JP4134534B2 - Data management system, data input device, data storage device, data management method, data management program, and computer-readable recording medium recording data management program - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a data management system, a data input device, a data storage device, a data management method, a data management program, and a computer-readable recording medium recording the data management program.
[0002]
[Prior art]
With the development of information technology, the form of information has shifted from paper to electronic data. For example, a data management system that reads a paper document with a scanner and stores the obtained image data in a database server on a network is known. For example, when image data is stored in a database server, each user is notified of a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) indicating the storage location of the image data together with the stored fact.
[0003]
According to this data management system, for example, when the user wants to obtain a printed matter of a specific document, the user can print the image data by specifying the URL of the image data corresponding to the document. Alternatively, the user can download necessary image data from the database server to his / her personal computer.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, depending on the manuscript, high-quality image data is not always necessary. Therefore, the image data is stored in the database server with an image quality necessary for the user who performs initial registration.
[0005]
However, for example, when low-resolution image data with low resolution is registered in the database server, image data with higher image quality is required later, and the number of times that the same document must be read again increases. As a result, there was a problem that the database could not be used effectively.
[0006]
On the other hand, for example, if high-resolution image data with high resolution is initially registered in the database server, all users including users who need high-quality image data can be handled, and the database can be used effectively. Is possible. However, there is a problem that the capacity of the image data increases uniformly regardless of necessity, and it takes time to transmit and receive the image data and also places a load on the capacity of the database server that stores the image data. there were.
[0007]
The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to effectively use a database without necessarily requiring initial registration of high-quality image data in a database server. A data management system, a data input device, a data storage device, a data management method, a data management program, and a computer-readable recording medium recording the data management program are provided.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The object of the present invention is achieved by the following means.
[0009]
(1) A data management system having a data input device for inputting image data and a data storage device for storing image data communicable with the data input device, wherein the data input device is a document When reading Regarding image quality Setting means for setting conditions; designation means for designating a storage location of the first image data obtained by reading a document in the data storage device; and the first image data existing at the storage location designated by the designation means 2nd image data corresponding to image quality Information received from the data storage device and set by the setting means Regarding image quality Contents of the condition and received by the receiving means Image quality related to second image data A comparison means for comparing information; When the comparing means determines that the first image data has higher image quality than the second image data, the first image data is transmitted to the data storage device and the second image data A transmission means for making an update request; And the data storage device relates to the second image data. image quality Transmitting means for transmitting information to the data input device; and the first image data from the data input device. And the update request Is received, the first image data is stored in the storage location specified by the specifying means. And update the second image data. A data management system.
[0010]
(2) Stored in the storage location specified by the specifying means The second A second receiving means for receiving image data from the data storage device; and the second receiving means for receiving the image data. The second Printing means for printing image data And Having a data output device , The data management system according to (1), further comprising:
[0011]
(3) The data input device in a data management system having a data input device for inputting image data and a data storage device for storing image data communicable with the data input device, the document input When reading Regarding image quality Setting means for setting conditions; designation means for designating a storage location of the first image data obtained by reading a document in the data storage device; and the first image data existing at the storage location designated by the designation means 2nd image data corresponding to image quality Information received from the data storage device and set by the setting means Regarding image quality The contents of the condition and the received by the receiving means Image quality related to second image data A comparison means for comparing information; When the comparing means determines that the first image data has higher image quality than the second image data, the first image data is transmitted to the data storage device and the second image data Means for requesting updates A data input device comprising:
[0012]
(4) Regarding the second image data image quality The information includes at least one of the resolution, the compression format, the number of colors, the number of bits per pixel, and the color space of the second image data, as described in (3) above .
[0013]
(5) The data input device according to (3) or (4), wherein the comparison unit performs the comparison before reading the document and obtaining the first image data.
[0014]
(6) The data storage device in a data management system having a data input device for inputting image data and a data storage device for storing image data communicable with the data input device, wherein the data Image quality information relating to second image data corresponding to the first image data existing at the storage location in the data storage device designated as the storage location of the first image data obtained by reading the original with the input device is the data. Transmitting means for transmitting to the input device; When it is determined that the first image data has higher image quality than the second image data based on the image quality information From the data input device Sent The first image data and the update request are received Et And a storage means for storing the first image data in a designated storage location and updating the second image data.
