and after, the transmission image read into the internal memory 15 is transferred by the registration control unit 13 via the input / output control unit 18 and a storage medium 33 such as a hard disk or an optical disk. Is stored and registered (S15). At this time, search information such as keywords is set in the transmission image stored in the storage medium 33 from the input device 32 through the FAX document search condition setting unit 20 (S16), and the registration control unit 13 uses the search information together with the transmission image. Store in the storage medium 33. Next, the transmission images are classified into, for example, boxes based on the search information (S17). After the classification is completed, post-processing for closing the document is performed (S18), and the FAX transmission function is terminated.

  As described above, the image information read by the scanner or the like is fax-transmitted, and at the same time, the transmission image is stored and registered in the storage medium 33, so that the recording of the transmission image does not need to depend on the transmission original on paper. It is possible to solve problems such as loss, deterioration of image quality, and increase in storage space, which are disadvantages of storage of paper originals. In addition, since the search information is set in the image information stored in the storage medium 33, a search condition can be searched for through the search control unit 19 by inputting a search condition from the input device 32 after the FAX transmission process. Work can be done easily.

Also in the image information processing operation of the electronic filing device according to the present invention described below, a procedure related to the registration operation of the filing function as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, that is, pre-processing such as document opening is performed by starting registration, Since the procedure for performing post-processing such as document closing is similarly executed by the end of the box classification after registration of the image information, detailed description thereof is omitted.

Next, an embodiment of the electronic filing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the start of the FAX function transmission operation is set, the filing function registration operation is started, preprocessing such as document opening (S21), and scanner input condition setting (S22) are executed. Next, the read transmission image is stored in the internal memory 15 (S23), transmitted by FAX by the FAX communication control unit 12 (S24), and stored and registered in the storage medium 33 by the registration control unit 13 (S25). At this time, the FAX document search condition setting unit 20 acquires date information and destination information from the FAX communication control unit 12 and sets them as search information (S 26). The registration control unit 13 stores the search information in the storage medium 33. Store in place. Then, the transmission image is classified into a box or the like based on the search information (S27). After the classification is completed, a post-processing for closing the document is performed (S28), and the FAX transmission function is terminated.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when storing and registering the transmission image in the storage medium 33, the date information and the partner information are stored and registered together, whereby the date information and the partner information are stored in the transmission image. It can be managed in association. Further, it is possible to classify the transmission image as date information and the destination information as keywords. By using these keywords as search conditions, it is possible to efficiently search and output the transmission image.

  Here, handling of the above-described search information, that is, information related to each transmission image (image information) in the storage medium 33 will be described with reference to FIG.

The search information related to each piece of image information is stored in the image information table as shown in FIG. 5 when stored and registered in the storage medium 33 such as an optical disk by the registration control unit 13. The image information table stores various information directly related to each image information in addition to the search information. For example, the partner information positioned as search information in this embodiment stores a partner FAX number, identification information (ID) indicating the partner, an encryption number, or the like. Other related information will be described in detail in other examples described later.

Next, an embodiment of an electronic filing device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the start of the FAX function transmission operation is set, the filing function registration operation is started, and preprocessing such as document opening (S31) and scanner input condition setting (S32) are executed. Next, the read transmission image is stored in the internal memory 15 (S33), transmitted by FAX by the FAX communication control unit 12 (S34), and stored and registered in the storage medium 33 by the registration control unit 13 (S35). At this time, the FAX document search condition setting unit 20 acquires information indicating that the image information stored in the storage medium 33 from the FAX communication control unit 12 is a transmission image, and generates image type information. The image type information is set as search information (S36), and the registration control unit 13 stores the search information in a predetermined position of the storage medium 33. Next, the transmission image is classified into a box or the like based on the search information (S37). After the classification is completed, a post-processing for closing the document is performed (S38), and the FAX transmission function is terminated.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the transmission image is stored and registered in the storage medium 33, the image type information indicating the transmission image is also stored and registered, so that the transmission in the storage medium 33 is performed. Even when information other than images, ie, received images or information other than images, is stored, search information can be classified as keywords, and these keywords can be used as search conditions. Only the transmission image can be easily selected, and the search operation for a desired transmission image can be performed efficiently.

  Here, generation of image type information in the FAX document search condition setting unit 20 will be described with reference to FIG.

One byte (8 bits) is assigned as image type information, and whether or not the image information is a transmission image is set by ON (1) / OFF (0) of the least significant bit. That is, if bit 0 in the 1-byte image type information is ON (1), it indicates that it is a transmission image, and if it is OFF (0), it is not a transmission image. The image type information, date information shown in real施例described above, together with the counterpart information, is stored in the storage medium 33 such as an optical disk in a form which is added to the image information table shown in FIG. Note that other information included in the image type information will be described in detail in another embodiment described later.

Next, an embodiment of an electronic filing device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the start of the FAX function transmission operation is set, the filing function registration operation is started, and preprocessing such as document opening (S41) and scanner input condition setting (S42) are executed. Next, the read transmission image is stored in the internal memory 15 (S43). Next, the FAX communication control unit 12 instructs the registration control unit 13 to store and register the transmission image in the storage medium 33. In response to this instruction, the registration control unit 13 instructs the transmission image processing unit 21 to operate the thinning processing function and to perform processing (thinning processing) for thinning out and reducing the data of the transmission image (S44). The transmission image processing unit 21 stores the thinned image information (thinned image) in the internal memory 15 and returns a status to the registration control unit 13. Next, upon receiving a notification from the registration control unit 13, the FAX communication control unit 12 transmits the thinned image stored in the internal memory 15 by FAX (S45). On the other hand, the registration control unit 13 stores and registers both the thinned image and the transmission image (normal image) before the thinning process in the storage medium 33 such as an optical disk (S46), as shown in FIG. The image information table is taken out, the address of the thinned image is added, and the image information table is stored in the storage medium 33 again. Next, the FAX document search condition setting unit 20 sets search information such as keywords in the transmission image stored in the storage medium 33 (S 47), and stores the search information in the storage medium 33. Next, the transmission image is classified into a box or the like based on this search information (S48), and after the classification, a post-processing for closing the document is performed (S49), and the FAX transmission function is terminated.

  Thus, in this embodiment, the image data size, that is, the communication data size can be reduced by performing the thinning process on the transmission image prior to storing the transmission image in the storage medium 33 and FAX transmission. The time required for communication can be shortened.

