Information processing device, information processing program, and information processing method

Abstract

This approach minimizes the user's operational burden in creating a third file that contains first information based on the contents of the first file and second information based on the contents of the second file, while increasing the flexibility in arranging the first and second pieces of information. [Solution] The storage unit 12 stores preset layout information that pre-determines the arrangement of first information based on the contents of the first file and second information based on the contents of the second file, and the control unit 21 creates a third file in which the first information and the second information are arranged according to the preset layout information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing program, and an information processing method, and particularly to an information processing apparatus, an information processing program, and an information processing method for creating one file based on a plurality of files.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been an information processing apparatus that combines a plurality of related files into one file. As such an information processing apparatus, for example, there is an information processing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1. The information processing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 acquires document group data obtained by scanning a plurality of documents in units of pages, divides the document group data based on the pages that serve as document separators, generates files in units of documents, and combines a plurality of files that satisfy predetermined conditions into one.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the information processing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, since a plurality of files that satisfy predetermined conditions are combined into one file by arranging their contents in order, there is a problem that the degree of freedom in arranging the contents of each of the plurality of files in the content of the one file is low.

[0005] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to increase the degree of freedom in arranging the first and second information while suppressing the increased operational burden on the user in creating a third file which contains first information based on the contents of the first file and second information based on the contents of the second file. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a storage unit that stores a first file and a second file, and stores preset layout information that predetermines the arrangement of first information based on the contents of the first file and second information based on the contents of the second file; and a control unit that creates a third file in which the first information based on the contents of the first file and the second information based on the contents of the second file, read from the storage unit, are arranged according to the preset layout information read from the storage unit.

[0007] An information processing program according to one aspect of the present invention causes a computer to function as a control unit that creates a third file in which first information based on the contents of a first file and second information based on the contents of a second file are arranged based on preset layout information that is stored in a storage unit and specifies the arrangement of the first information based on the contents of the first file and the second information based on the contents of the second file.

[0008] An information processing method according to one aspect of the present invention includes a control step of creating a third file in which first information based on the contents of a first file and second information based on the contents of a second file are arranged based on preset layout information stored in a storage unit, which specifies the arrangement of the first information based on the contents of the first file and the second information based on the contents of the second file. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, by using preset layout information that pre-determines the arrangement of first information based on the contents of the first file and second information based on the contents of the second file, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the first and second information while suppressing the increased operational burden on the user when creating a third file in which the first and second information are arranged. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is an external perspective view of a server, a personal computer, and an image forming apparatus as information processing devices according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a block diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the server, personal computer, and image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] This diagram illustrates the creation of an ID card file based on preset layout information for ID cards. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates the creation of an ID card file based on preset layout information for ID cards. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates the creation of an ID card file based on preset layout information for ID cards. [Figure 6] This diagram illustrates the creation of an ID card file based on preset layout information for ID cards. [Figure 7] This diagram illustrates the creation of an ID card file based on preset layout information for ID cards. [Figure 8] This diagram illustrates a specific example of highlighting a sub-function. [Figure 9] This diagram illustrates a concrete example of masking sub-functions. [Figure 10] This diagram illustrates a concrete example of the process of completely deleting a sub-function. [Figure 11] This diagram illustrates a specific example of the form entry clearing process in the sub-function. [Figure 12]It is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of information processing by the servers in FIGS. 1 and 2. [Figure 13] It is a flowchart showing the subsequent processing procedure of the information processing procedure in FIG. 12. [Figure 14] It is a flowchart showing the subsequent processing procedure of the information processing procedure in FIG. 13.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, an information processing apparatus, an information processing program, and an information processing method according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] First, the server 1, the personal computer 3, and the image forming apparatus 5 as information processing apparatuses according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the server 1, the personal computer 3, and the image forming apparatus 5 as information processing apparatuses according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the internal configuration of the server 1, the personal computer 3, and the image forming apparatus 5 in FIG. 1. The image forming apparatus 5 is a multifunction device having a plurality of functions such as a facsimile function, a copy function, a printer function, and a scanner function, etc. In FIGS. 1 and 2, one personal computer 3 is shown, but as the personal computer 3, there are a personal computer 3 of a user who is an administrator (Admin), and a personal computer 3 of a user other than the administrator.

[0013] First, the image forming apparatus 5 will be described using FIGS. 1 and 2. A plurality of devices for realizing various functions of the image forming apparatus 5 are housed in the housing 51 of the image forming apparatus 5. For example, the housing 51 houses an image reading unit 52, an image forming unit 53 (see FIG. 2), a fixing unit 54 (see FIG. 2), a paper feeding unit 55, and the like.

[0014] The image reading unit 52 is an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) that includes a document conveyance unit 56 for conveying a document, and a scanner that optically reads the document conveyed by the document conveyance unit 56 or a document placed on a contact glass (not shown). The image reading unit 52 irradiates the document with light from a light irradiation unit, and receives the reflected light with a CCD sensor, thereby reading an image from the document and acquiring image data.

[0015] The image forming unit 53 includes a photoreceptor drum, a charging device, an exposure device, a developing device, and a transfer device. The image forming unit 53 forms a toner image on a recording paper supplied from the paper feeding unit 55 based on the image data acquired by the image reading unit 52, or image data sent from a personal computer and other facsimile devices connected via a network line, etc.

[0016] The fixing unit 54 performs a fixing process of heating the recording paper with a toner image formed on its surface by the image forming process of the image forming unit 53 and fixing the toner image on the recording paper by thermocompression bonding. After receiving the fixing process by the fixing unit 54, the recorded paper with the image formed is discharged to the paper discharge unit 57. The paper discharge unit 57 includes a paper discharge tray 58 for placing the discharged recorded paper with the image formed. The paper feeding unit 55 pulls out one by one the recording paper stored in the paper feeding cassette or the recording paper placed on the manual feed tray and sends it to the image forming unit 53.

[0017] The image forming apparatus 5 includes an operation unit 59 in the vicinity of the image reading unit 52 and on the front side of the image forming apparatus 5. The operation unit 59 receives an instruction input by the user via the operation unit 59 regarding processes related to various functions that the image forming apparatus 5 can execute. The operation unit 59 includes a touch panel type display unit 60. The display unit 60 displays various screens, such as a GUI (Graphical User Interface) screen for the user to perform various operations on various functions of the image forming apparatus 5 under the control of the control unit 71, for example, a home screen, a login screen, a copy screen, a transmission screen, and a job history screen, etc.

[0018] The image processing unit 61 includes an image processing circuit and performs image processing on the image data acquired by the image reading unit 52 as needed. The image memory 62 includes an area for temporarily storing the image data acquired by the image reading unit 52. For example, the image memory 62 temporarily stores the image data that is the target of image formation by the image forming unit 53.

[0019] The storage unit 63 is a high-capacity storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive), and is a high-capacity storage device that stores various data, including image data read by the storage unit 63. The storage unit 63 also stores various computer programs, such as control programs, for realizing the operation of the image forming apparatus 5.

