JP4337277B2 - Data transmission apparatus, data transmission method, data transmission program, and computer-readable recording medium recording the data transmission program - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a data transmission device, a method, a program, and a computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, information transmission methods such as circulation, distribution, and posting performed by paper have been replaced by methods using electronic data. For example, a method is known in which image data obtained by reading a paper document is attached to an e-mail and transmitted to each user via a network. Here, electronic data obtained by reading a document is image data and generally has a large capacity.
[0003]
On the other hand, a mail server that relays and stores electronic mail on a network may have a limit on the amount of data that can be handled depending on the processing capacity and capacity. Therefore, when data with a large capacity is attached to an e-mail and transmitted, the data may be forcibly divided or cannot be transmitted / received in the mail server in which the limit capacity is set.
[0004]
In order to solve such a problem, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-184767 discloses a data transmission apparatus that automatically divides data to be transmitted into pages that do not exceed a predetermined capacity set in advance. Yes.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described conventional data transmission apparatus, data is forcibly divided only at the change of pages, so that the data division position is not constant. Therefore, for example, if character data is divided in the middle, there is a problem that the data becomes very difficult to read on the receiving side.
[0006]
In addition, if the transmitted data contains non-character data such as a photographic image that exceeds the specified capacity alone, the data cannot be restored on the receiving side if the photographic image is divided in the middle. There is a problem that the upper data cannot be divided.
[0007]
The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to easily and reliably transmit the contents of data including non-character data such as a photographic image on the transmission side on the e-mail reception side. An object is to provide a data transmission device, method, program, and computer-readable recording medium on which the program is recorded.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The object of the present invention is achieved by the following means.
[0009]
(1) Reading means for obtaining read image data by reading a document, and the read image obtained by the reading means Character from data image A character area where A graphic area in which a graphic image exists, and a photographic area in which a photographic image exists. Region separating means for separating, and A photographic image that individually determines whether or not the capacity of each photographic image in the photographic area is larger than a predetermined value Capacity determination means; Among the plurality of photographic images It was determined that the capacity was greater than the predetermined value Photo image corresponding to photo image Send data to a specific destination Photo Data transmission means; Excluded from the read image data is a photographic image whose capacity is determined to be larger than the predetermined value. Attachment file creation means for creating an attachment file with residual data, and the attachment file according to an email protocol, Via email server And an e-mail transmission means for transmitting to a predetermined destination.
[0010]
(2) The attached file creating means in front Sent to the storage location Photo image corresponding to photo image data But Occupies in the read image data Corresponding to the location in the attachment Photo image Alternative data adding means for adding predetermined alternative data arranged instead of the data, and the alternative data is transmitted to the storage destination Photo image data The data transmission device according to (1), further comprising: a link creation unit that creates a link for relating to the link.
[0011]
(3) It further has a remaining data capacity determining means for determining whether or not the capacity of the remaining data is larger than the predetermined value, and the attached file creating means is determined to have a capacity larger than the predetermined value. The data transmitting apparatus according to (1) or (2), wherein the remaining data is divided to create a plurality of attached files.
[0014]
( 4 ) In the character area Character image (1) to (1), further comprising character recognition means for recognizing a character code from the character code and converting the character data into character code data. 3) The data transmission apparatus as described in any one of these.
[0015]
( 5 ) Graphic area During ~ The graphic image of (1) to (1), further comprising vector conversion means for converting into vector data. 4) The data transmission apparatus as described in any one of these.
[0016]
( 6 ) Compress photo images in the photo area (1) to (1), further comprising compression means 5) The data transmission apparatus as described in any one of these.
[0017]
( 7 ) Reading means for obtaining read image data by reading a document, and the read image obtained by the reading means From the data, the character area where the character image exists, A graphic area in which a graphic image exists, and a photographic area in which a photographic image exists. Area separation means for separating the data and data to be transmitted to a predetermined storage destination, Only photographic image data corresponding to a photographic image whose capacity in the photographic area is larger than a predetermined value, or photographic image data corresponding to all the photographic images in the photographic area is set. Setting means; and A photographic image that individually determines whether or not the capacity of each photographic image in the photographic area is larger than a predetermined value According to capacity setting means and setting contents by the setting means, Photo image data Is sent to the specified destination Photo Data transmission means, and Scanned image Sent from the data to the destination Excluding photographic images corresponding to photographic image data Attachment file creation means for creating an attachment file with residual data, and the attachment file according to an email protocol, Via email server A data transmission apparatus comprising: an e-mail transmission unit configured to transmit to a predetermined destination.
