Server, control method, and program

Abstract

To provide a mechanism for mitigating work to read a sheet of a format.SOLUTION: A server that performs OCR processing of a difference between image data of a format, which is used as an answer sheet for a problem and is not hand-written by a user, and image data of the answer sheet which is hand-written by the user, and that manages the image data of the format, which is used for acquiring hand-written content hand-written by the user, acquires a format file being a file of the format of the answer sheet for the problem from a client terminal, converts the acquired format file to image data having the same file type as a file type of the image data of the answer sheet when the file type of the acquired format file is different from the file type of the image data of the answer sheet, and registers the image data of the converted format.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 26

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a server, a control method, and a program, and more particularly to a technique for reducing the work of reading format paper. [Background technology]

[0002] Currently, in universities, a method is adopted in which documents submitted by students, such as reports, to which teachers have added evaluations and comments, are scanned and imported into a learning management server, and the documents are systematically returned (feedback) to the students. In this case, information about the submission is registered in advance in the learning management server, and when scanning a paper submission that has already been evaluated, the previously registered information about the submission is specified, making it possible for the learning management server to recognize and manage the submission. Also, in order to manage submissions submitted by multiple students for each student who submitted them, the student ID numbers and other information written by the students are read from the data of the submissions scanned in a batch, and the data is divided and stored for each student. At the same time, it is also possible to read the evaluation results (scores, etc.) written by the teachers on the submissions and register them as information about the submission.

[0003] The image processing device of Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which the distortion between two pieces of image data is corrected using a distortion correction unit and a difference extraction unit, image data 1 is compared with image data 2 after the distortion has been corrected, the difference data is extracted, and the contents written in the answerer information column are extracted. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-20506 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the image processing device of Patent Document 1, when performing OCR on written items and the like from scanned data, data of a blank format before any writing is used to remove data that is not to be processed by OCR from the data. A mechanism for efficiently and accurately recognizing characters from data written on paper using such a difference method is conceivable.

[0006] Conventionally, such formats (e.g., answer sheets) had to be printed out from an information processing device such as a personal computer to an MFP, and then the printed format had to be scanned with the MFP and registered on a server, which was a cumbersome process.

[0007] Therefore, a mechanism is considered in which a format (e.g., blank answer sheet data) can be registered to a server from an information processing device such as a personal computer. In a mechanism in which a format (e.g., blank answer sheet data) can be registered to a server from either an MFP or an information processing device, if a teacher forgets to register the format from the information processing device and scans the answer sheets collected from students with the MFP, there is a risk that character recognition processing using the differential method cannot be performed appropriately.

[0008] The present invention relates to Corresponding to submission information Format paper Manage The purpose of this document is to provide a mechanism for this purpose. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention provides a server that manages first data relating to a form of a format not filled in by a user and second data relating to a form of a format filled in by a user, in association with submission information, and includes a first display control means that displays a first screen that accepts an instruction to obtain the second data in association with the submission information, and a second display control means that displays a second screen that accepts selection of the first data to be associated with the submission information from among preregistered first data, The first screen shows , An object that accepts an operation related to the display of the second screen is displayed, and the object is Said submission information andFirst Data With Mapping Shows information related to show Ruko It is characterized by: Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, Corresponding to submission information Format paper Manage It is possible. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a system configuration of a learning management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration applicable to an MFP management server, a learning management server, an OCR server, and a client terminal that constitute a learning management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration applicable to an MFP that constitutes a learning management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a learning management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a login process of the learning management system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a course selection process of the learning management system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a format confirmation process of the learning management system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a scan data registration process of the learning management system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a format selection process of the learning management system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of an assignment data registration process of the learning management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11]4 is a flowchart showing an example of an OCR execution process of the learning management system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a new format registration process of the learning management system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 1 is a screen image showing an example of a login screen of a learning management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 1 is a screen image showing an example of a menu screen of a learning management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 11 is a screen image showing an example of a course list screen of the learning management system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 11 is a screen image showing an example of an assignment list screen of a learning management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] 11 is a screen image showing an example of a scan execution screen of the learning management system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] 11 is a screen image showing an example of a format selection screen of the learning management system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] 11 is a screen image showing an example of a format confirmation screen of the learning management system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] 11 is a screen image showing an example of a scan execution completion screen of the learning management system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] 11 is a screen image showing an example of a new format registration screen of the learning management system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 2 is a data configuration diagram showing an example of tables used in the learning management system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] FIG. 2 is a data configuration diagram showing an example of tables used in the learning management system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] 13 is an example of a flowchart showing a process in which a teacher operates the client terminal 106 to register a new assignment to be assigned to a student and the format of the answer sheet for the assignment in the learning management server 103 from the client terminal 106. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of a new assignment registration screen 2500 displayed on the display unit of the client terminal 106. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 shows an example of a new format registration screen 2600. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a system configuration of a learning management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] The learning management system 100 includes an MFP 101, an MFP management server 102, a learning management server 103, an OCR server 105, and a client terminal 106.

[0014] The MFP101 is a device (document scanner) equipped with printing and scanning functions, and is used by students and faculty to print out submitted documents and to generate scanned data.

[0015] The MFP management server 102 is an information processing device that controls the functions of the MFP 101, registers and manages scan data scanned by the MFP 101, and transmits and receives management data of submitted materials, etc., and scan data of submitted materials, etc., to and from the learning management server 103.

[0016] The learning management server 103 is an information processing device that manages general learning information and data, transmits necessary data in response to a request from the MFP management server 102, and manages scan data of submitted materials and the like received from the MFP management server.

[0017] The learning management server 103 is an example application of the server of the present invention, which performs OCR processing on the difference between image data of a format not handwritten by the user that is used as an answer sheet for an assignment, and image data of the answer sheet handwritten by the user on the answer sheet, and manages the image data of the format used to obtain the handwritten content handwritten by the user in association with assignment information indicating the assignment for which the answer sheet of that format is used.

[0018] The OCR server 105 is an information processing device that recognizes character data in a predetermined area from the scan data scanned by the MFP 101 and transmits the recognition result to the learning management server 103 .

[0019] The network 104 links the MFP 101, the MFP management server 102 (functioning as a WEB server), and the learning management server 103 (functioning as a WEB server), and they are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other. The network 104 may be the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network).

[0020] Next, a hardware configuration of devices and apparatuses that constitute the learning management system (functioning as a scan system) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration applicable to the MFP management server 102, the learning management server 103, the OCR server 105, and the client terminal 106 in FIG.

[0022] 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a CPU, which performs overall control of each device and controller connected to a system bus 204. Also, a ROM 202 or an external memory 211 stores a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System), which is a control program for the CPU 201, an operating system program (hereinafter, OS), and various programs (to be described later) required to realize the functions executed by each server or each PC.

[0023] A RAM 203 functions as a main memory, a work area, etc., for the CPU 201. The CPU 201 loads programs and the like required for executing processing from the ROM 202 or the external memory 211 into the RAM 203 and executes the loaded programs to realize various operations.