[0020] The facsimile communication unit 64 is a facsimile communication mechanism that connects to a public network and transmits and receives image data via the public network. The network interface unit 65 is an interface to a LAN or internetwork. The control unit 71 communicates data with external devices such as a personal computer 3 on the LAN or internetwork via this network interface unit 65.

[0021] Each part of the image forming apparatus 5 is connected to a power supply (not shown), and the power supplied from this power supply enables the operation of each part of the image forming apparatus 5. In this embodiment, the control unit 70 controls the power supply to each part of the image forming apparatus 5. When predetermined conditions are met, such as no image forming process being performed for a predetermined period of time, the control unit 70 stops or limits the power supply to each part of the image forming apparatus 5, thereby transitioning the state of the image forming apparatus 5 to a power-saving state with low power consumption (hereinafter referred to as "power-saving mode"). Furthermore, when predetermined conditions are met, such as an operation being performed on the operation unit 59, the control unit 70 performs a recovery process from power-saving mode, bringing the state of the image forming apparatus 5 to a state where various functions of the image forming apparatus 5 can be quickly executed.

[0022] As shown in Figure 2, the image forming apparatus 5 includes a control unit 70. The control unit 70 includes a processor, RAM (Random Access Memory), and ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0023] The control unit 70 includes a control unit 71. The control unit 70 functions as a control unit 71 through the operation of the processor according to the control program stored in the memory unit 63. However, the control unit 71 and other components can also be configured by hardware circuits, rather than by operation according to the control program of the control unit 70. The same applies to each embodiment below unless otherwise specified.

[0024] The control unit 70 is electrically connected to the document transport unit 56, image reading unit 52, image forming unit 53, fixing unit 54, paper feeding unit 55, operation unit 59, image processing unit 61, image memory 62, storage unit 63, facsimile communication unit 64, and network interface unit 65, etc. The control unit 71 is responsible for the overall control of the image forming apparatus 5.

[0025] Next, the personal computer 3 will be described using Figures 1 and 2. The personal computer 3 comprises a control unit 36 ​​housed in the main unit 31, an operation unit 32, a display unit 33, a communication unit 34 housed in the main unit 31, and a storage unit 35 housed in the main unit 31. Each of these components is capable of sending and receiving signals from each other via a communication bus.

[0026] The operation unit 32 consists of a keyboard, mouse, etc., and accepts user input based on user operations. The display unit 33 consists of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), etc., and its operation is controlled by the control unit 37 of the control unit 36.

[0027] The communication unit 34 is a communication interface that transmits and receives various signals with external devices such as image forming apparatuses within the local area network or on the internet.

[0028] The storage unit 35 is a large-capacity storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive), and stores various computer programs, such as control programs, for realizing the operation of the personal computer 3.

[0029] The control unit 36 ​​includes a processor, RAM (Random Access Memory), and ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0030] The control unit 36 ​​includes a control unit 37. The control unit 36 ​​functions as a control unit 37 through the operation of the processor in accordance with the control program stored in the memory unit 35. However, the control unit 37 and other components can also be configured by hardware circuits, rather than by operation in accordance with the control program of the control unit 36. The same applies to each embodiment below unless otherwise specified.

[0031] The control unit 37 is responsible for the overall operation control of the personal computer 3. The control unit 37 is connected to the operation unit 32, the display unit 33, the communication unit 34, and the storage unit 35, and performs drive control and other functions for each of these units.

[0032] Next, Server 1 will be described using Figures 1 and 2. Server 1 comprises a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, and a communication unit 13. Each of these components is capable of sending and receiving signals from each other via a communication bus.

[0033] The communication unit 13 is a communication interface that transmits and receives various signals with external devices such as personal computers on the internet.

[0034] The storage unit 12 is a large-capacity storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive), and stores various computer programs, such as control programs, for realizing the operation of the server 1. An information processing program 12A is installed in the storage unit 12 as one of the control programs.

[0035] The control unit 11 includes a processor, RAM (Random Access Memory), and ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The control unit 11 includes a control unit 21. The control unit 11 functions as a control unit 21 through the operation of the processor according to an information processing program 12A, which is one of the control programs stored in the memory unit 12. However, the control unit 21, etc., can also be configured by hardware circuits, rather than by operation according to the information processing program 12A, etc., by the control unit 11. The same applies to each embodiment below unless otherwise specified.

[0036] The control unit 21 is responsible for the overall operation control of the server 1. The control unit 21 is connected to the communication unit 13 and the storage unit 12, and performs drive control and other functions for these units.

[0037] The storage unit 12 stores the first file and the second file, and stores preset layout information that pre-determines the arrangement of the first information based on the contents of the first file and the second information based on the contents of the second file.

[0038] The control unit 21 creates a third file in which the first information based on the contents of the first file read from the storage unit and the second information based on the contents of the second file are arranged based on the preset layout information read from the storage unit.

[0039] There are multiple first files, and each first file name representing a first file includes a first identical string portion that is the same as each other and a first different string portion that is different from each other. There are also multiple second files, and each second file name representing a second file includes a second identical string portion that is the same as each other and a second different string portion that is different from each other. The control unit 21 uses the first file and the second file, in which the first different string portion and the second different string portion are the same, to create the third file by arranging the first information based on the contents of the first file and the second information based on the contents of the second file based on the preset layout information.

[0040] The first file contains a predetermined first string in its contents, the file name indicating the second file is composed of a predetermined second string, and the contents of the second file contain multiple name strings. The control unit 21 uses the first file containing the first string in its contents and the second file whose file name is composed of the second string to create a third file in which, for each of the multiple name strings included in the contents of the second file, the first information based on the contents of the first file and the name string as second information based on the contents of the second file are arranged according to the preset layout information.

[0041] The control unit 21 identifies the processing target information in the file contents that is to be processed, and performs the processing on the identified processing target information.

[0042] The control unit 21 identifies the information to be processed based on the keyword information and performs the process of highlighting the identified information to be processed.

[0043] The control unit 21 identifies the information to be processed based on the keyword information and performs the process of masking the identified information to be processed.

[0044] The aforementioned file contains a form that includes entries, and the control unit 21 identifies the input information of the entries as the information to be processed, and performs the process of clearing the input information of the entries that have been identified as the information to be processed.

[0045] Next, the layout function in this embodiment will be described. The layout function in this embodiment provides both manual editing and automatic editing.

[0046] In manual editing mode, users can freely edit the file contents (images, documents) using supported editing operations. For example, users can perform edits such as cropping, resizing, rotating, and merging on the file contents (images, documents). For instance, by cropping a portion of the contents of the first file, resizing or rotating that portion, and placing it in the contents of the second file at the user's desired position, a third file can be created that combines the first information based on the contents of the first file and the second information based on the contents of the second file.

