Information processing system, method for controlling information processing system, and program

Abstract

To facilitate uploading a plurality of main files in linkage with additional files by having a plurality of main file upload regions and additional file upload regions.SOLUTION: An information processing system comprises: first display control means that controls display of a plurality of first upload regions for uploading a main file; and second display control means that, for every first upload region, controls display of a second upload region for uploading an additional file linked to the main file to be uploaded. The information processing system manages the additional file registered in one of the second upload regions corresponding to the first upload region, in linkage with the main file registered in the first upload region linked to the second upload region.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing system, a control method for an information processing system, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In the revised Electronic Bookkeeping Law, "electronic transactions" that are issued and received using electromagnetic means such as e-mails and cloud systems are required to be recorded as electronic data. Also, recording as electronic data of documents read by a scanner, a smartphone, or a digital camera is permitted. Recording in these electronic data needs to satisfy requirements such as authenticity and visibility, and therefore "electronic transactions" must be provided with a time stamp and index information. Further, for transaction documents by optical reading and recognition such as a scanner, checks as to whether they satisfy the "scanner storage requirements", time stamping, and giving of index information must be performed. When recording (uploading to a server) a plurality of files, it was necessary to specify the processing of each file one by one for recording, which was a cumbersome operation.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which when uploading a plurality of files, a certain rule is set for file names, this is interpreted to generate attribute information, and the attribute information for a plurality of files can be collectively given.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Disclosure of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, although Patent Document 1 can upload a plurality of files collectively and assign attribute information (index information) to each file, it does not disclose uploading the main file to be uploaded and the accompanying files in a bundled manner.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to facilitate uploading by associating and uploading accompanying files for a plurality of main files by having a plurality of main file upload areas and accompanying file upload areas.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0007] The present invention for solving the above problems is a first display control means for controlling the display of a plurality of first upload areas for uploading main files; a second display control means for controlling the display of a second upload area for uploading an accompanying file associated with the main file uploaded for each of the first upload areas; The accompanying file registered in one of the second upload areas corresponding to the first upload area is managed in association with the main file registered in the first upload area associated with the second upload area.

Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, by having a plurality of main file upload areas and accompanying file upload areas, it becomes easy to upload the accompanying files for a plurality of main files in a bundled manner.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of an information processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] The information processing system 100 includes a scanner device 102, a registrant terminal 104, an MFP (MultiFunction Peripheral) 108, a web server 105, a file server 106, and an issuer terminal 110 on the file management cloud 114, and they are communicably connected via a network 112.

[0013] In the present invention, the web server 105 and the file server 106 are virtual servers arranged on the file management cloud 114. Note that each server does not necessarily have to be arranged on the cloud 114, and each can be arranged in one housing, or the functions of each can be combined and arranged in one or a plurality of housings.

[0014] The issuer terminal 110 is a terminal used by the issuer who creates documents. The PDF file created on the issuer terminal 110 is transmitted to the web server 105 via the network 112 and stored in the file server 106. Also, for documents created on paper, a PDF file scanned by a scanner device 102 or an MFP 108 may be transmitted to the web server 105.

[0015] The web server 105 stores the files acquired from the issuer terminal 110 and the registrant terminal 104 in the file server 106. Also, for the files uploaded from the terminal, processes such as a scanner storage requirement check process and a time stamp attachment process are performed, and the files are registered in the file server 106. The details of the processes will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0016] The registrant terminal 104 is a terminal used by the file recipient. The registrant terminal 104 can perform processes such as searching for and downloading the PDF file received from the web server 105 via the network 112 and viewing it. The PDF file received as an attachment in an email or the like from the issuer terminal 110 is transmitted to the web server 105. When the document is sent on paper, the paper document is scanned by a scanner device 102 or the like and transmitted to the web server 105.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the registrant terminal 104, the web server 105, the file server 106, and the issuer terminal 110, and these information processing apparatuses in the embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2, in these information processing apparatuses, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 203, an input controller 205, a video controller 206, a memory controller 207, and a communication I / F controller 208 are connected via a system bus 204.

[0019] The CPU 201 comprehensively controls each device and controller connected to the system bus 204.

[0020] The ROM 202 or the external memory 211 holds the BIOS (Basic Input / Output System), the OS (Operating System), which are control programs executed by the CPU 201, programs that can be read and executed by this information processing apparatus, and various necessary data (including data tables).