[0024] Also, an input controller 205 controls input from a keyboard (KB) 209 and a pointing device such as a mouse (not shown), etc. A video controller 206 controls display on a display device such as a display 210. There are various types of display devices such as a CRT and a liquid crystal display.

[0025] Reference numeral 207 denotes a memory controller, which controls access to an external memory 211 such as an external storage device (hard disk (HD)) that stores boot programs, various applications, font data, user files, edited files, various data, etc., a flexible disk (FD), or a CF card memory connected to a PCMCIA card slot via an adapter.

[0026] A communication I / F controller 208 connects to and communicates with external devices via a network (for example, the network 104 shown in FIG. 1) and executes communication control processing on the network. For example, communication using TCP / IP is possible.

[0027] The CPU 201 enables display on the display 210 by, for example, executing a process of expanding (rasterizing) an outline font in a display information area in the RAM 203. The CPU 201 also enables a user to give instructions using a mouse cursor (not shown) on the display 210.

[0028] Various programs for implementing the present invention, which will be described later, are recorded in the external memory 211, and are executed by the CPU 201 by being loaded into the RAM 203 as necessary. Furthermore, definition files and various information tables, etc., used when executing the above programs are also stored in the external memory 211, and these will also be described in detail later.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of MFP 101 shown in FIG.

[0030] In FIG. 3, reference numeral 316 denotes a controller unit, which is connected to a scanner unit 314 functioning as an image input device and a printer unit 312 functioning as an image output device, and is also connected to a LAN (e.g., the network 104 shown in FIG. 1) or a public line (WAN) (e.g., PSTN or ISDN), thereby inputting and outputting image data and device information.

[0031] In the controller unit 316, a CPU 301 is a processor that controls the entire system. A RAM 302 is a system work memory for the operation of the CPU 301, and also serves as a program memory for recording programs and an image memory for temporarily recording image data.

[0032] Reference numeral 303 denotes a ROM in which a boot program and various control programs for the system are stored, and 304 denotes an external storage device (hard disk drive (HDD)) in which various programs for controlling the system, image data, and the like are stored.

[0033] Reference numeral 307 denotes an operation unit interface (operation unit I / F), which is an interface unit with an operation unit (UI) 308, and outputs image data to be displayed on the operation unit 308 to the operation unit 308. The operation unit I / F 307 also plays a role in transmitting information (e.g., user information, etc.) input by a user of this system from the operation unit 308 to the CPU 301. The operation unit 308 is equipped with a display unit having a touch panel, and various instructions can be issued by the user pressing (touching with a finger, etc.) buttons displayed on the display unit.

[0034] A network interface (I / F) 305 is connected to a network (LAN) and inputs and outputs data, while a modem 306 is connected to a public line and inputs and outputs data such as sending and receiving faxes.

[0035] Reference numeral 318 denotes an external interface (external I / F), which is an I / F unit that accepts external inputs such as USB, IEEE1394, a printer port, and RS-232C. In this embodiment, a card reader 319 for reading an IC card required for authentication is connected to the external I / F 318. The CPU 301 controls the reading of information from an IC card by the card reader 319 via the external I / F 318, and can acquire information read from the IC card. Note that the storage medium is not limited to an IC card, and any storage medium capable of identifying a user may be used. In this case, identification information for identifying a user is stored in the storage medium. This identification information may be a serial number of the storage medium, or a user code given to the user within a company.

[0036] The above devices are connected to a system bus 309 .

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

[0038] The image bus 315 is configured as a PCI bus or IEEE 1394. The following devices are connected to the image bus 315.

[0039] Reference numeral 310 denotes a raster image processor (RIP), which develops vector data such as PDL code into a bitmap image. Reference numeral 311 denotes a printer interface (printer I / F), which connects a printer section 312 to a controller unit 316 and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data. Reference numeral 313 denotes a scanner interface (scanner I / F), which connects a scanner section 314 to the controller unit 316 and performs synchronous / asynchronous conversion of image data.

[0040] An image processing unit 317 performs correction, processing, and editing on input image data, and performs printer correction, resolution conversion, etc. on print output image data. In addition, the image processing unit 317 also performs image data rotation, and compression and decompression processing such as JPEG for multi-value image data and JBIG, MMR, MH for binary image data.

[0041] The scanner unit 314 illuminates an image on a paper document, scans it with a CCD line sensor, and converts it into an electrical signal as raster image data. The document paper is set on the document feeder tray, and when the device user issues a command to start reading from the operation unit 308, the CPU 301 gives a command to the scanner unit 314, and the feeder feeds the document paper one sheet at a time and performs the operation of reading the document image.

[0042] Printer unit 312 is a part that converts raster image data into an image on paper, and any method can be used, such as an electrophotographic method using a photosensitive drum or photosensitive belt, or an inkjet method in which ink is ejected from a minute nozzle array to directly print an image on paper. The printing operation is started by an instruction from CPU 301. Printer unit 312 has multiple paper feed stages so that different paper sizes or different paper orientations can be selected, and corresponding paper cassettes are provided.

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

[0044] The start key on the operation unit 308 is used when starting the operation of reading an original image, etc. A two-color LED, green and red, is located in the center of the start key, and the color indicates whether the start key is ready to use. The stop key on the operation unit 308 serves to stop an operation that is in progress. The ID key on the operation unit 308 is used when entering the user ID of the user. The reset key is used when initializing the settings from the operation unit.

[0045] Under the control of CPU 301 , card reader 319 reads information stored in an IC card (for example, Sony's FeliCa (registered trademark)) and notifies CPU 301 of the read information via external I / F 318 .

[0046] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the learning management system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] The learning management system 100 includes an MFP 101, an MFP management server 102, a learning management server 103, an OCR server 105, and a client terminal .

[0048] The MFP 101 includes a screen display unit 411 , an operation reception unit 412 , a scan execution unit 413 , and a data transmission / reception unit 414 .

[0049] The screen display unit 411 is a functional unit that presents information to the user and displays a screen for accepting operations from the user. The operation accepting unit 412 is a functional unit that accepts operations such as login operations and execution requests for various processes from the user, transmits the processing requests to the controller unit 316, and further transmits the processing requests to the MFP management server 102. The scan execution unit 413 is a functional unit that scans assignment forms and captures them as scan data. The data transmission / reception unit 414 is a functional unit that receives screen display data and the like, and transmits the captured scan data and the like together with related information to the MFP management server 102.

[0050] The MFP management server 102 includes a user authentication unit 421 , an MFP screen display control unit 422 , a scan data management unit 423 , and a data transmission / reception unit 424 .

