Transmitting device, control method thereof, and storage medium

Abstract

The present invention provides a sending device, a control method thereof and a storage medium. The image reading device includes a storage unit, a reading unit, a character recognition unit, an acquisition unit and a registration unit. The storage unit stores an address book in which information can be registered as group destination information. The reading unit reads at least one original to generate image data. The character recognition unit recognizes character information in the image data. The acquisition unit acquires multiple destination information from the character information recognized by the character recognition unit. The registration unit registers the multiple destination information acquired by the acquisition unit as group destination information in the address book.

Description

[0001] (This application is a divisional application of an application filed on November 30, 2018, with application number 2018114589170 and invention title “IMAGE READING DEVICE AND CONTROL METHOD OF IMAGE READING DEVICE”.) Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to an image reading apparatus for registering address information obtained from a read original document and a method for controlling the image reading apparatus. Background Art

[0003] The technology of registering destination information including an address, a telephone number, etc. printed on a business card in an address book included in an image reading device (hereinafter referred to as a multifunction peripheral (MFP)) is well known. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-027313 discusses a network facsimile device including a function of reading a mail address using character recognition from an image of a business card placed on a platen glass and registering the mail address in an address book.

[0004] In the structure of the network facsimile apparatus discussed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-027313, a business card is read and one piece of destination information is registered in an address book, which is all about the registration processing of the destination information in the address book.

[0005] With such a structure, in order to register group destination information including a plurality of destination information in the address book, the user needs to select certain destination information from the plurality of destination information registered in the address book and set the selected destination information as the group destination information. Summary of the invention

[0006] According to aspects of the present invention, an image reading device includes: a storage component for storing an address book, wherein information can be registered as group destination information in the address book; a reading component for reading at least one original document to generate image data; a character recognition component for recognizing character information in the image data; an acquisition component for acquiring multiple destination information from the character information recognized by the character recognition component; and a registration component for registering the multiple destination information acquired by the acquisition component as the group destination information in the address book.

[0007] According to aspects of the present invention, a control method for an image reading device includes: storing an address book, wherein information as group destination information can be registered in the address book; reading at least one original document to generate image data; identifying character information in the image data; acquiring multiple destination information from the identified character information; and registering the acquired multiple destination information as the group destination information in the address book.

[0008] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1A is a block diagram showing the network structure, and Figure 1B is a block diagram showing the structure of a multifunction peripheral (MFP).

[0010] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing the software configuration of the MFP.

[0011] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing the data structure of destination information registered in the address book.

[0012] Figure 4A and 4B Each of the diagrams shows a menu screen of the MFP.

[0013] Figure 5 is a diagram showing a send screen displayed on the operation unit when the send key is selected.

[0014] Fig. 6A and 6B Each of the figures shows a registration screen of an address book.

[0015] Figure 7 2 is a diagram showing a group destination information registration screen.

[0016] Fig. 8A and 8B are diagrams each showing a business card reading screen displayed on the operation unit when the business card reading key is selected.

[0017] Fig.9A and 9B are diagrams each showing a business card reading result screen displayed on the operation unit after the destination information acquisition process.

[0018] Fig. 10A is a diagram showing a registration screen for setting destination information selected to be registered as group destination information, and Fig. 10B 2 is a diagram showing a registration completion screen of group destination information.

[0019] Fig.11A and 11B A flowchart showing group destination information registration.

[0020] Fig. 12A is a diagram showing a registration screen for an address book and Fig. 12B 2 is a diagram showing a registration confirmation screen of group destination information. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Some embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention according to the claims, and all combinations of features described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the solutions of the present invention.

[0022] refer to Figures 1A to 11B A first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0023] Figure 1A is a block diagram showing the network structure of the present invention.

[0024] exist Figure 1A , an image reading device (hereinafter, multifunction peripheral (MFP) 101) is shown as an example of a sending source, and another image reading device (hereinafter, MFP 102) and still another image reading device (hereinafter, MFP 106) are each shown as an example of a sending destination.

