JPH0778180A - Electronic filing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To reduce the price and size of an electronic filing device and to improve operability for the registration of picture information. CONSTITUTION:The electronic filing device 1 is connected to a digital copying machine 2 through respective communication control parts 11, 21 and an interface cable, and when a start key for an operation/ display part 25 is depressed and a system control part 10 recognizes the key information, preceding picture data stored in a system memory 12 are registered in a medium 14, the start of reading of a scanner part 22 is commanded to the copying machine 2 and picture data read out by the scanner part 22 is stored in the memory 12 and displayed on a picture display part 15.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an electronic file device for retrievably registering and managing a large amount of image information such as various documents in a medium (optical disc, magneto-optical disc, etc.) which is a large-capacity storage medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an electronic file device (electronic filing system, electronic filing system, Optical filing system, etc.) has been developed, and it has come to be used considerably.

Such an electronic file device is a scanner which is an image reading device for reading at least a document and image information of a document, and a medium such as a magneto-optical disk by classifying the image information read by the scanner for each document or document. The device main body that has the function of searching the registered information and the registered information, the image display unit (display device) that displays the information read by the scanner and the information searched by the device main body, the operator search information and commands, etc. In general, the system is configured by an operation input device such as a keyboard and a mouse for inputting, and a printer for printing the retrieved information and the like.

Therefore, the conventional electronic file device is considerably expensive and requires a large installation space, so that a person who wants to use it cannot operate it easily on his / her desk when he / she needs it. . Therefore, recently, product development that responds to the demands for downsizing and cost reduction of such electronic file devices has been actively made, and products that are quite small and easy to use have also come on the market.

In the current office and the like, an image scanner is used as an input device for a word processor, a personal computer, a desktop electronic editing device (DTP), etc., a printer such as a laser printer is used as an output device, and a combination of both is constructed. Digital copying machines and the like have been widely used. With this in mind, attempts have been made to utilize such existing image scanners and printers as input / output devices for electronic file devices.

[0006]

As described above, an image scanner of another OA device or a scanner unit of a digital copying machine (these are collectively referred to as an "external scanner") is used as the image reading means of the electronic file device. In many cases, the two are installed separately.

However, in the conventional electronic file apparatus, since all the operations (instruction work) related to filing of documents are performed on the electronic file side, the image data is read using the external scanner as described above. In this case, the operator has to move between the manuscripts every time the manuscript is set, the reading is started, and the instruction work such as registration (writing) is performed. It was not easy to give an instruction to the electronic file device while holding and holding the with an external scanner.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an external scanner (image reading device) can be used as the image reading means of the electronic file device, thereby significantly reducing the cost of the electronic file device. The purpose of the present invention is to reduce the size, and to greatly improve the operability when registering image information such as a new document so that anyone can easily convert the document into an electronic file.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an electronic file device according to the present invention inputs key operation information and read image information from an external image reading device and gives an operation command to the image reading device. Communication means for transmitting information, a memory for temporarily storing image information input via the communication means, and a memory for storing information when the start key of the image reading device is pressed After registering the stored image information in the medium, a system control means for instructing the image reading device to start reading an image and storing the image information of one page input from the image reading device in the memory It is equipped with and.

Further, it is desirable that the electronic filing apparatus is provided with an image display section capable of displaying image information, and the system control means has means for displaying the image information stored in the memory on the image display section.

Further, each time the system control means inputs the information that the start key of the image reading device is pressed, the image information stored in the memory is registered in the medium, and then the image reading device displays the image. It may be a means for repeatedly performing a process of issuing a command to start reading, storing image information of one page input from the image reading device in the memory, and displaying the image information on the image display unit.

Then, in this electronic file device,
A reading condition setting means for changing and setting the reading condition of the image reading device is provided, and after inputting the information that the start key of the image reading device is pressed to the system control means to perform the series of processing described above, next, It is advisable to provide means for enabling the reading condition setting means to change and set the reading conditions until the information on the pressed start key is input.

Further, in this electronic file device,
The means for enabling the changing setting of the reading condition by the reading condition setting means registers the image information stored in the memory in the medium when the operation of changing the reading condition is performed, and then the changing setting of the reading condition. Is desirable.

The reading condition setting means in these electronic filing devices may be means for changing and setting the reading conditions according to the key operation information on the image reading means side. Alternatively, operation means for inputting the reading conditions to the reading condition setting means may be provided on the electronic file device side.

Further, the communication means allows the status information indicating the state thereof to be inputted from the external image reading device, and the system control means can determine whether the automatic document feeder is attached to the image reading device according to the status information. There is also provided an electronic filing device having a state judging means for judging whether or not a document is set in the automatic document feeder and operating as follows.

When the state determining means determines that the automatic document feeder is attached to the image reading device and the document is set in the image reading device, information indicating that the start key of the image reading device is pressed. Is input once, the image information stored in the memory is registered in the medium, and then the image reading device is instructed to start the automatic document feeder and start reading the image, and the image is input from the image reading device. The process of storing the image information of one page in the memory is automatically repeated until the document is exhausted or there is a stop instruction.

If the state determining means determines that the automatic document feeder is not attached to the image reading apparatus or if the original is not set in the image reading apparatus, the start key of the image reading apparatus is set. Every time the information is pressed, the image information stored in the memory is registered in the medium, and then the image reading device is instructed to start normal image reading, and one page input from the image reading device is input. The image information of (1) is stored in the memory and the process of displaying the image information on the image display unit is repeated.

In this electronic file device, the system control means executes the process of registering the image information stored in the memory in the medium only when there is unregistered image information in the memory. When there is no original or a stop instruction is issued and the repetitive processing is stopped, if there is unregistered image information in the memory, the image information may be registered in the medium.

