JPH11144047A - File system and recording medium program used for the same system is recorded - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide the file system of high usability by backing up the same data when data are processed and retrieving them for reuse, and making it possible to confirm and reuse the process conditions. SOLUTION: A copying machine 11 sends out process conditions of a user ID, copy density, etc., as additional data to a server device 12 through an intranet together with document data at a process instruction for a copying function, etc. The server device 12 while storing the document data on mass storage device 13 and 16 stores the storage addresses and other additional data in a database on a hard disk device by user IDs so that they can be retrieved, and then displays the additional data out so that the document data can easily be selected when reused and sends the data to the copying machine 11 together with the selected document data.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a file system and a recording medium on which a program used for the system is recorded. The present invention relates to a data processing system for performing data processing such as data copying, facsimile communication, and printout. Can be backed up,
More particularly, the present invention relates to a device in which desired data can be easily read.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Heretofore, documents such as documents (images and characters displayed thereon) that are important and which may be used in the future, such as documents that may be used in the future, are recorded on paper as files. They were organized in bookcases. However, in an office or the like where a large number of documents are stored, a space is required for storing the documents, and it takes time to search for a desired document.

For this reason, in recent years, with the advancement and speeding up of data processing technology and the reduction in the price of storage means, documents that need to be stored are read by a scanner device and stored in a large-capacity storage device. A so-called file system for storing data has appeared, and this file system has been introduced not only to business establishments having a huge number of documents. As a file system of this type, there is a file system which is designed so that related documents can be easily searched by, for example, systematically classifying documents in a database according to their types. Various file systems have been proposed to further improve the usability. For example, see JP-A-5-35737 and JP-A-6-119393.

[0004]

However, in such a conventional file system, it is necessary to read a document by a scanner in any case. It will be in a piled state. In addition, in order to sort such documents, after confirming the necessity of storage, it is necessary to perform an input operation for reading and classifying the documents that need to be stored individually with a scanner device and classifying them. Even if the file work is performed at once, the work is complicated, so that the number of documents to be stored is reduced.

[0005] Further, documents stored in a file system are organized according to whether or not to be stored. Therefore, documents that are discarded without being stored cannot be obtained if needed later. . For this reason, when confirming the necessity of storage of a document, it is not always the case that the determination is easy, so that it takes a long time to perform the operation. At that time, some unnecessary documents are needed later.

The documents stored in the file system are documents copied for use in a conference, documents transmitted and received with a facsimile machine or the like, a workstation (WS) or a personal computer (PC). ) And printed out. In short, the documents to be stored are
The signal is converted into an electric signal at least once and recorded and output on paper.

[0007] From this, the inventor of the present invention has conducted repeated studies to solve the problems in the conventional file system, and has extracted the progress of the document until it is stored in the file system. We worked diligently to determine if we could use the data and solved the problem. In the conventional file system,
Since the image data obtained by reading the document by the scanner device is stored, when the document is needed later, the image data is retrieved, read by the recording device, and recorded and output. In some cases, it is necessary to input output conditions and the like. In particular, in a case where the data is stored as it is, focusing on data processing involved in a copying operation or the like as in a file system described later proposed by the present applicant, desired data can be easily searched and copied. It is easily anticipated that there will be a demand to quickly obtain a document that has undergone the same processing as described above.

Therefore, the present invention obtains and accumulates the same data as the data to be processed during the processing,
A backup of data to be handled is realized so that processed data can be easily used when necessary. In addition, there is no need to operate the system consciously of the backup, and the data can be stored and managed without performing the file operation itself. Furthermore, by realizing easy retrieval of data desired to be reused and similar processing without trouble, it is possible to obtain the file quickly and provide a highly usable file system. Aim.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to the first aspect of the present invention provides a copying function for reading image data and recording and outputting the same on paper, and transmitting and receiving image data and character data via a communication line. One of a transmission function and a recording function of recording and outputting received image data and character data on paper.
What is claimed is: 1. A file system in which a storage device for storing data is connected to a processing apparatus main body that processes data by the function and includes at least one storage device, the storage device storing the same data processed by the function in the storage device. The storage management means is characterized in that the storage management means acquires the data processed by the function and the processing conditions of the processed data, associates them with each other, and stores them in the storage means.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the same data to be processed by the processing apparatus body when a user inputs a processing command is stored in the storage means together with the processing conditions of the processing data. Therefore, the processing data can be stored and managed together with the processing conditions at the same time as the processing data is processed by the processing instruction. The invention described in claim 2 is the first invention.
In addition to the configuration of the invention described in the above, further comprising output management means for reading and outputting the processing data stored in the storage means from within the storage means in accordance with the input of the processing instruction, wherein the output management means comprises: In accordance with the processing command input from the storage means, at least the processing conditions stored in the storage means are read out and displayed on the display means, and at least the corresponding processing data in the storage means selected from the operation means is read out and output to the processing destination. It is characterized by the following.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the processing data in the storage means is displayed and output in accordance with the input processing command, and the processing data corresponding to the selected processing condition is read out and output. Therefore, the processing data of the selected processing condition is output to a processable function or means and processed. At this time, processing can be performed under the same processing conditions by outputting the processing conditions attached.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, the processing data stored in the storage means is read out from the storage means in accordance with an input of a processing instruction and output. Output management means, wherein the output management means, in accordance with the processing command input from the operation means, is simultaneously associated with the processing data in the storage means or the processing data associated with the specified processing condition. The processing condition is read out and displayed on the display means, and at least the corresponding processing data in the storage means selected from the operating means is read out and output to the processing destination.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, as the processing data in the storage means, processing data corresponding to the processing conditions specified at the same time or other processing conditions are displayed and output in accordance with the input processing instruction. Is read and output. Further, by further specifying processing conditions, processing data corresponding to other processing conditions or other processing conditions are displayed and output, and after this repetition, the selected processing data is read and output. Therefore, the processing data in the storage means can be searched by tracing the storage, and after narrowing down the selection range, it is read out and output to a processable function or means for processing. At this time, processing can be performed under the same processing conditions by outputting the processing conditions attached.

