JP4539261B2 - Image data processing system and image data processing method therefor, image data input device, image data management device, and processing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image data processing system, an image data processing method thereof, an image data input device, an image data management device, and a processing device, and more particularly to an image data processing system for temporarily storing digital image data input by document scanning on a network. The present invention relates to an image data processing method, an image data input device, an image data management device, and a processing device.

  In recent years, image processing apparatuses such as copying machines and printers equipped with many functions have been widely used, and such image processing apparatuses are installed in convenience stores, copy centers and other stores, and image processing apparatuses are installed for users. A system in which services such as a copy function, a FAX function, a print function, and a scan function are provided, and a user pays a fee according to the provided service to a store has become widespread.

  For example, scan before billing, calculate the charge based on the amount of data (the conversion attribute of the scanned data can be specified by the user and the charge changes accordingly), storage period, etc. There are an image reading system, an image reading apparatus, and a processing method that make it possible to use (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Further, for example, a document image read by a scanner or the like is transferred to a character recognition server, an electronic document conversion is processed using character recognition processing on this server, and the converted electronic document is returned to the user. There is an electronic document conversion service system that pays a fee for document conversion processing and an accounting method for the electronic document conversion service system (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-219101 JP 2002-269253 A

  However, with the techniques described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2, only the charging process for the transmission data amount, the number of scanned images, and the storage period is performed, and it is difficult to realize the charging process for the scan image processing service. is there.

  Further, the conventional system has a problem that if the scanning is not performed, the fee is not known, it is difficult for the user to know whether the fee is appropriate, and if the fee is not collected, the data on the server will increase wastefully.

  Furthermore, with the conventional system, it is difficult to perform fine billing corresponding to individual users. For example, when transferring an image scanned by an image processing apparatus in a store to a storage server, it is conceivable to scan using an instruction sheet in which scan parameters and the like are described. It is difficult for the user himself to cope with a fine billing system.

  Further, in the conventional system, it is difficult to perform fine charging processing according to the usage frequency or the charging method of the user when scanning with the image processing apparatus in the store.

  Accordingly, the present invention provides an image data processing system, an image data processing method thereof, and image data that make it possible to provide a scanning service and a value-added service to a user, and to perform fine billing according to usage conditions. An object is to provide an input device, an image data management device, and a processing device.

In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 1 is directed to an image data input device for reading an original and inputting image data, and management of image data to which attribute information is added, which is input by the image data input device. In an image data processing system in which an image data management device that performs processing and at least one processing device that performs processing on the image data is connected via a network, the processing device receives image data requested from the image data management device respect, processing means for performing a plurality of types of processing or storage processing, the processing price information management means for managing sets the fee according to the process of the image data as the processing price information, to said image data management apparatus Processing price information providing means for providing the processing price information, and attribute information added to the image data is the image data. Wherein the type or the storage period of processing to be performed in the processing unit with respect to data, the image data management system, manages records the processing price information for each of the processing provided by said processing unit in the processing cost table Processing price table management means, table providing means for providing the processing price table to the image data input device, and attribute information added to the image data transferred from the image data input device. type of processing for said image data, or the attribute information determining means for determining the storage period, the image based on the storage period was determined by processing said attribute information determination means for said image data determined by said attribute information determination means Requesting means for requesting the processing device to store data, and the image data input device comprises: An attribute information receiving means for receiving attribute information from the user to the image data input by the image data input means for inputting the image data by reading the document, the billing according to the processing or storage processing on the image data in the processing device A processing unit that performs processing based on the processing price table provided from the image data management device and the attribute information; and when the charging processing by the charging processing unit is completed, the input of the image data is the image data Permission information permitted to the input means, and attribute information received by the attribute information reception means for the image data input by the image data input means when input of the image data is permitted by the permission means. Attribute information adding means for adding the attribute information, and the attribute information adding means adds the attribute information. Transfer means for transferring the image data to the image data management apparatus.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the processing device is an image data processing device that performs processing on the image data, and the image data management device is transferred from the image data input device. Storage means for storing the image data with the attribute information, and an image data processing apparatus for performing the determined processing when the attribute information determination means determines the type of the processing for the image data from the attribute information The image processing apparatus further comprises processing request means for requesting processing of the image data.

The invention of claim 3 is the invention of claim 2, wherein the image data management apparatus, the image data processing wherein processing the processed processed processed image data storage means for storing the image data of which were carried out in the apparatus When the processed image data transfer means for transferring the processed image data to a terminal or the image data output device on the network, the change of the processing from a terminal on the image data input device or the network And a process change accepting means for accepting.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the invention, the image data processing device sets and manages processing price information related to processing processing of the image data, and the processing price information management means, comprising a processing price information providing means for providing the processing price information to the image data management device, further, the image data management apparatus, the processing of each of the processing provided by the image data processing device The image processing apparatus further comprises processing price table management means for recording and managing processing price information in a processing price table, and table providing means for providing the processing price table to the image data input device. apparatus, and the processing cost table provided from the image data management device, based on said attribute information, the image data processing device It characterized by further comprising a processing accounting information generation means for generating billing information for performing processing according to the charging process of definitive the image data by the accounting processing unit.

The invention of claim 5 is the invention of claim 4, wherein the image data management apparatus, when receiving the processing request to change from a terminal on the image data input device or said network, further said alteration It is further characterized by further comprising processing change billing information creating means for creating such billing information.

The invention according to claim 6 is the image data storage device according to claim 1, wherein the processing device stores the image data, and the attribute information added to the image data further stores the image data. The image data management device includes a storage location and a storage period of the image data from the attribute information added to the image data transferred from the image data input device. and further comprising a storage request means to request the storage of the image data over the storage period for the image data storage device is a storage location that the determination.

The invention of claim 7 is the invention of claim 6, wherein the image data storage device includes stored image data transfer means for transferring the stored image data to a terminal on the network or an image data output device; It further comprises storage period change accepting means for accepting the change of the storage period from the image data input device or the terminal on the network .

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the invention of the seventh aspect, the image data storage device includes a storage price management means for managing storage price information for storing the image data, and the image data management device. Storage price information providing means for providing the storage price information, wherein the image data management device records and manages the storage price information provided from the image data storage device in a storage price table. a table management unit, said storage and storage price table providing means for providing a price table to the image data input device, further comprising, said image data input device, said storage price table provided from the image data management apparatus And storing the image data in the image data storage device based on the attribute information received by the attribute information receiving means. Further characterized by comprising a storage accounting information generation means for generating a store billing information for the such charging process the charging processing means.