[0015]
(7) For managing image data using a data management system having a data input device for inputting image data and a data storage device for storing image data communicable with the data input device A data management method, wherein the data input device reads a document. Regarding image quality Setting a condition, a step in which the data input device designates a storage location in the data storage device for the first image data obtained by reading a document, and the data storage device is in the designated storage location. Relating to second image data that exists and corresponds to the first image data image quality Transmitting information to the data input device; and the data input device relates to the second image data image quality Receiving information from the data storage device, and the data input device is configured to Regarding image quality Condition contents and said received Image quality related to second image data Comparing information with If the data input device determines that the first image data has higher image quality than the second image data by the comparison, the data input device transmits the first image data and the second image data Requesting renewal, The data storage device receives the first image data from the data input device. And the update request Is received, the first image data is stored in the storage location specified by the specifying means. And update the second image data. A data management method comprising the steps of:
[0016]
(8) A data management program for controlling the data input device in a data management system having a data input device for inputting image data and a data storage device for storing image data communicable with the data input device And when reading the document Regarding image quality A procedure for setting conditions, a procedure for designating a storage location of the first image data obtained by reading a document in the data storage device, and a second that exists in the designated storage location and corresponds to the first image data Regarding image data image quality A procedure for receiving information from the data storage device and the set Regarding image quality Condition contents and said received image quality Procedures for comparing information, If it is determined by the comparison procedure that the first image data has higher image quality than the second image data, the first image data is transmitted and an update request for the second image data is made. A data management program for causing the data input device to execute a procedure.
[0017]
(9) A data management program for controlling the data storage device in a data management system having a data input device for inputting image data and a data storage device for storing image data communicable with the data input device The second image data corresponding to the first image data that exists at the storage location in the data storage device designated as the storage location of the first image data obtained by reading the document with the data input device. Transmitting image quality information to the data input device; When it is determined that the first image data has higher image quality than the second image data based on the image quality information From the data input device Sent The first image data and the update request are received Et A data management program for causing the data storage device to execute a procedure of storing the first image data in the designated storage location and updating the second data.
[0018]
(10) A computer-readable recording medium on which the data management program according to (8) or (9) is recorded.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0020]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a data management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0021]
The data management system shown in FIG. 1 includes a network scanner (hereinafter referred to as “scanner”) 100, a database server 200, and a printer 300, and these devices can communicate with each other via a network 500. ing.
[0022]
The scanner 100 has a function of acquiring image data by reading a document and transmitting the acquired image data to the network 500. The database server 200 has a function of receiving and storing image data transmitted from the scanner 100. Further, the database server 200 may have a function of publishing the contents of the registered image data file on the website. The printer 300 has a function of receiving and printing image data registered in the database server 200.
[0023]
Note that the types and number of devices on the network 500 are not actually limited to the example shown in FIG.
[0024]
The network 500 includes, for example, a LAN that connects devices according to standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), token ring, and FDDI (fiber distributed data interface), a WAN that connects several LANs, or the Internet (the Internet). ).
[0025]
Next, the configuration of the scanner 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The scanner 100 includes a CPU 101, a memory 102, a storage unit 103, an operation panel 104, a panel interface 105, a document reading unit 106, an input interface 107, an image processing unit 108, and a network interface 109.
[0026]
The CPU 101 controls each unit and performs various arithmetic processes according to a program. The memory 102 stores various programs and data. The storage unit 103 stores image data obtained by reading a document and provides a work area when processing the image data. The storage unit 103 includes, for example, a hard disk and a RAM.
[0027]
The operation panel 104 includes a touch panel unit on which various information is displayed, various keys, a display lamp, and the like, and is used for inputting and displaying. The panel interface 105 is an interface for connecting the operation panel 104 and each unit.
[0028]
The document reading unit 106 reads a document and acquires image data. Specifically, the document reading unit 106 shines light on a document set at a predetermined reading position, converts the reflected light into an electrical signal using a light receiving element such as a CCD, and converts image data from the electrical signal. create. The document reading unit 106 may include an automatic document feeder (ADF). The automatic document feeder conveys a plurality of documents one by one to a predetermined reading position. The input interface 107 is an interface for connecting the original reading unit 106 and each unit.
[0029]
The image processing unit 108 performs predetermined processing on image data obtained by reading a document. Specifically, the image processing unit 108 includes a format conversion unit 121, for example. The format conversion unit 121 converts the obtained image data into a predetermined file format for storing and registering in the database server 200 to create a file.
