JP4240042B2 - Image processing program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing program for causing an information processing apparatus connected to an image reading apparatus to function as an image processing apparatus that acquires image data from the image reading apparatus and transmits the image data to an application. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus that acquires data and transmits it to an application, and an image processing method that acquires image data from the image reading apparatus using an information processing apparatus connected to the image reading apparatus and transmits the image data to the application. .

  Conventionally, as a technique for linking an image reading apparatus and an application that functions on an information processing apparatus to which the image reading apparatus is connected, for example, when a document is read by the image reading apparatus, it is registered in advance in conjunction with the reading. There has been proposed a technique for automatically starting a registered application (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

According to the technique described in Patent Document 1, if a user registers a desired application in advance, the user can use the image reading apparatus later without performing an operation for starting the application. Since it is only necessary to perform an operation necessary for reading a document, there is an advantage that operability is improved and convenience is enhanced.
JP-A-11-175696

  However, although the technique described in Patent Document 1 is convenient when the application used by the user is determined only by a specific application, there are several types of applications used by the user. It was inconvenient if it was not decided which one to use.

  Specifically, even if a user has registered an application in advance, if the user wants to use another application, the desired application cannot be started unless the registered contents are changed. There is a problem that it takes time to change the registered contents.

  If a document is read by the image reading device without forgetting to change the registered contents, an application different from the desired application is started and image data is passed to the application. There was also the problem of having to start over.

  In addition, although a specific application is frequently used at all times, if you want to use another application temporarily, if you change the registration details so that the other application is started, it will always be specified again. There is a problem that the user has to return the registration contents so that the application can be used.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to transmit image data acquired from an image reading apparatus to an application. An image processing program for causing an information processing apparatus to function as an image processing apparatus that can be arbitrarily designated by a user through a simple operation, an image processing apparatus having a similar function, and a similar function are realized on the information processing apparatus. An image processing method is provided.

The characteristic configuration employed in the present invention will be described below.
An image processing program according to the present invention provides an information processing apparatus capable of acquiring data of an image read by the image reading apparatus by controlling the image reading apparatus, and a press for instructing the image reading apparatus to perform a pre-scan. CAN instruction means, and prescan image display means for acquiring prescan image data transmitted from the image reading device in response to an instruction from the prescan instruction means and displaying the prescan image on a display device And a range designating unit for allowing the user to designate at least a part of the range of the prescan image displayed on the display device by the prescanned image display unit, and the range designation by the range designating unit Later, when the user performs an operation to specify an application, the application specified by the user Application information acquisition means for acquiring application information that is information to be acquired, and acquisition of image data within the range specified by the range specification means, triggered by acquisition of the application information by the application information acquisition means Main scan instructing means for instructing the image reading apparatus to perform a main scan, and acquiring data of the main scan image transmitted from the image reading apparatus in response to an instruction from the main scan instructing means. And functioning as data transmission means for transmitting to the application indicated by the information acquired by the application information acquisition means.

  In this image processing program, the prescan is for the user to check the state of the entire image to be read, or for the user to select the range to be read in the main scan from the entire image. In addition, the image reading operation is executed prior to the main scan. On the other hand, the main scan is an image reading operation executed to obtain image data to be finally obtained. In the present invention, an image is read from an object to be read (for example, a document placed on a contact glass provided in the image reading device) by performing a pre-scan first and then a main scan. It will be.

  In the main scan, usually, an image is read according to various reading conditions (for example, resolution, color / monochrome, reading range, etc.) arbitrarily set by the user. However, when the user does not set a reading condition in particular, it is sufficient that the main scan is performed according to the reading condition set as a default. On the other hand, when pre-scanning is performed, if the user can obtain an image that does not cause any problems in grasping the outline of the entire image or setting the range, a particularly fine image is not necessary. It is more convenient to process. For this reason, in the prescan, generally, apart from the reading conditions for the main scan, reading conditions that allow the prescan to be completed quickly (for example, the resolution is set to a relatively low resolution) are set in advance. An image is read according to the setting.

  By using the image processing program configured as described above and causing the information processing apparatus to function as each of the above means, the user can arbitrarily select an application for performing image processing after the main scan at the stage after the pre-scan. It becomes possible to specify.

  Therefore, unlike the conventional technology in which a pre-registered application is automatically started after pre-scanning, the user sees the pre-scan image and then selects the application most suitable for processing that image more flexibly. Will be able to. Also, unlike the case of starting an application and reading an image with an image reading apparatus, the user views the pre-scan image and then more flexibly selects an application that is most suitable for processing the image. Will be able to.

  The image processing program of the present invention is a program for causing the information processing apparatus to function as each of the above means. However, the information processing apparatus referred to in the present invention is configured as a separate device from the image reading apparatus. However, it may be configured as an apparatus integrated with the image reading apparatus.

  As an information processing apparatus configured as a separate apparatus from the image reading apparatus, for example, an information processing apparatus such as a personal computer can be cited. In this case, the information processing apparatus and the image reading apparatus have a communication cable. It can be directly connected via the network, or can be configured to communicate via the network.

  On the other hand, as an information processing apparatus configured as an apparatus integrated with an image reading apparatus, a multifunction machine including an image scanner unit configured by the image reading apparatus and a control unit provided to control the scanner unit And facsimile machines.

  By the way, in the image processing program of the present invention, the application information acquisition unit is configured such that, after the range is specified by the range specifying unit, a user uses a pointing device to display an area within the range in the display device. It is preferable that the application information related to the application associated with the icon is acquired when an operation of dragging on the icon displayed on the icon and dropping on the icon is performed.

  By using the image processing program configured as described above and causing the information processing apparatus to function as each of the above-described units, it is possible to designate an application with an operation that is easy to understand visually.

  Further, in the image processing program of the present invention, the application information acquisition unit may be configured such that, after the range is specified by the range specifying unit, a user uses a pointing device to specify the area within the range or the display device. When the menu area displayed above is clicked, a menu including a list of selectable applications is displayed, and the user performs an operation for selecting one application from the menu. Preferably, the application information related to the selected application is configured to be acquired.

  By using the image processing program configured as described above and causing the information processing apparatus to function as each of the above means, a desired application can be easily designated from the menu.

  In the image processing program of the present invention, the data transmission unit includes a data acquisition unit that acquires data of a main scan image transmitted from the image reading device in response to an instruction from the main scan instruction unit, and an application Acquired from the data format storage means for storing the data format that can be processed by the data acquisition means for acquiring the data format that can be processed by the application indicated by the information acquired by the application information acquisition means, and acquired by the data acquisition means Determining means for determining whether or not the first and second data formats match, assuming that the data format of the data is the first data format and the data format acquired by the data format acquiring means is the second data format; The determination means determines that the first and second data formats do not match. In this case, the data format conversion means for converting the data format of the data acquired by the data acquisition means from the first data format to the second data format, and the determination means, the first, When it is determined that the second data format matches, the data acquired by the data acquisition means is targeted for transmission, while when it is determined that the first and second data formats do not match, Preferably, the data conversion means includes data transmission means for sending the data converted by the data format conversion means to the application indicated by the information acquired by the application information acquisition means. .