The invention of claim 9 manages the image data transferred from the image data input device, and determines the type of processing or the storage period for the image data from the attribute information added to the image data. , an image data management device for requesting storage process and based on the processing and-holding tube period of the image data to the processing apparatus, the image data is requested from the image data management apparatus, processing or storage processing Attribute data for receiving attribute information for image data input by image data input means for reading the original and inputting the image data a reception unit, the processing or according to the storage processing accounting processing of the image data in the processing unit, wherein The price set for the input processing according to the sex information and / or the price set for the processing performed by the processing device according to the attribute information for the image data and provided from the image data management device A charging processing unit based on the table, a permission unit for permitting the image data input unit to input the image data when the charging process by the charging processing unit is completed, and the input of the image data is the permission If permitted by the means, the attribute information adding means for adding the attribute information received by the attribute information receiving means to the image data input by the image data input means; and the attribute information is added by the attribute information adding means. Transfer means for transferring the added image data to an image data management apparatus.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, an image data input device that reads an original, inputs image data, and adds attribute information to the image data, and a plurality of types of processing or storage processing are performed on the image data. An image data management apparatus connected to at least one processing apparatus to be performed via a network, wherein attribute information added to the image data is a type or storage period of a processing process to be performed on the image data by the processing apparatus An attribute information discriminating means for discriminating the type or storage period of the processing for the image data from the image data transferred from the image data input device and the attribute information for the image data, and the processing device, the image based on the storage period was determined by processing said attribute information determination means for said image data determined by said attribute information determination means Characterized by comprising a request unit for requesting the storage processing for over data.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the tenth aspect of the present invention, the processing device is an image data processing device that performs processing on the image data, with the attribute information transferred from the image data input device. and attribute information with the image data storage means for storing the image data of, when said attribute information determination means has determined the type of processing for said image data from the attribute information, the image data processing apparatus for performing processing that the determination The image processing apparatus further includes processing request means for requesting processing of the image data.

The invention of claim 12 is the invention of claim 11, wherein the image data processing apparatus in the processing of the machining processed processed image data storage means for storing the image data of the performing, the terminal on the network or the processed image data transfer means for transferring the image data of the processing processed to the image data output device, from a terminal on the image data input device or said network when the billing processing according to the processing has been completed And a change acceptance means for accepting a change in the processing .

The invention according to claim 13 is the invention according to claim 12, wherein processing price information concerning processing of the image data is collected from the image data processing device, and the collected at least one price information is used as the processing processing. a processing cost table management means for managing the processing price table for recording for each, the processing price table for based charging processing according to the input of the image data by the image data input device and the attribute information And a processing price table providing means provided to the image data input device.

Further, in the invention of claim 14, in the invention of claim 13, when the modification of the processing from the image data input device or the terminal on the network is accepted, billing information related to the modification is created. Features.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the invention, in the tenth aspect of the invention, the attribute information added to the image data further includes a storage location of the image data, and the processing device stores the image data. When the attribute information determination unit determines the storage location and storage period of the image data from the attribute information added to the image data transferred from the image data input device, the storage location determined The image data storage device further comprises image data storage request means for requesting storage of the image data over the storage period .

The invention of claim 16 is the invention of claim 15, wherein storage price information for storing the image data is collected from the image data storage device, and the collected at least one storage price information is stored in a storage price table. Storage price table management means for recording and managing, and storage price table providing means for providing the image data input device with the storage price table for performing charging processing for inputting the image data based on the attribute information. Furthermore, it is characterized by comprising .

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image data input device that reads a document and inputs image data, and a process of connecting the image data management device that manages image data input by the image data input device via a network. A processing price management means for managing processing price information relating to processing of the image data, and a processing price table in which processing price information for each processing is recorded, via the image data management device. A processing price information providing means for providing the processing price information to the image data management device so that a charging process for inputting the image data is performed in the image data input device by being provided to the input device; , the image data input by the image data input device, a plurality of types of processing or storage processing, or the image data management apparatus Characterized by comprising a processing means for performing, based on a request.

The invention of claim 18 is the invention of claim 17, wherein the processing unit performs processing for the image data, the processing price information, wherein a processing price information relating to the processing And

The invention of claim 19 is the storage of the invention of claim 17, wherein the processing means further stores the image data and transfers the stored image data to a terminal or an image data output device on the network. and image data transfer means, the image data input device or further comprising a change receiving means for receiving a change of the storage period from a terminal on the network when processing accounting process according to the image data is completed Features.

The invention of claim 20 is characterized in that, in the invention of claim 19, the processing price information is storage price information for storing the image data .

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image data input device that reads a document and inputs image data, an image data management device that manages image data input by the image data input device, and the image data In the image data processing method in an image data processing system in which at least one processing device that performs a plurality of types of processing or storage processing is connected via a network, the image data input device reads the document and reads the image The attribute information for the image data input by the image data input means for inputting data is received by the attribute information receiving means, and the attribute information indicates the type or storage period of processing to be performed on the image data by the processing device. wherein ,, the image data input device further pressurized with respect to the image data in the processing device Fee is set to the processing or storage processing, and or, on the basis of the price table charges set for processing by the processing device with respect to the image data is provided is recorded from the image data management apparatus, wherein the image data The accounting processing unit performs accounting processing related to the input processing by the image data input unit, and when the accounting processing by the accounting processing unit is completed, the image data input unit is permitted to input the image data by the permission unit, When the input of the image data is permitted by the permission unit, the attribute information received by the attribute information receiving unit is added to the image data input by the image data input unit by the attribute information adding unit, and the attribute The image data to which the attribute information is added by the information adding means is transferred to the image data by the transferring means. Transferred to the management device determines the image data management apparatus, from the attribute information added to the image data transferred from the image data input device, the processing type or storage period attribute information determination means to said image data and, of the image data by the request unit to the processing unit that performs a storage process on the image data based on the storage period was determined by processing said attribute information determination means for said image data determined by said attribute information determination means The processing device requests processing, and the processing device performs processing or storage processing on the image data requested from the image data management device by the processing means.

