JP6919179B2 - Systems, server devices and programs - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to systems, processing devices, server devices and programs.

For example, Patent Document 1 includes a means for assigning an image of an identification code for identifying a transaction and a document type when creating a transaction document, a means for decoding the identification code when scanning the transaction document, and a means for recognizing the transaction and the document type. The technology of the transaction document management system equipped with a means to automatically link to the data input screen of the next stage processing related to the same transaction based on the recognized transaction and the document type and set the data of the corresponding item that has already been input. It is disclosed.

JP-A-2007-026110

By the way, when a document recipient receives a paper document containing a data part such as a number, conventionally, the data part is manually input from the paper document into electronic information, or OCR (optical character recognition) is used, for example. The data part was converted into electronic information. However, if the data part of a paper document is extracted directly from the paper document, the data part of the paper document can be accurately converted into electronic information, for example, depending on human error by the document recipient or the reading accuracy of the device. Was not possible in some cases.

An object of the present invention is to accurately exchange the data part of a document between a document sender and a document recipient as compared with the case where the data part of the document is directly extracted from the document.

The invention according to claim 1 is a reception means that accepts the creation of an electronic document in which a data portion composed of at least one of a number and a character is electronically input on the sender side, and the reception means on the sender side. From the received electronic document, a document image for printing the electronic document, a creation means for creating document information corresponding to the data portion, and the document image created by the creation means on the sender side. A means for transmitting the document information to the server device and identification information for uniquely identifying the received document image and the document information are given by the server device, and the document image and the document information are stored. The server device stores the document image and the identification information image corresponding to the document image on the storage means, the means for creating the identification information image corresponding to the identification information on the server device, and the recipient side. The means for receiving from the document, the printing means for printing the document image in which the identification information image is added to the received document image on the recipient side as a printed document, and the printing means for printing the printed document on the recipient side. A reading means for reading the identification information image, a means for transmitting the identification information image read by the recipient side to the server device, and the document information corresponding to the identification information image received by the server device. It is a system including means for searching and transmitting the document information to the recipient side.
In the invention according to claim 2, when the printing means prints the printed document based on the electronic document, the identification information image is printed on the printed document based on the electronic document to be printed thereafter. The system according to claim 1, wherein the image is not printed.
The invention according to claim 3 is the system according to claim 1, wherein the identification information image is provided on the first page of the printed document when the printed document is composed of a plurality of pages.
The invention according to claim 4 is the system according to claim 1, further comprising a post-processing device that performs predetermined processing using the received document information on the recipient side.
Invention according to claim 5, in the server apparatus, acquires information about the format data format the post-processing device handled, means for creating the document information in a predetermined data format based on the format information The system according to claim 4.
The invention according to claim 6 is the fourth aspect of the present invention, wherein the reading means reads the type information regarding the type of the printed document from the printed document, and causes the post-processing device corresponding to the type information to receive the document information. The system described.
The invention according to claim 7 corresponds to a document image for printing the electronic document , which is created from an electronic document in which a data portion composed of at least one of a number and a character is electronically input, and the data portion. and document information, and means for receiving from the sender side, as well as impart identification information for uniquely identifying the document image and the document information received, storage means for storing the document image and the document information, wherein A means for creating an identification information image corresponding to the identification information, a means for transmitting the document image and the identification information image corresponding to the document image to the recipient side, and a means for receiving the document image on the recipient side. The document image to which the identification information image is added is printed as a printed document, and the identification information image read from the printed printed document is received from the recipient side and the received identification information image. A server device including means for retrieving the corresponding document information and transmitting the document information to the recipient side.
The invention according to claim 8 is a document for printing an electronic document created from an electronic document in which a data portion composed of at least one of a number and a character is electronically input to a computer functioning as a server device. image and the the document information corresponding to the data portion, and a function of receiving from the sender side, as well as impart identification information to uniquely identify the document image and the document information received, the document image and the document information A function of storing the data, a function of creating an identification information image corresponding to the identification information, a function of transmitting the document image and the identification information image corresponding to the document image to the recipient side, and a function of transmitting the identification information image to the recipient side. A function of printing the document image in which the identification information image is added to the document image as a printed document and receiving the identification information image read from the printed printed document from the recipient side. This is a program for realizing a function of searching for the document information corresponding to the received identification information image and transmitting the document information to the recipient side.

According to the inventions of claims 1, 7 and 8, the exchange of the data part of the document between the document sender and the document recipient is more accurate than in the case of extracting the data part of the document directly from the document. It will be possible to do.
According to the invention of claim 2, it is possible to suppress unlimited transmission of document information corresponding to the data portion.
According to the invention of claim 3, for example, the operation of reading the identification information image by the recipient becomes easier as compared with the case where the identification information image is provided on different pages for different documents.
According to the invention of claim 4, the document information corresponding to the data portion of the document can be automatically input to the post-processing device.
According to the invention of claim 5, it is possible to automatically create the document information corresponding to the data portion of the document in the data format handled by the post-processing apparatus.
According to the invention of claim 6, the document information corresponding to the data portion of the document can be automatically input to the post-processing device corresponding to the type of the document.

It is a figure which shows the configuration example of the document transmission / reception system of Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the hardware configuration example of the terminal apparatus, management server and post-processing apparatus of Embodiment 1. It is a figure which showed the hardware configuration example of the 1st image processing apparatus and the 2nd image processing apparatus of Embodiment 1. (A) to (d) are diagrams showing an example of a paper-printed document and information according to the first embodiment. It is a functional block diagram of the 1st image processing apparatus of Embodiment 1. FIG. (A) and (b) are diagrams of an example of a document sending screen of the first embodiment. It is a functional block diagram of the management server of Embodiment 1. It is a functional block diagram of the 2nd image processing apparatus of Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a sequence diagram when a sender sends a document file to a management server. It is a sequence diagram when a recipient reads a paper print document. It is a flow chart when the recipient acquires the document information from the management server. It is a sequence diagram of the document transmission / reception system of Embodiment 2. It is a figure which shows the configuration example of the document transmission / reception system of Embodiment 3. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram when the recipient reads a paper printed document in the third embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
<Embodiment 1>
〔System configuration〕
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the document transmission / reception system 1 of the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, the document transmission / reception system 1 of the first embodiment includes a terminal device 10, a first image processing device 20, a management server 30, a second image processing device 40, and a post-processing device 50. doing. The terminal device 10, the first image processing device 20, the management server 30, the second image processing device 40, and the post-processing device 50 are data-connected directly or via a network.
Although not shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of second image processing devices 40 are provided. Further, a post-processing device 50 is connected to each second image processing device 40 with data.