  By using the image processing program configured as described above and causing the information processing apparatus to function as each of the above means, even when the data format of the data acquired from the image reading apparatus is not a data format that can be processed by an application, Since the data can be converted into a data format that can be processed by an application, the possibility of being unable to perform processing by a desired application can be reduced.

  In the image processing program of the present invention, when there are a plurality of data formats that can be processed by an application, the data format storage means allows the user to use the plurality of data formats and the plurality of data formats. Arbitrarily assigned priority order can be stored, and the data format conversion means uses the data format with the highest priority among the plurality of data formats as the second data format. It is preferable that the data format of the data acquired by the acquisition means is configured to convert from the first data format to the second data format.

  By using the image processing program configured as described above and causing the information processing apparatus to function as each of the above means, when passing data to an application corresponding to a plurality of data formats, according to the priority order desired by the user, It can be converted to a data format with high priority.

  Further, in the image processing program of the present invention, the application information acquisition unit registers in advance when a user performs an operation to instruct a main scan after the range is specified by the range specifying unit. It is preferable to be configured to acquire the application information related to the created application.

  By using the image processing program configured as described above and causing the information processing apparatus to function as each of the above-described means, by registering frequently used applications in advance, without specifying each application, A main scan can also be performed. That is, when the user performs an operation for designating an application, image data can be transmitted to the desired application. On the other hand, when the user performs an operation for instructing a main scan. Even if the user does not designate the application, the image data can be transmitted to the application registered in advance. Therefore, compared to an application that can be activated only by one of the methods, the user has more choices of operation methods, and can select a more convenient method arbitrarily.

  Next, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention is an image processing apparatus capable of acquiring image data read by the image reading apparatus by controlling the image reading apparatus, and presses the image reading apparatus. A pre-scan instruction means for instructing a can, and data of the pre-scan image transmitted from the image reading device in accordance with an instruction from the pre-scan instruction means, and displaying the pre-scan image on a display device Prescan image display means, range designation means for causing a user to designate at least a part of the range of the prescan image displayed on the display device by the prescan image display means, and the range by the range designation means After the designation, when the user performs an operation for designating the application, the application specified by the user is specified. Application information acquisition means for acquiring application information, which is information relating to the application, and the main scan targeting within the range specified by the range specification means, triggered by the acquisition of the application information by the application information acquisition means A main scan instruction means for instructing the image reading apparatus, and data of the main scan image transmitted from the image reading apparatus in response to an instruction from the main scan instruction means, and the application information Data transmission means for transmitting to the application indicated by the information acquired by the acquisition means.

  The image processing apparatus configured as described above includes means equivalent to the case where the information processing apparatus functions as each means described in claim 1 using the image processing program described in claim 1. Therefore, a conventional technique in which an application for performing image processing after the main scan can be arbitrarily designated by the user at the stage after the pre-scan, and a pre-registered application is automatically started after the pre-scan. In contrast, after viewing the pre-scan image, the user can more flexibly select an application that is optimal for processing the image. Also, unlike the case of starting an application and reading an image with an image reading apparatus, the user views the pre-scan image and then more flexibly selects an application that is most suitable for processing the image. Will be able to.

  In this image processing apparatus as well, each information processing apparatus according to each of claims 2 to 6 is used by utilizing the image processing program according to any of claims 2 to 6. Of course, it is possible to provide means equivalent to the case of functioning as means.

  Next, the image processing method of the present invention uses an information processing apparatus capable of acquiring data of an image read by the image reading apparatus by controlling the image reading apparatus. A pre-scan instruction procedure for instructing a pre-scan, and a pre-scan image data transmitted from the image reading device in response to an instruction in the pre-scan instruction procedure, and displaying the pre-scan image on a display device A pre-scan image display procedure to be performed; a range designation procedure for causing a user to designate at least a partial range of the pre-scan image displayed on the display device by the pre-scan image display procedure; and the range according to the range designation procedure After the designation of the application, when the user performs an operation to designate the application, the application specified by the user is specified. An application information acquisition procedure for acquiring application information, which is information relating to the application, and a main scan that targets within the range specified by the range specification procedure, triggered by the acquisition of the application information by the application information acquisition procedure A main scan instruction procedure for instructing the image reading apparatus, and data of the main scan image transmitted from the image reading apparatus in response to an instruction in the main scan instruction procedure, and the application information A data transmission procedure for transmitting to the application indicated by the information acquired by the acquisition procedure is executed.

  If the information processing apparatus executes processing according to the image processing method configured as described above, the information processing apparatus functions as each unit according to claim 1 using the image processing program according to claim 1. The process is executed in the same procedure as when Therefore, a conventional technique in which an application for performing image processing after the main scan can be arbitrarily designated by the user at the stage after the pre-scan, and a pre-registered application is automatically started after the pre-scan. In contrast, after viewing the pre-scan image, the user can more flexibly select an application that is most suitable for processing the image. Also, unlike the case of starting an application and reading an image with an image reading apparatus, the user views the pre-scan image and then more flexibly selects an application that is most suitable for processing the image. Will be able to.

  In this image processing method as well, each means described in each of claims 2 to 6 uses the image processing program described in each of claims 2 to 6 as an information processing apparatus. It goes without saying that the process may be executed in the same procedure as when the function is performed.

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with an example.
[Configuration of PC and MFP]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a personal computer 1 (hereinafter referred to as a PC 1) corresponding to an example of an information processing apparatus according to the present invention and a multifunction machine 3 corresponding to an example of an image reading apparatus according to the present invention. It is.

  Among the devices as described above, the PC 1 includes a CPU 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, a hard disk device 15 (hereinafter referred to as HDD 15), an operation unit 16, a display unit 17, a USB interface 18 (hereinafter referred to as USB I) as shown in FIG. / F18).

  The CPU 11 is a device that executes control and various operations for each part of the PC 1 in accordance with programs stored in the ROM 12 and the RAM 13. Processing as an OS (Operating System), processing as an image processing unit, processing as an application, and the like described below. Are respectively executed by the CPU 11.

  The ROM 12 is a storage device that can retain the stored contents even when the power switch of the PC 1 is turned off, and stores BIOS (Basic Input Output System), read data that is not normally updated, and the like.

  The RAM 13 is a storage device used as a main memory or the like that is directly accessed from the CPU 11. In the RAM 13, software such as an OS (Operating System) and various applications is read from the HDD 15, and results of various calculations by the CPU 11 and data read from the HDD 15 are also stored in the RAM 13. When the CPU 11 executes each process as an OS, an image processing unit, and an application, which will be described later, a program for causing the CPU 11 to execute each process is read from the HDD 15 into the RAM 13, and the CPU 11 Will execute each process.

  The HDD 15 is an apparatus for storing various programs and various data files. The HDD 15 also stores programs for causing the OS, the image processing unit, and applications to function.

The operation unit 16 is an input device for inputting various instructions from the user, and includes, for example, a keyboard and various pointing devices (for example, a mouse).
The display unit 17 (corresponding to an example of a display device according to the present invention) is an output device for presenting various types of information to the user, and includes, for example, a liquid crystal display capable of displaying a color image.

