JP6003290B2 - Output device, program, and recording medium - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an output device , a program, and a recording medium, and more particularly, to a technology for detecting an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) or a paper document placed on a document table, or a missing page.

  A general copying machine can continuously copy a plurality of sets of paper originals. For example, a plurality of sets of paper documents can be continuously copied by bundling a plurality of sets of paper documents and placing them on the ADF. Also, a plurality of sets of paper originals can be continuously copied by placing paper originals on the original table one page at a time.

  In any case, when a plurality of sets of paper originals are continuously copied, the user needs to pay attention to the handling of the paper originals placed on the ADF or the original table.

  For example, when a plurality of sets of paper originals are bundled and placed on the ADF, if the paper originals are mixed, the paper originals are copied in an incorrect page order. Therefore, a mismatch occurs between the original paper document in the correct page order and the printed matter that is copied.

  In addition, when a paper document is placed on the document table and copied one page at a time, when the user bundles and carries a plurality of sets of paper documents, the paper documents may be mixed. When copying in the page order as it is without noticing this, as in the case of copying using the ADF, there is a mismatch between the original paper document in the correct page order and the printed material that is copied. End up.

  Note that the above-mentioned inconsistency includes a typo in which the order of pages is disturbed during copying and a missing page in which some pages are dropped during copying.

  Then, it is troublesome for the user to rearrange the printed materials in which inconsistencies such as random or missing pages are arranged in the correct page order.

  As a solution to this problem, there is a copying machine that rearranges printed matter with inconsistencies in the correct page order by post-processing (for example, Patent Document 1). In this copying machine, the page number added to each page of the printed matter is recognized, so that it is determined whether the pages are copied in the correct page order.

JP 2010-215385 A

  However, with the technique described in Patent Document 1, even if rearrangement is performed in the correct page order by post-processing, it can be rearranged only in units of sheets. Therefore, when a plurality of pages are copied on the same sheet, such as double-sided copying or layout copying, there is a problem that if there is a mismatch such as a collation or a missing page, it cannot be rearranged in the correct page order later.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an output device , a program, and a recording medium that prevent inconsistencies such as random or missing pages when copying a paper document. .

(1) an index calculation unit that optically reads a paper document composed of a plurality of pages to be copied to generate read data, and calculates an index value that can identify each page constituting the read data; the index values calculated for the read data, and the index value which can identify each page constituting each electronic files in a plurality of electronic files stored in a predetermined storage device, the predetermined storage device on the basis of A search unit that performs a search from a plurality of electronic files stored in the document and estimates an electronic file having the largest number of pages with the same index value as the paper document as original data of the paper document; and the reading prior to output based on data, the with the read data is compared with the original data, based on whether the content and order of each page match, before with respect to the original data Output device having a detector that detects the inconsistency of the paper document.

(2) The search unit collates identification information for identifying a user instructing copying of the paper document with browsing history of a plurality of electronic files stored in the storage device, and The output device according to (1), wherein search is performed preferentially from electronic files that have been browsed.

(3) The index value is a hash value, and the search unit performs the search by comparing a hash value obtained from the read data with a hash value obtained from the plurality of electronic files. ) Or (2).

(4) The search unit compares the hash value of the head portion of each page constituting the read data with the hash value of the head portion of each page constituting each electronic file in the plurality of electronic files . The output device according to (3), wherein the search is performed.

(5) The output device according to any one of (1) to (4), further including a display unit that displays the original data when the detection unit detects an inconsistency of the paper document.

(6) When the inconsistency of the paper document is not detected by the detection unit, the detection unit further includes an output unit that outputs a printed material based on the read data. The output device according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein output based on the read data is not performed when inconsistency is detected.

(7) The detection unit performs the detection by comparing a size of a character included in each page configuring the read data with a size of a character included in each page configuring the original data. The output device according to any one of (1) to (6).

(8) The detection unit performs the detection by comparing a character font included in each page constituting the read data with a character font included in each page constituting the original data. The output device according to any one of (1) to ( 6 ).

(9) The detection unit performs the detection by comparing a page number assigned to each page constituting the read data with a page number assigned to each page constituting the original data. The output device according to any one of (1) to ( 6 ).

(10) an index calculating step for optically reading a paper document composed of a plurality of pages to be copied to generate read data, and calculating an index value for identifying each page constituting the read data; the index values calculated for the read data, and the index value which can identify each page constituting each electronic files in a plurality of electronic files stored in a predetermined storage device, the predetermined storage device on the basis of A search step of performing a search from a plurality of electronic files stored in the document to estimate an electronic file having the largest number of pages having the same index value as that of the paper document as the original data of the paper document; and the reading prior to output based on data, the with the read data is compared with the original data, based on whether the content and order of the pages are matched, the under Program for executing the steps of detecting a mismatch of the sheet original against data, to the computer.