[0014] The invention according to claim 4 is the invention according to claims 1 to 3.
In addition to the configuration of the invention described in any one of the above, as the processing conditions, the number of copies at the time of copying, document size and orientation,
It is characterized in that at least one or more of the paper size and direction is acquired. According to the fourth aspect of the invention, at least one of the number of copies, the document size / direction, and the paper size / direction can be accumulated when the copy processing is performed. Therefore, the processing data can be selectively read and output by designating them within the range of storage.

[0015] The invention according to claim 5 provides the invention according to claims 1 to 4.
In addition to the configuration of the invention described in any one of the above, the processing conditions include copy density at the time of copying, image mode, scaling ratio, post-processing, double-sided copy, divided copy, aggregated copy, print at copy, and edit copy And acquiring at least one of the following. According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when the copy processing is performed, at least one of the copy density, the image mode, the scaling ratio, the post-processing, the double-sided copy, the divided copy, the combined copy, the print at the time of copy, and the edit copy is performed. The above can be accumulated. Therefore, processing data can be selectively read out and output by designating them within the range of storage, and an image can be recorded and output on paper under the same processing conditions by attaching it to the processing data.

[0016] The invention according to claim 6 is the invention according to claims 1 to 5.
In addition to the configuration of the invention described in any one of the above, the accumulation management means accumulates in the storage means processing conditions corresponding to one processing for processing the processing data over a plurality of pages. According to the invention described in claim 6, one processing condition is associated with one processing and stored in the storage means. Therefore, the consumption of storage capacity can be reduced as compared with the case where the processing conditions are accumulated for each page.

[0017] The invention according to claim 7 is the invention according to claims 1 to 6.
In addition to the configuration of the invention described in any one of the above, the accumulation management unit automatically accumulates the same processing data processed by the function in the storage unit regardless of the presence or absence of the input of the accumulation command. It is assumed that. According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the processing data is automatically stored in the storage means without requiring the user to perform another special input operation (regardless of whether or not the storage command is input). . Therefore, the process data can be arbitrarily read and processed after being backed up without the user's awareness.

[0018] The invention according to claim 8 is the invention according to claims 1 to 7.
In addition to the configuration of the invention according to any one of the above, the accumulation management means, before or during the operation of accumulating the same data processed by the function in the storage means, when an accumulation avoidance command is input, The storage of the processing data is canceled. According to the eighth aspect of the invention, even if the processing data is stored irrespective of whether or not the storage command is input by the user, if the storage avoidance command is input before or during the storage operation, the storage data is stored. The accumulation is canceled by stopping the operation or erasing the accumulated data. Therefore, when a file (backup) of the processing data is not desired, it is not backed up by inputting the storage avoidance command.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a copying function for reading image data and recording and outputting the same on paper, a transmission function for transmitting and receiving image data and character data via a communication line, and a receiving function for receiving image data and character data. A storage medium storing a program used by a central processing unit which is connected to or built in a processing apparatus main body which has at least one of a recording function of recording and outputting data on paper and processes data by the function. The central processing unit transmits the same data processed by the processing unit main body to the storage unit and stores the same, and acquires and associates the processing condition of the processing data with the storage unit to store the same. The program is recorded so that the central processing unit can read the program.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the ninth aspect, at least processing conditions stored in the storage means are read out from the storage means in accordance with an input of a processing instruction and displayed. Output, or at the same time, read out processing data associated with the specified processing condition or the processing condition associated with the processing data, display and output the same, and store the processing data selected from the display. The process of reading from within and outputting to the processing destination,
A program for causing the central processing unit to execute the program is recorded in the central processing unit in a readable manner.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the ninth or tenth aspect, the central processing unit stores the same processing data processed by the function in the storage means. A program for executing the program regardless of whether a storage command has been input or not. According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the ninth to eleventh aspects, in the program to be executed by the central processing unit, processing data and processing conditions are stored in the storage means. When an accumulation avoidance command is input before or during the operation of accumulating the data, a stop process for canceling the accumulation of the processing data is incorporated, and the central processing unit is recorded so as to be readable.

In the inventions according to claims 9 to 12,
When the program is read from the storage medium to the central processing unit and executed, the central processing unit functions as the accumulation management unit or the output management unit in the above-described inventions.

[0023]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 24 are diagrams showing an embodiment of a file system which functions according to a program in a storage medium according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 denotes a data management system constructed for effective use of data. The data management system 10 functions as a data backup system for backing up data handled by a user, and is provided for the user's needs. A high-performance digital copier (MF) connected to an intranet in the user's office is constructed so that the data can be reused by also functioning as a file system.
P: Multi Function Printer) 11, a server device 12,
Mass storage device (IMS: Infinit Memory Server) 13
And a personal computer (PC) 14 and a connection device (MFB: Multi Function Box) 15 together with a large-capacity storage device (WebIMS) 16 of a service provider that provides a service described later on the Internet.