Alternatively, even when the system control means determines by the state determination means that the automatic document feeder is attached to the image reading apparatus and the original is set in the apparatus, the state is stored in the memory. A process of, after registering the image information in the medium, instructing the image reading device to start the automatic document feeder and start reading the image, and storing the image information of one page input from the image reading device in the memory; Each time the start key of the image reading device is pressed, information may be input repeatedly until the original is exhausted.

Further, these electronic filing apparatuses also include a reading condition setting means for changing and setting the reading conditions of the image reading apparatus, and the system control means inputs the information when the start key of the image reading apparatus is pressed. It is advisable to provide a means for enabling the reading condition setting means to change and set the reading conditions when the series of processes after that is not performed.

[0021]

In each of the electronic file devices according to the present invention, when the information on which the start key is pressed is input from the external image reading means through the communication device, the image reading of the original and the writing of the image information to the medium are performed. Since a series of registration-related processing is continuously executed, the operator can register the image information of the set document on the medium of the electronic file device by setting the document on the image reading device and pressing the start key. it can.

Here, in the electronic file device of the invention described in each claim, the flow of the image information after the start key of the image reading device is pressed (referred to as "start key ON") is changed to "image reading means". "Scanner", "memory" for temporarily storing the input image information, "media" for a large-capacity storage medium, and "display" for the image display section
Will be described briefly.

According to the invention of claim 1, when the start key is turned on, the memory → media scanner → memory Therefore, only by pressing the start key of the image reading device, the operation of pressing the write key or the like is not performed on the electronic file device side. The image information read and stored in the memory can be registered in the medium, a new document can be read by the image reading device, and the image information can be stored in the empty memory.

The invention according to claims 2 and 3, when the start key is turned on, the memory → media scanner → memory memory → display is read, and the image information temporarily stored in the memory is displayed. Therefore, even if the operator is near the image reading device, it is read. It is possible to confirm the content of the image and the position and inclination of the image. In the invention of claim 3, the series of processes is repeatedly executed each time the start key is pressed.

Invention according to claim 4 When the first start key is turned on, the memory → media scanner → memory memory → display * The change of the reading conditions can be set. The next start key is turned on, memory → media scanner → memory * memory → display * to *. Can be repeated.

Invention of claim 5 When the first start key is turned on, memory → media scanner → memory memory → display * When the operation to change the reading conditions is entered, memory → change of the medium reading conditions can be set. → Memory Memory → Display In addition, by pressing the next start key, memory → media scanner → memory * memory → display * to * can be repeated.

According to the sixth and seventh aspects of the invention, the reading condition can be changed and set by the key operation on the scanner side. According to the invention of claim 7, the reading condition can be changed and set by inputting the reading condition from the operating means of the electronic file device.

The invention of claim 8 is an automatic document feeder (abbreviated as "ADF") for a scanner.
If is installed and the originals are set in the ADF, press the Start key to turn * Memory → Media Scanner → Memory * Memory → Display * to * until the originals set in the ADF run out or there is a stop command. Repeat. In this case, the scanner uses the ADF to feed the originals one by one and read the image.

Is ADF not attached to the scanner?
If the document is loaded in the ADF but not loaded in the ADF, you can repeat the sequence memory → media scanner → memory memory → display by pressing the start key.

Invention of claim 9 In the invention of claim 8 or 9, the start key is turned on.
Immediately after memory → Media is executed only when there is unregistered image information in the memory,
If there is unregistered image information in the memory when the document is exhausted or a stop instruction is issued during the continuous processing using the ADF to stop the repeated processing, memory → media is executed.

According to the invention of claim 10, when an ADF is attached to the scanner and a document is set on the ADF, the start key is turned on and the memory → media scanner → memory memory → display is set in the ADF until there are no documents. Can be repeated. In this case, the scanner uses the ADF to feed the originals one by one and read the image.

Is ADF not attached to the scanner?
If the document is loaded in the ADF but not loaded in the ADF, you can repeat the sequence memory → media scanner → memory memory → display by pressing the start key.

Invention of Claim 11 In the invention of any one of claims 8, 9 and 10, when a series of processes after the start key is turned on, that is, a process of memory → media scanner → memory memory → display is not performed, , It becomes possible to change and set the reading conditions.

[0034]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a case where an electronic file device according to an embodiment of the present invention is used by being connected to a digital copying machine, and FIG. 2 is a front view showing its appearance and arrangement example.

First, the structure of the electronic file device 1 will be described. The system controller 10, the communication controller 11, the system memory 12, the magneto-optical disk (OMD) are used as the medium 1.
4, the image information registration / readout unit 13, the image display unit 15,
Also, it is composed of an operation / input unit 16 such as a mouse, and a large number of image information can be registered and managed in the medium 14 which is a large-capacity storage medium in a searchable manner.

The image display unit 15 and the operation / input unit 16
The other parts are provided inside the apparatus main body 17 shown in FIG. 2, and the medium 14 can be inserted into and removed from the image information registration / readout part 13. Reference numeral 18 shown in FIG. 2 is a power switch. This electronic filing device 1 is a small device that is used by being placed on the table 3, and although not shown in the figure, a handle is provided on the upper part of the device body 17 behind the image display unit 15. It is provided and easy to carry.

The communication control unit 11 shown in FIG. 1 inputs status information indicating the state and key operation information and the read image information from an external image reading device (scanner) as necessary, and at the same time, the image reading device. It is a communication means for sending operation command information to, and performs serial communication with a communication control unit 21 on the side of the digital copying machine 2 described later.

The system memory 12 is a ROM that stores programs and fixed data, an image memory that stores image information that is input via the data communication control unit 11, a temporary input key code, status information, and the like. Remember
It is configured by a RAM or the like serving as a work memory of the system controller 10.

The image information registration / read-out unit 13 uses the media 1
When 4 is a magneto-optical disk, it is a magneto-optical disk drive device, which can write image information in the medium 14 and register it as a file, or selectively read out the image information registered in the media 14. it can.