[0051] The user authentication unit 421 is a functional unit that receives user login information from the MFP 101 and performs user authentication. Based on the authenticated user's login information, the MFP 101 determines the course to be taken and the assignment to be submitted. The MFP screen display control unit 422 is a functional unit that generates and transmits display data for displaying a screen required for the MFP 101. The scan data management unit 423 is a functional unit that stores the scan data received from the MFP 101 in a database or the like and manages the scan data by linking it to the user who created it. The data transmission / reception unit 424 is a functional unit that receives the scan data from the MFP 101 and transmits necessary information, requests, and the like to the learning management server 103. In this embodiment, the MFP management server 102 performs information processing related to the MFP 101, and the MFP 101 is configured to mainly perform screen display and operation acceptance after receiving processing from the MFP management server 102, but the MFP 101 may have the function of the MFP management server 102 and perform processing by the MFP 101 alone.

[0052] The learning management server 103 includes a data management unit 431 , a client terminal screen display control unit 432 , and a data transmission / reception unit 433 .

[0053] The data management unit 431 is a functional unit that manages data related to learning, such as assignment data. The data managed by the data management unit 431 includes a student table 1100 illustrated in Fig. 22(a), a teacher table 1110 illustrated in Fig. 22(b), a course table 1120 illustrated in Fig. 22(c), a teacher table 1130 illustrated in Fig. 22(d), a student table 1140 illustrated in Fig. 22(e), an assignment table 1200 illustrated in Fig. 23(a), a format data table 1210 illustrated in Fig. 23(b), a scan data table 1220 illustrated in Fig. 23(c), and the like.

[0054] The client terminal screen display control unit 432 is a functional unit that displays the screens required for checking assignment data and updating assignments on the client terminal 106, and each screen may be displayed on the display of the learning management server 103 itself. The data transmission / reception unit 433 is a functional unit that transmits and receives necessary information, requests, etc. between the MFP management server 102 and the OCR server 105.

[0055] The OCR server 105 includes an OCR execution unit 451 and a data transmission / reception unit 452 .

[0056] The OCR execution unit 451 is a functional unit that executes OCR (character recognition) from scan data based on the format data stored in the learning management server 103 and the scan data stored in the MFP management server 102. The data transmission / reception unit 452 is a functional unit that transmits and receives necessary information, requests, etc. to and from the learning management server 103.

[0057] The client terminal 106 includes a screen display unit 461 , an operation reception unit 462 , and a data transmission / reception unit 463 .

[0058] The screen display unit 461 is a functional unit that displays a screen for presenting information to the user and accepting operations from the user. The operation accepting unit 462 is a functional unit that accepts operations such as login operations and requests to execute various processes from the user, transmits the processing requests to the controller unit 316, and further transmits the processing requests to the learning management server 103. The data transmitting / receiving unit 463 is a functional unit that receives screen display data, etc. from the learning management server 103 and transmits screen display requests, etc. to the learning management server 103.

[0059] The processing in the learning management system 100 will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0060] The processes assigned to the MFP 101, MFP management server 102, learning management server 103, and OCR server 105 are executed by the controller unit 316 of the MFP 101, the CPU 201 of the MFP management server 102, the CPU 201 of the learning management server 103, and the CPU 201 of the OCR server 105, respectively.

[0061] 5 to 12 and 24 are flow charts showing an example of the overall processing of the learning management system 100. FIG.

[0062] First, using Figure 24, we will explain the process in which, for example, a teacher operates the client terminal 106 to register a new assignment to be assigned to a student and the format of the answer sheet for that assignment (an answer sheet that the student has not filled out) in the learning management server 103.

[0063] FIG. 24 is an example of a flowchart showing the process in which a teacher operates the client terminal 106 to register new assignments to be assigned to students and the format of the answer sheet for the assignment in the learning management server 103 from the client terminal 106.

[0064] The processes of S2401, S2404, and S2405 shown in FIG. 24 are realized by the CPU 201 of the client terminal 106 executing a program.

[0065] Moreover, the processes of S2402, S2403, and S2406 shown in FIG. 24 are realized by the CPU 201 of the learning management server 103 executing a program.

[0066] First, the client terminal 106 accesses the learning management server 103 and performs user authentication processing for the teacher operating the client terminal 106 (S2401).

[0067] Specifically, the client terminal 106 accesses the learning management server 103 and transmits a display request for a login screen (not shown) (S2401). Then, when the learning management server 103 receives the display request, it transmits display information (HTML, etc.) for displaying the login screen to the client terminal 106 (S2402). Then, when the client terminal 106 acquires the display information, it displays the login screen (not shown) based on the display information. When the client terminal 106 accepts an input of a user ID (teacher ID) and a password (authentication information) by the user via the login screen, it transmits the authentication information to the learning management server 103 (S2401). Then, when the learning management server 103 receives the authentication information, it performs authentication processing of the teacher based on the authentication information. Then, if the authentication is successful, the learning management server 103 transmits to the client terminal 106 display information for displaying a list screen of classes (courses) taught by the teacher who has been successfully authenticated as a result of the authentication processing. On the other hand, if the authentication fails, the learning management server 103 notifies the client terminal 106 of the fact that the authentication has failed and causes the display unit of the client terminal 106 to display the fact (S2402).

[0068] The learning management server 103 identifies the classes taught by the successfully authenticated teacher from the teacher table 1130 shown in Fig. 22(d) and generates display information for displaying the list screen (S2402). The teacher table 1130 stores teacher IDs (user IDs) and course IDs that identify the classes taught by the teacher in association with each other.

[0069] When the client terminal 106 receives display information from the learning management server 103 for displaying a list screen of classes (courses) that the teacher is in charge of, the client terminal 106 displays the list screen of classes (courses) that the teacher is in charge of on the display unit based on the display information.

[0070] The client terminal 106 then transmits information (such as a course ID) indicating one of the classes selected by the user from among the classes included in the list screen to the learning management server 103 (S2401). Upon receiving the information indicating the selected class, the learning management server 103 transmits information for displaying a management screen for the class indicated in the information to the client terminal 106 (S2402). Upon receiving the information, the client terminal 106 displays the management screen for the selected class on the display unit based on the information (S2401).

[0071] Then, when the client terminal 106 receives an instruction from the user via the management screen to display a new assignment registration screen that accepts registration of new assignments for students taking the class, it transmits a request to the learning management server 103 to obtain display information for the new assignment registration screen (S2404). The request includes information (course ID, etc.) that indicates the currently selected class.

[0072] Then, when the learning management server 103 receives the acquisition request, it transmits to the client terminal 106 display information of the assignment new registration screen for the class indicated by the information (course ID, etc.).

[0073] Here, the learning management server 103 obtains the format name of the format managed in the format data table 1210 (Figure 23 (b)) as an answer format (answer sheet format) that has already been registered in the learning management server 103, and sends display information for a new assignment registration screen including the format name to the client terminal 106 (S2403).

[0074] When the client terminal 106 acquires the display information, it displays, on the display unit, the assignment new registration screen (eg, FIG. 25) for the class indicated by the information (course ID, etc.) based on the display information.

[0075] FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of a new assignment registration screen 2500 displayed on the display unit of the client terminal 106.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 25, the name of the currently selected lesson (Course A) is displayed.

