JP4934568B2 - Document information management support apparatus, raster data digitizing method, digitized program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention provides a document information management support apparatus suitable for converting the contents of a document composed of tables and figures written on paper into electronic information that can be easily handled by a computer, and a method for digitizing raster data in the apparatus, and The present invention relates to a program and a recording medium.

The above-described “raster data” refers to data represented by a collection of pixels arranged in a grid. Since it is a collection of pixels, it does not have information such as the relationship with neighboring pixels or what the whole indicates. Raster data is sometimes called image data or an image.
“Electronicization” refers to converting raster data into vector data.
“Vector data” refers to the coordinates (position) of the start and end points of a line, if it is a curve, how to bend, thickness, color, color of the surface surrounded by the line, how to change, etc. by symbols or numerical values. It is expressed with easy-to-handle data. Furthermore, the above-described vector data can be handled as one aggregate in the computer, and attribute information or the like can be added.
The “attribute information” indicates information such as the name and what the data represents. There are no particular restrictions on the type and amount of attribute information.

Conventionally, digitizing raster data such as tables and figures written on paper is done manually using an information management system that can leave information electronically, or an analysis program for analyzing raster data Has been implemented using means for converting to vector data using.
For example, an information processing apparatus and an information processing method for converting a document written on a paper into an image and vectorizing the document are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
According to the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 described above, image data is divided into objects such as a character area and a photographic image area. Among them, areas such as characters, line drawings, and tables are extracted as binary images from the input image data, the contour lines are tracked, and the contour curve is approximated by a curve function to obtain information such as characters. It can be reproduced as a vector. This makes it possible to digitize the image data.

In addition, for raster data with a mixture of drawing elements such as tables and figures, it is possible to set the optimal conversion, correction processing contents, and order processing pattern according to the difference and combination of drawing elements, and to achieve high accuracy and ease. There is also known a drawing management method and apparatus that can be converted into vector data (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-310070 (paragraphs “0008” to “0011”, FIG. 1) JP-A-6-337929 (paragraphs “0012” to “0015”, FIG. 1)

As described above, when digitizing raster data, conventionally, a number of methods have been proposed for increasing the accuracy and speed of manual data rework. For example, there is a technique for automatically analyzing raster data using the above-described analysis program and converting it into vector data.
However, documents and raster data written on paper vary in size, format, text, drawn information, information layout, etc. depending on the purpose of use and the time of creation, and are therefore difficult to analyze based on certain rules. Met.

  Also, at present, an analysis program that can handle any document or raster data has not been developed, so an operator must check it. Therefore, the possibility of the occurrence of a human error is increased and the load on the worker is increased. As described above, the conventional technology cannot easily digitize raster data with high accuracy.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to improve the accuracy of digitization work when digitizing raster data and improve work efficiency, a document information management support apparatus, and a method for digitizing raster data in the apparatus, and It is to provide a program and a recording medium.

In order to solve the above-described problem, the document information management support apparatus of the present invention is a document information management support apparatus that converts raster data generated by scanning a document including a table and a figure into vector data, A raster data management unit that assigns an identification name to the raster data, stores it in a storage unit, and displays the raster data as a background image, and an arbitrary shape that is pasted at a coordinate position to be managed on a graphic shown in the background image A digital tag composed of vector data of the above, affix the digital tag to the figure shown in the background image, attach digital tag identification information for identification to the digital tag and store it in a storage unit, and store the digital tag Is copied as a foreground image, and the raster data table shown in the background image is copied and the copied table image is displayed. Display the input table side by side as a foreground image, receive the input to the input table with reference to the description information of the copied table, obtain the input information, and identify the identification name and the digital And a table description information management unit that stores the tag identification information in the storage unit .

In this configuration, the document information management support apparatus displays the raster data as a background image, copy the table of the raster data shown in the background image, and displayed side by side tables for tables and input copied as a foreground image Referring to the description information of the copied table, the input to the input table is accepted. Then, the document information management support apparatus enables the association between the digital tag identification information of the digital tag arranged by tracing the graphic included in the raster data and the information described in the table.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the accuracy of digitization work and work efficiency when digitizing raster data.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a document information management support apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the document information management support apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention mainly includes a computer 2 and an image reading apparatus 3.

The image reading device 3 is, for example, a scanner that scans and acquires information such as a table or a figure including characters written on a paper surface as image data. The reading unit 31 converts the scanned information into raster data and transmits the raster data to the built-in calculation unit 32. In addition, the image reading apparatus 3 includes a storage unit 33 that stores raster data, and an input / output unit 34 that transmits and receives signals to and from the computer 2 that is externally connected. The input / output unit 34 transmits / receives screen information for supporting input / output via a keyboard and image data acquisition operation by an operator. The image reading device 3 is connected to the computer 2 via the network by the input / output unit 34.
The image reading device 3 may be any method and combination of devices as long as the information written on the paper is converted into raster data. Further, although the image reading apparatus 3 is connected to the computer 2 via a network, it may be a device provided as a standard in the computer 2. The connection method may be any method as long as information can be transmitted and received.

The computer 2 reads and executes various programs and the like, and a function of transmitting signals to the outside, and screen display (for example, LCD (Liquid Crystal Device), organic EL (Electro-Luminescence), etc.) ) An output device 22 having a function, an input device 23 having a function of receiving an external signal, a function of inputting an instruction (for example, a mouse or a keyboard), and an information management device 24 are provided. .
Here, the input device 23 and the output device 22 will be described as user interface devices unless otherwise specified. The user interface device has a function of displaying raster data as a background image on the output device 22 and displaying characters, graphics, and the like other than the raster data input from the input device 23 as a foreground image on the output device 22.