(11) In the search step, the identification information for identifying the user instructing the copying of the paper document and the browsing history of a plurality of electronic files stored in the storage device are collated, and the user The program according to (10), wherein search is performed preferentially from electronic files that have been browsed.

(12) The index value is a hash value, and in the search step, the search is performed by comparing a hash value obtained from the read data with a hash value obtained from the plurality of electronic files. ) Or the program according to (11).

(13) In the search step, the hash value of the head portion of each page constituting the read data is compared with the hash value of the head portion of each page constituting each electronic file in the plurality of electronic files . The program according to (12), wherein the search is performed.

  (14) The display device according to any one of (10) to (13), further causing the computer to execute a display step of displaying the original data when the paper document inconsistency is detected in the detection step. Program.

  (15) If inconsistency of the paper document is not detected in the detection step, the computer further executes an output step of outputting a printed matter based on the read data. In the output step, the detection step includes The program according to any one of (10) to (14), wherein output based on the read data is not performed when inconsistency of a paper document is detected.

  (16) In the detection step, the size of characters included in each page constituting the read data is compared with the size of characters included in each page constituting the original data, and the detection is performed. (10) The program according to any one of (15).

(17) In the detection step, the character font included in each page configuring the read data is compared with the character font included in each page configuring the original data, and the detection is performed. The program according to any one of ( 10 ) to ( 15 ).

(18) In the detection step, the detection is performed by comparing a page number given to each page constituting the read data with a page number given to each page constituting the original data. (10) The program according to any one of ( 15 ).

  (19) A computer-readable recording medium storing the program according to any one of (10) to (18).

  According to the present invention, when a paper document placed on an ADF or a document table is optically read, the output of the paper document is detected before it is output based on the read data. As a result, it is possible to prevent inconsistencies such as random or missing pages when copying a paper document placed on the ADF or the document table.

  Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will be clarified by the following description of embodiments.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a copying system. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a management server and a copying machine. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating basic functional configurations of a management server and a copier. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining inconsistency of paper originals. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of manuscript data management operation executed by the management server. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a copying operation executed by the copying machine. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a comparative example of original data and read data of a paper document. It is a figure which shows the example of a screen for suggesting about the correct way of arranging a paper document. It is a figure for demonstrating the method to detect the mismatch of a paper document by a character size. It is a figure for demonstrating the method to detect the mismatch of a paper document by a font classification. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a method of detecting a mismatch of a paper document based on a page number.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted. In addition, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for convenience of explanation, and may be different from the actual ratios.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration diagram of a copying system 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the management server 400 and the copying machine 500 included in the copying system 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the basic functional configuration of the management server 400 and the copying machine 500. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining inconsistency of paper originals placed on the copying machine 500.

  The schematic configuration of the copying system 1 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the copying system 1 includes a client device 100, a mail server 200, a file server 300, a management server 400, and a copying machine 500. Each device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500) is connected to be communicable with each other via a computer network (hereinafter simply referred to as “network”).

  The client device 100 functions as a client device of at least one of the mail server 200, the file server 300, and the management server 400. For example, the client apparatus 100 is a mobile terminal such as a PC (Personal Computer) used by a user, a tablet PC, a smartphone, a mobile phone, or a PDA.

  The client device 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a main storage device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a secondary storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk), and the like (not shown). It is configured by a general computer device that includes a communication device such as a NIC (Network Interface Card), an input device such as a keyboard, a mouse, and an IC tag reader, and an output device such as a display.

  The client device 100 has an OS (Operating System) and various applications installed therein. For example, a document creation program for creating document data, a drawing program for drawing graphic data, an editing program for editing image data, and the like are installed. In addition, a mail transmission program for transmitting original data such as document data, graphic data, and image data attached to an electronic mail may be installed. In addition, an uploader for uploading document data to the file server 300 may be installed. In addition, a providing program that provides document data may be installed in the management server 400. The document data created by the client device 100 is an electronic file of one page or more.

  The mail server 200 functions as a general mail server that transmits and receives electronic mail using protocols such as Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), Post Office Protocol 3 (POP3), and Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP). For example, the mail server 200 transmits an e-mail attached with document data created by the client device 100. Of course, an e-mail addressed to the client apparatus 100 can also be received. The mail server 200 accumulates document data attached to transmitted / received e-mails and provides it to the management server 400.

  The mail server 200 as described above includes a CPU, a main storage device such as a RAM, a secondary storage device such as a ROM and an HDD, a communication device such as a NIC, and an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse. And an output device such as a display.

  The file server 300 is installed in order to share document data created by the client apparatus 100 among the apparatuses in the copying system 1. For example, the file server 300 is a general file server that realizes file sharing by a protocol such as NFS (Network File System), SMB (Server Message Block), and CIFS (Common Internet File System).