  The USB I / F 18 is a USB standard-compliant serial interface. Various devices (for example, a printer, a keyboard, a mouse, a scanner, a speaker, various storage devices, etc.) can be connected to the USB I / F 18, but in the present embodiment, the multifunction device 3 is connected. Yes.

  Further, the PC 1 is equipped with an OS having a multitask function as an OS for controlling the hardware group as described above. With this multitask function of the OS, the PC 1 can execute processing based on a plurality of software in a time-sharing manner in parallel, whereby an image processing unit and an application described later function on the PC 1. Yes. Examples of the OS having such a multitask function include MacOS (registered trademark), Windows (registered trademark), and Linux (registered trademark). Since various functions provided by the OS such as a multitask function are publicly known, detailed description thereof is omitted here. In the following description, various functions provided by the PC 1 by MacOS (registered trademark) are described. The explanation will be continued on the assumption that it has.

  On the other hand, in this embodiment, the multifunction machine 3 is a device used as a scanner in the processing described later. In addition to the image scanner function, the multifunction machine 3 has a printer function, a copy function, a facsimile function, a telephone function, and the like. Have both.

  The multifunction machine 3 includes a CPU 31, a ROM 32, a RAM 33, a hard disk device 35 (hereinafter referred to as HDD 35), an operation unit 36, a display unit 37, a USB I / F 38, a printing unit 41, a reading unit 42, a modem 43, and the like. .

The CPU 31 is a device that executes control of each part of the multifunction machine 3 and various calculations in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM 32.
The ROM 32 is a storage device that can retain the stored contents even when the power switch of the multifunction machine 3 is turned off, and stores various data for reading that is not normally updated in addition to the control program.

  The RAM 33 is a storage device that is used as a main memory or the like that is directly accessed from the CPU 31. Various data calculated by the CPU 31 during processing are temporarily stored in the RAM 33.

  The HDD 35 is a device that stores relatively large image data such as an image transmitted / received by a facsimile function, an image read by an image scanner function, and an image printed by a printer function.

The operation unit 36 is an input device that is operated when a user gives a command to the multifunction device 3 by manual operation.
The display unit 37 is a device constituted by a small liquid crystal display, and can display information such as settings and states of the multifunction machine 3.

The USB I / F 38 is a serial interface compliant with the USB standard, and can perform data communication with the PC 1 by using the USB I / F 38.
The printing unit 41 is an apparatus capable of executing printing on a sheet-like medium (for example, recording paper), and performs printing of print data using a printer function, printing of a received image using a facsimile function, printing of a copy image using a copy function, and the like. Operates on.

  The reading unit 42 is a device that can read an image from a document set on an automatic document feeder (not shown) or a document placed on a contact glass of a flat bed, and reads an image by an image scanner function or a facsimile function. Operates when reading the transmitted image.

  The modem 43 converts the digital data created on the multifunction device 3 side into a voice signal and transmits it to the public line side, or converts the voice signal received from the public line side into digital data and processes it on the multifunction device 3 side. This is a device for enabling the transmission and reception of images using the facsimile function and when making a call using the telephone function.

[Outline of image processing unit]
Next, an outline of the image processing unit operating in the PC 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
As described above, the CPU 11 included in the PC 1 can execute processes based on a plurality of software in parallel in a time-sharing manner, thereby enabling software such as the image processing unit 51, application # 1, and application # 2 shown in FIG. However, it functions on the PC 1. The applications # 1 and # 2 are software having a function of receiving the image data transmitted from the multifunction machine 3 via the image processing unit 51. In FIG. 2, two applications # 1 and # 2 are used. 2 is illustrated, but the number of applications functioning on the PC 1 is arbitrary.

  The image processing unit 51 is software having a function of transmitting image data acquired from the multifunction machine 3 to the applications # 1 and # 2 having an image processing function. The image processing unit 51 includes a data format storage unit 52 and a data format determination unit 53. The data format converter 54 is configured to function.

  The data format storage unit 52 stores a data format of image data that can be processed by an application (applications # 1 and # 2 in this embodiment) that is a transmission destination of image data. JPEG, application # 2 stores BMP,... In association with the application and data format. The user can arbitrarily set which application supports which data format. In addition, when an application is installed, if the data format supported by the application is registered in a storage area managed by the OS, the application is associated with the data format by referring to the storage area. Software for registering the attachment in the data format storage unit 52 may be operated.

  The data format determination unit 53 acquires the first data format that is the data format of the image data transmitted from the multifunction device 3 and is a data format that can be processed by the application that is the transmission destination of the image data. The second data format is acquired from the data format storage unit 52, and it is determined whether or not the first and second data formats match. As a result of the determination, if the first and second data formats match, the image data is transmitted as it is to the application. As a result of this determination, if the first and second data formats do not match, the image data is transmitted to the data format converter 54.

  The data format conversion unit 54 performs processing for converting the data format of the image data. The data format conversion unit 54 inputs image data having a known data format such as JPEG, BMP, or PNG, and converts the image data into a designated different data format. It has the function of converting to the data format and outputting.

  In the case of the multifunction machine 3 illustrated in FIG. 2, the image data read by the reading unit 42 is transmitted to the PC 1 in the JPEG format. Further, when the transmission destination of the image data is the application # 1, the data format storage unit 52 stores that the application # 1 can process the image data by JPEG. Therefore, the data format determination unit 53 of the image processing unit 51 that has acquired the image data from the multifunction device 3 uses the image data acquired from the multifunction device 3 and the image data that can be processed by the application # 1 as the transmission destination. It is determined that the formats match, and the image data acquired from the multifunction machine 3 is transmitted as it is to the application # 1.

  On the other hand, when the transmission destination of the image data is the application # 2, the data format storage unit 52 stores that the application # 2 can process the image data by BMP. Therefore, the data format determination unit 53 of the image processing unit 51 that has acquired the image data from the multifunction device 3 uses the image data acquired from the multifunction device 3 and the image data that can be processed by the application # 1 as the transmission destination. It is determined that the formats do not match, and the data format of the image data acquired from the multifunction machine 3 is converted from JPEG to BMP by the data format converter 54, and the converted image data is transmitted to the application # 2.

  In order to avoid complicated explanation, in FIG. 2, the data format of the image data transmitted from the MFP 3 to the PC 1 and the data format of the image data that can be processed by the application # 1 are JPEG. Although only the case where the data format of the image data that can be processed in # 2 is BMP is illustrated, the data format handled by each is arbitrary.

  For example, the data format of image data transmitted from the MFP 3 to the PC 1 may be a data format other than JPEG (for example, BMP, PNG, etc.), and the same applies to data formats that can be processed by an application. is there. In other words, the data format of the image data is determined based on whether the data format of the image data transmitted from the MFP 3 to the PC 1 matches the data format of the image data that can be processed by the application. Although it is important to change whether or not to convert, what specific data format is converted to what specific data format is not particularly limited.