The information management device 24 includes a storage device A (241) for storing canvas information, a storage device B (242) for storing table (character) description information, and a storage device C (243) for storing digital tag information. I have.
Here, the canvas is raster data obtained by scanning with the image reading device 3. The digital tag information is constituted by vector information of an arbitrary shape having a unique ID that is pasted at a coordinate position to be managed in a graphic shown on the canvas. For example, the items of the digital tag information are a unique identification number (ID), coordinates arranged, attribute information, and the like. Details of these will be described later.
Note that the information management device 24 may be mounted in the computer 2. Further, the information management device 24 may be mounted on a server (not shown) and connected to the computer 2 via a network or the like. The storage devices A (241), B (242), and C (243) may be a single storage device.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing functional expansion of the internal configuration of the arithmetic and control unit 21 shown in FIG.
The arithmetic control device 21 includes a main control unit 210, a GUI management unit 211, a memory interface unit 212, a raster data management unit 213, a table description information management unit 214, a graphic information management unit 215, a digital tag counter ( CNT) 216, digital tag placement determination unit 217, data link setting unit 218, and temporary storage unit 219.

  However, the functions of each of the constituent blocks 210 to 219 described above are realized by the arithmetic control device 21 sequentially reading and executing each program stored in a main storage device (not shown) included in the arithmetic control device 21. Is. In addition, each component block does not indicate a component that is actually divided and incorporated from another component block in the arithmetic and control unit 21, but is expressed separately for the sake of clarity of explanation.

  The main control unit 210 includes a GUI management unit 211, a memory interface unit 212, a raster data management unit 213, a table entry information management unit 214, a graphic information management unit 215, a CNT 216, a digital tag arrangement determination unit 217, a data link setting unit 218, The sequence control is performed for each of the temporary storage units 219.

The GUI management unit 211 functions as a user interface between the user interface device (the output device 22 and the input device 23) and the arithmetic and control device 21, receives information from the input device 23, and sends processing results and the like to the output device 23. It has a function to output information.
The memory interface unit 212 controls data transfer (read / write) between the storage devices A (241), B (242), and C (243) (see FIG. 1) managed by the information management device 24 and the temporary storage unit 219. )I do.
The raster data management unit 213 has a function of displaying raster data as a background image on the output device 22 via the GUI management unit 211.

  The table description information management unit 214 takes in the reading range related to the raster data table (characters) specified by the user interface device, copies the specified range, displays it on the output device 22, and displays it in a part of the copied portion. Next, a new input table similar to the table (character) description information included in the copy range is generated. Then, the table (character) description information input to the newly generated input table is received and stored in the storage device B (242).

  The graphic information management unit 215 traces the graphic shown in the background image, attaches a digital tag to the coordinate position to be managed, and reproduces the graphic as a foreground image. The graphic information management unit 215 receives at least the coordinates and attribute information of the digital tag and stores them in the storage device C (243).

  The CNT 216 has a function of generating a symbol representing the order as the number of digital counters every time a digital tag is arranged. In the embodiment of the present invention, as an example, a case where a number (integer) is used as a symbol representing an order will be described.

The digital tag arrangement determining unit 217 sequentially highlights the digital tags adjacent to each other in the number of digital counters or the line segments connecting them. This is performed in order to assist in confirming that the arrangement of the digital tag and the line segment accurately traces the figure shown in the background image.
The data link setting unit 218 sets the association between the table (character) description information input to the newly generated input table and the digital tag, that is, the link between the table (character) description information and the figure. It has a function.

  The temporary storage unit 219 receives information output to the output device 22, information acquired via the input device 23, information input / output to / from the information management device 24, or information processed by each block function in the arithmetic control device 21. Store temporarily.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart shown for explaining each step of the method for digitizing raster data according to the embodiment of the present invention.
Here, as an example, the document to be digitized is a plant piping construction diagram. Information described in the piping construction drawing of the plant can be roughly classified into a table (character) and a graphic object. In the document information management support apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, a table (character) and a graphic, which are one of the elements constituting the document, are read and digitized, and finally the electronic information of the table and the graphic is obtained. Raster data is digitized by establishing (linking) a link between them.

4 to 7 are diagrams showing a concept for supplementing the description of the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of step S100, FIG. 5 is a step S200, FIG. 6 is a step S300, and FIG. 7 is an example of step S500 in the flowchart of FIG.
The raster data digitization method in the document information management support apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be outlined below with reference to FIGS.

First, in step S100, the raster data management unit 213 receives information obtained by converting the document information drawn on the paper surface into raster data from the image reading device 3, and registers it in the storage device A (241). The document information converted into raster data is displayed as a canvas that is a background image. An example when raster data is displayed on the computer 2 as a canvas is shown at the bottom of FIG.
If the document is scanned in advance and the generated raster data is stored in the storage device A (241), step S100 described above is unnecessary.

Here, an example of the piping construction diagram of the plant used for explanation in the embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG.
The piping construction drawing 10 is a drawing obtained by projecting a part of the piping shape constituting the plant on the same axis side. Piping construction drawings used in plants are often created using computers such as CAD (Computer Aided Design), and are left and managed as electronic information. However, there are many cases where only the handwritten drawings or drawings are left in the drawings of the plant constructed in the past.

In FIG. 8, items described in the piping construction diagram 10 include a title column 11, a piping shape 12, a budget column 13, a design specification column 14, a key plan 15, a connection destination 16 and the like.
Note that the title column 11, the budget column 13, the design specification column 14, the key plan 15, and the connection destination 16 correspond to the table (character) description information described in the embodiment of the present invention, and the piping shape 12 is a figure. It corresponds to information.
The title column 11 is an item indicating what information the drawing shows, such as a plant name, drawing name, drawing number, revision number, person in charge, company name, and the like. Of these, the drawing number is often used as an identification number indicating this book.