  The file server 300 described above includes a CPU, a main storage device such as a RAM, a secondary storage device such as a ROM and an HDD, a communication device such as a NIC, and an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse. And an output device such as a display. Further, the file server 300 may be a dedicated machine specialized for a file server function such as network attached storage.

  The management server 400 manages the document data created by the client device 100.

  For example, the management server 400 includes a CPU 401, a HDD 402, a RAM 403, a ROM 404, and a NIC 405 as shown in FIG. The CPU 401, HDD 402, RAM 403, ROM 404, and NIC 405 are connected to each other via a bus.

  The CPU 401 is a control circuit configured by a multi-core processor or the like that executes control of each unit and various arithmetic processes according to a program.

  The HDD 402 is a large-capacity nonvolatile storage device that stores various programs including various applications, printer drivers, and operating systems, and various data.

  The RAM 403 is a high-speed and volatile storage device that temporarily stores programs and data as a work area.

  The ROM 404 is a small-capacity nonvolatile memory that stores various programs and various data.

  The NIC 405 is an interface unit for communicating with the client device 100, the mail server 200, the file server 300, the copier 500, and the like via the network, and adds a communication function to the management server 400.

  Each function of the management server 400 as described above is realized by the CPU 401 reading the corresponding program from the HDD 402 or ROM 404 to the RAM 403 and executing it.

  For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the management server 400 functions as an acquisition unit 41 that acquires document data from at least one of the client device 100, the mail server 200, and the file server 300.

  The management server 400 also functions as an index calculation unit 42 that calculates a value (hereinafter referred to as an “index value”) that serves as an index for each page constituting the document data and provides it in response to a request from the copier 500. To do.

  The copying machine 500 is a device for copying a paper document placed on an ADF or a document table. For example, the copying machine 500 can copy a printed matter (paper document) having original data created by the client device 100 as original data. Here, the copying operation includes an operation of optically reading a paper document to generate read data and an operation of performing output (printing) based on the generated read data.

  Of course, the copying machine 500 only needs to have at least a copying function, and may also be an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) having a facsimile function or the like.

  The copier 500 includes a controller 510, a print engine 520, an image reading mechanism 530, and an input / output device 540, as shown in FIG.

  The controller 510 controls each part of the copier 500 in an integrated manner. For example, the controller 510 optically reads a paper document by controlling the image reading mechanism 530, converts the read data into data that can be printed by the print engine 520, and outputs the data to the print engine 520.

  The controller 510 includes a CPU 501, an HDD 502, a RAM 503, a ROM 504, a NIC 505, and a video interface 506, as shown in FIG. The CPU 501, HDD 502, RAM 503, ROM 504, NIC 505, and video interface 506 are connected to each other via a bus.

  The CPU 501 is a control circuit configured by a multi-core processor or the like that executes control of each unit and various arithmetic processes according to a program.

  The HDD 502 is a large-capacity nonvolatile storage device that stores various programs for controlling the copying machine 500 and various data. The program stored in the HDD 502 detects inconsistencies with a program for copying a paper document, or original data (original data created by the client device 100) of a paper document placed on an ADF or a document table. Program and the like.

  The RAM 503 is a high-speed and volatile storage device that temporarily stores programs and data as a work area.

  The ROM 504 is a small-capacity nonvolatile memory that stores various programs and various data.

  The NIC 505 is an interface unit for communicating with the management server 400 via a network, and adds a communication function to the controller 510.

  The video interface 506 is a dedicated interface (VIF: Video Interface) for communicating with the print engine 520, and transfers raster data to be printed to the print engine 520. RS-232 (Recommended Standard 232) C, IEEE (Institut of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) 1394, USB (Universal Serial Bus, etc.) interface, IEEE1284, etc. It is also possible to apply as appropriate.

  Each function of the controller 510 as described above is realized by the CPU 501 reading the corresponding program from the HDD 502 or ROM 504 to the RAM 503 and executing it.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the controller 510 functions as a reading control unit 51 that controls an image reading mechanism 530 described later. When functioning as the reading control unit 51, the controller 510 performs A / D conversion on the electrical signal output from the image reading mechanism 530 and generates read data (digital data) of the paper document.

  The controller 510 also functions as a recognition unit 52 that recognizes content included in a paper document. When functioning as the recognition unit 52, for example, the controller 510 recognizes a specific feature (for example, text feature) included in the read data generated by the read control unit 51, and expresses the content included in the paper document. As data, it is converted into recognition data of a predetermined format (for example, text information such as a character code).

  In addition, the controller 510 functions as an index calculation unit 53 that calculates a value (index value) that serves as an index for each page constituting the read data, using the recognition data generated by the recognition unit 52.

