JP2000035968A - Image processing apparatus, image data processing method, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] To provide an image processing apparatus capable of reducing the size of data and shortening transfer time when browsing image data. SOLUTION: In a core unit 5, a data processing unit 25 controls an image memory 2 based on a resolution of a selected reduced image.
The reduced image data of the image stored in No. 4 is created. The created reduced image data is added to the other attribute information and added to the original image data to form an image data file. When a client on the network requests access to the image processing apparatus, the core unit 5 searches for a specified image. As a result of the search, if there is the specified image data, the reduced image data is read from the attribute information portion of the associated image data file and transmitted to the client. At this time, the resolution of the reduced image is also transmitted to the client together with the display on the client side.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, an image data processing method, and a storage medium used for constructing an image database that can be browsed from a plurality of client computers connected to a network.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an operator has read an image with a reading device and registered the read image data in a database server. Generally, when constructing an image database, an image is read by a reading device, a name, a search keyword, and the like are added to the target image, and the image is stored in a storage device in a unique format. A device that stores and publishes data and a reading device exist separately, and the read image data is transmitted to the server by a SCSI or parallel
/ F or through a network.

[0003] An image database is open to the public on a network, and recently, it is also made public to clients on the network using the WWW (World Wide Web). When using the registered image data, the WWW browser tool is used to perform a search using the name, keyword, or the like of the image data to display an image.

On the other hand, when printing an image as needed, a user of the image selects a printer and sets printing conditions for the printer.

[0005]

However, image data published on the network by using WWW is provided to a device which can read the image in a form in which the image is read. 1200 dpi, 6
In many cases, the resolution is high, such as 00 dpi, and if the resolution is unchanged, the size of the data is large. If the data is transmitted to the client side, there is a problem that the load on the network and the transfer time increase.

[0006] Further, if the original image is made public, there is also a problem that a modification is made without permission against the intention of the registrant.

On the other hand, when printing published image data using a device that can be viewed, although there is a high degree of freedom, the selection of a printer and the setting of printing conditions must all be performed on the client side. Was troublesome.

There is another problem that a desired printing result cannot be obtained unless the setting is made in accordance with the characteristics of the image data.

Further, a failure may occur in the selected printer at the time of printing, but when a failure occurs, it is necessary to remove the failure or to select another printer and set again.

Accordingly, the present invention provides an image processing apparatus which can reduce the size of data and shorten the transfer time when browsing image data, and can limit viewing of the original image and protect the image. It is an object to provide an image data processing method and a storage medium.

According to the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus, an image data processing method, and an image processing method capable of reducing a load on settings when browsing and printing image data from a network and obtaining a satisfactory print result. It is another object to provide a storage medium.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus, an image data processing method, and a storage medium which can output to another printer without troublesome on the client side for a printer failure. Aim.

[0013]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus for browsing image data, comprising: A reduced image creating unit that creates the reduced image, an adding unit that adds the created reduced image to the image data, a storage unit that stores the image data to which the reduced image is added as an image data file, and the reduced image And transmitting means for transmitting the information.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect, the adding unit adds attribute information including the reduced image to the image data, and the transmitting unit transmits the image data. And transmitting the reduced image retrieved based on the attribute information added to.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect, the transmitting unit transmits the data to a client connected via a network.

An image processing apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect, further comprising a resolution setting means for setting a resolution of the created reduced image.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect, the image processing apparatus further comprises an image reading unit, a receiving unit, and a printing unit, and the image data input by the image reading unit or the receiving unit. Is stored, and the stored image data is printed by the printing unit.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the first aspect, an image database in which the image data files are stored is constructed.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the third aspect, when the client requests to view the original image data, the request for requesting transmission of the identification code of the client. Means, and collating means for collating the identification code transmitted in response to the request with a pre-registered identification code, wherein the transmitting means, if the identification code is correct as a result of the collation, the original image Data is transmitted to the client.

An image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein in the image processing apparatus used for browsing image data, setting means for setting conditions for printing the image data, and the set conditions for printing are set. Adding to the image data, storage means for storing the image data to which the conditions at the time of printing are added as an image data file, and transmission means for transmitting information based on the image data file. It is characterized by the following.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the eighth aspect, the transmitting means is configured to include the image data from the image data file, an instruction unit for instructing printing, and a preset setting. It is characterized in that information created such that a printer name can be displayed is transmitted to a client connected via a network.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the eighth aspect, the setting means comprises:
A plurality of printers can be designated as the printing condition.