According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, in the twenty-first aspect, the processing device is an image data processing device that performs processing on the image data, and the image data management device is transferred from the image data input device. The image data processing apparatus stores the image data with the attribute information by a storage unit, and performs the determined processing when the attribute information determination unit determines the type of the processing for the image data from the attribute information The image data processing process is requested by a process requesting means.

The storage, the invention of claim 23 is the invention of claim 22, wherein the image data management apparatus, the processed image data storage means processed image data for performing the processing by the image data processing device Then, the processed image data is transferred to the terminal on the network or the image data output device by the processed image data transfer means, and the modification of the processing from the image data input device or the terminal on the network is changed. It is characterized by being accepted by the process change accepting means.

Further, in the invention of claim 24, in the invention of claim 23, the image data processing device manages processing price information in which a charge for processing of the image data is set by a processing price information management means, Processing price information is provided to the image data management device by processing price providing means, and the image data management device stores the processing price information provided from the image data processing device in a processing price table. stored in the processing cost table managed by the management means, wherein the providing processing price table in the image data input device by processing price providing means, the image data input device is provided from the image data management apparatus and processing and price table, based on the attribute information received by the attribute information receiving means, the image data input means And performing a billing process with according to the input of the image data in the accounting process means.

Further, in the invention of claim 25, in the invention of claim 24, when the image data management apparatus accepts a change request for the processing process from the image data input apparatus or the terminal on the network, the change is made. Such process change billing information is created by a process change billing information creating means.

According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention, in the twenty-first aspect, the attribute information added to the image data further includes a storage location of the image data, and the processing device stores the image data. The image data management device, when the attribute information discriminating means determines the storage location and storage period of the image data from the attribute information added to the image data and transferred from the image data input device, The storage requesting means requests the image data storage device as the determined storage location to store the image data over the storage period .

According to a twenty-seventh aspect of the invention, in the twenty-sixth aspect of the invention, the image data storage device transfers the stored image data to a terminal on the network or an image data output device by a stored image data transfer unit. The storage period change accepting unit accepts a change in the storage period from the image data input device or the terminal on the network .

The invention of claim 28 is the image data management apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the image data storage device sets and manages storage price information related to storage of the image data by storage price management means. The storage price information is provided by storage price providing means, and the image data management device records the storage price information provided from the image data storage device in a storage price table by storage price table management means. Managing and providing the storage price table to the image data input device by storage price table providing means, the image data input device including the storage price table provided from the image data management device and the attribute information receiving means. And charging processing for storing the image data based on the attribute information received in step And wherein the creating by storing billing information creating means storage billing information for the.

  According to the present invention, when a scan image is accumulated from a multifunction device installed in a store or the like, it is possible to perform billing processing that is easy to understand for the user and that can respond to changes in the user's situation. There is an effect.

  In addition, according to the present invention, the billing process is performed before the scan, so that an unnecessary scan image is not accumulated in the server.

  Further, according to the present invention, there is an effect that it is possible to provide a fine billing system such as a parameter according to scanning, a mail notification service, a confidential processing service, electronic documentation, a discount according to the usage frequency, and the like.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a scan data processing system 1 to which the present invention is applied in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  A multifunction machine 3 having a plurality of functions such as copy, print, scan, and fax installed in a store 2 such as a convenience store and a copy center accepts a fee required to use a service provided by the multifunction machine 3 The same applies to the multifunction machine 3 installed in the other store 2 to which the charging apparatus 4 and the multifunction machine control apparatus 5 for performing the control process of the multifunction machine 3 are connected.

  The multi-function device control device 5 is connected to a first network 6 such as a LAN. The first network 6 is connected to a scan data management server 7 that manages scan data scanned and input by the multi-function device 3. A plurality of processing servers 8 that perform processing such as image processing on the scan data are connected.

  The first network 6 is connected to a second network 9 such as the Internet, and a plurality of PCs 10 (Personal Computer) and a plurality of portable terminals 11 such as a plurality of mobile phones are connected to the second network 9 regardless of wired or wireless. Has been.

  As a specific use of the scan data processing system 1, a user brings a document, goes to the store 2, scans the document with the multifunction machine 3 installed in the store 2, and the scan data is stored in the scan data management server 7. The user scans data with a multifunction device 3 installed in the store 2 (this multifunction device 3 may be a multifunction device 3 that has previously scanned a document or may be a multifunction device 3 installed in another store 2). The scan data is downloaded from the management server 7 and outputted, and the scan data is downloaded from the scan data management server 7 by the PC 10 or the portable terminal 11.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining scan data processing in each device constituting the scan data processing system.

  The multifunction machine 3 scans a document with the scanner 12, scan data 13 input by the scan, and attribute information 14 for the scan data (for example, document size, number of sheets, color, storage period, processing, result notification destination, result notification) Method), the accounting information 15 necessary for scanning is transferred to the multi-function device control device 5.

  The multifunction device control apparatus 5 adds the attribute information 14 to the scan data, and transfers the scan data 13 and the charging information 15 to which the attribute information 14 is added to the scan data management server 7. A configuration in which the multifunction device 3 includes the multifunction device control device 5 is also applicable.

  The scan data management server 7 stores the scan data 13 to which the attribute information 14 is added and the billing information 15. Further, the scan data management server 7 discriminates the processing process based on the attribute information 14 added to the scan data 13, and transfers the scan data 13 to the processing server 8 that executes the determined processing process. The processed scan data 16 transferred from 8 is stored. That is, the scan data management server 7 stores the scan data 13 before processing and the processed scan data 16.

  Further, the scan data management server 7 manages the update of the price table 18 by sequentially collecting the service prices 17 necessary for each process managed by each process server 8. For example, in the price table 18, MMR compression is recorded as a compression method as a compression method, and a document area to be scanned is recorded as a circle per square centimeter. Note that the multifunction device 3 creates billing information 15 based on the price table 18.

  The processing performed by the processing server 8 includes changes in resolution, compression ratio, etc. according to storage destination, output destination or transfer destination, rotation, trimming, color profile change, combination (image, document), generation of mobile phone wallpaper. , OCR (Optical Character Reader), translation, etc. The processing server 8 that performs processing for generating the wallpaper for the mobile phone notifies the mobile phone of the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the storage location of the processed scan data 16 after processing, and differs depending on the mobile phone model. A configuration for processing to resolution and a configuration for receiving resolution information from a mobile phone and performing processing based on the received resolution information are also applicable.