[0018]
( 8 ) A step of obtaining read image data by reading a document, and the obtained read image Character from data image A character area where A graphic area in which a graphic image exists, and a photographic area in which a photographic image exists. Separating the It is individually determined whether or not the capacity of each photographic image in the photographic area is larger than a predetermined value. A stage of determination; Among the plurality of photographic images It was determined that the capacity was greater than the predetermined value Photo image corresponding to photo image Sending data to a predetermined storage location; Excluded from the read image data is a photographic image whose capacity is determined to be larger than the predetermined value. Creating an attachment with residual data, and said attachment according to an email protocol, Via email server And a step of transmitting to a predetermined destination.
[0019]
( 9 ) A procedure for obtaining read image data by reading a document, and the obtained read image Character from data image A character area where A graphic area in which a graphic image exists, and a photographic area in which a photographic image exists. Separating the It is individually determined whether or not the capacity of each photographic image in the photographic area is larger than a predetermined value. A procedure for judging; Among the plurality of photographic images It was determined that the capacity was greater than the predetermined value Photo image corresponding to photo image A procedure for sending data to a predetermined storage location; Excluded from the read image data is a photographic image whose capacity is determined to be larger than the predetermined value. The procedure for creating an attachment with residual data and the attachment according to an email protocol, Via email server A data transmission program for causing a computer to execute a procedure of transmitting to a predetermined destination.
[0020]
( 10 )the above( 9 A computer-readable recording medium on which the data transmission program described in 1) is recorded.
[0021]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0022]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a data transmission system including a data transmission apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0023]
The data transmission system shown in FIG. 1 includes a digital copying machine 20, a database server 60, a mail server 70, and a personal computer 80 that function as a data transmission device. These devices are connected to each other via a network 10. It is configured to be able to communicate with. The type and number of devices on the network 10 are not actually limited to the example shown in FIG.
[0024]
The network 10 is, for example, a LAN such as Ethernet (registered trademark), token ring, FDDI (fiber distributed data interface), or a WAN in which LANs are connected.
[0025]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the digital copying machine.
[0026]
The digital copying machine 20 includes a reading unit 21 that reads a document to obtain image data, an image processing unit 22 that processes the obtained image data, a printing unit 23 that prints data, and a user for performing various operations and instructions. An operation panel unit 24, a storage unit 25 for storing data and programs, and a control unit 26 are provided.
[0027]
The reading unit 21 applies light to a document set at a predetermined reading position with a light source such as a fluorescent lamp, photoelectrically converts the reflected light with a light receiving element such as a CCD, and generates image data from the electric signal. The reading unit 21 also includes an automatic document feeder (ADF) 27. A plurality of documents stacked on the ADF 27 are conveyed one by one to a predetermined reading position.
[0028]
The image processing unit 22 includes a region separation unit 31, an OCR unit 32, a vector conversion unit 33, a compression unit 34, a synthesis unit 35, a file editing unit 36, a mail creation unit 37, and a transmission unit 38.
[0029]
The area separation unit 31 separates image data as document data into a character area where a character image exists, a graphic area where a graphic image such as a line diagram or a graph exists, and a photographic area where a photographic image exists. The graphic area and the photograph area constitute a non-character area.
[0030]
The OCR unit 32 recognizes the character code from the character image in the character region that is the output from the region separation unit 31, and generates character code data. The OCR unit 32 further has a function of recognizing “chapter” and paragraph from character code data. In this specification, “chapter” refers to a passage of sentences. For example, “chapter” is recognized by detecting a headline.
[0031]
The vector conversion unit 33 generates vector data from the graphic image in the graphic region that is the output from the region separation unit 31.
[0032]
The compression unit 34 compresses the photographic image in the photographic region that is the output from the region separation unit 31 at a predetermined compression rate, and generates compressed bitmap data.
[0033]
The combining unit 35 combines the output data from the OCR unit 32, the vector conversion unit 33, and the compression unit 34 to create one editing file. The synthesizer 35 also performs a predetermined process by monitoring the size (data amount) of output data from the OCR unit 32, the vector conversion unit 33, and the compression unit 34.