  In order to avoid complicated description, in FIG. 2, the data format of image data that can be processed by application # 1 is only JPEG 1 type, and the data format of image data that can be processed by application # 2 is only BMP 1 type. However, as is well known, there are many applications that can process two or more data formats. Therefore, for such an application, two or more types of data formats corresponding to one application may be stored in the data format storage unit 52.

  When such a configuration is adopted, when the data format of the image data transmitted from the multifunction machine 3 to the PC 1 matches one of two or more data formats stored in the data format storage unit 52, The image data may be transmitted as it is to the application.

  Further, when the data format of the image data transmitted from the multifunction device 3 to the PC 1 does not match any of the two or more data formats stored in the data format storage unit 52, the image data is converted into the data format. What is necessary is just to transmit to an application, after converting into either of 2 or more types of data formats memorize | stored in the memory | storage part 52. FIG.

  In this case, if the user gives priority to two or more types of data formats stored in the data format storage unit 52, it is not simply converted into one of two or more types of data formats. It is also possible to convert to a data format with higher priority. Therefore, by assigning a high priority to the data format that is most easy for the user to use, conversion to a data format that is easy to use becomes possible.

[User interface of image processor]
Next, a user interface of the above-described image processing unit will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The OS included in the PC 1, the image processing unit 51 that functions under the control of the OS, and the applications # 1 and # 2 both have a GUI (Graphical User Interface) configured using the functions provided by the OS. I have. Using these GUIs, the user can perform various commands by operating the pointing device provided in the operation unit 16 while viewing various information displayed on the display unit 17, the OS, the image processing unit 51, and the application #. 1, # 2, etc.

  When the user gives various commands to the OS, the image processing unit 51, and the applications # 1, # 2 using the GUI, the operation is detected by the OS, and the image processing unit 51 and the applications # 1, # 1 are detected. # 2 etc. are notified as an event. Upon receiving this event notification, the image processing unit 51 and the applications # 1 and # 2 execute predetermined processing for events that need to be handled by themselves. As a result, the OS, the image processing unit 51, and the applications # 1, # 2, etc. can each execute their own processing, and if necessary, the OS, the image processing unit 51, and the applications # 1, # 2 However, by acquiring various information and providing various information between each other, it is possible to execute linked processing.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit 17 when the image processing unit 51 is activated. The image processing unit 51 is activated by a command from the user (for example, an operation of clicking an icon provided to activate the image processing unit 51 with a pointing device).

  As the image processing unit 51 is activated, the image processing unit 51 displays a preview window 61 on the display unit 17 of the PC 1. A menu corresponding to the image processing unit 51 is displayed on the menu bar 62 provided at the top of the display unit 17. In addition, in the present embodiment, the Dock area 63 is displayed at the bottom of the display unit 17 by the function of the OS. In the Dock area 63, icons 64A to 64M indicating other applications are displayed. In addition, a desktop area 65 is also displayed on the display unit 17 of the PC 1, and icons 64 </ b> N and 64 </ b> O are also displayed on the desktop area 65. In the following description, only when distinguishing the individual icons 64A to 64O, an English character added to the end of the symbol is clearly indicated as “icon 64A” and “icon 64B”. When it is not necessary to distinguish 64O, an alphabetic character added to the end of the symbol is omitted as in “icon 64”.

  In the preview window 61 displayed by the image processing unit 51, a pre-scan image display area 66, an Options button 67, an Overview button 68, a Scan button 69, and the like are provided.

  In this preview window 61, when the user clicks the Overview button 68, a pre-scan command is given to the multifunction device 3 in conjunction therewith. When an image is scanned on the multifunction device 3 side in response to the pre-scan command, the pre-scan image data is transmitted to the PC 1, so that the image processing unit 51 on the PC 1 side Data is acquired and displayed in the prescan image display area 66.

  When the pre-scan image is displayed in the pre-scan image display area 66, the user uses the pointing device provided in the operation unit 16 to display the selection range 72 in the pre-scan image display area 66 as shown in FIG. You can specify.

  Specifically, first, using a pointing device provided in the operation unit 16, a point in the pre-scan image display area 66 is designated and a mouse down operation (operation of pressing a pointing device button) is performed. Then, a drag operation (an operation to move the mouse cursor 71 while holding down the pointing device button) is performed, and when the mouse cursor 71 moves to a desired position, a mouse up operation (an operation to release the pointing device button) is performed. Do. As a result, a rectangular area having a diagonal line connecting the point where the mouse down operation is performed and the point where the mouse up operation is performed is designated as the selection range 72. When the selection range 72 is designated, the image processing unit 51 displays the selection range 72 with a frame and lowers the luminance of the display image in an area other than the selection range 72 in the pre-scan image display area 66. Thus, a display state in which the user can easily recognize the selection range 72 is set.

  After the selection range 72 is designated in the pre-scan image display area 66 by the procedure as described above, the user can instruct the main scan of the image corresponding to the selection range 72. When instructing the main scan, the user can arbitrarily designate a desired application as a transmission destination of the image data acquired by the main scan, and there are a plurality of operation methods as the designation method. It is prepared.

  First, as a first operation method, as shown in FIG. 5, the selection range 72 is changed to an icon 64 (for example, an icon 64C in the Dock area 63 or an icon 64N in the desktop area 65) by a drag and drop operation. When dropped upward, a main scan of an image corresponding to the selection range 72 can be commanded. In this case, the application associated with the icon 64 that is the drop destination of the selection range 72 is designated as the transmission destination of the image data acquired by the main scan.

  The OS detects that an operation of dropping the selection range 72 onto the icon 64 has been performed. At this time, if the application associated with the icon 64 that is the drop destination of the selection range 72 is not activated, the application associated with the icon 64 that is the drop destination of the selection range 72 is determined by the OS function. It is activated. The OS notifies the image processing unit 51 and the application that the operation of dropping the selection range 72 onto the icon 64 has been performed.

  Upon receiving this event notification, the image processing unit 51 recognizes that an operation of dropping the selection range 72 onto the icon 64 has been performed, and commands the MFP 3 to perform a main scan. When image data is transmitted from the multifunction device 3 in response to the main scan command, the image data is acquired.

  When receiving the event notification, the image processing unit 51 side acquires information (application information) related to the application associated with the icon 64 that is the drop destination of the selection range 72 from the OS side. On the other hand, the application that has received the notification of the event recognizes that an operation of dropping the selection range 72 onto the icon 64 has been performed, and acquires information regarding the image processing unit 51 from the OS side. As a result, both the application associated with the image processing unit 51 and the icon 64 that is the drop destination of the selection range 72 recognize that transmission of image data from the image processing unit 51 side to the application side is necessary. be able to. Transmission of image data from the image processing unit 51 side to the application side is executed by inter-process communication after transmission of image data from the multifunction device 3 side to the image processing unit 51 side is completed. Note that data format conversion may be performed when transmitting image data, but details of processing executed in the image processing unit 51 will be described in detail later.

  Further, as a second operation method, as shown in FIG. 6, even if the selection range 72 is dropped onto the window 74 of the already started application by a drag and drop operation, an image corresponding to the selection range 72 is displayed. Can be commanded. In this case, the application displaying the window 74 that is the drop destination of the selection range 72 is designated as the transmission destination of the image data acquired by the main scan. If the icon 64I corresponding to the activated application displaying the window 74 is displayed in the Dock area 63, the selection range 72 may be dropped on the icon 64I.