Next, an embodiment of an electronic filing device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the start of the FAX function transmission operation is set, the filing function registration operation is started, and preprocessing such as document opening (S51) and scanner input condition setting (S52) are executed. Next, the read transmission image is stored in the internal memory 15 (S53). Next, the FAX communication control unit 12 instructs the registration control unit 13 to store and register the transmission image in the storage medium 33. In response to this instruction, the registration control unit 13 instructs the transmission image processing unit 21 to operate the isolated point removal processing function and perform processing to remove dust (isolated points) in the transmission image (S54). The transmission image processing unit 21 stores the image information (isolated point removed image) subjected to isolated point removal processing in the internal memory 15 and returns a status to the registration control unit 13. Next, upon receiving a notification from the registration control unit 13, the FAX communication control unit 12 transmits the isolated point removed image stored in the internal memory 15 by FAX (S55). On the other hand, the registration control unit 13 stores and registers both the isolated point removed image and the transmission image (normal image) before the isolated point removed process in the storage medium 33 such as an optical disc (S56). The image information table shown in FIG. 5 is taken out, the address of the isolated point removal image is added, and the image information table is stored in the storage medium 33 again. Next, search information such as a keyword is set in the transmission image stored in the storage medium 33 by the FAX document search condition setting unit 20 (S57) and stored in the storage medium 33. Next, the transmission image is classified into a box or the like based on this search information (S58), and after the classification, post-processing for closing the document is performed (S59), and the FAX transmission function is terminated.

  As described above, in this embodiment, by performing the isolated point removal process prior to storing the transmission image in the storage medium and FAX transmission, the image data size, that is, the communication data size can be reduced. It is possible to reduce the time required for

Next, an embodiment of an electronic filing device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the start of the FAX function transmission operation is set, the filing function registration operation is started, and preprocessing such as document opening (S61) and scanner input condition setting (S62) are executed. Next, the FAX communication device control unit operates the central processing calculation control unit, reads the transmission image from the image input device 34 such as a scanner over a plurality of pages, and stores it in the internal memory 15 (S63). Next, the FAX communication control unit 12 instructs the registration control unit 13 to store and register the transmission image in the storage medium 33. In response to this instruction, the registration control unit 13 instructs the transmission image processing unit 21 to operate the reduction connection processing function to reduce and connect (connect) a plurality of transmission images (S64). The transmission image processing unit 21 stores the image information (reduced concatenated image) subjected to the reduction concatenation process in the internal memory 15 and returns a status to the registration control unit 13. Next, upon receiving a notification from the registration control unit 13, the FAX communication control unit 12 transmits the reduced connected image stored in the internal memory 15 by FAX (S65). On the other hand, the registration control unit 13 stores and registers both the reduced concatenated image and the transmission image (normal image) before the reduction concatenation process in the storage medium 33 such as an optical disc (S66). The image information table shown is taken out, the address of the reduced concatenated image is added, and the image information table is stored in the storage medium 33 again. Next, search information such as keywords is set in the transmission image stored in the storage medium 33 by the FAX document search condition setting unit 20 (S67) and stored in the storage medium 33. Next, the transmission image is classified into a box or the like based on this search information (S68), and after the classification, a post-processing for closing the document is performed (S69), and the FAX transmission function is terminated.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the number of images can be reduced by performing the reduction concatenation process prior to storing the transmission image in the storage medium and FAX transmission, so that the image output paper in the receiving side device can be reduced. The number of sheets can be reduced, and the cost required for output can be reduced.

  Here, the reduction connection processing function executed by the transmission image processing unit 21 will be described. As shown in FIG. 11, when, for example, four pages of an A4 size document (image information) are sequentially read by a scanner or the like, The image information is reduced to ¼, then connected to the size of one A4 sheet (concatenation process), and stored in the internal memory 15 as a transmission image of one A4 size. The reduced concatenated image obtained in this way is faxed and stored and registered in the storage medium 33.

  Further, the same address is written in the address in the image information table for the image information subjected to the reduction concatenation process. That is, as shown in FIG. 12, the pointers to the reduced concatenated images in the image information tables of the four pages A, B, C, and D point to the same address.

Above, feed decimation processing as the image processing functions of the signal image processing unit 21, although the reduction coupling processing and our isolated point removing processing, the configuration is not limited thereto, image rotation, It may have various functions such as image editing and image inversion.

Next, an embodiment of an electronic filing device according to the present invention will be described.

  First, the FAX transmission operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the start of the FAX function transmission operation is set, the filing function registration operation is started, and preprocessing such as document opening (SA71) and scanner input condition setting (SA72) are executed. Next, the read transmission image is stored in the internal memory 15 (SA73). Next, the FAX communication control unit 12 instructs the registration control unit 13 to store and register the transmission image in the storage medium 33. In response to this instruction, the registration control unit 13 instructs the transmission image processing unit 21 to operate, for example, a thinning process function, and performs a thinning process on the transmission image (SA74). The transmission image processing unit 21 stores the thinned image in the internal memory 15 and returns a status to the registration control unit 13. The registration control unit 13 stores and registers both the thinned image and the normal image in the storage medium 33 such as an optical disk (SA75). At this time, the image information table shown in FIG. 5 is extracted, and the address of the thinned image is added. The image information table is stored in the storage medium 33 again. In addition, the registration control unit 13 transmits information indicating whether or not the transmission image is subjected to the thinning process to the communication information processing unit 23 and information indicating the magnification of the thinning process when the image is a thinned image. An instruction is given to set the image source information (SA76). Next, in response to the notification from the registration control unit 13, the FAX communication control unit 12 transmits the thinned image stored in the internal memory 15 by FAX (SA77). Next, search information such as keywords is set in the transmission image stored in the storage medium 33 by the FAX document search condition setting unit 20 (SA78) and stored in the storage medium 33. Next, the transmission image is classified into a box or the like based on the search information (SA79), and after the classification is completed, post-processing for closing the document is performed (SA80), and the FAX transmission function is terminated.