Then, in the document transmission / reception system 1 of the first embodiment, the sender transmits a document from the first image processing device 20 to the second image processing device 40 via the terminal device 10. Specifically, first, the sender creates a document using the terminal device 10. The created document is transmitted from the first image processing device 20 to the second image processing device 40 via the management server 30. Then, the document is printed as paper by the second image processing device 40 and received by the recipient.

As described above, in the document transmission / reception system 1 of the first embodiment, the first image processing device 20 functions like a mailbox in which the sender posts mail, and the second image processing device 40 serves as a mailbox in which the recipient receives mail. Make it work. The document transmission / reception system 1 realizes an electronic postal service (hereinafter referred to as this service) in which a document is sent / received via a plurality of image processing devices. Further, in this service, the recipient can receive the document in any of the second image processing devices 40 among the plurality of second image processing devices 40 installed in every place.

Further, the document transmission and reception system 1 of the first embodiment, based on the paper printed document the recipient has received, the recipient of the document information of the paper printed document is realized electronically acquire service. Further, in the document transmission / reception system 1 of the first embodiment, the acquired document information is automatically input to the post-processing device 50.
In the first embodiment, the second image processing device 40 functions as an example of the printing means (processing device) and the acquiring means (acquiring unit), and the management server 30 functions as an example of the storage means and the transmitting means. Further, the first image processing device 20 functions as an example of another printing device.

Further, in the first embodiment, the document means a document in which information that can be recognized by human perception such as characters, codes, and images is described. In addition, document delivery includes what would be a letter when printed on paper. Here, a letter is a document that displays the intention of the sender or notifies the fact to a specific recipient.
Examples of the correspondence include a letter, an invoice, a seal certificate, a copy of a resident's card, and a direct mail in which the recipient's name is written on the document itself. In addition, examples of documents other than letters include catalogs and direct mails in which the recipient's name is not described in the document itself.

The first image processing device 20 and the second image processing device 40 have the same basic configuration. In the following description, the first image processing device 20 is a device used by the sender when sending a document (hereinafter, referred to as a sender-side device). On the other hand, the second image processing device 40 is a device used by the recipient when receiving the document (hereinafter, referred to as a recipient-side device).
Here, the second image processing device 40 may be the sender-side device, and the first image processing device 20 may be the recipient-side device. However, if the first image processing device 20 and the second image processing device 40 are described as a sender-side device and a recipient-side device, respectively, the functional configurations are duplicated and the description becomes complicated. Therefore, in the following description, the first image processing device 20 will be described as the sender-side device, and the second image processing device 40 will be described as the recipient-side device.

The terminal device 10 is a device that creates a document and sends a document via the first image processing device 20. As the terminal device 10, for example, an installed PC (personal computer), a portable terminal such as a mobile phone or a tablet terminal can be used.

The first image processing device 20 is a so-called multifunction device, and is a device having image processing functions such as copying, printing, image reading, and facsimile. In addition, the first image processing device 20 has a function of transmitting a document created by the sender and information related to the document to the management server 30 as one of the functions of realizing this service.

The management server 30 acquires the document sent by the sender and stores and retains the document information. Further, the management server 30 sends the stored document to the recipient device based on the instruction from the recipient.

The second image processing device 40 is a so-called multifunction device, and is a device having image processing functions such as copying, printing, image reading, and facsimile. Further, the second image processing device 40 acquires a document from the management server 30 as one of the functions for realizing this service, and prints the acquired document on paper or the like.

The post-processing device 50 is a device that manages document information, for example, by performing predetermined processing using document information (described later) that is a data portion of the document. For example, when the document information (described later) of the document is the billing amount of the invoice, the post-processing device 50 performs accounting processing. Then, the document information (described later) acquired by the second image processing device 40 is input to the post-processing device 50.

[Hardware configuration example]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration example of the terminal device 10, the management server 30, and the post-processing device 50 of the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 2, the terminal device 10, the management server 30, and the post-processing device 50 include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 100a as a calculation means and a memory 100c as a main storage means. In addition, each device includes a magnetic disk device (HDD: Hard Disk Drive) 100 g, a network interface 100f, a display mechanism 100d, a voice mechanism 100h, an input device 100i such as a keyboard and a mouse, and the like as external devices.

The memory 100c and the display mechanism 100d are connected to the CPU 100a via the system controller 100b. Further, the network interface 100f, the magnetic disk device 100g, the voice mechanism 100h, and the input device 100i are connected to the system controller 100b via the I / O controller 100e. Each component is connected by various buses such as a system bus and an input / output bus.

A program for realizing each function is stored in the magnetic disk device 100g. Then, this program is loaded into the memory 100c, and the processing based on this program is executed by the CPU 100a, so that various functions are realized.

[Hardware configuration of the first image processing device 20 and the second image processing device 40]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration example of the first image processing device 20 and the second image processing device 40 of the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 3, the CPU 101 loads the various programs stored in the ROM (Read Only Memory) 102 and the like into the RAM (Random Access Memory) 103 and executes the first image processing device 20 and the second image processing device 20. It mainly controls the image processing device 40 and realizes the functions of the first image processing device 20 and the second image processing device 40. The ROM 102 is a memory that stores various programs executed by the CPU 101, predetermined fixed data, and the like. The RAM 103 is a memory used as a working memory or the like of the CPU 101. The non-volatile memory 104 is a memory capable of holding stored information without supplying power, and stores parameters used for image adjustment and various historical data.
The HDD 105 is, for example, a magnetic disk device, and stores image data read by the image reading unit 119 described later, image data used in image forming by the image forming unit 118 described later, and the like.