The system control unit 10 receives various information related to image information registration according to the present invention, for example, the memory 1 when the start key of the image reading device is pressed.
Image information registration / reading unit 1 stores image information stored in 2
3, the image reading device is instructed to start reading the image, the image information of one page input from the image reading device is stored in the memory 12, and the image information is displayed on the image display unit 15. The processing to be displayed on is executed.

The system control unit 10 is provided with a CPU, which constitutes a microcomputer together with the ROM and RAM in the system memory 12, and stores various programs for registering image information according to the present invention in the ROM. There is. Although not directly related to the present invention, the system control unit also performs processing relating to keyword setting and classification for each document, document search, display of image information of the searched document, print output, and the like.

The image display unit 15 is a graphic display device for displaying input image information, searched image information, various guide information at the time of registration and search, a work menu, selection buttons by a mouse cursor, which will be described later, and the like. In this embodiment, a large screen liquid crystal display device is used. However, the CRT is not limited to this.
You may use a display apparatus, a plasma display apparatus, etc.

The operation / input section 16 is for inputting or selecting various information for operating the electronic file device, and can use a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse which is a pointing device, or the like. However, in this embodiment, only the mouse is connected, whereby various selection buttons displayed on the screen of the image display unit 15 are indicated by the mouse cursor, and all the buttons are clicked by clicking the right or left button of the mouse. It is possible to operate. The operations related to the present invention include the input (instruction) of the reading conditions and the instruction to end the image registration.

On the other hand, the digital copying machine 2 includes the control unit 20,
Communication control unit 21, scanner unit 22, automatic document feeder (ADF) 23, printer unit 24, operation / display unit 25,
And an image memory 26. Each unit except the ADF 23 is provided in the copying machine main body 27 shown in FIG. Reference numeral 28 is a drawer type paper feed tray, and 29 is a paper discharge tray.

The control unit 20 shown in FIG. 1 includes a microcomputer which controls the entire digital copying machine 2 as a whole, and has a sequence control function of the copying process and binary information of image information read by the scanner unit 22. Conversion, correction,
It has an image processing function that performs scaling, various types of processing, and bitmap expansion during printing.

The communication control unit 21 is connected to the communication control unit 11 of the electronic file device 1 by the interface cable 4 and, if necessary, the status information indicating the state of the scanner unit 22 and the key operation information of the operation / display unit 25. And a communication unit for outputting image information read by the scanner unit 22 and inputting operation command information from the electronic file device 1 to the scanner unit 22.

Since the printer unit 24 can also be used as the printer of the electronic file device 1, communication of data and commands necessary therefor is also performed, but the description thereof is omitted because it is not directly related to the present invention. Further, in FIG. 2, the electronic file device 1 and the digital copying machine 2 are arranged close to each other for convenience of illustration, but in practice, they are often arranged farther apart.

The scanner unit 22 basically holds a document placed on the contact glass with a pressure plate mounted so as to be openable and closable, and a carriage integrally provided with an illumination lamp and a mirror provided below the contact glass. While moving in the sub-scanning direction, the reflected light beam from the original surface is imaged by the lens on the light-receiving surface of the line sensor such as CCD, and converted into an electric signal according to the shading of the image in the main scanning direction. The image on the document surface is read.

An ADF 23 can be detachably attached to the scanner unit 22 of this embodiment in place of the pressure plate. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the ADF 23 is attached. The scanner unit 22 is provided with a switch or a sensor for detecting the mounting of the ADF 23, and the ADF 23 is provided with a sensor for detecting a document set on the document table 23a thereof. Then, the status information indicating the status of the scanner unit is sent to the printer 20.

When the ADF 23 is mounted and a document is set on the document table 23a, the above-mentioned carriage lights the illumination lamp and stops at a predetermined position when the document is read, and one sheet is fed by the ADF 23. The originals fed one by one are sub-scanned by the conveyance to read the image information.

The printer unit 24 of this embodiment is an optical printer such as a laser printer or an LED printer which forms an image by an electrophotographic method. The image memory 26 includes the scanner unit 2
This is a memory for temporarily storing the image information (also referred to as “image data”) read in 2 and the image data processed by the control unit 20.

The operation / display section 25 is provided on the front side upper surface of the copying machine main body 27 in FIG. 2, and is laid out as shown in FIG. 3, for example. In FIG. 2, 30 is a start key, 31 is a ten-key for setting the number of copies, etc., 32 is a guidance display section, and 33 is a setting information display section.

In the setting information display section 33, the copy number display and density selection key group 34 set by the ten keys 31 are displayed.
Copy density scale display set by (automatic density key 34a, darkening key 34b, and lightening key and automatic density key 24c), paper size selected by paper size automatic selection key 35a or paper size selection key 35b, equal size key A variable size and the like which can be selected by the 36a, the enlargement key 36b and the reduction key 36c are displayed. Reference numeral 37 is a document type designation key group, 37a is a character document, 37b is a mixed document of characters and photographs, and 37c is a photograph document designation key.

The digital copying machine 2 is normally in the copy mode state, and when the start key 30 is pressed, the scanner unit 22 and the ADF 23 are started to display one set of original image (one page). Each time, the image data is stored in the image memory 26, necessary processing such as processing is performed according to the contents set by the operation / display unit 25, and the image data is sent to the printer unit 24 for paper feeding. An image is formed on the sheet fed from the tray 28, and the sheet is discharged onto the sheet discharge tray 29.

When the electronic file device 1 is connected and is in the image registration mode, the digital copying machine 2 functions as an image reading device, and a command from the system controller 10 of the electronic file device 1 is issued. Work according to.

Next, the processing relating to the image information registration by the electronic file device 1 will be described with reference to FIG. These processes are executed under the control of the system control unit 10. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing from the start of image registration to the reading of the first original, which is a stage before the image registration processing according to the present invention.