[0034]
When the editing file exceeds the predetermined maximum attachment file capacity, the file editing unit 36 divides the editing file and creates an output file that does not exceed the maximum attachment file capacity.
[0035]
The mail creating unit 37 creates an e-mail with the output file supplied from the file editing unit 36 as an attached file.
[0036]
The transmission unit 38 transmits the electronic mail supplied from the mail creation unit 37 to a predetermined destination. The e-mail transmitted on the network is distributed to the personal computer 80 via the mail server 70, for example.
[0037]
The transmission unit 38 also uploads a predetermined bitmap data file of the bitmap data output from the compression unit 34 to the database server 60.
[0038]
The printing unit 23 prints image data obtained by reading a document when a copy mode (to be described later) is selected on the operation panel unit 24.
[0039]
As shown in FIG. 3, the operation panel unit 24 has a liquid crystal touch panel 41 on which various screens are displayed, a numeric keypad 42 for inputting numbers and characters, a start key 43 for instructing the start of operation, and an instruction for stopping the operation. A stop key 44 is provided. The user can operate the operation panel unit 24 to switch the display screen and processing mode, input the number of copies, an e-mail address, and the like.
[0040]
The storage unit 25 stores parameters necessary for image processing. The storage unit 25 also stores data such as e-mail addresses of a plurality of destinations, a default text used when an e-mail is created, and a maximum attachment file capacity that is a maximum allowable capacity of a file that can be attached to the e-mail. To do.
[0041]
The control unit 26 performs various calculations and controls each unit.
[0042]
Next, with reference to FIG. 4 to FIG. 9, the procedure of data transmission processing in the digital copying machine 20 of the first embodiment will be described. The algorithm shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 to 9 is stored as a control program in the storage unit 25 and executed by the control unit 26.
[0043]
As shown in FIG. 4, first, in step S101, it is determined whether or not the user has selected a copy mode.
[0044]
Here, the digital copying machine 20 is in a copy mode in which image data obtained by reading a document is printed, and an STE (Scan to E-mail) mode in which the image data is transmitted to a predetermined destination according to an e-mail protocol. There are two processing modes. As shown in FIG. 3, the user can select a desired processing mode by operating the copy mode key 45 a or the STE key 45 b on the processing mode selection screen displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 41.
[0045]
If the copy mode is selected (step S101: YES), the process of step S102 is executed. If the copy mode is not selected (step S101: NO), the process of step S103 is executed.
[0046]
In step S102, copy mode processing (copy processing) is performed. That is, the reading unit 21 reads the original, and the read image data is printed by the printing unit 23. The copying process is started by operating the start key 43.
[0047]
In step S103, it is determined whether or not the STE mode has been selected by the user. When the STE mode is selected (step S103: YES), the process of step S104 is executed. On the other hand, when the STE mode is not selected (step S101: NO), that is, when the processing mode is not selected, the copy process of step S102 is executed based on the default.
[0048]
In step S104, various setting processes necessary for executing the STE mode process (STE process) are executed. Details of this setting process will be described later.
[0049]
In step S105, STE processing is executed. Details of this setting process will be described later. The STE process is started by operating the start key 43.
[0050]
As described above, either the copy process or the STE process is executed according to the processing mode selected on the selection screen displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 41.
[0051]
Next, the procedure of the setting process in step S104 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0052]
This setting process is performed in accordance with an instruction input from the user on the setting screen displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 41 as shown in FIG.
[0053]
In step S201, e-mail information is set. The setting of the e-mail information is performed in accordance with an instruction input from the user on the mail information setting screen shown in FIG. The mail information setting screen is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 41 when the mail information setting key 46a in the setting screen of FIG. 10 is operated.
[0054]
The destination e-mail address is input to the destination box 47 b using the numeric keypad 42. However, the destination e-mail address may be selected from a plurality of destination e-mail addresses stored in the storage unit 25. In addition, the user can input sender information such as the sender's e-mail address and name in the sender box 47a.
[0055]
In step S202, a division condition is set, which is a condition when a part is extracted from data to be transmitted attached to an e-mail. The division condition is set according to an instruction input from the user on the division condition setting screen shown in FIG. The division condition setting screen is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 41 when the division condition setting key 46b in the setting screen of FIG. 10 is operated.
