JPH01144163A - Electronic filing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To avoid increase of the retrieving time due to a large quantity of information by increasing the retrieving speed when a picture of a large size is treated. CONSTITUTION:A reduced picture serving as an abstract picture is stored in a magnetic disk 67a in response to a retrieving code for a picture like a drawing, etc. When a retrieving instruction is given from a keyboard 63, the retrieving code and its abstract picture are displayed successively on a CRT display device 64 as if the pages of a book were turned over. When a desired picture is detected, a request is given for its original picture. Thus a center 3 reads the original picture corresponding to said abstract picture out of an optical disk and sends it to a terminal equipment 1a. Thus it is possible to avoid such a case where the retrieving time is increased due to a large quantity of information and therefore the economical property is deteriorated.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Object of the Invention] (Industrial Application Field) The present invention relates to an electronic filing device for registering, searching, or communicating image information, for example.

(Prior art) In recent years, scanners (
Image information filing devices have been put into practical use that read image information using a two-dimensional scanning device, store the read image information on an optical disk, and search and read out any stored image information.

Recently, with the progress of network and systemization,
Connect multiple image information filing devices via LAN etc.
They register and search while communicating with each other.

On the other hand, the size of documents handled is not only A3 size, A4 size, B4 size, etc. in general offices, but also A3 size, A4 size, B4 size, etc.
Larger sizes such as L size and A2 size are now available, and the amount of image information is increasing enormously.

When these large-sized images are searched using a stand-alone electronic filing device, the huge amount of information increases the search time, making the system impractical in terms of operation.

Furthermore, when searching for the above-mentioned large-sized images via a communication system such as a LAN, the search time increases due to the huge amount of information, which is not only impractical in terms of system operation, but also economical. There was a downside to it being bad.

For example, A4 size, 200ppi (8 lines/mm
The data amount of the document image (equivalent) is approximately 500KB,
When compressed using the MR method, etc., the amount is approximately 50 KB, although it varies depending on the image. On the other hand, Al size, 4ooppt
The amount of data for a document image (equivalent to 16 lines/mm) is approximately 16 MB, and even if compressed by the MR method or the like, it is still approximately 1.6 MB, which is approximately 30 times the amount of data.

Therefore, when searching for A4/200ppi images on a standalone electronic filing device,
It takes about 0.5 seconds, and when searching for an A1/400 ppi image, it takes about 15 seconds.

If this is transferred via a communication line such as a LAN, it will take even more time to transfer, and compared to about 10 seconds for an A4/200ppi image, it will take about 300 seconds for an A1/400ppi image. It takes.

These processing speeds naturally slow down as the amount of data increases due to the larger image size, so even if improvements are made to the C0DEC circuit, communication methods, etc., it will not be easy to solve the problem, and it will be difficult to solve the problem in terms of operation. It had very difficult points.

In particular, many of the drawings and the like are large-sized images such as A1 size and A2 size, and even if you try to turn them over separately on a LAN system, it is difficult to build a practical system horizontally.

(Problems to be Solved by the Invention) As mentioned above, there is a drawback that the search speed becomes extremely slow when handling large-sized images. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an electronic filing device that can increase search speed when handling large-sized images.

E Configuration of the Invention] (Means for Solving the Problems) The electronic filing device of the present invention includes a supply means for supplying image information, a storage means for storing the image information from the supply means with search information attached thereto; a first processing means for creating an abstract image from the image information supplied by the supply means;
and when storing image information in the storage means, the first
The second processing means adds the abstract image created by the processing means to the search information corresponding to the image information.

(Function) In the present invention, when storing image information in a storage means, an abstract image thereof is added to search information corresponding to the image information, and when searching, first the search information and its abstract image are added to the search information corresponding to the image information. After searching and checking, the original image is searched.

(Example) Hereinafter, an example of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a LAN system configuration according to the present invention. In the figure, 1aslb, . . . are terminal devices, 3 is a center, and each terminal device 1a, 1b1, . It is connected.

