JP2007226350A - Image reading method, program, and image reader - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image reading method, a program, and an image reader, which set a region where character recognition is desirably executed, while reducing the load of the setting imposed on a user. <P>SOLUTION: This image reading method includes: reading an original as image data; displaying the read image data; setting a recognition object region where character recognition is executed for the displayed image data; performing correction in accordance with the set recognition object region and setting a new recognition object region; and also performing character recognition in the new recognition object region. The program stores the image reading method in a storage medium so that the image reading method is implemented by a computer and the image reader reads an image by using the image reading method. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image reading method, a program, and an image reading apparatus.

  An image reading apparatus such as a copying machine or a scanner has been improved to read a reading target with high accuracy and efficiency. As an example, there is one that recognizes a page number of a book or the like read using a character recognition technique and uses the page number for processing.

  For example, an image reading apparatus provided with a page turning mechanism has an unavoidable error of double feeding that turns two or more pages. In order to eliminate this error, the scanner unit that reads the image data of the page turned by the page turning mechanism, the page number is read from the data read by the scanner unit, the page number is recognized, and the page number is discontinuous. In this case, an image reading apparatus that can determine double feed and return the page even if double feed occurs, read it again, and digitize the contents of the bound book without any data (page) skipping. It has been devised (see Patent Document 1).

  In addition, when scanning a multi-page document image with a scanner, a function to specify an attribute (reading condition) called a non-read target region is introduced so that only the recognition target region on the document image can be read accurately and efficiently. By doing so, a character recognition device has been devised that can eliminate the same adjustment work over a plurality of pages, facilitate the reading work, and improve the reading accuracy (see Patent Document 2).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 06-259596 JP 2002-269495 A

  In the example of Patent Document 1, the portion where the page number is described by the manuscript is different, so it is necessary to designate the region where the page number is described each time. For example, when reading a plurality of pages at a time, such as when reading a book in a double-page spread, there is a problem in that an area must be designated by the number of pages.

  Moreover, in the example of Patent Document 2, there is a problem that the user has to individually set an area where character recognition is desired. It is also possible to automatically set an area for recognition and whether or not to perform recognition. However, the condition for whether or not to perform recognition is determined for each document or each content included in an area such as text or image data. It is necessary to store the default settings beforehand or set the conditions by the user. Moreover, the details of the conditions for performing recognition are not mentioned.

  Against the background of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an image reading method, a program, and an image reading apparatus capable of setting an area where character recognition is to be performed while reducing a user's setting load. To do.

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention

  An image reading method for solving the above problems is set by reading a document as image data, displaying the read image data, and setting a recognition target area for performing character recognition on the displayed image data. Correction is performed corresponding to the recognition target area, a new recognition target area is set, and character recognition is performed in the new recognition target area.

  With the above configuration, if one recognition target area is set, the recognition target area is corrected accordingly, so that the operation load on the user can be reduced. In addition, since character recognition is performed only in a limited area, it is possible to speed up character recognition.

  In addition, the image reading method of the present invention can be configured such that an area for character recognition is designated for displayed image data, and the designated area is set as a recognition target area.

  With the above configuration, the user can freely set a recognition target area. If one recognition target area is set, the recognition target area is corrected according to the set recognition target area. The operation load can be reduced.

  Further, the image reading method of the present invention may be configured to store the recognition target area, display a list of the stored recognition target areas, and select a desired recognition target area from the displayed recognition target areas. it can.

  For example, the description position of a character recognition target such as a page number, a logo mark, or a book name is often at the periphery of the page. With the above configuration, a predetermined area at the periphery of the page is stored as a recognition target area, and the user can set a recognition target area simply by selecting a desired recognition target area from the list of recognition target areas displayed in a list. In addition, since the recognition target area is corrected according to the set recognition target area, the operation load on the user can be further reduced.

  In addition, the image reading method of the present invention can be configured to detect data that is a character recognition target from image data, and to set a region where the data is detected as a recognition target region.

  For example, in the case of a page number, it is described in numbers. With the above configuration, for example, when it is desired to recognize the page number, if the character recognition target is a number, the recognition target area can be set and corrected without requiring any user operation.

  Further, the image reading method of the present invention can be configured to store the set recognition target area.

  With the above configuration, the recognition target area can be set / corrected and stored without requiring any user operation. In addition, the stored recognition target area can be used for subsequent recognition target area setting.

  In addition, the image reading method of the present invention can be configured to detect data to be subjected to character recognition from a predetermined range of image data.

  In many cases, character recognition targets such as page numbers, logo marks, and book titles are written at positions that are determined to some extent, such as the peripheral edge of a document. With the above configuration, if the data that is the target of character recognition is detected with the determined position within a predetermined range, the recognition target area can be set and corrected more accurately without requiring user operation. It becomes.

  In addition, the image reading method of the present invention can be configured to set a new recognition target area by changing the size of the set recognition target area.

  With the above configuration, when character recognition target positions are close to each other, character recognition is performed at two different locations by changing the size to one region without changing the recognition target region to two locations. It is possible to speed up character recognition. Of course, no user operation is required in this case as well.

  The image reading method of the present invention can also be configured to set a new recognition target area by setting another recognition target area in addition to the set recognition target area.

  When reading a book with a two-page spread, or when reading a 2-in-1 (two pages printed on one document) document, when the page numbers have a predetermined positional relationship such as left-right symmetry or vertical symmetry If one reference recognition target area is set, the other recognition target areas can be set (that is, corrected) by the positional relationship. With the above configuration, if one recognition target area is set, the recognition target area is corrected according to the set recognition target area, so that the operation load on the user can be reduced.

  The image reading method of the present invention can also be configured to display a new corrected recognition target area.

  With the above configuration, the user can see the corrected state of the new recognition target area on the display.

  In addition, the image reading method of the present invention can be configured to confirm a corrected new recognition target area.

  With the above configuration, the user can check what the recognition target area looks like even when document reading and character recognition are performed.

  In addition, the image reading method of the present invention can be configured to instruct execution of character recognition using a new recognition target area after reading and correcting a document.

  With the above configuration, it is necessary to check whether the recognition target area that has been set / corrected is appropriate, and then instruct the execution of document reading and character recognition. Can be prevented.

  In addition, the image reading method of the present invention can be configured to execute character recognition using a new recognition target area that has been read and corrected based on an execution instruction.

  With the above configuration, it is possible to perform document reading and character recognition of the recognition target area set / corrected with a small user operation load, and the time and document required for setting / correcting the recognition target area compared to the conventional technology The time required for reading and character recognition can be reduced.