  Further, the controller 510 functions as a comparison unit 54 that compares the original data (original data created by the client apparatus 100) and the read data. With this function, it is possible to detect inconsistencies in the paper document set on the ADF or the document table with reference to the original data. When functioning as the original data comparison unit 54, the controller 510 searches the original data of the paper document from the electronic files stored in the management server 400. When the original data is specified, the controller 510 compares the index value of the original data calculated by the index calculation unit 42 with the index value of the read data calculated by the index calculation unit 54. At this time, the controller 510 determines that the original data and the read data are inconsistent if the contents and order of the pages do not match.

  It should be noted that inconsistencies in the paper manuscript include paper manuscripts or missing pages. For example, FIG. 4 shows an example in the case where the paper document A and the paper document B are corrupted. In the illustrated example, a three-page paper original A and a three-page paper original B are bundled and placed on the ADF, and the paper original B is placed between the first and second pages of the paper original A. The first page of is inserted. Prior to the output (printing) of the read data on the paper originals A and B, the controller 510 corrects the inconsistencies of the paper originals so that the paper originals A and B are not copied in the state where the typographical errors as illustrated are generated. To detect.

  Further, when it is determined that the paper document is inconsistent, the controller 510 functions as a warning notification unit 56 that warns the user to that effect. When functioning as the warning notification unit 56, the controller 510 causes the liquid crystal touch panel of the input / output device 540 to display a warning message indicating that the paper document is inconsistent. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and a warning may be notified to the user by voice or lighting of a warning lamp.

  Also, the controller 510 functions as the print control unit 55 that executes output based on the read data when it is determined that the paper document is not inconsistent. When functioning as the print control unit 55, the controller 510 converts the read data into data in a format printable by the print engine 530 and outputs the data to the print engine 530.

  The print engine 520 prints the data output from the controller 510. For example, the print engine 520 includes a cartridge filled with toner, a photosensitive drum, a laser beam irradiation mechanism, a paper feeding mechanism, a paper supply / discharge mechanism, and the like, and performs printing by transferring the toner to a printing medium such as printing paper. This is a laser unit. Of course, other methods such as an ink jet method may be used.

  The image reading mechanism 530 includes a carriage mounted with a light source and an image sensor below the document table, and controls the reciprocation of the carriage by driving the carriage drive motor to optically control the paper document placed on the document table. Read on. The image sensor includes a plurality of sensor chips arranged in the main scanning direction, and includes a CIS (Contact Image Sensor), a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor, and the like. Each sensor chip includes a photoelectric conversion element (photodiode), a shift gate, and a shift register. The charge accumulated in the photoelectric conversion element is transferred to the shift register when the shift gate is opened, converted into an electric signal, and output to the controller 510. When reading is performed while a paper document is conveyed by the ADF, the carriage is fixed at a predetermined position below the image reading window. Although not shown, it is assumed that the image reading mechanism 530 and the controller 510 are connected via a general connection interface.

  The input / output device 540 includes a liquid crystal touch panel and a keyboard, and is configured to display a progress status of copying processing and an error occurrence status and to allow various operations (inputs). For example, a liquid crystal touch panel serves as both an output device for presenting settings to a user and an input device for acquiring user instructions. The keyboard has a plurality of keys such as a numeric keypad for specifying the number of copies, an alphabet key for inputting user identification information (ID), a start key for instructing start of operation, and a stop key for instructing stop of operation. ing. Although not shown, it is assumed that the input / output device 540 and the controller 510 are connected via a general connection interface.

  Note that the client device 100, the mail server 200, the file server 300, the management server 400, and the multi-function device 500 may include components other than the above-described components, or include some of the above-described components. It does not have to be.

  Further, in the example of FIG. 1, only one client device 100 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the copying system 1 may include a plurality of client devices 100. Similarly, the copying system 1 may include a plurality of mail servers 200, a plurality of file servers 300, a plurality of management servers 400, and a plurality of copying machines 500.

  Next, the operation of the copying system 1 will be described.

  As described above, the client device 100, the mail server 200, and the file server 300 each hold an electronic file made up of document data. The management server 400 grasps and manages document data held in the client apparatus 100, the mail server 200, and the file server 300 as pre-processing for copying in the copying machine 500.

  Hereinafter, an operation of managing document data in the management server 400 (hereinafter referred to as “document data management operation”) will be described.

<Original data management operation>
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of document data management operation. For example, the management server 400 starts this flowchart at the timing when the power is turned on.

  When this flowchart is started, as shown in FIG. 5, the management server 400 accesses the client device 100, the mail server 200, and the file server 300, and the document held in each device (100, 200, 300). It is determined whether or not the data is updated (step S600). For example, in the process of S600, the management server 400 can check the difference between the document data that was grasped when the device (100, 200, 300) was accessed last time and the document data that was grasped by accessing this time. That's fine. Of course, the management server 400 also determines that the document data has been updated when document data is newly added to any of the devices (100, 200, 300). Further, when the document data is deleted from any of the apparatuses (100, 200, 300), it is determined that the document data is updated.