12. The image data processing method according to claim 11, wherein, in the image data processing method for browsing image data, a step of creating a reduced image of the image data, and the step of converting the created reduced image to the image data , A step of storing the image data to which the reduced image is added as an image data file, and a step of transmitting the reduced image.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the image data processing method for browsing image data, a step of setting conditions for printing the image data is provided. Adding a condition to the image data, storing the image data to which the printing condition is added as an image data file, and transmitting information based on the image data file. And

A storage medium according to a thirteenth aspect is mounted on an image processing apparatus used for browsing image data, and includes a CPU
A storage medium storing a program module to be executed by the program module, wherein the program module creates a reduced image of the image data, adds the created reduced image to the image data, And storing the image data to which the image data is added as an image data file, and transmitting the reduced image.

A storage medium according to a fourteenth aspect is mounted on an image processing apparatus used for browsing image data, and includes a CPU
A storage medium storing a program module executed by the program module, wherein the program module sets a printing condition of the image data, and adds the set printing condition to the image data. ,
The method includes a step of storing the image data to which the conditions at the time of printing are added as an image data file, and a step of transmitting information based on the image data file.

[0027]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of an image processing apparatus, an image data processing method and a storage medium according to the present invention will be described.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image processing apparatus according to a first embodiment. This image processing apparatus has a reader unit 1, a formatter unit 2, a printer unit 3, a facsimile unit 4, a core unit 5, a file unit 6, a network interface unit (network server unit) 7, and an operation panel unit 8.

The reader unit 1 reads an image of a document, and outputs image data corresponding to the document image to the printer unit 3 and the file unit 6. The formatter unit 2 is a PDL (Page Descriptive) transferred from a personal computer or a workstation via a network.
on Language (page description language) data is developed into image data that can be printed by the printer unit 3.

The printer unit 3 prints an image corresponding to the image data from the reader unit 1 and the file unit 6 on recording paper.

The facsimile unit 4 expands the compressed image data received via the telephone line 12, transfers the expanded image data to the core unit 5, compresses the image data transferred from the core unit 5, and compresses the image data. The compressed image data is transmitted via the telephone line 12.

The file unit 6 is connected to a storage device capable of recording image data, such as a magneto-optical disk drive unit (large-capacity disk device) 9 and a hard disk unit (direct access storage device) 10. The recorded image data is recorded.

The file unit 6 searches for compressed image data stored in the magneto-optical disk based on the keyword transferred via the core unit 5, reads out the searched compressed image data, decompresses the data, and decompresses the data. The transferred image data is transferred to the core unit 5. The image data file used as the image database is stored in the file unit 6.

The network interface unit 7 is an interface between the personal computer (PC) or workstation (WS) and the core unit 5, and is also a network server, and is configured as a center of network control.

The network interface (network server) unit 7 communicates with a personal computer or a workstation on the network, and receives a browsing request or a print request for image data stored in the file unit 6.

The operation panel section 8 is configured as, for example, a liquid crystal panel of a touch panel type, and is connected to the core section 5. The operation panel unit 8 has a function of controlling the image processing device and displaying a state of the image display device.
It is used for input of attribute information described later, selection of image data and a printer, and setting of printing conditions.

In this case, the means for performing various inputs and settings made via the operation panel unit 8 is not limited to a touch panel type liquid crystal, but may be one in which a key input unit and a display unit are divided. Good.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the core unit 5 of the image processing apparatus. The core unit 5 includes a CPU 21 and a ROM
22, non-volatile memory 23, image memory 24, data processing unit 25, interface unit 26, and RAM 27
Having.

In the core unit 5, the image data from the reader unit 1 is transmitted to the data processing unit 25 via the interface unit 26.
And temporarily stored in the image memory 24. The control command from the reader unit 1 is a CPU
21.

The CPU 21 controls the operation of the data processing unit 25 according to a control program stored in the ROM 22 or a command transferred from the reader unit 1 or the operation panel unit 8.

The nonvolatile memory 23 is a part for storing a data management file (index file) necessary for providing a database function of the image processing apparatus. The image memory 24 temporarily stores image data transferred from the reader unit 1 or the file unit 6 via the interface unit 26. The RAM 27 is used as a work area of the CPU 21.