  The program of the present invention is configured as a program stored in a storage medium so that the above-described image reading method can be executed by a computer.

  By causing the computer to read and operate the program, it is possible to obtain the same effect as the image reading method described above.

  An image reading apparatus for solving the above problems includes a reading unit that reads a document as image data, a display unit that displays the read image data, and a recognition target area that performs character recognition on the displayed image data. Recognition target area setting means for performing setting, recognition target area correcting means for performing correction corresponding to the set recognition target area and setting a new recognition target area, and character recognition for performing character recognition in the new recognition target area And means.

  With the above configuration, if one recognition target area is set, the recognition target area is corrected accordingly, so that the operation load on the user can be reduced. In addition, since character recognition is performed only in a limited area, it is possible to speed up character recognition.

  Further, the recognition target area setting means in the image reading apparatus of the present invention includes area specifying means for specifying an area for performing character recognition on the displayed image data so that the specified area is the recognition target area. It can also be configured.

  With the above configuration, the user can freely set the recognition target area. If one recognition target area is set, the recognition target area is corrected according to the set recognition target area. The operation load can be reduced.

  The recognition target area setting means in the image reading apparatus of the present invention includes a recognition target area storage means for storing a recognition target area, a list display means for displaying a list of the stored recognition target areas, and a recognition target displayed in a list Selection means for selecting a desired recognition target area from the area can also be included.

  For example, the description position of a character recognition target such as a page number, a logo mark, or a book name is often at the periphery of the page. With the above configuration, a predetermined area at the periphery of the page is stored as a recognition target area, and the user can set a recognition target area simply by selecting a desired recognition target area from the list of recognition target areas displayed in a list. In addition, since the recognition target area is corrected according to the set recognition target area, the operation load on the user can be further reduced.

  Further, the recognition target area storage means in the image reading apparatus of the present invention can be configured to store the set recognition target area.

  With the above configuration, the recognition target area can be set / corrected and stored without requiring any user operation. In addition, the stored recognition target area can be used for subsequent recognition target area setting.

  Further, the recognition target area setting means in the image reading apparatus of the present invention includes a detection means for detecting data that is a character recognition target from the image data, and is configured to set the area where the data is detected as the recognition target area. You can also

  For example, in the case of a page number, it is described in numbers. With the above configuration, for example, when it is desired to recognize the page number, if the character recognition target is a number, the recognition target area can be set and corrected without requiring any user operation.

  Further, the detection means in the image reading apparatus of the present invention can be configured to detect data to be character-recognized from a predetermined range of image data.

  In many cases, character recognition targets such as page numbers, logo marks, and book titles are written at positions that are determined to some extent, such as the peripheral edge of a document. With the above configuration, if the data that is the target of character recognition is detected with the determined position within a predetermined range, the recognition target area can be set and corrected more accurately without requiring user operation. It becomes.

  Further, the recognition target area correction means in the image reading apparatus of the present invention can be configured to change the size of the recognition target area set by the recognition target area setting means.

  With the above configuration, when character recognition target positions are close to each other, character recognition is performed at two different locations by changing the size to one region without changing the recognition target region to two locations. It is possible to speed up character recognition. Of course, no user operation is required in this case as well.

  In addition, the recognition target area correction unit in the image reading apparatus of the present invention can be configured to set another recognition target area in addition to the recognition target area set by the recognition target area setting unit.

  When reading a book with a two-page spread, or when reading a 2-in-1 (two pages printed on one document) document, when the page numbers have a predetermined positional relationship such as left-right symmetry or vertical symmetry If one reference recognition target area is set, the other recognition target areas can be set (that is, corrected) by the positional relationship. With the above configuration, if one recognition target area is set, the recognition target area is corrected according to the set recognition target area, so that the operation load on the user can be reduced.

  The display means in the image reading apparatus of the present invention can also be configured to display a new corrected recognition target area.

  With the above configuration, the user can see the corrected state of the new recognition target area on the display.

  In addition, the image reading apparatus of the present invention can be configured to include a confirmation unit that confirms a new corrected recognition target area.

  With the above configuration, the user can check what the recognition target area looks like even when document reading and character recognition are performed.

  In addition, the image reading apparatus of the present invention can be configured to instruct execution of character recognition using a new recognition target area that has been read and corrected.

  With the above configuration, it is necessary to check whether the recognition target area that has been set / corrected is appropriate, and then instruct the execution of document reading and character recognition. Can be prevented.

  The image reading apparatus of the present invention can also be configured to execute character recognition using a new recognition target area that has been read and corrected based on an execution instruction.

  With the above configuration, it is possible to perform document reading and character recognition of the recognition target area set / corrected with a small user operation load, and the time and document required for setting / correcting the recognition target area compared to the conventional technology The time required for reading and character recognition can be reduced.

  For the purpose of providing an image reading method, a program, and an image reading apparatus capable of setting an area where character recognition is to be performed while reducing a user setting load, image data of a read original is displayed, Set the recognition target area to perform character recognition for the displayed image data, perform correction according to the set recognition target area, set a new recognition target area, and perform character recognition in the new recognition target area Realized by the configuration to perform.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of an image reading method and an image reading apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, taking a scanner system 100 as an example. FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a scanner system 100 and a block diagram of a personal computer (hereinafter abbreviated as a PC) 1. The PC 1 operates together with the connected multifunction peripheral 10 including the image reading function. When the PC 1 transmits a reading command, the multifunction peripheral 10 that receives the instruction performs a reading process using the image reading function. The PC 1 includes a scanner driver program 3P as a program of the present invention, and this functions as a scanner driver. Hereinafter, a detailed description of each component will be given.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the PC 1 is configured as a well-known personal computer, and includes an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 3, a communication I / F (Interface) 4, a display unit 5, an operation unit 6, an image processing unit 7, and these. A connected control circuit 2 is provided.

  The HDD 3 includes an OS program 3S that functions as an operating system (OS) that operates the PC 1, an application program 3W that functions as an application that operates on the OS, and a scanner driver program 3P that also functions as a scanner driver that operates on the OS 3S. A page number detection area list 3L, a character recognition data storage area 3D, a scan data storage area 3R, a page number table 3T (details will be described later), and the like are stored. The HDD 3 corresponds to a recognition target area storage unit of the present invention.

  The communication I / F 4 includes a network adapter having an interface function with a communication network 50 such as a LAN (Local Area Network), and communicates with a device such as the MFP 10 connected to the communication network 50. It is possible.