  The OS detects that an operation of dropping the selection range 72 onto the window 74 or the icon 64I has been performed. The OS notifies the image processing unit 51 and the application that the operation of dropping the selection range 72 onto the icon 64 has been performed. Thereafter, image data is transmitted from the multifunction device 3 side to the image processing unit 51 side in the same procedure as in the first operation method.

  As a third operation method, as shown in FIG. 7, a context menu 76 is displayed by a click operation on the selection range 72, and an image corresponding to the selection range 72 is displayed using the context menu 76. An actual scan can also be commanded. As is well known, the context menu 76 is a menu that displays a list of processes and operations that can be applied at that time for an object designated on the screen (in this case, the selection range 72). Note that the specific display method of the context menu 76 may change depending on the difference in the OS and the user's setting change. However, the method of clicking the mouse while pressing a specific key on the keyboard or the right button of the mouse is clicked. In many cases, methods are used.

  In the present embodiment, when the item “application selection” in the context menu 76 is selected, the image processing unit 51 further displays an application selection dialog 81 as shown in the lower part of FIG. Prompt application selection.

  The application selection dialog 81 includes an application list display field 82, an Open button 83, a Cancel button 84, a search button 85, and the like. The user can select one desired application in the application list display field 82 or click the search button 85 to search for an application that is not displayed in the application list display field 82. In any case, when the Open button 83 is clicked, the application selected in the application list display field 82 or the application searched using the search button 85 is the transmission destination of the image data acquired by the main scan. It is specified.

  The selection of such an application is notified as an event to the application via the OS. At this time, if the application is not started, an event is notified by the function of the OS after the application is started. Thereafter, image data is transmitted from the multifunction device 3 side to the image processing unit 51 side in the same procedure as in the first and second operation methods.

  As a fourth operation method, as shown in FIG. 8, a menu 87 is displayed by clicking on the menu bar 62, and the main scan of an image corresponding to the selection range 72 is performed using the menu 87. Can also be commanded.

  In the present embodiment, when the item “select application” in the menu 87 is selected, the image processing unit 51 displays an application selection dialog 81 as shown in the lower part of FIG. 8 as in the third operation method described above. Display and prompt the user to select an application.

  Accordingly, the desired application can be designated as the transmission destination of the image data acquired by the main scan in the same procedure as in the third operation method, and the same as in the third operation method. According to the procedure, image data is transmitted from the multifunction machine 3 side to the image processing unit 51 side.

  Furthermore, as a fifth operation method, as shown in FIG. 4, even if the selection range 72 is designated in the pre-scan image display area 66 and then the scan button 69 is simply clicked, it corresponds to the selection range 72. The main scan of the image can be commanded. However, in the case of this operation method, the user cannot arbitrarily designate a desired application on the spot, and the application registered in advance (for example, the user selects in advance and the image processing unit Application registered in the setting file for 51) is the transmission destination of the image data. In addition, after designating the selection range 72 in the pre-scan image display area 66, an operation for selecting the item “scan” in the context menu 76 shown in FIG. 7 or the menu 87 shown in FIG. In the case where the image processing unit 51 is performed, the image processing unit 51 performs the processing assuming that an operation equivalent to the operation of clicking the Scan button 69 is performed.

Thereafter, image data is transmitted from the multifunction device 3 side to the image processing unit 51 side in the same procedure as in the other operation methods.
[Processing executed by image processing unit on PC]
Next, processing executed by the PC 1 to realize the above-described function as the image processing unit 51 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 9 to 11.

First, when the image processing unit 51 is activated in the PC 1, the image processing unit 51 executes an image data transmission process shown in FIG.
When the image data transmission process is started, the image processing unit 51 first determines whether or not the user has performed an operation for instructing the image processing unit 51 to perform a pre-scan (S101). Here, if the operation for instructing the pre-scan is not performed (S101: NO), it is determined whether or not the user has performed an operation for instructing the image processing unit 51 to cancel (S103). If no operation for instructing cancellation is also performed (S103: NO), the process returns to S101. As a result, the processing of S101 to S103 is repeated, and the image processing unit 51 enters a standby state until receiving a pre-scan or cancel command from the user.

If a cancel command is received from the user during this repetitive process (S103: YES), the image processing unit 51 ends the image data transmission process shown in FIG.
On the other hand, when a pre-scan command is received from the user during this repetitive process (S101: YES), the image processing unit 51 transmits a control signal (command) instructing the multi-function device 3 to perform the pre-scan. (S105).

  At this time, processing performed on the multifunction device 3 side will be described later, but when the multifunction device 3 is functioning normally, pre-scan image data is transmitted from the multifunction device 3 side to the PC 1 side. Will come.

  Therefore, after finishing the process of S105, the image processing unit 51 determines whether or not data has been received from the multifunction machine 3 (S107). Here, when data cannot be received from the multifunction machine 3 due to some circumstances (for example, the situation where the multifunction machine 3 is not functioning normally or a communication failure has occurred) (S107: NO), image processing is performed. The unit 51 displays an error on the display unit 17 (S109), and ends the image data transmission process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the data transmitted from the MFP 3 side can be received on the PC 1 side (S107: YES), the image processing unit 51 displays the prescan result on the preview screen (= prescan image display area in the preview window 61). 66) (S111). When the input operation by the user is accepted and the received input operation is an operation for designating the selection range 72 in the pre-scan image display area 66, the main scan range is selected by the user. (S113).

  When the main scan range is selected in this way, the image processing unit 51 executes application selection processing (S115). This application selection process is a process as shown in detail in FIG.

  When the application selection process is started, the image processing unit 51 determines the type of input operation by the user (S201). Here, when the user performs the input operation illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 described above, it is determined that the input operation is “drag and drop” in the process of S201 (S201: drag &drop).

  In this case, the image processing unit 51 acquires application information (S203). The application information includes a data format that can be processed by the application associated with the icon 64 that is the drop destination of the selection range 72, and information necessary for performing inter-process communication with the application.

  After acquiring such application information, the image processing unit 51 determines whether or not the application is a result displayable application (S205). In the process of S205, it is determined based on the application information acquired in the process of S203 whether the application corresponds to the data format that can be output from the image processing unit 51.

  In the process of S205, when it is determined that the application is not a result displayable application (S205: NO), the process returns to S201. As a result, the previously performed input operation (in this case, drag and drop operation) is treated as invalid, and the state again shifts to a state in which an input operation by the user is accepted.

  If it is determined in step S205 that the application is a result displayable application (S205: YES), the application selection process shown in FIG. 10 is terminated because the application is determined to be the result display application. As a result, the process of S115 shown in FIG. 9 is completed.

  On the other hand, in the process of S201, when the user performs the input operation illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8 described above, it is determined that the input operation is a “menu operation” (S201: Menu operation). In this case, the image processing unit 51 determines whether “scan” or “application selection” is selected in the context menu 76 or the menu 87 (S207).