The image data processing unit 106 performs processing on the image data, such as decompression / compression processing of the image data. The authentication control unit 107 controls the card reader 108 and the camera 109. The card reader 108 reads an IC card in which an integrated circuit (IC) is incorporated to record and calculate information, and acquires the information recorded on the IC card. Further, the camera 109 captures an image including a user who operates the UI unit 110 by the camera.

The UI (User Interface) unit 110 includes an operation unit 112 that accepts a user's contact operation and a monitor 113 that displays various images. The operation unit 112 receives instructions from the user for image processing functions such as a print function, a scan function, a copy function, a facsimile function, and a document transmission / reception function of each of the first image processing device 20 and the second image processing device 40.

The LAN (Local Area Network) port 114 is an interface for inputting / outputting data to / from the outside. In the first embodiment, the LAN port 114 also serves as an interface for wireless communication. The Serial port 115 is an interface for connecting an external peripheral device. The USB (Universal Serial Bus) port 116 is an interface for connecting peripheral devices via a USB cable. The modem 117 is a control unit that connects to a public line such as a facsimile, and can provide various facsimile functions.

The image forming unit 118 forms an image on paper or the like as an example of a recording medium. The image reading unit 119 reads an image recorded on paper or the like.

Here, a specific example of the information handled by the document transmission / reception system 1 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 4, the invoice is used as an example of a document.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the paper printed document P1 and the information according to the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the paper print document P1 is printed based on a document file created by the sender using an application or the like on the terminal device 10. In the first embodiment, the paper print document P1 is printed by the recipient in the second image processing apparatus 40.
Then, the paper print document P1 uniquely identifies the document element E1 which is the content for notifying the sender's intention and fact such as numbers and letters, the non-document element E2 other than the document information such as the frame and the underline, and the paper print document P1. Includes the identification element E3 specified in.

Then, as shown in FIG. 4B, in the first embodiment, the document image I1 which is an image file (printed image) used when printing the paper print document P1 is created. Further, as shown in FIG. 4C, the identification information image I2 for guaranteeing the originality of the paper print document P1 is created.
The document image I1 is an image of the document element E1 and the non-document element E2. Further, the identification information image I 2 is an image of the identification element E3.
Further, the identification information image I2 is formed at a predetermined place (a predetermined page, a predetermined position within the page). In particular, in the first embodiment, the identification information image I2 is formed on the first page of the paper print document P1. This is because, as will be described later, the paper print document P1 is read by the image reading unit 119 to facilitate the work of extracting the identification information image I2.
Further, as shown in FIG. 4D, in the first embodiment, the document information D1 is created as the information associated with the paper print document P1. The document information D1 is created based on the document element E1 and includes information such as numbers and characters.

Subsequently, the functional configuration of each component related to the document transmission / reception system 1 will be described in detail. [Functional configuration of terminal device 10]
The terminal device 10 is connected to the first image processing device 20. A printer driver for operating the first image processing device 20 is installed in the terminal device 10. The terminal device 10 can operate the image forming unit 118 and the image reading unit 119 in the first image processing device 20, and can use the service via the first image processing device 20.
Further, the terminal device 10 converts the document file created by the sender into PDL (Page-Description Language) data, and transmits the PDL data to the first image processing device 20.

[Functional configuration of the first image processing device 20]
FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the first image processing device 20 of the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 5, the first image processing device 20 includes a document transmission unit 21 for transmitting a document, an original setting unit 22 for guaranteeing the originality, and a destination setting unit 23 for setting a destination to be a recipient. And have.

The document transmission unit 21 creates a document image I1 (see FIG. 4B) based on the PDL data of the document file acquired from the terminal device 10. Then, the document transmission unit 21 transmits the document image I1 to the management server 30. Further, the document transmission unit 21 transmits the document information D1 (see FIG. 4D) received from the terminal device 10 to the management server 30.

The original setting unit 22 sets the original for the paper print document P1 to be printed (FIG. 4A), which guarantees that the paper print document P1 is the original. When the sender receives an instruction to set the original for the paper print document P1, the original setting unit 22 transmits the original setting information, which is the instruction information for setting the original, to the management server 30.

The destination setting unit 23 sets the destination information, which is the information of the recipient of the document. Then, the destination setting unit 23 transmits the destination information to the management server 30 in association with the document image I1. The recipient of the document is not limited to a specific individual, but may be a company, a specific department of the company, or the like.

Next, a sending screen displayed on the display mechanism 100d of the terminal device 10 when the sender uses this service will be described. The sending screen is displayed by the printer driver of the first image processing device 20.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of an example of a document sending screen of the first embodiment.
For example, from the application menu of the terminal device 10, a screen for printing by the first image processing device 20 is opened. Then, as shown in FIG. 6A, the print button 81 and the send button 82 are displayed on the screen. The print button 81 is a button for printing a document file on the first image processing device 20. On the other hand, the send button 82 is a button for sending a document to the recipient via the first image processing device 20.

Then, when the send button 82 is selected, a send screen for sending the document is displayed as shown in FIG. 6A. The sending screen has a destination setting button 83 for setting the destination and an original setting button 84 for setting the original for the paper print document P1.

The destination setting button 83 is used when setting the recipient and the device on the recipient side. When the destination setting button 83 is pressed, a list of recipient names and the like is displayed. Then, the sender specifies the name of the recipient to whom the document is to be transmitted.
The original setting button 84 is a button used when setting the original for the paper print document P1 printed based on the document file to be transmitted. When the original setting button 84 is pressed, the original setting information is transmitted to the first image processing device 20.