  Here, the information added by the communication information processing unit 23 to the transmission source information of the transmission image, that is, the information indicating whether or not the transmission image has been subjected to the thinning process, and the information setting method indicating the magnification of the thinning process This will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the present embodiment, various information related to the transmission image is stored in the storage area of 20 or more bytes as transmission source information, and information (processing information) related to the thinning process performed on the transmission image is 20 or more bytes. Allocate one byte at a time. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, image attribute information corresponding to the type of image information is accumulated in the 20th bit, and when bit 0 of this byte is ON (1), it indicates a thinned image, and OFF ( 0) indicates normal image information. In the 21st byte, magnification information in the thinning process is accumulated. When bit 0 of the 20th byte is ON, the scaling factor is written in bits 0 to 6 of the 21 byte. Bit 21 in the 21st byte stores information on the type of magnification. When OFF (0), enlargement is indicated, and when ON (1), reduction is indicated.

  The communication information processing unit 23 creates 20-byte information as transmission source information in the internal memory 15 and notifies the FAX communication control unit 12 of the information. The FAX communication control unit 12 sends a thinned image and communication control information (FAX number, character resolution, etc.) to the FAX communication apparatus 11.

  Next, the FAX reception operation will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When a line with a transmission source is connected via the FAX communication apparatus 11 based on a predetermined communication procedure and the start of reception operation of the FAX function is set, the registration operation of the filing function is started, and preprocessing (such as document opening) SB71), setting of image input conditions is executed. The FAX communication control unit 12 stores the image information received via the FAX communication device 11 in the internal memory 15, acquires the transmission source information, passes the transmission source information to the image information check unit 24, and transmits the transmission source information. Is discriminated (step SB72). The image information check unit 24 determines whether the received image has been subjected to image processing, for example, thinning-out processing, based on the content of the transmission source information, that is, the content of bit 0 of the 20th byte in the transmission source information shown in FIG. Is determined (SB73), and if it is determined that the thinning process has been performed, the contents of the scaling factor of the 21st byte are extracted, and the scaling factor function is instructed to the received image processing unit 25. Is operated, the received thinned image is scaled and restored to the original size (SB74). Next, the registration control unit 13 receives the notification from the received image processing unit 25, and stores and registers the image information restored from the thinned image to the original image data size in the storage medium 33 (SB75). When bit 0 of the 20th byte of the transmission source information is OFF (0) (when the received image is not thinned out), the registration control unit 13 stores the image information stored in the internal memory 15. Is stored and registered in the storage medium 33 in accordance with a normal registration control procedure (SB79). Next, search information such as a keyword is set in the received image stored in the storage medium 33 by the FAX document search condition setting unit 20 (SB76) and stored in the storage medium 33. Next, the received image is classified into a box or the like based on the search information (SB77). After the classification is completed, a post-processing for closing the document is performed (SB78), and the FAX transmission function is terminated.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the image information is fax-transmitted on the transmission side, information on the image processing applied to the image information is added to the transmission source information, and the transmission source information is transmitted on the reception side. And the received image is restored to the image information before being subjected to image processing, thereby reducing the image data size at the time of transmission / reception, that is, the communication data size, and reducing the time required for communication. Can do. Also, when receiving or retrieving a received image stored in a storage medium, it can be output as a normal received image instead of an image processed image. Image quality can be maintained.

  Here, the transmission source information in the present embodiment will be described. The normal transmission source information means a transmission side telephone number transmitted from the transmission side to the reception side. , Machining information, machining parameters, etc. In the G3 protocol defined by the standard No. 30, TSI (Transmitting Subscriber Identification) information, NSF (Non-Standard Facilities) signal or NSS (Non-Standard Facilities Set-up) Function setting signal) Information transmitted from the transmission side to the reception side by information or the like, or information transmitted from the transmission side to the reception side by user information or the like when using an ISDN line.

  Such transmission source information is extracted by the FAX communication apparatus 11 and stored in a predetermined transmission source information storage area.

Next, an embodiment of an electronic filing device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the start of the FAX function reception operation is set, the filing function registration operation is started, preprocessing such as document opening (S81), and setting of image input conditions are executed. Next, the image information received via the FAX communication device 11 is stored in the internal memory 15, and the FAX communication control unit 12 works on the registration control unit 13 to store and register the received image in the storage medium 33 such as an optical disk ( S82). At this time, the FAX document search condition setting unit 20 acquires information indicating that the image information stored in the storage medium 33 is a received image from the FAX communication control unit 12 in accordance with an instruction from the registration control unit 13, and sets the image type. Generate information. The image type information is set as search information (S83), and the registration control unit 13 stores the search information in a predetermined position of the storage medium 33 (S83). Next, the received image is classified into a box or the like based on the search information (S84), and after the classification, post-processing for closing the document is performed (S85), and the FAX reception function is terminated.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when storing and registering the received image in the storage medium 33, the image type information indicating the received image is combined and stored in the large-capacity storage medium to store the received image. Even when information other than the received image in the medium 33, that is, a plurality of information other than the transmitted image and the image is stored, the search information can be classified as a keyword, and these keywords can be searched. By setting the condition, only the received image can be easily selected, and a search operation for a desired received image can be performed efficiently.

Here, the generation of the image type information is described in the FAX search condition setting unit 20, similarly actual施例described above, bit 1 of the ON in the 1-byte information of the image type information shown in FIG. 7 (1) / Whether or not the image information is a received image is set by OFF (0). That is, if bit 1 in the image type information is ON (1), it indicates that it is a received image, and if it is OFF (0), it indicates that it is not a received image. This image type information is stored in the storage medium 33 such as an optical disk in a form added to the image information table shown in FIG.

Next, an embodiment of an electronic filing device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the present embodiment, only the transmission source ID and encryption number are set in the transmission source information of the received image, and this is applied when the FAX number is not set.