As shown in FIG. 3, the center 3 includes a control module 11, a memory module 10, and an image processing module 30.
, communication control module 31, scanner 20, optical disk device 22, keyboard 23, CRT display device 2
4, printer 25, magnetic disk device 27, mouse 29
, a system bus 41, and an image bus 42.

”-Note- The control module 11 includes a CPU 12 as a central processing unit that performs various controls;
and the optical disk device E22 and magnetic disk device 1f.
27, and an interface circuit 17 for connecting the CPU 2 and the like. The above CP
The keyboard 23 and mouse 29 are connected to U12.

The CPU 12 performs an online search according to the makeshift search code supplied from the communication control module 31, and when desired image information is found in this online search, an image presence signal and the image information are sent to the CPU 12. If there is no image information, a signal indicating that there is no corresponding image is sent via the communication control module 31 and the communication line 2 to the terminal device 1as that made the inquiry.

Further, the CPU 12 stores image information in accordance with the image information and search code output from the communication control module 31.

The memory module 10 includes a main memory 13, an A4
It is composed of a page memory 14 as an image memory having a storage capacity corresponding to images and data corresponding to several pages of a manuscript, a display memory 15 as a display interface, a display control section 16, and the like.

A part of the page memory 14 includes a buffer memory 14
A is provided. The second buffer memory 14a is controlled for writing and reading by a counter (not shown).

The image processing module 30 includes a scaling circuit 34 that scales up and down the image data, a vertical/horizontal conversion circuit 35 that rotates the image data by changing the vertical/horizontal direction, and compresses (reduces redundancy) and expands (reduces redundancy) the image data. A compression/expansion circuit (CODEC) that restores the reduced redundancy
36. Scanner interface 37 for scanner 20
, a printer interface 38 for the printer 25, an internal bus 39 connecting the enlargement/reduction circuit 34, the vertical/horizontal conversion circuit 35, the compression/expansion circuit 36, the scanner interface 37, and the printer interface 38.

The upper communication control module 31 is, for example, a BCP connected to a LAN (Local Area Network).
(bus communication processor) or the like. Also,
The communication control module 31 includes an FCP (facsimile connection mechanism).

Interface with external equipment such as a PC (R9-23
2C, GP I B, SC8I)
A CP (universal φ communication processor) may be provided.

The communication control module 31 is connected to other terminal devices 1ax and 1ax.
Communication control module (not shown) and communication line 2
The image information corresponding to the makeshift search code is transmitted, the sent makeshift search code is supplied to the main memory 13, the image information to be stored is supplied to the page memory 14, and the search code is is supplied to the main memory 13.

The system bus 41 is a bus for control signals, and connects the control module 11, the memory module 10, the image processing module 30, and the communication control module 31. Further, the image bus 42 is a bus for image data, and is adapted to connect the memory module 10 and the image processing module 30.

The display memory 15 includes the CRT display device! The image data actually displayed in the window at ¥24, that is, the image data obtained by enlarging, reducing, rotating, inserting, or inverting black and white the image data in the page memory 14 is stored. .

The scanner 20 is, for example, a two-dimensional scanning device, and is a document (
By scanning the document (document) two-dimensionally with a laser beam, an electrical signal corresponding to the image data on the document is obtained. The optical disk device 22 includes the scanner 20
The image information read by the optical disc (storage medium) 1
9 are stored sequentially.

The keyboard 23 is used to input an open search code and various operation commands corresponding to the image information stored on the optical disc 19. The CRT display device 24 is an output device, such as a cathode ray tube display device, which is a display device, and displays image information read by the scanner 20 or image information read from the optical disk device 2.2. The CRT display device 124 has a maximum of four windows.
It is now possible to display two documents at the same time. For example, four pieces of document data displayed vertically are displayed. Editing such as enlargement, reduction, rotation, scrolling, etc. of the document data can be performed independently for each window.

The printer 25 stores image information read by the scanner 20, image information read from the optical disk device 22, CR
The image information displayed on the T-display device 24 is output as a printout, that is, a hard copy.