The data processing unit 25 performs image processing such as rotation processing, scaling processing, and resolution conversion on image data temporarily stored in the image memory 24. Is the part that creates The data processing unit 25 performs image processing based on the information set on the operation panel unit 8, and transmits the processed image data to the file unit 6, the printer unit 3, the network interface unit 7, and the facsimile unit via the interface unit 26. 1
Transfer to 2.

As described above, the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment, with the core unit 5 as the center, performs a complex operation such as reading an original image, printing an image, transmitting and receiving an image, storing an image, and inputting and outputting data from a computer. Has functions.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the relationship between the image data file to which the attribute information of the image data is added and the created reduced image. Image attribute information indicating attributes such as title, date, time, user ID, and reduced image for client display (resolution designation) is stored in the file unit 6 as one image data file in accordance with the image data.

The user ID indicates management authority for the registered image, and is used when viewing or deleting the original image from the network. These attributes are unique to the image data, and if the title is omitted, the date and time at which registration (reading) was performed will be used instead of the title. By recording these pieces of information in the same file as the original image, even if a plurality of images are recorded, no deviation occurs in the attribute information.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an index file which is a data management file. The index file has a table in which image titles are associated with positional information of a disk as a storage location. The position information is based on the type of the storage device (disk) and the logical address (L
BA: Logical Block Address)
Are represented by numerical values.

FIG. 5 is a view showing an attribute setting screen displayed at the time of image registration displayed on the operation panel section 8. Operation panel 8
The operator can set on the screen the title of the image to be registered, the date and time of registration, the user ID indicating the management authority of the image, and the resolution for creating the reduced image. Default values are set without inputting other than the user ID. If title entry is omitted, the date and time will be used instead. The figure shows a case where the resolution of the reduced image is set to 100 dpi.
It is also possible to change these default values.

The operation of the image processing apparatus having the above configuration will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation processing procedure of the image processing apparatus. This processing program is stored in the ROM 22 in the core unit 5 and is executed by the CPU 21. First, an image is taken in from the reader unit 1,
The operation up to registration in the database will be described.
First, a document is placed on the reader unit 1 and an instruction to start reading an image is issued. At this time, a screen for setting attribute information regarding image data registration is displayed on the operation panel unit 8 (see FIG. 5).

The registrant selects a title displayed on the screen, a user ID, and a resolution for creating a reduced image, and presses an OK button 29 on the screen (step S30).
1) Reading of an image is started by the reader unit 1 (step S302).

The reading resolution is determined by the specifications of the reader unit 1. The read image is temporarily stored in the image memory 24 in the core unit 5. The reduced image data of the image stored in the image memory 24 is created by the data processing unit 25 based on the resolution of the reduced image selected in the core unit 5 (step S303).

The created reduced image data is added to other attribute information (title, registration date / time, user ID), and the added attribute information is added to the original image data to form an image data file (step S304). . Further, the title of the attribute information of the image data file is registered in the index file (step S305), and the storage device (hard disk unit 1) connected to the file unit 6 is registered.
0) (step S306). At this time, the recorded position information is also recorded in the index file registered earlier. Thus, the process of registering the image ends.

When the registrant does not enter anything in the title field, which is a setting item, the registered date and time is used as the title.

Next, the operation when browsing image data with a client on the network will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the image browsing process. This processing program is stored in the ROM in the core unit 5 and is executed by the CPU 21. When a client on the network requests access to the apparatus, the core unit 5 stores the data in the non-volatile memory 23 using a mechanism as a WWW server which is a function of the network interface unit (network server unit) 7. Index (IND) based on the index file
EX).

The index (INDEX) is for presenting the registered image file to the client on the network, and associates the title of the registered image file with the image data file.

The client uses the index (INDE)
When an image is designated from X), the core unit 5 searches for the designated image (step S401). As a result of the search, it is determined whether or not the designated image data exists (step S40).
2). If there is no designated image data, that is, if the search result is NG, an error message such as “The designated image is not in the current storage device” is transmitted to the client via the network interface unit 7. (Step S408). Since a plurality of storage devices can be attached to the file unit 6, such an error exists.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the specified image data exists as a result of the search, that is, if the search result is OK, the reduced image data is read from the attribute information portion of the associated image data file, and (Step S403). At this time, the resolution of the reduced image is also transmitted to the client and displayed.