  The display unit 5 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display or a CRT display. The operation unit 6 includes a pointing device such as a mouse and operation means such as a keyboard. The display unit 5 corresponds to display means and list display means of the present invention. The operation unit 6 corresponds to a recognition target area setting unit, an area designating unit, a confirmation unit, an instruction unit, and an execution unit of the present invention.

  The control circuit 2 is configured as a normal computer, and includes a CPU 2a, a ROM 2b, a RAM 2c, an input / output interface (I / O) 2d, and a bus line 2e for connecting these configurations. The CPU 21 performs control based on the OS program 3S stored in the HDD 3. The OS program 3S is executed on the RAM 2c with the OS work memory 2S as a work area. The application program 3W and the scanner driver program 3P are executed in the RAM 2c in such a manner that the application work memory 2W and the scanner driver work memory 2P are used as work areas. The control circuit 2 corresponds to a recognition target area correcting unit of the present invention.

  The image processing unit 7 includes an image processing circuit that analyzes an image that is read by the scanner unit 24 (see FIG. 2) of the multifunction machine 10 and acquired via the communication network 50 by a known technique such as pattern recognition. Composed. The image processing unit 7 corresponds to the character recognition means and detection means of the present invention.

  The multi-function device 10 is connected to the communication network 50 and is capable of transmitting and receiving data to and from the PC 1 and performs various processes such as image reading in response to commands from the PC 1. Thus, in order for the multifunction machine 10 to operate as an image reading apparatus, the scanner driver 3P corresponding to this needs to be installed in the PC 1. In the present embodiment, the MFP 10 is indirectly connected to the PC 1 via the communication network 50, but may be directly connected to the PC 1 via a parallel port or USB port (not shown).

  FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the multifunction machine 10. In the configuration of the present invention, it is not always necessary to use the multifunction machine 10, and a scanner device having an image reading function may be used.

  The multifunction machine 10 includes a CPU 11, a RAM 12 having a work memory 12a, a ROM 13 for storing various programs, a bus line 14, an input / output unit 15 (indicated as I / O in FIG. 2), a memory 16, and a communication interface 18 (in FIG. 2). And a reception buffer 17 for temporarily storing received data such as print control data.

  The ROM 13 stores a print control program 13a, a scanner control program 13b, a FAX control program 13c, a communication program 13d, and an image processing program 13e.

  The input / output unit 15 includes an operation panel 20 (see FIG. 3, details will be described later), a printing unit 23 including a well-known inkjet printing mechanism, laser printing mechanism, thermal transfer printing mechanism, dot impact printing mechanism, an image sensor, and the like. A scanner unit 24 that reads a document including a fax, a fax unit 25 that includes a fax modem and the like and performs facsimile communication, and an image processing unit 26 that performs various processing of image data read by the scanner unit 24 are connected as control targets. ing. The operations of the printing unit 23, the scanner unit 24, the FAX unit 25, and the image processing unit 26 are well known, and the corresponding print control program 13a, scanner control program 13b, FAX control program 13c or image processing stored in the ROM 13 are performed. The operation of the program 13e is controlled by the CPU 11 executing the work memory 12a of the RAM 12. The scanner unit 24 corresponds to the reading unit of the present invention.

  The communication interface 18 includes a communication interface circuit for transmitting / receiving data and the like to / from the PC 1 via the communication network 50. Transmission and reception of various data via the external communication network connected to the communication network 50 is performed by the CPU 11 executing the communication program 13d.

  The memory 16 is composed of a nonvolatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable & Programmable Read Only Memory). For example, image data read by the scanner unit 24 is stored. In addition, for example, a telephone book in which transmission destination information such as a telephone number is added to, for example, a person name or a company name is stored. Using this telephone directory, facsimile transmission to a desired telephone number can be performed. Further, a hard disk device may be used as the memory 16.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of the operation panel 20 of the multifunction machine 10. The operation panel 20 includes an operation unit 21 and a display unit 22. The operation unit 21 uses a mechanical key, and a function selection button 21c including a power button 21a for turning on / off the multifunction machine 10, a cursor key 21b, a copy button 21c1, a FAX button 21c2, and a scanner button 21c3. , A numeric keypad 21d, a one-touch button 21e for registering information such as a telephone number and a FAX number, a start button 21f for starting various operations, a stop button 21g for interrupting or stopping various operations, a speaker 21j, and the like.

  The display unit 22 includes a known dot matrix type color liquid crystal display and a driver circuit (not shown) for performing liquid crystal display control. The driver circuit uses, for example, an active matrix driving method in which a transistor is attached to each pixel so that the target pixel can be surely turned on and off, and the display circuit and display screen data sent from the input / output unit 15 are used. Display based on. Further, an organic EL (ElectroLuminescence) display or a plasma display may be used as the display unit 22.

  Further, a touch panel integrated with the display unit 22 may be used as the operation unit 21. In the touch panel, an electric circuit is wired in a X-axis direction and a Y-axis direction through a gap called a spacer on a glass substrate and a transparent film on the screen of the display unit 22, and a pressed part when the user touches the film. Since the voltage value changes due to short-circuiting of the wiring, a so-called resistive film method of detecting this as a two-dimensional coordinate value (X, Y) is widely used. In addition, a so-called capacitance method may be used.

(Image reading process 1: Page number detection area list selection)
The image reading process of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 4 and FIGS. 5 and 6. First, the scanner driver program 3P is activated on the PC 1, and a scan mode setting dialog for setting functions of the scanner (multifunction device 10) as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the scan mode includes a method for setting a predetermined resolution or color according to a document type such as a color photograph or a monochrome document as “easy setting” and individual parameters such as resolution or color. There is a method in which the user can freely set. The user sets the scan mode by any one of these methods (S1).

  When the scan mode is set, the document is set on the document reading table included in the scanner unit 24 of the multifunction machine 10 and the “Preview” button is clicked (S2: Yes). Next, a preview scan command is sent from the PC 1 to the multifunction device 10, and a preview scan operation is performed in the scanner unit 24 (S 3). The preview result is sent to the PC 1 and displayed on the preview screen H. At this time, the scan area G is also displayed (S4).

  If it is desired to detect the page number of the document, click the check box to the left of “Page Sort” in the scan mode setting dialog in FIG. When the check mark is added (S5: Yes), the page number detection area is set and corrected, and the result is displayed on the preview screen H (S6: described later). In this case, as shown in FIG. 5, the page type that is the scan area G may be “vertical 1 page” and the page number detection area F may be “lower center” as a default state. When the page number detection area F is displayed, the process returns to step S1 and waits for the next operation input.