The magnetic disk device 27 is a hard disk device, and a magnetic disk 27a installed in the magnetic disk device 27 stores various control programs, and also stores a search code input using the keyboard 23 and a search code. Search data (image management information) consisting of a storage address, image size, etc. on the optical disk 19 where image information for one item corresponding to one document is stored is stored.

Further, the magnetic disk 27a stores an abstract image for each document in correspondence with the search code.

The storage address is a logical address, from which a physical track address and a physical sector address are calculated at the time of access.

A search code consisting of multiple search keys for the above search data (
As shown in Figure 4, the image number, iF class number, page number, document size (image size), compression method, resolution, Document management data consisting of a block length and a logical address on the optical disk 19 for image information is assigned, and a document management table is constituted by a group of these document management data.

In addition, the search code stores an image obtained by reducing the first page of the corresponding document (the tlci page is a representative document), and indicates the start of recording of this abstract image on the magnetic disk 27a. An address has been assigned. Further, although an abstract image corresponding to one page of each document (the first page is a representative document) is provided, it may be provided on a page-by-page basis.

The mouse 29 is a pointing device, and by moving the cursor on the CRT display device 24 arbitrarily vertically or horizontally and giving an instruction at a desired position, the mouse 29 can display the displayed content ( For example, various modes, editing images, cut and paste ranges, icons, etc.) are selected.

The terminal devices 1aslb, . . . are used to input a search request or input image information to be stored, and are configured as shown in FIG.

That is, the terminal device 1a%lb%... includes a control module 51, a memory module 50, an image processing module 70, a communication control module 71, a scanner 60, a keyboard 63, a CRT display device VI 164, a printer 65, and a magnetic disk device 67. , a mouse 69, a system bus 71, and an image bus 72.

The scanner 60 and the printer 65 are connected to the terminal device 1aslbx . . . by observation.

The control module 51 includes a CPU 52 as a central processing unit that performs various controls, and an interface circuit 57 for connecting the magnetic disk device 67 and the CPU 52. The keyboard 63 and mouse 69 are connected to the CPU 52 .

During a search, when a search code is entered manually using keys from the keyboard 63, the CPU 52 compares the search code with the search code stored in the magnetic disk 67m, and communicates the matching search code and an image request signal. It is transmitted to the center 3 via the control module 71 and the communication line 2.

Further, the CPU 52 transmits the search code and image information to the center 3 via the communication control module 71 and the communication line 2 at the time of registration.

The memory module 50 includes a main memory 53, an A4
Page memo' as an image memory with a storage capacity corresponding to image data for several pages of original size.
and display memory 55 as a display interface.
and a display control section 56.

A part of the page memory 54 includes a buffer memory 54.
A is provided. Writing and reading from this buffer memory 54a are controlled by a counter (not shown).

The image processing module 70 includes an enlargement/reduction circuit 74 that enlarges and reduces image data, an aspect conversion circuit 75 that rotates image data by changing its aspect, and compression (reducing redundancy) and expansion (reducing redundancy) of image data. A compression/expansion circuit (CODEC) that restores the reduced redundancy
'76, Scanner 60 River Scanner Interface 7
7. Printer interface 78 for printer 65;
The internal bus 79 connects an enlargement/reduction circuit 74, an aspect/horizontal conversion circuit 75, a compression/expansion circuit 76, a scanner interface 77, and a printer interface 78.

The communication control module 71 is connected to a LAN (local
area network) connected to the BCP (/< area network).
It is constituted by a communication interface 81 such as a communication interface (processor) or the like.

The communication control module 71 is connected to a communication control module (not shown) of the center 3 via the communication line 2, and transmits a makeshift search code, image information to be stored, and image information corresponding to the search code, Image information for the sent makeshift search code is stored in page memory 5.
4.

The system bus 81 is a bus for control signals, and connects the control module 51, the memory module 50, the image processing module 70, and the communication control module 71. Further, the image bus 82 is a bus for image data, and is adapted to connect the memory module 50 and the image processing module 70.

The display memory 55 includes the CRT display device F.
Image data actually displayed in the window 164, that is, image data obtained by enlarging, reducing, rotating, inserting, or inverting black and white the image data of the page memory 54 is stored.