[0030]
The network interface 109 is an interface for connecting the scanner 100 to the network 500.
[0031]
Next, the configuration of the database server 200 will be described with reference to FIG. The database server 200 includes a CPU 201, a memory 202, a storage unit 203, an input device 204, a display 205, and a network interface 206.
[0032]
The CPU 201 controls each unit and performs various arithmetic processes according to a program. The memory 202 stores various programs and data. The storage unit 203 saves and registers image data and provides a work area for various processes. The storage unit 103 includes, for example, a hard disk and a RAM.
[0033]
The input device 204 is a device for the user to perform various operations and instructions, and specifically includes, for example, a keyboard and a mouse. The display 205 performs various displays. The network interface 206 is an interface for connecting the database server 200 to the network 500.
[0034]
Next, the operation of the data management system according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the sequence chart of FIG.
[0035]
In step S101, the scanner 100 sets information such as resolution regarding image data (hereinafter referred to as “scanned image data”) obtained by reading a document in accordance with a user input operation, and a database server for the obtained image data. The storage location is designated at 200.
[0036]
In step S102, the scanner 100 requests the database server 200 for information such as resolution regarding image data (hereinafter referred to as “stored image data”) existing at the storage location specified in step S101.
[0037]
Subsequently, the database server 200 creates information related to the stored image data (step S103) and transmits it to the scanner 100 (step S104).
[0038]
In step S105, the scanner 100 compares the information related to the scan image data set in step S101 with the information related to the received stored image data.
[0039]
In step S106, if the result of the comparison in step S105 is that the scanned image data has a higher image quality than the stored image data, the scanner 100 transmits the scanned image data to the database server 200, and the stored image data Request an update.
[0040]
Subsequently, the database server 200 updates the stored image data by replacing the stored image data with the received scanned image data (step S107), and notifies the scanner 100 of the completion of the update (step S108). If the scanned image data is not of higher image quality than the stored image data, the processes in steps S106 to S108 are not performed.
[0041]
In step S <b> 109, the scanner 100 transmits a download output command that is an instruction to download and print the stored image data registered in the database server 200 to the printer 300.
[0042]
Subsequently, the printer 300 transmits the download instruction for the stored image data to the database server 200 (step S110). The stored image data is transferred from the database server 200 to the printer 300 (step S111) and printed by the printer 300 (step S112).
[0043]
Next, the procedure of data management processing in the scanner 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. The algorithm shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 5 and 6 is stored as a program in the memory 102 of the scanner 100 and is executed by the CPU 101.
[0044]
First, in step S <b> 201, conditions for reading a document, that is, setting of information related to scanned image data is performed according to a user input through the operation panel 104. For example, resolution (dpi), compression format, number of colors, number of bits per pixel (in the case of color, the number of bits of one color per pixel, and so on), and color space are set as information related to scan image data. The setting is mentioned.
[0045]
Specifically, the setting of the information related to the scan image data is performed using a setting screen displayed on the touch panel unit 131 of the operation panel 104 as illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9. The resolution is set by being selected from 200, 300, and 600 (dpi), for example, as shown in FIG. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the number of colors and the number of bits per pixel are set by selecting from among color, gray (monochrome multi-valued image), and binary (monochrome binary image). . For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the color space is set by being selected from RGB, Lab, and CMYK. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the compression format is set by selecting from among no compression, JPEG (joint photographic experts), and G4. In the figure, “132” indicates a start key for instructing the start of the operation, and “133” indicates a stop key for instructing the stop of the operation.
[0046]
In step S <b> 201, the storage location (URL) of the scanned image data in the database server 200 is further specified in accordance with an input by the user through the operation panel 104. Specifically, the storage location is specified using a setting screen displayed on the touch panel unit 131 of the operation panel 104 as shown in FIG. Here, when image data based on the same document has already been registered, the storage location is designated by selecting the file name set at the time of previous registration. Hereinafter, a case where image data based on the same document has already been registered will be described.
[0047]
In step S <b> 202, when it is detected that the user has pressed the start key 132 of the operation panel 104, the CPU 101 instructs the document reading unit 106 to start scanning. The document reading unit 106 reads a document set at a predetermined reading position of the scanner 100 and obtains scanned image data. The obtained scanned image data is stored in the storage unit 103.