  Next, in the scan data processing system, a processing procedure until the scan data scanned by the multifunction device is stored in the scan data management server will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  The multifunction device accepts a scan instruction (step S301) and accepts attribute information for the scan data (step S302).

  The scan data management server provides the price table to the multifunction peripheral (step S303).

  The multi-function peripheral creates billing information based on the price table and attribute information (step S304), and displays the created billing information on the operation panel or the like (step S305).

  The billing apparatus accepts payment of the fee (step S306).

  In the case of a registered user, a configuration in which a fee is withdrawn from a registered account at a later date can also be applied. In this case, the user needs to input a user ID and password to the multifunction device and perform billing processing. In addition, a configuration in which attribute information is set every time a user scans one sheet and a fee is paid according to the displayed charging information is also applicable.

  The multifunction device executes scanning (step S307), and transfers the scan data, attribute information, and billing information input by scanning to the multifunction device control device (step S308).

  The multifunction device control apparatus adds the attribute information to the scan data (step S309), and transfers the scan data to which the attribute information is added and the billing information to the scan data management server (step S310).

  The scan data management server stores the scan data to which the attribute information is added and the billing information (step S311), determines the processing process from the attribute information (step S312), and scans the processing server that performs the determined processing process. Data is transferred (step S313).

  The processing server processes the scan data (step S314), and transfers the processed scan data to the scan data management server (step S315).

  The scan data management server stores the processed scan data (step S316).

  Here, when the scan data management server 7 extracts the result notification destination and the result notification method from the attribute information after storing the processed scan data, the storage location (for example, URL) of the processed scan data is notified.

  Further, it is possible to apply a configuration in which the URL of the storage location of processed scan data is automatically generated and the URL is used as an identifier, and a configuration in which an identifier (a service including charging is also identified) is applicable according to processing. is there.

  It is also possible to apply a configuration in which the user sets whether or not to process the scan data immediately and provides a difference in the charge depending on the setting. When the scan data is processed at the time of output, it corresponds to the output user. A configuration that performs processing (for example, when a foreigner outputs a Japanese document automatically translates from Japanese to English) is also applicable.

  Next, a processing procedure for creating a price table by the scan data management server in the scan data processing system will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  The scan data management server collects service prices from each processing server (step S401).

  Each processing server transfers the service price to the scan data management server (step S402).

  The scan data management server creates a price table based on each service price (step S403).

  A configuration in which the multifunction device caches the price table locally is also applicable, and a configuration in which the price table is acquired from each storage server for each scan without being cached is also applicable.

  Next, a processing procedure for downloading scan data stored in the scan data management server in the scan data processing system will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When the processed scan data is transferred to the PC or the portable terminal, the scan data management server transfers the processed scan data to the PC or the portable terminal (step S501), and the PC or the portable terminal accumulates the processed scan data. (Step S502).

  When transferring the processed scan data to the multifunction device, the charging device of the multifunction device accepts the payment of the fee (step S503), and the scan data management server transfers the processed scan data to the multifunction device (step S501). The multi-function peripheral outputs processed scan data (step S504).

  A configuration in which processed scan data is confirmed with a thumbnail or the like is also applicable.

  Furthermore, the user can change the attribute information by accessing the scan data management server using a multifunction device, a PC, or a portable terminal installed in the store. For example, only the registered user can change the attribute information, so that the registered user can debit not only the billing device but also the registered account. Further, after storing the processed scan data, the trimming process is performed and stored. If the fee is reduced, the difference can be refunded.

  It is also possible to apply a configuration in which charging is performed according to the number of changes, and when non-registered users store scan data in the scan data management server, storage is performed so that attribute information can be changed later. A configuration for user registration later is also applicable.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the scan data processing system 19 to which the present invention is applied in the second embodiment of the present invention.

  A multifunction machine 3 having a plurality of functions such as copy, print, scan, and fax installed in a store 2 such as a convenience store and a copy center accepts a fee required to use a service provided by the multifunction machine 3 The same applies to the multifunction machine 3 installed in the other store 2 to which the charging apparatus 4 and the multifunction machine control apparatus 5 for performing the control process of the multifunction machine 3 are connected.

  The multi-function device control device 5 is connected to a first network 6 such as a LAN. The first network 6 is connected to a scan data management server 7 that manages scan data scanned and input by the multi-function device 3. A plurality of storage servers 20 that store the scan data are connected.

  The first network 6 is connected to a second network 9 such as the Internet. The second network 9 includes a plurality of personal computers (PCs) 10 and a plurality of portable terminals 11 such as a plurality of mobile phones regardless of wired or wireless. It is connected.

  As a specific use of the scan data processing system 19, a user brings a document, goes to the store 2, scans the document with the multifunction machine 3 installed in the store 2, and the scan data is stored in the storage server 20. Is stored in the store 2 from the storage server 20 by a multifunction device 3 installed in the store 2 (this multifunction device 3 may be a multifunction device 3 that has previously scanned a document or a multifunction device 3 installed in another store 2). The scan data is downloaded and output, or the scan data is downloaded from the storage server 20 by the PC 10 or the portable terminal 11.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining scan data processing in each device constituting the scan data processing system.

  The multi function device 3 scans a document using a scanner function, scan data 13 input by the scan, and attribute information 14 for the scan data 13 (for example, document size, number of sheets, color, storage period, processing, result notification destination, result) And the accounting information 15 necessary for scanning is transferred to the multi-function device control device 5.

  The multifunction device control apparatus 5 adds the attribute information 14 to the scan data 13 and transfers the scan data 13 and the charging information 15 to which the attribute information 14 is added to the scan data management server 7. A configuration in which the multifunction device 3 includes the multifunction device control device 5 is also applicable.

  The scan data management server 7 determines the storage destination and storage period 21 of the scan data 13 based on the attribute information 14 added to the scan data 13, and adds the storage period 21 to the storage server 20 that is the determined storage destination. The scan data 13 is transferred, the storage destination of the scan data 13 is recorded in the storage destination table 22, and charging information 15 corresponding to the scan data 13 is also recorded in the storage destination table 22.