The scanner 60 is, for example, a two-dimensional scanning device, and is a document (
Sentence vi) An electric signal corresponding to the image data on the document is obtained by two-dimensionally scanning the document with a laser beam.

The keyboard 63 is used to input a unique search code corresponding to image information and various operation commands. The CRT display device 64 is an output device such as a cathode ray tube display device which is a display device and displays image information read by the scanner 6o or image information read out from the optical disk device 62. The CRT display device g164 is capable of simultaneously displaying four documents using a maximum of four windows. For example, four pieces of document data are displayed vertically. Enlarge, reduce, rotate document data independently for each window above.
Editing such as scrolling is now possible.

The printer 6-5 outputs image information and the like supplied from the A-Hinoki control module 71 as a printout, that is, as a hard copy.

The magnetic disk device 67 is a hard disk device, and the magnetic disk 67a installed in the magnetic disk device 67 stores various control programs, and also uses the search code inputted from the keyboard 23 and the scanner 60. The read image information is stored,
Further, image management information stored in the magnetic disk 27a of the center 3 is stored. However, no logical address is assigned.

The mouse 69 is a pointing device, for example, by moving the cursor on the CRT display device 64 arbitrarily in the vertical and horizontal directions and giving an instruction at a desired position, the displayed content ( For example, various modes, editing images, cut and paste ranges, icons, etc.) are selected.

Next, how image information is managed in a unified manner will be explained from the viewpoint of document management.

In other words, the document management system in this embodiment has four parts: cabinet, binder, document, and page, as shown in Figure 6.
It has a hierarchy, and each cabinet is associated with one side of the optical disc 19. A maximum of 8 binders can be defined in a cabinet, and a maximum of 30,000 binders can be defined within a binder.
You can register up to 100 documents. Each document has a title, and its structure is defined for each binder. The above document is the basic unit of a file, and in addition to the title, annotations (explanation of the document) can be added.

Further, a document is composed of up to 4095 pages.

Next, the operation in such a configuration will be explained.

First, registration (storage) of image information in the center 3 will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. For example, the user selects and sets the registration mode using the keyboard 23 and enters a search code for image information to be registered. For example, input the document number r12345J, the classification "circuit diagram", the publication date r870829J, the model "image file", and the title "abstract image retrieval system".

As a result, the CRT display device 24 displays the entered search code as shown in FIG.

Then, the CPU 12 checks the validity of the input data based on the number of digits, character types, etc. according to the predefined search code format, and also checks the already registered search codes to ensure that there is no double registration. Checks are performed, and if the search code is correct as a result of these checks, it is stored in the main memory 13.

Then, the original 21 is set on the scanner 20, and the CPU 1
2 operates the optical disk device 22 and scanner 20. Then, the scanner 20 two-dimensionally scans the image information of the set document or the like and photoelectrically converts it. This photoelectrically converted line information is sequentially stored in the page buffer 14. When one page of image information is stored in the page memory 14, the image information is stored in the display memory 15 and displayed on the CRT display device 24.

By the way, the skinny, density, resolution, etc. of the image displayed on the CRT display device 24 are checked, and if the image is satisfactory, a storage key (not shown) is pressed. Then, the CPU 12 performs band compression on one unit of image information stored in the page memory 14 using the well-known MH (Modify-Hoffman) conversion for each line of information using the C0DEC 36, and transfers the compressed line information to the optical disk device. 22. Thereby, the optical disk device 22 stores the supplied image information on the optical disk 19.

When the storage of this image information is completed, the CPU 12 stores the physical track address where the image information is stored, the logical address determined from the physical sector address, the image length expressed in block length, resolution, compression method, document size, page number, etc. The search data is created by storing the document management data in the main memory 13 in correspondence with the search code. Next, the CPU 12 supplies the search data stored in the main memory 13 to the magnetic disk device 27. Thereby, the magnetic disk device 27 stores the supplied search data in the magnetic disk 27a.

In addition, if the image information to be registered is the 1st H of one document, when registering the original image information, the image information (abstract image) that is a reduced version of the image information is magnetically linked to the search code. The information is stored on the disk 27a.