It is determined whether or not the client has requested the original image (step S404). If the client has not requested the original image, the process ends. On the other hand, if the client has requested the original image, a request for the user ID of the specified image is made to the client (step S405).

The user ID set and transmitted by the client in response to the request is collated with the user ID registered in advance (step S406). If the collation is correct (OK), the original image is read and transmitted (step S406). Step S40
7), the process ends. On the other hand, if the user ID set by the client is incorrect (NG), an error message is transmitted (step S408), and the process ends.

As described above, in the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment, when a browsing request is made from a client, an image data having a long transfer time in the past is transferred by transferring an image having a small data size. The time can be significantly reduced, and the load on the network can be reduced (the amount of communication on the communication medium can be reduced).

[0060] Further, by opening only the image with the reduced resolution, it is possible to restrict the use of the high-resolution image (original image) registered in the database and read, thereby protecting the original image. Is also connected. This allows
Modification of the registered original image can be prevented.

[Second Embodiment] The image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment has the same hardware configuration as that of the first embodiment (see FIGS. 1 and 2), and a description thereof will be omitted. .

FIG. 8 is a view showing an image data file to which attribute information of the image data is added. Image attribute information representing attributes such as title, date and time, user ID, selected printer, printer print settings, etc. is stored in the file unit 6 as one image data file together with image data.
Is stored in The user ID indicates management authority for the registered image, and is used when browsing the original image on the network, deleting the original image, and changing settings at the time of printing.

In order to select a plurality of printers, the attribute information includes print setting items for each printer. Setting item [Printer1],
In [Printer2], a position on the network, a name, and status information are set as information for identifying the printer.

These attributes are unique to the image data, and when the title is omitted, the date and time of registration (reading) are used instead of the title. By recording these pieces of information in the same file as the original image, even if a plurality of images are registered, no deviation occurs in the attribute information.

The index file is the same as that shown in FIG. 4 of the first embodiment, and has a table in which image titles are associated with positional information of a disk as a storage location. The location information is based on the type of the storage device (disk) and the logical address (LBA: Logic) on the disk.
al Block Address) is represented by a numerical value.

FIG. 9 is a view showing an attribute setting screen displayed at the time of image registration displayed on the operation panel section 8. The attribute setting screen displays the title of the image to be registered, the date and time of registration, the user ID indicating the authority to manage the image, and the name of the selected printer.

When the output destination setting button 31 on the attribute setting screen is pressed, a list of printers that can be output is displayed as shown in FIG. FIG. 10 shows an output destination setting screen. It is possible to select a printer by marking the check box 33 on the left side of the printer list. As information on printers that can be output, information on printers that can be output on a network is displayed in addition to the printer unit 3 of the apparatus.

The selected printer is reflected in FIG.
When the printer is checked, setting information at the time of printing, for example, setting items such as paper size, enlargement / reduction, page layout, printing direction, number of copies, sorting, and both sides are displayed.
These differ depending on the function of the selected printer. When the [Return] button 34 at the lower right is pressed,
It returns to the screen of FIG.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a screen when the client is browsing images registered in the image database. The software to be browsed may be different for each client, but here, the information transmitted from the network server unit 7 of the apparatus includes image data 4
0, the title 41, the registration date and time 42, the print button 43 for instructing printing, and the information of the selected printer name 44 have been transmitted.

When printing from the browsing software used by the client side, the image is output as an image of this screen. When the prepared print button 43 is instructed (pressed), only the image data is output to a preset printer. In other words, a part where the printer name is displayed is designated and output to the printer is performed. When all the displayed printers are selected, the output is made to all the printers.

Next, registration processing in the image processing apparatus,
The image browsing and print processing will be described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation processing procedure from fetching image data from the reader unit 1 to registering the image data in the image database. This processing program is stored in the ROM 22 in the core unit 5.
And executed by the CPU 21.

First, an original is placed on the reader unit 1 and an instruction to start reading is issued. The reading resolution is determined by the specifications of the reader unit 1. At this time, a screen (FIG. 9) for setting attribute information relating to image data registration is displayed on the operation panel section 8. First, the registrant sets a title and a user ID displayed on the screen (step S501), and determines whether or not the output destination has been set (step S502). When the [OK] button 32 on the screen is pressed, the reader unit 1 is pressed.
To start reading an image (step S50).
4).