When the power switch 18 of the electronic file device 1 is turned on, the process of FIG. 4 starts, and whether "registration" in the work menu is selected by the operation / input unit (hereinafter referred to as "mouse") 16 first. Determine whether or not.
Then, if an operation other than "registration" is selected, the process proceeds to another process, but if "registration" is selected, pre-processing for registration is performed.

In this pre-processing of registration, the image information registration / readout unit 13 is caused to open the document file and the media 14 is read.
The communication control unit 11 notifies the communication control unit 21 of the digital copying machine 2 that the image registration is to be performed, while performing the processing that needs to be performed before the image is read, such as enabling the registration of the image data to the. Then, the digital copying machine 2 (hereinafter simply referred to as "copying machine") is set to a mode used as an image reading apparatus, and the effective key of the operation / display unit 25 is set.

That is, of the various keys shown in FIG.
The start key 30 for starting image registration, the density selection key group 34 used for setting the reading conditions, the paper size selection key 35b, the document type designation key group 37, and the like are set as valid keys.

Then, it is checked whether or not the effective key of the copying machine is pressed (there is a key ON). When the key is turned ON, it is judged whether or not it is a reading condition key. Set the conditions. At this time, the read density is selected by the density selection key group 34, the registered size is selected by the paper size selection key 25b, and the document type (any one of a character original, a mixed original of characters and photographs, and a photo original) is selected by the original type designation key group 37. Can be set respectively.

When the start key 30 is ON, the scanner unit 22 (hereinafter simply referred to as "scanner") of the copying machine is instructed to start reading, and the image data read thereby is input from the communication control unit 11. The image is stored in the image memory of the system memory 12, and the stored image is displayed on the image display unit 15.

Now, the process of recognizing the key press information from the copying machine will be described with reference to the flow chart of FIG. 5 and the block diagram showing the data flow of FIG. Digital copier 2
When any of the valid keys on the operation / display unit 25 is pressed, the communication control unit 21 sends a key press notification and a key code to the communication control unit 11 by serial communication.

The communication control unit 21 which has received the notification of the key depression.
Sets the sent key code in the system memory 12 together with the meaning flag of the interrupt, and interrupts the system controller 10. As a result, the system control unit 10 checks the reason for the interrupt by looking at the meaning flag of the interrupt in the system memory 12, and the system memory 1
Acquires and recognizes the key code set to 2. Based on this recognition, the "key of the copying machine is turned on" described with reference to FIG.
Yes, "Reading condition key?" And "Start key?"

<Image registration processing according to the first invention> FIG.
The image registration process according to the present invention is executed subsequent to the process at the time of starting the image registration described above. First, the image registration process according to the first invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

FIG. 7A shows the case where there is only one image memory (one page) in the system memory 12, and when the start key is pressed after the interrupt determination process is performed, the image is stored first. The image data in the image memory in the system memory 12 (hereinafter simply referred to as "memory") is registered in the medium 14, and then the scanner of the copying machine is started to read the image data of one page read by the scanner. Store in the same memory.

FIG. 7B shows a case in which there are two image memories (for two pages) in the system memory 12, and when the start key is pressed after the interrupt determination processing is performed, the scanner of the copying machine is pressed. Is started and the image data of one page read by the scanner is stored in a memory different from the previous time. Then, the previously stored image data on the memory is registered in the medium 14. Even if there are two memories, the processing shown in FIG. 7A can be performed.

In this way, the user simply sets the original on the scanner and presses the start key on the copying machine side.
Since the reading of the original image and the registration of the image data read last time are carried out successively, it is not necessary to go near the electronic file device, nor is it necessary to press the registration or write key, and the operability is remarkably improved. . In the latter case, the current image data read processing and the previously read image data registration processing can be performed in parallel, which increases the processing speed.

By the way, the interrupt judgment process is performed as shown in FIG. First, it is checked whether or not an interrupt has occurred, and when the interrupt has occurred, it is determined whether or not the reason for the interrupt is a key depression of the image reading means (in this case, the digital copying machine 2). If so, the key code is acquired from the system memory 12 and it is checked whether or not the key code is the start key. If it is the start key, the process returns to the process of FIG. 7, and if it is not the start key, other processes are performed.

<Image Registration Processing According to Second Invention> Next, the image registration processing according to the second invention will be described with reference to FIG. Also in this example, (a) shows the case where there is one image memory,
(B) is a process when there are two image memories. In each of these, the process of “displaying the image stored in the memory” is added to the process shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, and the image read this time and stored in the memory is displayed on the image display unit. It is displayed on the display of 15.

Therefore, even if the electronic filing apparatus 1 is far away, the user can check the image displayed on the image display unit 15 to see if it is an image to be registered or check the inclination of the image. You can At that time, it is not necessary to perform an operation for instructing the display of the read image by the mouse 16 on the electronic file device side. Then, as a result of checking the displayed image, if it is inappropriate, the image data can be canceled and the image of the same original can be read again.

In the case of (b), whichever of the process of registering the image data in the memory (the image data previously stored) in the medium and the process of displaying the image of this time stored in another memory is performed first. However, it is also possible to perform parallel processing.

<Image Registration Process According to Third Invention> FIG. 1
0 to 12 are flowcharts of image registration processing according to the third invention, and FIG.
13 and 14 show the case where there are two image memories. According to these processes, every time the start key 30 of the copying machine is pressed, the reading of the image, the registration of the image data read last time in the medium, and the display of the image read this time can be repeated continuously. it can.

In the case of FIG. 10, after the same processing as in FIG. 9A is executed, the same processing as the interruption determination processing is performed again, and if the key code is the start key (start key ON), it is stored in the memory. The process returns to the process of registering the image data of 1 to the medium, and the subsequent processes are repeated. If the key code is not the start key 30, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction to end the image registration by the mouse 16 on the electronic file device 1 side, and if so, the image registration processing is ended, and if not, other processing is performed. Go to.