  When the start of the FAX function reception operation is set, the filing function registration operation is started, preprocessing such as document opening (S91), and setting of image input conditions are executed. Next, the received image information is stored in the internal memory 15 and stored and registered in the storage medium 33 such as an optical disk by the registration control unit 13 (S92). At this time, the FAX document search condition setting unit 20 acquires the transmission source information of the received image from the FAX communication control unit 12 and performs an operation of associating it with the FAX number of the transmission source. That is, the FAX search condition setting unit 20 searches the FAX number list search unit 22 for a transmission source information table stored in association with past transmission source information and FAX numbers as shown in FIG. Order to do. If there is matching source information in the source information table, the FAX number is extracted. If there is no match in the transmission source information table, a new FAX number is input from the input device 32 such as a keyboard (S93). Here, the FAX search condition setting unit 20 instructs the CPU 14 to display a FAX number input screen as shown in FIG. 18B on a display device 31 such as a CRT, and input an alphanumeric code to the input device 32. Is done interactively. The registration control unit 13 associates the FAX number obtained in this way with the transmission source information, newly sets it in the transmission source information table, stores it in the storage medium 33, and the FAX document search condition setting unit 20 The FAX number and transmission source information are set as search information (S94). Next, the received images stored in the storage medium 33 are classified into boxes or the like based on the search information (S95), and after the classification, post-processing for closing the document is performed (S96), and the FAX reception function is terminated.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the FAX number associated with the transmission source information of the received image is set, and the transmission source information and the FAX number are stored as search information in the storage medium 33 together with the received image. For the image information received together with the transmission source information associated with, the destination FAX number can be determined based on the transmission source information table without checking the FAX number again when replying.

Next, an embodiment of the electronic filing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

The present embodiment relates to a search process for image information stored in the storage medium 33 using the FAX number associated with the image information as search information in the electronic filing apparatus as described in the present embodiment.

That is, for the image information received via the FAX communication device 11, similarly to the order hand described above, also with respect to the image information read from the image input device 34 such as a scanner, FAX communication control unit 12 works on the CPU 14 to input and set FAX transmission conditions from the display device 31 and the input device 32, so that the destination information or the destination FAX number is the destination information table (equivalent to the source information table in the case of transmission). And is stored in the storage medium 33 as search information together with the transmitted / received image.

  Next, the search of the image information stored in the storage medium 33 is started by a command from the input device 32 and the like, and the search condition is designated from the display device 31 and the input device 32. At this time, any transmission source (destination) When information or a transmission source (destination) FAX number is designated (S101), the FAX communication control unit 12 instructs the search control unit 19 to search all image information having the specified FAX number. The search control unit 19 retrieves the image information table and the transmission source (destination) information table from the storage medium 33, and searches for image information having the same number (associated) as the designated FAX number (S102). If there is image information associated with the designated FAX number, the search results are displayed as a list on the display device 31 (S103). If there is no associated image information, only image information having the designated FAX number is displayed. Display (S104), and a series of search processing is completed.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the transmission source (destination) information or the transmission source (destination) FAX number of the transmitted / received image is set as the search information, and these information are specified as the search conditions, thereby being associated. All of the image information can be searched, and the transmission / reception history of image information with a specific destination can be searched easily and quickly.

Next, an embodiment of an electronic filing device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the start of the FAX function reception operation is set, the filing function registration operation is started, pre-processing such as document opening (S111), and setting of image input conditions are executed. Next, image information of a plurality of pages received via the FAX communication device 11 is stored in the internal memory 15. When the received image covers a plurality of pages, the FAX communication control unit 12 works on the registration control unit 13 to instruct a reduction connection process of the received image. The registration control unit 13 instructs the received image processing unit 25 to operate the reduced concatenation processing function, and performs reduction concatenation processing for reducing and joining the received images of a plurality of pages stored in the internal memory 15 (S112). ). The received image processing unit 25 stores the reduced concatenated image in the internal memory 15 and returns a status to the registration control unit 13. The registration control unit 13 stores and registers in the storage medium 33 both the reduced concatenated image and the received normal image (multiple page received images of the same size before the reduction concatenation process) (S113). Next, search information such as a keyword is set in the received image by the FAX document search condition setting unit 20 (S114) and stored in the storage medium 33. Next, the received image is classified into a box or the like based on the search information (S115). After the classification is completed, a post-processing for closing the document is performed (S116), and the FAX reception function is terminated.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the number of received images can be reduced by performing a reduction process on a plurality of received images and a connecting process for joining the reduced images. The number of sheets can be reduced and the cost required for output can be reduced.

Here, reduction coupling processing function receives the image processing unit 25 executes, as shown in FIG. 11 in the real施例described above, are equally reduced in accordance with the number of pages of the received image information, then a predetermined Are stored and registered in the storage medium 33 (connection process). Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the same address is written in the address in the image information table of the reduced connected image.

Next, an embodiment of the electronic filing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the start of the FAX function reception operation is set, the filing function registration operation is started, preprocessing such as document opening (S121), and setting of image input conditions are executed. The FAX communication control unit 12 stores the image information received via the FAX communication device 11 in the internal memory 15, acquires the transmission source information, passes the transmission source information to the image information check unit 24, and transmits the transmission source information. To discriminate information relating to the image processing set to (S122).

  The image information check unit 24 determines whether or not image processing is necessary based on the information regarding the image processing set in the transmission source information (S123). The received image processing unit 25 is instructed to perform a predetermined image processing (S124), the received image subjected to the image processing is stored in the internal memory 15, and notified to the registration control unit 13. The registration control unit 13 stores and registers the received image that has undergone the image processing process in the storage medium 33 (S125). If the image processing for the received image is not specified in the transmission source information, the FAX communication control unit 12 is notified, and the FAX communication control unit 12 works on the registration control unit 13 to store the received image as it is as a storage medium. 33 is stored and registered (S129). Next, search information such as keywords is set in the received image stored in the storage medium 33 by the FAX document search condition setting unit 20 (S126) and stored in the storage medium 33. Next, the received image is classified into a box or the like based on the search information (S127). After the classification is completed, post-processing for closing the document is performed (S128), and the FAX reception function is terminated.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when image information is transmitted, information related to image processing is set in the transmission source information, and image processing that is performed on the received image on the reception side based on the transmission source information (the presence / absence of processing / By determining the processing type), it is possible to cause the reception side to execute a predetermined image processing process designated by the transmission side, and to output image information subjected to the predetermined processing process.

  Here, the determination process of the transmission source information by the image information check unit 24 will be described.

As described in the present embodiment, the processing information related to the image processing performed on the received image is assigned byte by byte from among the transmission source information 20 bytes. As shown in FIG. 14, image attribute information corresponding to the type of image information is accumulated at the 20th byte, and the image information check unit needs to process the received image written in bit 1 of the 20th byte, for example. Judgment is made by extracting information about availability. That is, when bit 1 is ON (1), it is determined as image information that needs to be processed, and when it is OFF (0), it is determined as normal image information.