On the other hand, if the output destination is not set in step S502, the registrant sets the output destination (step S503) and returns to the processing of step S501. That is, when the output destination is not set, the printer selection screen (output destination setting screen) shown in FIG. 10 is displayed to prompt the registrant to set the output destination. As the output destination printer, the printer unit 3 of the present apparatus and printers available on the network are displayed.

The image data read in step S 504 is temporarily stored in the image memory 24 in the core unit 5.
Attribute information (title, registration date / time, user ID) including output destination information is added to the original image data to form an image data file (step S505).

Further, the title of the attribute information of the image data file is registered in the index file (step S).
506), and record it in the storage device (hard disk unit 10) connected to the file unit 6 (step S5).
07). The position information recorded at this time is also recorded in the index file registered earlier. Thus, the registration process ends.

When the title field, which is a setting item, has not been entered by the registrant, the registered date and time is used as the title.

Next, a case in which image data is browsed from a client will be described. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation processing procedure when browsing image data from a client on the network. This processing program is stored in the ROM 22 in the core unit 5,
Performed by

When a client on the network requests access to the device, the core unit 5 is made non-volatile by using a mechanism as a WWW server which is a function of the network interface unit (network server unit) 7. An index (INDEX) is generated based on the index file stored in the memory 23.

The index (INDEX) is for presenting the registered image file to the client on the network, and associates the title of the registered image file with the image data file.

The client uses the index (INDE)
When an image is designated from X), the core unit 5 searches for the designated image (step S601). As a result of the search, it is determined whether or not the designated image data exists (step S602). If there is no designated image data, that is, if the search result is NG, “the designated image is
Not in current storage. Is transmitted to the client via the network interface unit 7 (step S606). File part 6
This error exists because a plurality of storage devices can be attached to the device.

On the other hand, if there is image data retrieved in step S602 as a result of the retrieval,
If it is K, the attribute information portion and the image data portion of the associated image data file are read (step S6).
03), creating transmission information (display information) (step S
604), and transmits the display information shown in FIG. 11 to the client side (step S605). Thus, the process is completed.

Next, a case where image data is printed from a client will be described. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an operation processing procedure for printing image data from a client. First, the printer displayed on the client side is designated. That is, one print output is instructed to the two printers (MPF1 and MPF2) displayed in FIG.

When the [Print] button 43 is pressed, the printer name selected by the client is sent to the apparatus, and the information is received (step S70).
1). The selected printer is recognized, and information on the specified printer is obtained based on the attribute information (step S70).
2). The image data and the printer setting information are transmitted to the designated printer (step S703). Here, when the printer unit 3 in this apparatus is designated, the printer unit 3
Send data to

It is determined whether or not there is an error in the print output (step S704). If there is no error, the client is notified of the output including the name of the output printer (step S705). On the other hand, if there is an error in the print output, it is determined whether there is another printer set to output the attribute information (step S707).

If there is another printer, the process returns to step S702 to start output from that printer. On the other hand, if there is no other printer, the client is notified that output was not possible (step S708).

It is determined whether output of all printers selected on the client side has been completed (step S70).
6) If there are still unselected printers,
In order to start the output of the next printer, step S70
It returns to the process of 2. On the other hand, if the output of all the printers has been completed, the process is terminated.

Therefore, when a failure occurs in the set printer, it is possible to start printing on the next set printer. It is also possible to output to a plurality of printers.

As described above, in the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment, when printing image data from the network, the printing conditions of the image data are set in advance by the registrant. If you request
Output can be performed under optimal conditions.

Further, conventionally, when printing a published image, although the degree of freedom is high, the client has to set all the printing conditions, so that printing has been troublesome. When the registrant sets the printing conditions of the printer, the burden on the user can be reduced.

In the second embodiment, the reduced image data is not created. However, the reduced image data may be created for browsing in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

The present invention may be applied to a system including a plurality of devices, or may be applied to an apparatus including a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus. In this case, by reading out a storage medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention into a system or an apparatus, the system or the apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

FIG. 15 shows an example of the R in the core unit 5 as a storage medium.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a memory map of the OM 22. The program module of the processing program shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, that is, the image registration module and the image transmission module are stored in the ROM 22 shown in FIG. The program modules of the processing programs shown in FIGS. 12, 13, and 14, ie, an image registration module, an image transmission module, and a print processing module are stored in the ROM 22 shown in FIG.

