JP2021100279A - Image processing device, control method thereof, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To reduce user's trouble in setting a folder path composed of a plurality of hierarchies of a folder for transmitting image data.SOLUTION: An image processing device of the present invention includes: character recognition means for recognizing characters included in image data and performing a character recognition process for acquiring character information; display means for displaying characters represented by the character information acquired by the character recognition means; receiving means for accepting selection of characters displayed by the display means by a user; generation means for generating a folder path on the basis of the selected characters; and transmission means for transmitting the image data to a folder indicated by the folder path. The generation means generates a folder path on the basis of the characters by combining the selected characters in response to the reception means having received the selection of the characters for a plurality of times, and the transmission means transmits the image data to the folder indicated by the folder path.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 20

Description

The present invention relates to an image processing device, a control method thereof, and a program.

The image of the manuscript is read to generate image data, character recognition processing is performed in the area in the image specified by the user in advance, and the image data is stored in the folder whose character string obtained by the character recognition processing is the folder name. The image processing device to be transmitted is disclosed. (See Patent Document 1).

Further, the image processing apparatus of Patent Document 1 executes character recognition processing in a designated area, searches for a folder having a character string obtained by the character recognition processing as a folder name, and transmits image data to that folder. ..

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-234708

If you use the keyboard to enter the folder path of the folder to which you want to send image data, it takes time to enter the folder path. When entering a folder path that spans multiple layers, it takes more time to enter the folder path.

In the method of Patent Document 1, a character string for one layer can be set by specifying an area, but a plurality of layers cannot be specified.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to reduce the time and effort of the user when setting a folder path composed of a plurality of layers of folders for transmitting image data.

The image processing apparatus of the present invention includes a character recognition means that performs character recognition processing that recognizes characters included in image data and acquires character information, and a display means that displays characters indicated by the character information acquired by the character recognition means. , A reception means that accepts the selection of characters displayed by the display means by the user, a generation means that generates a folder path based on the selected characters, and a transmission means that transmits the image data to the folder indicated by the folder path. Then, according to the reception means accepting the selection of characters a plurality of times, the generation means generates a folder path based on the character combining each of the selected characters, and the transmission means is sent to the folder indicated by the folder path. Is characterized in that the image data is transmitted.

It is possible to reduce the user's trouble when setting a folder path consisting of a plurality of layers of folders for transmitting image data.

The figure which shows an example of the configuration of a reading system The figure which shows an example of the hardware configuration of MFP101 The figure which shows an example of the hardware configuration of PC104 The figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on the operation part 205 The figure which shows an example of the one-touch transmission scan setting screen displayed on the display device 311. Diagram showing an example of the button setting edit screen for executing one-touch transmission scan Diagram showing an example of the address selection screen Diagram showing an example of the destination registration screen The figure which shows an example of the folder structure of the file server 102 which is a file transmission destination Diagram showing an example of the screen displayed when executing a one-touch transmission scan Diagram showing an example of the screen displayed when executing a one-touch transmission scan Diagram showing an example of the screen displayed when executing a one-touch transmission scan Diagram showing an example of the screen displayed when executing a one-touch transmission scan Diagram showing an example of the screen displayed when executing a one-touch transmission scan Diagram showing an example of the screen displayed when executing a one-touch transmission scan Diagram showing an example of the screen displayed when executing a one-touch transmission scan Flowchart showing an example of the flow when the one-touch send button for file transmission is selected Flowchart showing an example of character recognition processing A flowchart showing an example of a flow in which the MFP 101 generates a text object. Flowchart showing an example of the flow of character string processing

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The configuration shown in the following examples is an example, and the present invention is not limited to the illustrated configuration.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of a reading system according to the present invention. The reading system of this embodiment includes an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) 101, which is an example of an image processing device, a file server 102, which is an information processing device, a mail server 103, and an online storage 106. Each of the MFP 101, the file server 102, the mail server 103, and the online storage 106 is connected to the LAN (Local Area Network) 100. Further, on the LAN 100, the MFP 101, the file server 102, the mail server 103, and the PC 104 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via the network. Further, the MFP 101 and the online storage 106 can communicate with each other via the LAN 100 and the Internet 105.

The MFP 101 reads the image of the original and transmits the generated image data to the file server 102, the mail server 103, and the online storage 106. The image data in the present embodiment is not limited to electronic data obtained by converting an image into RAW data, and may be electronic data according to an image format such as TIFF or JPEG or electronic data according to a PDF format. The file server 102 is a file server that supports FTP (File Transfer Protocol) and SMB (Server Message Block) protocols. The mail server 103 is a mail server compatible with SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol). The online storage 106 is an online storage that supports WebDAV (a file sharing protocol using HTTP). The PC 104 can access the WEB server provided in the MFP 101 by using HTTP, and can refer to and update the set value. The LAN 100 may be configured by a wired LAN using Ethernet (registered trademark) or may be configured by a wireless LAN.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the MFP 101. The MFP 101 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a storage 204, an operation unit 205, a printer 206, a scanner 207, a network I / F (Interface) 208, and an external storage device I / F 209.

The CPU 201 realizes each function included in the MFP 101 by controlling various hardware 202 to 208 constituting the MFP 101. The CPU 201 sends signals to various hardware via a bus line, and realizes mutual data communication with other hardware.

Further, the CPU 201 of the MFP 101 controls the operation of the MFP 101 according to the control program stored in the ROM 202. More specifically, the CPU 201 executes an operating system (OS) that controls the MFP 101 and a driver program for controlling the hardware. Then, the application programs arranged on the OS operate with each other to operate and control the functions desired by the user. These OSs and various programs are stored in the ROM 202 and executed by being read out in the RAM 203.