  If the image information check unit 24 determines that the received image needs to be processed (when bit 1 of the 20th byte is ON (1)), the received image processing unit 25, for example, Information regarding the type of image processing stored in the 22nd byte of the transmission source information is extracted, and the type of image processing written in bits 0 to 5 of 22 bytes is determined. Examples of the types of image processing performed on the image information include rotation, reduction, image editing, inversion, erasure, etc., for example, rotation to bit 0 of the 22nd byte, reduction to bit 1, expansion to bit 2. Information relating to image editing is assigned to bit 3, inversion to bit 4, and information related to erasure to bit 5. When each bit is ON (1), the corresponding image processing is performed, and when OFF (0), image processing is performed. Shall not be applied.

Next, an embodiment of an electronic filing device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In this embodiment, in the electronic filing apparatus as described in the present embodiment, the information related to the image processing of the received image mounted on the transmission source information includes parameter information that specifies the procedure and method of the image processing. The image processing is executed according to specified parameters.

That is, similarly to the order hand as described above, when the receiving operation is set, pretreatment such as a document open (S131), setting of the image input condition, a memory storing the received image, are sequentially performed acquisition of source information The image information check unit 24 checks information related to the image processing in the transmission source information (S132). If the image information check unit 24 determines that the received image requires image processing (S133), it instructs the received image processing unit 25 to perform image processing. Next, the received image processing unit 25 acquires image processing parameters for designating the procedure and means of the image processing from the transmission source information (S134), and performs predetermined image processing on the received image based on the parameters (S134). S135). The received image subjected to the predetermined image processing is stored in the internal memory 15 and notified to the registration control unit 13. Next, the registration control unit 13 stores and registers the received image that has been subjected to the image processing processing in the storage medium 33 (S136). If the image processing process for the received image is not specified in the transmission source information, the registration control unit 13 stores and registers the received image as it is in the storage medium 33 in accordance with a normal registration control procedure (S140). Next, search information such as a keyword is set in the received image stored in the storage medium 33 by the FAX document search condition setting unit 20 (S137) and stored in the storage medium 33. Next, the received image is classified into a box or the like based on this search information (S138). After the classification is completed, post-processing for closing the document is performed (S139), and the FAX reception function is terminated.

  Here, the determination process of the transmission source information by the image information check unit 24 will be described.

In the present embodiment, as described in the present embodiment, the processing information related to the image processing performed on the received image is the bit 1 of the 20th byte in the 20-byte transmission source information shown in FIG. Information regarding whether or not the received image needs to be processed is written. When the image information check unit 24 determines that the received image needs to be processed (when bit 1 of the 20th byte is ON (1)), the received image processing unit 25, for example, The parameter (image processing parameter) information for designating the procedure and means of the image processing accumulated after the 23rd byte of the transmission source information is extracted, and the image processing is executed according to this parameter.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when image information is transmitted, information related to image processing is added to the transmission source information, and image processing that is performed on the reception image based on the transmission source information on the reception side (the presence / absence of processing / By determining and setting the processing procedure and means), it is possible to cause the receiving side to execute a predetermined image processing process designated by the transmission side, and to output image information subjected to the desired image processing process. .

Next, an embodiment of an electronic filing device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the start of the FAX function reception operation is set, the filing function registration operation is started, preprocessing such as document opening (S141), and setting of image input conditions are executed. Next, the received image information is stored in the internal memory 15, and the FAX communication control unit 12 instructs the registration control unit 13 to store and register the received image in the storage medium 33. In response to this command, the registration control unit 13 acts on the CPU 14 to acquire information relating to the output paper size of the image output device 35 such as a printer. Next, the registration control unit 13 instructs the received image processing unit 25 on the acquired output paper size, operates the image scaling processing function, and instructs the received image to perform scaling processing. The received image processing unit 25 sets a scaling ratio from information related to the output paper size (S142), performs a scaling process on the received image (S143), and performs image processing on the scaling process (scaling process image). Is stored in the internal memory 15 and the status is returned to the registration control unit 13. The registration control unit 13 stores and registers the scaling processed image in the storage medium 33 (S144). Next, search information such as a keyword is set in the received image by the FAX document search condition setting unit 20 (S145) and stored in the storage medium 33. Next, the received image is classified into a box or the like based on this search information (S146). After the classification is completed, post-processing for closing the document is performed (S147), and the FAX reception function is terminated.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the received image is subjected to a scaling process to a predetermined image size such as an output paper size, so that all the received images are stored in the storage medium 33 with a unified image size. Therefore, it is not necessary to change the size of the image information in accordance with the medium size of the output paper or the like when outputting the image, and the size of the output medium is unified, thereby improving the management efficiency of the medium. be able to.

Next, an embodiment of an electronic filing device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the start of the FAX function reception operation is set, the filing function registration operation is started, preprocessing such as document opening (S151), and setting of image input conditions are executed. Next, the received image information is stored in the internal memory 15, and the FAX communication control unit 12 instructs the registration control unit 13 to store and register the received image in the storage medium 33. In response to this instruction, the registration control unit 13 instructs the image information addition processing unit 26 to add a predetermined image pattern to the received image, and passes the ID of the image pattern to be added to the image information addition processing unit 26. The image information addition processing unit 26 overwrites (adds) a predetermined image pattern to the received image stored in the internal memory 15 based on the received ID (S152), and causes the registration control unit 13 to end the image pattern addition processing. Notice. Next, the registration control unit 13 determines a transmission source number from the transmission source information of the received image to the FAX communication control unit 12, and transmits the received image (composite image) to which the image pattern stored in the internal memory 15 is added. Command to send (reply) (S153). On the other hand, the registration control unit 13 works on the CPU 14 to store and register the composite image in the storage medium 33 via the input / output control unit 18 (S154). Next, the FAX document search condition setting unit 20 acquires information indicating that the composite image stored in the storage medium 33 is a received image from the FAX communication control unit 12 and generates image type information. This image type information is set as search information (S155) and stored in the storage medium 33. Next, the received image is classified into a box or the like based on the search information (S156), and after the classification is completed, post-processing for closing the document is performed (S157), and the FAX reception function is terminated.

  As described above, in this embodiment, a predetermined image pattern is added to a predetermined position of the received image, and the obtained composite image is returned to the transmission source, thereby adding a reception confirmation mark or the like to the received image. It is possible to realize a reception confirmation system that automatically replies.