[0047] Manual editing can be performed in the following way, for example:

[0048] The user of personal computer 3 uses the operation unit 32 to perform an operation to read files (first file, second file) to be manually edited from the files uploaded to server 1. The operation unit 32 outputs a signal related to the file reading instruction to the control unit 37, and based on the signal input from the operation unit 32, the control unit 37 transmits a signal regarding the content of the file reading instruction to server 1 via the communication unit 34.

[0049] Based on the signal received from the personal computer 3 via the communication unit 13, the control unit 21 of server 1 transmits signals regarding the contents of the files that the user has instructed to read (contents of the first file, contents of the second file) to the personal computer 3 via the communication unit 13. Based on the signal received from the server 1 via the communication unit 34, the control unit 37 of personal computer 3 displays the contents of the files that the user has instructed to read (contents of the first file, contents of the second file) on the display unit 33.

[0050] The user uses the operation unit 32 to specify the portion to be edited from the contents of the first file, to specify the content to be edited, and to specify the portion to be placed in the contents of the second file after processing the content of the first file. The operation unit 32 outputs signals related to the instruction operation for the edited portion, the instruction operation for the editing process, and the instruction operation for the placement portion to the control unit 37. Based on these signals input from the operation unit 32, the control unit 37 sends signals related to the edited portion, the editing process, and the placement portion to the server 1.

[0051] The control unit 21 of server 1 processes the edited portion of the first file based on these signals received from personal computer 3 via communication unit 13, and creates the third file by placing the processed edited portion into the placement area in the content of the second file.

[0052] The control unit 21 of server 1 sends a signal regarding the contents of the created third file to personal computer 3 via the communication unit 13. Based on the signal received from server 1 via the communication unit 34, the control unit 37 of personal computer 3 displays the contents of the third file on the display unit 33.

[0053] In automatic editing mode, users can easily edit multiple selected files by using predefined layout information (preset layout information) to arrange the information in a specific way. Only when automatic editing is selected can users use preset layout information to combine files, for example, the first and second files to create a third file. Preset layout information is, for example, information that pre-determines the arrangement of the first information based on the content of the first file and the second information based on the content of the second file. Users can also select from multiple preset layout options to use for editing files. Administrators can pre-determine the layout based on the content of files uploaded by users (administrators and non-administrators).

[0054] In this embodiment, the administrator has predetermined several preset layout information sets, including preset layout information for the preset layout named "ID card layout" (hereinafter referred to as "ID card preset layout information" as appropriate), preset layout information for the preset layout named "certificate layout" (hereinafter referred to as "certificate preset layout information" as appropriate), and so on. The storage unit 12 stores each preset layout information set and the preset layout name that indicates each preset layout information set.

[0055] Here, we will explain an example of the process from selecting automatic editing in the layout function to identifying the preset layout name, which indicates the preset layout information to be used for automatic editing of the file.

[0056] The control unit 21 of server 1 sends a signal related to screen information to the personal computer 3 via the communication unit 13 for displaying a screen on the display unit that allows the user to select whether or not they want to perform automatic editing using preset layout information with the layout function (hereinafter referred to as the "automatic editing execution selection screen" as appropriate). The control unit 37 of personal computer 3 displays the automatic editing execution selection screen on the display unit 33 based on the signal received from server 1 via the communication unit 34.

[0057] The user uses the operation unit 32 to indicate (select) whether they want to perform automatic editing or not. The operation unit 32 outputs a signal related to the instruction operation for wanting or not wanting automatic editing to the control unit 37. Based on the signal input from the operation unit 32, the control unit 37 sends a signal to the server 1 via the communication unit 34 indicating whether the user wants to perform automatic editing or not. The control unit 21 of the server 1 determines whether the user wants to perform automatic editing or not based on the signal received from the personal computer 3 via the communication unit 13.

[0058] If the control unit 21 determines that the user wishes to perform automatic editing, it sends a signal to the personal computer 3 via the communication unit 13 to display a screen containing a list of selectable preset layout names (in this embodiment, such as "ID card layout" and "certificate layout") that represent the preset layout information stored in the storage unit 12 (hereinafter referred to as the "preset layout selection screen" as appropriate). Based on the signal received from the server 1 via the communication unit 34, the control unit 37 of the personal computer 3 displays the preset layout selection screen on the display unit 33.

[0059] The user uses the operation unit 32 to specify (select) a preset layout name from the list of preset layout names that indicates the preset layout information to be used for automatic editing. The operation unit 32 outputs a signal related to the instruction operation of the preset layout name to the control unit 37. Based on the signal input from the operation unit 32, the control unit 37 transmits a signal regarding the preset layout name that indicates the preset layout information to be used for automatic editing to the server 1 via the communication unit 34. Based on the signal received from the personal computer 3 via the communication unit 13, the control unit 21 of the server 1 identifies the preset layout name that indicates the preset layout information to be used for automatic editing specified by the user, and reads the preset layout information of the identified preset layout name from the storage unit 12.

[0060] Next, we will explain the preset layout information for ID cards and the preset layout information for certificates.

[0061] First, let's explain the preset layout information for ID cards. The preset layout information for ID cards is in the file name Idprofile_ <num>The file (a file containing the profile to be printed on the ID card; hereafter referred to as "ID card profile file" as appropriate) and the filename Idpic_ <num>This is layout information predetermined by the administrator for creating a file (hereinafter referred to as "ID card file") by combining it with a file (a file containing a facial photograph to be printed on the ID card; hereinafter referred to as "ID card facial photograph file" as appropriate). The ID card preset layout information is information that predetermined the arrangement of the first information based on the profile, which is the content of the ID card profile file, and the second information based on the facial photograph, which is the content of the ID card facial photograph file. The storage unit 12 stores multiple ID card profile files and multiple ID card facial photograph files.

[0062] In the automatic editing process using the layout function with preset layout information for ID cards, the control unit 21 is the same <num>The file name is Idprofile_ <num>The first piece of information based on the profile, which is the content of the ID card profile file, and the file name Idpic_ <num>The ID card file is created by arranging the second piece of information, which is based on the facial photograph for the ID card and contains the facial photograph file for the ID card, according to the preset layout information for the ID card.

[0063] However, each file name indicating an ID card profile file is defined to include a string portion that is the same as the other (hereinafter referred to as the "first identical string portion") indicating that it is a profile file to be printed on the ID card, and a string portion that is different from the other to distinguish multiple ID card profile files (hereinafter referred to as the "first different string portion"), and in this embodiment, the first identical string portion starts with Idprofile_ and the first different string portion <num>This is determined to follow the first identical string part, Idprofile_. The filenames indicating the profile files for ID cards are, for example, Idprofile_1, Idprofile_2, Idprofile_3, etc.