  The management server 400 waits until the document data held in each device (100, 200, 300) is updated by repeating the determination process in step S600 (step S600: No). On the other hand, when the document data held in each device (100, 200, 300) is updated (step S600: Yes), the management server 400 advances the process to step S601.

  The management server 400 functions as the acquisition unit 41 described above, and acquires updated document data (step S601).

  Subsequently, the management server 400 functions as the index calculation unit 42 described above, and calculates an index value of each page constituting the document data acquired in step S601 (step S602). For example, the management server 400 may calculate a hash value corresponding to the text included in each page as the index value for each page. Of course, the data need not be limited to the hash value as long as the data can identify each page constituting the document data. In addition, it is not necessary to calculate hash values corresponding to all texts included in each page, and in order to reduce the amount of information, only hash values corresponding to at least one of the texts at the beginning and end of each page are calculated. It may be.

  Then, the management server 400 associates the document data acquired in step S601 with the index value calculated in step 602 and stores it in a predetermined storage device (for example, the HDD 402) (step S603).

  Thereafter, the management server 400 ends the document data management operation.

  By executing the above document data management operation in the management server 400, the document data held in each device (100, 200, 300) can be collected and stored in the management server 400. At the same time, the management server 400 can calculate an index value for each page constituting the collected document data. As a result, the management server 400 can provide an index value of document data at any time in response to a request from the copying machine 500.

  Next, a copying operation in the copying machine 500 will be described.

<Copying operation>
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the copying operation executed by the copying machine 500. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a comparative example of original data and read data of a paper document.

  Note that the controller 510 of the copier 500 starts this flowchart when the power is turned on, for example.

  When this flowchart is started, as shown in FIG. 6, the controller 510 determines whether or not there is an instruction to start copying via the input / output device 540 (step S700).

  The controller 510 waits until there is an instruction to start copying by repeating the determination process in step S700 (step S700: No). Then, when there is an instruction to start copying (step S700: Yes), the controller 510 advances the process to step S701.

  The controller 510 functions as the comparison unit 54 described above, and acquires index values obtained based on all document data managed by the management server 400 (step S701). For example, in step S701, the controller 510 may request an index value from the management server 400 and receive the index value provided from the management server 400 in response to the request.

  Next, the controller 510 functions as the reading control unit 51 and controls the image reading mechanism 530 to read one page of the paper document placed on the ADF or the document table (step S702). For example, the controller 510 outputs a shift pulse to the image reading mechanism 530, A / D-converts the electrical signal output from the shift register of the image reading mechanism 530 at that timing, and outputs digital data, that is, one line worth. Generate read data. By repeating such control, the controller 510 can generate read data for one page. Note that the read data generated in step S702 is, for example, RGB data.

  Subsequently, the controller 510 functions as the recognition unit 52, recognizes a specific feature included in the read data generated in step S702, and converts it into recognition data in a predetermined format as data representing the content included in the paper document. (Step S703). For example, in step S703, the controller 510 functions in the same manner as a general OCR (Optical Character Reader), and may convert the text included in the read data generated in step S702 into a character code.

  Next, the controller 510 functions as the index calculation unit 53 and calculates an index value for the read data for one page generated in step S702 using the recognition data generated in step S703 (step S704). For example, in step S704, the controller 510 calculates a hash value serving as an index value by inputting the character code generated in step S703 to a hash function prepared in advance. Of course, it is not necessary to limit to the hash value as long as each page constituting the read data can be identified. In addition, it is not necessary to calculate hash values corresponding to all texts in the page, and in order to reduce the amount of information, only hash values corresponding to at least one of the first and last texts in the page are calculated. Also good. For example, as in the example shown on the left side of FIG. 7, the controller 510 calculates the hash value “1a” from the text “Irohani” at the beginning of the read data for the first page of the paper document. When calculating for other pages, the hash value “0c” is calculated from the text at the top of the read data for the second page, and the hash value “92” is calculated from the text at the top of the read data for the third page. Is calculated.

  Subsequently, the controller 510 functions as the comparison unit 54, and compares the index value of the read data calculated in step S704 with the index value of the document data acquired in step S701 (step S705). At this time, if the compared index values match, controller 510 determines that both corresponding pages are the same. In the example shown in FIG. 7, since the hash value of the first text of the read data for the first page of the paper document is “1a”, the first page of the paper document is the first page of the document data A and the document. It is determined that it is the same as the second page of data C. Similarly, when determining other pages, the second page of the paper document is determined to be the same as the first page of the original data B, and the third page of the paper original is the second page of the original data A. It is determined that the eye is identical.

  After the process of step S705 is completed, the controller 510 determines whether or not the processes of steps S702 to S705 have been completed for all pages of the paper document placed on the ADF or the document table (step S706).