At this time, the CRT display device 24, as shown in FIG. 9, displays an abstract image in addition to the display in FIG. 8.

That is, the CPU 12 reduces one unit of image information stored in the page memory 14 in the enlargement/reduction circuit 34 for each line information (for example, reduces A1 and A2 sizes to A6 size), and then uses the well-known MH using the C0DEC 36. Bandwidth compression is performed by (Hoffman in Modephite) conversion or MR conversion, and the compressed line information is transferred to the magnetic disk device 27.
supply to. Thereby, the magnetic disk device 27 stores the supplied image information on the magnetic disk 27a.

When the storage of this image information is completed, the CPU 12 stores the storage start address on the magnetic disk 27a in correspondence with the search code.

Therefore, if the first page of the desired document is an Al-sized drawing, the image information (Al/400ppi) is
/400ppi while reducing the image size
Band compression is performed using 0DEC36, and the abstract image (Al/400ppi>) is stored as the reduced image.

Next, registration (storage) of image information by the terminal devices 1a, . . . will be explained. For example, the user selects and sets the registration mode using the keyboard 63 and inputs a search code for image information to be registered. As a result, the CPU 52 checks the validity of the human data based on the number of digits, character types, etc. according to the predefined search code format, and also checks the search codes that have already been registered. Checks are made to see if the search code has been registered, and if the result of these checks is an overwhelming search code, it is stored in the main memory 53. Then, the original is set in the scanner 60, and the CPU 52 operates the scanner 60. Then, the scanner 60 two-dimensionally scans the image information of the set document or the like and photoelectrically converts it. This photoelectrically converted line information is sequentially stored in the page memory 54. When one page of image information is stored in the page memory 54, the image information is stored in the display memory 55 and displayed on the CRT display device 64. By the way, the skew, density, resolution, etc. of the image displayed on the CRT display device 64 are checked, and if the image is satisfactory, a storage key (not shown) is pressed. Then, the CPU 52 uses the page memory 5
One unit of image information stored in 4 is band-compressed by the well-known MH (Modifier-Hoffman) conversion or MR conversion for each line information by CODEC 76, and the compressed line information is supplied to the magnetic disk device 67. do.

Further, the CPU 52 also supplies the search code stored in the main memory 53 to the magnetic disk device 67. Thereby, the magnetic disk device 67 stores the supplied image information and search code on the magnetic disk 67a.

When the storage of the image information is completed, the CPU 52 transmits the image information and search code stored in the magnetic disk 67g to the center 3 via the communication control module 71 and the communication line 2. As a result, in the center 3, the image information supplied via the communication control module 31 is transferred to the page memory 1.
4, and the search code is stored in the main memory 13. Next, the CPU 12 supplies one unit of image information stored in the page memory 14 to the optical disc device 22 for each line of information. As a result, the optical disc device V122 stores the supplied image information on the optical disc 19.

When storage of this image information is completed, the physical track address where the image information is stored, the logical address determined from the physical sector address, the image length expressed in block length,
Search data is created by storing document management data such as resolution, compression method, document size, page number, etc. in the main memory 13 in correspondence with a search code. Then, C
The PU 12 supplies the search data stored in the main memory 13 to the magnetic disk device 27. Thereby, the magnetic disk device g127 stores the supplied search data on the magnetic disk 27a.

Also in this case, if the image information to be registered is the first page of one document, when registering the original image information, image information that is a reduced version of that image information (abstract image @!: abstract image) Match the search code to magnetic disk 2
7a.

On the other hand, the search at the center 3 for the image information registered as described above will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, the search mode is set using the keyboard 23 and a search code is entered.

Then, the CPU 12 transfers the search code to the magnetic disk 2.
The search code stored in 7a is sequentially compared and checked to see if the search code matches or is related to the input search code. And CPU12
stores the document number corresponding to the matching or related search code in the main memory 13.