[0056]
In the maximum attachment file capacity box 48, the maximum attachment file capacity is input using the numeric keypad 42. However, the maximum attachment file capacity may be selected from a plurality of specific numerical values. As shown in FIG. 12, for example, 900 KB is input to the maximum attachment file capacity box 48 as a default.
[0057]
Note that the execution order of step S201 and step S202 is actually determined by whether the user operates the mail information setting key 46a or the division condition setting key 46b on the setting screen of FIG.
[0058]
Next, the procedure of the STE process in step S105 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0059]
First, in step S301, various parameters used in the STE process are initialized.
[0060]
In step S302, it is determined whether or not the reading of the document has been completed. If the reading of the document has already been completed (step S302: YES), the process of step S309 is executed. If the reading of the document has not been completed yet (step S302: NO), the process of step S303 is executed. .
[0061]
In step S303, a document reading instruction is issued. As a result, the document set at a predetermined position is read by the reading unit 21 to obtain image data. The user can set scan conditions at the time of document reading such as scan resolution and color / monochrome designation.
[0062]
In step S304, a region separation process is performed on the image data obtained by reading the document. That is, the obtained image data is separated into a character area, a graphic area, and a photograph area. In this region separation process, for example, feature amounts relating to image attributes are extracted from the distribution of edge components and density levels detected for each minute region of the image data, and recognition of each region is performed based on the extracted feature amounts. Is done.
[0063]
In step S305, character recognition processing is executed for the character region separated in step S304. Specifically, a character code is recognized from character data in which characters in the character region are represented as a collection of pixels, that is, a character image, and as a result, character data in which characters are represented as codes, that is, character code data is generated. . This character recognition process is performed based on, for example, the degree of matching between the feature amount of each character image and the dictionary pattern stored in the ROM 32. The character code data includes information such as font, character size, character color, and position coordinates.
[0064]
In step S306, vector conversion processing is performed on the graphic area separated in step S304. Specifically, graphic data, that is, vector data in which a graphic is represented as a coordinate value of a component such as a point or a line is generated from graphic data, that is, a graphic image, in which the graphic in the character area is represented as a collection of pixels. .
[0065]
In step S307, compression processing is performed on the photographic region separated in step S304. Specifically, a photographic image in the photographic area is compressed with, for example, JPEG (joint photographic experts) at a predetermined compression rate, and compressed bitmap data is generated.
[0066]
In step S308, processing for creating a file is executed using the character code data, vector data, and bitmap data generated in steps S305 to S307. Specifically, a process of combining these data to create one editing file is performed. Note that the editing file and other files in the present embodiment can be created as a file of a predetermined format such as a PDF (portable document format) file.
[0067]
Here, with reference to FIG. 7, the procedure of the file creation processing in step S308 will be described.
[0068]
First, in step S401, it is determined whether or not the file creation processing for all the character code data, vector data, and bitmap data generated in steps S305 to S307 has been completed.
[0069]
When the file creation process for all data is completed (step S401: YES), the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. 6 and proceeds to step S302. When the file creation process for all data is not completed (step S401: NO), step S402 is performed. The process is executed.
[0070]
In step S402, detection of the next data is performed. The detection of the next data is performed by, for example, searching in the coordinate system having the origin at the upper left of the page in ascending order of the position coordinates of the character code data, vector data, and bitmap data.
[0071]
In step S403, it is determined whether the detected next data is bitmap data. If the next data is bitmap data (step S403: YES), the process of step S404 is executed. If the next data is not bitmap data, the process of step S406 is executed.
[0072]
In step S404, it is determined whether or not the bitmap data of interest is larger than a preset maximum attached file capacity. When it is larger than the maximum attached file capacity (step S404: YES), the process of step S405 is executed. When it is not larger than the maximum attached file capacity (step S404: NO), the process of step S406 is executed.
[0073]
In step S405, bitmap data larger than the maximum attached file capacity is added to the upload file prepared for uploading to the database server 60.
[0074]
Specifically, for example, a photo part A as shown in FIG. ₁ And B ₁ When a document including is read, as shown in FIG. ₁ Bitmap data B larger than the maximum attached file size corresponding to ₂ Is added to the upload file.
[0075]
On the other hand, in step S406, the detected next data is added to an editing file prepared for creating an output file for use as an attached file of an e-mail. That is, when the detected next data is character code data, vector data, or bitmap data not larger than the maximum attached file capacity, the data is added to the editing file.