[0077] The client terminal 106 accepts input of an assignment title, assignment content, and an attachment file (eg, question text) to be attached as an assignment via a new assignment registration screen 2500 in accordance with an operation by a user.

[0078] The new assignment registration screen 2500 is the format of the answer sheet on which the answer to the assignment is written, and displays radio buttons 2501 (selection receiving section) that accept the user's selection of an answer format (answer sheet format) that has already been registered in the learning management server 103, a new format registration button 2502 for registering a new format that has not been registered in the learning management server 103, and a registration button 2503 for registering an assignment.

[0079] The answer formats (formats of answer sheets) already registered in the learning management server 103 are the formats managed in the format data table 1210 (FIG. 23(b)), and these formats are displayed in 2501.

[0080] When it is determined that the user has pressed the new format registration button 2502 on the new assignment registration screen 2500, the client terminal 106 transmits a display request for the new format registration screen 2600 shown in Fig. 25 to the learning management server 103 (S2404). Upon receiving the display request, the learning management server 103 transmits display information for displaying the new format registration screen 2600 to the client terminal 106 (S2403).

[0081] Upon receiving the display information, the client terminal 106 displays the new format registration screen 2600 on the display unit based on the display information (S2403).

[0082] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of a new format registration screen 2600. As shown in FIG.

[0083] The new format registration screen 2600 displays an input field 2601 for the format name, an input field 2602 for the format storage destination, a format preview screen (display area) 2603, and a registration button 2604 for registering the format in the storage destination indicated in the format storage destination input field 2602 on the learning management server 103.

[0084] When the client terminal 106 receives the user's input of a format name in the input field 2601 and an input of a format storage destination in the input field 2602, the client terminal 106 acquires the format specified by the format storage destination (path) input in the input field 2602, and displays the acquired format in the display area 2603. Here, the format is the format of a document file of a document application such as WORD, and is displayed in that format. Then, when the client terminal 106 receives the user's pressing of the register button 2604, the client terminal 106 transmits the format specified by the format name input in the input field 2601 and the format storage destination (path) input in the input field 2602 to the learning management server 103, and requests the registration of the format (S2404).

[0085] When the learning management server 103 receives the registration request, it judges whether the format is a file format of a predetermined application, such as a TIFF file, which is the same as the scan data acquired in S303. If the learning management server 103 judges that the format is not a file format of the predetermined application, it performs a conversion process to convert the file format of the format into a file format of the same predetermined application as the scan data acquired in S303 (for example, from a WORD document file to a TIFF image file), and the converted format is processed. If the learning management server 103 judges that the format is a file format of a predetermined application, it does not perform the conversion process and instead processes the format. This conversion process makes it possible to appropriately execute the process of S402.

[0086] S2403 and S2406 are application examples of the acquisition means, conversion means, and registration means of the present invention, which acquire a format file that is a file in the format of the answer sheet for an assignment from a client terminal (acquisition means), and if the file format of the acquired format file is different from the file format of the image data of the answer sheet, convert the acquired format file into image data in the same file format as the file format of the image data of the answer sheet (conversion means), and register the image data in the converted format (registration means). The acquisition means acquires assignment information indicating an assignment from the client terminal, and the registration means registers the image data in the format converted by the conversion means in association with the assignment information acquired by the acquisition means.

[0087] Then, the learning management server 103 stores the format currently being processed and the format name in the format data table 1210 of Fig. 23(b). Specifically, the learning management server 103 stores (keeps) the format in an arbitrary storage location, stores a storage path (format data storage path 1213) indicating the storage location in the format data table 1210, and stores the format name in the format name 1212 of the format data table 1210. Then, the learning management server 103 stores a format ID for identifying the format in the format ID 1211 of the format data table 1210.

[0088] Then, the learning management server 103 acquires the format name of the format managed in the format data table 1210 (Figure 23 (b)) (including the format name of the format newly stored (registered) in this way), and transmits display information of a new assignment registration screen including the format name to the client terminal 106 (S2403).

[0089] Then, when the client terminal 106 acquires the display information, it displays on the display unit a new assignment registration screen (e.g., FIG. 25) including the format name of the newly stored (registered) format in 2501 based on the display information. Then, the client terminal 106 accepts the user's selection of one arbitrary format name from one or more format names displayed in 2501 of the new assignment registration screen (FIG. 25), and accepts pressing of the register button 2503 (S2404). Then, the client terminal 106 transmits the assignment title, contents, and attached files inputted on the new assignment registration screen (FIG. 25), the course ID for identifying the currently selected class, and the format ID of the selected format name to the learning management server 103, and makes a request to register the assignment. Here, it is assumed that each format ID and course ID are included in the display information of the new assignment registration screen transmitted.

[0090] In the above example, it has been explained that the user selects one arbitrary format name from one or more format names displayed in 2501 on the new assignment registration screen (FIG. 25), but it is also possible to press the registration button 2503 without accepting the selection of this format name. In that case, the client terminal 106 transmits the assignment title, contents, and attached files entered on the new assignment registration screen (FIG. 25), and the course ID identifying the currently selected class, to the learning management server 103 to request assignment registration. In this way, only the assignment can be registered from the client terminal 106, and the format can be registered from the MFP 101.

[0091] When the learning management server 103 receives an assignment registration request, it stores the assignment title included in the registration request in the assignment name in the assignment table 1200 (FIG. 23(a)), and registers the contents and attached files included in the registration request in association with the assignment name. The learning management server 103 also registers the course ID included in the registration request in the course ID 1202 in the assignment table 1200 (FIG. 23(a)), and registers the format ID included in the registration request in the format ID 1205 in the assignment table 1200 (FIG. 23(a)). Then, it assigns and registers a new assignment ID in the assignment ID 1201 of the same record in the assignment table 1200 in which these data are registered. Here, if the registration request does not include a format ID, no format is selected in 2501, and Null (not selected) is registered in the format ID 1205 in the assignment table 1200 (FIG. 23(a)) (S2406).

[0092] In this way, information about the assignment and information about the format can be registered in the learning management server 103 from the client terminal 106 .

[0093] Next, the authentication process and menu screen display process executed by the MFP 101 and the MFP management server 102 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0094] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of authentication processing and menu screen display processing executed by the MFP 101 and the MFP management server 102. As shown in FIG.

[0095] In step S101, the MFP 101 starts a service.

[0096] In step S102, the MFP 101 transmits a login screen display request to the MFP management server 102.

[0097] In step S103, the MFP management server 102 receives a login screen acquisition request (login screen display request) from the MFP 101.

[0098] In step S104, the MFP management server 102 generates display data for displaying the login screen data, and transmits the display data to the MFP 101.

[0099] In step S105, the MFP 101 receives the display data of the login screen transmitted from the MFP management server 102, and displays the login screen on the operation unit 308 based on the received display data.

[0100] FIG. 13 (login screen) will be explained.