As shown in FIG. 2, the copying machine 11 includes a display unit 22, an operation unit 23,
U unit (network control device) 24, communication control unit 25, reading device 26, recording device 27, image memory unit 28, and image processing unit 29
The control unit 21 has a built-in C
PU (Central Processing Unit) is R
Utilizes a RAM (Random Access Memory) that stores various information such as driving conditions and management data of each unit of the apparatus in accordance with a control program read from an OM (Read Only Memory) and also stores data necessary for operation. Then, various processes of the present invention are executed together with various functions described later.

The display unit 22 and the operation unit 23 are configured in an operation display panel provided on the upper surface of the front part of the apparatus main body shown in FIG. 3, and various kinds of information such as driving conditions, apparatus state, and input information are displayed. Display operation LCD with touch panel for displaying and performing input operation such as setting or command by user
(Liquid Crystal Display) 22a, numeric keypad 23b, function key (F key) 23c, start key 23d, stop key 23e, etc.
A slot (not shown) for setting a D card and reading / writing various information is provided.

The communication control unit 25 has a PSTN (Public Switch)
The NCU (network control unit) 24, which performs predetermined line control and connects / disconnects the line when making / receiving a call via the headphone network, is connected and incorporates image data and various procedure signals. The modem unit modulates and demodulates and executes facsimile communication (transmission and reception) via the NCU unit 24, and is connected to an intranet via an I / F (interface) (not shown) to transmit and receive (transmit) document data such as image data and character data. ).

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the reading device 26 has a document scale 26 on a large-area contact glass 26a.
After the document P is positioned and placed so that the angle thereof matches the document position reference 26c formed by the included angle of b, the pressure plate 26d is detachably mounted on the contact glass 26a.
Thus, image data to be transmitted / copied is read from the original P in a state where the original P is brought into close contact with the original P, and the first carriage 26 that moves in the sub-scanning direction on the set original P
e, and irradiates light from an exposure lamp 26f extending in the main scanning direction attached to the first mirror 26 to reflect light reflected from the image surface.
After being deflected by g, the second and third mirrors attached to the second carriage 26h maintain the optical path length L of the reflected light constant by further moving the reflected light at half the speed of the first carriage 26e. Inverted by 26i, 26j, CCD (ChargeCoupled Device) 26m by imaging lens 26k
And image data is read out by performing photoelectric conversion on the image data. The reading device 26 automatically transports the document P set on the document table instead of the pressure plate onto the contact glass 26a so that the plurality of documents P can be automatically processed, and unloads the document P to the discharge table after reading. Device (ADF: Auto D
ocument Feeder).

The recording device 27 reads / receives the image data stored in the image memory unit 28 composed of a hard disk device by bitmap development and storing it on paper at 400 dpi and 256 gradations by, for example, a known electrophotographic recording method. An image is recorded. Although not described in detail, the toner is formed after forming an electrostatic latent image by optically writing on a charged photoreceptor while rotating and driving based on read / received image data. The toner image is adhered and developed with toner, and a sheet suitable for the image to be recorded or of a designated size is conveyed from a sheet cassette, the toner image is transferred and fixed, and the sheet is discharged outside the apparatus. It goes without saying that the recording device 27 may be, for example, an ink jet system, a thermal head system, a dot ink pad system, or the like, in addition to the electrophotographic recording system.

The image processor 29 functions as a DCR (encoding / decoding) for compressing and decoding image data to be transmitted, while decompressing and decoding received image data. The character data (code data) of the document or the like created in step (1) is converted into image data by developing the map in the image memory unit 28, and the like, and the like is performed as required. The compression of the image data performed by the image processing unit 29 is for reducing the data capacity. Therefore, any known method may be used as long as both the copying machine 11 and the server device 12 can process the image data. For example,
The bit map data of 400 dpi and 8 bits for each pixel in the image memory 28 is stored in a GBTC (Generalized Block Tranca
It is conceivable to use compression in the form of "tion cording".

Accordingly, the copying machine 11 has a transmission function for performing facsimile communication for transmitting image data and a data communication for transmitting document data between the PCs 14 and the like, and a copy (copy) function for recording and outputting read image data. And a recording function for recording and outputting the received document data, and can be used not only as a copier but also as a facsimile device, a printer device, and a scanner device. The ID card set in the operation unit 23 of the copying machine 11 has a user ID, a user name, and the like, together with processing conditions such as a telephone number of a facsimile communication destination, an address of the PC 14, and a reduction ratio at the time of copying. I have. For this reason, the copying machine 11
When the start key 23d is pressed after the function is selected by pressing the key 23c (in the case of copying), the processing conditions are read and various functions can be used easily, and at the same time, the user ID is read from the IC card ( P
When used by C14, management information such as the used processing function and the number of processed sheets (received together with the document data) can be stored in the RAM of the control unit 21 for each user ID and used for billing processing and the like. And performing desired data processing on document data to be processed by the provided function in accordance with a processing instruction by a user (including a processing instruction from the PC 14 and a recording and output instruction for received document data to be processed in the own device). At the same time, when transmitting the document data to the server device 12, which will be described later, the user data is diverted without requesting the input of the user ID, and attached (added) to the document data as additional data (specific information). At this time, if the copying machine 11 is operated without setting the IC card (without inputting the user ID), the copying machine 11 is allocated in advance to the copying machine 11 used as a common cost at the time of charging processing. The shared ID is read from the nonvolatile RAM and used as a user ID, and the document data is processed as shared document data.