In the case of FIG. 11, after executing the same processing as that of FIG. 9B, the same processing as the interruption judgment processing is performed again, and if the key code is the start key (start key ON), a valid image is displayed. The process returns to the process of storing the image data of one page read by the scanner in the empty memory, and the subsequent processes are repeated. If the key code is not the start key 30, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction to end the image registration, as in the above case, and if so, the image registration process is ended, and if not, the process proceeds to another process.

In the case of FIG. 12, the process of “storing the image data of one page read by the scanner in the memory without a valid image” in FIG. 11 and the process of storing the previously stored image data in another memory in the medium. We just changed the order of the "register" process. According to these embodiments, by repeatedly pressing the start key while holding the original on the copying machine side, the registration of the image data read last time, the reading of a new image and the confirmation of the read image are continuously performed. Can be done. Therefore, even a document such as a book can be registered without any misalignment by the same simple operation as when making a copy.

<Image Registration Processing According to Fourth Invention> FIG. 1
3 to 15 are flowcharts of the image registration processing according to the fourth invention, and FIG.
15 and 16 show the case where there are two image memories. According to these processes, every time the start key 30 of the copying machine is pressed, the reading of the image, the registration of the image data read last time in the medium, and the display of the image read this time can be repeated continuously. It is possible to change the setting of the reading condition after the end of one processing and before pressing the start key next time.

In the case of FIG. 13, the same processing as that of FIG. 10 is executed, and if it is NO whether or not it is the final image registration end instruction, it is determined whether or not it is the reading condition change instruction, which is also NO. In the case of, the process proceeds to another process, but in the case of YES there, the reading condition is changed according to the instruction, the process returns to the determination of whether the interrupt process occurs again, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

The reading condition changing instruction is issued by the density selection key 3 shown in FIG. 3 provided on the operation / display unit 25 on the copying machine side.
4a and 34b, the read density, the paper size selection key 35b, the registered size, and the document type designation key group 37.
You can instruct the change of each type of original by.

Also, the electronic file device side can give an instruction to change the reading conditions. In that case, when the user instructs the registration of the work menu displayed on the image display unit 15 with the mouse cursor and clicks the right button of the mouse 16, the document reading condition setting window shown in FIG. 16 is displayed, and the setting items of each setting item are displayed. The condition currently set in the condition display (the condition initially set as default) is highlighted.

Then, when the mouse cursor MC is aligned with the display position of the condition to be changed and the right button of the mouse 16 is clicked, the display is reversed and the reading condition of the item is changed and set. At this time, the display of the original setting condition of the same item becomes a normal display. However, the reading start position is specified by clicking the numeric display position of "vertical" or "horizontal", and the numeric keypad of the soft keyboard is displayed in a window. Is displayed at a predetermined position in the window of FIG. 16 as shown.

In the case of FIG. 14A and FIG.
The same process as 1 is executed, and if it is a final image registration end instruction (FIG. 15), it is determined whether the reading condition change instruction is NO. If it is also NO, another determination is made. When the result is YES, the reading condition is changed in accordance with the instruction, the process returns to the determination as to whether or not the interrupt process has occurred, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

In the case of FIG. 14 (b) and FIG. 15, FIG.
The same process as 2 is executed, and it is determined whether or not it is a final image registration end instruction (FIG. 15). In the case of NO, it is determined whether or not it is a reading condition change instruction. When the result is YES, the reading condition is changed in accordance with the instruction, the process returns to the determination as to whether or not the interrupt process has occurred, and the subsequent processes are repeated.

According to these embodiments, the setting of the reading conditions such as the reading density and the type of the original can be changed during the registration of a series of documents consisting of a plurality of pages of the original. It is possible to always read the image under the optimum reading condition even when the documents having different numbers are registered.

<Process of Image Registration According to Fifth Invention> FIG. 1
7 is a flow chart of image registration processing according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, showing only the case where there is one image memory, but the present invention also applies to the processing shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 when there are two image memories. Similar processing can be performed by adding the added processing.

In the process of FIG. 17, if the key code at the time of the interrupt in the process shown in FIG. 13 is a read condition change instruction instead of an image registration end instruction, the read condition is immediately changed. Instead, it is determined whether or not there is an unregistered image on the image memory, and if there is, the image data on the memory is registered in the medium and then the reading condition is changed.

Along with this, when the start key is pressed in the process shown in FIG. 13 and it is judged YES whether the key code is the start key or not, it is always necessary to "register the image data on the memory in the medium. Instead of returning to the process, it is judged whether or not there is an unregistered image in the image memory, and if there is no unregistered image (if there is no unregistered image when the registration process is performed before changing the reading conditions above). Will be displayed), and the registration processing will not be performed, and “1
The process returns to the "store image data of page in memory" process.

According to this embodiment, since unregistered image data in the image memory is registered in the medium before changing the reading condition, the condition may be changed due to power failure or operation error after the reading condition is changed. It can be prevented that the image data before the change remains without being registered.

FIG. 18 is a flow chart of processing in the case where the reading condition can be changed as in the embodiment of FIG. 13 and the reading condition is set by the key on the copying machine side which is the image reading means. is there.

The process of FIG. 18 is different from that of FIG. 13 in the case where the judgment is “whether the interrupt reason is pressing the key of the image reading means” is NO, the process does not immediately proceed to another process, and “image registration end instruction is given. If the key code acquired when the interrupt occurred was not the start key, whether the key code is a reading condition key or not If YES, the reading condition is set according to the content of the key code, and then the process returns to the determination of "whether interrupt processing has occurred".