[0101] An example of the login screen is shown in Fig. 13. The login screen 1300 is a standby screen until the user touches the card reader 319 with the user's ID card and executes the authentication process.

[0102] In step S107, the MFP 101 determines whether or not the user has touched the user's ID card to the card reader 319. If it is determined that the user's ID card has been touched, the MFP 101 proceeds to step S108. If not, the MFP 101 waits in step S107.

[0103] In step S108, the MFP 101 transmits an authentication processing request to the MFP management server 102. At that time, the MFP 101 transmits to the MFP management server 102 the authentication information (user ID, etc.) acquired from the ID card touched in step S107.

[0104] In step S109, the MFP management server 102 receives the authentication processing request and authentication information (user ID, etc.) from the MFP 101.

[0105] In step S110, the MFP management server 102 executes authentication processing based on the received authentication information.

[0106] In step S111, the MFP management server 102 determines whether the authentication process has been successful or unsuccessful. If it has been determined to be successful, the process proceeds to step S112. If it has been determined to be unsuccessful, the process returns to step S104, and the user is requested to perform a touch operation of the ID card again.

[0107] In step S112, the MFP management server 102 generates display data for displaying a menu screen, and transmits the display data to the MFP 101.

[0108] In step S113, the MFP 101 receives the display data of the menu screen (FIG. 14) transmitted from the MFP management server 102, and displays the menu screen on the operation unit 308 based on the received display data.

[0109] FIG. 14 (menu screen) will be explained.

[0110] An example of the menu screen is shown in Fig. 14. Menu screen 1400 has buttons for executing each of the basic functions of MFP 101, such as copy, print, and scan and send, and further has a task scan button 1401 for scanning task data. Pressing each button executes the corresponding function, and a screen corresponding to the executed function is displayed on operation unit 308.

[0111] Referring to FIG.

[0112] In step S115, the MFP 101 determines whether or not it has detected a user pressing an execution mode button on the displayed menu screen 1400. If it determines that pressing of the task scan button 1401 has been detected, the process proceeds to step S116. If not, the process waits in step S115 (or, if another button is pressed, a process for realizing a corresponding function is executed).

[0113] In step S116, the MFP 101 transmits a request to display a list of courses for which the logged-in user (teacher) is in charge.

[0114] In step S117, the MFP management server 102 receives the course list display request from the MFP 101.

[0115] In step S118, the MFP management server 102 transmits a course list acquisition request to the learning management server 103. At this time, the user ID acquired at the time of login is transmitted.

[0116] In step S119, the learning management server 103 receives the course list acquisition request.

[0117] In step S120, the learning management server 103 executes a course search process. At this time, the learning management server 103 searches the instructor table 1130 shown in Fig. 22(d) using the user ID sent from the MFP management server 102 as a search condition to obtain the corresponding course ID (the course ID corresponding to the user ID).

[0118] In step S121, the learning management server 103 transmits a result of the course list acquisition process to the MFP management server 102.

[0119] In step S122, the MFP management server 102 receives the course list acquisition processing result from the learning management server 103.

[0120] In step S123, the MFP management server 102 generates display data for displaying a course list screen based on the result of the course list acquisition process, and transmits the display data to the MFP 101.

[0121] In step S124, the MFP 101 receives display data for the course list screen from the MFP management server 102, and displays the course list screen (FIG. 15) on the operation unit 308 based on the received display data.

[0122] FIG. 15 (course list screen) will be explained.

[0123] An example of a course list screen is shown in Fig. 15. The course list screen 1500 displays a list of courses that the teacher (user) is in charge of in a timetable format. The course list screen 1500 has a course selection link 1501, and by pressing the link of the target course, the assignment list screen (Fig. 16) of the target course is displayed.

[0124] Explaining Figure 6 In step S126, MFP 101 determines whether or not a course has been selected by the user on course list screen 1500. If it is determined that a course has been selected, the process proceeds to step S127. If not, the process waits in step S126 (or, if another button is pressed, the process corresponding to the pressed button is executed).

[0125] In step S127, the MFP 101 transmits a request to display an assignment list screen corresponding to the course selected by the user to the MFP management server 102. At this time, the course ID of the selected course is transmitted.

[0126] In step S128, the MFP management server 102 receives the assignment list screen display request from the MFP 101.

[0127] In step S129, the MFP management server 102 transmits an assignment list acquisition request to the learning management server 103. At this time, the course ID transmitted from the MFP 101 is transmitted.

[0128] In step S130, the learning management server 103 receives the assignment list acquisition request from the MFP management server 102.

[0129] In step S131, the learning management server 103 executes an assignment search process. At this time, the learning management server 103 searches the assignment table 1200 shown in Fig. 23(a) using the course ID sent from the MFP management server 102 as a search condition to obtain a record of the corresponding assignment ID (assignment list acquisition process result).

[0130] In step S132, the learning management server 103 transmits a result of the assignment list acquisition process to the MFP management server 102.

[0131] In step S133, the MFP management server 102 receives the result of the assignment list acquisition process from the learning management server 103.

[0132] In step S134, the MFP management server 102 generates display data for displaying an assignment list screen based on the result of the assignment list acquisition process, and transmits the display data to the MFP 101.

[0133] In step S135, the MFP 101 receives display data for the assignment list screen from the MFP management server 102, and displays the assignment list screen (FIG. 16) on the operation unit 308 based on the received display data.

[0134] FIG. 16 (task list screen) will be explained.

[0135] An example of the assignment list screen is shown in Fig. 16. The assignment list screen 1600 displays in list form the assignments corresponding to the course selected by the user. The assignment list screen 1600 has a return / feedback link 1601 for each assignment. By pressing the return / feedback link 1601 for the target assignment, a scan execution screen is displayed.

[0136] Referring to FIG.

[0137] In step S140, the MFP 101 determines whether or not an assignment has been selected by the user on the assignment list screen 1600, that is, whether or not the return / feedback link 1601 for a specific assignment has been pressed. If it is determined that an assignment has been selected (YES), the process proceeds to step S141. If not (NO), the process proceeds to step S140.

[0138] In step S141, the MFP 101 transmits to the MFP management server 102 a display request for a scan execution screen for the selected assignment.

[0139] In step S142, the MFP management server 102 receives a display request for a scan execution screen from the MFP 101.

[0140] In step S143, the MFP management server 102 generates data for displaying a scan execution screen, and transmits the data to the MFP 101.

[0141] In step S144, the MFP 101 receives display data for the scan execution screen from the MFP management server 102, and displays the scan execution screen (FIG. 17) on the operation unit 308 based on the received display data.

[0142] FIG. 17 (scan execution screen) will be described.

[0143] An example of the scan execution screen is shown in Fig. 17. The scan execution screen 1700 displays the assignment name or course name to be scanned, settings for scanning, etc., and by pressing a scan start button 1701 (scan instruction receiving means), scanning is performed according to the displayed contents.

[0144] Referring to FIG.