The ROM 202 is a memory for storing programs and various data used by the CPU 201. The RAM 203 is a work memory for temporarily storing a program and data used by the CPU 201 for calculation. The storage 204 is a storage device that stores various data, various programs, and the like.

In this embodiment, a flash memory is assumed as the storage 204, but an auxiliary storage device such as an SSD, HDD, or eMMC may be used. In the MFP 101, one CPU 201 uses one memory (RAM 203) to execute each process shown in the flowchart described later, but other forms may be used. For example, a plurality of CPUs, a plurality of RAMs, a plurality of ROMs, and a plurality of storages can be linked to execute each process shown in a flowchart described later. Further, a part of the processing may be executed by using a hardware circuit such as ASIC or FPGA.

The operation unit 205 is a user interface for the user to operate the MFP 101 such as a touch panel, and is a reception means for receiving the operation and input by the user. Further, since the operation unit 205 operates the MFP 101, it can also be used as a display unit for displaying a screen or the like.

The printer 206 is a unit that realizes a print function, and the CPU 201 controls the printer 206 to execute a print job received from the PC 104, and an image is printed on paper. Here, the print job is data including instructions for causing the MFP 101 to execute the print process, image data, print setting information, and the like.

The scanner 207 is a unit that realizes a scanning function, and the CPU 201 controls the scanner 207 to optically read an image of a document and generate it into image data.

The network I / F 208 is a network I / F for performing wired LAN communication such as Ethernet. The network I / F 208 may be a network I / F for wireless LAN communication, a USB-LAN I / F, or the like.

The external storage device I / F 209 is an I / F for the MFP 101 to communicate with the external storage device 210. The CPU 201 controls the external storage device I / F 209 to store the image data in the external storage device 210. In this embodiment, a USB interface is assumed as the external storage device I / F209, and a USB memory is assumed as the external storage device 210. However, the external storage device I / F209 is an SD for communicating with an external storage device such as an SD card. It may be a card slot.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the PC104. The PC 104 includes a CPU 301, a ROM 302, a RAM 303, an HDD 304, a network I / F 305, an operating device I / F 306, and a display device I / F 307.

The CPU 301 realizes each function of the PC 104 by controlling various hardwares 302 to 307 that make up the PC 104. The CPU 301 sends signals to various hardware via a bus line, and realizes mutual data communication with other hardware.

Further, the CPU 301 of the PC 104 controls the operation of the PC 104 according to the control program stored in the ROM 302. More specifically, the CPU 301 executes an OS or the like that controls the PC104. Then, the application programs arranged on the OS operate with each other to operate and control the functions desired by the user. These OSs and various programs are stored in the ROM 302 and executed by being read out in the RAM 302.

The ROM 302 is a memory for storing programs and various data used by the CPU 201. The RAM 303 is a work memory for temporarily storing a program and data used by the CPU 201 for calculation. The HDD 304 is a storage device that stores various data, various programs, and the like.

The network I / F 305 is a network I / F for performing wired LAN communication such as Ethernet. The network I / F 305 may be a network I / F for performing wireless LAN communication, a USB-LAN I / F, or the like.

The operating device I / F 306 is an I / F for connecting the operating device 310 such as a keyboard or mouse to the PC 104.

The display device I / F 307 is an I / F for connecting a display device 311 such as a liquid crystal monitor and a PC 104.

Although the PC 104 of this embodiment is connected to an external operation device or an external display device, for example, an operation unit and a display unit may be built in the PC 104.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit 205. The operation unit 205 is composed of a touch panel 410, a DataLED 420, and an ErrorLED 430. The touch panel 410 displays a home screen 400 that is displayed immediately after the MFP 101 is started. The home screen 400 is a screen for instructing the execution of each function of the MFP 101. On the home screen 400, frequently used setting buttons 401, scan buttons 402, menu buttons 403, address book buttons 404, questionnaire buttons 405, referral button 406, and the like are displayed. Further, the power saving button 407, the home button 408, and the stop button 409 are always displayed on the home screen 400. The power saving button 407, the home button 408, and the stop button 409 may be provided in the operation unit 205 as hard keys.

Frequently used setting button 401 is a button for displaying an execution screen of a specific function in a state where a setting set by the user is input by being selected by the user.

When the scan button 402 is selected, it executes a scan process to generate image data, and a screen for sending the generated image data by e-mail, sending a file, or storing the generated image data in the external storage device 210. It is a button to display. Here, the mail transmission is to attach the image data generated by reading the manuscript to an e-mail and send it. Further, file transmission is transmission to a file server 102, PC 104, or the like using a communication protocol such as SMB or FTP.

The menu button 403 is a button for displaying a menu screen by being selected by the user.

The address book button 404 is a button for displaying a screen for displaying an address (destination information) registered by being selected by the user. The screen for displaying the address displays the transmission type such as e-mail transmission, SMB transmission, FTP transmission, WebDAV transmission, and the destination information such as the e-mail address, the host name, and the server information.

The questionnaire button 405 and the letter of introduction button 406 are one-touch transmission buttons. The one-touch transmission button is selected by the user to read the image of the original with the scan settings preset by the user, generate image data, and transmit the image data in the transmission type preset by the user. It is a button to display the screen for.

The power saving button 407 is a button for shifting the MFP 101 to a power saving state by being selected by the user.

The home button 408 is a button for displaying the home screen 400 on the operation unit 205 when selected by the user.

The stop button 409 is a button selected by the user to stop the execution of a job such as a print job being executed by the MFP 101. The execution of the copy job or the transmission job may be stopped by selecting the stop button 409 by the user.

The DataLED 420 and the ErrorLED 430 notify the user of the status of the MFP 101. The DataLED 420 lights up during execution of e-mail transmission or file transmission, and the ErrorLED430 lights up when an error occurs in the MFP 101.