As described above, the reading condition keys are the density selection keys 34a and 34b, the paper size selection key 35b, and the original document provided on the operation / display section 25 shown in FIG. 3 on the copying machine 2 side. These are designation keys 37a to 37c of the type designation key group 37, by which the read density, registered size, and document type can be designated.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart of an embodiment in which, in the process of FIG. 18, if there is an unregistered image in the image memory before changing the reading condition, it is stored in the medium as in the case of FIG. is there. According to these embodiments, after reading and registering the image data of one page by pressing the start key, and before pressing the start key next time, the image reading condition is arbitrarily set by the key operation on the copying machine side. Can be changed to

In the case of the embodiment shown in FIG. 19, when the power is cut off during the setting of the reading conditions, the post-operation, etc.
It is possible to reliably prevent the read image on the image memory from being left without being registered.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart of an embodiment in which the reading conditions in FIG. 18 can be changed by either the key operation on the copying machine side or the mouse 16 operation on the electronic file device side.

In this example, after displaying the image stored in the memory in the process of FIG. 18, the interrupt process occurs,
If the reason for the interruption is not the key depression of the image reading means (copier), it is judged whether or not the right button of the mouse 16 on the electronic file device side is clicked. If not, the process proceeds to other processing. If is clicked, the coordinate position where the mouse cursor MC in the window display shown in FIG. 16 is obtained from the system memory 12 is acquired.

Then, the acquired coordinate position indicates each condition button shown in FIG. 16 (the part surrounded by a frame).
It is determined whether the coordinates are on any of the above, and if not, proceed to other processing, and if so, after setting the reading conditions according to the contents of the condition button, "Interrupt processing occurs. Return to the judgment of "done?"

FIG. 21 shows only the part different from FIG. 19 of the embodiment in which the reading conditions in FIG. 19 can be changed by either the key operation on the copying machine side or the mouse 16 operation on the electronic file device side. It is a flowchart which shows.

In this example, after displaying the image stored in the memory in the process of FIG. 19, an interrupt process occurs,
If the reason for the interruption is not the key depression of the image reading means (copier), it is judged whether or not the right button of the mouse 16 on the electronic file device side is clicked. If not, the process proceeds to other processing. If is clicked, the coordinate position where the mouse cursor MC in the window display shown in FIG. 16 is obtained from the system memory 12 is acquired.

Then, the acquired coordinate position indicates each condition button shown in FIG. 16 (a portion surrounded by a frame and displayed).
It is determined whether the coordinates are on any of the above, and if not, the process proceeds to other processing. If so, it is determined whether or not there is an unregistered image in the image memory. In some cases, after the image data is registered in the medium, the reading condition is set according to the content of the clicked condition button, and then the process returns to the judgment of "whether an interrupt process has occurred".

According to these embodiments, the image display unit 15
When it is desired to check the image displayed on the screen in the vicinity and change the reading conditions, the operation can be performed by operating the mouse 16 of the electronic file device, which is convenient. Note that the embodiment of FIG. 21 also has the effect of preventing the unregistered image from remaining, similar to the embodiment of FIG.

<Image Registration Processing According to Sixth Invention> In each of the embodiments described below with reference to FIGS. 22 to 26, when the ADF 23 is attached to the scanner unit 22 of the copying machine 2, the start key This is an embodiment in which an image of each page of a multi-page document can be automatically and continuously registered by pressing.

22 to 24 are flow charts before the start of the continuous processing, and FIG. 22 shows a basic embodiment similar to that of FIG. 10, in which almost the same processing is performed as in FIG. If the start key is determined by determining whether the key code is the start key or not, the only point that the process proceeds to the continuous process shown in FIG. 25 or FIG. 26 without returning to “Register image data in memory to medium”. Different from the case.

FIG. 23 shows an embodiment in which the reading conditions can be changed in the same manner as in FIG. 13. Almost the same processing as in FIG. 13 is performed, but the start key is judged by determining whether the key code is the start key or not. 13 is different from the case of FIG. 13 only in that the processing proceeds to the continuous processing shown in FIG. 25 or FIG. 26 without returning to “register image data in memory in medium”.

FIG. 24 shows an embodiment in which the reading conditions can be changed and no unregistered images remain on the image memory as in FIG. 17, and almost the same processing as in FIG. 23 is performed. When there is a reading condition change instruction, it is judged whether or not there is an unregistered image in the image memory.
If there is, write it on the medium and register it before changing the reading conditions.

In the continuous processing portion shown in FIG. 25, it is first judged whether or not the ADF is mounted on the scanner of the copying machine, based on the status information from the copying machine. When it is determined that the ADF is mounted, whether or not the document is set on the ADF is checked by the status information.

If the original is set in the ADF, the image data is registered in the medium from the memory and the ADF is set in the copying machine.
Command to start the scanner and start scanning by the scanner
The image data of one page read by the scanner and sent by using the F is stored in the memory, and the image is displayed as an image.

Then, it is checked whether or not there is still a document in the ADF, and if so, it is determined whether or not an interrupt has occurred,
If it does not occur, the process returns to the process of "registering the image data from the memory in the medium" and the next document is read. This series of processing is automatically repeated until there are no documents set in the ADF, but if an interrupt occurs in the middle of the process, it is determined whether or not the reason for the interrupt is a key press of the image reading means (copier), If so, the key code is acquired from the system memory 12.

If the interruption reason is not the key depression of the image reading means, it is judged whether or not the button depression of the mouse 16 is performed, and if not, the process proceeds to another process. If so, the mouse is removed from the system memory 12 at that time. Gets the key code of the button indicated by the cursor. Then, if the acquired key code is a registration stop instruction, the registration process is ended. If not, the process returns to the process of "registering image data from memory in medium" and reading the next original.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the ADF is not attached or that the original is not set in the ADF even if it is attached, the image data is registered in the medium from the memory and read by the scanner in the copying machine. The image data for one page read by the scanner is stored in the memory without using the ADF by instructing the start, and the image is displayed.