[0048]
In step S203, the database server 200 is requested for information related to the stored image data existing at the storage location specified in step S201, and the information is waited to be received.
[0049]
In step S <b> 204, information related to saved image data is received from the database server 200. The information related to the stored image data is information of the stored image data, for example, resolution (dpi), compression format, number of colors, number of bits per pixel, and color space.
[0050]
In step S205, a comparison process between the information such as the resolution related to the scan image data set in step S201 and the information such as the resolution related to the stored image data received in step S204 is performed. Details of the comparison process will be described later.
[0051]
In step S206, it is determined in the comparison process in step S205 whether the scanned image data has a higher image quality than the stored image data. If the scanned image data has a higher image quality than the stored image data (step S206: YES), the process of step S207 is executed. If the scanned image data does not have a higher image quality (step S206: NO), the process proceeds to step S209.
[0052]
In step S <b> 207, first, the scanned image data stored in the storage unit 103 of the scanner 100 is converted into a file format for storage in the database server 200 by the format conversion unit 121 and stored in the storage unit 103. Subsequently, the scanned image data whose format has been converted is transmitted to the database server 200 together with the update request. The update request includes designation of a storage location in the database server 200 and an instruction to update stored image data by replacing the stored image data with scanned image data. For example, the update request is added to the scanned image data and transmitted.
[0053]
In step S208, the database server 200 receives a notification that the update of the stored image data has been completed.
[0054]
In step S209, a download output command which is an instruction to download and print the stored image data registered in the database server 200 is transmitted to the printer 300. This download output command includes information on the storage location of the stored image data in the database server 200.
[0055]
Thereafter, the printer 300 analyzes the download output command received from the scanner 100, downloads the stored image data from the specified storage location in the database server 200, and prints it.
[0056]
Next, referring to FIG. 6, the procedure of the comparison process in step S205 of FIG. 5 will be described in detail.
[0057]
For example, the image quality comparison table shown in FIG. 11 is created in advance based on the information related to the scanned image data set in step S201 in FIG. 5 and the information related to the stored image data received in step S204, and is stored in the storage unit 103. . The information related to the stored image data is obtained by extracting the header portion of the stored image data stored in, for example, TIFF (Tagged Image File Format) which is a file format of general-purpose image data. From the information regarding the stored image data, for example, the resolution (dpi), the compression format, the number of colors, the number of bits per pixel, and the color space of the stored image data can be recognized. Here, the compression order shown in FIG. 11 is obtained in accordance with a correspondence table indicating the order of the compression format shown in FIG. Further, the color space order is obtained in accordance with a correspondence table indicating the order of the color spaces in FIG.
[0058]
First, in step S301, initialization is performed with a high image quality scan flag indicating "NO" indicating that the scanned image data has higher image quality than the stored image data. In other words, the scan image data is initially set so as not to have a higher image quality than the stored image data.
[0059]
In step S302, with reference to the table of FIG. 11, the resolutions Ar and Sr of the scanned image data and the stored image data are compared to determine whether the image quality is high or low. When Ar> Sr, that is, when the resolution of the scan image data is larger than the resolution of the stored image data, it is determined that the scan image data has a higher image quality than the stored image data, and the high image quality scan flag is set to “YES”. Then, the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. On the other hand, when Ar <Sr, that is, when the resolution of the scan image data is smaller than the resolution of the stored image data, it is determined that the scan image data has a lower image quality than the stored image data, and the high image quality scan flag is “NO”. Returning to the flowchart of FIG. However, if Ar = Sr, the process proceeds to the next step S303.
[0060]
In step S303, the two color numbers Ac and Sc are compared to determine whether the image quality is high or low. When Ac> Sc, that is, when the number of colors of the scan image data is larger than the number of colors of the stored image data, it is determined that the scan image data has a higher image quality than the stored image data, and the high image quality scan flag is “YES”. Is set (step S307), and the flow returns to the flowchart of FIG. On the other hand, if Ac <Sc, that is, if the number of colors of the scan image data is smaller than the number of colors of the stored image data, it is determined that the scan image data has a lower image quality than the stored image data, and the high image quality scan flag is set to “ Returning to the flowchart of FIG. However, if Ac = Sc, the process proceeds to the next step S304.