  On the other hand, when the check mark is not added (S5: No), the process returns to step S1 and waits for the next operation input. In this state, when it is desired to detect the page number (S7: Yes) or change the page type (S8: Yes), the same page number as in step S6 as shown in FIG. 16 according to the changed page type. The detection area is set and corrected, and the result is displayed on the preview screen H (S9: described later).

  When the “scan” button is clicked (S10: Yes), a scan command based on the scan mode set in the multifunction device 10 is sent from the PC 1, and a scanning operation is performed in the scanner unit 24 (S11). The image data of the document read in the scanning operation is sent to the PC 1, and the page number detection set and corrected as described above in the image processing unit 7 when the check box on the left of “Page Sort” is checked. A page number detection process in the area is performed (S12).

  In the page number detection process of step S12, the image processing unit 7 performs a general binarization process on the image data sent from the multi-function device 10 to convert it into digital multi-value image data for each pixel. And it is discriminate | determined from the obtained multi-value image data whether a page number is contained using a general image processing method.

  In addition to the page number, the object to be detected may be a predetermined character, symbol, or figure generally called header information or footer information. Data to be detected is stored as character recognition data in the character recognition data storage area 3D of the HDD 3.

  When the page number is detected, the detected page number is associated with the image data, sorted in the order of the page number, and stored in the scan data storage area 3R of the HDD 3 (S13). FIG. 6 shows an example, and page number 1 is detected in scan page 1 which is data obtained by reading the first page of the document. Therefore, scan page 1 is stored in association with page number 1. Then, the processes from step S11 to S13 are repeated until the scanning of all pages is completed (S14: Yes).

  Also, when the “scan” button is not clicked (S10: No) in the scan mode setting dialog of FIG. 5 (S15: Yes), the scan mode setting dialog is closed and the process is terminated. To do. On the other hand, when the “cancel” button is not clicked (S15: No), the process returns to step S1 and waits for the next operation input.

  Next, a page number detection area display process corresponding to steps S6 and S9 in FIG. 4 will be described with reference to FIGS. When the check box to the left of “Page Sort” in the scan mode setting dialog in FIG. 5 is clicked, for example, “vertical 1 page” is displayed in the “page type” field, and “bottom center” is displayed in the “page number detection area” field. Is displayed on the preview screen H.

  If you want to change the page type from the default data settings, click “▽” on the right of the “Page Type” column to display the pull-down menu as shown in FIG. 8 (b)), “horizontal 1 page” (FIG. 8 (c)), “vertical 2 pages” (FIG. 8 (d)), “horizontal 2 pages” (FIG. 8 (e)) A type is selected (S21).

  If you want to change the page number detection area from the default data settings, click “▽” on the right of the “Page number detection area” column to display the pull-down menu as shown in FIG. To select “entire surface” (S22). For example, “bottom” is the portion below the broken line in FIG. 9B, “bottom center” is FIG. 9C, and “bottom left and right” is the portion surrounded by the broken line in FIG. 9D. It becomes a detection area.

  Since the page number detection area F set above is displayed on the preview screen H, it is possible to check the setting contents together with the scan area G and to correct the setting contents (S23). Note that the scan area G is approximately equal to the size of the scanned document, but the size of the scan area G can be changed with a mouse or the like.

  Next, the page number detection area for correcting the page number detection area F is calculated (S24), and the result is displayed on the preview screen H (S25).

  The page number detection area has a uniform initial value or an initial value corresponding to the page type and the size of the document to be read, as the horizontal (M) and vertical (N) lengths in the page number detection area list 3L of the HDD 3 in advance. Although stored, if the page number detection area does not have enough characters, symbols, or patterns to be detected, the “page number detection area size” field in the scan mode setting dialog in FIG. Thus, the user can input an arbitrary value for the horizontal (M) and vertical (N) lengths to correct the page number detection area F.

  An example of correcting the size of the page number detection region F in the “lower center” in the preview image data of the page type “vertical 1 page” will be described with reference to FIG. First, the page number detection area F is represented by a rectangular area of horizontal: M and vertical: N. The size of the scan area G is horizontal: X, vertical: Y, and the coordinates of its four vertices P0, P1, P2, P3 are P0 (0, 0), P1 (X, 0), P2 (X, Y), P3. (0, Y). At this time, the coordinates of the top left vertex Pf00 of the page number detection area F represented by the rectangular area are represented by Pf00 ((X−M) / 2, (Y−N)). The other three vertices Pf01, Pf02, and Pf03 are Pf01 ((X + M) / 2, (Y−N)), Pf02 ((X + M) / 2, Y), and Pf03 ((X−M) / 2, Y), respectively. It is expressed.

  Similarly, when correcting the size of the page number detection area “lower left and right” in the preview image data of the page type “vertical 1 page”, the coordinates of the upper left vertex of the page number detection area “lower left” are ( 0, (Y−N)), the coordinates of the upper left vertex of the “lower right” page number detection area are ((X−M), (Y−N)).

  Further, when the size of the page number detection areas F8a, F8b, F8c, and F8d in the “lower left and right” in the preview image data of the page type “vertical two pages” as shown in FIG. The coordinates of the top left vertices Pf8a0, Pf8b0, Pf8c0, and Pf8d0 of the page number detection areas F8a, F8b, F8c, and F8d are Pf8a0 (0, (YN)), Pf8b0 ((X / 2-M), ( YN)), Pf8c0 (X / 2, (YN)), Pf8d0 ((XM), (YN)).

  Further, when correcting the size of the page number detection areas F1, F2, F3, and F4 in “lower left and right” in the preview image data of the page type “horizontal two pages” as shown in FIG. The coordinates of the upper left vertices Pf10, Pf20, Pf30, and Pf40 of the page number detection areas F1, F2, F3, and F4 are Pf10 (0, (Y / 2-N)), Pf20 ((X-M), ( Y / 2-N)), Pf30 (0, (YN)), Pf40 ((X-M), (Y-N)). The size of the page number detection area (F, etc.) can be changed simply by designating only the length (N).