[0145] In step S145, the MFP 101 transmits to the learning management server 103 an inquiry request for confirming whether or not a format corresponding to the assignment ID of the assignment selected by the user in step S140 has already been registered in the learning management server 103. At this time, the MFP 101 transmits the assignment ID selected in S140.

[0146] In step S 146 , the learning management server 103 receives the inquiry request from the MFP 101 .

[0147] In step S147, the learning management server 103 searches the assignment table 1200 in Figure 23 (a) using the received assignment ID as a key to determine whether the format ID (format) corresponding to the assignment ID has already been registered in the learning management server 103.

[0148] If the format ID corresponding to the assignment ID is registered in the assignment table 1200, the learning management server 103 obtains the format name registered in the format data table 1210 (Figure 23 (b)) corresponding to the format ID as the confirmation result.On the other hand, if the format ID corresponding to the assignment ID is not registered in the assignment table 1200 (if Null (unselected) is registered in the format ID 1205 item corresponding to the assignment ID), the learning management server 103 obtains information indicating that the format is unregistered (unselected) for the assignment identified by the assignment ID as the confirmation result.

[0149] In step S148, the learning management server 103 transmits the confirmation result of step S147 to the MFP 101.

[0150] In step S149, the MFP 101 receives the confirmation result of step S147 from the learning management server 103. After receiving the result, the MFP 101 proceeds to step S150.

[0151] In another embodiment, if the confirmation result received in step S147 is "information indicating that a format has not been registered (not selected) for the assignment identified by the assignment ID" (Null (not selected)), the process can be controlled to automatically proceed to step S171 to request the display of a format selection screen.

[0152] In step S150, if the MFP 101 receives a format name as the confirmation result in step S149, it displays the format name in 1702 on scan execution screen 1700(A) shown in FIG. 17. On the other hand, if the MFP 101 receives as the confirmation result in step S149 "information indicating that a format has not been registered (not selected) for the assignment identified by the assignment ID," it displays a message in 1702 on scan execution screen 1700(B) shown in FIG. 17 indicating that a format has not been selected and that a format should be registered (selected).

[0153] S146 is an application example of the receiving means of the present invention, which receives assignment information (such as an assignment ID) indicating an assignment for the answer sheet to be read from a terminal (MFP101) equipped with a reading means (scanner) for reading the answer sheet.

[0154] S147 is an application example of the determination means of the present invention, and determines whether image data of a format has been associated with and registered by the registration means for the assignment information accepted by the acceptance means in S146.

[0155] S148 is an application example of the notification means of the present invention, and when the determination means of S147 determines that image data of a format is not associated and registered by the registration means with the assignment information accepted by the acceptance means, the notification means notifies the terminal of that effect. In other words, when the determination means determines that image data of a format is associated and registered by the registration means with the assignment information accepted by the acceptance means, the notification means issues a notification to display on the terminal a screen displaying format information identifying the registered format.

[0156] By performing such control, the user can visually check on the scan execution screen shown in FIG. 17 whether the format corresponding to the assignment ID selected in step S140 has already been registered in the learning management server 103.

[0157] In step S151, the MFP 101 determines whether or not the user has pressed the scan start button 1701 on the scan execution screen 1700. If it is determined that the button has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S152. If not, the process proceeds to step S170 (or, if another button has been pressed, the corresponding process is executed).

[0158] In step S152, the MFP 101 executes scanning. Here, assignment sheets on which students have filled in their student ID numbers, answers, and the like and submitted, and which have been evaluated by teachers, are collected and read by the scanner unit 314 of the MFP 101, and temporarily stored as scanned data in the HDD 304 or the like.

[0159] Referring to FIG.

[0160] In step S160, the MFP 101 transmits the temporarily stored scan data to the MFP management server 102.

[0161] In step S 161 , the MFP management server 102 receives the scan data sent from the MFP 101 .

[0162] In step S162, the MFP management server 102 registers the received scan data in an arbitrary storage device in association with the assignment ID. The storage device may be the external memory 211 of the MFP management server 102 or the learning management server 103, or may be a storage device such as another file server connectable via the network 104.

[0163] In step S163, the MFP management server 102 generates data for displaying a scan execution completion screen, and transmits the data to the MFP 101.

[0164] In step S164, MFP 101 receives the display data of the scan execution completion screen, and displays the scan execution completion screen (FIG. 20) on operation unit 308 based on the received display data.

[0165] FIG. 20 (scan execution completion screen) will be described.

[0166] An example of the scan execution completion screen is shown in Fig. 20. The scan execution completion screen 2000 displays the name of the scanned assignment or course, and also displays the fact that the import of the scan data has been completed normally.

[0167] Pressing each button will take you to the corresponding screen.

[0168] Referring to FIG.

[0169] In step S165, the MFP management server 102 transmits a registration notification of the scan data to the learning management server 103. At this time, the assignment ID corresponding to the scan data, the file name of the scan data, and the like are transmitted.

[0170] In step S166, the learning management server 103 receives the registration notification of the scan data.

[0171] In step S167, the learning management server 103 executes the assignment data registration process (FIG. 10). In this embodiment, this process is executed immediately after receiving the notification of the registration of the scanned data, but it may be executed asynchronously, such as by regular batch processing.

[0172] Referring to FIG.

[0173] In step S170, the MFP 101 determines whether or not the user has pressed the format selection button 1702 on the scan execution screen 1700. If it is determined that the button has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S171. If not, the process returns to step S170. Alternatively, if another button has been pressed, the corresponding process is executed.

[0174] In step S171, the MFP 101 transmits a format list screen display request (format selection screen display request) to the MFP management server 102.

[0175] In step S172, the MFP management server 102 receives the format list screen display request from the MFP 101.

[0176] In step S173, the MFP management server 102 transmits a format list acquisition request to the learning management server 103.

[0177] In step S174, the learning management server 103 receives the format list acquisition request from the MFP management server 102.

[0178] In step S175, the learning management server 103 executes a format search process to obtain all registered format IDs, format names, and format data storage paths from the format data table 1210 shown in FIG.

[0179] In step S176, the learning management server 103 transmits to the MFP management server 102 all of the format acquisition process results acquired in step S175.

[0180] In step S177, the MFP management server 102 receives the format acquisition processing result from the learning management server 103.

[0181] In step S178, the MFP management server 102 generates display data for displaying a format confirmation screen based on the result of the format acquisition process, and transmits the display data to the MFP 101.

[0182] In step S179, the MFP 101 receives display data for the format confirmation screen from the MFP management server 102, and displays the format confirmation screen (FIG. 18) on the operation unit 308 based on the received display data.

[0183] FIG. 18 (format selection screen) will be explained.

[0184] An example of a format selection screen is shown in FIG. 18. The format selection screen 1800 includes the following: Corresponding to each format (blank format), a button 1801 (format selection means) for selecting each format and a button 1802 (accepting section for accepting an instruction to display a reference image) for confirming the format (blank) of each format are displayed in a list. Pressing each button transitions to the corresponding screen.