  If “application selection” is selected by the user's input operation (S201: “application selection” menu), the image processing unit 51 acquires application information (S209). The application information acquired in the process of S209 is different from the application information acquired in the process of S203, and is displayed as an option when the user selects one application in the process executed subsequently. This is information corresponding to one or more applications to be performed.

  After acquiring such application information, the image processing unit 51 displays a result displayable application on the selection screen (S211). Specifically, the application selection dialog 81 is displayed on the display unit 17 of the PC 1 by the process of S211. The application list display field 82 in the application selection dialog 81 is displayed in the process of S209. A list of applications created based on the acquired application information is displayed as options.

  Then, the image processing unit 51 determines whether application selection and determination has been performed or cancellation has been performed based on the user's input operation (S213). Here, the user selects one desired application in the application list display field 82, or clicks the search button 85 to search for an application that is not displayed in the application list display field 82, or performs one of the operations. If an operation for clicking the Open button 83 is performed after the operation has been performed, it is determined in the processing of S213 that the application has been selected and determined (S213: application selection and determination). In this case, the image processing unit 51 determines a result display application based on the input operation of the user (S215), and ends the application selection process shown in FIG. 10, and as a result, the result shown in FIG. This is the end of the process of S115.

  On the other hand, if the user has performed an operation of clicking the Cancel button 84 in the application selection dialog 81, it is determined in the process of S213 that cancellation has been performed (S213: cancel). In this case, the process of S201 is performed. Return to. As a result, the previously performed input operation (in this case, the operation in the application selection dialog 81) is treated as invalid, and the state again shifts to a state of accepting the input operation by the user.

  On the other hand, when the user clicks the Scan button 69 after specifying the selection range 72 in the pre-scan image display area 66, it is determined that the input operation is “button operation” in the process of S201. (S201: button operation). In this case, the image processing unit 51 determines whether or not the button operation is an operation on the Scan button 69 (S217).

  If it is determined in the process of S217 that the user has not operated the Scan button 69 (S217: NO), the process returns to the process of S201 after performing a process corresponding to another button. Thereby, it will transfer to the state which receives the input operation by a user again. Note that “processing corresponding to other buttons” executed before returning to the processing of S201 includes option parameter setting change using the Options button 67, pre-scan image re-acquisition using the Overview button 68, and the like. Since these processes are not the main part of the present invention, description thereof will be omitted.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in the process of S217 that the user has operated the Scan button 69 (S217: YES), the process proceeds to S219. In the above-described processing of S207, when the user performs an operation of selecting the item “scan” in the context menu 76 shown in FIG. 7 or the menu 87 shown in FIG. (S201: “Scan” menu), the process proceeds to S219.

  When the process proceeds to S219 in this way, the image processing unit 51 determines a pre-registered application as a result display application (S219), and ends the application selection process illustrated in FIG. As a result, the process of S115 shown in FIG. 9 is completed.

  As a result of the processing of S115 as described above, the result display application that is the transmission destination of the image data is determined. When the result display application is determined, if the application is not activated, the result display application is activated by the function of the OS. Then, the result display application is notified of the event by the function of the OS, thereby notifying that the data transmission from the image processing unit 51 side to the application side is performed. As a result, the application side that has received this notification executes various processes including preparations necessary for receiving data transmitted from the image processing unit 51 side.

After completing the process of S115, the image processing unit 51 transmits a control signal (command) instructing the main scan to the multifunction machine 3 (S117).
At this time, processing performed on the multifunction device 3 side will be described later. When the multifunction device 3 is functioning normally, data of the main scan image is transmitted from the multifunction device 3 side to the PC 1 side. Will come. In the process of S117, information for designating the selection range 72 is also transmitted to the multifunction device 3, and the multifunction device 3 performs a main scan only on the range corresponding to the selection range 72, Data is transmitted to the PC1 side. However, in the process of S117, the information for specifying the selection range 72 may not be transmitted to the multifunction device 3 side, and the multifunction device 3 side may perform the main scan for all the scanable ranges. In this case, after transmitting the data of the main scan image to the PC 1 side, a range corresponding to the selection range 72 may be extracted on the PC 1 side.

  After finishing the process of S117 in this manner, the image processing unit 51 determines whether data has been received from the multifunction machine 3 (S119). Here, when data cannot be received from the multifunction device 3 due to some circumstances (for example, the multifunction device 3 is not functioning normally or a communication failure has occurred) (S119: NO), image processing is performed. The unit 51 displays an error on the display unit 17 (S121), and ends the image data transmission process shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the data transmitted from the MFP 3 side can be received on the PC 1 side (S119: YES), the image processing unit 51 executes the image conversion process (S123). This image conversion process is a process as shown in detail in FIG.

  When the image conversion process is started, the image processing unit 51 acquires a data format corresponding to the application from the data format storage unit 52 based on the application information acquired in the process of S115 (S301). Then, it is determined whether or not the data format of the data transmitted from the multifunction device 3 matches the data format acquired in the process of S301 (S303).

  In the process of S303, if there are a plurality of data formats acquired in the process of S301, it may be determined that the data formats match if any of the plurality of data formats match. Alternatively, as another example, by assigning priorities to a plurality of data formats in advance, it may be determined whether or not they match based on the priorities. To give specific examples, for example, when priority is given to a plurality of data formats, it is determined that the data format matches if it matches the highest data format, or within the top n ( , N is an integer equal to or greater than 2), the data format may be determined to match.

  If it is determined that the data formats match by the processing of S303 as described above (S303: YES), it is considered that the transmission destination application can execute appropriate processing without intentionally converting the data format. Therefore, in this case, the image conversion process shown in FIG. 11 is terminated without performing image conversion, and as a result, the process of S123 shown in FIG. 9 is completed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined by the processing in S303 that the data formats do not match (S303: NO), it is determined whether or not the data format of the data transmitted from the multi-function device 3 can be converted into the data format of the application. (S305).

  In the process of S305, the data format conversion unit 54 converts the data format of the data transmitted from the multifunction machine 3 to the data format of the application when the data format can be converted into the data format acquired in the process of S301. A determination is made that this is possible. In this determination, when there are a plurality of data formats acquired in the process of S301, it can be determined that conversion is possible if the data can be converted into any of the plurality of data formats. In this case, the image processing unit 51 may appropriately select which of the plurality of data formats is to be converted, but a dialog is displayed as to which of the plurality of data formats is to be converted. You may make it make a user select. Alternatively, by assigning priorities to a plurality of data formats in advance, it may be determined which data format is changed based on the priorities. To give a specific example, for example, when priorities are assigned to a plurality of data formats, they may be converted to the highest data format, or within the upper n-th rank (where n is 2 or more) (Integer) data format may be displayed by a dialog or the like, and the user may be allowed to select which data format is to be converted.