[0076]
Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 14, in addition to character code data and vector data, a photo part A ₁ Bitmap data A not larger than the maximum attached file size corresponding to ₂ Is added to the editing file.
[0077]
In step S407, predetermined alternative data arranged in place of the bitmap data added to the upload file is added to the editing file. Here, the substitute data is arranged at a position corresponding to the original position coordinates of the bitmap data. In addition, a link is created for associating the alternative data with the corresponding bitmap data in the upload file.
[0078]
Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 14, bitmap data B added to the upload file ₂ For example, alternative data C represented by a character string such as “image 1” arranged instead of is added to the editing file. And alternative data C and bitmap data B ₂ And a link is made. In this way, the user who has received the editing file can easily browse related bitmap data when browsing the editing file, for example. Instead of creating a link, bitmap data B ₂ For example, a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) indicating the storage location may be included in the editing file.
[0079]
In step S408, the cumulative data amount of the editing file is calculated. The accumulated data amount is added to the previous accumulated data amount every time the next data is detected and processed in step S402. That is, cumulative data amount (new) = cumulative data amount (old) + next data amount. Here, the next data amount is a character code data amount, a vector data amount, or a bitmap data amount. The amount of character code data is the sum of the sizes of data such as font, character size, character color, and position coordinates in addition to the character code. For example, if the vector data is a straight line, the vector data amount is the sum of the sizes of data such as line width, line color, and line type in addition to the coordinates of the start point and end point of the line. The bitmap data amount is the sum of the sizes of data such as position coordinates in addition to the JPRG-compressed bitmap data output from the compression unit 34.
[0080]
In step S409, it is determined whether the accumulated data amount is larger than the maximum attached file capacity. When the accumulated data amount is larger than the maximum attached file capacity (step S409: YES), the process of step S410 is executed. When the accumulated data amount is not larger than the maximum attached file capacity (step S409: NO), the process proceeds to step S401.
[0081]
In step S410, a file editing process for dividing the editing file is executed.
[0082]
Here, the procedure of the file editing process in step S410 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0083]
First, in step S501, it is determined whether a plurality of “chapter” exists in the editing file. When there are a plurality of “chapter” (step S501: YES), the process of step S502 is executed, and when there are not a plurality of “chapter” (step S501: NO), the process of step S505 is executed.
[0084]
In step S <b> 502, a process is performed in which the last “chapter” at the current time among a plurality of “chapter” in the editing file is divided and extracted.
[0085]
In step S503, the remaining divided data amount when the last “chapter” is extracted from the editing file is calculated.
[0086]
In step S504, it is determined whether or not the divided remaining data amount calculated in step S503 is larger than the maximum attached file capacity. If the remaining data amount after division is larger than the maximum attached file capacity (step S504: YES), the process of step S505 is executed. If not larger than the maximum attached file capacity (step S504: NO), the process of step S507 is performed. Executed.
[0087]
In step S505, among the data added to the editing file in step S406 in FIG. 7, the last added data at the present time is processed as division data to be divided and extracted. If division data is given in step S502, the division data is replaced in step S505.
[0088]
In step S506, the amount of remaining data after division when the data added last from the editing file is divided and extracted is calculated. Since the file editing process in FIG. 8 is executed every time the next data is detected in step S402 in FIG. 7 and a predetermined process is performed, the residual data amount after division calculated in step S506 is actually , Less than the maximum attached file capacity.
[0089]
In step S507, an output file for creating an e-mail attachment file is created using the remaining data after division obtained by dividing and extracting the division data from the editing file.
[0090]
In step S508, the editing file is updated to a file composed of the division data.
[0091]
In step S509, the cumulative data amount of the editing file calculated in step S408 of FIG. 7 is updated to the data amount of the division data.
[0092]
As described above, when dividing a file so as to be less than or equal to the maximum attached file capacity, it is possible to detect “chapter” and divide the file at the transition of “chapter”. Further, the file can be divided in units of character data or non-character data other than characters (graphic data and photo data). Therefore, even when a file is divided, the file can be divided at a meaningful position. It is also possible to detect a paragraph instead of “chapter” and divide the file at the transition of the paragraph.
[0093]
When the process of step S509 is performed and the file editing process of FIG. 8 is completed, the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. 7 and proceeds to step S411.
[0094]
In step S411, mail creation processing is executed.
[0095]
Here, with reference to FIG. 9, the procedure of the mail creation processing in step S411 will be described.