[0021] The RAM 203 functions as the main memory, work area, etc. of the CPU 201. When executing processing, the CPU 201 loads programs and the like necessary for the execution from the ROM 202 or the external memory 211 into the RAM 203, and realizes various operations by executing the loaded programs.

[0022] The input controller 205 controls inputs from input devices such as a keyboard 209 and a pointing device such as a mouse (not shown). When the input device is a touch panel, it is assumed that various instructions can be given by the user pressing (touching with a finger, etc.) in accordance with icons, cursors, buttons, etc. displayed on the touch panel.

[0023] Also, the touch panel may be a touch panel capable of detecting positions touched with multiple fingers, such as a multi-touch screen.

[0024] The video controller 206 controls the display to an external output device such as a display 210. The display includes the display of a notebook personal computer integrated with the main body. Note that the external output device is not limited to a display, and may be, for example, a projector. Also, for a device capable of receiving the above-described touch operation, an input device is also provided.

[0025] The video controller 206 can control a video memory (VRAM) for performing display control, and can use a part of the RAM 203 as a video memory area, or can separately provide a dedicated video memory.

[0026] The memory controller 207 controls access to the external memory 211. As the external memory, an external storage device (hard disk) that stores a boot program, various applications, font data, user files, edited files, and various data, a flexible disk (FD), or a compact flash (registered trademark) memory connected via an adapter to a PCMCIA card slot can be used.

[0027] The communication I / F controller 208 is connected to and communicates with an external device via a network, and executes communication control processing on the network. For example, communication using TCP / IP, a telephone line such as ISDN, and communication using a 3G line of a mobile phone are possible.

[0028] In addition, the CPU 201 enables display on the display 210 by executing an outline font expansion (rasterization) process on the display information area in the RAM 203, for example. Further, the CPU 201 enables user instructions using a mouse cursor (not shown) on the display 210.

[0029] Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the hardware configuration of the multifunction device 108 having the scanner function shown in FIG. 1 will be described.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the multifunction device 108 having the scanner function shown in FIG. 1.

[0031] In FIG. 3, 316 is a controller unit that connects to a scanner unit 314 that functions as an image input device and a printer unit 312 that functions as an image output device, while also connecting to a LAN (e.g., LAN 112 shown in FIG. 1) or a public line (WAN) (e.g., PSTN or ISDN, etc.) to perform input / output of image data and device information.

[0032] In controller unit 316, 301 is a CPU, which is a processor that controls the entire system. 302 is a RAM, which is a system work memory for the operation of CPU 301 and also serves as a program memory for recording programs and an image memory for temporarily recording image data.

[0033] 303 is a ROM in which the system boot program and various control programs are stored. 304 is a hard disk drive (HDD) that stores various programs, image data, etc. for controlling the system.

[0034] 307 is an operation unit interface (operation unit I / F), which is an interface unit with the operation unit (keyboard) 308. Also, operation unit I / F 307 serves to transmit key information (e.g., pressing of the start button) input from operation unit 308 to CPU 301.

[0035] 305 is a network interface (Network I / F) that connects to network (LAN) 112. It is also configured to enable wireless communication and connect to other devices via communication using infrared, Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark) to perform data input / output. 306 is a modem (MODEM) that connects to a public line and performs data input / output such as FAX transmission and reception.

[0036] 318 is an external interface (external I / F), an I / F unit that receives external inputs such as USB, IEEE1394, printer port, RS-232C, etc. In this embodiment, a card reader 319 for reading an IC card (storage medium) of a mobile terminal, which is required for authentication, is connected to the external I / F 318. Then, the CPU 301 controls the reading of information from the IC card of the mobile terminal by the card reader 319 via this external I / F 318, and can acquire the information read from the IC card of the mobile terminal. The above devices are arranged on the system bus 309.

[0037] 320 is an image bus interface (IMAGE BUS I / F), which connects the system bus 309 and an image bus 315 that transfers image data at high speed, and is a bus bridge that converts data structures.

[0038] The image bus 315 is composed of a PCI bus or IEEE1394. The following devices are arranged on the image bus 315.