[0064] Furthermore, each file name indicating an ID card facial photograph file is defined to include a string portion that is the same as the other (hereinafter referred to as the "second identical string portion") indicating that it is a file containing a facial photograph to be printed on an ID card, and a string portion that is different from the other to distinguish multiple ID card facial photograph file files (hereinafter referred to as the "second different string portion"), and in this embodiment, the second identical string portion starts with Idpic_ and the second different string portion <num>This is determined to follow the second identical string part, Idpic_. The filenames indicating the facial photograph files for ID cards are, for example, Idpic_1, Idpic_2, Idpic_3, etc.

[0065] Furthermore, the first identical string portion of the filename indicating the ID card profile file (Idprofile_) and the second identical string portion of the filename indicating the ID card photo file (Idpic_) are defined to be different.

[0066] Here, a specific example of the automatic editing process using the layout function with a preset layout for ID cards by the control unit 21 will be explained with reference to Figures 3 to 7.

[0067] The control unit 21 selects from among multiple ID card profile files and multiple ID card facial photo files the first difference string portion shown in Figure 3. <num>and the second difference in the string part <num>The control unit 21 determines that the ID card profile file with the filename "Idprofile_1" and the ID card face photo file with the filename "Idpic_1", both of which have the same value of 1, will be combined into a single ID card file. As shown in Figure 4, the control unit 21 extracts the face photo image 101 from the contents of the ID card face photo file with the filename "Idpic_1", and as shown in Figure 5, it holds the profile 102 of the ID card profile file with the filename "Idprofile_1" and the face photo image 101 extracted from the contents of the ID card face photo file with the filename "Idpic_1". Based on the ID card preset layout information, the control unit 21 places the profile 102 at the location of the profile defined in the ID card preset layout information, as shown in Figure 6, and places the face image 101 at the location of the face image defined in the ID card preset layout information, as shown in Figure 7, to create the ID card file.

[0068] Next, we will explain the preset layout information for certificates. The certificate preset layout information is a layout information predetermined by the administrator for creating a file in which names are placed on the certificate (hereinafter referred to as "certificate file"), for each name, using a file containing a predetermined first string (in this embodiment, the word "certificate") (a file containing the certification content to be included in the certificate: hereinafter referred to as "certificate content file") and a file named certificate_names (a file listing the names to be included in the certificate: hereinafter referred to as "certificate name list file"). The certificate preset layout information is information that predetermined the arrangement of first information based on the certification content, which is the content of the certificate content file, and second information (one name) based on the name list, which is the content of the certificate name list file. The storage unit 12 stores the certificate content file and the certificate name list file.

[0069] In the automatic editing process using the layout function with preset layout information for certificates, if the file is a certificate content file containing a predetermined string (word certificate) in its contents, the control unit 21 creates a certificate file by arranging, based on the preset layout information for certificates, the first information based on the certificate content file and the second information based on the name listed in the name list file, for each name listed in the name list file named certificate_names. Here, since the number of names to be placed in the certificate is set to 1, the number of certificate files created will be the same as the number of names listed in the name list. Note that the number of names to be placed in the certificate may be other than 1.

[0070] In this embodiment, the preset layout information may be other than the preset layout information for ID cards and the preset layout information for certificates. Furthermore, the administrator may set default preset layout information and allow users to choose whether or not to use the default preset layout information.

[0071] Next, the data enhancement, data masking, and data deletion functions in this embodiment (hereinafter referred to as "data masking and other functions" as appropriate) will be described.

[0072] The data masking function is a function that automatically performs specific processing on specific information in the contents of a file (image, document). In this embodiment, the specific processing is the processing of a sub-function within the data masking function. The specific information is information identified based on keyword information in the contents of the file (image, document) when the sub-function is highlight, mask, complete deletion, or complete deletion and relayout, as described later, and is the input information of the entry when the sub-function is form entry clear, as described later.

[0073] If the sub-function is highlight, mask, completely delete, completely delete and rearrange as described later, the control unit 21 identifies the information in the file content that is to be processed by the sub-function (hereinafter referred to as "processing target information" as appropriate) based on the keyword information, and performs the sub-function processing on the identified processing target information. If the sub-function is clear form entries as described later, the control unit 21 identifies the input information of entries in the file content as the information to be processed by the sub-function (processing target information), and clears the input information of entries identified as processing target information.

[0074] Keyword information is information used as a clue to search for information that is the target of processing for sub-functions (processing target information) within the file content. Keyword information can be found from the file content using, for example, OCR (Optical Character Reader) technology. In this embodiment, the keyword information includes Full Name (First, Middle, Last), Birthday / Date of Birth, Password, Address, OR Number, ID Picture, etc., and each of these keyword information is set as a default value. The storage unit 12 stores Full Name (First, Middle, Last), Birthday / Date of Birth, Password, Address, OR Number, ID Picture, etc. as default values ​​for keyword information. To improve the convenience of users other than administrators, administrators may be allowed to change the default values ​​of keywords, such as by adding keyword information.

[0075] Multiple sub-functions are provided for data masking and other functions, and each sub-function is an optional function that performs a predetermined process on the target information in the file content. In this embodiment, the sub-functions provided are highlight, mask, complete delete, complete delete and relayout, and form entry clear. The storage unit 12 stores the content of each sub-function and the name of the sub-function that indicates each sub-function. In this embodiment, complete delete is set as the default value for the sub-function, and the storage unit 12 stores complete delete as the default value for the sub-function. Note that, in order to improve the convenience of users other than the administrator, the administrator may be allowed to change the default value of the sub-function.

[0076] The data masking function can be set to either on (use of the data masking function) or off, and in this embodiment, the default value for the data masking function is off. The storage unit 12 stores a flag for the data masking function that determines whether the function is set to on or off.

[0077] The administrator can set data masking and other similar functions to either on or off, and this setting can be done, for example, as follows:

[0078] The administrator uses the operation unit 32 to perform an operation to call up a screen for setting the on / off status of data masking and other functions (hereinafter referred to as the "on / off setting screen" as appropriate). The operation unit 32 outputs a signal related to the operation to call up the on / off setting screen to the control unit 37. Based on the signal input from the operation unit 32, the control unit 37 sends a signal related to calling up the on / off setting screen to the server 1 via the communication unit 34. Based on the signal received from the personal computer 3 via the communication unit 13, the control unit 21 of the server 1 sends a signal related to setting screen information for displaying the on / off setting screen to the personal computer 3 via the communication unit 13. Based on the signal received from the server 1 via the communication unit 34, the control unit 37 of the personal computer 3 displays the on / off setting screen on the display unit 33.

[0079] The administrator uses the operation unit 32 to instruct the system to turn on or off the data masking function. The operation unit 32 outputs a signal related to the on or off instruction operation for the data masking function to the control unit 37. Based on the signal received from the operation unit 32, the control unit 37 transmits a signal related to the on or off setting of the data masking function to the server 1 via the communication unit 34. Based on the signal received from the personal computer 3, the control unit 21 of the server 1 sets the flag for the data masking function stored in the storage unit 12 to on or off.