[0061]
In step S304, the number of bits Ab and Sb per pixel is compared to determine whether the image quality is high or low. When Ab> Sb, that is, when the number of bits per pixel of the scanned image data is larger than the number of bits per pixel of the stored image data, it is determined that the scanned image data has a higher image quality than the stored image data. The high image quality scan flag is set to “YES” (step S307), and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. On the other hand, when Ac <Sc, that is, when the number of bits per pixel of the scanned image data is smaller than the number of bits per pixel of the stored image data, it is determined that the scanned image data has lower image quality than the stored image data. Then, the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. However, if Ac = Sc, the process proceeds to the next step S305.
[0062]
Here, in steps S303 and S304, the image quality is evaluated in the order of color> gray (monochrome multivalued image)> binary (monochrome binary image) in accordance with the color / monochrome mode setting for the image data. Will be.
[0063]
In step S305, both compression orders Am and Sm are compared to determine whether the image quality is high or low. When Am> Sm, that is, when the compression order of the scan image data is higher than the compression order of the stored image data, it is determined that the scan image data has a higher image quality than the stored image data, and the high image quality scan flag is “YES”. Is set (step S307), and the flow returns to the flowchart of FIG. On the other hand, when Am <Sm, that is, when the compression order of the scan image data is lower than the compression order of the stored image data, it is determined that the scan image data has a lower image quality than the stored image data, and the high-quality scan flag is set to “ Returning to the flowchart of FIG. However, if Am = Sm, the process proceeds to the next step S306.
[0064]
Here, as shown in FIG. 12, the lossless compression format is set to have a higher compression order than the lossy compression format. In addition, when both are different lossless compression formats, the compression format that can be expected to have a high compression ratio is set with a higher compression order, and when both are different lossy compression formats, the compression format with less degradation Is set to a large compression order. However, FIG. 12 is only an example. For example, the compression order may be set only according to whether or not the lossless compression format is used.
[0065]
In step S306, the color space rankings As and Ss of the two are compared to determine whether the image quality is high or low. When As> Ss, that is, when the color space order of the scan image data is larger than the color space order of the stored image data, it is determined that the scan image data has higher image quality than the stored image data, and the high image quality scan flag is “ "YES" is set (step S307), and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. On the other hand, if As ≦ Ss, that is, if the color space order of the scan image data is less than or equal to the color space order of the stored image data, it is determined that the image quality of the scan image data is not higher than that of the stored image data. Remains “NO” and returns to the flowchart of FIG.
[0066]
Here, as shown in FIG. 13, the image quality is highly evaluated in the order of Lab>RGB> CMYK in accordance with the setting of the color space indicating the color system of the image data. In this embodiment, a color space that can be handled as color information that does not depend on individual input / output devices such as a scanner and a printer is highly evaluated for image quality.
[0067]
In the comparison processing in step S205 in FIG. 5, as a determination parameter for determining the level of image quality, in order from the highest priority, the resolution, the number of colors, the number of bits per pixel, the compression format, and the color space (See FIG. 6), the present invention is not limited to this. For example, one or a combination of two or more of the above determination parameters, and other determination parameters may be used.
[0068]
Next, the procedure of data management processing in the database server 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15. The algorithm shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 14 and 15 is stored as a program in the memory 202 of the database server 200 and is executed by the CPU 201.
[0069]
First, in step S401, data from the scanner 100 is received.
[0070]
In step S402, the received data is analyzed. Here, by analyzing the data, a command included in the data is recognized.
[0071]
In step S403, a command flag indicating the type of command is initialized to “0”. Here, the command flag is composed of three flags B0, B1, and B2.
[0072]
In step S404, it is determined whether or not the received data includes a command indicating a request for information regarding the stored image data. When a command indicating a request for information regarding the stored image data is included (step S404: YES), after the flag B0 is set to “1” (step S405), the process of step S406 is executed. In this case, the received data includes a request command for information regarding the stored image data and a storage location of the stored image data. Note that the storage location of the stored image data is secured in the storage unit 203 of the database server 200. On the other hand, if the received data does not include a command indicating a request for information regarding the stored image data (step S404: NO), the process proceeds to step S406 while the flag B0 remains “0”.