The connection device 15 functions as a network hub for terminal devices such as the copier 11, the server device 12, and the PC 14, and establishes a local area network (LAN) environment by relaying data communication between them. At the same time, an intranet environment is constructed by connecting to the Internet so that the copier 11, the server device 12, or the PC 14 can access a service provider on the Internet and use various information.

For this reason, the PC 14 has a CPU, a memory (R
OM, RAM, etc.) and I / O (Input / Ou)
(putout) circuit or the like, and by operating a keyboard or mouse while looking at the display, performs arithmetic processing in accordance with an application program read from a hard disk device (storage medium) (not shown), thereby forming documents and images. The system can be used as a system for performing various processes, and the document data is sent out to the copier 11 together with a user ID and a processing command (instruction) to be printed out using various functions of the copier 11. Or receive facsimile transmission to an input destination, receive image data received by the copier 11 by facsimile, and receive image data read by the copier 11. .

The mass storage device 16 is connected to the Internet via a communication control device (not shown) of the service provider, and the communication control device is registered according to a control program read from the recording medium by the CPU. The mass storage device 16 is opened in a writable and readable manner by access from the user, and when there is a storage command for backup, additional data (specific information) to be described later, which is continuously transmitted, is associated therewith. While the document data is stored as it is, if there is a reference command for the document data to be stored following the access, for example, the document data whose address is specified by specifying the additional data (user ID) by the server device 12 according to the reference command When a transfer command is sent, the document data at that address is read from the mass storage device 16. It is adapted to return to.

The server device 12, as shown in FIG.
U41, memory (ROM, RAM, etc.) 42, hard disk device (storage medium) 43, display 44, touch panel
It is provided with a keyboard 46, a mouse 47, an I / O circuit 48, a network I / F 49, and a timer function 50.
Performs various processes of the present invention by controlling the respective units 42 to 49 in accordance with an application program read from the hard disk device 43. This server device 12
The mass storage device 13 is connected via an I / O circuit 48, and an Ethernet cable for constructing an intranet is connected to the network I / F 49. The address of the service provider, the registration ID (the user I
D, which may be the same as the user ID in the ID card for using the copying machine 11), and data necessary for receiving services by connecting to the Internet, such as a password.

The server device 12 receives the data to be processed by the copying machine 11 via the intranet, sends the data to the large-capacity storage device 13 on the intranet constituting the storage means, and accumulates the data as it is. At this time, the used capacity (accumulated capacity) of the large-capacity storage device 13 is checked, and if the capacity exceeds a preset capacity, before or after execution of document data accumulation, the service provider A service provider on the Internet is accessed using an address, a registration ID, a password, and the like, and document data of a fixed capacity is sequentially read out from old ones, transferred, and stored in the large capacity storage device 16. In addition, the server device 12 reads out a part of the document data (for example, the thumbnail image of the first page) and the additional data stored in the large-capacity storage device 13 in response to a request from the user and displays them on the display 44 so as to be selectable. By outputting the selected document data from the mass storage device 13 and transferring it to the copying machine 11, for example, by recording and outputting the data, the data management system 10 functions as a file device and also functions as a file system. When it is necessary to refer to the document data transferred from the large-capacity storage device 13 to the large-capacity storage device 16 and stored, the address of the service provider, the registration ID and the password in the memory unit 42 are used. To access the service provider on the Internet to perform the same processing. That is, the server device 12
Constitute storage management means and output management means.

More specifically, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7, for example, when the user selects the copy by operating the operation unit 23 of the copy machine 11, the start key 23 is used.
By pressing d (steps P1 and P2), the operation unit 23 is read in parallel with reading and copying document data from the document image set on the reading device 26 (step P3).
If an IC card is set in the printer, the operator (user using the copying machine 11) is authenticated and set by the user ID read from the IC card (steps P4 and P4).
5) On the other hand, if the user ID cannot be obtained, the control unit 21
The shared ID read from the non-volatile RAM is the user ID
And the operator authentication is set to "no setting" (step P
4, P5, P7).

Then, in parallel with the processing by the selected function, the copier 11 encodes and compresses the same document data by the image processing unit 29 and then stores the same in the mass storage device 13 on the intranet. The processing date and time information and the processing conditions (reduction rate, etc.) measured by a timer function (not shown) together with the user ID are added to the document data as additional data (code data) and sent to the server device 12 for storage. (File) (step P8). At this time, the document data is temporarily stored in the image memory unit 28 and then synchronized with the FGATE signal indicating the image area, and the additional data is synchronized with the COMM signal indicating the information area.
In this case, as shown in FIG. 8, the additional data is processed in a format associated with only the first or last document data even when the document P or the like covers a plurality of pages. And store them in association with the processing conditions and occupy (use) the mass storage devices 13 and 16
To save storage space. When adjusting the copy density or the like for each page as in the copy process, if it is desired to grasp the processing conditions in more detail, FIG.
It goes without saying that the document data for each page may be accompanied by additional data and sent to the server device 12, as shown in FIG.