[0080] In this embodiment, if the data masking function is turned on and the user chooses to use the data masking function, the control unit 21 will first execute the processing of the sub-functions of the data masking function before executing the processing of the layout function.

[0081] Next, we will explain the sub-functions of data masking and other features in the following order: highlighting, masking, complete deletion, complete deletion and re-layout, and clearing form entries.

[0082] If a sub-function is highlighted, the control unit 21 identifies the information to be processed in the file content based on the keyword information and highlights the identified information to be processed.

[0083] For example, if the file contains the contents shown in Figure 8(A) and the keyword information is Full Name (First, Middle, Last), Birthday / Date of Birth, Password, Address, OR Number, and ID Picture, the control unit 21 will find the string Name related to the keyword information Full Name (First, Middle, Last) in the file contents and identify the information ZHANG, EMILY WEI located to its right, and the string Date of Birth related to the keyword information Birthday / Date of Birth and identify the information March 7. 1992 located to its right as information to be processed. The control unit 21 will then highlight ZHANG, EMILY WEI and March 7. 1992, which have been identified as information to be processed, as shown in Figure 8(B).

[0084] If the sub-function is masking, the control unit 21 identifies the information to be processed in the file content based on keyword information and applies a mask to the identified information to be processed. In this embodiment, the information to be processed is masked by blacking it out, but the masking process may be done by means other than blacking it out.

[0085] For example, if the file contains the information shown in Figure 9(A) and the keyword information is Full Name (First, Middle, Last), Birthday / Date of Birth, Password, Address, OR Number, and ID Picture, the control unit 21 finds the string Name related to the keyword information Full Name (First, Middle, Last) in the file contents and the information FERIA, RIVI-ANNE ABAD located to its right, the string Date of Birth related to the keyword information Birthday / Date of Birth and the information November 24, 1993 located to its right, the string Address related to the keyword information Address and the information Feria Street, La Castellana, Negros Occidental located to its right, and the face image corresponding to the keyword information ID Picture, and identifies each of the found face images as information to be processed, and applies a mask to each of the identified information to be processed, FERIA, RIVI-ANNE ABAD, November 24, 1993, Feria Street, La Castellana, Negros Occidental, and the face image, as shown in Figure 9(B).

[0086] If a sub-function is to be completely deleted, the control unit 21 identifies the information to be processed in the file contents based on keyword information and completely deletes the identified information to be processed.

[0087] For example, if the file contains the information shown in Figure 10(A), and the keyword information is Full Name (First, Middle, Last), Birthday / Date of Birth, Password, Address, OR Number, and ID Picture, the control unit 21 will find the string Name related to the keyword information Full Name (First, Middle, Last) in the file contents and identify the information LARIN, PIA MARIE F located to its right, the string Date of Birth related to the keyword information Birthday / Date of Birth and identify the information December 18, 1984 located to its right, and the string Address related to the keyword information Address and identify the information 51 ZORRA ST.. SAN FRANCISCO DEL MONTE, QUEZON CITY, METRO MANILA, NCR 1105 located to its right as information to be processed. Completely remove CITY, METRO MANILA, and NCR 1105, as shown in Figure 10(B).

[0088] If a sub-function is to be completely deleted and rearranged, the control unit 21 identifies the information to be processed in the file contents based on keyword information, completely deletes the identified information to be processed, and rearranges the file contents based on the position of the deleted information to be processed.

[0089] If the sub-function is to clear form entries, the control unit 21 identifies the input information of the entries in the file contents as information to be processed, and clears the input information of the entries identified as information to be processed.

[0090] For example, if the file contains a form with entries as shown in Figure 11(A), the control unit 21 finds an underline (information indicating the location of an entry) in the file's contents, identifies the input information of the entry located above the found underline, such as JUAN DELACRUZ, APAS, CEBU CITY, CEBU, and PHILIPPINES, as information to be processed, and clears each of the identified information to be processed, such as JUAN DELACRUZ, APAS, CEBU CITY, CEBU, and PHILIPPINES, as shown in Figure 11(B).

[0091] Next, the information processing by Server 1 will be explained with reference to Figures 12 to 14. Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the processing steps of the information processing by Server 1 in Figures 1 and 2. Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the processing steps that follow the information processing steps in Figure 12. Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the processing steps that follow the information processing steps in Figure 13.

[0092] The control unit 21 determines whether the user wishes to select a folder (step S1). Here, the control unit 21 sends a signal related to screen information for displaying a screen on the display unit that allows the user to select whether or not to select a folder (hereinafter referred to as the "folder selection / deselection screen") to the personal computer 3 via the communication unit 13. The control unit 37 of the personal computer 3 displays the folder selection / deselection screen on the display unit 33 based on the signal received from the server 1 via the communication unit 34. The user uses the operation unit 32 to indicate (select) whether they wish to select a folder or not, and the operation unit 32 outputs a signal related to the operation to indicate whether or not to select a folder to the control unit 37. Based on the signal input from the operation unit 32, the control unit 37 sends a signal to the server 1 via the communication unit 34 regarding whether or not the user wishes to select a folder. The control unit 21 of the server 1 determines whether or not the user wishes to select a folder based on the signal received from the personal computer 3 via the communication unit 13.

[0093] If the control unit 21 determines in the determination process of step S1 that the user wishes to select a folder (S1: YES), the control unit 21 identifies the folder selected by the user (step S2). Here, the control unit 21 sends a signal regarding screen information for displaying a screen (hereinafter referred to as the "folder selection screen") on the display unit via the communication unit 13 to the personal computer 3, which includes a list of folder names representing each folder stored in the storage unit 12 that can be selected. Based on the signal received from the server 1 via the communication unit 34, the control unit 37 of the personal computer 3 displays the folder selection screen on the display unit 33. The user uses the operation unit 32 to indicate (select) the folder name representing the desired folder, and the operation unit 32 outputs a signal related to the folder name indication operation to the control unit 37. Based on the signal input from the operation unit 32, the control unit 37 sends a signal regarding the folder name representing the folder selected by the user to the server 1 via the communication unit 34. Based on the signal received from the personal computer 3 via the communication unit 13, the control unit 21 of the server 1 identifies the folder with the folder name representing the folder selected by the user.

[0094] Following the processing in step S2, the control unit 21 sends a signal relating to screen information to the personal computer 3 via the communication unit 13 for displaying a screen (hereinafter referred to as the "first file selection screen") on the display unit, which includes a list of filenames (image files, document files) within the folder identified as having been selected by the user in step S2, allowing the user to select them (step S3). Based on the signal received from the server 1 via the communication unit 34, the control unit 37 of the personal computer 3 displays the first file selection screen on the display unit 33.

[0095] Following the processing in step S3, the control unit 21 identifies the file with the filename selected by the user from among the files with filenames listed in the list (step S4). Here, the user uses the operation unit 32 to specify (select) a filename from among the filenames listed in the list, and the operation unit 32 outputs a signal related to the filename specification operation to the control unit 37. Based on the signal input from the operation unit 32, the control unit 37 transmits a signal related to the filename selected by the user to the server 1 via the communication unit 34. The control unit 21 of the server 1 identifies the file with the filename selected by the user based on the signal received from the personal computer 3 via the communication unit 13.