  When it is determined that the data format of the application can be converted by the process of S305 (S305: YES), the image processing unit 51 converts the data format of the data transmitted from the multifunction machine 3 to the data of the application. Image conversion for conversion into a format is performed (S307). In the processing of S307, for example, JPEG format data is converted into BMP format data, or BMP format data is converted into PNG format data. There is no particular limitation on whether to convert the data. The specific procedure for performing such image conversion itself is a technique that is also used in known image processing software that can store images in a plurality of data formats. Is omitted. When the process of S307 is completed, the image conversion process shown in FIG. 11 is ended, and as a result, the process of S123 shown in FIG. 9 is completed.

  If it is determined in the processing of S305 that conversion to the application data format is impossible (S305: NO), the image processing unit 51 displays an error on the display unit 17 (S309), as shown in FIG. As a result, the image data transmission process shown in FIG. 9 is also terminated.

  When the process of S123 as described above is completed, the image processing unit 51 transmits the main scan data to the application (S125), and ends the image data transmission process shown in FIG. The data transmitted by the process of S125 is received on the application side and thereafter processed on the application side. Note that the processing on the application side is processing in well-known image processing system software, and a description thereof is omitted here.

[Processes executed by the MFP]
Next, scanner-side processing executed by the multifunction machine 3 in parallel with the above-described processing by the image processing unit 51 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. This scanner-side process is a process that is always executed repeatedly in the multifunction machine 3, but FIG. 3 does not describe all the processes that are executed in the multifunction machine 3, but has been described above. Only the processes related to the image processing unit 51 are extracted and shown.

  When the scanner side processing is started, the multi function device 3 first determines whether there is a control signal transmitted from the PC 1 side (S501). If there is no control signal (S501: NO), the process returns to S501. As a result, the processing of S501 is repeated, and the multifunction machine 3 is in a state of waiting until a control signal is transmitted from the PC 1 side.

  In this state, when the process of S105 or S117 is executed on the PC 1 side and a control signal is transmitted from the PC 1 side to the multi-function device 3 side, the multi-function device 3 that receives the control signal has a control signal present. It will be judged (S501: YES). In this case, the multi function device 3 determines whether or not the control signal is an instruction for pre-scanning (S503).

  Here, if the process of S105 is executed on the PC 1 side, the multi-function device 3 determines that the received control signal is a control signal for instructing a pre-scan (S503: YES). In this case, the multifunction machine 3 executes pre-scanning, transmits data to the PC 1 (S505), and ends the scanner side processing shown in FIG. As a result of such processing being executed on the multi-function device 3 side, pre-scan image data is transmitted from the multi-function device 3 side to the PC 1 side.

  On the other hand, if the control signal received by the multifunction device 3 is not a control signal for instructing pre-scanning in the processing of S503 (S503: NO), the multifunction device 3 determines whether or not it is a control signal for instructing main scanning. Judgment is made (S507).

  Here, if the process of S117 is executed on the PC 1 side, the multi function device 3 determines that the received control signal is a control signal for instructing a main scan (S507: YES). In this case, the multifunction machine 3 executes the main scan, transmits data to the PC 1 (S509), and ends the scanner side processing shown in FIG. As a result of such processing being executed on the multifunction device 3 side, the data of the main scan image is transmitted from the multifunction device 3 side to the PC 1 side.

  If the control signal received by the multifunction device 3 is not a control signal for instructing the main scan in the processing of S507 (S507: NO), the multifunction device 3 performs other processing (S511). The scanner side processing shown in FIG. The process of S511 is a process when a control signal is transmitted from the PC 1 side, but since this is a process that is rarely related to the main part of the present invention, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[Effect of the above embodiment]
In the embodiment described above, the image processing unit 51 included in the PC 1 functions as a pre-scan instruction unit that instructs the multi-function device 3 to perform a pre-scan by executing the process of S105. In addition, by executing the process of S111, the prescan image data transmitted from the multifunction device 3 is acquired in response to an instruction from the prescan instruction unit, and the prescan image is displayed on the display unit 17. It functions as a can image display means. Further, by executing the process of S113, the pre-scan image display unit functions as a range designation unit that allows the user to designate at least a partial range of the pre-scan image displayed on the display unit 17. In addition, by executing the process of S115, after the range is specified by the range specifying unit, when the user performs an operation of specifying the application, application information that is information regarding the application specified by the user It functions as an application information acquisition means for acquiring. In addition, by executing the processes of S115 and S117, the main scan for acquiring the image data within the range specified by the range specifying unit is triggered by the acquisition of the application information by the application information acquiring unit. , Functioning as a main scan instruction means for instructing the multifunction machine 3. Further, by executing the processes of S119 to S125, the main scan image data transmitted from the multifunction machine 3 is acquired according to the instruction from the main scan instruction unit, and the information acquired by the application information acquisition unit is obtained. It functions as a data transmission means for transmitting to the application shown.

  According to the image processing unit 51 configured in this manner, an application for performing image processing after the main scan can be arbitrarily designated by the user at the stage after the pre-scan. Therefore, unlike the conventional technology in which a pre-registered application is automatically started after pre-scanning, the user sees the pre-scan image and then selects the application most suitable for processing that image more flexibly. Will be able to. Further, unlike the case where the image is read by the multifunction machine 3 after the application is started, the user sees the pre-scan image and then more flexibly selects the optimum application for processing the image. Will be able to.

  In addition, after the selection range 72 is designated, the image processing unit 51 uses the pointing device to drag the selection range 72 onto the icon 64 and drop it on the icon 64. In this case, since the application associated with the icon 64 is determined as the transmission destination, the application can be specified by an operation that is visually easy to understand.

  The image processing unit 51 displays the context menu 76 or the menu 87 when the user clicks the selection range 72 or the menu bar 62 using the pointing device after the selection range 72 is specified. When the user performs an operation for selecting one application from the context menu 76 or the menu 87 (specifically, an operation for displaying the application selection dialog 81 to select one application). Since the selected application is determined as the transmission destination, the desired application can be easily specified from the menu.

  In addition, even when the data format of the data acquired from the multifunction device 3 is not a data format that can be processed by the application, the image processing unit 51 can convert the data format to a data format that can be processed by the application by the processing of S305 to S307. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the processing by the desired application cannot be performed.

  In addition, when there are a plurality of data formats that can be processed by an application, the image processing unit 51 can store a plurality of data formats and priority orders arbitrarily assigned by the user to the plurality of data formats. If configured, the data format of the data acquired from the multifunction device 3 may be converted to the data format with the highest priority. In this case, the data is transferred to an application corresponding to a plurality of data formats. Can be converted to a data format with a higher priority according to the priority order desired by the user.

  Furthermore, since the image processing unit 51 can also execute the process of S219, by registering frequently used applications in advance, it is possible to perform a main scan without specifying each application. . That is, when the user performs an operation for designating an application, image data can be transmitted to the desired application. On the other hand, when the user performs an operation for instructing a main scan. Even if the user does not designate the application, the image data can be transmitted to the application registered in advance. Therefore, compared to an application that can be activated only by one of the methods, the user has more choices of operation methods, and can select a more convenient method arbitrarily.

[Modifications, etc.]
As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to said specific one Embodiment, In addition, it can implement with a various form.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the PC 1 and the multifunction machine 3 are configured as separate devices, but the information processing apparatus referred to in the present invention may be configured as an apparatus integrated with the image reading device. More specifically, in a multi-function machine or facsimile apparatus including an image scanner unit configured by an image reading device and a control unit provided to control the scanner unit, the image processing unit 51 is included in the control unit. A considerable function may be provided.