[0039] 310 is a raster image processor (RIP) that expands vector data such as PDL code into a bitmap image, for example. 311 is a printer interface (printer I / F) that connects the printer unit 312 and the controller unit 316 and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. Also, 313 is a scanner interface (scanner I / F) that connects the scanner unit 314 and the controller unit 316 and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.

[0040] 317 is an image processing unit that corrects, processes, and edits input image data, or performs printer correction, resolution conversion, etc. on print output image data. In addition to this, the image processing unit 317 performs rotation of image data and compression / decompression processing such as JPEG for multi-value image data and JBIG, MMR, MH, etc. for binary image data.

[0041] The scanner unit 314 illuminates the image on the paper serving as the document, and scans it with a CCD line sensor to convert it into an electrical signal as raster image data. The document paper is set on the tray of the document feeder, and when the device user gives a read and start instruction from the operation unit 308, the CPU 301 gives an instruction to the scanner unit 314, and the feeder feeds the document paper one by one to perform the operation of reading the document image.

[0042] The printer unit 312 is a part that converts raster image data into an image on paper. The method includes an electrophotographic method using a photoreceptor drum or a photoreceptor belt, an inkjet method that ejects ink from a micro nozzle array to directly print an image on paper, etc. Any method may be used. The start of the printing operation is started by an instruction from the CPU 301. Note that the printer unit 312 has a plurality of paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and there are corresponding paper cassettes.

[0043] The operation unit 308 has an LCD display unit, and a touch panel sheet is attached on the LCD. It displays the operation screen of the system, and when a displayed key is pressed, it transmits the position information to the CPU 301 via the operation unit I / F 307. Further, the operation unit 308 includes various operation keys such as a start key, a stop key, an ID key, a reset key, etc.

[0044] In addition, the display performance of the display unit varies depending on the multifunction device. The present invention is configured by a multifunction device that can be operated via a touch panel and a multifunction device that simply has a liquid crystal screen and displays a character string (display of the printing state or the name of the printed document).

[0045] Here, the start key of the operation unit 308 is used when starting the operation of reading the document image. In the center of the start key, there are two-color LEDs, green and red, which indicate whether the start key is in a usable state according to their colors. Also, the stop key of the operation unit 308 functions to stop the running operation. Further, the ID key of the operation unit 308 is used when inputting the user ID of the user. The reset key is used when initializing the settings from the operation unit.

[0046] The card reader 319 reads the information stored in an IC card (which may be provided in the portable terminal as an IC chip) under the control of the CPU 301, and notifies the CPU 301 of the read information via the external I / F 318.

[0047] Also, the card reader 319 is compatible with the NFC communication standard and is configured to be able to read and write to an IC card or the IC chip of a portable terminal. Note that when an NFC-standard compatible portable terminal is held over an NFC-standard compatible card reader, authentication is performed and pairing between the portable terminal and the multifunction device is carried out.

[0048] Then, it is possible to establish communication (P2P) between the held portable terminal and the multifunction device and perform data communication. In addition, it is also possible to hand over the communication to a high-speed communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark) and cause communication between the portable terminal and the multifunction device.

[0049] For example, by holding the portable terminal over the card reader, it becomes possible to transmit the image stored in the portable terminal to the multifunction device. Note that since the details of the NFC communication standard are prior art, the description thereof is omitted.

[0050] In the above-described multi-function device 108, there is a platform for controlling the multi-function device 108, and an authentication application for communicating with an authentication server (which may be server 106) operates on this platform. The authentication application is stored in the HDD 304. Areas for storing user information at login (login context) and various setting information, which are managed by the platform, are secured on the HDD 304.

[0051] Also, applications that extend the main functions of the multi-function device 108 are installed and operating on the platform. These applications are executed using the API of the platform.

[0052] With this platform, a configuration is enabled where each function of the multi-function device 108 can be controlled.

[0053] The multi-function device 108 also stores a web browser and can be linked with a web system. In this case, the screen received from the web application server is displayed using the web browser. Commands indicated on the web browser are requested to the web application server, and by receiving commands from the web application server, the multi-function device 108 can execute operations (such as scanning and printing processes).

[0054] With the above configuration, the multi-function device 108 can transmit the image data read from the scanner unit 314 onto the LAN 112, or print and output the print data received from the LAN 112 using the printer unit 312.