Then, when the above check is completed, the CPU 12 inputs the search code (search title) for the matching document.
It is displayed on the CRT display device 24. At this time, CP
U12 reads the abstract image stored in each document corresponding to the search code from the magnetic disk 27a and displays it together with the search code (display similar to that in FIG. 9).

That is, the CPU 12 reads the storage start address of the abstract image given to the search code from the magnetic disk 27a, and causes the magnetic disk device 27 to reproduce the track on the magnetic disk 27a using this address. Then, C
The PU 12 converts image information (compressed information) for each scanning line supplied from the magnetic disk device 27 into C' OD E
The original image information is sequentially supplied to the display memory 15 after band expansion by MH inverse transformation. As a result, the search code and its abstract image are displayed on the CRT display device 24.

(Use the turtle to select the desired one from the search codes and their abstract images that are sequentially displayed on the CRT display B24. With this selection, the CPU 12 selects the document corresponding to the search code from the magnetic disk 27a. The logical address of the image information on the first page, for example rloooooJ
is read out. Then, the CPU 12 calculates a physical track address and a physical sector address corresponding to the logical address, and causes the optical disc device 22 to reproduce the track on the optical disc 19 based on these addresses. Then, the CPU 12 converts the image information (compressed information) for each scanning line supplied from the optical disk device 22 into C0DEC.
36, band expansion is performed by MH inverse transformation, and the original image information is sequentially supplied to the page memory 14. In this way, when all the image information for one reproduced page is stored in the page memory 14, the CPU 12 uses the display memory 15 to display the image information (AI size original image information) on the CRT display device 24. .

- As mentioned in , abstract images (
A reduced image (reduced to A4 size) as an abstract image is stored in the magnetic disk 27a in correspondence with a search code, and when a search instruction is given from the keyboard 23, the search code and the abstract image are first The images are sequentially displayed on the CRT display device 24. As a result, the search code and its abstract images are displayed one after another, like flipping through a book, until the necessary drawing (image) is found, and when the necessary drawing (image) is found, the request for the original image is made. Do this. In response to this request for the original image, the optical disc 19
Read out the original image that corresponds to the above abstract image, and
After displaying the image on the RT display device 24, necessary processing such as image editing is performed, and the image is printed out on the printer 25, thereby completing the drawing work.

Therefore, the search is performed using a small abstract image (reduced image) given to the search code, and the large original image, which takes time to transfer, is processed in the final stage. Search can be performed quickly.

Next, the search for image information by the terminal device 1as... will be explained. For example, now, the search mode is set using the keyboard 63 and a search code is entered.

Then, the CPU 52 transfers the search code to the magnetic disk 6.
The search code stored in 7a is sequentially compared and checked to see if the search code matches the input search code. Then, the CPU 52 stores the document number corresponding to the matching or related search code in the main memory 53.

Next, when the above-mentioned check is completed, the CPU 52 inputs the search code (search title) for the matching document.
It is displayed on the CRT display device 64. At this time, CP
U52 reads the abstract image stored in each document of the search code from the magnetic disk 27a and displays it together with the search code (display similar to that in FIG. 9).

That is, the CPU 52 reads the storage start address of the abstract image given to the search code from the magnetic disk 67a, and uses this address to cause the magnetic disk device 67 to reproduce the track on the magnetic disk 67a. Then, C
The PU 52 supplies image information (compressed information) for each scanning line supplied from the magnetic disk device 67 to the C0DEC 76, performs band expansion by MH inverse conversion or MR inverse conversion, and sequentially transfers the original image information to the display memory 55. supply

As a result, the search code and its abstract image are displayed on the CRT display device 64.

Next, a desired one is selected from the search codes and abstract images sequentially displayed on the CRT display device 164. Upon this selection, the CPU 52 sends the instruction to the center 3 via the communication control module 71 and the communication line 2. Send to.