The storage medium for supplying such a program module is not limited to the ROM, and may be, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, DVD, magnetic tape,
A non-volatile memory card or the like can be used.

[0094]

According to the image processing apparatus of the present invention, when browsing image data, a reduced image of the image data is created by the reduced image creating means, and the created reduced image is created by the adding means. An image is added to the image data, the image data to which the reduced image has been added is stored as an image data file by a storage unit, and the reduced image is transmitted by a transmission unit. The transfer time can be shortened by reducing the size, and the restriction on viewing the original image and the protection of the image can be achieved. The same effect can be obtained with the image data processing method according to the eleventh aspect and the storage medium according to the thirteenth aspect.

According to the image processing apparatus of the second aspect,
The adding unit adds attribute information including the reduced image to the image data, and the transmitting unit transmits the reduced image searched based on the attribute information added to the image data. The transmission load can be reduced by transmitting only the image.

According to the image processing apparatus of the third aspect,
Since the transmitting means transmits the image data to a client connected via a network, it is possible to designate a resolution having a small reduced image (resolution) data size as a condition for releasing the image data on the network. In the case of a browsing request from a user, the transfer time can be greatly reduced by transferring an image with a small data size, which has conventionally taken a long time to transfer image data, and the load on the network is reduced (communication media (Reduction of communication traffic).

[0097] In addition, by opening only the images with reduced resolutions, it is possible to restrict the use of the high-resolution images (original images) registered in the database, which leads to protection of the original images. Thereby, alteration of the registered original image can be prevented.

According to the image processing apparatus of the fourth aspect,
Since the resolution of the created reduced image is set by the resolution setting means, the data size of the reduced image can be changed.

According to the image processing apparatus of the fifth aspect,
An image reading unit, a receiving unit, and a printing unit are provided. The image data input by the image reading unit or the receiving unit is stored, and the stored image data is printed by the printing unit. An image database can be constructed by a simple operation using an apparatus having a server function. Further, image data can be easily shared on a network.

According to the image processing apparatus of the sixth aspect,
Since the image database in which the image data files are stored is constructed, usability of the image database can be improved.

According to the image processing apparatus of the present invention,
A requesting unit for requesting transmission of an identification code of the client when there is a request for browsing the original image data from the client; and a collation for collating the identification code transmitted in response to the request with a pre-registered identification code. Means, the transmission means, if the identification code is correct as a result of the collation,
Since the original image data is transmitted to the client, it is possible to restrict clients who can view the original image data and to protect the original image.

According to the image processing apparatus of the eighth aspect,
When browsing the image data, the setting unit sets the printing condition of the image data, the adding unit adds the set printing condition to the image data, and the storage unit adds the printing condition. The stored image data is stored as an image data file, and information based on the image data file is transmitted by a transmission unit, so that when browsing and printing image data from a network, the burden on printer settings can be reduced. Satisfactory printing results can be obtained.

As described above, the printing conditions are set in advance by the registrant when printing image data from the network, so that when an image user requests printing, the image data can be output under optimal conditions. .

Further, conventionally, when a published image is printed, although the degree of freedom is high, the client side must set all the printing conditions, so that it takes time and effort to perform printing. By setting the printing conditions, the burden on the user can be reduced.

According to the image processing apparatus of the ninth aspect,
The transmitting unit transmits the image data from the image data file, an instruction unit for instructing printing, and information created so that a preset printer name can be displayed to a client connected via a network. Therefore, the printing operation on the client side can be performed extremely easily.

According to the image processing apparatus of the tenth aspect, since the setting unit can designate a plurality of printers as the conditions at the time of printing, the setting unit does not need to trouble the client side for a printer failure. Can be output to another printer. When a plurality of printers are selected at the time of setting, simultaneous output can be performed to each printer, and distribution to a plurality of locations can be easily performed. Further, even if a failure occurs in a printer that has already been set during printing, the user can set the second and third printers at the time of registration, thereby saving the trouble of selecting and setting the printer again. be able to.

According to the storage medium of the thirteenth aspect, the storage medium is mounted on an image processing apparatus used for browsing image data,
In a storage medium storing a program module to be executed by a CPU, the program module creates a reduced image of the image data, and adds the created reduced image to the image data.
Since the method includes a step of storing the image data to which the reduced image is added as an image data file and a step of transmitting the reduced image, versatility and expandability of the image processing apparatus can be improved.