[0055] Also, the image data read from the scanner unit 314 can be FAX-transmitted onto a public line using the modem 306, or the image data received from the public line via FAX can be output by the printer unit 312.

[0056] Next, referring to the flowchart shown in FIG. 4, the document (file) registration process will be described.

[0057] Each step in FIG. 4 is a processing step executed by the CPU 201 of each of the registrant terminal 104, the Web server 105, and the file server 106.

[0058] Before the flowchart of FIG. 4, the user who uses the registrant terminal 104 stores documents (PDF files) generated by the issuer terminal 110 or their own terminal 104 as files. Or, it is assumed that images of paper documents such as mailed documents captured by a scanner or camera are stored as files.

[0059] In step S401 of FIG. 4, the registrant terminal 104 requests the file server for a screen (file registration screen) for registering the document data (file) stored before the flowchart to the file server.

[0060] In step S402, the Web server 105 responds to the request from the registrant terminal 104 and transmits information for displaying the file registration screen. The screen image to be transmitted will be described later with reference to FIG. 6.

[0061] In step S403, the registrant terminal 104 receives the file registration screen transmitted from the Web server 105 and displays it on the display unit 210 of the registrant terminal 104. The displayed screen image will be described with reference to FIG. 6.

[0062] FIG. 6 is an example of the screen of a Web page for registering a file.

[0063] 600 in FIG. 6 is an image of a screen for registering (uploading) a file, which is sent from the Web server 105 and displayed on the display unit 210 of the registrant terminal 104. 600 has areas where two upload files can be placed. In the main document (main file) upload area 601, an area where the file of the main file to be uploaded is uploaded is displayed. By dragging and dropping the main file to be uploaded like 610 with a mouse (not shown) or pressing the reference button 611 to select the main file to be uploaded from the file management system, the main file to be uploaded can be selected. Note that by pressing the clear button 612, the upload of the currently registered file can be canceled.

[0064] In the supplementary document (supplementary file) upload area 602, an area where a file (supplementary file) accompanying the main file to be uploaded is uploaded is displayed. Files can be uploaded in the same way as the main file upload, such as by dragging and dropping the supplementary file or pressing the reference button 613. By pressing the clear button 614 in the supplementary file upload area, the upload of the file immediately to the left can be canceled.

[0065] The main file and the attached file will be described. The main file, for example in the case of an invoice, is the invoice file, and the file in which the invoice issuer, transaction date, invoice amount, 8% consumption tax amount, 10% consumption tax amount, etc. are described corresponds. For the purpose of visibility under the Electronic Bookkeeping Preservation Law, it is a file that attaches and stores the invoice issuer, transaction date, invoice amount, 8% consumption tax amount, 10% consumption tax amount, etc. as attribute information to the main file. The attribute information of the main file can be registered in the document index information 609. The document index information 609 can be manually input by the registered user, or obtained from the attribute information attached to the main file, and in the case of the main file obtained by optical reading, the main file can be used to obtain character information by OCR and input into the corresponding document index information 609. The items of the document index information 609 may differ for each document type 615. The attached file, for example in the case of an invoice, corresponds to a detailed list as a separate table of the invoice, and although visibility under the Electronic Bookkeeping Preservation Law is not required, it corresponds to a file that should be stored as detailed invoice data.

[0066] Both the main file upload area 601 and the attached file upload area 602 are divided into three parts: the "scanner storage area" 603 and 606, the "electronic transaction area" 604 and 607, and the "other area" 605 and 608. Different processes can be performed on the files to be uploaded respectively and then uploaded. That is, step S403 is a step showing an example of a display control process for controlling the display of multiple file upload areas. Also, the step of displaying the main file upload area 601 is a step showing an example of a first display control process for controlling the display of multiple first upload areas, and the step of displaying the attached file upload area 602 is a step showing an example of a second display control process for controlling the display of multiple second upload areas.

[0067] In addition, when multiple main files are registered in the "Scanner Storage Area" 603, "Electronic Transaction Area" 604, and "Other Areas" 605 in the main file upload area, it may be specified that attachment files cannot be registered in the "Scanner Storage Area" 606, "Electronic Transaction Area" 607, and "Other Areas" 608, which are the respective attachment file upload areas 602. For example, when the main file is an invoice and the attachment file is an invoice detail sheet, this is an effective control when there is no possibility of using the invoice detail sheet as an attachment file for another invoice.