The home screen 400 is used by the user from a plurality of functions including, for example, a copy function for printing based on image data and a transmission function for reading a document to generate image data and transmitting the image data to an external device. This is a function selection screen for selecting a function to be performed.

Here, if you use the keyboard to enter the folder path of the folder to which you want to send image data, it will take time to enter the folder path, and when you enter the folder path that spans multiple layers, you will need to enter more folders. There is a problem that it takes time to enter the path.

In the method of Patent Document 1, a character string for one layer can be set by specifying an area, but a plurality of layers cannot be specified.

By executing the following processing for this problem, it is possible to reduce the time and effort of the user when setting the folder path consisting of a plurality of layers of the folder for transmitting the image data.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a one-touch transmission scan setting screen displayed on the display device 311.

The one-touch transmission scan setting screen 500 of FIG. 5 is displayed on the display device 311 connected to the PC 104 accessing the WEB server of the MFP 101 by HTTP communication, for example.

On the one-touch transmission scan setting screen 500, application information 501, new button registration button 502, items 503 to 506, display / non-display button 507, and delete button 508 are displayed.

The application information 501 is an area for displaying the version of the application, and the version number 1.00 is displayed in FIG.

The new button registration button 502 is displayed on the screen displayed on the operation unit 205 when selected by the user, and is a button for newly registering a button for executing the one-touch transmission scan. When the new button registration button 502 is selected, the setting edit screen 600 of FIG. 6 is displayed on the display device 311. A detailed description of the setting edit screen 600 of FIG. 6 will be described later.

Item 503 indicates the name of the button for executing the one-touch transmission scan registered in the MFP 101.

Item 504 indicates a transmission type set in the button for executing the one-touch transmission scan registered in the MFP 101.

Item 505 indicates the display state of the button for executing the one-touch transmission scan registered in the MFP 101. In addition, a display / non-display switching button 506 and a delete button 507 for changing the display state are also displayed. For example, when the display state of the "introduction letter" button is "display", the button is displayed on the home screen 400 on the touch panel 410 as in the introduction letter button 406 of FIG. The display / non-display switching button 506 is a button that allows the "display" and "non-display" of the buttons to be toggled.

The delete button 507 deletes the button information registered in the MFP 101 by being selected by the user.

As an example of the button for executing the one-touch transmission scan registered in the MFP 101, the transmission type of the button named "Application Form A" is E-mail, and the display state is hidden. Further, the setting edit screen 600 of FIG. 6 is displayed on the display device 311 not only when the registration button 502 of the new button is selected but also when the name of the button "application form A" is selected.

In FIG. 5, four buttons of "application form A", "application form B", "introduction letter", and "questionnaire" are registered. Since the button display state of the "introduction letter" and the "questionnaire" is "display", the button is displayed on the home screen 400. However, since the display state of "application form A" and "application form B" is "hidden", the button is not displayed on the home screen 400.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a button setting edit screen for executing a one-touch transmission scan. The button setting edit screen 600 of FIG. 6 is displayed on the display device 311 connected to the PC 104 accessing the WEB server of the MFP 101 by HTTP communication, for example.

The button setting edit screen 600 is displayed when the new button registration button 502 of FIG. 5 or the button name is selected by the user. When the button setting edit screen 600 is displayed by selecting the button name by the user, each item of the button setting edit screen 600 is displayed with the previously set value entered. To. When the button setting edit screen 600 is displayed by selecting the new button registration button 502, each item of the button setting edit screen 600 is displayed in a state where no value is input. The default value may be input in advance in each item of the button setting edit screen 600.

The input field 601 is an input field for setting the name of the one-touch transmission button. The character string "introduction letter" is input in the input field 601. Here, the one-touch transmission button is a button for executing a one-touch transmission scan by being selected by the user.

The pull-down 602 is an object for setting a file name. In the pull-down 602, "button name" and "automatic" can be selected, and when "button name" is selected, the button name entered in the input field 601 becomes the name of the file to be transmitted. If "automatic" is selected, the automatically determined character string will be the name of the file. For example, the date and time when the one-touch transmission button registered on the screen of FIG. 6 is selected and scanned is used as the file name. When the extension button 1501 on the questionnaire screen 1500, which will be described later, is selected and a character string indicating the extension is added, the file name is given with priority given to the setting by selecting the extension button 1500.

If the check box 603 is checked, the keyword at the time of file output becomes valid. The keywords will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

The keyword character string setting button 604 is a button for displaying the keyword character string setting screen 700 of FIG. 7 when selected by the user.

The pull-down 605 is an object for setting how to sort or not sort the transmitted files. In the pull-down 605, one can be selected from "do not sort", "sort (file)", "sort (folder)", and "sort (file and folder)". If "Do not sort" is set, the keyword is not used. If "Distribute (file)" is set, include the keyword in the output file name. If "Distribute (folder)" is set, include the keyword in the folder name that stores the file. If "Distribute (File and Folder)" is set, include the keyword in the file name and the folder name to output the file. Detailed processing when each setting is set by this pull-down 605 will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17.

The pull-down 606 is an object for selecting a transmission type when transmitting the image data generated by reading. In the pull-down 606, "file", "email", and "USB memory" can be selected. When "File" is selected and the switching button 607 is selected, image data is transmitted to the folder of PC 104 or the file server 102 using protocols such as SMB, FTP, WebDAV, and SFTP. When "E-mail" is selected, image data is transmitted to the destination using SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol). When "USB memory" is selected, the image data is stored in the USB memory which is the external storage device 210 connected to the MFP 101.

The switching button 607 is a button for switching the transmission type setting to the transmission type displayed in the pull-down 606. When the switching button 607 is selected with the transmission type selected in the pull-down 606, items corresponding to the selected transmission type are displayed in items 608, item 609, and the like.

Item 608 is an item in which various settings such as a reading setting when reading by one-touch transmission scanning and a transmission setting when transmitting can be input. For example, item 609 includes settings such as a destination, a scanning size, a file format, and a document orientation.