The pipe shape 12 is an equiaxed projection of the pipe shape. The equiaxed projection is a method for showing a three-dimensional shape in two dimensions, and is drawn at the same scale of the X, Y, and Z axes. Although the piping construction drawing 10 is based on equiaxed projection, the scale may be partially changed in consideration of easy viewing.
Piping construction The piping described in FIG. 10 indicates a product in a state where a plurality of parts are connected and a function of flowing fluid is achieved. Products that constitute piping such as straight pipes, bent pipes, elbows, and tee pipes are referred to as parts.
The piping shape 12 is drawn by one line or two lines. The shape includes a straight line, a curve, a point indicating a weld line, a shape symbol indicating a part, a part number, a dimension line indicating a dimension, and the like.
A point indicating a weld line indicates a joint of continuous parts. There are a case where parts are joined to each other by welding and a case where the parts are fixed using screw-type parts. Information necessary for indicating the pipe shape may be described in addition to the above-described example. As a shape symbol indicating a part, a symbol simply indicating the part shape may be used for a part such as a valve, a cap, an orifice, or a reducer. The application range of the shape symbol indicating the part is not particularly limited.

The part number is a number for identifying a part. Here, the part number is a line indicating the part described on the pipe shape 12, or a line is drawn from the part shape 12, a circle is drawn at the end, and the part number or a part of the part number is described in the circle. To do. The part number or a part of the part number is a key for associating with the contents of the budget column 13 to be described later.
A dimension line and a dimension show the length required for processing and construction of piping. The dimension represents the actual size of the actual product, and the dimension line is a line for clarifying the range indicated by the dimension. As described above, in the pipe shape 12, the scale ratio may be partially changed, but the dimension line describes the actual size.

The budget column 13 is a detailed table for each part. The product name, material, wall thickness, processing instruction information, and the like are described for each part number linked to the part number described in the pipe shape 12. In the format of the table, the columns indicate specifications and the rows indicate parts. If the specifications of the parts are known, the items to be described are not particular.
The design specification column 14 is a specification related to the described piping. The diameter, pressure, temperature, etc. for each pipe are described. If the information shows the specifications of the piping, do not stick to the items described.

The key plan 15 is information indicating where the piping shape 12 described in the piping construction drawing 10 is located in the plant. The connection destination 16 or the like is information such as the name of a connected device to which the pipe shown in the piping construction drawing 10 is connected and a drawing number in which the continuation of the pipe is described.
In addition, the element which comprises the piping construction drawing 10 described here is not restricted only to what was mentioned above.

Next, in step 200, the table description information management unit 214 receives the table (character) description information input to the newly generated input table and registers it in the storage device B (242). At this time, the table description information management unit 214 prepares an input table (input table) corresponding to the items described in the table.
Then, the table description information management unit 214 acquires the table description information included in the raster data displayed on the screen, displays the previously prepared input table, and displays the table (character) description information input by the operator. Accept. An example in which the table (character) description information input here is registered in the storage device B (242) is shown in the lower part of FIG.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 9, when an operator inputs characters into the input table, the range of the selected one line of the raster data table and the table of the input table are displayed side by side on the screen. By providing an appropriate display method, such as displaying adjacent rows next to each other, an environment is provided that makes it easy to input table description information without changing the line of sight. According to this method, since the operator can compare the read information with the input information without changing the line of sight, human errors such as input mistakes can be greatly reduced. Details will be described later.

Next, in step S300, the graphic information management unit 215 traces the graphic shown on the canvas, pastes a digital tag at the coordinate position to be managed, reproduces the graphic as a foreground image, and at least the coordinates included in the digital tag. The attribute information is received and registered in the storage device C (243).
As shown in the upper part of Fig. 6, traces of graphic information are arranged between digital tags by placing digital tags (indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 6) at the coordinates you want to manage among the figures shown on the canvas. This is realized by connecting the lines with line segments. Note that the arrangement of digital tags can be changed according to the item to be managed in the table. Also, the shape of the digital tag can be changed according to the application. The digital tag is vector information of an arbitrary shape having a unique identification number (ID) as shown in the lower part of FIG. For the digital tag, a table having IDs, arranged coordinates, attribute information, and the like as data items is prepared in advance and managed by the graphic information management unit 215. Details will be described later.

Next, in step 400, the digital tag placement determination unit 217 performs a placement check of the digital tag in order to confirm that it matches the figure displayed on the canvas.
That is, the digital tag placement check is a step of checking whether or not the digital tag is correctly attached. Here, it is confirmed that the digital tag is correctly placed by the operator by blinking or coloring the digital tag or the line segment between the digital tags in the order in which the digital tag is pasted (in the number of digital tag counters). Let The digital tag arrangement check in step S400 is performed as necessary. Details will be described later.

Next, in step S500, the data link setting unit 218 performs data link setting.
The data link here refers to the table (character) description information registered in the storage device B (242) in the process of step S200 by the operator using the user interface device, and the digital tag registered in the storage device C (243). Is to associate with. As shown in FIG. 7, the table (character) description information registered in the storage device B (242) is selected, the color of the row changes, and the ID of the digital tag corresponding to the selected information is written, An association is made. In this way, by establishing a link between the table (character) description information and the digital tag, it is possible to call the information from the table (character) to the graphic and from the graphic to the table (character). Details will be described later.
Note that this processing is not necessary when there is no relationship between the table (character) description information and the graphic information.
Raster data can be digitized by a series of processes described in steps S100 to S500. Note that the order of steps S200 and S300 may be reversed.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the document information management support apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail for each of steps S100, S200, S300, S400, and S500 in FIG.

[Canvas generation processing (step S100)]
First, the raster data conversion and registration process (step S100) will be described in detail with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.
In this process, the piping construction drawing 10 is converted into raster data, registered in the storage device A (241) of the information management device 24 of the computer 2, and a background image called a canvas is created.

First, it demonstrates using FIG. The worker prepares a piping construction diagram 10 to be digitized. Subsequently, the reading unit 31 of the image reading device 3 scans the piping construction drawing 10 (paper surface) (step S101). Data scanned by the reading unit 31 is transferred to the calculation unit 32 and stored in a temporary memory included in the calculation unit 32.
The calculation unit 32 includes a program for converting scanned data into raster data, and converts the scanned data into raster data (step S102). Then, an identification name is given to the raster data, transmitted to the storage unit 33, and recorded (steps S103 and S104).
Here, the identification name to be given to the raster data may be instructed by the operator from the input / output unit 34 of the image reading device 3, and the calculation unit 32 includes a program for assigning arbitrary non-overlapping names. You may give by. The identification name may be either letters or numbers.