Therefore, the same document data processed by the copying machine 11 can be processed without requiring any special input operation (regardless of the input of the storage command) in addition to the operation for executing the processing. Additional data for specifying the data is added (associated) and automatically accumulated and backed up. At this time, even if the document data is processed without a user ID, the document data is similarly stored using the shared ID without requesting the input of the user ID.

Next, when the IC card is removed, it is determined that the processing by the operator has been completed (step P9), and the time from the completion of the reading processing of the original set in the reading device 26 is not shown. When it is detected by the timer function that a predetermined period of time has elapsed, it is determined that one process by the operator has been completed (step P11). Clears the user ID specifying the operator who performed the processing of the document data when the condition is satisfied, and sets (authenticates) the default shared ID for when the user ID cannot be acquired, and sets the operator to “no setting”. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the same user ID from being used despite different users (step P12).
Then, in steps P9 and P11, an instruction to start a new process is made by inputting another key, for example, pressing the F key 23c or the start key 23d without the elapse of a predetermined time measured by the timer function while the IC card is set. (Step P10), the process returns to Step P1 while holding the same user ID, and the same processing is repeated.

Therefore, the user ID is added to the document data without error because the replacement of the operator is reliably detected and acquired again. At this time, the copier 11
A “Un · Do” button (not shown in FIG. 3) provided on an operation unit (operation display panel) 23 for inputting a storage avoidance command during steps P2 to P11. 23f) (step P100), the backup processing step in the control program is skipped, and only the processing of the provided functions is continued. After the storage is started, the "Un-Do"
When the button is pressed, before executing the next processing instruction, the additional data of the stored data during or immediately after the storage is deleted, and the reading of the document data is disabled so that the document data is deleted.
The storage of the document data is canceled. In addition,
When the "job recall button" 23f is pressed in order to cancel the situation of the command to perform the copying process, the same processing is performed as when the "Un.Do" button is pressed.

Therefore, the document data to be backed up without requiring the user to perform any input operation other than the operation for using the function of the copying machine 11 is stored in the “Un · Do” of the operation unit 23 during steps P2 to P11. By simply pressing the "" button, the storage is canceled and, for example, when copying a highly confidential image, the document data can be prevented from being filed in a reusable manner.

Here, the additional data transmitted from the copying machine 11 to the server device 12 includes transmission processing conditions such as a telephone number and an address of a destination at the time of transmission processing, and originals at the time of copying processing (recording processing). In addition, it receives (acquires) processing conditions including both original / paper conditions relating to paper and image processing conditions relating to image data processing, and adds them to document data to be stored. This additional data may be any information as long as it is information for specifying processing.
For example, in the case of a copying process, the copying machine 11 sorts and discharges a copy density, an image mode (correction process, etc.), a scaling ratio, and a copied paper and staples them with staples in order to improve the convenience of the copying process. Post-processing of paper, such as
You can select double-sided copying of images, divided copying of images, combined copying of images, printing at the time of adding date, stamp, page, etc., editing and copying of images, etc. These image processing conditions are received (obtained) as processing conditions together with document and paper conditions such as the document size and direction to be automatically identified from A3 size to the minimum B6 size and the paper size and direction to be selected according to the settings. It is added to the document data to be stored. Note that the copying machine 11 is operated by the start key 23d during the copying process.
When the copy function is selected by pressing the F key 23c instead of copying the original under the default copy conditions (automatic paper selection, magnification 100%, automatic density, etc.), the screen shown in FIG. 10 is displayed. By displaying it on the display operation LCD 22a and operating it together with the numeric keypad 23b, it is possible to set and select the values of the original / paper conditions and image processing conditions and various modes (commands in FIG. 11).
For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the number of copies (the number of copies that can be set by default) input from the numeric keypad 23b is the number data to be attached to the command 26H, for example, "26" and "00" when the number is "1". "01" is added to the command and added to the command to form additional data. The additional data of the original / paper condition and the image processing condition input from the display operation LCD 22a may be an automatic copy density for setting a copy density corresponding to an image or a seven-step optional copy density.
The density setting data of the command 33H shown in FIG. 13, the document type data included in the command 28H shown in FIG. 15, the command 32H for automatically selecting a paper feed cassette (paper) according to the paper feed position data of the command 31H shown in FIG.
H Automatic density selection mode setting data, fixed size scaling determined by document size and paper size, zooming by 1% by arbitrary input setting, and dimensional change by inputting and setting the length of document image and copy image A figure that becomes a magnification such as independent magnification by inputting and setting different magnifications for vertical and horizontal and vertical
Setting data of the magnification mode of the command 35H shown in FIGS. 16 to 18, setting data of the duplex mode shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 for performing duplex copying in which images such as double-sided / single-sided originals and spread originals are recorded on both sides of paper, The split mode setting data of the command 28H shown in FIG. 14, which is a split copy for recording images such as a double-sided original or a spread original on each side of a sheet, and a command 29H for combining a plurality of original images on one side or both sides
The setting data of the aggregation mode, the print mode of command 2AH, which is the print mode at the time of copying, which automatically adds the processing date, stamp, page number such as user's mark, etc. to the copied image, and prints the same image on one side Editing of the command 34H to be an edit copy such as double copy to be arranged, margin creation to make the center and periphery of the book original blank, creation of a binding white part to make one side of the paper blank, and erasure processing to erase only the specified color. Mode.