  The controller 510 repeatedly performs the processes of steps S702 to 705 until the processes of steps S702 to 705 are completed for all pages of the paper document (step S706: No). Thus, the controller 510 can generate read data for all pages of the paper document and check which page of the document data is the same. If the controller 510 determines that the processing in steps S702 to 705 has been completed for all pages of the paper document (step S706: Yes), the controller 510 advances the processing to step S707.

  Next, the controller 510 functions as the comparison unit 54, and retrieves original data of the paper document placed on the ADF or the document table from the electronic file (that is, the document data) stored in the management server 400 (step). S707). Here, based on the comparison result in step S705, the controller 510 identifies the document data having the most pages in common with the read data generated in step S702 as the original data. In the example shown in FIG. 7, there are two common pages in the read data and the document data A. In the read data and the document data B, there is only one common page. Similarly, the read data and the document data C have only one common page. Therefore, the controller 510 specifies the document data A having the largest number of pages in common with the read data as the original data.

  Next, the controller 510 directly functions as the comparison unit 54, and determines the consistency between the original data of the paper document placed on the ADF or the document table and the read data generated in step S702 (step S708). ). Specifically, in step S708, the controller 510 checks whether or not the content and order of each page match the original data specified in step S707 and the read data generated in step S702. In the example shown in FIG. 7, the content and order of the read data for the first page of the paper document shown on the left side of the paper and the first page of the original data (that is, the original data A) shown on the right side of the paper are the same. To do. However, the read data for the second page of the paper document does not match the second page of the original data. Similarly, the read data for the third page of the paper document and the third page of the original data are also one. I have not done it. Therefore, the controller 510 determines that the read data and the original data are inconsistent in the example shown in FIG.

  When the controller 510 determines that the read data and the original data are inconsistent (step S708: No), if the output based on the read data is executed, there is a high possibility that the output printed matter will be corrupted or missing. This is warned to the user (step S710). For example, in step S710, the controller 510 functions as the warning notification unit 56 and outputs a warning message to the effect that the paper document is inconsistent on the liquid crystal touch panel or the like of the input / output device 540 without performing output based on the read data. Display. Thereafter, the controller 510 ends the copying operation.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S708 that the read data and the original data match (step S708: Yes), the controller 510 performs output based on the read data generated in step S702 (step S709). Specifically, the controller 510 functions as the print control unit 55, converts the read data into data in a format that can be printed by the print engine 530, and outputs the data to the print engine 530. Thereafter, the controller 510 ends the copying operation.

  By executing the above copying operation by the controller 510 of the copying machine 500, it is possible to warn the user prior to the output of copying when there is a possibility of inconsistencies such as erratic or missing pages when copying a paper document.

  Each processing unit in each flowchart described above is divided according to main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the copying system 1. The invention of the present application is not limited by the method of classification of the processing steps and the names thereof. The processing performed in the copying system 1 can be divided into more processing steps. One processing step may execute more processes.

  Moreover, said embodiment intends to illustrate the summary of this invention, and does not limit this invention. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  For example, in the above embodiment, if there is a possibility that inconsistencies such as irregular or missing pages occur during copying, a warning message indicating that there is an inconsistency in the ADF or the paper document placed on the document table is displayed. Let

  However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the user may be advised of the correct page order of the paper document to be placed on the ADF or the document table together with a warning to the user.

  For example, in the example shown in FIG. 7, the first page of a paper document and the first page of the original data (original data A) match in both content and order. It is determined that the read data on the first page is correct. In addition, the read data on the second page of the paper document and the second page of the original data do not match, and the read data on the third page of the paper document and the second page of the original data match. . Therefore, the controller 510 determines that the page read as the third page of the paper document should actually be placed on the second page, and suggests that to the user. Along with this, it is suggested to the user that the third page of the original data should actually be placed on the third page of the paper document. Also, the read data for the second page of the paper document matches the first page of document data B different from the original data. Therefore, the controller 510 suggests to the user that the first page of the document data B should actually be placed on the fourth page.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a screen for suggesting how to properly arrange paper originals. As shown in FIG. 8, the controller 510 sets the correct page order to be placed on the ADF or on the platen with a message “Is there a missing page in the document? Isn't the following order correct?” Represents a rearranged paper document.

  In the above embodiment, the paper document read data is compared with the document data managed by the management server 400 with reference to the index value for each page, and inconsistencies such as a paper document irregularity or a missing page are detected. Detected. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the character size of the read data and the document data may be further referred to in order to improve the accuracy of detecting the mismatch of the paper document.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a method of detecting inconsistency of a paper document based on a character size.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the controller 510 obtains the ratio of the character size used for each page of the read data of the paper document. Then, the controller 510 determines that the pages having similar obtained ratio distributions are pages belonging to the same original data. Contrary to this, it is determined that a page whose distribution of the obtained ratio is not similar to other page groups is not a page belonging to the same original data. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 9, the proportion distribution of the character size used is similar for the first, third, and fourth pages of the paper document, but the second page is similar to the other pages. Not similar to page. For this reason, the controller 510 can determine that the first page of the document data A is mixed with the first page of the other document data B, resulting in disorder.