  Further, the scan data management server 7 manages the update of the price table 18 by sequentially collecting the service prices 17 necessary for storage managed by each storage server 20. Note that the multifunction device 3 creates billing information 15 based on the price table 18.

  Since the storage server 20 has a different processing speed, capacity, security level, and the like for each storage server 20, the service price 17 differs depending on the specifications of the storage server 20.

  Next, in the scan data processing system, a processing procedure until the scan data scanned by the multifunction machine is stored in the storage server will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  The multifunction device accepts a scan instruction (step S801) and accepts attribute information for the scan data (step S802).

  A configuration that specifies that the storage period cannot be changed when setting the storage period is also applicable. In addition, a configuration in which a uniform storage period is automatically set can be applied when a storage period is not set, and a configuration in which a storage period is set according to a set user level can be applied in the case of a registered user. A configuration in which the user can set the shortest storage period is also applicable.

  The scan data management server provides the price table to the multifunction peripheral (step S803).

  The multi-function peripheral creates billing information based on the price table and attribute information (step S804), and displays the created billing information on the operation panel or the like (step S805).

  The billing apparatus accepts payment of the fee (step S806). In the case of a registered user, it is also possible to apply a configuration in which a fee is deducted from a registered course at a later date, and in that case, the user needs to input a user ID and password to the multifunction device and perform billing processing.

  The multifunction device executes scanning (step S807), and transfers the scan data, attribute information, and billing information input by scanning to the multifunction device control device (step S808).

  The multifunction device control apparatus adds attribute information to the scan data (step S809), and transfers the scan data to which the attribute information is added and the billing information to the scan data management server (step S810).

  The scan data management server determines the storage destination and storage period of the scan data from the attribute information (step S811), stores the billing information and storage destination in the storage destination table (step S812), and adds the storage period to the scan data. (Step S813), the scan data to which the storage period is added is transferred to the storage server (Step S814).

  The storage server stores the scan data with the storage period added (step S815).

  When the scan data management server extracts the result notification destination and the result notification method from the attribute information after storing the scan data, the scan data storage location (for example, URL) is notified. Further, when the storage period is about to expire, the user is notified of an e-mail or the like notifying the expiration.

  Next, a processing procedure for creating a price table by the scan data management server in the scan data processing system will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  The scan data management server collects the service price from the storage server (step S901).

  Each storage server transfers the service price to the scan data management server (step S902).

  The scan data management server creates a price table based on each service price (step S903).

  A configuration in which the multifunction device caches the price table locally is also applicable, and a configuration in which the price table is acquired from each storage server for each scan without being cached is also applicable.

  Next, a processing procedure for downloading scan data stored in the storage server in the scan data processing system will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  When transferring the scan data to the PC or the portable terminal, the storage server transfers the scan data to the PC or the portable terminal (step S1001), and the PC or the portable terminal accumulates the scan data (step S1002).

  When transferring the scan data to the multifunction device, the charging device of the multifunction device accepts the payment of the fee (step S1003), the storage server transfers the scan data to the multifunction device (step S1001), and the multifunction device performs the scan data. Is output (step S1004).

  A configuration in which the scan data is confirmed with a thumbnail or the like is also applicable.

  Further, the user can change the storage period by accessing the storage server using a multifunction device, a PC, or a portable terminal installed in the store. For example, only a registered user can extend and shorten the storage period, so that the registered user can withdraw from a registered account as well as a billing device. In particular, shortening the storage period results in a refund of the difference, so it is desirable to have such a configuration, and if the processed scan data is stored and then trimmed to reduce the storage fee, the difference will be refunded. It becomes possible.

  Further, it is possible to apply a configuration that enables even a non-registered user to extend the storage period only by paying a fee with a charging device.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the scan data processing system 23 to which the present invention is applied in the third embodiment of the present invention.

  A multifunction machine 3 having a plurality of functions such as copy, print, scan, and fax installed in a store 2 such as a convenience store and a copy center accepts a fee required to use a service provided by the multifunction machine 3 The same applies to the multifunction machine 3 installed in the other store 2 to which the charging apparatus 4 and the multifunction machine control apparatus 5 for performing the control process of the multifunction machine 3 are connected.

  The multi-function device control device 5 is connected to a first network 6 such as a LAN. The first network 6 is connected to a scan data management server 7 that manages scan data scanned and input by the multi-function device 3. An instruction book management server 24 for managing an instruction book in which attribute information or the like for scanning is set is connected, and a plurality of processing servers 8 for performing processing such as image processing on the scan data are connected. A plurality of storage servers 20 are connected.

  The first network 6 is connected to a second network 9 such as the Internet, and a plurality of PCs 10 (Personal Computer) and a plurality of portable terminals 11 such as a plurality of mobile phones are connected to the second network 9 regardless of wired or wireless. Has been.

  As a specific use of the scan data processing system 23, a user brings a document, goes to the store 2, scans the document with the multifunction machine 3 installed in the store 2, and the scan data is stored in the scan data management server 7. The user stores the storage server by a multifunction device 3 installed in the store 2 (the multifunction device 3 may be a multifunction device 3 that has previously scanned a document or may be a multifunction device 3 installed in another store 2). The scan data is downloaded from the computer 20 and output, and the PC 10 or the portable terminal 11 downloads the scan data from the storage server 20.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining scan data processing in each device constituting the scan data processing system.

  The multi function device 3 scans a document using a scanner function, scan data 13 input by the scan, and attribute information 14 for the scan data 13 (for example, document size, number of sheets, color, storage period, processing, result notification destination, result) And the accounting information 15 necessary for scanning is transferred to the multi-function device control device 5. When the instruction sheet 25 is downloaded from the instruction sheet management server 24, the document is scanned according to the attribute information 14 set in the instruction sheet 25.

  The multifunction device control apparatus 5 adds the attribute information 14 to the scan data 13 and transfers the scan data 13 and the charging information 15 to which the attribute information 14 is added to the scan data management server 7. A configuration in which the multifunction device 3 includes the multifunction device control device 5 is also applicable.