[0096]
First, in step S601, an e-mail is created with the output file created in step S507 of FIG. 8 as an attached file.
[0097]
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the created e-mail. The default text stored in the storage unit 25 is used for the text 51 of the e-mail. Note that the body 51 of the e-mail may be set at the time of transmission by the user. Information on the destination e-mail address set in the setting process of FIG. 5 is added to the destination column 52.
[0098]
In step S602, the value of the counter i indicating the number of created emails is incremented by one. The created e-mail and the current counter i value, that is, the e-mail creation order are stored in the storage unit 25.
[0099]
When the mail creation process (see FIG. 9) in step S411 in FIG. 7 ends, the process proceeds to step S401 in FIG. If it is determined in step S401 that the file creation processing for all data has been completed, the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. 6 and proceeds to step S302. If it is determined in step S302 that the document has already been read, the process proceeds to step S309.
[0100]
In step S309, the current editing file is set as an output file. If an output file has already been created in the file editing process of FIG. 8, a new output file is created in step S302, and as a result, a plurality of output files are created.
[0101]
In step S310, mail creation processing is executed. Since this mail creation process is the same as the mail creation process (see FIG. 9) in step S411, description thereof is omitted. An e-mail is created for each output file. For example, FIG. 15 shows an example in which two e-mails are created as a result of dividing a file once in the file editing process.
[0102]
In step S311, a mail transmission process for transmitting the created electronic mail to the network is executed. Here, the e-mail stored in the storage unit 25 is read out to the work area, and as shown in FIG. 15, the total number of related mails and the order of composing mails (originals) are displayed in the subject field 53 of each e-mail. Are added in the same order as the corresponding content in (see step S602), for example, (1/2), (2/2), and the like.
[0103]
In step S312, the upload file created in step S405 of FIG. 7 is uploaded to the database server 60 according to a predetermined transfer protocol. The upload of the upload file may be executed whenever the file preparation is completed.
[0104]
Thus, according to the first embodiment, among the data to be transmitted to the other party, the bitmap data in the non-character area determined to have a capacity larger than the maximum attached file capacity is uploaded to the database server, The attached file created with the remaining data excluding the bitmap data can be attached to the e-mail and transmitted.
[0105]
Therefore, even if the transmitted data contains bitmap data such as photographic images that exceed the maximum attached file capacity alone, it is possible to prevent a situation where the mail server forcibly divides or cannot transmit / receive data. The user on the receiving side can check the bitmap data via the database server.
[0106]
In addition, since the bitmap data having a large capacity is removed from the attached file of the e-mail, the amount of e-mail data to be transmitted can be reduced as a result. Therefore, it is less likely that the data is divided and transmitted, and it becomes easier for the e-mail receiving side to grasp the contents of the data.
[0107]
As described above, the content of data including non-character data such as a photographic image on the transmission side can be easily and reliably grasped on the reception side of the e-mail.
[0108]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this second embodiment, only the bitmap data whose capacity is determined to be larger than the preset maximum attached file capacity among the data to be transmitted to the other party is uploaded to the database server. It is different from the first embodiment described above in that it can be set whether all the bitmap data among the data to be transmitted to the other side is set. Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described with a focus on differences from the first embodiment, and the description of the common points will be omitted as appropriate.
[0109]
With reference to FIG. 16, a data transmission processing procedure in the digital copying machine 20 according to the second embodiment will be described. 16 is stored as a control program in the storage unit 25 and executed by the control unit 26.
[0110]
Since the processing of steps S1101 to S1103 is the same as the processing of steps S101 to S103 of FIG. 4 in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.
[0111]
In step S1104, various setting processes necessary for executing the STE process and the second STE process described later are executed.
[0112]
This setting process is different from the process of step S104 of FIG. 4 in the first embodiment in the following points. That is, the setting of the division condition corresponding to the process of step S202 in FIG. 5 is performed according to an instruction input from the user on the division condition setting screen shown in FIG. The maximum attached file capacity box 48 is the same as in the first embodiment. Particularly in the second embodiment, a selection key 49 for selecting whether or not to upload all bitmap data to the database server 60 is provided. The other points are the same as the process of step S104 in FIG.