[0025] exist Figure 1A In the embodiment, an MFP 101, an MFP 102, a mail server 103, and a personal computer (PC) 104 are connected via a network 100 to communicate with each other.

[0026] Furthermore, the MFP 101 and the MFP 106 are connected via a public line network 105 to communicate with each other.

[0027] The MFP 101 transmits an electronic mail including the read image data to the MFP 102 or the PC 104 via the mail server 103 .

[0028] The mail server 103 stores the electronic mail received from the MFP 101 in a mailbox set in a memory (not shown) as electronic mail to be received by the MFP 102 .

[0029] The MFP 102 receives the electronic mail transmitted by the MFP 101 from the mailbox of the mail server 103 using the reception account set for the electronic mail.

[0030] The PC 104 receives the email sent by the MFP 101 from the mailbox of the mail server 103 using the reception account set for the email.

[0031] The MFP 106 receives a fax sent from the MFP 101 to the fax number.

[0032] exist Figure 1A , the network 100 is shown as a local network. Alternatively, any network such as the Internet and a data transmittable network including a wireless connection to an access point (not shown) may be used as an alternate communication unit.

[0033] Figure 1B 1 is a block diagram showing the structure of the MFP 101 according to the present embodiment. A control unit 110 including a central processing unit (CPU) 111 controls the overall operation of the MFP 101. The CPU 111 reads a control program stored in a read-only memory (ROM) 112 or a memory 114 to perform various controls such as conversion control and transmission control.

[0034] The ROM 112 stores therein control programs executable by the CPU 111. The ROM 112 also stores therein boot programs, font data, etc. A random access memory (RAM) 113 is a main memory of the CPU 111, and is used as a work area or temporary storage area for various control programs stored in the ROM 112 and the memory 114. The memory 114 stores therein image data, print data, various programs, and various setting information. In the present embodiment, a flash memory is applied as the memory 114. Alternatively, an auxiliary storage device such as a solid state drive (SSD) and a hard disk drive (HDD) may be used.

[0035] An operation unit interface (I / F) 115 connects an operation unit 116 to the control unit 110. The operation unit 116 displays information to the user as a display unit, and detects input from the user. The detected user input is notified to the CPU 111 via the operation unit I / F 115. Then, the CPU 111 performs control based on the notified input.

[0036] The reading unit I / F 117 connects the reading unit 118 to the control unit 110. The reading unit 118 is an image generating unit for reading an image of a document and generating image data from the read image. The CPU 111 controls the image data generated by the reading unit 118 to be transmitted to an external device via the communication unit I / F 123.

[0037] Alternatively, the CPU 111 may control the image data to be input to the printing unit 120 via the reading unit I / F 117 and the printing unit I / F 119 so that the printing unit 120 prints on a recording sheet based on the input image data. In addition, the CPU 111 may control the image data generated by the reading unit 118 to be stored in the memory 114 via the reading unit I / F 117.

[0038] The printing unit I / F 119 connects the printing unit 120 to the control unit 110. The CPU 111 controls input of image data to be printed to the printing unit 120 via the printing unit I / F 119. The printing unit 120 prints an image on a recording sheet fed from a feed cassette.

[0039] The communication unit I / F 123 connects the control unit 110 to the network 100. The CPU 111 can control the transmission of image data and various information within the MFP 101 to an external device via the communication unit I / F 123, and can control the reception of print data from an external device on the network 100.

[0040] Examples of the transmission / reception method through the network include a method of transmitting / receiving image data and various information using the above-mentioned email, and a method of performing file transmission using other protocols (e.g., File Transfer Protocol (FTP), Server Message Block (SMB), and Web-based Distributed Authoring and Versioning (WebDAV)). However, the present embodiment is not limited to these methods.

[0041] The CPU 111 controls the fax communication unit 122 via the fax unit I / F 121 to connect the MFP 101 to the public line network 105. The fax unit I / F 121 serves as an I / F for controlling the fax communication unit 122. The CPU 111 controls a modem and a network control unit (NCU) for fax communication via the fax unit I / F 121 to connect to the public line network, and controls a fax communication protocol and the like.

