Image processing apparatus and image processing method capable of generating 2D barcode using words constituting text in document image, input identification information, and predetermined sign and assigning generated 2D barcode to document image

An image processing apparatus comprising:

• an image input device through which a document image is input;
• an identification information input device through which identification information consisting of an array of symbols or characters is input;
• a control device including a processor and functioning, through the processor executing a control program, as a controller that, upon input of first identification information through the identification information input device and input of a first document image through the image input device, executes assignment processing for recognizing a first text in the first document image, extracting a plurality of words constituting the first text, sequentially selecting first symbols or first characters from the first identification information in a predetermined first order, sequentially selecting first words from the plurality of words in a predetermined second order, inserting, upon each selection of the first symbol or first character and the first word, a predetermined sign and the first symbol or first character between the first word and the next first word to generate a first character string, converting the first character string to a first 2D barcode, and assigning the first 2D barcode to the first document image;
• and
• an output device that outputs the first document image assigned the first 2D barcode.