  Here, the image pattern addition processing by the image information addition processing unit 26 will be described.

  When the registration control unit 13 instructs the image information addition processing unit 26 to add an image pattern, it passes the ID of the image pattern to be added. The image information addition processing unit 26 extracts a corresponding image pattern from the recognition pattern table as shown in FIG. 25 based on the received ID, and overwrites the received image stored in the internal memory 15. The overwrite dot position on the received image is extracted from the image position information accumulated in the recognition pattern table.

Next, an embodiment of the electronic filing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the start of the FAX function reception operation is set, the filing function registration operation is started, preprocessing such as document opening (S161), and setting of image input conditions are executed. Next, the received image information is stored in the internal memory 15, and the FAX communication control unit 12 instructs the registration control unit 13 to store and register the received image in the storage medium 33. In response to this instruction, the registration control unit 13 instructs the OCR processing unit 27 to convert the image data of the received image into code data. The OCR processing unit 27 performs processing for encoding the received image (OCR processing) (S162), stores the encoded image information (code data) in the internal memory 15, and controls the registration control unit 13 and FAX communication control. The end of the OCR process is notified to the unit 12. The FAX communication control unit 12 determines the transmission source number from the transmission source information of the received image, and transmits (returns) the code data stored in the internal memory 15 (S163). On the other hand, the registration control unit 13 works on the CPU 14 to store and register the code data in the storage medium 33 via the input / output control unit 18 (S164). Next, search information such as a keyword is set in the received image by the FAX document search condition setting unit 20 (S165) and stored in the storage medium 33. Next, the received image is classified into a box or the like based on the search information (S166), and after the classification is completed, post-processing for closing the document is performed (S167), and the FAX reception function is terminated.

As described above, in this embodiment, an OCR service system that automatically performs OCR processing of a received image and return of code data by performing OCR processing on the received image and returning the obtained code data to the transmission source. Can be realized.
Here, handling of the code data in the storage medium 33 will be described.

  The registration control unit 13 takes out the image type information (FIG. 7) accumulated in the image information table of the received image from the storage medium 33, sets bit 2 of the image type information to ON (1), and stores it in the internal memory 15. Write that the information is code data, not image data. This image information table is stored again in the storage medium 33 in accordance with a normal registration procedure. On the other hand, the FAX communication control unit 12 treats information stored in the internal memory 15 as image data, and starts transmission processing. At this time, the fact that it is code data is added to the transmission source information shown in FIG. For example, bit 20 of the 20th byte of the transmission source information shown in FIG. 14 is turned ON (1) to set that it is code data. These transmission source information, other control information, and code data are sent to the FAX communication apparatus 11 and transmitted as if it were an image.

Next, an embodiment of an electronic filing device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

The present embodiment is characterized in that, in the electronic filing apparatus as described in the present embodiment, the transfer destination number is recognized from the code data obtained by the OCR processing of the received image, and the code data is automatically transferred. Yes.

That is, similarly to the order hand as described above, when the receiving operation is set, pretreatment such as a document open (S171), setting of the image input condition, a memory storing the received image, are sequentially performed acquiring sender information . Next, according to a command from the registration control unit 13, the OCR processing unit 27 performs OCR processing on the received image (S172), stores the code data in the internal memory 15, and performs OCR processing on the registration control unit 13 and the FAX communication control unit 12. Notify the end of. At this time, the OCR processing unit 27 instructs the transfer destination information recognition unit 28 to search for the FAX number of the transfer destination. When the transfer destination information recognizing unit 28 recognizes the FAX number written in a predetermined format in the code data stored in the internal memory 15 (S173), the transfer number information recognizing unit 28 passes the OCR processing unit 27 through the FAX number. And notifies the FAX communication control unit 12. At that time, when a plurality of FAX numbers are recognized in the code data, the transfer destination information recognition unit 28 uses the same number string (FAX number) recognized previously and the same number string (FAX number) recognized this time. If it is the same, it is discarded, and if it is different, it is recognized as another transfer destination number and stored in the internal memory 15. The transfer destination information recognizing unit 28 stores the plurality of numeric strings together with the transmission source information of the received image in the transmission source information table shown in FIG. Then, when performing the transmission process, the FAX communication control unit 12 extracts the FAX number from the transmission source information table, and sends it to the FAX communication apparatus 11 along with the code data stored in the internal memory 15 in addition to the transmission control information as the transfer destination number. FAX transmission (transfer) is performed (S174). When a plurality of FAX numbers are recognized in the code data, the FAX communication control unit 12 takes out one FAX number and sends it to the FAX communication apparatus 11 as a transfer destination number, and the transmission processing from the FAX communication apparatus 11 is completed. When the notification is received, the next FAX number is extracted, and the same operation is performed to transmit to a plurality of destinations. On the other hand, the registration control unit 13 works on the CPU 14 to store and register the code data in the storage medium 33 via the input / output control unit 18 (S175). Next, search information such as a keyword is set in the received image by the FAX document search condition setting unit 20 (S176) and stored in the storage medium 33. Next, the received image is classified into a box or the like based on this search information (S177), and after the classification is completed, post-processing for closing the document is performed (S178), and the FAX reception function is terminated.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the received image is subjected to OCR processing, transfer destination information is extracted from the obtained code data, and the transfer destination is determined. The code data can be transferred automatically without receiving it.

  Here, the transfer destination number recognition processing of the code data by the transfer destination information recognition unit 28 will be described.

  The condition for the transfer destination information recognition unit 28 to recognize the FAX number (transfer destination number) from the code data is, for example, that the first is a 9-digit or 10-digit continuous ASCII code that always starts from 0. Specifically, it is a continuous number string in which "-" (hyphen), "/" (slash), "()" (parentheses), etc. are omitted between the number strings. The transfer destination information recognizing unit 28 recognizes a numeric string that matches such a condition as a FAX number, and notifies the registration control unit 13 and the FAX communication control unit 12 as a transfer destination number.

Next, an embodiment of an electronic filing device according to the present invention will be described.