On the other hand, in the server device 12 as well, the CPU 41 acquires additional data specifying document data and adds it to the document data so that it can be easily used as a file device. In addition to the user ID, additional information such as a title that can be obtained by being attached to the document data received from the PC 14, and OCR (Optical Character Reader) processing on the document data are used repeatedly in the text to encode and extract the character data. Specific information relating to the contents of the document data, such as the specified keyword and the number of times the same document data is repeatedly reused, is acquired.

Therefore, the document data stored in the mass storage devices 13 and 16 can be easily specified by these additional data. Then, the server device 12 creates a database storing the additional data in the hard disk device 43 in such a manner as to be divided for each user ID so that the document data stored in the mass storage devices 13 and 16 can be easily searched. In this database, the addresses in the mass storage devices 13 and 16 that store the document data for each user ID added to the document data are stored, and the above-described additional data that can be obtained is stored. Is stored in a column prepared for each type. Therefore, when the user inputs a user ID and requests a reference to the document data, the server device 12 transmits the document data associated with the user ID according to the reference command from the mass storage devices 13 and 16. The thumbnail image is read out and displayed on the display screen of the display 44 of the calendar view format 60 which can be scrolled at high speed and low speed by the scroll buttons 59 shown in FIGS. 21 and 22 (an image for displaying the decoded image data of the first page in a reduced size). 61 can be selected and displayed for each processing date (processing date and time information) so that it can be searched and confirmed. When you want to confirm the document contents such as characters, click the thumbnail image 61 of the mouse 47 or touch panel 45 Is selected by depressing the display portion of, and the call button 62 is further selected, so that the document data selected on the entire surface of the display 44 is displayed. It is possible to scroll to be able to display and output the data. Furthermore, the calendar view format of the display 44
By selecting the search button 64 in the display screen 60
Is displayed in order from the upper left, and the processing of the document data can be confirmed.When confirming the content such as the type of the document data subjected to the copy processing, when the copy button 65 is selected, A list 66 of additional data such as document data titles and keywords can be displayed and checked, and if a processing condition in the list is selected, a list of additional data such as the number of copies and the type of original can be displayed.
67 can be displayed and confirmed. At this time, when the user designates an arbitrary period as additional data by inputting date and time information and requests a reference to document data included in the period, the server device 12 displays a calendar for displaying the period. Performs a reference process.

The server device 12 is configured such that the user
When D is input to request a reference to document data, FIG.
Select the narrow button 65 shown in
In FIG. 44, the list shown in FIG. 24 is sequentially displayed from the upper left, and the type of additional data is selected by tracing the storage at the time of processing, whereby unnecessary document data is omitted from the calendar view 60 and the thumbnail image 61 can be selected and output. When narrowing down from additional data related to the original, the mode can be set by selecting the original button 68 and clicking the “▽” in the right column for the original size and direction etc. Conditions can be specified.For example, in the case of the double-sided mode, by selecting and executing the single-sided-> double-sided, double-sided-> double-sided, right-and-left page-sided, and front- and back-sided pages in order, and selecting the execute button 70 for simultaneous display and output The thumbnail image 61 in the calendar view 60 of the document data to which the corresponding additional data is associated is flashed in red and highlighted, and the corresponding document data is displayed. When there are a plurality, as described above, by selecting the search button 64 and the copy button 65 shown in FIG. 23, a list 66 of the additional data such as the title and the keyword of the document data is displayed and confirmed, and then the thumbnail is displayed. By selecting the image 61 and the call button 62, desired document data can be displayed and output on the entire display 44.

Therefore, when the server apparatus 12 selects a menu requesting the reference of the document data processed by the copying machine 11 on the display 44 and reuses the document data, for example, the user IDs of the menus coincide with each other. The thumbnail image 61 of the document data can be displayed in a calendar from the latest one or at any time, and the document data can be easily selected from the thumbnail image 61 with a mouse or the like, and the thumbnail data 61 can be displayed from the mass storage device 13. By reading (all the processed document data is reacquired) and sending it to the copier 11 together with the additional data, the copier 11 decodes and restores the document data by the image processing unit 29 and performs image processing. The document data output during backup can be recorded and output according to the additional data to be used without inputting the processing conditions. It represents and can be obtained. Note that, at this time, the additional data used for processing the image may be input from the operation unit 23 of the copying machine 11 by the referred user. When the server device 12 is instructed to refer to document data older than the data stored in the large-capacity storage device 13, the server device 12 stores the address of the service provider, the registration ID for each user ID, and the password from the built-in nonvolatile RAM. By reading and accessing the service providing company on the Internet and sending a reference instruction for document data, the mass storage device 16 can be handled in the same manner to perform reference processing of document data to be stored. In addition, the server apparatus 12 provides the copier with reference to the shared document data on the condition that the user ID used in the copier 11 is input for the shared document data processed without input of the user ID. By using the 11 shared IDs as the user IDs used for reference, the document data associated with the user IDs (shared IDs) can be similarly referenced and processed.

As described above, in this embodiment, the copying machine
The same document data processed by 11 can be reliably authenticated by the user ID read from the IC card without requesting a special input operation (in the absence of the user ID, the share ID is set to "None"). "Settings") and automatically store them in the mass storage device 13 on the intranet (by taking a backup) for easy storage management, and a service provider when the mass storage device 13 becomes full. Can be stored in the mass storage device 16 on the Internet by using the service of the copier, without preparing an extremely large mass storage device for each user, and without worrying about overflow, etc. 11 are available. Then, when necessary, the document data is transferred from the large-capacity storage devices 13 and 16 and is recorded and output by the copying machine 11 to be obtained again by instructing a reference process from the server device 12. be able to.