[0068] The "Scanner Storage Areas" 603 and 606 are areas for uploading documents that have undergone optical reading (for example, image PDFs). The files uploaded to the "Scanner Storage Areas" 603 and 606 are first checked to see if they meet the scanner storage requirements defined by the Electronic Bookkeeping Storage Law. Specifically, checks such as reading at 200 dpi or higher and storage in color or grayscale are performed. Next, in order to meet the authenticity requirements defined by the Electronic Bookkeeping Storage Law, the files uploaded to the "Scanner Storage Areas" 603 and 606 are requested to have a timestamp issued. The hash value of the file uploaded to the Time-Stamping Authority (TSA) is transmitted, a timestamp token is received from the TSA, and it is stored in the file server 106 together with the uploaded file. In addition, when the file uploaded to the main file has the temporary registration button 620 pressed, OCR may be executed on the main file, information corresponding to the document index information 609 may be obtained, and it may be considered to meet the visibility requirements defined by the Electronic Bookkeeping Storage Law.

[0069] The "Electronic Transaction Areas" 604 and 607 are areas where text-based PDF (searchable PDF) files can be uploaded, and files received via email or the cloud in the form of text-based PDFs can be uploaded. For the files uploaded to the "Electronic Transaction Areas" 604 and 607, in order to ensure compliance with the authenticity requirements stipulated by the Electronic Bookkeeping Preservation Law, a request for the issuance of a timestamp is made. The timestamp token received from the TSA is stored in the file server 106 together with the uploaded file. The files uploaded to the main file may obtain information corresponding to the document index information 609 from the attribute information and the text information of the PDF.

[0070] The "Other Areas" 605 and 608 are areas where documents and files not subject to the Electronic Bookkeeping Preservation Law can be uploaded. For example, it is an area where internal daily reports that do not require timestamping can be uploaded. The files uploaded to the "Other Areas" 605 and 608 are not subject to scanner storage requirement checks or timestamping, and are stored in the file server 106 as soon as the temporary registration button 620 is pressed. Return to the description of the flowchart in Figure 4.

[0071] In step S403 of Figure 4, a file registration screen such as 600 in Figure 6 is displayed on the display unit 210 of the registrant terminal 104. In step S404, the registrant terminal 104 receives the file to be uploaded from the file registration user. Specifically, information on the file to be uploaded from the file registration user is appropriately received in six areas as shown at 610 on the screen of 600 in Figure 6. The upload method may be to drag and drop the file using the mouse pointer as shown at 610, or the file may be specified using the reference buttons 611 and 613.

[0072] In step S404, when a set of files to be uploaded from the file registration user is set to 600 in FIG. 6 and the temporary registration button 620 is pressed, the process transitions to step S405. In step S405, the registrant terminal 104 transmits the set of files set as the uploaded files to the web server 105. When transmitting, as one of the additional data, information (not shown) on which of the six regions each file is placed is also transmitted. The information on which region it is placed may be included in the file and transmitted from the registrant terminal 104 to the web server 105 while being held as the attribute information of each file.

[0073] In step S406, the web server 105 receives the set of files (main file / attached files) received from the registrant terminal 104.

[0074] Next, in step S407, one of the files received in step S406 is selected, and the processes from step S408 to S416 are repeated for all the files with respect to that file (the corresponding file).

[0075] In step S408, the web server 105 branches the process based on the information on which of the six regions the corresponding file is placed.

[0076] When the corresponding file is placed in the "scanner storage area" 603 or 606, the process transitions to step S409. When the corresponding file is placed in the "electronic transaction area" 604 or 607, the process transitions to step S410. When the corresponding file is placed in the "other area" 605 or 608, the process transitions to step S411.

[0077] When the process transitions to step S409, the web server 105 checks the scanner storage requirements for the corresponding file. The process of checking the scanner storage requirements will be described with reference to FIG. 5.

[0078] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the scanner storage requirement check process, and each step in FIG. 5 is a processing step executed by the CPU 201 of the Web server 105.

[0079] The flowchart in FIG. 5 is executed when the process transitions to step S409.

[0080] In step S501, the Web server 105 acquires the corresponding file picked up in step S407.