  As described above, in the page number detection area list 3L, when the page number detection area of each page type has a horizontal (M) / vertical (N) length and the page number detection area (F, etc.) is rectangular, It is only necessary to store the coordinates of the upper left vertex, and since it is not necessary to store the coordinates of the other three vertices, the capacity occupied in the storage area of the HDD 3 can be reduced. If the page number detection area (F or the like) is a circle, the coordinates of the center of the circle and the radius or major axis and minor axis (in the case of an ellipse) may be stored. In the case of a polygon, the type of polygon, the coordinates of the center, and the distance from the center to the vertex may be stored.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 11, in the preview image data of the page type “vertical 1 page”, when “lower right” is selected in “page number detection area” of the scan mode setting dialog in FIG. A1 is set. In the page number detection area calculation process (S24), for example, the page number detection area is located at a symmetrical position with a straight line passing through the midpoint Q of the side parallel to the scan width W direction and perpendicular to the scan direction Y as the axis of symmetry. B1 is set (corrected). Further, the page number detection area A1 'may be set at a vertically symmetrical position.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in the case of image data of the page type “vertical 1 page”, when “lower right” is selected in “page number detection area” of the scan mode setting dialog of FIG. 5, first, the page number detection area A2 Is set. Then, in the page number detection area calculation process (S24), the page number detection area B2 is set at a symmetrical position with a straight line passing through the midpoint S of the side parallel to the scan direction X and perpendicular to the scan direction X as a symmetry axis. (Corrected). Further, the page number detection region C2 is set (corrected) at a symmetrical position with a straight line passing through the midpoint between the vertex R and the midpoint S of the scan region G and perpendicular to the scan direction X as a symmetry axis. Alternatively, the page number detection region D2 may be set at a bilaterally symmetrical position with a straight line passing through the midpoint between the midpoint S and the apex T and perpendicular to the scan direction X as a symmetric axis.

(Image reading process 2: Page number detection area mouse selection)
Another example of the image reading process of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the process of FIG. 13, steps S31 to S35, steps S37 to S38, and steps S42 to S47 are the same as steps S1 to S5, steps S7 to S8, and steps S10 to S15 of the process of FIG. Detailed explanation is omitted. However, when the scanning of all the pages is completed (S46: Yes), the contents of the detected or edited page number detection area are stored in the HDD 3 (S48). An example is shown in FIG. The page number detection area includes a number or name for identifying the stored page number detection area, page type, upper left (or center) coordinates of the page number detection area, horizontal length of the page number detection area, page The length in the vertical direction of the number detection area is included. These stored page number detection areas can be selected from a pull-down menu of “page number detection area” in the scan mode setting dialog as shown in FIG. 5 when setting the subsequent page number detection areas.

  When correction of the page number detection area in the page number detection area display process (to be described later) corresponding to step S39 is desired to be corrected or edited (edited) and saved (S40: Yes), step S39 is executed. The page number detection area can be edited and saved in the same manner (S41). The corrected content or edited content is added to or overwritten in the page number detection area list 3L of the HDD 3. Then, it can be selected and used from the pull-down menu of “page number detection area” from the next image reading process.

  The page number detection area display process corresponding to steps S36 and S39 in FIG. 13 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the page type displayed on the preview screen H of the scan mode setting dialog in FIG. 14 is confirmed (S51). When the check box to the left of “Page Sort” is checked (S35: Yes or S38: Yes in FIG. 13), the previously designated page number detection area F stored in the predetermined area of the HDD 3 is displayed. Is done. FIG. 14 shows an example in which the previously specified content is that the page type is “vertical 1 page” and the page number detection area F is “lower center”.

  To change the page type, click “▽” on the right of the “Page type” column in the scan mode setting dialog of FIG. 14 to display a pull-down menu as shown in FIG. Select the page type. An example is shown in FIG. When the page type is changed when the previously specified content is Fa1 and Fa2 with the page type “vertical 1 page” and the page number detection area “bottom left and right” as shown in FIG. When “2 pages”, Fb1 to Fb4 as shown in FIG. 16B, when “horizontal 1 page”, Fc1 and Fc2 as shown in FIG. 16C, and when “2 pages”, FIG. Fd1 to Fd4 are displayed on the preview screen H as page number detection areas.

  Next, the range of the scan area G is confirmed (S52). The scan area G is approximately equal to the size of the document that has been read, but the size of the scan area G can be changed with a mouse or the like.

  Next, a page number detection area calculation process (S53: described later) for correcting the page number detection area F is executed, and the result is displayed on the preview screen H (S54).

  The page number detection area calculation process corresponding to step S53 in FIG. 15 will be described with reference to FIGS. First, click the frame of the page number detection area (such as F in FIG. 14) displayed on the preview screen H of the scan mode setting dialog in FIG. 14 with a mouse or the like to change the size or move the position. To newly add a page number detection area, click the “Add” button in the scan mode setting dialog shown in FIG. 14 and specify the start point and end point of the page number detection area to be added. That is, a new page number detection area is a rectangle starting from the first clicked position with the mouse and ending at the next clicked position.

  Then, when the “Confirm” button is clicked, the page number detection area is corrected so as to be able to cope with a book spread. An example is shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, when the number of pages per document to be read is “1 page” (S61: Yes), the page type is “1 page vertically” (S61: Yes). The position (coordinates) of the rectangular page number detection area and the length of each side (corresponding to N and M) are obtained from the coordinates of the scan area G as shown in FIG. Then, correction such as addition of the page number detection area or size change is performed according to the obtained position of the page number detection area (S63). Then, the correction result is displayed on the preview screen H (S64).

  In the example of FIG. 18A, since the user has set the page number detection area F19a to “lower right”, the page number detection area F19a and a new position at the position symmetrical to the vertical direction of the page (“lower left”). The page number detection area F19b is added, and the page number detection area is corrected to “lower left and right”. In the example of FIG. 18B, the user sets the page number detection area F19c “near the lower center”. However, since the size in the horizontal direction is slightly smaller because it is slightly shifted to the left from the center, The correction is made so that the horizontal size is increased while moving so as to be positioned at the “center”. Here, correction for adding a page number detection region (not shown) at a vertically symmetrical position such as “upper left and right” in FIG. 18A and “upper center” in FIG. 18B may be performed.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 18C, when the page type is “2 vertical pages” and the number of pages per document to be read is 2 pages (S61: No), If the page is the first page and the left page is the second page, first, the position (coordinates) of the page number detection area and the length of each side (corresponding to N and M) set in the first page Determination (S65), and correction such as addition of the page number detection area or size change is performed according to the position of the calculated page number detection area (S66). Next, similarly, the position (coordinates) of the page number detection area and the length of each side are obtained on the second page (S67), and the page number detection area is added or the size is changed according to the obtained position of the page number detection area. Is corrected (S68). Then, the corrected results of the first page and the second page corrected above are synthesized (S69), and the result is displayed on the preview screen H (S64).