[0073]
In step S406, it is determined whether or not the received data includes a command indicating a request for updating the stored image data. If a command indicating an update request is included (step S406: YES), after the flag B1 is set to “1” (step S407), the process of step S408 is executed. In this case, the received data includes scanned image data, an instruction to update saved image data, and a saved location. On the other hand, if the received data does not include a command indicating an update request for stored image data (step S406: NO), the process proceeds to step S408 while the flag B1 remains “0”.
[0074]
In step S408, it is determined whether or not the received data includes a command indicating an output request for stored image data. If a command indicating an output request is included (step S408: YES), after the flag B2 is set to “1” (step S409), the process of step S410 is executed. In this case, the received data includes a storage location of the stored image data, an output command of the stored image data, and an output destination. On the other hand, if the received data does not include a command indicating the output request for the stored image data (step S408: NO), the process proceeds to step S410 while the flag B2 remains “0”.
[0075]
In step S410, it is determined whether or not the flag B0 is “1”. If the flag B0 is “1” (step S410: YES), the process of step S411 is executed. If the flag B0 is not “1” (step S410: NO), the process proceeds to step S414.
[0076]
In step S411, the storage location of the storage image data in the database server 200 is acquired from the received data.
[0077]
In step S412, information related to the stored image data is created from the stored image data existing in the storage location acquired in step S411. As described above, the information about the stored image data is created by extracting the header portion of the stored image data stored by TIFF, for example.
[0078]
In step S 413, information related to the stored image data is transmitted to the scanner 100.
[0079]
In step S414, it is determined whether or not the flag B1 is “1”. If the flag B1 is “1” (step S414: YES), the process of step S415 is executed. If the flag B1 is not “1” (step S414: NO), the process proceeds to step S419.
[0080]
In step S415, the storage location of the storage image data in the database server 200 is acquired from the received data.
[0081]
In step S416, scan image data used to update stored image data is acquired from the received data.
[0082]
In step S417, the stored image data existing in the storage location acquired in step S415 is deleted, and the scan image data acquired in step S416 is written in the storage location, thereby updating the stored image data. That is, the stored image data existing at the storage location is replaced with the scanned image data.
[0083]
In step S418, an update completion notification for notifying that the update of the stored image data has been completed is transmitted to the scanner 100.
[0084]
In step S419, it is determined whether or not the flag B2 is “1”. When the flag B2 is “1” (step S419: YES), the process of step S420 is executed. When the flag B2 is not “1” (step S419: NO), the execution of the program is ended.
[0085]
In step S420, the storage location of the storage image data in the database server 200 is acquired from the received data.
[0086]
In step S421, the output destination of the stored image data is acquired from the received data.
[0087]
In step S <b> 422, the stored image data existing in the storage location acquired in step S <b> 415 is acquired by reading it into the work area of the storage unit 203.
[0088]
In step S423, the acquired stored image data is transmitted to the printer 300, for example.
[0089]
As described above, the database server 200 includes, in the received data, an information request command indicating a request for information on the stored image data, an update request command indicating an update request for the stored image data, and an output indicating an output request for the stored image data. If it is determined whether or not a request command is included, and if it is determined that the information request command is included in the data, the stored image data information is transmitted to the request transmission source, and the update request command is included in the data When it is determined that the stored image data is updated, the stored image data is transmitted to a predetermined output destination when it is determined that the output request command is included in the data.
[0090]
Here, the data including the output request command received by the database server 200 is data of a download instruction from the printer 300 in the present embodiment. The stored image data transferred from the database server 200 to the printer 300 in accordance with the download instruction is printed by the printer 300.
[0091]
As described above, according to the first embodiment, information such as the resolution related to the scanned image data is compared with information such as the resolution related to the stored image data, and the scanned image data has higher image quality than the stored image data. If it is determined, the stored image data can be updated by storing the scanned image data in the database server.
[0092]
Therefore, if the image data is registered in the database server with the image quality necessary for the user who performs the initial registration, the update of the stored image data is not particularly conscious by the user because the same document is repeatedly used. In addition, the image quality of the stored image data is improved.
[0093]
As a result, the database can be effectively used without necessarily registering high-quality image data in the database server.
[0094]
FIG. 16 is a sequence chart for explaining the operation of the data management system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described with a focus on portions that are different from the first embodiment described above, and description of common portions will be omitted.
[0095]
The processing in steps S501 to S505 is the same as the processing in steps S101 to S105 in FIG.