  In the above embodiment, as a specific example of the image reading apparatus, the multifunction machine 3 having the scanner function is shown. However, various devices having the scanner function (for example, a single-function image scanner apparatus, or Any facsimile apparatus equipped with a scanner function) can be used as an image reading apparatus in the present invention.

1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a PC and a multifunction peripheral. The block diagram which shows the structure of the software which functions by PC1. Explanatory drawing which illustrated GUI (the 1) of an image processing part. Explanatory drawing which illustrated GUI (the 2) of an image processing part. Explanatory drawing which illustrated GUI (the 3) of an image processing part. Explanatory drawing which illustrated GUI (the 4) of an image processing part. Explanatory drawing which illustrated GUI (the 5) of an image processing part. Explanatory drawing which illustrated GUI (the 6) of an image processing part. The flowchart of an image data transmission process. The flowchart of an application selection process. The flowchart of an image conversion process. The flowchart of a scanner side process.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Personal computer (PC), 3 ... MFP, 11, 31 ... CPU, 12, 32 ... ROM, 13, 33 ... RAM, 15, 35 ... Hard disk device, 16, 36 ... operation unit, 17, 37 ... display unit, 18, 38 ... USB interface, 41 ... printing unit, 42 ... reading unit, 43 ... modem, 51 ... Image processing unit, 52... Data format storage unit, 53... Data format discrimination unit, 54... Data format conversion unit, 61... Preview window, 62. Dock area, 64 (64A to 64O) ... icon, 65 ... desktop area, 66 ... pre-scan image display area, 67 ... Options button, 68 ... Overview button, 69. Scan button, 71 ... mouse cursor, 72 ... selection range, 74 ... active application window, 76 ... context menu, 81 ... application selection dialog, 82 ... application list display Column, 83 ... Open button, 84 ... Cancel button, 85 ... search button, 87 ... menu.

Claims (8)

An information processing apparatus capable of acquiring image data read by the image reading apparatus by controlling the image reading apparatus,
Prescan instruction means for instructing the image reading apparatus to perform prescan;
Prescan image display means for acquiring prescan image data transmitted from the image reading device in response to an instruction from the prescan instruction means and displaying the prescan image on a display device;
Range designation means for causing a user to designate at least a partial range of the pre-scan image displayed on the display device by the pre-scan image display means;
An application information acquisition unit that acquires application information that is information related to the application specified by the user when the user performs an operation of specifying an application after the range is specified by the range specifying unit; ,
When the application information is acquired by the application information acquisition unit, the image reading apparatus is instructed to perform a main scan for acquiring image data within the range specified by the range specifying unit. A main scanning instruction means for
Data transmission means for acquiring data of the main scan image transmitted from the image reading device in response to an instruction from the main scan instruction means and transmitting the data to the application indicated by the information acquired by the application information acquisition means An image processing program that functions as an image processing program. After the range is specified by the range specifying unit, the application information acquisition unit is configured such that the user drags an area within the range onto an icon displayed on the display device using a pointing device. The image processing program according to claim 1, wherein when the operation of dropping on the icon is performed, the application information related to the application associated with the icon is acquired. After the range is specified by the range specifying unit, the application information acquisition unit uses a pointing device to click a region within the range or a menu region displayed on the display device. A menu including a list of selectable applications is displayed, and when the user performs an operation for selecting one application from the menu, the application information regarding the selected application is displayed. The image processing program according to claim 1, wherein the image processing program is acquired. The data transmission means is
Data acquisition means for acquiring data of a main scan image transmitted from the image reading device in response to an instruction from the main scan instruction means;
A data format acquisition unit that acquires a data format that can be processed by the application indicated by the information acquired by the application information acquisition unit from a data format storage unit that stores a data format that can be processed by the application;
Whether the data format of the data acquired by the data acquisition unit is a first data format, the data format acquired by the data format acquisition unit is a second data format, and whether the first and second data formats match Determination means for determining whether or not
When the determination unit determines that the first and second data formats do not match, the data format of the data acquired by the data acquisition unit is changed from the first data format to the second data format. Data format conversion means for converting to
If the determination means determines that the first and second data formats match, the data acquired by the data acquisition means is targeted for transmission, while the first and second data formats match. When it is determined that the data is not to be transmitted, the data converted by the data format conversion unit is set as a transmission target, and the data transmission to transmit the data to be transmitted to the application indicated by the information acquired by the application information acquisition unit The image processing program according to claim 1, further comprising: means. When there are a plurality of data formats that can be processed by the application, the data format storage means can store the plurality of data formats and the priority order arbitrarily given by the user to the plurality of data formats. Is composed of
The data format conversion means uses the data format of the data acquired by the data acquisition means as the first data, with the data format having the highest priority among the plurality of data formats as the second data format. The image processing program according to claim 4, wherein the image processing program converts the format into the second data format. The application information acquisition unit acquires the application information related to a pre-registered application when a user performs an operation to instruct a main scan after the range is specified by the range specification unit. The image processing program according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein An image processing apparatus capable of acquiring image data read by the image reading apparatus by controlling the image reading apparatus,
Prescan instruction means for instructing the image reading apparatus to perform prescan;
Prescan image display means for acquiring prescan image data transmitted from the image reading device in response to an instruction from the prescan instruction means and displaying the prescan image on a display device;
Range designation means for causing a user to designate at least a partial range of the pre-scan image displayed on the display device by the pre-scan image display means;
An application information acquisition unit that acquires application information that is information related to the application specified by the user when the user performs an operation of specifying an application after the range is specified by the range specifying unit; ,
A main scan instructing unit for instructing the image reading apparatus to perform a main scan within the range designated by the range designating unit when the application information is obtained by the application information obtaining unit; ,
Data transmission means for acquiring data of the main scan image transmitted from the image reading device in response to an instruction from the main scan instruction means and transmitting the data to the application indicated by the information acquired by the application information acquisition means An image processing apparatus comprising: By using an information processing device capable of acquiring image data read by the image reading device by controlling the image reading device,
A prescan instruction procedure for instructing the image reading apparatus to perform a prescan;
A pre-scan image display procedure for acquiring data of a pre-scan image transmitted from the image reading device according to an instruction in the pre-scan instruction procedure and displaying the pre-scan image on a display device;
A range designation procedure for allowing a user to designate at least a partial range of the prescan image displayed on the display device by the prescan image display procedure;
An application information acquisition procedure for acquiring application information that is information related to the application specified by the user when the user performs an operation of specifying the application after the range is specified by the range specification procedure; ,
A main scan instruction procedure for instructing the image reading apparatus to perform a main scan within the range designated by the range designation procedure, when the application information is obtained by the application information obtaining procedure; ,
A data transmission procedure for acquiring data of a main scan image transmitted from the image reading device in response to an instruction in the main scan instruction procedure and transmitting the data to the application indicated by the information acquired by the application information acquisition procedure An image processing method characterized by executing and.