[0113]
In step S1105, it is determined whether or not the selection of uploading all bitmap data to the database server 60 has been made in the setting of the division condition in step S1104. When the selection to upload all the bitmap data is made (step S1105: YES), the process of step S1106 is executed, and when the selection to upload all the bitmap data is not made (step S1105: NO), the process of step S1107 is executed.
[0114]
In step S1106, the second STE process is executed. The second STE process is started by operating the start key 43.
[0115]
This second STE process is different from the process of step S105 of FIG. 4 in the first embodiment in the following points. That is, when the next data is detected in the same manner as the process of step S403 in FIG. 7 and it is determined that the detected next data is bitmap data, the bitmap data has a preset maximum attached file capacity. It is added to the upload file prepared for uploading to the database server 60 regardless of whether or not the file size is larger. That is, the process of step S404 in FIG. 7 is omitted. The other points are the same as the process of step S105 in FIG.
[0116]
In step S1107, STE processing is executed. Since the process of step S1107 is the same as the process of step S105 of FIG. 4 in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.
[0117]
As described above, according to the second embodiment, in addition to obtaining the same effect as the first embodiment described above, the bitmap data in the non-character area to be uploaded to the database server 60 is selected from the viewpoint of capacity. This improves the usability of the user.
[0118]
In addition, if all of the bitmap data in the non-character area is selected to be uploaded to the database server 60, all of these bitmap data will be removed from the attached file of the e-mail. The amount of email data to be transmitted can be further reduced. Therefore, it is further reduced that the data is divided and transmitted, and it becomes easier to grasp the contents of the data on the receiving side of the e-mail.
[0119]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims.
[0120]
For example, in the above-described embodiments, the data transmission apparatus has been described using a digital copying machine. However, the data transmission apparatus of the present invention is not limited to this, for example, an image reading apparatus having an electronic mail function, The present invention can also be applied to a functional peripheral device (MFP) or a device such as a personal computer having a function of processing image data input from an image reading apparatus and transmitting it according to an e-mail protocol. Further, when the present invention is applied to, for example, a personal computer, for example, a PDF file having character code data, vector data, and bitmap data is input from another external device, and the PDF file is transmitted according to an e-mail protocol. It can also be applied to cases.
[0121]
In the above-described embodiment, the case where the character amount in the image data is reduced by performing the character recognition process, the vector conversion process on the graphic area, and the compression process on the photo area has been described. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which these processes are omitted as appropriate. Here, when the character recognition process for the character area or the vector conversion process for the graphic area is omitted, it is desirable to perform a compression process on the area.
[0122]
Note that each means for performing control or arithmetic processing and a data transmission method in the data transmission apparatus according to the present invention can be realized by any of a dedicated hardware circuit and a program. When the present invention is realized by a program, the program for operating the data transmission apparatus can be provided by a computer-readable recording medium (for example, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, etc.). In this case, the program recorded on the computer-readable recording medium is usually transferred to and stored in the hard disk. Further, this program may be provided as, for example, a single application software, or may be incorporated in the software of the device as one function of the data transmission device.
[0123]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, a photographic image exceeding a predetermined value alone in transmitted data. Statue Even if it is included, it is possible to prevent a situation where the mail server forcibly divides or becomes unable to transmit / receive, and the receiving user can Photo image data corresponding to the true image Can be confirmed against the storage destination.
[0124]
Moreover, the capacity is large Photo image Is excluded from the attached file of the e-mail, and as a result, the data amount of the e-mail to be transmitted can be reduced. Therefore, it is less likely that the data is divided and transmitted, and it becomes easier for the e-mail receiving side to grasp the contents of the data.
[0125]
Thus, on the sending side Photo image It is possible to easily and reliably grasp the contents of the data including the message on the e-mail receiving side.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a data transmission system including a data transmission apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a digital copying machine.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation panel unit.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of data transmission processing in the digital copying machine according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of setting processing.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of STE processing.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure of file creation processing.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a procedure of file editing processing.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure of mail creation processing.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a setting screen.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a mail information setting screen.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a division condition setting screen.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a document.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of an editing file and an upload file.
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of electronic mail.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of data transmission processing in the digital copying machine according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a division condition setting screen according to the second embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 ... Network,
20. Digital copier (data transmission device),
21 ... Reading section,
22: Image processing unit,
24 ... operation panel section,
25. Storage unit,
26: control unit,
31 ... A region separation unit,
32 ... OCR part,
33 ... Vector conversion unit,
34 ... compression section,
35. Synthesis unit,
36 ... file editing department,
37 ... Mail creation department,
38 ... Transmitter,
60 ... Database server (storage location),
70 ... mail server,
80 ... PC.