Next, the input device 23 receives a signal instructing to take in raster data created by the image reading device 3 (step S105). When receiving the raster data fetch instruction signal, the arithmetic and control unit 21 outputs an instruction (acquisition instruction) for acquiring the identification name list of the raster data recorded in the storage unit 33 of the image reading device 3 to the output device 22. (Step S106). When receiving the acquisition instruction, the output device 22 transmits the acquisition instruction to the image reading apparatus 3 (step S107).
The image reading device 3 receives the acquisition instruction from the computer 2 via the input / output unit 34 (step S108). Then, the calculation unit 32 reads the identification name list of the raster data recorded in the storage unit 33 and transmits the identification name list to the computer 2 (steps S109 and S110).

  Next, a description will be given with reference to FIG. The computer 2 receives the identification name list from the image reading device 3 via the input device 23 (step S111). Then, the arithmetic and control unit 21 stores the received identification name list in the temporary storage unit 219 (step S112). Next, the arithmetic and control unit 21 displays the identification name list on the screen of the output unit 22 (step S113). The arithmetic control device 21 receives the identification name selected by the operator from the identification name list displayed on the output device 22 via the input device 23. (Step S114). Then, the arithmetic control device 21 transmits a data take-in instruction to the image reading device 3 via the output device 22 (steps S115 and S116).

The image reading device 3 receives the data take-in instruction from the computer 2 (step S117), and reads the raster data of the identification name for which the take-in instruction has been received from the storage unit 33 (step S118).
The calculation unit 32 of the image reading device 3 transmits the raster data read from the storage unit 33 to the computer 2 via the input / output unit 34 (step S119).

Next, a description will be given with reference to FIG. As described above, the computer 2 receives the instructed raster data from the image reading device 3 (step S120). The arithmetic and control unit 21 stores the received raster data in the temporary storage unit 219 (step S121).
Next, the arithmetic and control unit 21 accepts a new name input from the input device 23 by the operator for the identification name of the raster data (step S122), and changes the identification name of the raster data stored in the temporary storage unit 219. (Step S123). Then, the arithmetic and control unit 21 stores the raster data to which the new name is assigned in the storage device A (241) of the information management device 24 (step S124). The raster data assigned with a new name and stored in the storage device A (241) is called “canvas”. Thereby, the raster data conversion and registration of the document are completed.

  Here, it supplements about the correlation with raster data and a new name (identification name). Assigning a new name to raster data refers to the process of assigning a name to a file. The name is handled in the arithmetic and control unit 21 as an attribute of data indicating raster data or a name indicating the data. I do not care. The name is given as necessary. When the identification name given by the image reading apparatus 3 is used as it is, the processing of steps S122 and S123 is not necessary. In steps S112 and S121, there is a step of storing in the temporary storage unit 219 of the arithmetic and control unit 21, but it may be stored in the storage unit A (241). In that case, processing of calling up, changing, and storing data in the storage device A (341) from the storage device A (241) is added.

[Table (Character) Registration Process (Step S200)]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of a table (character) registration process (step S200) by the table description information management unit 214 of the arithmetic and control unit 21.
As an example, reading of the budget column 13 in the table (characters) described in the piping construction drawing 10 will be described. In the following description, the table (characters) is the budget column 13. The operation is the same for other tables (characters).

  First, the canvas name selected by the operator from the input device 23 is received from the canvases registered in the storage device A (241) of the information management device 24 (step S201).

The table description information management unit 214 reads the raster data of the accepted canvas name from the storage device A (241), and stores it in the temporary storage unit 219 (step S202). Then, the table description information management unit 214 displays the canvas as a background image on the screen of the output device 22 (step S203).
Subsequently, a table (character) input program is started (step S204), and an input table (input table) is displayed on the screen of the output device 22.
The table (character) input program may include the processes in steps S201 to S203.

The table description information management unit 214 receives table (character) description information input to the input table displayed on the output device 22 (step S205). Here, inputting in the input table means determining data items described in the table. That is, since the budget column 13 is to be digitized, the data items described in the budget column 13 are input to the input table to create the budget column table.
As the input table, a file created by spreadsheet software or the like can be imported from the network or the input device 23. The information input to the input table is information that is stored and used in the storage device B (242) of the information management device 24. Therefore, a database table may be determined in advance, and which item in which table is used may be determined in the input table creation stage in step S205. It is assumed that the width and height of the input table can be freely changed like spreadsheet software. The name of the input table is also input here by the operator.

  The table description information management unit 214 automatically adds a canvas number column and a digital tag ID number column to the budget column table created in step S205. The budget column table created here can be used in combination with other canvases. Then, the table description information management unit 214 stores the budget column table created in step S205 and the name of the budget column table in the storage device B (242) of the information management device 24 via the memory interface unit 212 (step S206). ).

Next, the table description information management unit 214 displays on the output device 22 a display prompting the user to input a reading range for the table displayed on the canvas.
Then, designation is accepted for the reading range of the budget column 13 (step S207). For example, in order to read information line by line, one horizontal line on the budget column 13 is selected (see FIG. 9).
The table description information management unit 214 receives the signal designating the reading range from the input device 23, calculates the coordinates, width, and height of the reading range, and stores them in the temporary storage unit 219 (step S208). The storage location is not limited to the temporary storage unit 219 but may be the storage device B (242).

Next, the table description information management unit 214 displays a message on the screen of the output device 22 urging selection of whether to start input. The operator browses the message and gives an instruction to start input from the input device 23 when starting input.
The table description information management unit 214 receives a signal instructing input start from the input device 23 (step S209).

The table description information management unit 214 displays the input table created in step S205 on the screen of the output device 23 (step S210). Further, the table description information management unit 214 copies the raster data within the reading range stored in step S208 and displays it on the screen of the output device 23 (step S211). At this time, a copy of the raster data is displayed on the upper side adjacent to the input table displayed on the screen (see FIG. 9). The number of lines in the input table may be one line or a plurality of lines, but it is preferable that the input line is displayed closest to the copy of the raster data.
It should be noted that the copy display position of the raster data is determined at an appropriate position so that the entire data can be displayed depending on the type of the input table and the shape of the table. Then, it is assumed that the operator reads the information while viewing the raster data and displays the work to be input to the input table at a position where the line of sight can be changed without changing the line of sight.