[0081] In step S502, the Web server 105 acquires the scan storage conditions of the corresponding file. Since the scanner storage requirements are whether it is read by a color image (in the case of important documents, general documents are read in grayscale), and whether the resolution is 200 dpi or more, etc., the scan storage conditions are acquired to confirm whether the corresponding file meets these conditions.

[0082] In step S503, the Web server 105 checks whether the scan storage conditions of the corresponding file meet the scanner storage requirements. If the scanner storage requirements are met, the process transitions to step S504, and if the scanner storage requirements are not met, the process transitions to step S505. If the corresponding file is not a scan image in the first place, the process transitions to step S506.

[0083] When the process transitions to step S504, the Web server 105 ends the flowchart in FIG. 5 with the scanner storage requirement status as "compliant" and returns to the flowchart in FIG. 4. The update of the scanner storage requirement status will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0084] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the management data of the files managed by the Web server 105.

[0085] 800 in FIG. 8 is an example of the file management data of the main file. The scanner storage requirement status ID 801 was in the "awaiting check" state 802 before the scanner storage requirement check was performed, but shows an example where it has become the "compliant" state 803 after the scanner storage requirement check was carried out.

[0086] 810 is an example of the file management data of the attached file. Even in the case of the attached file, the scanner storage requirement status ID 811 was in the "awaiting check" state 812 before the scanner storage requirement check was performed, but shows an example where it has been changed to the "compliant" state 813 as a result of the scanner storage requirement check having been met.

[0087] In the file management data 810 of the attached file, the document ID 804 of the main file associated with the attached file is registered as the main document ID 814 and is managed in association with the main file having the same document ID 804. Return to the description of the flowchart in FIG. 5.

[0088] If the corresponding file does not meet the scanner storage requirements in step S503 and the process proceeds to step S505, the web server 105 ends the flowchart in FIG. 5 with the scanner storage requirement status set to "error" and returns to the flowchart in FIG. 4. Note that when the scanner storage requirement status becomes "error", a notification indicating that the scanner storage requirements were not met may be sent to the registrant terminal 104.

[0089] In this way, by simply dragging and dropping files into the "scanner storage areas" 603 and 606, it is possible to perform a scanner storage requirement check on a plurality of files. Also, by means of the timestamp assignment process executed afterwards, it can be stored as electronic data corresponding to the Electronic Bookkeeping Act.

[0090] When the process transitions to step S506 because the file in question is not a scanned image in step S503, the web server 105 ends the flowchart of FIG. 5 with the scanner storage requirement status set to "not applicable" and returns to the flowchart of FIG. 4. Note that for files in the "electronic transaction area" and "other areas" as well, at the stage of step S408, the scanner storage requirement status is registered as "not applicable". This concludes the description of the flowchart of FIG. 5.

[0091] When the process of step S409 in FIG. 4 is completed or when the file in question is placed in the "electronic transaction area" in step S408, the process transitions to step S410. In step S410, the web server 105 requests the TSA (not shown) to issue a time stamp for the file in question. When a time stamp token is received from the TSA, the process transitions to the next step S411.

[0092] In step S411, the web server 105 branches the process depending on whether the file in question is a file placed in the main file upload area or a file placed in the attached file upload area. If the file in question is the main file, the process transitions to step S412, and if the file in question is an attached file, the process transitions to step S413.

[0093] When transitioning to step S412, the Web server 105 acquires the document index information of the corresponding file. For the document index information of the corresponding file where the scanner storage requirement status is "compliant", character information is obtained by OCR of the scanned image, and the value of the item corresponding to the pre-associated document index information is obtained to be the document index information. For the document index information of the corresponding file where the scanner storage requirement status is "excluded", the value of the item corresponding to the pre-associated document index information is obtained from the attribute information of the corresponding file or the text information in the PDF file to be the document index information. Note that since the corresponding files in the "other area" are not files managed by the Electronic Bookkeeping Law, it may be omitted to acquire the document index information.