[0096]
In step S506, if the result of comparison in step S505 is that the scanned image data has a higher image quality than the stored image data, the scanner 100 transmits the scanned image data to the database server 200, and the stored image data Make an update request. In addition, the scanner 100 makes an output request to the database server 200 for transmitting the stored image data to the printer 300 for printing. In this case, the data transmitted from the scanner 100 to the database server 200 includes scanned image data, an instruction to update and save the saved image data, and an output instruction and an output destination of the saved image data.
[0097]
In step S507, the database server 200 updates the stored image data by replacing the stored image data with the received scanned image data. If the scanned image data is not of higher quality than the stored image data, only the output of the stored image data is requested in step S506, and the process of step S507 is not performed.
[0098]
In step S <b> 508, the database server 200 transmits saved image data to the printer 300.
[0099]
In step S509, the saved image data transferred from the database server 200 is printed by the printer 300.
[0100]
As described above, when transmitting scanned image data to the database server 200, the scanner 100 transmits an output request for transmitting the scanned image data stored in the designated storage location to the printer 300 for printing. To the server 200.
[0101]
As described above, according to the second embodiment, in addition to obtaining the same effects as those of the first embodiment, it is possible to execute necessary image data printing processing with a simpler procedure.
[0102]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims.
[0103]
For example, in the above embodiment, the scanner 100 and the database server 200 are separately separated and connected via the network 500, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. . The present invention is also applicable to, for example, a network scanner in which the scanner 100 and the database server 200 are integrally configured, or a multifunction peripheral device (MFP) that further includes a printing function (function similar to the printer 300). Can do. In this case, it is desirable that the network scanner or MFP has a storage unit for storing a large amount of data.
[0104]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which, after reading a document, conditions for reading the document, that is, information such as resolution related to scanned image data, and information such as resolution related to stored image data are compared. The above comparison may be performed before scanning to obtain scanned image data. In this way, when it is not necessary to transmit the scanned image data to the database server, it is possible to omit an unnecessary document reading operation. When the original reading operation is not performed, the scanner transmits, for example, a download output command including a storage location of stored image data based on the same document to the printer.
[0105]
In the above-described embodiment, the configuration is described in which printing is performed after the saved image data is updated in a predetermined case, but the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention is also applied to, for example, a configuration in which the stored image data is updated only in a predetermined case and printing is not performed, or a configuration in which the stored image data is updated in a predetermined case and then transmitted to a predetermined client computer. be able to.
[0106]
Note that each means for performing control or arithmetic processing and a data management method in the data management system according to the present invention can be realized by either a dedicated hardware circuit or a programmed computer. The program may be provided by a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk or a CD-ROM. The program may be provided alone as application software, or may be incorporated in the device as a function of the device.
[0107]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, if the image data is registered in the database server with the image quality necessary for the user who performs the initial registration, the same original is repeatedly used, so that the stored image data is updated. However, this is performed without the user being particularly conscious of the image quality of the stored image data.
[0108]
As a result, the database can be effectively used without necessarily registering high-quality image data in the database server.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a data management system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a scanner.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a database server.
FIG. 4 is a sequence chart for explaining the operation of the data management system according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of data management processing in the scanner.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of comparison processing.
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a resolution setting method;
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a color / monochrome and color space setting method;
FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a compression format setting method;
FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a storage location designation method.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image quality comparison table.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a correspondence table indicating the ranking of compression formats.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a correspondence table indicating the order of color spaces.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a procedure of data management processing in the database server.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart continued from FIG. 14 showing a procedure of data management processing in the database server.
FIG. 16 is a sequence chart for explaining the operation of the data management system according to the second embodiment of the present invention;
[Explanation of symbols]
100: Scanner (data input device),
101 ... CPU,
102 ... Memory,
103 ... storage part,
104 ... operation panel,
106: Document reading unit,
108: Image processing unit,
109: Network interface,
200 ... Database server (data storage device)
201 ... CPU,
202 ... memory,
203 ... storage unit,
206 ... network interface,
300: Printer (data output device),
500 ... Network.