  The operator inputs information from the input device 23 while viewing a copy of the designated reading range displayed on the screen of the output device 22, and the input information is temporarily stored until an input end signal arrives. It is assumed that it is stored in the part 219. The input information is stored in the temporary storage unit 219 and is displayed on the input table displayed on the screen of the output device 22 as needed.

When receiving the input end signal from the input device 23, the table description information management unit 214 stores the currently displayed canvas name from the temporary storage unit 219 in the canvas No column of the line in which the input table item is input. Call and record (step S212).
The table description information management unit 214 stores the information stored in the temporary storage unit 219 in the storage device B (242) of the information management device via the memory interface unit 212 (step S213).

  The table description information management unit 214 displays a display for confirming whether or not there is uninput information in the budget column on the screen of the output device 22 (step S214). When there is still uninput information (Yes in step S214), the table description information management unit 214 changes the coordinates of the reading range by the size of the reading range with respect to the canvas (step S215). Then, the raster data included in the new coordinate reading range is copied. Here, the newly copied information is displayed on the screen of the output device 22. For the new copy information, the table description information management unit 214 repeats the processing from step S211 to S213.

In the case of the budget column, information is read for each part indicated by one line, so a reading range is designated for each first line. Therefore, the coordinates are moved downward by the height of the reading range. As a result, the raster data on the second line is copied and displayed on the screen of the output device 22.
When there is no uninput information (No in step S214), the table description information management unit 214 receives an input end signal (step S216), and displays a screen asking whether or not the reading operation is finished as a screen of the output device 22. (Step S217).

If there is another table to be read (Yes in step S217), the process returns to step S205 to continue the input to the input table. If there is no other table to read (No in step S217), the process related to step S200 is terminated.
As described above, the table (characters) described in the piping construction drawing 10 is digitized by a series of processes by the table description information management unit 214 and can be registered in the storage device B (242) of the information management device 24.
In addition to the budget column, the piping construction diagram 10 also includes information such as a design specification column and connection information. For these tables, an input table is created, read, and input in the same manner as the budget column. It is digitized by doing. Further, for items other than the budget column in the piping construction diagram 10, addition of a digital tag ID entry column by the table description information management unit 214 is provided as necessary.

[Graphic Information Registration Process (Step S300)]
The graphic information registration processing in the document information management support apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 14 (see FIGS. 6 and 8 as appropriate). FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of graphic information registration processing (step S300) by the graphic information management unit 215.

  In order to digitize the figure of the piping shape 12 (see FIG. 8) shown in the piping construction diagram 10, a digital tag is used. The digital tag is vector data having an arbitrary shape and size, and has a unique ID.

First, steps S301 to S303 are the same as steps S201 to S203, and a description thereof will be omitted.
Note that when the work is continuously performed on the same canvas from the table (character) registration process in step S200, the canvas is already displayed on the screen of the output device 22, and thus the processes in steps S301 to S303 are unnecessary. Become.

The graphic information management unit 215 activates a picture reading program (step S304). Note that the picture reading program may include the processes of steps S301 to S303.
Then, the graphic information management unit 215 activates a CNT (digital tag counter) 216 prepared for counting the order of the digital tags arranged on the canvas, and sets an initial value “0” in the CNT 216 (step S305). . The CNT 216 is incremented by 1 each time a digital tag is placed. The function of the CNT 216 may be included in the graphic information management unit 215. Further, the function of the CNT 216 may be included in the picture reading program.
In addition, a digital tag table for storing digital tag information is prepared in the storage device C (243) of the information management device 24. The digital tag table can store attributes, the number of digital counters, coordinates, canvas names, etc. for each unique ID assigned to a digital tag, as shown in the lower part of FIG. To do. If ID, canvas name, and coordinates can be stored, it is possible to have more information.

First, the graphic information management unit 215 designates an end point on the upstream side of the pipe shape 12 as a start point, and receives the coordinates of the start point (step S306). In general, an operator designates coordinates using the mouse of the input device 23, but it is also possible to input from a keyboard or the like.
The graphic information management unit 215 calculates the coordinates of the input start point. Subsequently, the graphic information management unit 215 records the canvas name, coordinates, number of digital counters, and attributes in the storage device C (243) of the information management device 24 (step S307). Here, the attribute has an attribute of a start point when the value of the CNT 216 is “0”. That is, the CNT 216 display at the start point is “0” (see FIG. 6).

  The graphic information management unit 215 assigns the canvas name of the start point, the coordinates, the number of digital counters, and a unique digital tag ID to the storage device C (243), and each time a digital tag is registered, the CNT 216 Is incremented by 1 (step S308). The unique digital tag ID may be assigned in advance in a digital tag table that manages the digital tags of the storage device C (243). Further, the graphic information management unit 215 may perform numbering when transferring to the storage device C (243).

  Subsequently, the graphic information management unit 215 displays a mark indicating the digital tag at the coordinates designated as the start point on the screen of the output device 22 (step S308). The mark indicating the digital tag is incorporated in advance in the picture reading program. Further, a certain range centered on the designated coordinates is set as an area indicating the digital tag. The specified range is preliminarily incorporated in the picture reading program. The displayed digital tag corresponds to the graphic information drawn on the canvas, and follows the change in the size and movement of the canvas.

Subsequently, the graphic information management unit 215 receives a reference point for arranging the next digital tag (step S309). The place where the digital tag is arranged other than the start point / end point is here the center point of the part described in the piping shape of the canvas, or the corner of the bent portion. The operator operates the input device 23 to specify the center point of the part closest to the start point or the corner of the bent portion.
The graphic information management unit 215 calculates designated coordinates, stores the canvas name, coordinates, attributes, digital counter number, and unique ID in the storage device C (243), and increments the digital counter number by one. (Step S310).