[0185] Referring to FIG.

[0186] In step S180, the MFP 101 determines whether or not the user has selected one format on the format selection screen 1800, that is, whether or not button 1801 for selecting a specific format has been pressed. If it is determined that a specific format has been selected (YES), the process proceeds to step S181. Furthermore, after the specific format is selected, the display of the selected button 1801 changes from "Select" to "Selected." If not (NO), the process proceeds to step S186.

[0187] In step S181, the MFP 101 transmits a format registration request corresponding to the format selected by the user in step S180 to the MFP management server 102. At this time, the format ID (and assignment ID set) of the selected format is transmitted.

[0188] In step S 182 , the MFP management server 102 receives the format registration request from the MFP 101 .

[0189] In step S183, the MFP management server 102 transmits a format registration request to the learning management server 103. At this time, the MFP management server 102 transmits the format ID (and the assignment ID) transmitted from the MFP 101.

[0190] In step S184, the learning management server 103 receives the format registration request from the MFP management server 102.

[0191] In step S185, the learning management server 103 executes a format ID registration process. At this time, the learning management server 103 searches the assignment table 1200 shown in Fig. 23(a) using the assignment ID transmitted as a set from the MFP management server 102 as a search condition, and registers the format ID transmitted in association with the corresponding assignment ID.

[0192] S185 is an application example of the registration means of the present invention, and image data in the format acquired by the image data acquisition means is registered in association with assignment information.

[0193] In step S186, the MFP 101 determines whether or not one of the buttons 1802 for confirming the format has been selected by the user on the format selection screen 1800. If it is determined that one of the buttons 1802 has been selected (YES), the process proceeds to step S187. If not (NO), the process proceeds to step S501. Alternatively, if another button has been pressed, the corresponding process is executed.

[0194] In step S187, the MFP 101 transmits a format confirmation screen display request corresponding to the format selected by the user to the MFP management server 102. At this time, the MFP 101 transmits the format ID of the format selected in step S186.

[0195] In step S188, the MFP management server 102 receives the format confirmation screen display request from the MFP 101.

[0196] In step S189, the MFP management server 102 transmits a format confirmation screen acquisition request to the learning management server 103. At this time, the format ID transmitted from the MFP 101 is transmitted.

[0197] In step S190, the learning management server 103 receives the format confirmation screen acquisition request from the MFP management server 102.

[0198] In step S191, the learning management server 103 executes a display image search process for the format. At this time, the format data table 1210 shown in Fig. 23(b) is searched for using the format ID transmitted from the MFP management server 102 as a search condition, and a display image for the format corresponding to the selected format ID is acquired.

[0199] In step S192, the learning management server 103 transmits the display image search results for the format to the MFP management server 102.

[0200] In step S193, the MFP management server 102 receives the display image search results for the format from the learning management server 103.

[0201] In step S194, the MFP management server 102 generates display data for displaying a screen for confirming the format (blank) based on the display image search result for the format, and transmits the display data to the MFP 101.

[0202] In step S195, MFP 101 receives display data for a screen for confirming the format (blank) from MFP management server 102, and displays a screen (FIG. 19) for confirming the format (blank) on operation unit 308 based on the received display data.

[0203] FIG. 19 (check format (blank)) will be described.

[0204] An example of a screen for confirming a format (blank) is shown in Fig. 19. A screen 1900 for confirming a format (blank) displays a reference image that allows visual confirmation of the contents (blank) of each format corresponding to each format name selected from the list in Fig. 18.

[0205] While the contents (blank page) of each format cannot be determined from the format name alone, this allows users to visually compare the reference image showing the contents (blank page) of each format corresponding to each format name to see if it is the same as the task at hand for which they are about to import the scanned data.

[0206] 19 shows an example of a display image that allows the user to visually check the contents (blank) of the format designated by university A. In this way, a reference image that allows the user to visually check the contents (blank) of the format designated by university A is first displayed, and the user can visually check the contents of university designated A, and then correctly select university designated A. This allows the user to visually check whether the format data (blank) and the scanned data (with scores and other information written in) are correctly linked before the OCR process for scores and other information is performed.

[0207] Furthermore, it may be possible to control whether or not each format name button 1801 can be pressed, so that a button 1802 for confirming each format is pressed to display a reference image that allows visual confirmation of the contents (blank) of the format that uniquely corresponds to each format name button, and the contents can be properly visually confirmed, before each format name button 1801 can be pressed.

[0208] In other words, in FIG. 11, it is possible to prevent mistakes in linking the scanned data (with scores, etc. written in) to the format data (blank paper) obtained when OCR-processing scores, etc. from the scanned data.

[0209] Pressing any of the other buttons will take you to the corresponding screen.

[0210] Referring to FIG.

[0211] Now, with reference to FIG. 10, the assignment data registration process will be described.

[0212] In step S301, the learning management server 103 transmits an OCR execution request to the OCR server 105. At this time, the file name of the scan data registered in step S150 and the like are transmitted.

[0213] In step S302, the OCR server 105 receives an OCR execution request from the learning management server 103.

[0214] In step S303, the OCR server 105 acquires the scan data registered in step S150. That is, the OCR server 105 queries the scan data table 1220 (FIG. 23(C)), searches the scan data table 1220 for a storage location of the scan data (tiff file) corresponding to the assignment ID, and acquires the scan data (tiff file) corresponding to the assignment ID.

[0215] In step S304, the OCR server 105 performs OCR processing on the scan data. Here, the scan data is divided for each submitter (student), and the user ID (student ID number) entered by the student and the score (evaluation result) entered by the teacher are obtained by character recognition as the OCR results for each divided scan data.

[0216] In step S305, the OCR server 105 transmits the acquired OCR results to the learning management server 103. At this time, the OCR server 105 transmits the scanned data divided for each submitter or a storage path.

[0217] In step S306, the learning management server 103 receives the OCR result from the OCR server 105.

[0218] In step S307, the learning management server 103 registers the assignment data based on the received OCR results. Here, in the scan data table 1220 shown in Fig. 23(c), a new record is registered by assigning an assignment data number 1222 to each piece of scan data divided for each submitter for the assignment ID 1221, and the storage destination of the scan data divided for each submitter, the OCRed student ID number 1224, and the OCRed score 1225 are registered in the scan data storage path 1223. If the student ID number 1224 and score 1225 cannot be obtained by OCR processing, they are left blank.

[0219] In this embodiment, the learning management server 103 sends an OCR execution request to the OCR server 105 to execute OCR processing, but the OCR server 105 may detect the registration of scan data and execute OCR processing, or may execute OCR on a regular schedule.

[0220] This completes the explanation of the assignment data registration process.

[0221] When the assignment data registration process in step S167 is completed, the entire process ends.

[0222] Referring to FIG.

[0223] In step S401, the OCR server 105 also acquires the format data (tiff file) associated with the scan data registered in step S150.