Then, it waits until an interrupt occurs. ADF
Even in the above-mentioned processing using the above, if there is no ADF original document, the system waits for this interrupt. When an interrupt occurs thereafter, it is determined whether or not the reason for the interrupt is the key depression of the image reading means (copier), and if so, the system memory 12
Get the key code from. If the key code is the start key, the process returns to the check whether the document is set in the ADF. When the key code is not the start key and when the interrupt reason is not the key depression of the image reading means, it is determined whether or not the key code is the registration stop instruction, and if so, the registration process is terminated, and if not, other Go to processing.

According to this embodiment, when it is desired to selectively use the automatic document feeder (ADF) by the scanner and the reading from the normal reading surface when the sheet original and the book original are mixed, the scanner and Since the electronic file device 1 automatically discriminates according to the state of the ADF and executes any of the registration processes, the operator does not need to be aware of the proper use, and only has to set the document and press the start key.

The processing of the continuous processing portion shown in FIG. 26 is substantially the same as the processing of FIG. 25 described above, but it is checked whether or not there is an unregistered image before registering the image data in the medium from the memory. If not, the registration process is not performed, and if the key code is a registration stop instruction, the image data is registered in the medium from the memory and the process is terminated. .

By doing this, the last read image data will not remain unregistered in the image memory, and the registration process will be performed when there is no unregistered image when the next registration is started. It can be done without anything.

<Image Registration Processing According to Seventh Invention> Even if the ADF is attached to the scanner and the original document is set on the ADF, the value is set to 1 each time the start key is pressed once.
In some cases, it may be better to read and display the image of one original, confirm it, register it, and read the next original.

Therefore, for example, FIG. 9, FIG. 10, or FIG.
The process of “storing the image data of one page read by the scanner in the memory” shown in FIG. 27A in the flow shown in FIG. 27 can be replaced with the process shown in FIG.

That is, the mounting of the ADF and the setting of the document on the ADF are checked. If the ADF is mounted and the document is set on the ADF, the scanner is read using the ADF. The image data of the page is stored in the memory. If the ADF is not installed, or if the ADF is installed but no document is set, A
The image data of one page read by the scanner is stored in the memory without using the DF.

FIG. 28 is a flow chart showing an example of post-processing executed after the image registration processing according to each of the above-described embodiments of the present invention is completed. In this process, if there is image data that was last read and stored in the image memory, it is written in the medium and a series of image data is registered as one document. At that time, the keyword of the document is set, the classification is added, and the process ends.

In the embodiment described above, an example in which the scanner section of the digital copying machine is used as the image reading means of the electronic file device has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and has a function of reading an image of a document. If it is a single image scanner device or other O
It may be a scanner unit incorporated in the A device. However, it is necessary that the scanner device or a device incorporating the scanner device be provided with a start instruction means such as a start key for starting reading, which can be directly operated by an operator, and a communication means with the electronic file device.

The shape and structure of the electronic file device are not limited to those shown in the illustrated embodiment, and a conventional general main body, a CRT display and a keyboard may be used. Further, when used by being connected to a digital copying machine, not only the scanner section but also the printer section can be used as the image output means.

[0119]

As described above, according to the present invention, the image reading device (scanner) connected to or used by another OA device can be used as the image reading device of the electronic file device. Therefore, it is possible to significantly reduce the cost and downsize the electronic file device. Further, since the image registration processing can be easily performed only by operating the start key on the image reading apparatus side, the operability is improved and the operation while holding the book original is easy.
One-touch operation is required when using DF, and anyone can easily convert documents into electronic files.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block configuration diagram showing an example in which an electronic file device according to an embodiment of the present invention is connected to a digital copying machine for use.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing the appearance and an arrangement example of the same.

3 is a plan view showing an arrangement example of various keys of an operation / display unit 25 of the digital copying machine 2 in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of processing at the start of image registration in the electronic file device 1 shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a process of recognizing key press information from the digital copying machine 2.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a data flow in that case as well.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of image registration processing according to the first invention.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the processing contents of the interrupt determination subroutine.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart of image registration processing according to the second invention.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart of image registration processing when there is one image memory according to the third invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of image registration processing when there are also two image memories.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a partially different example of the image registration processing when there are two image memories.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart of image registration processing when there is one image memory according to the fourth invention.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart of image registration processing when there are two image memories.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the processing continued from FIG. 14;

16 is a diagram showing a display example of a document reading condition setting window displayed on the screen of the image display unit 15 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart of image registration processing when there is one image memory according to the fifth invention.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of an embodiment in which the same reading conditions as in FIG. 13 can be changed by operating the keys on the copying machine side.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart of an embodiment in which, in the process of FIG. 18, when there is an unregistered image in the image memory before the change of the reading condition, the image is stored in the medium before the change of the reading condition.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart similar to FIG. 18 of the embodiment in which the reading conditions can be changed by either the key operation on the copying machine side or the mouse 16 operation on the electronic file device side.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing only a portion different from FIG. 19 of another embodiment in which the reading conditions can be changed by either the key operation on the copying machine side or the mouse 16 operation on the electronic file device side. is there.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart before the start of continuous processing in the image registration processing according to the sixth invention.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart before the start of continuous processing in an example in which reading conditions can be changed in addition to the example shown in FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart before the start of continuous processing in an example in which, in addition to the example shown in FIG. 23, it is possible to prevent unregistered images from remaining.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart of a continuous processing part common to FIGS. 22 to 24.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart of an example in which a part is added to the same continuous processing part as in FIG. 25.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing only a replacement part in the flow of FIG. 9, FIG. 10, or FIG. 13 in the image registration processing according to the seventh invention.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing an example of post-processing of image registration processing according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1: Electronic file device 2: Digital copying machine 3:
Table 4: Interface cable 10:
System control unit 11: Communication control unit 12: System memory (including image memory) 13: Image information registration / readout unit 14: Media (magneto-optical disk) 15: Image display unit 16: Operation / input unit (mouse) 17 : Electronic file device body 20: control unit (image processing unit) 21: communication control unit 22: scanner unit 23: automatic document feeder (ADF) 24: printer unit 25:
Operation / display unit 26: Image memory 27: Copying machine main body 28: Paper feed tray 29: Paper discharge tray 3
0: Start key 34: Concentration selection key group 35
b: Paper size selection key 37: Original type designation key group