[0094] When transitioning to step S413, since the corresponding file is an attached file, the Web server 105 acquires the document ID of the file uploaded to the same main file upload area as the "scanner storage area", "electronic transaction area", and "other area" where the attached file is placed, and reflects the document ID in the management data of the file. The reflection in the management data will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0095] 810 in Fig. 8 is an example of the file management data of the attached file. The first two lines are examples of the management data before the temporary registration button is pressed. In the main document ID 814 that defines the association with the main file, initially nothing is entered as in 815. At the stage of sending the file in step S405 or at the stage of step S413, the document ID 804 of the main file in the main file upload area in the same area as the three "scanner storage areas", "electronic transaction areas", and "other areas" in the attached file upload area is obtained and reflected in the main document ID column 814 (816). The data example in Fig. 8 is an example when the main file "estimate_202212.pdf" (616) set in the main file upload area 603 of the "scanner storage area" in the example of Fig. 6 is associated with the files "specification2.pdf" and "specification3.pdf" (617) in the attached file upload area 606. By registering "001", which is the document ID 804 of the main file "estimate_202212.pdf", as "001" (816) in the main document ID column 814 of the attached file, the main file and the attached file are associated. The relationship between "estimate_202212.pdf" and "specification2.pdf" and "specification3.pdf" is like the image in 820 of Fig. 8.

[0096] In addition, when multiple main files are registered in the "scanner storage area" 603, "electronic transaction area" 604, and "other area" 605 in the main file upload area, it may be a specification that attached files cannot be registered in the "scanner storage area" 606, "electronic transaction area" 607, and "other area" 608, which are the respective attached file upload areas 602. For example, it is an effective control when there is no possibility of using the itemized bill of the invoice as an attached file for another invoice appraisal, such as when the main file is the invoice appraisal and the attached file is the itemized bill of the invoice.

[0097] By associating and managing attached files with one main file as in 820, in the case of a case with multiple main files (for example, when there are multiple claim books and multiple specification sheets), it is possible to prevent the situation where it becomes unclear which main file the attached file is associated with, and it becomes possible to facilitate the management of the attached files.

[0098] As described above, steps S408 to S413 are steps showing an example of control processing for controlling to perform different predetermined processes set for each file upload area. Return to the explanation of the flowchart in FIG. 4.

[0099] In step S414 of FIG. 4, if the corresponding file and a time stamp are attached, the Web server 105 transmits a time stamp token to the file server 106.

[0100] In step S415, the file server 106 stores the received corresponding file and time stamp token. That is, this step is a step showing an example of storage processing for storing a file that performs a predetermined process set for each file upload area. Also, this step is a step showing an example of storage processing for storing the files registered in the first upload area and the second upload area respectively.

[0101] The processing from steps S407 to S416 above is repeated for the number of files received in step S406.

[0102] Next, referring to FIG. 7, a management screen for managing the settings of the upload screen for each document type will be described.

[0103] 700 in FIG. 7 is a screen for setting processes to be executed on files uploaded to the upload area for each document type and whether to display the attached file upload area, etc., and is an image of a screen used by an administrator of a registered user of the registration terminal 104.

[0104] In the document type column 701, "claim documents" is registered, and in the checkbox group 702, checkboxes are displayed for accepting selections of available data categories, accepting selections such as whether to apply a timestamp, etc.

[0105] For example, if Company A does not issue claim documents for scanner storage, it can uncheck the checkbox for "scanner storage" in the available data categories and display only the upload areas for "electronic transactions" and "others". If both scanner storage and electronic transactions are performed, all checkboxes in the available data categories can be checked to display a screen as shown in Figure 6.

[0106] Also, the checkbox column for the timestamp application target is a checkbox for selecting whether to set the issuance of a timestamp for the corresponding data category. For customers who do not need to issue a timestamp (for example, customers who manage scanned and saved ledger documents using a cloud tool that retains a correction and deletion history of the file content, or in the case of "electronic transactions", the claim recipients), the checkbox in the checkbox column for the timestamp application target can be unchecked to suppress the issuance of a timestamp and prevent an increase in costs due to unnecessary timestamp issuance.

[0107] The attached document checkbox 703 is a checkbox for selecting whether to display an attached file upload area on a screen such as that shown in Figure 6. For example, for customers who send only a one-page claim document or customers who send an appraisal and a detailed statement together as one PDF, no attached file is attached. In that case, a selection can be made not to display the attached file upload area.

[0108] After the settings of screen 700 are made, when the registration button 720 is pressed, a screen image similar to Figure 6 with the settings of screen 700 reflected is displayed to prompt the registered user to register the document.

[0109] As described above, by displaying a plurality of file upload areas, it is possible to execute different predetermined processes for each file upload area and upload files.