[0042] Although in the MFP 101 according to the present embodiment, one CPU 111 uses one memory (RAM 113) to execute each process shown in the flowchart described below, the present embodiment is not limited to this structure. For example, each process shown in the flowchart described below can be executed by making multiple CPUs, RAMs, ROMs, and memories cooperate with each other. Alternatively, a part of the process can be executed by a hardware circuit such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) and a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0043] Next, refer to Figure 2 The software structure according to the present embodiment will be described. Figure 2 1 is a diagram showing the software structure of the MFP 101 and data areas managed by the software. Figure 2 In the description of part of the software, the description is omitted.

[0044] The address book 203, one-touch 204, and user account 207 each show a data area for data stored in the RAM 113 and the storage 114 and managed by software.

[0045] Data including permission settings and email addresses for each user account is held by user accounts 207 .

[0046] The address book 203 includes a plurality of destination lists 210 and a one-touch 204. The destination information stored in the destination list 210 and the destination information stored in the one-touch 204 can be referenced from the address book 203. The destination information stored in the one-touch 204 can be referenced only by a one-touch operation. The one-touch operation enables the user to select predetermined destination information associated with one of the operation keys provided in the MFP 102 by operating the operation key.

[0047] The group destination information 216 is used as destination information in which a plurality of destination information in the same destination list is registered as a group. For example, destination information A, B, and C are grouped into group destination information D, and the group destination information is registered in the destination list 1 as one destination information.

[0048] In the case where group destination information is set as a transmission destination, multi-address transmission is performed for all destinations of the destination information included in the group destination information. Both a fax destination and an e-mail address can be registered together in the group destination information.

[0049] Business cards are usually printed on durable paper with corporate information about a company or individual that can be shared as part of a formal introduction. The printed information can include the person's name, business name, logo, and contact information such as address and other contact information such as phone number. Business card reading library 215 provides functions related to scanning business cards, performing optical character recognition (OCR) processing on the scanned image, obtaining destination information from the recognized character string, etc.

[0050] The destination information according to this embodiment includes the relevant destination, the type and name of the destination, etc. Figure 3 To describe the details of the destination information.

[0051] refer to Figure 3 The details of the destination information registered in the destination list 210 and the one-touch 204 will be described. Figure 3 The description of some registration items is omitted.

[0052] List 300 has a structure of fax destination information registered in destination list 210. Destination identification (ID) 304 is used as a management number of each destination information registered in destination list (1 to n). Name 301 is used as a registered name provided by a user for identifying a destination. As a registered name, an arbitrary character string such as a person's name and a company name can be registered. Destination list number 302 indicates in which destination list (1 to n) the destination information is registered. Fax number 303 is used as a destination representing a fax number, and is registered in list 300 in association with name 301 and destination ID 304. Although fax destination information 300 includes detailed information, its description is omitted here.

[0053] The list 310 has the structure of the fax destination information registered in the one-touch 204. The fax destination information of the list 310 is different from the fax destination information of the list 300 in that a one-touch name 311 is provided instead of the destination list number 302. The one-touch name 311 is a display name displayed on the one-touch key. Since other information is equivalent to the fax destination information 300, the description of other information is omitted.

[0054] List 320 has a structure of e-mail destination information registered in destination list 210. Destination ID 324 is used as a management number for each destination information registered in destination list (1 to n). Name 321 is a registered name provided by the user for identifying destination information. As a registered name, an arbitrary character string such as a person's name and a company name can be registered. Destination list number 322 indicates in which destination list (1 to n) the destination information is registered. E-mail address 323 is a destination for sending image data to a specified address.

[0055] The list 330 has a structure of the email destination information registered in the one-touch 204. The email destination information of the list 330 is different from the email destination information of the list 320 in that a one-touch name 331 is provided instead of the destination list number 322.

[0056] List 340 has a structure in which the predetermined destination information registered in destination list 210 is set as a group and the group is named and registered as one destination information. Group destination ID 344 is used as a management number of each group destination information registered in the destination list, which is 1 to n. Name 341 is a registered name provided by the user for identifying the group. As the registered name, an arbitrary character string such as a person's name and a company name can be registered. Destination list number 342 indicates in which destination list having a number from 1 to n the group destination information is registered.