At this time, the processing conditions of the document data processed by the copying machine 11 are stored and managed in association with additional data. For example, when the copied document data is searched and specified and recorded and output again, the thumbnail While referring to the image 61, select the desired document data according to the number of copies of the additional data, the document size / direction, the paper size / direction, etc.
It is also possible to select desired document data by narrowing down the thumbnail images 61 (selection range) that need to be confirmed by tracing the storage. For example, in the reprocessing of the selected document data, for example,
Additional processing data such as copy density, image mode, scaling ratio, post-processing, double-sided copy, divided copy, aggregated copy, print at copy, edit copy, etc. are added to the document data and sent to the copier 11 as copy processing conditions. By doing so, the backed-up document data can be reproduced in the same format without inputting any processing conditions. In addition, the storage capacity of the hard disk device 43 can be effectively used by setting the additional data associated with the document data as additional data of one processing condition for one document data. Therefore, desired document data can be easily searched, and processing can be performed in the same format as that at the time of storage by omitting input operations such as a processing procedure by the copying machine 11 and a processing condition by a user. Can be improved.

Further, since the storage of the document data can be canceled by depressing the "Un.Do" button (since reading becomes impossible), data which is obviously unnecessary for backup and data which needs security is stored. Accumulation can be avoided, and the adverse effects of automatically backing up can be eliminated. In addition, as a first other aspect of the present embodiment, although not shown, after acquiring one user ID, it is configured so that a separate user ID can be input. Is added as additional data, the address of document data and other additional data for each user ID are stored in the hard disk drive.
43 so that each user can identify and reuse the same document data by his / her user ID in the case of common materials for meetings, circulations, and the like. It may be.

As a second other aspect of the present embodiment, I
Although it is detected that the same operator has finished the process by detecting the set of the C card or by elapse of a predetermined time by the timer function, the operation section 23 is provided with a "document break" button (not shown) to When a document is processed, the operator presses a “document break” button between documents to be processed, and the document data is divided and transmitted to the server device 12 for each document, and the mass storage device 13, 16 may be stored as separate document data so that each document can be referenced and reused.

As a third other mode of the present embodiment, a server device may be directly connected to the copying machine 11, or the server device 12 may be built in the copying machine 11. Also, by connecting a buffer device directly to the copying machine 11 to relay document data and the like to the server device 12 and directly storing the document data and the like in the large-capacity storage device without passing through the intranet, the connection is established. Even if a failure occurs in the device 15 or the server device 12, the document data can be reliably backed up without being lost on the intranet. Even if the device performs data processing, the data can be stored in the buffer device without any burden and then transferred to the server device 12 with a margin. Considering the restrictions on the installation location, etc., the copier 11
The server and the server device 12 have a higher degree of freedom if they are connected via an intranet.
Connecting directly to 11 is optimal for reliability.

In the above embodiment, the user I
Although the description has been given with the mind that D is owned by each individual, it goes without saying that the present embodiment can be used without any problem even if the user ID is owned by each group such as a department.

[0053]

According to the present invention, when data is processed by the processing apparatus main body, for example, when image data is read from a document by a copying function or the like and recorded and output (copied), processing conditions are stored together with the same processing data. It can be stored in the means. The processing data in the storage means can be read out and used as needed. For example, when the copied material is lost, the backed-up processing data can be recorded and output to obtain it again. Can be. At this time, for example, as the processing conditions of the copying process, the number of copies, the document size / direction, the paper size / direction, and the like can be displayed and output, and the processing data in the storage means can be selected. By repeatedly specifying the conditions, it is possible to narrow down the range of selection and confirm the contents of the processing data, and select the processing data to be reprocessed. Further, in this re-processing, for example, copy density, image mode, scaling ratio, post-processing, double-sided copy, divided copy, combined copy, print at copy, edit copy are input as processing conditions of the copy process. By attaching the data to data, the copied image can be reproduced. In addition, the storage condition can be effectively used by setting the processing condition to be one processing condition for one process.
Therefore, desired processing data can be easily searched, and the same processing conditions can be easily input and processed in the same format as when the data was stored. The processing can be performed in the same format as that at the time of accumulation by omitting the input operation of the processing conditions by. As a result, usability can be improved.

Further, by storing the processed data in the storage means without requesting the user to input any data other than the intended data processing, the data to be processed is automatically backed up regardless of the presence of the storage command by the user. The data can be arbitrarily read out after being stored and managed. Even if the data is lost, the data can be re-recorded or re-transmitted and re-obtained without the user consciously performing the file work.

Further, by inputting a storage avoidance command when processing data by the processing apparatus itself, the storage processing of the processed data can be canceled, and data which is obviously unnecessary for backup and data which needs security is backed up. Accumulation can be avoided, and the adverse effects of using a system for automatically processing (backing up) processed data can be eliminated, and usability can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a file system functioning according to a program in a storage medium according to the present invention, and is a conceptual diagram showing a schematic overall configuration thereof.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a processing device in the system.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the display means and the operation means.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the reading means.

FIG. 5 is a perspective conceptual side view showing the reading unit.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a main part of a file device in the system.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a part of file processing as the file device.