[0110] In addition, by having a plurality of main file upload areas and attached file upload areas, it becomes easier to collectively associate and upload attached files for a plurality of main files.

[0111] As described above, embodiments of the present invention have been shown. The present invention can take an embodiment as, for example, a system, device, method, program, or recording medium. Specifically, it may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices, or may also be applied to a device consisting of a single device.

[0112] Also, the program in the present invention is a program that a computer can execute the processing method of the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 or 5, and the storage medium of the present invention stores a program that a computer can execute the processing method of FIGS. 4 to 5. Note that the program in the present invention may be a program for each processing method of each device in FIG. 4 or 5.

[0113] As described above, it goes without saying that the object of the present invention can also be achieved by supplying a recording medium recording a program that realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device, and having a computer (or CPU or MPU) of the system or device read and execute the program stored in the recording medium.

[0114] In this case, the program itself read from the recording medium realizes the novel functions of the present invention, and the recording medium recording the program constitutes the present invention.

[0115] As a recording medium for supplying a program, for example, a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a CD-ROM, a CD-R, a DVD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a non-volatile memory card, a ROM, an EEPROM, a silicon disk, etc. can be used.

[0116] Moreover, by executing the program read by the computer, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also based on the instructions of the program, the OS (operating system) or the like running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing, and it goes without saying that the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by such processing.

[0117] Furthermore, after the program read from the recording medium is written into the memory provided in the function expansion board inserted into the computer or the function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instructions of the program code, the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or the function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing, and it goes without saying that the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by such processing.

[0118] In addition, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or to an apparatus composed of a single device. Needless to say, the present invention is also applicable when it is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus. In this case, by reading out the recording medium storing the program for achieving the present invention to the system or the apparatus, the system or the apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention.

[0119] Furthermore, by downloading and reading out the program for achieving the present invention from a server, a database, etc. on the network by a communication program, the system or the apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. Note that all configurations combining the above-described embodiments and their modifications are also included in the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0120] 100 Information processing system 102 Scanner device 104 Registrant terminal 105 Web server 106 File server 108 MFP 110 Issuer terminal 112 Internet line 114 Cloud environment

Claims

1. First display control means for controlling the display of a plurality of first upload areas for uploading main files; Second display control means for controlling the display of second upload areas for uploading associated files associated with the main files uploaded for each of the first upload areas; An information processing system, characterized in that an associated file registered in one of the second upload areas corresponding to the first upload area is managed in association with the main file registered in the first upload area associated with the second upload area.

2. The information processing system according to claim 1, further comprising storage means for storing the files registered in the first upload area and the second upload area, respectively.

3. The information processing system according to claim 1, wherein the second upload area enables registration of a plurality of associated files.

4. The information processing system according to claim 2, wherein the storage means can store the files registered in the first upload area and the files registered in the second upload area together.

5. The information processing system according to claim 1, further comprising control means for controlling so that no file is registered in the second upload area when a plurality of files are registered in the first upload area.

6. The information processing system according to claim 1, further comprising processing means for performing a predetermined process common to the main file registered in the first upload area and the associated file associated with the main file.

7. The information processing system according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined process includes a first process of checking the file to be uploaded.

8. The information processing system according to claim 7, wherein the first process is a process of checking whether the file to be uploaded meets the scanner storage requirements.

9. The information processing system according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined process includes a second process of adding information to the file to be uploaded.

10. The information processing system according to claim 9, wherein the second process is a process of adding a timestamp token to the file to be uploaded.

11. The information processing system according to claim 6, wherein the predetermined process includes a process of storing the file without performing a check of the file and a process of attaching information to the file.

12. The information processing system according to claims 4 and 6, wherein the second process is also performed on the file on which the first process has been performed among the files to be uploaded.

13. A first display control step of controlling the display of a plurality of first upload areas for uploading main files; A second display control step of controlling the display of second upload areas for uploading auxiliary files associated with the main files to be uploaded for each of the first upload areas; A control method for an information processing system, characterized in that an auxiliary file registered in one of the second upload areas corresponding to the first upload area is managed in association with the main file registered in the first upload area associated with the second upload area.

14. A program for causing at least one computer to function as each means of the information processing system according to claim 1 or 12.

Images