  First, the transmission operation in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the start of the FAX function transmission operation is set, the filing function registration operation is started, and preprocessing such as document opening (SA181) and scanner input condition setting (SA182) are executed. Next, the read transmission image is stored in the internal memory 15 (SA183). Next, the image information addition processing unit 26 adds a predetermined recognition pattern to a predetermined position of the transmission image in accordance with a command from the FAX communication control unit 12, and stores it in the internal memory 15 (SA184). The image information addition processing unit 26 notifies the registration control unit 13 and the FAX communication control unit 12 of the end of the pattern addition processing. The registration control unit 13 acts on the CPU 14 to store and register the transmission image (image with pattern) added with the recognition pattern stored in the internal memory 15 in the storage medium 33 via the input / output control unit 18 (SA185). At this time, however, the image information table shown in FIG. 5 is extracted, the ID of the recognition pattern added to the transmission image is added, and the image information table is stored in the storage medium 33 again. Further, the registration control unit 13 provides the communication information processing unit 23 with information (recognition pattern addition information) indicating whether or not a recognition pattern is added to the transmission image in the transmission source information of the transmission image shown in FIG. Command to set (SA186). Next, upon receiving a notification from the registration control unit 13, the FAX communication control unit 12 transmits the image with the pattern stored in the internal memory 15 by FAX (SA187). Next, the FAX document search condition setting unit 20 sets the ID of the recognition pattern added to the transmission image as search information (SA188) and stores it in the storage medium 33. Next, the transmission image is classified into a box or the like based on this search information (SA189), and after the classification, post-processing for closing the document is performed (SA190), and the FAX transmission function is terminated.

  Here, a method of setting the recognition pattern addition information to the transmission source information by the communication information processing unit 23 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, recognition pattern additional information is set in the image attribute information of the transmission source information, that is, bit 4 of the 20th byte. For example, when bit 4 of the 20th byte is ON (1), it indicates an image with a pattern, and when it is OFF (0), it indicates a normal image. The communication information processing unit 23 creates 20-byte information as transmission source information in the internal memory 15.

  Next, processing for adding a recognition pattern to image information by the image information addition processing unit 26 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The image information addition processing unit 26 designates an ID from the recognition pattern table shown in FIG. 25 and takes out a predetermined recognition pattern. This ID is one of communication control information set by the FAX communication control unit 12 when a transmission image is read from the image input device 34, and is a unique pattern ID used upon agreement of both the transmission and reception sides. Next, the image information addition processing unit 26 adds the extracted recognition pattern to the transmission image. In this case, the dot position is extracted from the image position information stored in the recognition pattern table, and the transmission image and the recognition pattern are combined. It is processed.

  Next, the receiving operation in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the start of the FAX function reception operation is set, the filing function registration operation is started, preprocessing such as document opening (SB181), and setting of image input conditions are executed. The FAX communication control unit 12 stores the image information received via the FAX communication device 11 in the internal memory 15 and acquires transmission source information. Next, the FAX communication control unit 12 instructs the registration control unit 13 to store and register the received image stored in the internal memory 15 in the storage medium 33 (SB182) and to the image information check unit 24. The transmission source information is passed, and an instruction is given to determine the recognition pattern additional information set in the transmission source information (SB183). The image information check unit determines whether or not a recognition pattern is added to the received image based on the recognition pattern addition information in the image attribute information of the transmission source information (SB184). When the image information check unit 24 determines that the received image is a pattern-added image, the recognition pattern check unit 29 compares the recognition pattern based on the ID input on the receiving side with the recognition pattern added to the received image. The comparison result is notified to the registration control unit 13. If the recognition patterns match, the recognition pattern ID is set as search information through the FAX document search condition setting unit 20 (SB185) and stored in the storage medium 33. If the recognition patterns do not match, the FAX document search condition setting unit 20 is instructed to set search information such as keywords in a normal procedure (SB186). Next, the received image is classified into a box or the like based on the set search information (SB187). After the classification is completed, a post-processing for closing the document is performed (SB188), and the FAX transmission function is terminated.

  Here, a method of discriminating the recognition pattern additional information of the transmission source information by the image information check unit in this embodiment will be described.

  The image information check unit 24 extracts bit 4 of the 20th byte of the transmission source information shown in FIG. 14, checks whether bit 4 is ON (1), and returns the information to the FAX communication control unit 12. If the determination result from the image information check unit 24 is ON (1) information, the FAX communication control unit 12 determines that a recognition pattern is combined with the received image. Next, the FAX communication control unit 12 instructs the registration control unit 13 to check the recognition pattern, and the registration control unit 13 works on the CPU 14 to prompt the reception side user to input an ID from the display device 31 and the input device 32. The registration control unit 13 passes the acquired ID to the recognition pattern check unit 29 and instructs to check the recognition pattern. The recognition pattern check unit 29 extracts the recognition pattern and the image position information from the recognition pattern table shown in FIG. 25 based on the input ID, and stores it in the internal memory 15. Based on the image position information extracted from the recognition pattern table, a position to be checked on the received image is determined. Next, the recognition pattern check unit 29 compares and determines the recognition pattern acquired from the recognition pattern table and the recognition pattern added to the received image, and notifies the registration control unit 13 of the determination result. If the recognition patterns match, the registration control unit 13 sets the ID of the recognition pattern as search information related to the received image through the FAX document search condition setting unit 20 and stores it in the storage medium 33.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the recognition pattern of the transmission / reception agreement is added to the transmission image, and the ID of the recognition pattern is used for the transmission / reception image by setting the ID as search information based on the comparison of the recognition patterns. And can search efficiently.

  In the above-described embodiment, in order to operate the FAX function and the electronic file function satisfactorily, after the transmitted / received image is temporarily stored in the internal memory, it is stored in the storage medium at the same time as or after the FAX communication or image output. Although the configuration for registration is shown, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and after storing and registering the transmitted / received image directly in the storage medium, addition of predetermined search information, image processing, and the like may be performed. Needless to say.