The area 609 is an area for displaying a transmission destination to which the image data read and generated is transmitted. The destination set here is a folder path to be combined with the character string of the text object described later. The area 609 is a text area that cannot be input or edited, and displays the address selected on the address selection screen. The selected address will be described later.

The selection button 610 from the address book displays the address selection screen 800 in which the address in the address book stored in the MFP 101 can be selected by being selected by the user.

The pull-down 611 is a pull-down for setting the file format when the image data generated by reading the image on the document is converted into a file. The file is generated according to the format selected here.

The OK button 612 is a button for storing the setting of the one-touch transmission button in the storage 204 with the contents set on the button setting edit screen 600. When the OK button 612 is selected, the settings are stored in the storage 204. The cancel button 613 is a button for discarding the setting. When the OK button 612 or the cancel button 613 is pressed, the one-touch transmission scan setting screen 500 of FIG. 5 is displayed.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an address selection screen. The address selection screen 700 is displayed by selecting the selection button 610 from the address book on the button setting edit screen 600 of FIG. The address selection screen 700 of FIG. 7 is displayed on the display device 311 connected to the PC 104 accessing the WEB server of the MFP 101 by HTTP communication, for example.

The pull-down 701 is a list for switching the type of the address book displayed on the address selection screen 700. In the pull-down 701, either "best member" or "speed dial" (not shown) can be selected.

The display switching button 702 is a button for changing the type of the address book displayed on the address selection screen 700 to the type displayed by the pull-down 701 when selected by the user.

The area 703 is a display area in which the name of the address book is displayed. List 704 is an area in which an address list is displayed, and is composed of selectable check boxes, numbers, types, names, and destinations. One of two types of check boxes, a checkable check box and an uncheckable check box, is displayed. As for the number, the management number of the address is displayed. The type is the area where the icon is displayed, and the icon differs depending on the type of address. The name given to the address is displayed. The address is displayed as the destination. One of two types of check boxes, a checkable check box and an uncheckable check box, is displayed.

If the OK button 705 is selected with the check box checked, the address is displayed in the area 609. Further, the MFP 101 stores the image data in the storage 204 as the destination address.

Supplementary information on the display of checkable check boxes and uncheckable check boxes. FIG. 7 shows the “best member” in which “file” is selected in the list 606 of FIG. 6 and two addresses of the transmission type “email” and two addresses of the “file” are registered. This is the display when an address is selected from the address book. Checkable check boxes are displayed for addresses that match the type of pull-down 606. Specifically, the uncheckable check box is displayed for the addresses of the numbers 01 and 02, and the checkable check box is displayed for the addresses of the numbers 03 and 04.

The OK button 705 is a button for confirming the address selection with the contents set on the address selection screen. The cancel button 706 is a button for discarding the setting contents. When the OK button 705 or the cancel button 706 is selected, the button setting edit screen 600 of FIG. 6 is displayed.

Here, the setting of the questionnaire button 405 of this embodiment will be described. The questionnaire button 405 is created by inputting the "questionnaire" in the input field 601 on the button setting edit screen 600 of FIG. 6, selecting the "button name" in the pull-down 602, and checking the check box 603. Will be done. Further, the questionnaire button 405 is created by selecting "sort (folder)" in the pull-down 605 and selecting "file" in the pull-down 606 on the button setting edit screen 600 of FIG. As for the "questionnaire" button, the destination "\\ file server \ questionnaire" of number 04 is selected in FIG. 7.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a destination registration screen. On the destination registration screen 800, an input field 801 and a pull-down 802, an input field 803, an input field 804, an input field 805, an input field 806, an OK button 807, and a cancel button 808 are displayed. The destination registration screen 800 is a screen for registering a destination when the transmission type is file transmission.

The input field 801 is an input field for inputting the name of the destination. The pull-down 802 is an object for selecting a protocol to be used when transmitting image data to a destination. In pull-down 802, one can be selected from three types of SMB, FTP, and WebDAV.

The input field 803 is an input field for inputting the host name of the destination. Name Enter a resolvable server name or IP address. The input field 804 is an input field for inputting the folder path of the destination.

The input fields 805 and 806 are input fields for inputting a user name and a password for accessing the server specified by the host name input in the input field 803.

When the OK button 807 is selected by the user, the CPU 201 stores the input set value as a new destination in the storage 204. When the cancel button 808 is selected by the user, the setting is discarded and the address book registration is cancelled.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the folder structure of the file server 102 as the file transmission destination. In the file server 102, a shared folder with the MFP 101 is generated for saving the questionnaire. The questionnaire folder 901 is set as the top-level folder, the subfolders 902 to 904 for each patient ID, the subfolders 905 and 906 for each clinical department under each patient ID folder, and the consultation date is set as the file name under each clinical department folder. It has a structure of questionnaire files 907 to 909.

In FIGS. 10 to 16, the image data of the questionnaire generated by reading is transmitted from the MFP 101 to the otolaryngology folder 906 existing on the file server 102 with the file name "2018-09-05.pdf" as an example. explain.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed when executing a one-touch transmission scan. The questionnaire screen 1000 of FIG. 10 is a screen that transitions when the questionnaire button 405 is selected. Specifically, after the user sets the manuscript on an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) or the like (not shown), the questionnaire 405 button on the home screen 400 is selected, so that the manuscript is created based on the setting of the questionnaire button 405. Read the image and generate the image data. Then, after performing character recognition processing on the generated image data, the questionnaire screen 1000 is displayed on the operation unit 205.

In the base destination information display box 1001, the base destination (host name) set in the questionnaire button 405 is displayed. In the case of the questionnaire button 405 of this embodiment, "\\ file server \ questionnaire" is displayed. The user cannot change the base address on the questionnaire screen 1000.