[Functional configuration of management server 30]
FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of the management server 30 of the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 7, the management server 30 includes a registration information storage unit 31 that stores registration information related to the use of this service, a document storage unit 32 that stores document image I1 and document information D1, and a paper print document P1. It has an original registration unit 33 for registering the originality, a document information transmission unit 34 for transmitting document information D1, and a billing information storage unit 35 for storing information related to billing.

The registration information storage unit 31 stores registration information such as a registered name (registered company name, etc.), a user ID, and a usage password of a user who uses this service. Then, the registration information storage unit 31 refers to the stored registration information when, for example, the recipient performs login authentication in the second image processing device 40.

The document storage unit 32 stores the document image I1 transmitted from the first image processing device 20. Further, the document storage unit 32 stores the destination information of the document in association with the document image I1. Then, the document storage unit 32 transmits the stored document image I1 to the second image processing device 40 in response to the request from the second image processing device 40.
Further, the document storage unit 32 stores the document information D1 corresponding to the document image I1 received from the first image processing device 20.

The original registration unit 33 registers the original of the document image I1 for which the original has been set. In the original registration, in order to guarantee the originality of the paper print document P1, the document image I1 that is the source of the paper print document P1 and the information that can identify the paper print document P1 corresponding to the document image I1 are stored. The original registration unit 33 of the first embodiment creates an identification information image I2 for identifying that the paper print document P1 is the original. The identification information image I2 is an image that can uniquely identify the paper print document P1. Then, the original registration unit 33 stores the document image I1 and the identification information image I2 in association with each other.

Further, the original registration unit 33 stores the print history information which is the print history of the document image I1 in the second image processing device 40. Then, when the document image I1 is printed for the first time, the original registration unit 33 transmits the identification information image I2 corresponding to the document image I1 to the second image processing device 40. The original registration unit 33 does not transmit the corresponding identification information image I2 to the second image processing device 40 when the document image I1 is printed for the second time or later. That is, the originality is guaranteed only for the paper print document P1 to be printed first.

In order to guarantee the originality of the paper print document P1, the identification information image I2 is not limited to being printed directly on the paper print document P1. For example, when printing the document image I1, the paper fingerprint of the paper to be printed is read in advance. Then, the original registration unit 33 may manage the originality of the paper print document P1 by storing the information of the paper fingerprint.
Further, the number of times the paper print document P1 that guarantees the originality is printed is not limited to the above-mentioned one time, and may be a preset number of times.

The document information transmission unit 34 transmits the document information D1 corresponding to the paper print document P1 to the second image processing device 40 based on the request from the second image processing device 40. The document information transmission unit 34 acquires the read image of the identification information image I2 read by the second image processing device 40. Then, the document information transmission unit 34 transmits the document information D1 corresponding to the identification information image I2 acquired from the second image processing device 40 to the second image processing device 40.
Further, the document information transmission unit 34 manages the transmission history information which is the transmission history information of the document information D1. Then, the document information transmission unit 34 limits the transmission of the document information D1 to the second image processing device 40 (recipient) to be performed a predetermined number of times. In the first embodiment, the document information transmission unit 34 limits the transmission of the document information D1 to only once.

The billing information storage unit 35 stores information regarding billing to the sender and the recipient by sending the document by the sender and receiving the document by the recipient.
For example, the billing information storage unit 35 charges the sender when the sender transmits the PDL data of the document file and is received as the document image I1 by the management server 30. Further, in the first embodiment, the billing information storage unit 35 charges the recipient when the recipient acquires the document information D1.

[Functional configuration of the second image processing device 40]
FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of the second image processing device 40 of the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 8, the second image processing device 40 includes a reception information display unit 41 that displays information related to the transmission / reception service, a print document image creation unit 42 that creates a print document image, and a document that acquires document information. It has an information acquisition unit 43.

The reception information display unit 41 is displayed on the UI unit 110 of various messages in this service. For example, the reception information display unit 41 notifies the recipient logged in to the second image processing device 40 that, if there is an unreceived document image I1, there is an unreceived document image I1. indicate.

The print document image creation unit 42 receives the document image I1 from the management server 30. Further, the print document image creation unit 42 receives the identification information image I2 corresponding to the document image I1 from the management server 30. Then, the print document image creation unit 42 superimposes the received document image I1 and the identification information image I2. Further, the print document image creation unit 42 causes the image forming unit 118 to print the superimposed image as the paper print document P1.
Further, when the paper print document P1 is printed by the recipient, the print document image creation unit 42 transmits information that the print has been performed to the management server 30.

The document information acquisition unit 43 transmits, for example, the image of the identification information image I2 of the paper print document P1 read by the image reading unit 119 to the management server 30. Then, the document information acquisition unit 43 acquires the document information D1 corresponding to the identification information image I2 from the management server 30. Further, the document information acquisition unit 43 transmits the acquired document information D1 to the post-processing device 50.

[Operation example of document transmission / reception system 1]
FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram when the sender transmits the document file to the management server 30.
Subsequently, an operation example of the document transmission / reception system will be specifically described. Here, the sender sends a document from the terminal device 10 (first image processing device 20) to the recipient. Then, the recipient prints the paper print document P1 on the second image processing device 40. Further, the recipient acquires the document information D1 based on the paper print document P1. Then, an example is used in which the document information D1 is input to the post-processing device 50.

Further, in the following example, the sender uses a predetermined standard document as a document file. Then, the sender inputs the billing amount, the billing item, and the like into the predetermined items of the standard document. In a standard document, the position of the frame is determined in advance, and the position for inputting a numerical value is also determined. The specifications of this standard document are commonly recognized in the terminal device 10, the first image processing device 20, the management server 30, the second image processing device 40, and the post-processing device 50.