  The controller 510 may comprehensively determine whether there is a mismatch in the paper document based on the detection result of the mismatch due to the character size and the mismatch detection result according to the above embodiment.

  Further, in order to increase the accuracy of detecting the mismatch of the paper document, the font types of the read data and the document data may be further referred to.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a method of detecting inconsistency of a paper document based on the font type.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the controller 510 obtains the ratio of the font type used for each page of the read data of the paper document. Then, the controller 510 determines that the pages having similar obtained ratio distributions are pages belonging to the same original data. Contrary to this, it is determined that a page whose distribution of the obtained ratio is not similar to other page groups is not a page belonging to the same original data. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 10, the ratio distribution of the font types used is similar for the first, third, and fourth pages of the paper document, but the second page is different from the other. Not similar to page. For this reason, the controller 510 can determine that the first page of the document data A is mixed with the first page of the other document data B, resulting in disorder.

  The controller 510 may comprehensively determine whether there is a mismatch in the paper document based on the detection result of mismatch according to the font type and the mismatch detection result according to the above embodiment. In addition, the controller 510 comprehensively has a mismatch in the paper document based on the detection result of mismatch by character size, the detection result of mismatch by font type, and the detection result of mismatch by the above embodiment. You may judge whether or not.

  Further, in order to improve the accuracy of detecting the mismatch of the paper originals, the page numbers assigned to the read data and the original data may be further referred to.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a method of detecting inconsistencies in a paper document based on page numbers.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the controller 510 specifies the page number assigned to each page of the read data of the paper document in the scan order. Then, if the scan order and the page number attached to the read data match, the controller 510 determines that there is no inconsistency such as random or missing pages. On the other hand, if the scan order does not match the page number assigned to the read data, the page number assigned to the second page in the scan order is “1”. It can be determined that an inconsistency has occurred.

  The controller 510 may comprehensively determine whether or not there is a mismatch in the paper document based on the detection result of the mismatch due to the page number and the mismatch detection result according to the above embodiment. Further, the controller 510 comprehensively has a mismatch in the paper document based on the mismatch detection result based on the character size, the mismatch detection result based on the page number, and the mismatch detection result according to the above embodiment. You may judge whether or not. Further, the controller 510 is based on the detection result of mismatch by character size, the detection result of mismatch by font type, the detection result of mismatch by page number, and the detection result of mismatch by the above embodiment. In general, it may be determined whether or not the paper document is inconsistent.

  In the above embodiment, the copying operation shown in FIG. 6 is started at the timing when the power of the copying machine 500 is turned on. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the copying operation may be started at the timing when the user ID is input to the input / output device 540 of the copying machine 500.

In the above embodiment, in step S707, the controller 510 searches the original data of the paper document placed on the ADF or the document table from all electronic files (document data) stored in the management server 400. ing. However, it takes time to search all electronic files stored in the management server 400. Therefore, the search target may be narrowed in order to shorten the search time of the original data. For example, the search target may be limited to an electronic file that has been browsed by a user operating with the copier 500. In this case, the controller 510 compares the user ID (identification information) input to the copier 500 with the electronic file browsing history stored in the management server 400 and operates the copier 500. the user is preferentially retrieved from the electronic file that may have viewed.

  In the above-described embodiment, the processing after the warning message indicating that the paper document is inconsistent in step S710 is not particularly mentioned. However, after displaying the warning message, the controller 510 may resume copying after waiting for the paper document to be reset on the ADF or the document table.

  In the above embodiment, the controller 510 obtains only the index value from the management server 400 in step S701. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and document data stored in the management server 400 may be acquired and held in the copying machine 500. Further, the controller 510 may acquire document data not only from the management server 400 but also from at least one of the client device 100, the mail server 200, and the file server 300.

  The configuration of the copying system 1 described above is the main configuration in describing the features of each of the above embodiments, and is not limited to the above configuration. Further, the configuration of the general client device 100, mail server 200, file server 300, management server 400, and copier 500 is not excluded.

  In addition, each functional configuration of the above-described copying system 1 is classified according to main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of each functional configuration. The present invention is not limited by the way of classification and names of the constituent elements. Each functional configuration can be classified into more components according to the processing content. Moreover, it can also classify | categorize so that one component may perform more processes.