The destination display box 1002 is a box in which the destination entered or selected by the user is displayed as a character string. The displayed character string is updated according to the user's input or selection. The character string displayed in the destination display box 1002 is stored in the RAM 203 as the destination folder name.

The preview image 1003 is obtained by converting the image data generated by reading the image of the original into a RAW image for display.

The text object list 1004 is a list of text objects indicating one character string per line (pointing from "consultation date" to "1990/3/1"). A text object is a button on which a character string is displayed. As a result of the character recognition process, characters that are close to each other are interpreted as one character string, and the character string is displayed as a text object. A method of generating a text object will be described with reference to FIG. In this way, the characters displayed on the text object by the character recognition process may include numbers. Further, the character string indicated by the text object displayed at this time is associated with the coordinates on the image of the original and stored in the RAM 203. The user can select any text object from the text object list 1004. The character string indicated by the selected text object is set as the name of the folder one level below the folder path displayed in the base destination information display box 1001, and the character string indicated by the selected text object is set in the destination display box 1002. Is displayed in. For example, when the user selects the text object 1005 indicating the character string representing the patient ID of "123", the questionnaire screen 1000 displays a screen like the questionnaire screen 1100 of FIG.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed when executing a one-touch transmission scan. On the questionnaire screen 1100, the selected character string (“123”) is displayed in the destination display box 1002. Further, the area indicated by the coordinate information associated with the character string indicated by the selected text object is highlighted on the preview image 1003 as in the area 1101. Further, the character string in the character string list 1004 is highlighted as highlighted 1102 to indicate that it has been selected.

When the selected character string is selected again or the cancel button 1603 described later is selected, the display of the character string and each highlighting in the destination display box 1002 are canceled.

In this embodiment, a method of tapping a text object is assumed as a selection operation by the user, but a method of dragging and dropping the text object into the destination display box 602 may be used.

If the questionnaire button 405 is selected and the one-touch transmission scan has been executed in the past, the text object is set to the selected state using the previous input history stored in the storage 204, and the destination display box 1002 is automatically displayed. It is also possible to display the object. The storage and use of the input history will be described in detail in the description of FIG. 20 described later.

The scroll bar 1103 is used to confirm and select a text object that is not completely displayed on the questionnaire screen 1100.

The delimiter button 1104 is a button for adding a folder path delimiter to the destination display box 1002. When the delimiter button 704 is selected in the state of FIG. 7, the delimiter "¥" is added to the destination display box 1002 as in the questionnaire screen 1200 of FIG. The delimiter can be used any number of times, but it cannot be used consecutively without a string appearing between the delimiters. If they are selected consecutively, a warning screen (not shown) indicating that the delimiters cannot be consecutive is displayed.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed when executing a one-touch transmission scan. The questionnaire screen 1300 of FIG. 13 is a screen that is displayed when two types of text objects are selected.

When two text objects are selected, the character strings indicated by the text objects are displayed in the destination display box 1002 in the selected order as in the questionnaire screen 1300. The questionnaire screen 1300 shows an example in which a text object indicating "123" is selected and then a text object indicating "otolaryngology" is selected. Further, even when two or more text objects are selected, the same processing as described above is performed. That is, when the character (text object) is selected a plurality of times, the folder path based on the character in which each of the selected characters is combined is displayed in the destination information box 1002.

If the delimiter button 1104 is not selected and two or more text objects are selected, the selected character strings may be combined into one folder name, or the characters already selected and displayed may be used. You can delete the column and replace it. Also, if the delimiter button 1104 is not selected and two or more text objects are selected, a delimiter is automatically added between the characters indicated by the text object, and the characters of the later selected text object are added. May be the name of the folder in the lower hierarchy.

Further, even if a plurality of text objects are selected, each highlighting is performed in the same manner.

The date button 1301 is a button for adding a character string representing the date at the time of selection to the destination display box 1002. When the date button 1301 is selected in the state of the questionnaire screen 1300, a screen like the questionnaire screen 1400 of FIG. 14 is displayed.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed when executing a one-touch transmission scan.

Pop-up 1401 is a pop-up for specifying the format of a character string indicating a date (pointing from yyymmdd to mm-dd-yyyy). The user selects a date format from the list indicated by the pop-up 1401, and a character string indicating the date represented by the selected format is additionally displayed in the destination display box 1002. On the questionnaire screen 1400, the text object 1402 of "yyyy-mm-dd" is selected.

Here, an example in which a character string indicating a date is additionally displayed is shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed when executing a one-touch transmission scan. Since the text object 1402 of "yyyy-mm-dd" is selected on the questionnaire screen 1400, the character string "2018-09-05" is additionally displayed after "123 \ otolaryngology \". At this time, the character string indicating the folder path "123 \ otolaryngology ¥ 2018-09-05" to which the character string "2018-09-05" is added is stored in the RAM 203.

Since the date button 1301 can be used any number of times, the date button 1301 does not change to the selected display.

In this embodiment, the date is often used as a folder name or a file name, so a dedicated button is prepared to accept input. However, if there is a frequently used character string other than the date, the date In addition to the button 1301, a dedicated button for time and the like may be prepared.

The extension button 1501 is a button for adding a character string representing the extension to the character indicating the name of the folder at the bottom layer of the folder path displayed in the destination display box 1002. When the extension button 1501 is selected in the state of the questionnaire screen 1500, a screen like the questionnaire screen 1600 of FIG. 16 is displayed.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed when executing a one-touch transmission scan. In the address display box 1002 of the questionnaire screen 1600, a file path in which ".pdf" is additionally displayed in "123 \ otolaryngology \ 2018-09-05" is displayed. Here, the extension is added based on the file format set in the pull-down 611.