  In the example of FIG. 18C, since the user has set the page number detection area F19d in the “bottom right” of the first page on the right side, the position symmetrical to the page number detection area F19d with respect to the vertical direction of the page. A new page number detection area F19e is added to ("bottom left"), and the page number detection area is corrected to "bottom left and right". Correction is performed to add page number detection areas F19f and F19g so that the number detection area becomes “lower left and right”. Similarly to FIG. 18A, “upper left and right” correction may be performed.

  In the above configuration, not only the user's operation is unnecessary, but the page number detection area can be set according to the previewed document (image data) even when documents of different page types are mixed. There is an advantage that it is not necessary to collect manuscripts for each type.

(Image reading process 3: Page number detection area automatic setting)
A further example of the image reading process of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the process of FIG. 19, steps S71 to S75 and steps S78 to S88 are the same as steps S31 to S35 and steps S37 to S47 of the process of FIG.

  The page type and page number detection area search processing corresponding to step S76 in FIG. 19 will be described with reference to FIGS. First, a page number is searched in a predetermined page number search area for the preview scanned image data (S91). Then, a page type and a page number detection area are set based on the retrieved result (S92). Then, the page number detection area is corrected and displayed on the preview screen H (S77 in FIG. 19).

  FIG. 21 shows an example of the page number search area F22. The page number search area F22 has a page number detection area of upper, upper center, upper left / right, lower, lower center, lower left / right, entire surface, and page type of vertical 1 page, horizontal 1 page, vertical 2 pages, horizontal 2 pages. Is searchable. Further, the data of the page number search area F22 is stored as coordinate data in the page number detection area list 3L of the HDD 3, for example.

  For example, when the page number is searched only in the area F22a, first, the page type is set to “vertical 1 page”, and the page number detection area (F22a) is “lower left”. ) Is added as a page number detection area, and the page number detection area is corrected to “lower left and right”. When the page number is searched only in the area F22c, the page type is set to “vertical 1 page”, and the page number detection area is set to “lower center”. When the page number is searched in the area F22a and the area F22d, the page type is set to “2 horizontal pages”, and the areas F22b and F22e are added as the page number detection area.

(Scanning process 1)
Details of scan processing including page sorting processing based on page numbers detected by detecting page numbers, for example, corresponding to steps S12 and S13 of FIG. 4 will be described with reference to FIG. First, as described above, the scan mode is set in the scan mode setting dialog as shown in FIG. 5 (S101). Next, using any of the above-described methods, a command is sent from the PC 1 to the multi-function device 10 and a document preview scan is performed to set a page number detection area (S102).

  Then, the page number table 3T (details will be described later) stored in the HDD 3 is initialized, for example, as zero clear (S103).

  Next, a command is sent from the PC 1 to the multifunction device 10 to scan the previewed page (S104). The scanned page image data is temporarily stored in a predetermined area of the scanner driver work memory 2P or the HDD 3 (S105). Then, page sorting processing is performed based on the page numbers detected when the page image data is read (S106: described later). The processes in steps S104 to S106 are performed for all pages (originals).

  When scanning of all documents is completed (S107: Yes), the page image data of all pages read in the sorted page number order is stored as a single file (multi-page file) in the scan data storage area 3R of the HDD 3, and the scanner driver. And the page number table corresponding to the multi-page file in the work memory 2P (S108). Then, a page number table confirmation process (109: described later) is performed, and the result is displayed on the preview screen H or on a different screen from the preview screen H (S110).

Any of the following display methods may be used.
(1) An error is displayed when an error is detected during page sorting.
Example: “Could not read page number 3”
(2) If no error is detected during page sorting, the scan result is displayed.
Example: “Scanned pages from page number 1 to page number 10”

  The page number that has been normally read and the page number that has not been normally read can be read from the contents stored in the page number table 3T.

  The page sorting process corresponding to step S106 in FIG. 22 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 23 and FIG. First, the page number is detected from the set page number detection area in the image processing unit 7 by the method described above (S121). Next, the page number table 3T is read out to the scanner driver work memory 2P (S122).

  Then, the page number detected this time is compared with the page number stored in the page number table 3T, and if the page number detected this time is the largest value (S123: Yes), the page detected this time The number is added to the end of the page number already stored in the page number table 3T (S124).

  In the example of FIG. 24, the page number table 3T includes a page number and the number of pages that is the number of pages read from the page including the page number. When the page number table 3T is initialized, the page number and the page number are cleared to zero as shown in FIG.

  When the page number 1 is detected in the initialized state, the page number 1 becomes the maximum, and therefore, as shown in FIG. 24B, the page number 1 and the page number 1 are displayed in the top area of the page number table 3T. Remembered. Next, when page number 4 is detected, page number 4 is the largest, so as shown in FIG. 24B, page number 4 and page number 1 are stored in the next free area in which page number 1 is stored. Is memorized.

  On the other hand, if the page number detected this time is not the largest value (S123: No), it is checked whether the page number detected this time is stored in the page number table 3T (whether the page numbers overlap), If the numbers do not overlap (S126: No), the page number detected this time is inserted into the corresponding position in the page number table 3T (S127).

  For example, when page number 2 is detected when page number table 3T is in the state as shown in FIG. 24B, it is inserted between page number 1 and page number 4 as shown in FIG. .

On the other hand, if the page numbers overlap (S126: Yes), an error process such as setting an error flag for ensuring an area in the scanner driver work memory 2P or the like is performed (S128). The following processing may be performed as error processing.
(1) The page image data scanned this time is not saved.
(2) Replace page image data with the same page number. That is, the page image data having the same page number is deleted, and the page image data scanned this time is inserted.
(3) The page number table 3T is updated by inserting page image data so that page image data of the same page number is continuous. For example, when there are two page numbers 1, the number of pages corresponding to page number 1 in the page number table 3T is two.

  The page number table confirmation process corresponding to step S109 in FIG. 22 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 25 and FIG. First, when the error flag is set in the page image data sorting process (step S106 in FIG. 22) (S131: Yes), the process is terminated without doing anything.

  On the other hand, if the error flag is not set (S131: No), the page number table 3T is referred to, and the first page number A (minimum page number) stored in the page number table 3T is used as the scanner driver work. Reading to the memory 2P (S132). Next, the last page number B (maximum value of the page number) stored in the page number table 3T is read to the scanner driver work memory 2P (S133).