  Next, the graphic information management unit 215 displays a line segment between the coordinates of the digital tag that is one less than the current digital counter number (previous) and the coordinates of the digital tag that is currently designated (step S311). Then, the graphic information management unit 215 displays two digital tags serving as welding points at arbitrary coordinates on the line segment (step S312). Note that the mark of the digital tag indicating the welding point is determined in advance by a picture reading program. Here, it is assumed that the mark is different from the mark of the digital tag indicating the reference point.

  Subsequently, the graphic information management unit 215 registers the coordinates of the generated welding point digital tag, the canvas name, the attribute, and the unique ID in the storage device C (243). However, the digital counter number is not registered here. The attribute is not a reference point but a welding point (see FIG. 6).

Next, the operator uses the input device 24 to perform an operation for moving the digital tag representing the welding point to the same position as the welding point indicated by the piping shape 12 of the canvas. Here, the line segment between the digital tags and the pipe shape should overlap. And the arrangement | positioning coordinate of the mark which shows a welding point on a line segment is designated with the input device 23. FIG. Delete it if it is not necessary.
At that time, the graphic information management unit 215 receives the position coordinates of the digital tag representing the moved welding point (step S313). The graphic information management unit 215 changes and stores the coordinate value stored in the storage device C (243) for the information having the unique ID of the digital tag whose coordinate has been changed (step S314). If an instruction to delete a digital tag is input from the input device 23, the digital tag unique ID and all information registered for the unique ID are deleted. The deleted unique ID may be a missing number or may be reused. With the above processing, the arrangement of the digital tag from the start point to the next reference point is completed. This is repeated until the end point (end point) opposite to the start point of the pipe shape 12.

Next, the graphic information management unit 215 performs a display for inquiring whether or not there are still uninput reference points (step S315). If there is an uninput reference point (Yes in step S315), the graphic information management unit 215 returns to step S309 and repeats the processing up to step S314. If there is no uninput reference point (Yes in step S315), the graphic information management unit 215 receives a graphic reading end signal (step S316) and ends the process.
In the series of processes described above, the same shape as the piping shape 12 of the canvas can be reproduced by the line segment connecting the digital tag which is vector data and the adjacent digital tags, and the digitization of the piping shape is completed.

  According to the document information management support apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention described above, the figure is reproduced by the line segment connecting the digital tag and the adjacent digital tag. May be changed. For example, one digital tag may be arranged for the entire picture, or a digital tag having a shape such as a triangle or a circle may be used by combining the digital tag with a basic shape.

[Digital Tag Placement Check Process (Step S400)]
The digital tag placement check process in the document information management support apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a detailed procedure of the digital tag placement check process (step S400) by the digital tag placement determination unit 217.

The digital tag arrangement check is an operation for confirming that line segments between all digital tags and adjacent digital tags are correctly set as a result of the graphic reading process (step S400 series).
First, steps S401 to S403 are the same as steps S201 to S203, and thus description thereof is omitted.

Subsequently, the digital tag placement determination unit 217 activates a tag placement check program (step S404). Note that the tag placement check program may include the processes of steps S401 to S403.
The digital tag arrangement determination unit 217 acquires digital tag information related to the open canvas name from the storage device C (243) (step S405).

Next, the digital tag arrangement determination unit 217 temporarily stores the information received from the storage device C (243) in the temporary storage unit 219 (step S406). Further, the digital tag arrangement determination unit 217 displays a line segment between the digital tag and the adjacent digital tag on the screen of the output device 22. At this time, as shown in FIG. 5, the same screen as when the figure reading is completed in step S200 is displayed.
When the work is continued from the graphic information reading process shown in step S300, since the canvas is displayed on the screen, the processes in steps S401 to S405 are not necessary. In that case, the digital tag placement determination unit 217 may simply store the digital tag information in the temporary storage unit 219 by a tag placement check program.

Here, the digital tag arrangement determining unit 217 calculates the maximum number of digital counters from the digital tag information stored in the temporary storage unit 219, and sets it as “nmax” (step S407). Subsequently, the digital tag arrangement determination unit 217 obtains digital tag information by setting the numerical value with the smallest digital counter number to “n” and the next smallest numerical value to “n + 1” (step S408). For example, when n is “0” as the start point, the number of digital counters of the next reference point is “n + 1 = 1”.
The digital tag arrangement determination unit 217 changes the coordinates of the selected digital counter numbers “0” and “1”, or changes the color of the line segment between the digital tags and displays them on the screen of the output device 22 (step S409). . That is, the color of either or both of the mark indicating the digital tag displayed on the screen of the output device 22 and the line segment between the digital tags is changed. The color changing method is incorporated in the tag arrangement check program in advance.

Next, the digital tag arrangement determining unit 217 determines whether or not n + 1 <nmax (step S410). Here, if n + 1 <nmax (Yes in step S410), after setting n = n + 1 (step S414), the process returns to step S409. By this processing, the color of the digital tag or the line segment between the digital tags can be changed in order from the upstream side. If N + 1 = nmax (No in step S410), the process proceeds to the next step S411.
In step S411, the digital tag arrangement determination unit 217 determines whether a check end instruction signal is input (step S411). If there is no instruction signal (No in step S411), the digital tag arrangement determination unit 217 restores the color of the digital tag changed in the process of step S409 and the line segment between the digital tags to the original, and n = 0 As (step S415), the processing from step S408 is repeated again. When there is a check end instruction signal (Yes in step S411), the digital tag arrangement determining unit 217 restores the color of the digital tag and the line segment between the digital tags (step S412).