When the extension button is selected and a character string indicating the extension is added to the destination display box, it is highlighted as in highlight 1601. If you want to deselect it, you can deselect it in the same way as the deselected method of the text object described above. If an attempt is made to add a new character string while the extension button 1601 is selected, a warning screen (not shown) indicating that the extension has already been entered is displayed.

The character erase button 1602 is a button for erasing the last character of the character string displayed in the destination display box 1002. For example, when the character erase button 1602 is selected from the state of FIG. 16, the character string displayed in the destination display box 1002 is "123 \ otolaryngology \ 2018-09-05.pd". The character string stored as the folder path in the RAM 203 is also erased by one character in the same manner.

The cancel button 1603 is a button for erasing the character string input immediately before by being selected. If the immediately preceding input means is "select an object from the text object list 1004" or "select the extension button 1501", the highlighting or selection on the preview image 1003 is also canceled. For example, when the cancel button 1603 is selected from the state of FIG. 16, the character string displayed in the destination display box 1002 is "123 \ otolaryngology \ 2018-09-05". When it is selected again, the character string displayed in the destination display box 1002 is "123 \ otolaryngology \".

The confirmation button 1604 combines the character string of the base destination and the character string displayed on the destination display box 1002 by being selected, sets the folder indicated by the combined character string as the destination, and sets the image data. This is a button to start sending.

The page feed button 1605 is a button for displaying a preview image to be displayed on the questionnaire screen 1600 and an image of another page of the manuscript from which the text object list has been read, when selected.

As described above, the user can easily specify a destination across a plurality of layers only by selecting an object or a button without manually inputting a character string with a keyboard or the like.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart for realizing the processing as described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 16, and is a flowchart showing an example of the flow when the one-touch transmission button for file transmission is selected. The processing of the flowchart of FIG. 17 is realized by the CPU 201 reading the program stored in the ROM 202 into the RAM 203 and executing the program. The flow of FIG. 17 is started when the power of the MFP 101 is turned on.

In S1701, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the one-touch transmission button is selected. If it is determined that the selection has been made, the process proceeds to S1702. If not, the process returns to S1701. Here, a case where the questionnaire button 405 is selected as the one-touch transmission button will be described.

In S1702, the CPU 201 reads the read setting corresponding to the questionnaire button 405 set on the setting edit screen 600 from the storage 204.

In S1703, the CPU 201 controls the scanner to read the image of the original and generate the image data based on the reading setting read in S1402.

In S1704, the CPU 201 executes character recognition processing using the generated image data. The details of the character recognition process will be described later with reference to FIG.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of character recognition processing. The processing of the flowchart of FIG. 18 is realized by the CPU 201 reading the program stored in the ROM 202 into the RAM 203 and executing the program.

In S1801, the CPU 201 generates binary image data using the image data generated in S1703. The generated binary image data is stored in the RAM 203.

In S1802, the CPU 201 lowers the resolution of the binary image data generated in S1801. By lowering the resolution, it is possible to reduce the load of the process of searching the character area from the binary image data.

In S1803, the CPU 201 searches for a character area in the image indicated by the low-resolution binary image data. Here, the range for searching the character area may be the entire area of the image data or the area set by the user.

In S1804, the CPU 201 executes the character cutting process in the area determined to be the character area in S1803. The character cutting process is a process of cutting out the circumscribed rectangle of each character as a character cutting rectangle based on the projection from the horizontal direction and the projection from the vertical direction. This character cutting process is executed for all areas determined to be character areas.

In S1805, the CPU 201 compares each character-cutting rectangle with the dictionary data stored in the ROM 202, and acquires the character code of the most similar character and the coordinate information of the character-cutting rectangle. This dictionary comparison process is executed for all character-cutting rectangles. Further, in this process, font information and the like may be acquired in addition to the character code and coordinate information.

In S1806, the CPU 201 stores the character code and the coordinate information, which are the character information acquired in S1805, in the RAM 203.

Here, the explanation returns to the flow of FIG. In S1705, the CPU 201 creates a text object using the character information. The process of generating the text object will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of a flow in which the MFP 101 generates a text object. The processing of the flowchart of FIG. 19 is realized by the CPU 201 reading the program stored in the ROM 202 into the RAM 203 and executing the program. The flow of FIG. 19 is started when the character recognition process for one page is completed in S1704.

In S1901, the CPU 201 acquires the character information stored in S1806. In S1902, the CPU 201 targets the character-cutting rectangle at the upper left coordinate of the image indicated by the image data, and determines whether or not there is a character (character-cutting rectangle) to the right of the character-cutting rectangle. If it is determined to be present, the process proceeds to S1903. If not, the process proceeds to S1904.

In S1903, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the distance to the character (character-cutting rectangle) adjacent to the right is equal to or less than the threshold value. If it is determined that the value is equal to or less than the threshold value, the process proceeds to S1907. If it is determined that it is larger than the threshold value, the process proceeds to S1904.

In S1907, the CPU 201 generates the target character and the character to the right of the target character as a combination character string. After that, the character to the right is selected as the target character, and the process returns to S1902.

In S1904, the CPU 201 stores one or a combination of character strings in the RAM 203 as one character string used for the text object.

In S1905, the CPU 201 creates a text object using the character string stored in the RAM 203 in S1904. Here, the text object is a button on which a character string is displayed.

In S1906, the CPU 201 determines whether or not all the character information has been confirmed. If it is determined that it has been confirmed, the process ends. If not, the process proceeds to S1908.

In S1908, the CPU 201 selects the next character as a target and returns to S1602. When returning to S1902, the character on the right is selected as the next character, but after confirming the character on the right end, the character on the left end of the line one line below is set as the next character.

Here, the explanation returns to the flow of FIG. In S1706, it is determined whether or not the page on which the character recognition process and the generation of the text object are executed is the image of the last page among the images read in S1703. If it is determined to be the last page, the process proceeds to S1707. If not, return to S1704 for the next page.