FIG. 8 is a timing chart for explaining data to be subjected to file processing.

FIG. 9 is a timing chart for explaining file processing different from that of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a part of display means and operation means for explaining additional data to be subjected to file processing.

FIG. 11 is a list illustrating additional data to be subjected to file processing.

FIG. 12 is a list illustrating one of the additional data.

FIG. 13 is a list illustrating additional data different from FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a list for explaining additional data different from those in FIGS. 12 and 13;

FIG. 15 is a list for explaining additional data different from those in FIGS. 12 to 14;

FIG. 16 is a list illustrating additional data different from those in FIGS. 12 to 15;

FIG. 17 is a list for explaining additional data different from those in FIGS. 12 to 16;

FIG. 18 is a list for explaining additional data different from those in FIGS. 12 to 17;

FIG. 19 is a list illustrating additional data different from those of FIGS. 12 to 18;

FIG. 20 is a list for explaining additional data different from those in FIGS. 12 to 19;

FIG. 21 is a display screen illustrating a process of referring to the file-processed data.

FIG. 22 is a partially enlarged view of the display screen.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a reference process subsequent to FIG. 22;

24 is a flowchart illustrating a reference process different from FIG. 23 subsequent to FIG. 22;

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 Data management system (file system) 11 Copy machine (processing device) 12 Server device (storage management means, output management means) 13, 16 Large-capacity storage device (storage means) 14 Personal computer 15 Connection device 21 Control unit 22 Display unit 23 Operation unit 24 NCU unit 25 Communication control unit 26 Reading device 27 Recording device 28 Image memory 29 Image processing unit 41 CPU (central processing unit) 42 Memory 43 Hard disk device (storage medium) 44 Display (display means) 45 Touch panel (operation means) ) 46 Keyboard (operation means) 47 Mouse (operation means)

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Atsushi Hanai 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Ricoh Co., Ltd.

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A copying function for reading image data and recording and outputting it on paper, a transmission function for transmitting and receiving image data and character data via a communication line, and a recording function for recording and outputting received image data and character data on paper. A file system in which a storage device for storing data is connected to a processing apparatus main body that includes at least one of the above and processes data by the function, and stores the same data processed by the function. A file management system for storing the data to be processed by the function together with the processing conditions of the processed data, and storing the data in the storage means in association with the data. 2. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: output management means for reading out the processing data stored in said storage means from the storage means in accordance with an input of a processing instruction and outputting the processed data. According to an instruction, at least processing conditions stored in the storage means are read out and displayed on the display means, and at least corresponding processing data in the storage means selected from the operation means is read out and output to the processing destination. The file system according to claim 1. 3. An output management means for reading and outputting the processing data stored in the storage means from within the storage means in accordance with an input of a processing command, wherein the output management means comprises a processing input from the operation means. In accordance with the instruction, the processing data in the storage unit associated with the processing condition specified at the same time or the processing condition associated with the processing data is read out and displayed on the display unit, and the storage unit selected from the operation unit is read out. 2. The file system according to claim 1, wherein at least corresponding processing data in the means is read and output to a processing destination. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the number of copies, document size / direction, and paper size / direction at the time of copying is obtained as the processing condition.
4. The file system according to any one of claims 1 to 3. 5. The processing conditions include at least one of copy density, image mode, magnification, post-processing, double-sided copy, divided copy, combined copy, print at copy, and edit copy at the time of copying. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein:
File system according to any of the above. 6. The file according to claim 1, wherein said storage management means stores processing conditions corresponding to one processing for processing processing data over a plurality of pages in the storage means. system. 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein said storage management means automatically stores the same processing data processed by said function in said storage means irrespective of whether or not a storage command is input. The file system described in any of the above. 8. The storage management means for canceling the storage of the processed data when a storage avoidance command is input before or during the operation of storing the same data processed by the function in the storage means. Claim 1 characterized by the following:
8. The file system according to any one of items 1 to 7. 9. A copying function for reading image data and recording and outputting it on paper, a transmission function for transmitting and receiving image data and character data via a communication line, and a recording function for recording and outputting received image data and character data on paper. A storage medium storing a program used by a central processing unit connected or built in a processing device main body that includes at least one of the above and processes data by the function, and that is processed by the processing device main body. The central processing unit can read out a program for causing the central processing unit to execute the process of sending the same data to the storage unit and storing the same data, and acquiring, associating and storing the processing conditions of the processing data. A storage medium recorded on a storage medium. 10. At least a processing condition stored in said storage means is read out from said storage means in accordance with an input of a processing instruction and displayed and output, or at the same time processing data associated with a designated processing condition or said processing data. In order to cause the central processing unit to execute processing of reading processing conditions associated with processing data, outputting the processing conditions, displaying the processing data selected from the display from the storage unit, and outputting the processing data to the processing destination. 10. The program according to claim 9, wherein said program is recorded so as to be readable by said central processing unit.
A storage medium according to claim 1. 11. A program for causing the central processing unit to execute a process of storing the same processing data processed by the function in a storage unit regardless of whether or not a storage command is input. The storage medium according to claim 9, wherein the storage medium is recorded so as to be readable. 12. When a storage avoidance command is input before or during an operation for storing processing data and processing conditions in said storage means in a program to be executed by said central processing unit, said processing data is stored. The storage medium according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein a cancel processing for canceling is incorporated, and the central processing unit is recorded so as to be readable.