  The page number number C is calculated as (page number number C) = (page number B) − (page number A) +1 (S134). Then, the total number of pages is obtained from the number of pages corresponding to each page number. If the page number C matches the total number of pages (S135: Yes), it is determined that there is no error and the process is terminated. On the other hand, if the number of page numbers C does not match the total number of pages (S135: No), it is determined that there is an error, and an error flag that secures an area in the scanner driver work memory 2P is set (S136).

  In the example of FIG. 26, since page numbers 1, 2, and 4 are stored, the number C of page numbers is 4 of 4-1 + 1. The total number of pages is 3 (1 × 3). Since the page number number C (4) and the total number of pages (3) do not match, it is determined as an error. That is, the error is due to the fact that page number 3 was not detected. In addition, in a book or the like, there may be a plurality of pages such as a foreword in addition to the original page to which a page number is assigned, but when the page number becomes 0 and minus to correspond to the foreword. Is also available.

  With reference to FIG. 27, another example of the page image data sorting process corresponding to step S106 in FIG. 22 will be described. This process is for dealing with a case where a page without a page number is scanned, such as a chapter break page. First, the page number is detected from the set page number detection area in the image processing unit 7 by the method described above (S141). Next, the page number table 3T is read into the scanner driver work memory 2P (S142).

  If the page number is not detected (S143: Yes), the image data is added as the last page stored in the page number table 3T (S146). On the other hand, when the page number is detected (S143: No), a flag indicating that the page image data of the page number included in the page number table 3T has been read is set (S144).

  Note that the processing contents of steps S145 to S150 are the same as the processing contents of steps S123 to S128 of FIG. 23, respectively, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  28 and 29 show an example of the page number table 3T used in the page sorting process of FIG. As shown in FIG. 28A, when a document is scanned, the page number detected from the scanned page image data, and the number of pages from which the page number is detected (1 when normal scanning processing is performed). , And a flag indicating the presence or absence of a page number in the page image data is stored in the page number table 3T. FIG. 28A shows a state where pages 1 to 3 of the document are read and the page number is detected from each of them. When the page number is not detected from the page image data read following the state of FIG. 28A, “page” is displayed in the area next to page number 3 at the end of the data as shown in FIG. Number 4, no page number "is stored.

  FIG. 29A shows a state where two page image data for which no page number has been detected are stored. These page image data are temporarily stored as page numbers 1 and 2, but when the page number detected from the page image data read subsequently is 2, in order to prevent duplication of data. As shown in FIG. 29B, the page image data stored as page number 2 in FIG. 29A is given a page number in which no data such as page number 0 is stored.

(Scanning process 2)
With reference to FIG. 30, another example of details of scan processing including page sorting processing based on page numbers detected from scanned page image data, for example, corresponding to steps S <b> 12 and S <b> 13 of FIG. 4 will be described. . This process does not create a multi-page file for storing page image data of a scanned document as one file as shown in FIG. 22, but stores it as one file for each page image data of the scanned document. . First, a default file name is set (S161).

  The default file name is a common part of the file name of the scanned page image data. For example, a character string such as a date and time or a document title is set. The setting is performed in a default file name setting dialog (not shown) displayed when “scan” is clicked in the scan mode setting dialog in FIG. The set contents are stored in the scanner driver work memory 2P.

  Next, as described above, the scan mode is set in the scan mode setting dialog as shown in FIG. 5 (S162). Next, using any of the above-described methods, a command is sent from the PC 1 to the multi-function peripheral 10 and a document preview scan is performed to set a page number detection area (S163).

  Next, a command is sent from the PC 1 to the multifunction device 10 to scan the previewed page (S164). The scanned page image data is temporarily stored in a predetermined area of the scanner driver work memory 2P or the HDD 3 (S165). Then, a file name setting process is performed based on the page detected together with the reading of the page image data (S166: described later). The processes in steps S164 to S166 are performed for all pages (originals).

  When all the originals have been scanned (S167: Yes), a page number table confirmation process (S168) as shown in FIG. 25 is performed, and the result is displayed on a preview screen or the like as in step S110 of FIG. 22 (S169). ).

  The file name setting process corresponding to step S166 of FIG. 30 will be described using FIG. First, the page number is detected from the set page number detection area in the image processing unit 7 by the method described above (S171). Next, the page number table 3T as shown in FIG. 26 is read out to the scanner driver work memory 2P (S172). At this time, the page number table 3T is initialized. Next, the default file name is referred to (S173). Here, the default file name is the date at the time of scanning (20051202).

  If the page number detected in the current scan is not already stored in the page number table 3T, that is, if the page numbers do not overlap (S174: No), the scanned page image data is detected as the default file name. The added page number is added as a file name (S175) and stored in the scan data storage area 3R of the HDD 3 in a predetermined file format (S176). For example, in the case where the page data in which the page number 10 is detected is stored in the TIFF (Tag Image File Format) format, 20051202_10. tif.

  Then, the page number detected in the current scan is stored in the contents of the page number table 3T as shown in FIG. 24 or FIG. 28 (S177).

On the other hand, if the page numbers overlap (S174: Yes), an error flag is set in the area secured in the scanner driver work memory 2P, and any of the following error processing is performed (S178).
(1) Delete the page image data scanned this time.
(2) Replace page image data with the same file name. That is, the file having the same file name is deleted, and the file name is assigned to the page image data scanned this time and stored.
(3) In addition to the detected page number, a subscript indicating a plurality of pages is added to the default file name. Example: 20051202_10 (2). tif.
In this case, the page number of the corresponding page number in the page number table 3T is updated. That is, when the number of pages is 1, it is incremented by 1 and becomes 2.

  With reference to FIG. 32, another example of the file name setting process corresponding to step S166 of FIG. 30 will be described. This process is for dealing with a case where a page without a page number is scanned, such as a chapter break page. First, the page number is detected from the set page number detection area in the image processing unit 7 by the method described above (S181). Next, the page number table 3T as shown in FIG. 28 is read out to the scanner driver work memory 2P (S182). At this time, the page number table 3T is initialized. Next, the default file name is referred to (S183).

  When the page number is not detected (S184: Yes), a file name is obtained by adding a page number not already stored in the page number table 3T to the default file name (S187), and a predetermined file format such as tif Is stored in the scan data storage area 3R of the HDD 3 (S188). Finally, the page number detected this time and information indicating that the page number has not been read are stored in the page number table 3T (S189).