  The scan data management server 7 determines the processing process based on the attribute information 14 added to the scan data 13, transfers the scan data 13 to the processing server 8 that executes the determined processing process, and the processing data server 8 The processed scan data is received, the storage destination and storage period 21 of the scan data 13 are determined based on the attribute information 14, the storage period 21 is added to the processed scan data 13, and the storage server that is the determined storage destination The processed scan data 13 with the storage period 21 added to 20 is transferred, the storage destination of the scan data 13 is recorded in the storage destination table 22, and the charging information 15 corresponding to the scan data 13 is also stored in the storage destination table 22. It is recorded.

  Further, the scan data management server 7 sequentially collects the service price 17 necessary for each processing managed by each processing server 8 and the service price 17 necessary for storage managed by each storage server 20 to collect the price. The update of the table 18 is managed. Note that the multifunction device 3 creates billing information 15 based on the price table 18.

  Next, in the scan data processing system, a processing procedure from scanning with an MFP using an instruction sheet and storing the scan data in the scan data management server will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  The multifunction device requests a desired instruction from the instruction management server (step S1301).

  The instruction management server transfers the requested instruction to the multifunction machine (step S1302).

  Note that it is also possible to apply a configuration in which only the parameters are transferred by HTTP or the like without downloading the instructions from the instruction management server.

  The multifunction peripheral extracts attribute information and billing information from the instruction sheet (step S1303), and displays the created billing information on the operation panel or the like (step S1304).

  Here, prepayment / postpay of the fee is confirmed from the instruction sheet, and if prepaid (YES in step S1305), the process proceeds to step S1306, and if postpaid (NO in step S1305), the process proceeds to step S1307.

  If it is prepaid (YES in step S1305), the charging apparatus accepts payment of the fee (step S1306), and proceeds to step S1308.

  If it is postpay (NO in step S1305), the instruction management server is charged for the fee (step S1307), and the process proceeds to step S1308.

  The multifunction device executes scanning (step S1308), and transfers the scan data, attribute information, and billing information input by scanning to the multifunction device control device (step S1309).

  The multifunction device control apparatus adds attribute information to the scan data (step S1310), and transfers the scan data to which the attribute information is added and the billing information to the scan data management server (step S1311).

  The scan data management server determines the processing, storage destination and storage period of the scan data from the attribute information (step S1312), stores the billing information and storage destination in the storage destination table (step S1313), and determines the determined processing. The scan data is transferred to the processing server to be executed (step S1314).

  The processing server processes the scan data (step S1315), and transfers the processed scan data to the scan data management server (step S1316).

  The scan data management server adds a storage period to the processed scan data (step S1317), and transfers the scan data with the storage period added to the storage server (step S1318).

  The storage server stores the scan data to which the storage period is added (step S1319).

  Here, when the scan data management server extracts the result notification destination and the result notification method from the attribute information after storing the processed scan data, the storage location (for example, URL) of the processed scan data is notified.

  Note that the processing procedure for creating the price table by the scan data management server and the processing procedure for downloading the scan data from the storage server are the same as those described in the first and second embodiments. Omitted.

  Next, instructions will be described.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the instruction sheet 25.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the instruction sheet 25 includes an instruction sheet number (“1234567” in the figure), an instruction sheet name (“ABC instruction sheet” in the figure), and a total amount (in FIG. In the figure, “Previous payment / post-payment selection” (post-payment is selected in the figure) is described, and black and white / color selection (black and white is selected in the figure) and resolution selection (as shown in the figure) In the figure, 400 dpi is selected), density is selected (normal is selected in the figure), mail notification is selected (in the figure, is selected), data encryption is selected (not in the figure is selected), etc. The amount of money (“50 yen” in the figure) necessary for executing the scan according to the scan parameters set in this instruction is described.

  Therefore, by using the instruction sheet 25 shown in FIG. 14, it is possible to save the trouble of inputting attribute information (scan parameters) to the multifunction device installed in the store, and further, it is necessary for executing the scan corresponding to the attribute information. The fee can be confirmed in advance, and the method for paying the fee can be freely selected.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the instruction sheet 25.

  In order to apply the discount of the charge according to the usage frequency of the instruction sheet 25, the instruction sheet 25 describing the usage frequency as shown in FIG. 15 is used.

  Therefore, it is possible to perform fine accounting according to the usage frequency of the instruction sheet.

  FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of the instruction sheet 25.

  In order to charge according to the transfer destination of the scan data, an instruction sheet 25 describing the transfer destination address of the scan data as shown in FIG. 16 is used.

  Therefore, it is possible to perform fine charging according to the transfer destination of the scan data.

It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the scan data processing system 1 to which this invention in Example 1 of this invention is applied. It is a figure explaining the process of the scan data in each apparatus which comprises a scan data processing system. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure until scan data scanned by a multifunction machine is stored in a scan data management server in a scan data processing system. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence in which a scan data management server produces a price table in a scan data processing system. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for downloading scan data stored in a scan data management server in a scan data processing system. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the scan data processing system 19 to which this invention in Example 2 of this invention is applied. It is a figure explaining the process of the scan data in each apparatus which comprises a scan data processing system. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure until scan data scanned by a multifunction machine is stored in a storage server in a scan data processing system. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence in which a scan data management server produces a price table in a scan data processing system. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence which downloads the scan data currently stored in the storage server in a scan data processing system. It is a figure which shows an example of a structure of the scan data processing system 23 to which this invention in Example 3 of this invention is applied. It is a figure explaining the process of the scan data in each apparatus which comprises a scan data processing system. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure from scanning in a multifunction peripheral using an instruction sheet to storing the scan data in a scan data management server in the scan data processing system. It is a figure which shows an example of the instruction document 25. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the instruction document 25. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the instruction document 25. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Scan data processing system 2 Store 3 Multi-function device 4 Billing device 5 Multi-function device control device 6 1st network 7 Scan data management server 8 Processing server 9 2nd network 10 PC
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Portable terminal 12 Scanner 13 Scan data 14 Attribute information 15 Billing information 16 Processed scan data 17 Service price 18 Price table 19 Scan data processing system 20 Storage server 21 Storage period 22 Storage destination table 23 Scan data processing system 24 Instruction document management server 25 instructions

Claims (28)