[0096] If the control unit 21 determines in the determination process of step S1 that the user does not wish to select a folder (S1: NO), the control unit 21 identifies the file (image file, document file) with the file name individually selected by the user (step S5). Here, the control unit 21 sends a signal related to screen information for displaying a screen (hereinafter referred to as the "second file selection screen") on the display unit via the communication unit 13 to the personal computer 3. Based on the signal received from the server 1 via the communication unit 34, the control unit 37 of the personal computer 3 displays the second file selection screen on the display unit 33. The user uses the operation unit 32 to indicate (select) a file name from the file names listed in the list, and the operation unit 32 outputs a signal related to the file name indication operation to the control unit 37. Based on the signal input from the operation unit 32, the control unit 37 sends a signal related to the file name selected by the user to the server 1 via the communication unit 34. The control unit 21 of server 1 identifies the file with the filename individually selected by the user based on the signal received from personal computer 3 via communication unit 13.

[0097] If, following the processing in step S4, or following the processing in step S5, or in the determination process in step S16 described later, the control unit 21 determines that the user does not wish to perform data masking or other functions (S16: NO), the control unit 21 determines whether the data masking or other functions are set to ON based on the flag for the data masking or other functions stored in the storage unit 12 (step S6). However, the processing in step S6 is in the backend and cannot be seen by the user.

[0098] If the control unit 21 determines in the determination process of step S6 that the data masking function is not set to ON, that is, that the data masking function is set to OFF (S6: NO), the control unit 21 determines whether the current user is an administrator or not (step S7). The determination of whether the current user is an administrator or not can be made using known methods, for example, by determining whether the current user's user ID is an administrator ID or not.

[0099] If the control unit 21 determines in the determination process of step S7 that the current user is an administrator (S7:YES), the control unit 21 determines whether the current user, who is an administrator, wishes to use data masking or other functions (step S8). Here, the control unit 21 sends a signal regarding screen information for displaying a screen in which the current user, who is an administrator, can choose whether or not to use data masking or other functions (hereinafter referred to as the "data masking or other functions use / do not use selection screen" as appropriate) to the personal computer 3 via the communication unit 13. Based on the signal received from the server 1 via the communication unit 34, the control unit 37 of the personal computer 3 displays the data masking or other functions use / do not use selection screen on the display unit 33. The current user, who is the administrator, uses the operation unit 32 to indicate (select) whether they wish to use data masking or other functions, or to indicate (select) whether they do not wish to use them. The operation unit 32 outputs a signal to the control unit 37 regarding the operation to indicate whether they wish to use or do not wish to use data masking or other functions. Based on the signal input from the operation unit 32, the control unit 37 sends a signal to the server 1 via the communication unit 34 regarding whether the current user, who is the administrator, wishes to use or does not wish to use data masking or other functions. The control unit 21 of the server 1 determines whether the current user, who is the administrator, wishes to use data masking or other functions this time, based on the signal received from the personal computer 3 via the communication unit 13.

[0100] If the control unit 21 determines in the determination process of step S6 that the data masking function is set to ON (S6:YES), or if the control unit 21 determines in the determination process of step S8 that the current user, who is the administrator, wishes to use the data masking function this time (S8:YES), the control unit 21 identifies the files (image files, document files) that the user has selected to be processed by the data masking function (step S9). Here, the control unit 21 sends a signal related to screen information for displaying a screen (hereinafter referred to as the "data masking function target file selection screen") on the display unit via the communication unit 13 to the personal computer 3, which includes a list of file names that the control unit 21 has identified as having been selected by the user in the processing of step S4 or step S5 (hereinafter referred to as the "data masking function target file selection screen"). Based on the signal received from the server 1 via the communication unit 34, the control unit 37 of the personal computer 3 displays the data masking function target file selection screen on the display unit 33. The user uses the operation unit 32 to specify (select) a file name from the list of file names. The operation unit 32 outputs a signal related to the file name specification operation to the control unit 37. Based on the signal input from the operation unit 32, the control unit 37 transmits a signal related to the file name selected by the user to the server 1 via the communication unit 34. The control unit 21 of the server 1 identifies the file with the file name selected by the user based on the signal received from the personal computer 3 via the communication unit 13.

[0101] Following the processing in step S9, the control unit 21 determines whether the user wishes to use a default value set for functions such as data masking (step S10). Here, the control unit 21 sends a signal regarding screen information for displaying a screen in which the user can choose whether or not to use a default value set (hereinafter referred to as the "default value set use / not use selection screen") via the communication unit 13 to the personal computer 3. Based on the signal received from the server 1 via the communication unit 34, the control unit 37 of the personal computer 3 displays the default value set use / not use selection screen on the display unit 33. The user uses the operation unit 32 to indicate (select) whether they wish to use the default value set for data masking and other functions, or not to use it. The operation unit 32 outputs a signal to the control unit 37 related to the operation to indicate whether the user wishes to use the default value set for data masking and other functions, or not. Based on the signal input from the operation unit 32, the control unit 37 transmits a signal to the server 1 via the communication unit 34 regarding whether the user wishes to use the default value set for data masking and other functions. The control unit 21 of the server 1 determines whether the user wishes to use the default value set for data masking and other functions based on the signal received from the personal computer 3 via the communication unit 13.

[0102] In the determination process of step S10, if the control unit 21 determines that the user wishes to use a default value set for data masking and other functions (S10: YES), the control unit 21 reads the default value set for data masking and other functions (keyword information, sub-functions) from the storage unit 12 (step S11). In this embodiment, as described above, the default value set for data masking and other functions consists of keyword information of Full Name (First, Middle, Last), Birthday / Date of Birth, Password, Address, OR Number, and ID Picture, and the sub-function is complete deletion.

[0103] In the determination process of step S10, if the control unit 21 determines that the user does not wish to use the default value set for data masking or other functions (S10: NO), the control unit 21 identifies the keyword information for data masking or other functions entered by the user (step S12). Here, the control unit 21 sends a signal related to screen information for displaying a screen on the display unit where the user can enter keyword information (hereinafter referred to as the "keyword information input screen") via the communication unit 13 to the personal computer 1, and the control unit 37 of the personal computer 1 displays the keyword information input screen on the display unit 13 based on the signal received via the communication unit 37. The user performs an operation to instruct (input) keyword information using the operation unit 32, and the operation unit 32 outputs a signal related to the keyword information instruction operation to the control unit 37, and the control unit 37 sends a signal related to the content of the keyword information instruction to the server 1 via the communication unit 34 based on the signal input from the operation unit 32. The control unit 21 of the server 1 identifies the keyword information entered by the user based on the signal received from the personal computer 3 via the communication unit 13. Users can enter one or more keywords.