As shown in FIG. 9, the sender authenticates the user to use the service to the first image processing device 20 via the terminal device 10 (S101). Then, the sender uses a specific application running on the terminal device 10 to input a predetermined standard document and create a document file (S102).

Then, the sender performs an operation of sending a document such as a standard document to the recipient via the terminal device 10 (S103). In this sending operation, the sender sets the destination and the original. Then, when the standard document is sent, the terminal device 10 PDL-converts the standard document file to create PDL data (S104). Further, the terminal device 10 creates the document information D1 from which the information of numbers and characters, which is the data portion of the standard document, is extracted (S105). Then, the terminal device 10 transmits the PDL data and the document information D1 to the first image processing device 20 (S106). Further, the first image processing device 20 transmits the destination information and the original setting information to the management server 30 (S107).

The first image processing device 20 creates the document image I1 based on the PDL data (S108). Then, the first image processing device 20 transmits the document image I1 and the document information D1 to the management server 30 (S109). Further, the first image processing device 20 transmits the destination information and the original setting information to the management server 30 (S110).

The management server 30 registers the received document image I1 and document information D1 (S111). Specifically, the management server 30 adds identification information to the received document image I1 and document information D1. Further, the management server 30 creates the identification information image I2 corresponding to the given identification information.

On the other hand, the recipient logs in to the second image processing device 40 (S112). Then, the second image processing device 40 requests the management server 30 to transmit the unreceived document image I1 transmitted to the logged-in recipient (S113). Then, the recipient selects the document image I1 to be received. After that, the second image processing device 40 receives the selected document image I1 and the identification information image I2 corresponding to the document image I1 (S114). Then, the second image processing device 40 superimposes the identification information image I2 on the document image I1 (S115). Moreover. The second image processing device 40 prints the superimposed image as a paper print document P1 (S116). On the other hand, the recipient receives the paper print document P1 (S117).
Further, the second image processing device 40 transmits a notification to the management server 30 that the printing of the paper print document P1 is completed (S118).

As described above, in the document transmission / reception system 1 of the first embodiment, the document file sent by the sender is sent by the recipient as a paper print document P1 via the first image processing device 20 and the second image processing device 40. We have realized the service of receiving.
After that, the recipient reads the paper print document P1 (S119). The reading of the paper print document P1 will be described with reference to FIG. 10 described later.

FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram when the recipient reads the paper print document P1.
As shown in FIG. 10, the recipient logs in to the second image processing device 40 (S201). At this time, when the document information D1 is received as described later, the recipient may be confirmed that the document information D1 is automatically transmitted to the post-processing device 50.
Then, the recipient reads the paper print document P1 by the image reading unit 119 of the second image processing device 40 (S202). The second image processing device 40 transmits the image of the identification information image I2 read from the paper print document P1 to the management server 30 (S203).

After that, the management server 30 searches for the document information D1 corresponding to the identification information image I2, and transmits the document information D1 to the second image processing device 40 (S204).
The second image processing device 40 transmits the acquired document information D1 to the post-processing device 50 (S205).
Then, the acquired document information D1 is input to the post-processing device 50 according to a predetermined process (S206). Further, in the first embodiment, when the post-processing device 50 acquires the document information D1, the terminal device 10 or the second image processing device 40 (recipient) used by the recipient notifies that the document information has been acquired. ) (S207).

Subsequently, the flow of processing when the above-mentioned recipient reads the paper print document P1 will be described in detail.
FIG. 11 is a flow chart when the recipient acquires the document information D1 from the management server 30.
First, the recipient performs login authentication with the second image processing device 40 (S301). Login authentication is performed based on the registration information stored in the registration information storage unit 31 of the management server 30. If the login authentication is not successful (No in S301), the process ends.
Then, when the login authentication is successful in S301 (Yes in S301), the paper print document P1 is read by the image reading unit 119 (S302). Further, the second image processing apparatus 40 analyzes the read image and determines whether or not the identification information image I2 is included (S303). If the identification information image I2 is not included (No in S303), the process ends.

On the other hand, when the identification information image I2 is included in S303 (Yes in S303), the identification information image I2 is transmitted to the management server 30 (S304). When the identification information image I2 of the paper print document P1 is read, the read identification information image I2 is not limited to being transmitted to the management server 30 as it is. The second image processing device 40 may transmit the information obtained based on the identification information image I2 to the management server 30 instead of the identification information image I2 itself.
Further, for example, when a number or the like is described in the identification information image I2, the number may be transmitted to the management server 30 by manual input or the like by the recipient.

The management server 30 determines whether or not the identification information image I2 acquired from the second image processing device 40 is managed (S305). Then, if the identification information image I2 is not managed in S305, the process ends.
On the other hand, when the management server 30 manages the identification information image I2 (Yes in S305), it is confirmed whether or not the document information D1 corresponding to the identification information image I2 is stored (S306). .. Then, if the document information D1 corresponding to the identification information image I2 is not stored in the management server 30 in S306 (No in S306), the process ends.

If the document information D1 corresponding to the identification information image I2 is stored in the management server 30 (Yes in S306), the document information D1 can be referred to by referring to the transmission history information stored in the document information transmission unit 34. It is determined whether or not the number of transmissions is 0 (S307). In the first embodiment, the transmission of the document information D1 based on a certain identification information image I2 is limited to only once. Therefore, the management server 30 transmits the document information D1 only when the number of transmissions is 0. Here, the management server 30 ends the process if the number of transmissions is not 0 (No in S307).

On the other hand, if the document information D1 is transmitted 0 times (Yes in S307), the management server 30 transmits the document information D1 to the second image processing device 40 (S308). Then, after transmitting the document information D1, the management server 30 adds 1 to the value of the number of transmissions of the document information D1 (S309). Then, a series of processes is completed.
In the above example, the number of times the document information D1 is transmitted is limited to one, but the number of times of transmission is not limited to one, and may be limited to any number of times. In this case, the number of transmissions of the document information D1 may be limited by the setting when determining the number of transmissions in S307.