As a result, the operator can check whether the digital tags are set in the correct coordinates and in the correct order by looking at the color changing in order from the upstream side by browsing the screen of the output device 22. it can.
For example, if the color changes in order from the line segment in contact with the start point to the next adjacent line segment, it is set correctly, but the color of the non-adjacent line segment If is changed, it turns out that the order of digital tags is not correct. It is also a confirmation point whether or not the digital tag and the line segment between the digital tags are coincident with the coordinates indicating the piping shape on the canvas shown in the background.
Thus, each process of the digital tag arrangement check for the piping construction drawing 10 is a process of providing visual support for the operator to perform such confirmation.
Then, the digital tag placement determination unit 217 displays whether the display is correct (OK) (step S413).
If the display is correct (OK) (Yes in step S413), the process in step S400 ends. If the display is not correct (No in step S413), the process can return to step S300 to correct the error.

[Data link setting process (step S500)]
The data link processing in the document information management support apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 16 (see FIGS. 7 and 8 as appropriate). FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of data link processing (step S500) between a table and a digital tag by the data link setting unit 218.

  The data link setting unit 218 associates an electronic table (character) with a graphic independently, and makes it possible to call the graphic from the table or call the table from the graphic. Conventionally, the piping construction drawing 10 written on the paper has a figure of the piping shape 12 and a table (characters) explaining the specifications of the parts constituting the piping in one paper, The association between the figure and the table (character) can be easily known by the common part number. However, in the document information management support apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention, tables (characters) and graphics are digitized separately, so that a process for associating them is necessary. Therefore, by making an electronic association, not only the association similar to the piping construction drawing 10 written on the paper but also the added value such as being able to associate with information other than the piping construction drawing 10 is brought about. It becomes possible.

First, steps S501 to S503 are the same as steps S201 to S203, and thus description thereof is omitted.
The data link setting unit 218 activates the data link program (step S504). Note that the tag arrangement check program may include the processes of steps S501 to S503.

  Subsequently, the data link setting unit 218 provides information on the selected canvas (hereinafter, the budget column table will be described as a representative) of the table (character) description information stored in the storage device B (242). Extract (step S505) and store in the temporary storage unit 219. Since the budget column table includes the identification name of the canvas, it can be extracted from the item. The information extracted here is the entire budget column table related to the canvas.

The data link setting unit 218 displays the budget column table stored in the temporary storage unit 219 on the screen of the output device 22 (step S506).
The data link setting unit 218 extracts information about the selected canvas from the digital tags stored in the storage device C (243) (step S507) and stores it in the temporary storage unit 219. Since the digital tag includes the canvas name, it can be extracted from the item. Here, the extracted information is all digital tags related to the canvas.
The data link setting unit 218 displays the digital tag stored in the temporary storage unit 219 on the screen of the output device 22 (step S508).
Subsequently, the data link setting unit 218 receives selection of a part number from the budget column table displayed on the screen of the output device 22 (step S509). As for the selection method, the data link setting unit 218 recognizes the cell indicated by the part number in the budget column table selected by the keyboard or mouse of the input device 23, and stores only information regarding the row (part) in which the cell is selected. It can be changed. At this time, the color of the selected cell or row may be changed in order to indicate that it has been selected.

Next, the data link setting unit 218 receives selection of a digital tag corresponding to the part number selected in step S509 among the digital tags arranged on the canvas of the screen (step S510). Vector data having the ID of the digital tag is pasted around the digital tag displayed on the screen or in a certain area so that there is no problem even if the digital tag is not selected correctly. Then, the data link setting unit 218 receives the selection of the digital tag, and acquires the digital tag ID (step S511).
The data link setting unit 218 sets the acquired digital tag ID in the digital tag ID item column of the row (part) selected in step S509 in the budget column table stored in the temporary storage unit 219. Recording is performed (step S512). Then, the data link setting unit 218 rereads the budget column table in which the digital ID is recorded, and updates the screen display (step S513).

Subsequently, the data link setting unit 218 displays a balloon mark from the point where the digital tag is arranged on the canvas (step S514). The balloon mark is composed of a line segment and vector data in the shape of a circle. The line segment is connected to the placement point of the digital tag, and the opposite end point is connected to the circle. The circle is displayed with a certain size. The part number selected from the budget column table is written in the circle. The part number is a unique number (unique for each piping construction drawing 10) with respect to the parts constituting the pipe. The balloon mark cannot be changed only at the contact point of the line. The position of the circle can be freely changed. According to the change, the vector data of the circle and the line segment is calculated by the data link setting unit 218, and the calculation result is displayed on the screen of the output device 22.
The worker displays a numerical value in the digital tag ID of the budget column information displayed on the screen of the output device 22 and that a balloon is displayed on the digital tag on the canvas. The part number in the balloon is Confirm that the part number you want to link the information to.

Then, the data link setting unit 218 displays a display for confirming whether or not there is a component that has not been selected on the screen of the output device 22 (step S515).
Here, when there is a part that has not been selected (Yes in Step S515), the data link setting unit 218 repeatedly executes the processes from Steps S509 to S515 described above in order to perform a link process for the next part number.

If there is no part that has not been selected, that is, if the work related to the link between all parts and the digital tag is performed (No in step S515), the data link setting unit 218 stores the budget field stored in the temporary storage unit 219. Information on the table is recorded in the recording device B (242), and information on the canvas is overwritten (changed) (step S516). That is, the data link setting unit 218 adds the ID of the digital tag to the budget column table.
Then, the data link setting unit 218 ends the series of data link setting processes described above. Thus, the digitization work of the piping construction diagram 10 is completed.

  As described above, the document information management support apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention displays raster data related to a table, and displays an input table prepared for input in advance by cooperating with an operator. Then, the input of the description information in the table is accepted and stored in the information management device 24 (storage device). Next, the document information management support apparatus 1 pastes (arranges) a digital tag having an arbitrary shape on a figure to be digitized, and stores the digital tag information in the information management apparatus 24 (storage device). Then, the document information management support device 1 sets a link between the table (character) description information stored in the information management device 24 (storage device) and related information including the digital tag, and the information management device 24 (storage device). And enables a call between the digital tag and the information written in the table (characters).

  Further, according to the document information management support apparatus 1 according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, when the raster data is digitized, the probability of occurrence of a human error is reduced and the burden on the operator is reduced. It is possible to be peeled off.