[0104] Following step S12, the control unit 21 transmits a signal related to screen information for displaying a screen (hereinafter referred to as the "sub-function selection screen") on the display unit via the communication unit 13 to the personal computer 3 (step S13). This screen includes a list of sub-function names that the user can select from, indicating sub-functions stored in the storage unit 12 that are supported in the data masking and other functions. Based on this signal received from the server 1 via the communication unit 34, the control unit 37 of the personal computer 3 displays the sub-function selection screen on the display unit 33. In this embodiment, the sub-functions supported in the data masking and other functions are highlight, mask, completely delete, completely delete and rearrange, and form entry clear. Note that if the user selects form entry clear as a sub-function, it is not necessary to input keyword information.

[0105] Following step S13, the control unit 21 identifies the subfunction of the subfunction name selected by the user from among the subfunctions of the subfunction names listed in the list (step S14). Here, the user uses the operation unit 32 to indicate (select) a subfunction name from among the subfunction names listed in the list, the operation unit 32 outputs a signal related to the operation of indicating the subfunction name to the control unit 37, and the control unit 37, based on the signal input from the operation unit 32, transmits a signal related to the subfunction name selected by the user to the server 1 via the communication unit 34. The control unit 21 of the server 1 identifies the subfunction of the subfunction name selected by the user based on the signal received from the personal computer 3 via the communication unit 13.

[0106] Following the processing in step S11, or following the processing in step S14, the control unit 21 sends a signal regarding the contents of the file identified as selected by the user in step S9 to the personal computer 1 via the communication unit 13 (step S15). Based on the signal received from the server 1 via the communication unit 34, the control unit 37 of the personal computer 3 displays a preview of the file output on the display unit 33.

[0107] Following the processing in step S15, the control unit 21 determines whether the user wishes to perform data masking or other functions (step S16). Here, the control unit 21 sends a signal related to screen information for displaying a screen on the display unit that allows the user to select whether or not they wish to perform data masking or other functions (hereinafter referred to as the "data masking or other functions execution selection screen" as appropriate). The control unit 37 of the personal computer 3 displays the data masking or other functions execution selection screen on the display unit 33 based on the signal received from the server 1 via the communication unit 34. The user uses the operation unit 32 to indicate (select) whether or not they wish to perform data masking or other functions. The operation unit 32 outputs a signal to the control unit 37 related to the operation to indicate whether or not they wish to perform data masking or other functions. Based on the signal input from the operation unit 32, the control unit 37 sends a signal to the server 1 via the communication unit 34 indicating whether or not the user wishes to perform data masking or other functions. The control unit 21 of server 1 determines whether the user wishes to perform data masking or other processing based on the signal received from personal computer 3 via communication unit 13.

[0108] If the control unit 21 determines in the determination process of step S16 that the user wishes to perform data masking or similar functions (S16: YES), the control unit 21 performs sub-function processing of the data masking or similar functions on the file (image file, document file) that was identified as having been selected by the user in step S9 (step S17). However, in the processing of step S17 following YES in step S10, steps S11, 15, and S16, the control unit 21 performs processing based on the sub-functions and keyword information in the default value set of the data masking or similar functions. Also, in the processing of step S17 following NO in step S10, steps S12, S13, S14, 15, and S16, the control unit 21 performs processing based on the keyword information identified as having been entered by the user in the processing of step 12, and the sub-function identified as having been selected by the user in the processing of step S14.

[0109] Following the processing in step S17, the control unit 21 transmits a signal regarding the contents of the file that has undergone processing by a sub-function such as data masking in step S16 to the personal computer 1 via the communication unit 13 (step S18). Based on the signal received from the server 1 via the communication unit 34, the control unit 37 of the personal computer 3 displays a preview of the file output on the display unit 33.

[0110] If, in the determination process of step S7, the control unit 21 determines that the current user is not an administrator (S7:NO), or if, in the determination process of step S8, the control unit 21 determines that the current user who is an administrator does not wish to use data masking or other functions this time (S8:NO), or following the processing of step S18, the control unit 21 determines whether or not the user wishes to use the layout function for automatic editing (step S19). Here, the control unit 21 sends a signal related to screen information for displaying a screen on the display unit that allows the user to select whether or not they wish to use the layout function for automatic editing (layout function automatic editing selection screen) to the personal computer 1 via the communication unit 13. Based on the signal received from the server 1 via the communication unit 34, the control unit 37 of the personal computer 3 displays the layout function automatic editing selection screen on the display unit 33. The user uses the operation unit 32 to indicate (select) whether they want to perform automatic editing or not. The operation unit 32 outputs a signal to the control unit 37 regarding the instruction to perform or not perform automatic editing using the layout function. Based on the signal input from the operation unit 32, the control unit 37 sends a signal to the server 1 via the communication unit 34 indicating whether the user wants to perform automatic editing or not. The control unit 21 of the server 1 determines whether the user wants to perform automatic editing using the layout function based on the signal received from the personal computer 3 via the communication unit 13.

[0111] If the control unit 21 determines in the determination process of step S19 that the user wishes to perform automatic editing (S19: YES), the control unit 21 sends a signal regarding screen information to the personal computer 1 via the communication unit 13 for displaying a screen (preset layout selection screen) on the display unit, which includes a list of selectable preset layout names indicating preset layout information supported by the layout function (step S20). Based on the signal received from the server 1 via the communication unit 34, the control unit 37 of the personal computer 3 displays the preset layout selection screen on the display unit 13. In this embodiment, the preset layout information supported by the layout function includes preset layout information for ID cards with the preset layout name "ID card layout," and preset layout information for certificates with the preset layout name "certificate layout."

[0112] Following the processing in step S20, the control unit 21 identifies the preset layout information of the preset layout name selected by the user from among the preset layout information of the preset layout names listed in the list (step S21). Here, the user uses the operation unit 32 to indicate (select) a preset layout name that indicates the preset layout information to be used from among the preset layout names listed in the list. The operation unit 32 outputs a signal related to the preset layout name indication operation to the control unit 37, and the control unit 37, based on the signal input from the operation unit 32, transmits a signal regarding the preset layout name that indicates the preset layout information to be used to the server 1 via the communication unit 34. The control unit 21 of the server 1 identifies the preset layout information of the preset layout name selected by the user to be used based on the signal received from the personal computer 1 via the communication unit 13.

[0113] Following the processing in step S21, the control unit 21, based on the preset layout information of the preset layout name identified as selected by the user, uses the files identified as selected by the user in the processing of step S4 or step S5, for example, the first file and the second file, to perform automatic editing processing in the layout function and create a third file (step S22).

[0114] If the control unit 21 determines in the determination process of step S19 that the user does not wish to perform automatic editing, that is, that the user wishes to perform manual editing (S19: NO), the control unit 21 performs manual editing using the layout function, for example, the editing content specified by the user (cut, rotate, resize, merge, etc.) on the editing portion specified by the user in the first file as described above, and then creates the third file by placing the edited portion, which has undergone editing content processing, in the placement location indicated by the user in the content of the second file (step S23).