In the first embodiment, when the recipient acquires the document information D1 based on the paper print document P1, the recipient is charged. Here, as described above, if there is a limit on the number of times the document information D1 can be acquired, the recipient is not charged up to the predetermined number of times, and if the number of times exceeds the predetermined number of times, the recipient is charged. You may charge for.

<Another operation example>
Another operation example of the document transmission / reception system 1 of the first embodiment will be described.
In another operation example, a case where the sender corrects the document file after the document image I1 and the document information D1 have already been transmitted to the management server 30 will be described as an example.

The sender modifies the document file using, for example, the terminal device 10. The sender then prints the modified document file. Then, the sender reads the paper print document printed based on the modified document file by the image reading unit 119 of the first image processing device 20.
Then, the first image processing device 20 compares the read image with the uncorrected document image I1 stored in the management server 30 and extracts the difference information. Then, when there is a difference, the first image processing device 20 creates the document image I1 again based on the modified document file, and further creates the document information D1 based on the modified document file. Then, the first image processing device 20 replaces the newly created document image I1 and document information D1 with the document image I1 and document information D1 already stored in the management server 30.

As described above, in another operation example, the document image and the document information already stored in the management server 30 are updated by reading the corrected paper print document by the image reading unit 119.

<Embodiment 2>
Subsequently, the document transmission / reception system 1 of the second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the sender prints the document file as the paper print document P1 on the first image processing device 20. Then, the sender mails the paper print document P1 to the recipient. After that, the recipient will explain an example in which the document information D1 is electronically acquired based on the received paper print document P1.
In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram of the document transmission / reception system 1 of the second embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 12, the sender authenticates the user in the terminal device 10 via the first image processing device 20 to use the transmission / reception service (S401). Then, the sender inputs to a predetermined standard document using a specific application running on the terminal device 10 (S402).

Then, the sender performs an operation of sending a document (for example, a standard document) to the recipient via the terminal device 10 (S403). In the second embodiment, since the sender mails the paper print document P1, the original is set for the document file in the sending operation, but the destination information is not set.
Then, when the document file is sent, the terminal device 10 converts the standard document file into PDL data (S404). Further, the terminal device 10 creates the document information D1 from which the information of numbers and characters, which is the data portion of the document file, is extracted (S405). Then, the terminal device 10 transmits the PDL data and the document information D1 to the first image processing device 20 (S406). Further, the terminal device 10 transmits the original setting information to the first image processing device 20 (S407).

The first image processing device 20 creates the document image I1 based on the PDL data (S408). Then, the first image processing device 20 transmits the document image I1 and the document information D1 to the management server 30 (S409). Further, the first image processing device 20 transmits the original setting information to the management server 30 (S410).

Then, the management server 30 registers the received document image I1 and document information D1 (S411). Specifically, the management server 30 adds identification information to the received document image I1 and document information D1. Further, the management server 30 creates the identification information image I2 corresponding to the given identification information.

After that, the first image processing device 20 acquires the identification information image I2 corresponding to the document image I1 (S412). Further, the first image processing device 20 superimposes the identification information image I2 on the document image I1 (S413). Then, the first image processing device 20 prints the superimposed image as a paper print document P1 (S414).
Then, the sender mails the paper print document P1 to the recipient (S415). The recipient receives the paper print document P1 (S416). After that, the recipient reads the paper print document P1 (S417). The reading of the paper print document P1 is the same as the content described with reference to FIG.

As described above, in the document transmission / reception system 1 of the second embodiment, the document image I1 and the document information D1 of the document file sent by the sender are registered in the management server 30. On the other hand, the sender is received by the recipient as a paper print document P1. Then, the recipient electronically acquires the document information D1 corresponding to the paper print document P1 based on the paper print document P1 received by mail.

<Another operation example>
Another operation example of the document transmission / reception system 1 of the second embodiment will be described.
In another operation example, processing when the sender modifies the paper print document P1 after the document image I1 and the document information D1 have already been transmitted to the management server 30 will be described.
The sender may modify the paper print document P1 printed by the first image processing apparatus 20 after being printed as paper such as a signature or a seal. In this case, the original as paper and the document image I1 stored in the management server 30 at this time are different by, for example, a signature or a seal.

Then, in another operation example, the sender reads the modified paper print document P1 by the image reading unit 119 of the first image processing device 20. Then, the read image is replaced with the document image I1 stored in the management server 30. As a result, the content of the paper print document P1 mailed by the sender corresponds to the content of the document image I1 stored in the management server 30.

In the first embodiment described above, a time limit may be set for the period during which the recipient can acquire the document image I1 and the document information D1 from the management server 30. Further, the management server 30 may not transmit the identification information image I2 together with the document image I1 to the recipient after the elapse of a predetermined period. In this case, the originality of the paper print document P1 is not guaranteed after the elapse of a predetermined period, and the acquisition of the document information D1 based on the paper print document P1 is restricted.

Further, in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the document image I1 of the document file is transmitted from the first image processing device 20 to the management server 30, but the PDL of the document file is replaced with the document image I1. You may want to send the data. Further, the identification information image I2 transmitted from the management server 30 may also be transmitted as PDL data.

Furthermore, in the above-described first and second embodiments, the document information D1 is created by extracting information such as numbers and characters from the document file, but the document information D1 is not limited to this embodiment. The document information D1 may be created from, for example, PDL data of a document file. Further, the document information D1 may be created from, for example, the document image I1.

Further, in the first and second embodiments, the configuration of the functional unit that realizes this service in the terminal device 10, the first image processing device 20, the management server 30, and the second image processing device 40 is not limited to the above-described embodiment. .. For example, in the first embodiment, the second image processing device 40 and the management server 30 may have a function of creating the document information D1 based on the document file. Further, for example, the function of creating the identification information image I2 may be performed by the first image processing device 20 or the second image processing device 40, and the information of the created identification information image I2 may be transmitted to the management server 30.