  2 may be realized entirely by software, or at least a part of the functions may be realized by hardware. For example, the data processing in the GUI management unit 211, the memory interface unit 212, the raster data management unit 213, the table description information management unit 214, the graphic information management unit 215, the CNT 216, the digital tag placement determination unit 217, and the data link setting unit 218 includes: It may be realized on a computer by one or a plurality of programs, and at least a part thereof may be realized by hardware.

  The raster data digitizing method according to the embodiment of the present invention includes, for example, a document including an arithmetic control device 21 that converts raster data generated by scanning a paper surface including a table and a figure into vector data. This is a method for digitizing raster data in the information management support apparatus 1 (see FIG. 1). As shown in the basic operation flowchart of FIG. 3, the arithmetic and control unit 21 accepts information obtained by converting the paper surface into raster data. The raster data is displayed as a canvas as a background image (S100), and the calculation control device 21 digitizes the information described in the table shown in the background image and displays it as a foreground image (S200). The arithmetic and control unit 21 traces the graphic shown in the background image and pastes it at the coordinate position to be managed. A step (S300) of displaying the figure as a foreground image by a digital tag comprising vector information of arbitrary shape having nice identification information, and the arithmetic and control unit 21 links the information described in the table and the digital tag. And setting step (S500).

According to the raster data digitization method according to the embodiment of the present invention described above, when raster data is digitized, it is possible to improve the accuracy and efficiency of digitization work. is there.
Also, the program and the recording medium according to the embodiment of the present invention can achieve the same effects as the document information management support apparatus 1 and the raster data digitizing method.

  In addition, according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, only the piping construction diagram 10 has been described as an object of digitization, but is not limited to the piping construction diagram 10, and other blunt drawings or general office use It is possible to apply the same to the above document.

It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the document information management assistance apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is the block diagram which expanded and showed the internal structure of the arithmetic and control unit shown in FIG. It is the flowchart shown in order to demonstrate each process of the digitization method of the raster data which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of step S100 of the flowchart of FIG. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of step S200 of the flowchart of FIG. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of step S300 of the flowchart of FIG. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of step S500 of the flowchart of FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the piping construction drawing of the plant used for description in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen display at the time of digitization of the table (character) description information which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement (canvas production | generation process (step S100)) of the document information management assistance apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement (canvas production | generation process (step S100)) of the document information management assistance apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement (canvas production | generation process (step S100)) of the document information management assistance apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement (a table | surface (character) registration process (step S200)) of the document information management assistance apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement (graphic information registration process (step S300)) of the document information management assistance apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement (digital tag arrangement | positioning check processing (step S400)) of the document information management assistance apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement (data link setting process (step S500)) of the document information management assistance apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

2 Computer 3 Image Reading Device 21 Arithmetic Control Device 22 Output Device 23 Input Device 24 Information Management Device 211 Raster Data Management Unit 212 GUI Management Unit 213 Memory Interface Unit 214 Table Information Management Unit 215 Graphic Information Reading Unit 216 CNT (Digital Tag Counter) )
217 Digital Tag Placement Determination Unit 218 Data Link Setting Unit 241 Storage Device A
242 Storage device B
243 storage device C

Claims (8)

A document information management support device for converting raster data generated by scanning a document including a table and a figure into vector data,
A raster data management unit that attaches an identification name to the raster data and stores it in a storage unit, and displays the raster data as a background image;
Issue a digital tag consisting of vector data of arbitrary shape pasted at the coordinate position you want to manage on the graphic shown in the background image, paste the digital tag on the graphic shown in the background image, and identify the digital tag A digital information identifying unit for storing digital tag identification information for storage in a storage unit, and displaying the digital tag as a foreground image;
The raster data table shown in the background image is copied, the copied table and the input table are displayed side by side as a foreground image, and the input table is referred to by referring to the description information of the copied table. to obtain the input information accepting inputs made, and tables described information management unit you memorize in the memory unit are denoted by said identification name and the digital tag identification information,
A document information management support apparatus comprising: The graphic information management unit
Attaching digital counter information for identifying the order of placement on the background image to the digital tag, storing the digital counter information in association with the coordinates of the digital tag in a storage unit,
When arranging and displaying the digital tag on the background image, the digital counter information and the coordinates are read from the storage unit, and the digital tags whose order is changed are connected by line segments, and the digital tag and Displaying the line segment;
The document information management support apparatus according to claim 1.   The graphic information management unit
  Accepting an operation of moving the digital tag so that the digital tag is displayed at two points on the line segment and superimposed on the line segment displayed on the background image;
  The document information management support apparatus according to claim 2. The digital tag is stored in a storage unit with the identification name of the raster data attached,
When the background image corresponding to the specified identification name is displayed,
The digital tag and the line segment specified by the identification name are displayed in a different color or blinking corresponding to the digital counter information;
The document information management support apparatus according to claim 2. A data link setting unit that associates the information described in the table displayed on the foreground image with the digital tag based on the digital tag identification information;
The document information management support apparatus according to claim 1. A method of digitizing raster data in a document information management support device comprising at least an output device and an arithmetic control device, which converts raster data generated by scanning a document including a table and a figure into vector data,
The arithmetic and control unit is
Attaching an identification name to the raster data and storing it in a storage unit, and displaying the raster data as a background image on the output device;
Before SL issues a digital tag consisting of vector data in any shape that is adhered to the management want coordinate position on the graphic shown in the background image, and paste the digital tag to the graphic shown in the background image, the digital tag a step to store in the storage unit are denoted by the digital tag identification information for identification, for displaying the de Jitarutagu as the foreground image,
Copy the table of the raster data shown before Symbol background image table of said copy tables and table for input displayed side as the foreground image, the input with reference to the description information of a table to said copy enter obtains the input information is accepted, the steps you memorize in the memory unit are denoted by said digital tag identification information and the identification name to be performed to,
Electronic methods of raster data, characterized by the execution. A computerized program for causing the document information management support apparatus, which is a computer, to execute the raster data digitizing method according to claim 6 . Computer read-capable recording medium recording the program according to claim 7.

Images