It is a block diagram which shows one Example of the electronic filing apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the registration operation | movement in the filing function applied to the electronic filing apparatus which concerns on this invention. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an image processing operation of the electronic filing device according to the present invention. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an image processing operation of the electronic filing device according to the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the image information table stored in a storage medium. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an image processing operation of the electronic filing device according to the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of image classification information. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an image processing operation of the electronic filing device according to the present invention. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an image processing operation of the electronic filing device according to the present invention. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an image processing operation of the electronic filing device according to the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the reduction | restoration connection process performed by the transmission / reception image process part. It is a figure which shows an example of the image information table regarding the image information to which the reduction | restoration connection process was performed. It is a flowchart explaining the transmission image processing operation | movement of the electronic filing apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the transmission source information to which image processing information was added. It is a flowchart explaining the received image processing operation | movement of the electronic filing apparatus which concerns on this invention. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an image processing operation of the electronic filing device according to the present invention. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an image processing operation of the electronic filing device according to the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of a transmission source information table and its input screen. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an image processing operation of the electronic filing device according to the present invention. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an image processing operation of the electronic filing device according to the present invention. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an image processing operation of the electronic filing device according to the present invention. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an image processing operation of the electronic filing device according to the present invention. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an image processing operation of the electronic filing device according to the present invention. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an image processing operation of the electronic filing device according to the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the recognition pattern table in which the information regarding the recognition pattern added to a received image was stored. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an image processing operation of the electronic filing device according to the present invention. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an image processing operation of the electronic filing device according to the present invention. It is a flowchart explaining the transmission image processing operation | movement of the electronic filing apparatus which concerns on this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the received image processing operation | movement of the electronic filing apparatus which concerns on this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Electronic filing device 11 FAX communication device (communication means)
12 FAX communication control unit (communication control means)
13 Registration control unit (registration means)
14 Central processing control unit (CPU)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 15 Internal memory 16 Display control part 17 Input control part 18 Input / output control part 19 Search control part (search means)
20 FAX document search condition setting section (search information setting means)
21 Transmission image processing unit (image processing means)
22 FAX number list search unit (source number search means)
23 Communication information processing section (information processing means)
24 Image information check unit (information discrimination means)
25 Received image processing unit (image processing means)
26 Image information addition processing unit (information addition means)
27 OCR processing unit (code conversion means)
28 Forwarding destination information recognition unit (forwarding destination recognition means)
29. Recognition pattern check unit (pattern discrimination means)
31 Display device 32 Input device 33 Mass storage medium (storage means)
34 Image input device (image input means)
35 Image output device

Claims (9)

A communication means for transmitting and receiving image information;
Search information setting means for setting search information based on transmission source information of image information received via the communication means;
A registration means for storing and registering in the storage means the search information set by the search information setting means together with the image information received via the communication means,
Search means for searching the image information stored and registered in the storage means based on the search information;
A transmission / reception-side agreement recognition pattern table that associates and stores an ID, a recognition pattern, and image position information indicating a predetermined position where the recognition pattern is overwritten on the image information;
Information discriminating means for discriminating whether or not the received image information is an image with a pattern based on recognition pattern additional information included in the transmission source information and indicating whether or not the recognition pattern is overwritten on the image information. When,
When the information determining unit determines that the image information is the image with the pattern, the receiving side user is allowed to input an ID, and the recognition pattern and the image position information associated with the ID are extracted from the recognition pattern table, a pattern discriminating means for comparing the recognition pattern being overwritten in a predetermined position on the image information and recognizing patterns associated is added at the transmission side to the ID,
By the pattern determination means, a recognition pattern associated with the ID, when the recognition pattern on the image information added by the transmission side is determined to match, said search information setting unit, wherein the ID An electronic filing device that is set as search information. The electronic filing device according to claim 1.
Image input means for reading the image information;
The recognition pattern and the image position information associated with the ID to be added to the transmission image are extracted from the recognition pattern table, and the recognition pattern is placed at a predetermined position on the image information indicated by the image position information. Information adding means for overwriting;
Comprising information processing means for setting the recognition pattern additional information in the transmission source information,
When the image information is read by the image input means, the information addition means overwrites the recognition pattern on the image information, and the information processing means sets the recognition pattern addition information in the transmission source information. An electronic filing device. The electronic filing device according to claim 1 or 2,
A reduction connection unit that performs a process of reducing and connecting the plurality of pieces of image information received via the communication unit;
The registration unit stores and registers, in the storage unit, the image information received through the communication unit and the image information subjected to reduction and connection processing by the reduction connection unit in the storage unit. apparatus. The electronic filing device according to claim 1 or 2,
The transmission source information of the image information received via the communication means includes information on the presence or absence of image processing performed on the image information,
The information determining means is configured to further determine the presence or absence of an image processing process performed on the image information based on the transmission source information of the image information.
Comprising image processing means for performing predetermined image processing on the image information based on the determination result of the presence or absence of the image processing from the information determination means;
The registration means is subjected to predetermined image processing by the image information received via the communication means or by the image processing means based on the determination result of the presence or absence of the image processing processing from the information determination means. Any one of the image information stored and stored in the storage means. The electronic filing device according to claim 4, wherein
The transmission source information of the image information received via the communication means includes information on the presence / absence of image processing applied to the image information and the image processing method.
The information determining means further determines the presence / absence of an image processing process applied to the image information and a method of the image processing process based on the transmission source information of the image information,
The electronic filing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing unit performs the image processing on the image information based on the presence / absence of the image processing and a determination result of the image processing method from the information determination unit. The electronic filing device according to claim 1 or 2,
Image output means for outputting the image information in a predetermined paper size;
A plurality of image information received via the communication means, and image scaling processing means for performing a scaling process to an image size corresponding to a paper size output by the image output device,
The electronic filing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the registration unit stores and registers in the storage unit the image information whose image size has been scaled by the image scaling unit. The electronic filing device according to claim 1 or 2,
Communication control means for returning the image information in which the recognition pattern is overwritten by the information adding means to the transmission source of the image information via the communication means,
The electronic filing apparatus is characterized in that the registration means stores and registers the image information in which the recognition pattern is overwritten by the information adding means in the storage means. The electronic filing device according to claim 1 or 2,
Code conversion means for converting the image information received via the communication means into code information by OCR processing;
Communication control means for returning the code information converted from the image information by the code conversion means to the transmission source of the image information via the communication means,
The electronic filing apparatus is characterized in that the registration means stores and registers the code information converted from the image information by the code conversion means in the storage means. 9. The electronic filing device according to claim 8, wherein
Comprising transfer destination recognition means for recognizing transfer destination information from code information converted from the image information by the code conversion means;
The communication control means transmits the code information converted from the image information by the code conversion means through the communication means based on the transfer destination number recognized by the transfer destination recognition means. apparatus.

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