<Embodiment 3>
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the document transmission / reception system 1 of the third embodiment.
In the third embodiment, the same components as those in the other embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The document transmission / reception system 1 of the third embodiment includes a terminal device 10, a first image processing device 20, a management server 30, a second image processing device 40, a first post-processing device 51, and a second post-processing device 52. And have. The terminal device 10, the first image processing device 20, the management server 30, the second image processing device 40, the first post-processing device 51, and the second post-processing device 52 are data-connected directly or via a network. ..

Then, also in the document transmission / reception system 1 of the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the sender sends the document image I1 (FIG. 4) is transmitted. Specifically, the sender creates a document using the terminal device 10. The created document is transmitted as a document image I1 from the first image processing device 20 to the second image processing device 40 via the management server 30. Then, the document image I1 is printed as a paper print document P1 (see FIG. 4) by the second image processing device 40, and is received by the recipient. After that, the recipient reads the paper print document P1 on the second image processing device 40. Then, the recipient acquires the document information D1 (see FIG. 4) corresponding to the paper print document P1. Here, in the document transmission / reception system 1 of the third embodiment, the acquired document information D1 is automatically input to the first post-processing device 51 or the second post-processing device 52.

The basic configuration of the first aftertreatment device 51 and the second aftertreatment device 52 of the third embodiment is the same as that of the aftertreatment device 50 of the first embodiment. However, in the third embodiment, the first post-processing device 51 and the second post-processing device 52 are equipped with different software for processing the input data.
Further, in the third embodiment, the first post-processing device 51 and the second post-processing device 52 are data-connected in parallel with the second image processing device 40 in the network system on the recipient side.

For example, the first post-processing device 51 is equipped with software for processing invoices as an example. Therefore, the first post-processing device 51 constitutes a system for processing invoices. On the other hand, the second post-processing device 52 is equipped with software related to contract processing as an example. Therefore, the second post-processing device 52 constitutes a system for processing invoices.

Then, in the third embodiment, the identification information image I2 (see FIG. 4) of the paper print document P1 includes the document type information (an example of the type information) which is the information regarding the type of the document. Examples of the document type include invoices and contracts. The document type information is registered by the sender when the sender transmits a document from the first image processing device 20 via the terminal device 10. Then, the document type information is incorporated into the identification information image I2.

The management server 30 (an example of the creating means) of the third embodiment creates the document information D1 (see FIG. 4) of at least one data format among the plurality of data formats. In the example of the third embodiment, the management server 30 has various data formats (formats) such as document information D1 in a data format used in a specific software that handles invoices, and a data format used in a specific software that handles contracts, for example. ) Document information D1 is created. The management server 30 creates the document information D1 in a predetermined data format based on the data format information described later.

Further, the management server 30 transmits the created document information D1 to the first post-processing device 51 or the second post-processing device 52 on the recipient side based on the destination information described later. The transmission destination information is acquired from the second image processing device 40.

The second image processing device 40 of the third embodiment determines the destination of the document information D1 based on the document type information. In the third embodiment, the destination of the document information D1 is predetermined according to the type of the document. The second image processing device 40 determines the destination of the document information D1 to the first post-processing device 51 when the type of the document is, for example, an invoice. Further, the second image processing device 40 is
For example, when the type of the document is a contract, the destination of the document information D1 is determined to the second post-processing device 52.
Then, the second image processing device 40 creates the destination information which is the information for designating the destination of the document information D1.

Further, the second image processing device 40 determines the data format of the document information D1 based on the document type information. In the third embodiment, the first post-processing device 51 and the second post-processing device 52 handle different data formats. Therefore, in the third embodiment, the second image processing apparatus 40 determines the data format according to the destination of the document information D1. When the type of the document is, for example, an invoice, the second image processing device 40 determines the data format of the document information D1 to be the data format handled by the first post-processing device 51. Further, the second image processing device 40 determines, for example, when the type of the document is a contract, the data format of the document information D1 is the data format of the second post-processing device 52.
Then, the second image processing device 40 creates data format information (an example of format information) which is information that specifies the data format of the document information D1.

As described above, the second image processing apparatus 40 creates the destination information and the data format information, respectively. Then, the second image processing device 40 associates the transmission destination information and the data format information with the read identification information image I2 and transmits the transmission to the management server 30.
Further, the second image processing device 40 transmits a scanned image (so-called scanned image) of the paper print document P1 to the determined destination. When the recipient writes a seal, a signature, or the like on the paper print document P1, a scanned image reflecting the writing by the recipient is sent to the destination.

FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram when the recipient reads the paper printed document P1 in the third embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 14, the recipient logs in to the second image processing device 40 (S501).
Then, the recipient reads the paper print document P1 by the image reading unit 119 (see FIG. 3) of the second image processing device 40 (S502). After that, the second image processing apparatus 40 acquires the document type information from the identification information image I2 (see FIG. 4) of the paper print document P1 (see FIG. 4) (S503). Then, the second image processing apparatus 40 determines the destination and the data format of the document information D1 (see FIG. 4) corresponding to the paper print document P1 (S504).

After that, the second image processing device 40 transmits the read image, the destination information, and the data format information of the identification information image I2 read from the paper print document P1 to the management server 30 (S505). Further, the second image processing device 40 transmits the scanned image from the paper print document P1 to the determined destination (first post-processing device 51 or second post-processing device 52) (S506).

After that, the management server 30 searches for the document information D1 corresponding to the identification information image I2. Further, the management server 30 creates the document information D1 in the data format corresponding to the acquired data format information (S507). Then, the management server 30 transmits the created document information D1 to the transmission destination (first post-processing device 51 or second post-processing device 52) based on the acquired destination information (S508).