Thereby, in response to an instruction to output the original image supplied via the communication control module 31, the CPU 12 selects the logical address corresponding to the image information of the first page of the document corresponding to the above-mentioned search code from within the magnetic disk 27a, for example. rlooo
oooJ is read. Then, the CPU 12 calculates a physical track address and a physical sector address corresponding to the logical address, and causes the optical disc device 22 to reproduce the track on the optical disc 19 based on these addresses. Then, the CPU 12 converts the image information (compressed information) for each scanning line supplied from the optical disk device 22 into C.
The original image information is supplied to the 0DEC 36, band expanded by MH inverse conversion or MR inverse conversion, and the original image information is stored in the page memory 14.
sequentially supplied to In this way, when all the image information for one reproduced page is stored in the page memory 14, the CPU 12 transfers the image information (AI size original image information) to the communication control module 31 and the terminal device 1a (via the communication line 2). lb
,...). As a result, in the terminal device 1a, the image information supplied via the communication control module 71 is displayed on the CRT display device ff1 using the display memory 55.
64.

As mentioned above, for images such as drawings, abstract images (
A reduced image (reduced to A4 size) as an abstract image is stored in the magnetic disk 67a in correspondence with a search code, and when a search instruction is given from the keyboard 63, the search code and the abstract image are first Sequentially displayed on a CRT display device "1W64."
The search code and its abstract images are displayed one after another as if a book is being turned over, and when the required drawing (image) is found, a request is made for the original image. In response to this request for the original image, the center 3 reads the original image corresponding to the abstract image from the optical disk 19 and transmits it to the terminal device 1a. Thereby, after receiving the original image on the terminal device la side, after performing necessary processing such as image editing, the image is printed out using the printer 65, and the drawing output work is completed.

Therefore, we conducted a search using a small abstract image (reduced image) given to the search code, and in the final stage sent the large original image, which takes time to transfer. Searches can be performed at high speed even via LAN, and not only can necessary images be retrieved in a short time, but also the time dedicated to terminal devices and communication lines can be reduced, which also has economic advantages.

In the above embodiment, an abstract image is created when the original image is A1 or A2 size or larger, but the present invention is not limited to this, and an abstract image can be created when the original image is of other sizes. It's okay. Alternatively, an abstract image may be created only for a specified predetermined image.

Furthermore, in addition to using a communication system such as a stand array or LAN that is processed and processed at a center, remote search can be similarly performed using a low-speed communication device such as a FAX. In this case, the abstract image is sent by fax, and when the desired image is found, the original image is faxed.
I'll send it to you as soon as possible. In this case, the time required for exclusive use of the telephone line is reduced, making it economically superior.

[Effects of the Invention] As detailed above, according to the present invention, when large-sized images are handled, the search speed can be increased.
Furthermore, it is possible to provide an electronic filing device that is capable of knowing whether or not there is an abstract image in the above-mentioned image.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

The drawings show one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a flowchart for explaining the registration operation, and FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the registration operation.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing the structure of the system, FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing the structure of the center, FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of storing a document management table, and FIG. A block diagram schematically showing the configuration, Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining the document management system, Fig. t57 is a flowchart for explaining the search operation, and Figs. It is a figure showing an example of a display. '181~...Terminal device, 2...Communication line, 3
...center, 12.52...cpυ, 13.53.
...Main memory, 14.54...Page memory, 1
9... Optical disk (storage medium), 20. 60... Scanner, 22... Optical disk device, 23', 63...
・Keyboard, 24.64... CRT display device, 27.67... Magnetic disk device, 27a, 67
a...Magnetic disk 25.65...Printer, 34
．． 74...Scaling-Circuit, 36.76...C0D
EC, A...Abstract image presence information. Applicant's Representative Patent Attorney Takehiko Suzue Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 7a Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7

Claims (4)

[Claims] (1) a supply means for supplying image information; a storage means for storing the image information from the supply means with search information added thereto; and a first supply means for creating an abstract image from the image information supplied by the supply means. and a second processing means for adding the abstract image created by the first processing means to the search information corresponding to the image information when storing the image information in the storage means. Characteristic electronic filing device. (2) The electronic filing device according to claim 1, wherein the first processing means creates the abstract image only when the size of image information is arbitrary. (3) The electronic filing device according to claim 1, wherein the supply means is constituted by a scanner. (4) The electronic filing device according to claim 1, wherein the storage means is constituted by an optical disk.