[0224] That is, an inquiry is made to the assignment table 1200, and the format ID corresponding to the assignment ID is first checked from the assignment table 1200.

[0225] Next, the OCR server 105 queries the format data table 1210 and searches the format data table 1210 for the storage location of the format data (tiff file) corresponding to the format ID, thereby obtaining the format data (tiff file) corresponding to the assignment ID.

[0226] In step S402, the format data portion (format portion) in the scan data (tiff file) acquired in step S303 is erased using the scan data (tiff file) and the format data (tiff file). That is, the erasure process erases all blank format data information from the scan data (tiff file) acquired in step S303, leaving only written information such as the student ID number and scores. In other words, by using the differential method, it becomes possible to process only the characters handwritten by students or examinees as the OCR processing target, without processing the ruled lines and frames, and characters such as the student ID number and scores printed on the blank answer sheet shown in FIG. 19 as the OCR processing target.

[0227] In step S403, the remaining entered information (character strings) such as the student ID number and scores are subjected to OCR processing.

[0228] Referring to FIG.

[0229] In step S501, the MFP 101 determines whether or not the user has pressed button 1803 for registering a new format on the format selection screen 1800 (FIG. 18). If it is determined that the button has been pressed, the process proceeds to step S502. If not, the process returns to S179. Alternatively, if another button has been pressed, the corresponding process is executed.

[0230] In step S502, the MFP 101 transmits to the MFP management server 102 a request to display a screen for newly registering a format.

[0231] In step S503, the MFP management server 102 receives from the MFP 101 a request to display a screen for newly registering a format.

[0232] In step S504, the MFP management server 102 generates data for displaying a screen for newly registering a format, and transmits the data to the MFP 101.

[0233] In step S505, the MFP 101 receives display data for a screen for newly registering a format from the MFP management server 102, and displays a screen for newly registering a format (FIG. 21) on the operation unit 308 based on the received display data.

[0234] FIG. 21 (screen for registering a new format) will be explained.

[0235] An example of a screen for registering a new format is shown in Fig. 21. A screen 2100 for registering a new format displays a start scan button 2101 for starting scanning after placing an unregistered format (blank paper) in the reading unit.

[0236] Thereafter, when the user presses the scan start button 2101, the MFP 101 scans an unregistered format (blank paper) (an answer sheet not handwritten by a user) and transmits image data of the format of the answer sheet obtained by reading the answer sheet not handwritten by a user with a reading means (scanner) to the learning management server 103. Then, the learning management server 103 acquires image data of the format of the answer sheet (image data acquisition means).

[0237] Then, the learning management server 103 registers the image data of the format acquired by the image data acquisition means, and also registers a new record in Fig. 23(b). When a new record is added to Fig. 23(b), the teacher ID acquired in S109 is associated with the new record and registered to identify the teacher who added the record.

[0238] Pressing any of the other buttons will take you to the corresponding screen.

[0239] As described above, according to the present invention, as explained using Figure 24, the format to be used in S402 can be registered in the learning management server 103 from the client terminal 106 operated by the teacher, thereby reducing the work required for the user to read the format paper with the MFP 101.

[0240] Although each embodiment has been described in detail above, the present invention can be embodied, for example, as a system, an apparatus, a method, a program, or a storage medium, and specifically, the present invention may be applied to a system made up of multiple devices, or may be applied to an apparatus made up of a single device.

[0241] For example, the MFP management server 102 , the learning management server 103 , and the OCR server 105 can be integrated into a single housing, and the housing can be operated as a single learning management server 103 .

[0242] Furthermore, the programs in the present invention are programs that are executable (readable) by a computer for each processing method, and the storage medium of the present invention stores programs that are executable by a computer for each processing method.

[0243] The program in the present invention may be a program for each processing method of each device.

[0244] As described above, it goes without saying that the object of the present invention can be achieved by supplying a recording medium on which a program that realizes the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments is recorded to a system or device, and having the computer (or CPU or MPU) of that system or device read and execute the program stored on the recording medium.

[0245] In this case, the program itself read out from the recording medium will realize the novel functions of the present invention, and the recording medium storing the program will constitute the present invention.

[0246] Examples of recording media for supplying the program include flexible disks, hard disks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, DVD-ROMs, magnetic tapes, non-volatile memory cards, ROMs, EEPROMs, silicon disks, etc.

[0247] Furthermore, it goes without saying that the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments are not only realized by the computer executing a program it has read, but also includes cases where an OS (operating system) running on the computer performs some or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program, and the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments are realized through that processing.

[0248] Furthermore, it goes without saying that this also includes cases where a program read from a recording medium is written into a memory provided on a function expansion board inserted into a computer or a function expansion unit connected to a computer, and then a CPU or the like provided on the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs some or all of the actual processing based on the instructions of the program code, thereby realizing the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0249] The present invention may be applied to a system consisting of multiple devices, or to an apparatus consisting of a single device. Needless to say, the present invention can also be applied to a case where the object is achieved by supplying a program to a system or apparatus. In this case, the effect of the present invention can be enjoyed by the system or apparatus by reading a recording medium storing a program for achieving the present invention into the system or apparatus.

[0250] Furthermore, by downloading and reading the program for achieving the present invention from a server, database, etc. on a network using a communication program, the system or device can enjoy the effects of the present invention. Note that the present invention also includes configurations that combine the above-mentioned embodiments and their modified examples. [Explanation of symbols]

[0251] 100 Learning Management Systems 101 MFP 102 MFP Management Server 103 Learning Management Server 104 Network 105 OCR Server 106 Client Terminals

Claims

1. A server that manages first data relating to a form of a format not filled in by a user and second data relating to a form of a format filled in by a user in association with submission information, a first display control means for displaying a first screen for receiving an instruction to acquire second data in association with the submission information; a second display control means for displaying a second screen for receiving a selection of first data to be associated with the submission information from among the first data registered in advance; Equipped with A server characterized in that the first screen displays an object that accepts operations related to the display of the second screen, and the object displays information related to the correspondence between the submission information and the first data.

2. 2. The server of claim 1, wherein the object is a button.

3. A server as described in Claim 2, characterized in that the label of the button includes information relating to the correspondence of the first data in the submission information.

4. A server described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the object displays information identifying the corresponding first data when the first data is associated with the submission information.

5. A server described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that when the first data is not associated with the submission information, the object displays that the first data is not associated with the submission information.

6. A control method in a server that manages first data relating to a form of a format not filled in by a user and second data relating to a form of a format filled in by a user in association with submission information, the method comprising: a first display control step of displaying a first screen for receiving an instruction to acquire second data in association with the submission information; a second display control step of displaying a second screen for receiving a selection of first data to be associated with the submission information from among the first data registered in advance; Equipped with A control method characterized in that an object that accepts operations related to the display of the second screen is displayed on the first screen, and information related to the correspondence between the submission information and first data is displayed in the object.

7. A program for causing at least one computer to function as each of the means of a server described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

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