Claims (10)

Reading means for obtaining read image data by reading a document;
From the read image data obtained by said reading means, and a character region in which the image of the character is present, the area separating means for separating the graphic region where the graphic image exists, a photograph region where image is present,
Photographic image capacity determination means for individually determining whether or not the capacity of each photographic image in a plurality of photographic images existing in the photographic area is larger than a predetermined value ;
Photographic data transmission means for transmitting photographic image data corresponding to a photographic image determined to have a capacity larger than the predetermined value among the plurality of photographic images to a predetermined storage destination;
An attached file creating means for creating an attached file with remaining data excluding a photographic image having a capacity determined to be larger than the predetermined value from the read image data ;
Email sending means for sending the attached file to a predetermined destination via an email server according to an email protocol;
A data transmission device comprising: The attached file creating means includes:
Corresponding to the position occupied by the previous SL is the photographic image photographic image the read in image data corresponding to the data transmitted to the destination, predetermined alternative arranged in place of the photographic images in the attachment Alternative data addition means for adding data,
The data transmission apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a link creating unit that creates a link for associating the alternative data with the photographic image data transmitted to the storage destination. A remaining data capacity determining means for determining whether or not the capacity of the remaining data is greater than the predetermined value;
The data transmission apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the attachment file creation means creates a plurality of attachment files by dividing the remaining data determined to have a capacity larger than the predetermined value. Data transmission according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that it further comprises a character recognition means for converting the character data by recognizing a character code from the character images in the character area into a character code data apparatus. Data transmission device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that it further comprises a vector conversion means for converting the graphic images in the graphic region vector data. Data transmission device according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that it further comprises a compressing means for compressing a photographic image in the photographic region. Reading means for obtaining read image data by reading a document;
From the read image data obtained by the reading unit, a region separating unit that separates a character region where a character image exists, a graphic region where a graphic image exists, and a photographic region where a photographic image exists ;
Data to be transmitted to a predetermined storage destination is only photographic image data corresponding to photographic images whose capacity in the photographic area is larger than a predetermined value, or photographs corresponding to all photographic images in the photographic area. Setting means for setting image data ;
Photographic image capacity determination means for individually determining whether or not the capacity of each photographic image in a plurality of photographic images existing in the photographic area is larger than a predetermined value ;
In accordance with the setting content by the setting means, photo data transmission means for transmitting photo image data to a predetermined storage destination;
An attached file creating means for creating an attached file with the remaining data excluding the photograph image corresponding to the photograph image data transmitted to the storage destination from the read image data;
A data transmission apparatus comprising: an e-mail transmission unit that transmits the attached file to a predetermined destination via an e-mail server according to an e-mail protocol. Obtaining read image data by reading a document;
From the obtained the read image data, a step of separating the character area in which the image of the character is present, the graphic region where the graphic image exists, a photograph region where image is present,
Individually determining whether or not the capacity of each photographic image in a plurality of photographic images present in the photographic area is greater than a predetermined value ;
Transmitting photographic image data corresponding to a photographic image whose capacity is determined to be larger than the predetermined value among the plurality of photographic images to a predetermined storage destination;
Creating an attached file with residual data excluding a photographic image whose capacity is determined to be larger than the predetermined value from the read image data ;
Sending the attachment according to an email protocol to a predetermined destination via an email server ;
A data transmission method characterized by comprising: A procedure for obtaining scanned image data by scanning a document;
From the obtained the read image data, a step of separating the character area in which the image of the character is present, the graphic region where the graphic image exists, a photograph region where image is present,
A procedure for individually determining whether or not the capacity of each photographic image in a plurality of photographic images present in the photographic area is larger than a predetermined value ;
A procedure of transmitting, to a predetermined storage destination, photographic image data corresponding to a photographic image whose capacity is determined to be larger than the predetermined value among the plurality of photographic images ;
A procedure for creating an attached file with remaining data excluding a photographic image whose capacity is determined to be larger than the predetermined value from the read image data ;
Sending the attached file to a predetermined destination via an email server according to an email protocol;
Data transmission program for causing a computer to execute.   The computer-readable recording medium which recorded the data transmission program of Claim 9.

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