Then, the scanned image of the paper print document P1 and the document information D1 are input to the first post-processing device 51 (or the second post-processing device 52) according to a predetermined process (S509). Further, in the third embodiment, when the first post-processing device 51 (or the second post-processing device 52) acquires the document information D1, the terminal used by the recipient to notify that the document information D1 has been acquired. It is transmitted to the device 10 and the second image processing device 40 (recipient) (S510).

In the third embodiment, the management server 30 directly transmits the document information D1 to the first post-processing device 51 or the second post-processing device 52, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the management server 30 may transmit the document information D1 to the second image processing device 40. Then, the second image processing device 40 may transmit the document information D1 to the determined destination. In this case, the configuration in which the second image processing device 40 transmits the destination information to the management server 30 is not essential.

Further, in the example described in the third embodiment, similarly to the second embodiment, the sender prints the paper print document P1 on the first image processing apparatus 20, and the paper print document P1 is sent to the recipient by mail. It can also be applied in.

Further, in the third embodiment, the management server 30 creates the document information D1 in a predetermined data format, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, after the second image processing device 40 acquires the document information D1, the second image processing device 40 converts the data format of the document information D1 and converts the converted document information D1 into the first post-processing device 51 or the second post-processing device 51 or the second. It may be configured to be sent to the aftertreatment device 52.

Further, in the third embodiment, an example in which the data format handled is different for each of the first post-processing device 51 and the second post-processing device 52, which are the transmission destinations of the document information D1, is used, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, when the first post-processing device 51 is equipped with a plurality of different software, the devices of the same destination may handle a plurality of different data formats. In this case, the document information D1 in a different data format is transmitted to the same destination device.
Further, in the third embodiment, the document information D1 in a single data format is not necessarily transmitted in response to one paper print document P1. For example, document information D1 in a plurality of different data formats corresponding to one paper print document P1 may be transmitted to the destination.

In the third embodiment, an example in which the document type information is incorporated in the identification information image I2 is used, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, when the second image processing device 40 reads the paper print document P1, the second image processing device 40 may determine the type of the document based on the content of the read image.
Further, the designation of the destination of the document information D1 and the designation of the data format of the document information D1 may be accepted by the input of the user. In this case, the destination information is created based on the user's specification of the destination. In addition, data format information is created based on the data format specified by the user. Then, the management server 30 automatically transmits the document information D1 in a predetermined data format based on the created destination information and the data format information to the destination.

The program for realizing the functions of each configuration in the present embodiment on a computer can be provided not only by communication means but also by storing in various recording media.

1 ... Document transmission / reception system, 10 ... Terminal device, 20 ... First image processing device, 21 ... Document transmission unit, 22 ... Original setting unit, 23 ... Destination setting unit, 30 ... Management server, 31 ... Registration information storage unit, 32 ... Document storage unit, 33 ... Original registration unit, 34 ... Document information transmission unit, 35 ... Billing information storage unit, 40 ... Second image processing device, 41 ... Received information display unit, 42 ... Printed document image creation unit, 43 ... Document information acquisition unit, 50 ... Post-processing device, D1 ... Document information, I1 ... Document image, I2 ... Identification information image, P1 ... Paper print document

Claims (8)

A reception means that accepts the creation of electronic documents in which the data part consisting of at least one of numbers and letters is electronically input on the sender side.
A creating means for creating a document image for printing the electronic document and document information corresponding to the data portion from the electronic document received by the receiving means on the sender side.
A means for transmitting the document image and the document information created by the creation means to the server device on the sender side, and
The server device provides identification information that uniquely identifies the received document image and the document information, and stores the document image and the document information.
A means for creating an identification information image corresponding to the identification information in the server device, and
A means for receiving the document image and the identification information image corresponding to the document image from the server device on the recipient side, and
On the recipient side, a printing means for printing the document image in which the identification information image is added to the received document image as a print document, and
A reading means for reading the identification information image of the printed document on the recipient side, and
A means for transmitting the read identification information image to the server device on the recipient side, and
A system including a means for retrieving the document information corresponding to the received identification information image in the server device and transmitting the document information to the recipient side. The first aspect of claim 1, wherein the printing means does not print the identification information image on the printed document based on the electronic document to be printed after printing the printed document based on the electronic document. system. The system according to claim 1, wherein the identification information image is provided on the first page of the printed document when the printed document is composed of a plurality of pages. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a post-processing device that performs predetermined processing using the received document information on the recipient side. At the server apparatus, and obtains information about the format data format in which the post-processing apparatus is handled, according to claim 4 including means for creating the document information in a predetermined data format based on the format information system. The system according to claim 4, wherein the reading means reads the type information regarding the type of the printed document from the printed document, and causes the post-processing device corresponding to the type information to receive the document information. A document image for printing the electronic document created from an electronic document in which a data portion composed of at least one of numbers and characters is electronically input , and document information corresponding to the data portion are provided from the sender side. Means of receiving and
A storage means for storing the received document image and the document information while adding identification information that uniquely identifies the document image and the document information.
A means for creating an identification information image corresponding to the identification information, and
A means for transmitting the document image and the identification information image corresponding to the document image to the recipient side, and
The recipient side prints the document image in which the identification information image is added to the document image as a printed document, and receives the identification information image read from the printed printed document from the recipient side. Means to do and
A means for searching the document information corresponding to the received identification information image and transmitting the document information to the recipient side .
A server device that comprises. For a computer that functions as a server device
A document image for printing the electronic document created from an electronic document in which a data portion composed of at least one of numbers and characters is electronically input , and document information corresponding to the data portion are provided from the sender side. The function to receive and
A function of adding identification information that uniquely identifies the received document image and the document information, and storing the document image and the document information.
A function to create an identification information image corresponding to the identification information and
A function of transmitting the document image and the identification information image corresponding to the document image to the recipient side, and
The recipient side prints the document image in which the identification information image is added to the document image as a printed document, and receives the identification information image read from the printed printed document from the recipient side. And the function to do
A function of searching for the document information corresponding to the received identification information image and transmitting the document information to the recipient side .
A program to realize.

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