In S1707, the CPU 201 displays a screen for selecting a text object. The screen displayed here is a screen as shown in FIG. Even if the destination information box on the screen displayed here automatically displays a character string indicating the folder path based on the coordinate information, the delimiter, and the extension information stored in S1711, which will be described later. Good. For example, when the text object "123" in FIG. 10 is selected in the previous process and the transmission process is executed, the character recognition process is executed in the area indicated by the coordinate information of "123", and the recognized character string is displayed. It is displayed in the destination information box 1002. Furthermore, if the delimiter or extension was selected last time, the presence / absence and insertion location are memorized (in the case of FIG. 16, the delimiter after "123" and "otolaryngology", "2018-09-05". Remember to add the extension after ").

In S1708, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the confirm button has been selected. If it is determined that the selection has been made, the process proceeds to S1710. If not, the process proceeds to S1709.

In S1709, the CPU 201 executes character string processing. The details of the character string processing will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of character string processing. The processing of the flowchart of FIG. 20 is realized by the CPU 201 reading the program stored in the ROM 202 into the RAM 203 and executing the program. The flow of FIG. 20 is started when it is determined in S1708 that the confirm button is not selected.

In S2001, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the character erasing button 1602 is selected. If it is determined that the selection has been made, the process proceeds to S2002. If not, the process proceeds to S2010.

In S2002, the CPU 201 deletes the last character of the character string displayed in the destination information box. Further, the same processing is performed for the characters stored in the RAM 203. Then, the process ends.

In S2010, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the character cancel button 1603 is selected. If it is determined that the selection has been made, the process proceeds to S2011. If not, proceed to S2020.

In S2011, the CPU 201 deletes one character string displayed in the destination information box. You can also delete delimiters and extensions. Further, the same processing is performed for the character string stored in the RAM 203.

In S2012, the CPU 201 deletes the coordinate information, the presence / absence of the delimiter, and the extension information stored in the storage 204 as the input history according to the character string deleted in S2011. Then, the process ends.

In S2020, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the text object is selected from the text object list and whether or not the extension button is selected. If the text object is selected or the extension button is selected, the process proceeds to S2021. If the text object is not selected or the extension button is not selected, the process proceeds to S2030.

In S2021, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the selected object has already been selected. That is, it is determined whether or not the selected text object has been selected. Further, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the selected extension button has been selected. If it is determined that the text object or extension button has been selected, the process proceeds to S2022. If it is determined that the text object or extension button has not been selected, the process proceeds to S2024.

In S2022, the CPU 201 deletes the character string corresponding to the selected text object or extension button from the destination information box. Further, the character string stored in the RAM 203 is also deleted in the same manner.

In S2023, the CPU 201 deletes the coordinate information and the extension information stored in the storage 204 as the input history according to the character string deleted in S2022. Then, the process ends.

In S2024, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the sum of the length of the character string displayed in the destination display box and the length of the character string selected by the user is equal to or less than the maximum length and the extension button is selected. .. If it is determined that the sum of the lengths of the character strings is not more than the maximum length and the extension button is not selected, the process proceeds to S2025. If not, the process proceeds to S2027. Here, the maximum length may be determined based on the restrictions on the implementation of the MFP 101 and the restrictions on the file path of the file server 102, or may be set by the user.

In S2025, the CPU 201 sets the character string corresponding to the selected text object, the extension when the extension button is selected, and the delimiter when the delimiter button is selected. Combine and display at the back. Similarly, the RAM 203 is also combined and stored after the character string stored at that time.

In S2026, the CPU 201 stores the input history corresponding to the character string added in S2025 in the storage 204.

In S2027, since the user's selection violates any of the restrictions of the maximum length, the delimiter, and the extension, the CPU 201 displays a warning screen (not shown) according to the conflicting constraint. In this embodiment, the method of ending the display of the warning screen assumes a user's tap operation, but it may be implemented so as to automatically end after a lapse of a predetermined time (for example, 1 second).

In S2030, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the delimiter button has been selected. If it is determined that the selection has been made, the process proceeds to S2031. If not, the process proceeds to S2040.

In S2031, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the delimiter is continuously selected. If it is determined that the selections are continuous, the process proceeds to S2027. If not, the process proceeds to S2032.

In S2032, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the sum of the length of the character string displayed in the destination display box and the length of the character string selected by the user is equal to or less than the maximum length and the extension button is selected. .. If it is determined that the sum of the lengths of the character strings is not more than the maximum length and the extension button is not selected, the process proceeds to S2025. If not, the process proceeds to S2027.

In S2040, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the page feed button has been selected by the user. If it is determined that the selection has been made, the process proceeds to S2041. If not, the date button is selected and the process proceeds to S2050.

In S2041, the CPU 201 displays a preview image to be displayed on the questionnaire screen and an image of another page of the manuscript from which the text object list has been read. By selecting the right button, the page next to the currently displayed page is displayed, and by selecting the left button, the page immediately before the currently displayed page is displayed. Will be done. Then, the process ends.

In S2050, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the sum of the length of the character string displayed in the destination display box and the length of the character string selected by the user is equal to or less than the maximum length and the extension button is selected. .. If it is determined that the sum of the lengths of the character strings is not more than the maximum length and the extension button is not selected, the process proceeds to S2051. If not, the process proceeds to S2053.

Since the date button 1301 and the pop-up 1401 are selected in S2051, the CPU 201 combines and displays the date at the time of selection after the character string displayed in the destination information box according to the format of the selected date. .. Further, also in the RAM 203, the character string stored at that time is similarly combined and stored.

In S2052, the CPU 201 stores the input history corresponding to the character string added in S2051 in the storage 204.

In S2053, the CPU 201 executes the same process as in S2027.