  The program for operating the management server 400 and the copier 500 may be provided by a computer-readable recording medium such as a USB memory, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, or a CD-ROM, or via a network such as the Internet. May be provided online. In this case, the program recorded on the computer-readable recording medium is usually transferred and stored in a ROM, HDD, or the like. Further, this program may be provided as, for example, a single application software, or may be incorporated in the software of the apparatus as one function of the management server 400 and the copying machine 500.

  The processing of each component described above can also be realized by a dedicated hardware circuit. In this case, it may be executed by one hardware or a plurality of hardware.

1 Copy system,
41 acquisition unit,
42 Index calculation unit (management server),
51 reading controller,
52 recognition unit,
53 Index calculation unit (copier),
54 comparison section,
55 print controller,
56 Warning notification part,
100 client devices,
200 mail server,
300 file server,
400 management server,
500 copiers,
510 controller,
520 print engine,
530 image reading mechanism;
540 Input / output device.

Claims (19)

An index calculation unit that optically reads a paper document composed of a plurality of pages to be copied to generate read data, and calculates an index value that can identify each page constituting the read data;
The index value calculated for the read data, and the index value which can identify each page constituting each electronic files in a plurality of electronic files stored in a predetermined storage device, the predetermined storage based on A search unit that performs a search from a plurality of electronic files stored in the apparatus and estimates an electronic file having the largest number of pages with the same index value as the paper document as original data of the paper document;
Prior to output based on the read data, the read data is compared with the original data, and detection is performed to detect inconsistency of the paper document with respect to the original data based on whether the content and order of each page match. An output device.   The search unit collates identification information for identifying a user instructing copying of the paper document and browsing history of a plurality of electronic files stored in the storage device, and the user browses the identification information. The output device according to claim 1, wherein search is performed preferentially from a certain electronic file.   The index value is a hash value, and the search unit performs the search by comparing a hash value obtained from the read data with a hash value obtained from the plurality of electronic files. The output device described. The search unit compares the hash value of the head portion of each page constituting the read data with the hash value of the head portion of each page constituting each electronic file in the plurality of electronic files , and performs the search. The output device according to claim 3 which performs.   The output device according to claim 1, further comprising: a display unit that displays the original data when the detection unit detects an inconsistency of the paper document. When the detection unit does not detect inconsistency of the paper document, it further includes an output unit that outputs a printed material based on the read data;
The output device according to claim 1, wherein the output unit does not perform output based on the read data when an inconsistency of the paper document is detected by the detection unit.   The detection unit performs the detection by comparing a size of a character included in each page constituting the read data with a size of a character included in each page constituting the original data. The output device according to any one of 6. The detection unit performs the detection by comparing a font of characters included in each page configuring the read data with a font of characters included in each page configuring the original data. The output device according to any one of 6 . The detection unit performs the detection by comparing a page number assigned to each page constituting the read data with a page number assigned to each page constituting the original data. The output device according to any one of 6 . An index calculating step for optically reading a paper document composed of a plurality of pages to be copied to generate read data, and calculating an index value that can identify each page constituting the read data;
The index value calculated for the read data, and the index value which can identify each page constituting each electronic files in a plurality of electronic files stored in a predetermined storage device, the predetermined storage based on A search step of performing a search from a plurality of electronic files stored in the apparatus and estimating an electronic file having the largest number of pages having the same index value as the paper document as original data of the paper document;
Prior to output based on the read data, the read data is compared with the original data, and detection is performed to detect inconsistency of the paper document with respect to the original data based on whether the content and order of each page match. A program that causes a computer to execute steps.   In the search step, the identification information for identifying the user who gives an instruction to copy the paper document is compared with the browsing history of the plurality of electronic files stored in the storage device, and the user browses the identification information. The program according to claim 10, wherein search is performed preferentially from a certain electronic file.   The index value is a hash value, and in the search step, the search is performed by comparing a hash value obtained from the read data with a hash value obtained from the plurality of electronic files. The listed program. The search step compares the hash value of the head portion of each page constituting the read data with the hash value of the head portion of each page constituting each electronic file in the plurality of electronic files , and performs the search. The program according to claim 12 for performing.   The program according to any one of claims 10 to 13, further causing the computer to execute a display step of displaying the original data when the paper document inconsistency is detected in the detection step. If inconsistency of the paper document is not detected in the detection step, the computer further executes an output step of outputting a printed matter based on the read data,
The program according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein, in the output step, output based on the read data is not performed when inconsistency of the paper document is detected in the detection step.   The detection is performed by comparing the size of characters included in each page constituting the read data with the size of characters included in each page constituting the original data. 15. The program according to any one of 15. The detection is performed by comparing the character font included in each page constituting the read data with the character font included in each page constituting the original data. 15. The program according to any one of 15 . The detection step performs the detection by comparing a page number assigned to each page constituting the read data with a page number assigned to each page constituting the original data. 15. The program according to any one of 15 .   The computer-readable recording medium which memorize | stored the program of any one of Claims 10-18.

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