Claims (10)

A data management system having a data input device for inputting image data and a data storage device for storing image data communicable with the data input device,
The data input device includes:
Setting means for setting conditions relating to image quality when reading a document;
Designating means for designating a storage location in the data storage device of the first image data obtained by reading a document;
Receiving means for receiving, from the data storage device, image quality information related to second image data corresponding to the first image data that exists in the storage location specified by the specifying means;
Comparison means for comparing the contents of the condition relating to the image quality set by the setting means with the image quality information relating to the second image data received by the receiving means;
When the comparing means determines that the first image data has higher image quality than the second image data, the first image data is transmitted to the data storage device and the second image data Transmission means for making an update request,
The data storage device includes:
Transmission means for transmitting image quality information relating to the second image data to the data input device;
A storage unit that stores the first image data in the storage location designated by the designation unit and updates the second image data when the first image data and the update request are received from the data input device; A data management system comprising: A second receiving unit for receiving the second image data stored in the storage location specified by the specifying unit from the data storage device; and printing the second image data received by the second receiving unit. A data output device comprising:
The data management system according to claim 1, further comprising: The data input device in a data management system having a data input device for inputting image data and a data storage device for storing image data communicable with the data input device,
Setting means for setting conditions relating to image quality when reading a document;
Designating means for designating a storage location in the data storage device of the first image data obtained by reading a document;
Receiving means for receiving, from the data storage device, image quality information related to second image data corresponding to the first image data that exists in the storage location specified by the specifying means;
Comparing means for comparing the contents of the condition relating to the image quality set by the setting means with the image quality information relating to the second image data received by the receiving means;
When the comparing means determines that the first image data has higher image quality than the second image data, the first image data is transmitted to the data storage device and the second image data A data input device comprising: means for making an update request.   The image quality information related to the second image data includes at least one of the resolution, compression format, number of colors, number of bits per pixel, and color space of the second image data. The data input device described in 1.   5. The data input device according to claim 3, wherein the comparison unit performs the comparison before reading the document and obtaining the first image data. 6. The data storage device in a data management system having a data input device for inputting image data and a data storage device for storing image data communicable with the data input device,
Image quality information relating to the second image data corresponding to the first image data existing at the storage location in the data storage device designated as the storage location of the first image data obtained by reading the document with the data input device, Transmitting means for transmitting to the data input device;
The first image data and the update request transmitted from the data input device when the first image data is determined to have higher image quality than the second image data based on the image quality information . And storing means for storing the first image data in a designated storage location and updating the second image data. Data management method for managing image data using a data management system having a data input device for inputting image data and a data storage device for storing image data communicable with the data input device Because
The data input device sets conditions relating to image quality when reading a document;
The data input device designating a storage location of the first image data obtained by reading a document in the data storage device;
The data storage device transmitting image quality information related to second image data corresponding to the first image data existing in the designated storage location to the data input device;
The data input device receiving image quality information relating to the second image data from the data storage device;
The data input device comparing the content of the condition relating to the set image quality with the image quality information relating to the received second image data;
If the data input device determines that the first image data has higher image quality than the second image data by the comparison, the data input device transmits the first image data and the second image data Requesting renewal,
When the data storage device receives the first image data and the update request from the data input device, the data storage device stores the first image data in the storage location specified by the specifying means and stores the second image data. A data management method comprising the steps of: A data management program for controlling the data input device in a data management system having a data input device for inputting image data and a data storage device for storing image data communicable with the data input device. ,
A procedure for setting image quality-related conditions when scanning a document;
A procedure for designating a storage location of the first image data obtained by reading a document in the data storage device;
Receiving from the data storage device image quality information relating to second image data corresponding to the first image data present at the designated storage location;
A procedure for comparing the content of the condition relating to the set image quality with the received image quality information;
When the comparison procedure determines that the first image data has a higher image quality than the second image data, a procedure for transmitting the first image data and requesting an update of the second image data A data management program for causing the data input device to execute. A data management program for controlling the data storage device in a data management system having a data input device for inputting image data and a data storage device for storing image data communicable with the data input device. ,
Image quality information relating to the second image data corresponding to the first image data existing at the storage location in the data storage device designated as the storage location of the first image data obtained by reading the document with the data input device, Transmitting to the data input device;
The first image data and the update request transmitted from the data input device when the first image data is determined to have higher image quality than the second image data based on the image quality information . et al., data management program for executing a procedure to store the first image data to the designated storage location and updating the second data in the data storage device.   A computer-readable recording medium on which the data management program according to claim 8 or 9 is recorded.

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