According to the storage medium of the present invention, the storage medium is mounted on an image processing apparatus used for browsing image data,
A storage medium storing a program module to be executed by a CPU, wherein the program module sets a condition for printing the image data;
A step of adding the set printing conditions to the image data, a step of storing the image data to which the printing conditions are added as an image data file, and transmitting information based on the image data file Since it includes the procedure, the versatility and expandability of the image processing apparatus can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing apparatus according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a core unit 5 of the image processing apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a relation between an image data file to which attribute information of image data is added and a created reduced image.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an index file which is a data management file.

FIG. 5 is a view showing an attribute setting screen displayed at the time of image registration displayed on the operation panel unit 8;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation processing procedure of the image processing apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of an image browsing process.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an image data file to which attribute information of image data is added.

FIG. 9 is a view showing an attribute setting screen displayed at the time of image registration displayed on the operation panel unit 8;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an output destination setting screen.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a screen when a client is browsing an image registered in an image database.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation processing procedure from fetching image data from a reader unit 1 and registering the image data in an image database.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an operation processing procedure when browsing image data from a client on a network.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an operation processing procedure for printing image data from a client.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a memory map of a ROM 22 in a core unit 5 as a storage medium.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Reader part 3 Printer part 5 Core part 6 File part 7 Network interface part (network server part) 8 Operation panel part 21 CPU 22 ROM 24 Image memory 25 Data processing part

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. An image processing apparatus used for browsing image data, wherein: a reduced image creating means for creating a reduced image of the image data; an adding means for adding the created reduced image to the image data; An image processing apparatus comprising: a storage unit that stores the image data to which the reduced image is added as an image data file; and a transmission unit that transmits the reduced image. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the adding unit adds attribute information including the reduced image to the image data, and the transmitting unit transmits the reduced image retrieved based on the attribute information added to the image data. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit transmits the data to a client connected via a network. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: resolution setting means for setting a resolution of the created reduced image.
An image processing apparatus according to claim 1. 5. An image reading device comprising: an image reading unit; a receiving unit; and a printing unit, wherein the image data input by the image reading unit or the receiving unit is stored, and the stored image data is printed by the printing unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: 6. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an image database in which the image data files are stored is constructed. 7. A requesting means for requesting transmission of an identification code of the client when there is a request for browsing the original image data from the client, and an identification code transmitted in response to the request, the identification code being registered in advance. 4. The image according to claim 3, further comprising: a collating unit that collates with the code, wherein the transmitting unit transmits the original image data to the client when the collation result indicates that the identification code is correct. 5. Processing equipment. 8. An image processing apparatus used for browsing image data, wherein: setting means for setting conditions for printing the image data; and adding means for adding the set conditions for printing to the image data. An image processing apparatus, comprising: a storage unit that stores the image data to which the conditions at the time of printing are added as an image data file; and a transmission unit that transmits information based on the image data file. 9. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting unit is configured to connect, via a network, the image data from the image data file, an instruction unit that instructs printing, and information created so that a preset printer name can be displayed. The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the image is transmitted to a client. 10. The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the setting unit can designate a plurality of printers as the printing condition. 11. A method of processing image data when browsing image data, wherein: a step of creating a reduced image of the image data; a step of adding the created reduced image to the image data; An image data processing method, comprising: storing the added image data as an image data file; and transmitting the reduced image. 12. A method for processing image data when browsing image data, comprising: setting a condition for printing the image data; and adding the set condition for printing to the image data. An image data processing method, comprising: storing the image data to which the printing conditions are added, as an image data file; and transmitting information based on the image data file. 13. A storage medium mounted on an image processing apparatus used for browsing image data and storing a program module executed by a CPU, wherein the program module generates a reduced image of the image data. A step of adding the created reduced image to the image data; a step of storing the image data to which the reduced image is added as an image data file; and a step of transmitting the reduced image. Characteristic storage medium. 14. A storage medium mounted on an image processing apparatus used for browsing image data and storing a program module executed by a CPU, wherein the program module sets conditions for printing the image data. Based on the image data file, a procedure for adding the set printing conditions to the image data, a procedure for storing the image data to which the printing conditions are added as an image data file, Transmitting information.