  On the other hand, when the page number is detected (S184: No), a flag indicating that the page of the page number included in the page number table 3T is read is set (S185). Next, referring to the page number table 3T, it is checked whether or not data relating to the page number detected this time is stored. If not stored (no page numbers overlap) (S186: No), the default file name is stored. Is added to the detected page number (for example, 20051202_10) as a file name (S187), and stored in the scan data storage area 3R of the HDD 3 in a predetermined file format (S188). Finally, the page number detected this time, information indicating that the page number has been read, and the number of read pages (1) are stored in the page number table 3T (S189).

  On the other hand, when the page numbers are overlapped (S186: Yes), an error process such as step S178 in FIG. 31 is performed (S190).

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and the knowledge of those skilled in the art can be used without departing from the spirit of the claims. Various modifications based on this are possible.

  For example, the above-described image reading process, scan process, and processes included in these processes performed by the PC 1 may be executed by the multifunction machine 10. In this case, operations such as scan mode setting, page number detection area correction, and scan execution instruction are performed using the cursor key 21b of the operation unit 21, and the scan mode setting dialog and accompanying messages are displayed on the display unit 22. Is done. Further, image reading processing, scanning processing, and the like are included in the image processing program 13e and executed by the CPU 11. The page number detection area list 3L, the character recognition data storage area 3D, the scan data storage area 3R, and the page number table 3T are secured in the memory 16. Further, for the area where the area is secured in the scanner driver work memory 2P, the area is secured in the work memory 12a. The page number is detected by the image processing unit 26.

1 is a block diagram of an image reading apparatus and a PC. 1 is a block diagram of a multifunction machine. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an operation panel of a multifunction machine. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining image reading processing 1; The figure explaining a scan mode setting dialog. The figure which shows the memory content of the read data. The flowchart explaining a page number detection area display process. The figure which shows the pull-down menu of "page type". The figure which shows the pull-down menu of "page number detection area". The figure which shows the example of a page number detection area | region calculation. The figure which shows the example of correction | amendment of a page number detection area | region. The figure which shows another example of correction | amendment of a page number detection area. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining image reading processing 2; The figure explaining a scan mode setting dialog. The flowchart explaining a page number detection area display process. The figure which shows the example from which a page number detection area changes corresponding to a page type. The flowchart explaining a page number detection area | region calculation process. The figure which shows an example of page number detection area correction | amendment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining image reading processing 3; The flowchart explaining the search processing of a page type and a page number detection area. The figure which shows an example of a page number search area | region. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining scan processing 1; The flowchart explaining the sort processing of a page. The figure which shows an example of a page number table. The flowchart explaining a page number table confirmation process. The figure which shows an example of the page number table used in FIG. The flowchart explaining another example of the sort processing of a page. The figure which shows an example of the page number table used in FIG. The figure which shows another example of the page number table used in FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining scan processing 2; The flowchart explaining a file name setting process. The flowchart explaining another example of a file name setting process. The figure which shows an example of the example of a memory | storage of a page number detection area | region.

Explanation of symbols

1 Personal computer (PC)
2 Control circuit (recognition target area correction means)
3 HDD (recognition target area storage means)
3P scanner driver program 5 Display section (display means, list display means)
6 Operation unit (recognition target area setting means, area specifying means, confirmation means, instruction means, execution means)
7 Image processing unit (character recognition means, detection means)
10 MFP 21 Operation Unit 22 Display Unit 24 Scanner Unit (Reading Unit)
26 Image Processing Unit 100 Scanner System

Claims (25)

Scan the document as image data,
Displaying the read image data;
Set a recognition target area for performing character recognition on the displayed image data,
Correction is performed in accordance with the set recognition target area to set a new recognition target area,
An image reading method, wherein the character recognition is performed in the new recognition target area. Specify the area for performing the character recognition on the displayed image data,
The image reading method according to claim 1, wherein the designated area is the recognition target area. Storing the recognition target area;
Displaying the stored recognition target area as a list;
The image reading method according to claim 1, wherein a desired recognition target area is selected from the recognition target areas displayed in the list. Detecting the character recognition target data from the image data;
The image reading method according to claim 1, wherein an area where the data is detected is set as a recognition target area.   The image reading method according to claim 4, wherein the set recognition target area is stored.   The image reading method according to claim 4, wherein data to be subjected to character recognition is detected from a predetermined range of the image data.   The image reading method according to claim 1, wherein the new recognition target area is set by changing a size of the set recognition target area.   The image reading method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the new recognition target area is set by setting another recognition target area in addition to the set recognition target area.   The image reading method according to claim 1, wherein the corrected new recognition target area is displayed.   The image reading method according to claim 1, wherein the corrected new recognition target area is confirmed.   The image reading method according to claim 1, wherein the reading of the original and execution of character recognition using the corrected new recognition target area are instructed.   12. The image reading method according to claim 11, wherein reading of the original and character recognition using the corrected new recognition target area are executed based on the execution instruction.   The program memorize | stored in the storage medium so that the image reading method of any one of Claim 1 thru | or 12 was executable with a computer. Reading means for reading a document as image data;
Display means for displaying the read image data;
Recognition target area setting means for setting a recognition target area for performing character recognition on the displayed image data;
Recognition target area correction means for performing correction corresponding to the set recognition target area and setting a new recognition target area;
Character recognition means for performing the character recognition in the new recognition target area;
An image reading apparatus comprising: The recognition target area setting means includes area designation means for designating an area for performing the character recognition on the displayed image data,
The image reading apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the designated area is the recognition target area. The recognition target area setting means includes a recognition target area storage means for storing the recognition target area;
List display means for displaying a list of the stored recognition target areas;
16. The image reading apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising a selection unit that selects a desired recognition target area from the recognition target areas displayed in the list. The recognition target area setting means includes detection means for detecting data to be character recognition target from the image data,
The image reading apparatus according to claim 14, wherein an area where the data is detected is set as a recognition target area.   The image reading apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the recognition target area storage unit stores the set recognition target area.   The image reading apparatus according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the detection unit detects data to be subjected to the character recognition from a predetermined range of the image data.   The image reading apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the recognition target area correction unit changes a size of the recognition target area set by the recognition target area setting unit.   21. The image reading apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the recognition target area correction unit sets another recognition target area in addition to the recognition target area set by the recognition target area setting unit.   The image reading apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the display unit displays the corrected new recognition target area.   23. The image reading apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising a confirmation unit configured to confirm the corrected new recognition target area.   24. The image reading apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising an instruction unit that instructs reading of the original and execution of character recognition using the corrected new recognition target area. 25. The image reading apparatus according to claim 24, further comprising execution means for executing reading of the original and character recognition using the corrected new recognition target area based on the execution instruction.

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