Here, the explanation returns to the flow of FIG. In S1710, the CPU 201 acquires the host name (folder path) displayed in the base destination information box and stores it in the RAM 203. In the case of FIG. 16, it is "\\ file server \ questionnaire".

In S1711, the CPU 201 combines the folder path acquired in S1711 with the character string stored in the RAM 203 in S1709, and sets the folder path as the transmission destination of the image data generated in S1703. In the case of FIG. 16, it is "\\ file server \ questionnaire \ 123 \ otolaryngology \ 2018-09-05.pdf". In this case, "2018-09-05.pdf" is set as a file name, and is transmitted to "\\ file server \ questionnaire \ 123 \ otolaryngology" with the file name "2018-09-05.pdf". If the file name is not set, the date, time, etc. may be automatically assigned as the file name.

In S1712, the CPU 201 transmits the file generated by filing the image data to the destination set in S17111.

By executing the above processing, it is possible to reduce the time and effort of the user when setting the folder path composed of a plurality of layers of the folder for transmitting the image data.

In this embodiment, when the one-touch transmission button is selected, the image of the original is read and the image data is generated, and the character recognition process and the text object generation process are executed, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the MFP 101 may receive the image data transmitted from the external device, execute the character recognition process and the text object generation process on the image data, and display the screen as shown in FIG. Further, when the scan button 402 is selected, the image of the original may be read to generate image data, and the character recognition process and the text object generation process may be executed.

In this embodiment, an example in which the setting screen such as the button setting editing screen 600 is displayed on the display device 311 connected to the HTTP-connected PC 104 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the setting screen such as the button setting editing screen 600 may be displayed on the touch panel 410 on the operation unit 205 of the MFP 101 and accept the operation.

<Other Embodiments>
The object of the present invention is achieved by executing the following processing. That is, the storage medium in which the program code that realizes the function of the above-described embodiment is recorded is supplied to the system or device, and the computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or device stores the program code in the storage medium. Is the process of reading. In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the function of the above-described embodiment, and the program code constitutes the present invention.

The present invention also includes a case where the function of the above embodiment is realized by executing the program code read by the computer. In addition, based on the instruction of the program code, the OS (operating system) or the like running on the computer performs a part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the function of the above-described embodiment. The case is also included.

101 MFP
104 PC
100 LAN
201 CPU
205 Operation unit

Claims (19)

Character recognition means that performs character recognition processing that recognizes characters contained in image data and acquires character information,
A display means for displaying the characters indicated by the character information acquired by the character recognition means, and a display means for displaying the characters.
A reception means that accepts the selection of characters displayed by the display means by the user, and
A generation means that generates a folder path based on the selected characters, and
A transmission means for transmitting the image data to the folder indicated by the folder path, and
According to the reception means accepting the selection of characters a plurality of times, the generation means generates a folder path based on the characters obtained by combining each of the selected characters, and the transmission means is placed in the folder indicated by the folder path. An image processing device characterized by transmitting image data. It also has a second reception means that accepts the input of the folder path.
The image is transmitted to a folder in a folder path in which a folder path consisting of characters in which each of the selected characters is combined is combined in a hierarchy one level below the folder path in which the second receiving means receives input. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein data is transmitted. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the display means displays a list of characters indicated by character information acquired by the character recognition means. The image processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the receiving means is an operation unit provided in the image processing device. It also has a reading means that reads the image of the original and generates image data.
The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the character recognition means performs character recognition processing for recognizing characters included in the image data and acquiring character information. Further having a receiving means for receiving image data from an external device,
The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the character recognition means performs character recognition processing for recognizing characters included in the image data and acquiring character information. The generation means is characterized in that, according to the reception means receiving a plurality of selections from the user, a folder path in which the selected character is added to the next lower hierarchy each time the selection is made is generated. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6. Claims 1 to 1, wherein the receiving means generates a folder path in which the selected character is added as the name of a folder in the same hierarchy each time the selection is received from the user. The image processing apparatus according to any one of 6. A storage means for storing the coordinate information corresponding to the selected character, and
The character recognition means executes the character recognition process in the area indicated by the stored coordinate information, and displays the characters indicated by the character information acquired by the character recognition process without the receiving means accepting the user's selection. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the image processing apparatus is displayed. Further, it has an additional means for adding an extension to the characters indicating the name of the folder at the bottom layer of the folder path generated by the generation means.
The transmission means is a file generated by converting the image data into a file, and the transmission means transmits the file in which the character with the extension is set as the file name. 9. The image processing apparatus according to any one of 9. The image processing according to claim 10, wherein the display means displays a screen indicating a warning when the reception means accepts the selection of the character after the extension is added by the addition means. apparatus. It also has an acquisition means to acquire the date,
The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the generation means generates a folder path in which characters indicating the date are added to a hierarchy one level below the folder path. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the display means updates the display each time the generation means generates a folder path. According to any one of claims 1 to 13, the display means displays a screen indicating a warning according to the length of the folder path generated by the generation means becoming equal to or greater than a predetermined length. The image processing apparatus described. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the character information includes at least a character code. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the transmission means transmits the image data using at least one of FTP, SMB, and WebDAV. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the characters include numbers. A character recognition process that performs character recognition processing that recognizes characters contained in image data and acquires character information,
A display process for displaying the characters indicated by the character information acquired in the character recognition process, and a display process for displaying the characters.
A reception process that accepts the selection of characters displayed by the display process by the user, and
A generation process that generates a folder path based on the selected characters,
A transmission step of transmitting the image data to the folder indicated by the folder path, and
According to the reception of the character selection a plurality of times in the reception step, a folder path is generated in the generation step based on the characters obtained by combining each of the selected characters, and the folder indicated by the folder path is stored in the transmission step. An image processing device characterized by transmitting image data. A program for causing a computer to execute each means of the image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

Images