An image data input device that reads a document and inputs image data, an image data management device that manages image data to which attribute information is added and is input by the image data input device, and performs processing on the image data In an image data processing system in which at least one processing apparatus is connected via a network,
The processor is
Processing means for performing a plurality of types of processing or storage processing on the image data requested by the image data management device ;
Processing price information management means for setting and managing a fee for processing the image data as processing price information;
Processing price information providing means for providing the processing price information to the image data management device,
The attribute information added to the image data includes the type of processing or storage period to be performed by the processing device on the image data,
The image data management device includes:
Processing price table management means for recording and managing processing price information for each processing provided from the processing device in a processing price table;
Table providing means for providing the processing price table to the image data input device;
Attribute information determination means for determining the type of processing or storage period for the transferred image data from the attribute information added to the image data transferred from the image data input device;
And storage processing of the image data based on the storage period was determined by processing said attribute information determination means for said image data determined by said attribute information determination means, and and a request means for requesting to said processor ,
The image data input device includes:
Attribute information receiving means for receiving attribute information for image data input by an image data input means for reading the original and inputting the image data;
Billing processing means for performing billing processing related to processing or storage processing on the image data in the processing device based on a processing price table provided from the image data management device and the attribute information;
Permission means for permitting the image data input means to input the image data when the charging processing by the charging processing means is completed;
Attribute information adding means for adding the attribute information received by the attribute information receiving means to the image data input by the image data input means when the input of the image data is permitted by the permission means;
An image data processing system comprising: transfer means for transferring the image data to which the attribute information is added by the attribute information addition means to an image data management apparatus. The processor is
An image data processing device that performs processing on the image data;
The image data management device includes:
Storage means for storing the image data with the attribute information transferred from the image data input device;
If the attribute information determination means has determined the type of processing for said image data from the attribute information, processing requesting means for requesting the processing of the image data to the image data processing apparatus for performing processing that the determination The image data processing system according to claim 1, further comprising: The image data management device includes:
The processed image data storage means for storing the processed image data that was subjected to the processing by the image data processing apparatus,
Processed image data transfer means for transferring the processed image data to a terminal on the network or an image data output device;
A process change accepting unit that accepts a change in the processing process from the image data input device or a terminal on the network;
The image data processing system according to claim 2, further comprising: The image data processing device includes:
Processing price information management means for setting and managing processing price information related to the processing of the image data;
Processing price information providing means for providing the processing price information to the image data management device;
Further comprising
The image data management device includes:
A processing cost table managing means for managing records the processing price information for each of the processing provided by the image data processing apparatus to processing price table,
Table providing means for providing the processing price table to the image data input device;
Further comprising
The image data input device includes:
Billing for performing billing processing for the processing of the image data in the image data processing device by the billing processing means based on the processing price table provided from the image data management device and the attribute information The image data processing system according to claim 2, further comprising a processing billing information creating means for creating information. The image data management device includes:
The processing change billing information creating means for creating billing information related to the change when the modification request for the modification processing from the image data input device or the terminal on the network is accepted. 4. The image data processing system according to 4. The processor is
An image data storage device for storing the image data;
The attribute information added to the image data further includes a storage location of the image data,
The image data management device includes:
When the attribute information determination unit determines the storage location and storage period of the image data from the attribute information added to the image data transferred from the image data input device, the image data storage device that is the determined storage location image data processing system according to claim 1, further comprising a storage request means to request the storage of the image data over the storage period against. The image data storage device includes:
Stored image data transfer means for transferring the stored image data to a terminal on the network or an image data output device;
The image data processing system according to claim 6, further comprising: a storage period change accepting unit that accepts a change in the storage period from the image data input device or a terminal on the network. The image data storage device includes:
Storage price management means for managing storage price information for storing the image data;
Storage price information providing means for providing the storage price information to the image data management device;
The image data management device includes:
Storage price table management means for recording and managing the storage price information provided from the image data storage device in a storage price table;
And storage price table providing means for providing said storage price table in the image data input device,
Further comprising
The image data input device includes:
Based on the storage price table provided from the image data management apparatus and the attribute information received by the attribute information receiving means, a charging process for storing the image data in the image data storage apparatus is performed. 8. The image data processing system according to claim 7, further comprising storage billing information creating means for creating storage billing information to be performed by the means. The image data transferred from the image data input device is managed, the type of processing for the image data or the storage period is determined from the attribute information added to the image data, and the image data is sent to the processing device. at least one processing device and the network which performs the image data management device for requesting a storage process based on processing and-holding tube period, the image data is requested from the image data management apparatus, the processing or storage processing An image data input device connected via
Attribute information receiving means for receiving attribute information for image data input by image data input means for reading the original and inputting the image data;
Charge processing related to processing or storage processing for the image data in the processing device is a charge set in the input processing according to the attribute information, and / or the processing device according to which the image data conforms to the attribute information Charge processing means for performing the charge based on the price table recorded from the image data management device, in which the charge set for the process is recorded,
Permission means for permitting the image data input means to input the image data when the charging processing by the charging processing means is completed;
Attribute information adding means for adding the attribute information received by the attribute information receiving means to the image data input by the image data input means when the input of the image data is permitted by the permission means;
Transfer means for transferring the image data to which the attribute information is added by the attribute information addition means to an image data management device;
An image data input device comprising: An image data input device that reads an original, inputs image data, and adds attribute information to the image data, and at least one processing device that performs a plurality of types of processing or storage processing on the image data and a network An image data management device connected via
The attribute information added to the image data includes the type or storage period of the processing to be performed on the image data by the processing device,
Attribute information determination means for determining the type or storage period of the processing for the image data from the image data transferred from the image data input device and the attribute information for the image data;
To the processing device, comprising a request unit for requesting the storage processing of the image data based on the storage period was determined by processing said attribute information determination means for said image data determined by said attribute information determination means An image data management apparatus. The processor is
An image data processing device that performs processing on the image data,
Image data storage means with attribute information for storing image data with attribute information transferred from the image data input device;
If the attribute information determination means has determined the type of processing for said image data from the attribute information, processing requesting means for requesting the processing of the image data to the image data processing apparatus for performing processing that the determination When,
The image data management apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising: The processed image data storage means for storing the processed image data that was subjected to the processing by the image data processing apparatus,
Processed image data transfer means for transferring the processed image data to a terminal on the network or an image data output device;