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] July 8, 1993

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be corrected] Drawing

[Name of item to be corrected] Figure 1

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[Figure 1]

[Procedure Amendment 2]

[Document name to be corrected] Drawing

[Name of item to be corrected] Figure 6

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[Figure 6]

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (72) Inventor Yuki Kitamura 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Ricoh Co., Ltd.

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. An electronic file device for retrievably registering and managing a large number of image information in a medium which is a large-capacity storage medium, wherein key operation information and read image information are input from an external image reading device. A communication unit for sending operation command information to the image reading device, a memory for temporarily storing image information input via the communication unit, and information in which a start key of the image reading device is pressed When the user inputs, the image information stored in the memory is registered in the medium, and then the image reading device is instructed to start reading the image, and the image information of one page input from the image reading device is stored in the medium. An electronic file device, comprising: a system control unit that performs a process of storing in a memory. 2. The electronic filing device according to claim 1, further comprising an image display unit capable of displaying image information, wherein the system control means displays the image information stored in the memory on the image display unit. An electronic file device characterized by having. 3. The electronic file device according to claim 2, wherein each time the system control means inputs information indicating that a start key of the image reading device is pressed, the image information stored in the memory is read. After registering in the media,
Means for repeatedly performing a process of instructing the image reading device to start reading an image, storing image information of one page input from the image reading device in the memory, and displaying the image information on the image display unit. An electronic filing device characterized in that 4. The electronic file device according to claim 3, further comprising a reading condition setting means for changing and setting a reading condition of the image reading device, wherein the system control means presses a start key of the image reading device. After inputting information and performing the series of processes, there is provided means for enabling change setting of the reading condition by the reading condition setting means until inputting the information when the start key is pressed next time. An electronic file device characterized by. 5. The electronic file device according to claim 4, wherein the reading condition setting means allows the reading condition changing setting to be stored in the memory when the reading condition changing operation is performed. An electronic file device, characterized in that it is means for enabling the change setting of the reading condition after the image information is registered in the medium. 6. The electronic file device according to claim 4, wherein the reading condition setting means is means for changing and setting the reading condition according to key operation information on the image reading means side. apparatus. 7. The electronic file device according to claim 4, further comprising operation means for inputting a reading condition to the reading condition setting means. 8. An electronic file device for retrievably registering and managing a large number of image information in a medium which is a large-capacity storage medium, the status information indicating the status from an external image reading device, key operation information, and A communication unit for inputting the read image information and sending operation command information to the image reading apparatus; a memory for temporarily storing the image information input via the communication unit; and a system control unit. The system control means inputs status information of the image reading device to determine whether or not an automatic document feeder is installed and whether or not a document is set in the automatic document feeder. When it is determined by the means that the automatic document feeder is attached to the image reading device and the document is set in the device, When the start key of the image reading device is pressed once to input the information, the image information stored in the memory is registered in the medium, and then the image reading device starts the automatic document feeder and reads the image. The process of instructing the start and storing the image information of one page input from the image reading device in the memory is automatically repeated until the document is exhausted or a stop instruction is issued, When it is determined that the automatic document feeder is not attached to the reading device or the document is not set in the reading device even if it is attached, every time the start key of the image reading device is pressed, the information is input. After registering the image information stored in the memory in the medium, the image reading device is instructed to start normal image reading, and the image reading device is read. Image information for one page to be al inputted is stored in the memory, the electronic filing apparatus, wherein the image information is repeatedly performed means a process of displaying on the image display unit. 9. The electronic file device according to claim 8, wherein the system control means registers the image information stored in the memory in the medium only when there is unregistered image information in the memory. If the unexecuted image information is present in the memory and the image information is not registered in the memory, the image information is registered in the medium. Electronic file device. 10. An electronic file device for retrievably registering and managing a large number of image information in a medium which is a large-capacity storage medium, wherein status information, key operation information, and status information indicating the status from an external image reading device are provided. A communication unit for inputting the read image information and sending operation command information to the image reading apparatus; a memory for temporarily storing the image information input via the communication unit; and a system control unit. The system control means inputs status information of the image reading device to determine whether or not an automatic document feeder is installed and whether or not a document is set in the automatic document feeder. When it is determined by the means that the automatic document feeder is attached to the image reading device and the document is set in the device, Each time the start key of the image reading device is pressed, the image information stored in the memory is registered in the medium, and then the image reading device starts the automatic document feeder and displays the image. The process of instructing the start of reading and storing the image information of one page input from the image reading device in the memory is repeated until the document is exhausted, and the state determining means causes the image reading device to automatically feed the document. If it is determined that the document is not loaded or the document is not loaded in the device even if it is loaded, the information is stored in the memory each time the start key of the image reading device is pressed. After registering the image information stored in the medium, the image reading device is instructed to start a normal image reading, and one page of the image input from the image reading device is input. Electronic file and wherein the to store the image information in the memory is repeatedly performed means a process of displaying the image information on the image display unit. 11. The electronic file device according to claim 8, further comprising a reading condition setting unit for changing and setting a reading condition of the image reading device, wherein the system control unit includes the image reading unit. An electronic file having means for enabling the reading condition setting means to change and set the reading condition when the series of processes after inputting the information that the start key of the device is pressed are not performed. apparatus.