[0115] However, if the contents of the file identified as selected by the user in step S4 or step S5, for example, the contents of at least one of the first file and the second file, have been processed by a sub-function of the data masking function, then in steps S22 and S23, the contents after the processing by the sub-function of the data masking function has been performed will be used.

[0116] Following the processing in step S22, or following the processing in step S23, the control unit 21 transmits a signal regarding the contents of the file created in the processing of step S22 or step S23 to the personal computer 1 via the communication unit 13 (step S24). Based on the signal received from the server 1 via the communication unit 34, the control unit 37 of the personal computer 3 displays the contents of the file created by automatic editing or the contents of the file created by manual editing on the display unit 33. The control unit 37 displays a screen on the display unit 33 that allows the user to perform operations to save the file and to print the file. The user performs an operation to instruct (select) to save the file using the operation unit 32, and the operation unit 32 outputs a signal related to the operation to save the file to the control unit 37. Based on the signal input from the operation unit 32, the control unit 37 saves the file to local memory (storage unit 63 in this embodiment). The user also performs an operation to instruct (select) to print the file using the operation unit 32, and the operation unit 32 outputs a signal related to the operation to print the file to the control unit 37. Based on the signal input from the operation unit 32, the control unit 37 transmits a print job from the communication unit 34 to the image forming apparatus 5. In the image forming apparatus 5, the control unit 71 receives the print job via the network interface unit 65 and, based on the print job, controls the paper feed unit 55, image forming unit 53, fuser unit 54, paper discharge unit 57, etc., to print the file.

[0117] Following the processing in step S24, the control unit 21 determines whether the user wishes to edit another file (step S25). Here, the control unit 21 sends a signal related to screen information for displaying a screen on the display unit that allows the user to select whether or not they wish to edit another file (hereinafter referred to as the "edit continuation selection screen" as appropriate). The control unit 37 of the personal computer 3 displays the edit continuation selection screen on the display unit 33 based on the signal received from the server 1 via the communication unit 34. The user uses the operation unit 32 to indicate (select) whether or not they wish to edit another file, and the operation unit 32 outputs a signal related to the instruction operation for wishing to edit another file or the instruction operation for not wishing to edit another file to the control unit 37. Based on the signal input from the operation unit 32, the control unit 37 sends a signal related to whether or not the user wishes to edit another file to the server 1 via the communication unit 34. The control unit 21 of server 1 determines whether the user wishes to edit another file based on the signal received from personal computer 3 via communication unit 13. If the control unit 21 determines in the determination process of step S25 that the user wishes to edit another file (S25: YES), the process of step S1 is performed. On the other hand, if the control unit 21 determines in the determination process of step S25 that the user does not wish to edit another file using the layout function (S25: NO), the information processing from Figures 12 to 14 ends.

[0118] According to the embodiment described above, by using preset layout information, the arrangement of the first information based on the contents of the first file and the second information based on the contents of the second file is predetermined. This increases the flexibility of the arrangement of the first and second information while suppressing the increased workload on the user in creating a third file in which the first and second information are arranged.

[0119] Furthermore, by utilizing preset layout information for ID cards, users can easily create ID card files without imposing a significant workload on themselves.

[0120] Furthermore, by utilizing the preset layout information for certificates, users can easily create certificate files without imposing a significant workload on themselves.

[0121] Furthermore, by utilizing sub-functions such as data masking, users can edit the contents of files without imposing a significant workload on themselves. If the sub-function is highlight, the information to be processed, identified based on keyword information, is highlighted without imposing a significant workload on the user. If the sub-function is mask, the information to be processed, identified based on keyword information, is masked without imposing a significant workload on the user. If the sub-function is complete deletion, the information to be processed, identified based on keyword information, is completely deleted without imposing a significant workload on the user. If the sub-function is complete deletion and re-layout, the information to be processed, identified based on keyword information, is completely deleted and re-layout without imposing a significant workload on the user. If the sub-function is form entry clear, the input information of the form entry is cleared without imposing a significant workload on the user.

[0122] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the configurations of the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible. Furthermore, the configurations and processes shown in the above embodiments using Figures 1 to 14, and the configurations and processes shown in the above modifications, are merely embodiments of one invention, and the present invention is not intended to be limited to these configurations and processes. [Explanation of symbols]

[0123] 1 server 11 Control Unit 12 Storage section 12A Information Processing Program 13 Communications Department 21 Control Unit 3. Personal Computers 5. Image forming apparatus< / num> < / num> < / num> < / num> < / num> < / num> < / num> < / num> < / num>

Claims

1. A storage unit that stores a first file and a second file, and stores preset layout information that pre-determines the arrangement of first information based on the contents of the first file and second information based on the contents of the second file, A control unit that creates a third file in which the first information based on the contents of the first file read from the storage unit and the second information based on the contents of the second file are arranged based on the preset layout information read from the storage unit, An information processing device equipped with the following features.

2. There are multiple first files, and each first file name representing one of the first files includes a first identical string portion that is the same for all of them and a first different string portion that is different for all of them. There are multiple such second files, and each second file name includes a second identical string portion that is the same as the others, and a second different string portion that is different from the others. The control unit uses the first file and the second file, in which the first difference string portion and the second difference string portion are the same, to create the third file by arranging the first information based on the contents of the first file and the second information based on the contents of the second file according to the preset layout information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The first file contains a predetermined first string within its contents, The filename of the second file is composed of a predetermined second string, and the contents of the second file contain multiple name strings. The control unit uses a first file whose contents include a first string and a second file whose file name is composed of a second string, and for each of the plurality of name strings included in the contents of the second file, it creates a third file in which the first information based on the contents of the first file and the name string as second information based on the contents of the second file are arranged according to the preset layout information. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The control unit, Identify the information to be processed within the file's contents. The process is performed on the identified information to be processed. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The control unit, Based on keyword information, the information to be processed is identified, The process of highlighting the identified information to be processed is performed on the information to be processed. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The control unit, Based on keyword information, the information to be processed is identified, The process of masking the identified information to be processed is performed on the information to be processed. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4.

7. The aforementioned file contains a form that includes entries. The control unit, The input information of the aforementioned entry is identified as the information to be processed, The process is performed to clear the input information of the entry identified as the information to be processed. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4.

8. Computers The control unit functions as a control unit that creates a third file in which first information based on the contents of the first file and second information based on the contents of the second file are arranged according to a predetermined preset layout information stored in the storage unit. Information processing program.

9. A control step to create a third file in which first information based on the contents of a first file and second information based on the contents of a second file are arranged in a storage unit based on preset layout information that specifies the arrangement of the first information based on the contents of a first file and the second information based on the contents of a second file, which is stored in the storage unit. An information processing method comprising the following:

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