According to claim 11, characterized by comprising the processing when such charging process has been completed to the image data input device or even a change receiving means for receiving the change of the processing from the terminal on the network Image data management device. The image according processing collects price information from the data processing apparatus to processing of the image data, processing cost table management at least one price information said collecting managing processing price table for recording for each of the processing Means,
Processing price table providing means for providing the image data input device with a processing price table for performing billing processing for inputting the image data by the image data input device based on the attribute information;
The image data management apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising: 14. The image data management apparatus according to claim 13, wherein when the modification of the processing process is accepted from the image data input apparatus or a terminal on the network, billing information relating to the modification is created. The attribute information added to the image data further includes a storage location of the image data,
The processor is
An image data storage device for storing the image data,
When the attribute information determination means determines the storage location and storage period of the image data from the attribute information added to the image data transferred from the image data input device, the image data storage device that becomes the determined storage location The image data management apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising: image data storage requesting means for requesting storage of the image data over the storage period. Storage price table management means for collecting storage price information for storing the image data from the image data storage device, and recording and managing the collected at least one storage price information in a storage price table;
Storage price table providing means for providing the image data input device with the storage price table for performing the charging process for inputting the image data based on the attribute information;
The image data management apparatus according to claim 15, further comprising: An image data input device that reads an original and inputs image data, and a processing device that is connected to an image data management device that manages image data input by the image data input device via a network,
Processing price management means for managing processing price information for processing the image data;
A processing price table in which processing price information for each processing is recorded is provided to the image data input device via the image data management device, so that a billing process for inputting the image data is performed by the image data input device. Processing price information providing means for providing the processing price information to the image data management device,
Processing means for performing a plurality of types of processing or storage processing on the image data input by the image data input device based on a request from the image data management device;
The processing apparatus characterized by comprising. The processing means performs processing on the image data,
The processing price information is
Processing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the a processing price information relating to the processing. The processing means further stores the image data, and stores image data transfer means for transferring the stored image data to a terminal on the network or an image data output device;
18. A change accepting unit for accepting a change in the storage period from the image data input device or a terminal on the network when a billing process for processing the image data is completed. The processing apparatus as described. The processing price information is
The processing apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the processing price information is for storing the image data. An image data input device that reads a document and inputs image data, an image data management device that manages image data input by the image data input device, and a plurality of types of processing or storage for the image data In an image data processing method in an image data processing system in which at least one processing device that performs processing is connected via a network,
The image data input device includes:
Attribute information for image data input by image data input means for reading the original and inputting the image data is received by attribute information receiving means,
The attribute information includes a type or storage period of processing to be performed by the processing device on the image data,
The image data input device further includes:
A price table provided from an image data management apparatus in which charges set for processing or storage processing for the image data in the processing apparatus and / or charges set for processing by the processing apparatus for the image data are recorded The charging processing means performs charging processing related to the input processing of the image data by the image data input means,
When charging processing by the charging processing unit is completed, the image data input unit is permitted by the permission unit to input the image data,
When the input of the image data is permitted by the permission unit, the attribute information received by the attribute information receiving unit is added to the image data input by the image data input unit by the attribute information adding unit,
Transferring the image data to which the attribute information is added by the attribute information adding means to an image data management apparatus by a transferring means;
The image data management device includes:
From the attribute information added to the image data transferred from the image data input device, the type of processing for the image data or the storage period is determined by the attribute information determination means,
The processing of the image data is performed by the requesting unit with respect to a processing device that performs the processing for the image data determined by the attribute information determining unit and the storage process for the image data based on the storage period determined by the attribute information determining unit. Ask
The processor is
Image data processing method in the image data processing system and performs the image data is requested from the image data management device, by the processing or storage processing process means. The processor is
An image data processing device that performs processing on the image data;
The image data management device includes:
The image data with the attribute information transferred from the image data input device is stored by a storage means,
If the attribute information determination means has determined the type of processing for said image data from the attribute information, the request by the processing request unit for processing of the image data to the image data processing apparatus for performing processing that the determination The image data processing method in the image data processing system according to claim 21, wherein: The image data management device includes:
Store the processed image data storage means processed image data for performing the processing by the image data processing apparatus,
Transfer the processed image data to a terminal on the network or an image data output device by a processed image data transfer means,
23. The image data processing method in the image data processing system according to claim 22, wherein a change in the processing process from the image data input device or a terminal on the network is received by a process change receiving unit. The image data processing device includes:
The processing price information that sets the charge for processing the image data is managed by the processing price information management means,
Provide processing price information to the image data management device by processing price providing means,
The image data management device includes:
The processing price information provided from the image data processing device is stored and managed in a processing price table by a processing price table management means,
Providing the processing price table to the image data input device by processing price providing means;
The image data input device includes:
Based on the processing price table provided from the image data management device and the attribute information received by the attribute information receiving means, the charging processing means performs the charging process related to the input of the image data by the image data input means. The image data processing method in the image data processing system according to claim 23, wherein the image data processing method is performed. The image data management device includes:
25. When a change request for the modification process from the image data input device or a terminal on the network is accepted, process change billing information relating to the change is created by a process change billing information creating unit. An image data processing method in the described image data processing system. The attribute information added to the image data further includes a storage location of the image data,
The processor is
An image data storage device for storing the image data;
The image data management device includes:
When the attribute information determination unit determines the storage location and storage period of the image data from the attribute information added to the image data and transferred from the image data input device, the image data storage device that is the determined storage location 22. The image data processing method in the image data processing system according to claim 21, wherein the storage request means requests the storage of the image data over the storage period. The image data storage device includes:
Transfer the stored image data to a terminal on the network or an image data output device by stored image data transfer means,
27. The image data processing method in the image data processing system according to claim 26, wherein a change in the storage period from the image data input device or a terminal on the network is received by a storage period change receiving unit. The image data storage device includes:
Storage price information for storing the image data is set and managed by storage price management means,
The provided by storage prices providing means storage price information to the image data management device,
The image data management device includes:
The storage price information provided from the image data storage device is recorded and managed in a storage price table by storage price table management means,
Providing the storage price table to the image data input device by storage price table providing means;
The image data input device includes:
Storage charging for performing charging processing for storing the image data by the charging processing means based on the storage price table provided from the image data management device and the attribute information received by the attribute information receiving means. 28. The image data processing method in the image data processing system according to claim 27, wherein the information is created by storage billing information creation means.

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