[0057] In the destination ID list 343, a plurality of destination IDs (eg, destination IDs 304 and 324) are associated as related destination information with one group destination ID 344. In other words, a plurality of destination information (destination IDs) can be read from the destination ID list 343 using the group destination ID 344 as related destination information.

[0058] List 350 shows the structure of group destination information registered in one-touch 204. The group destination information of list 350 is different from the group destination information of list 340 in that a one-touch name 351 is provided instead of a destination list number 342.

[0059] refer to Figure 4A and 4B The menu screen 400 of the MFP 101 will be described. Figure 4A In the illustrated menu screen 400 , a copy key 401 , a fax key 403 , and a send key 402 are displayed.

[0060] The copy key 401 enables the user to use the copy function when selected. The fax key 403 enables the user to use the fax function using the fax protocol to fax when selected. In the fax function, a fax number can be set as a sending destination. The send key 402 enables the user to use the sending function of selecting multiple sending protocols for the sending destination when selected. In the sending function, for example, an email address and a fax number can be set together for the sending destination.

[0061] exist Figure 4A , as an example, a copy key 401, a fax key 403, and a send key 402 are shown. Alternatively, keys and setting keys that enable the user to use other functions may be displayed. Figure 4B The address book key 404 is displayed, and when the address book key 404 is selected, registration of a new address and setting of a transmission destination can be performed. The address book key 404 includes the same functions as those of the address book key 501 described later.

[0062] Next, refer to Figure 5 To describe when Figure 4A and 4B Shown is a send screen 500 displayed on the operation unit 116 when the send key 402 is selected.

[0063] exist Figure 5 In the shown sending screen 500 , an address book key 501 , a one-touch key 502 , a new input key 503 , a business card reading key 504 , and a sending information setting area 506 are arranged.

[0064] The new input key 503 opens a screen for newly inputting destination information when selected. The transmission information setting area 506 displays information arranged in the transmission information setting area 506. By selecting the transmission information setting area 506, the color mode, resolution, original size, file format, etc. of the image data to be transmitted can be specified.

[0065] When the business card reading key 504 is selected, the Fig. 8A The business card reading screen 800 for the business card reading function is shown. The address book key 501 opens the Fig. 6A The single-touch key 502 opens the address book function shown in FIG. Figure 6B One-touch address book for one-touch function shown.

[0066] The following will refer to Fig. 6A and 6B The destination information registration screens 600 and 610 of the MFP 101 will be described.

[0067] exist Figure 5 When the address book key 501 is selected in Fig. 6A The registration screen 600 is shown. In this example, Fig. 6A This shows a state in which a new destination information registration key 601 to be described later displayed on the registration screen 600 has been selected.

[0068] The already registered destination information is displayed in the display area 606. The new destination information registration key 601 is used to register new destination information. When the new destination information registration key 601 is selected, a selection screen 602 is displayed. In the selection screen 602, keys for selecting the type of destination information to be registered or the registration method are displayed, such as an e-mail destination information registration key 603, a fax destination information registration key 604, and a group destination information registration key 607.

[0069] The e-mail destination information registration key 603 is used to register e-mail destination information. The fax destination information registration key 604 is used to register fax destination information. The group destination information registration key 607 is used to register group destination information including a plurality of destination information. More specifically, the group destination information registration key 607 is used to create a group and register the group as group destination information. A plurality of destination information can be read out from the memory together as a group in an associated manner. When the group destination information registration key 607 is selected, the display Figure 7 The group destination information registration screen 700 is shown.

[0070] exist Figure 5 When the one-touch key 502 shown is selected, the display Figure 6BThe registration screen 610 shown. In the registration screen 610, the user selects a predetermined registration number to register a destination in the selected registration number. In this case, as an example, the following state is shown: Ichiro Yamada, who is set with number 001, has been registered, and number 002 is selected as the registered destination of the destination information. The registration / editing key 611 corresponds to the new destination information registration key 601, and is used to register new destination information.

[0071] The following will refer to Figure 7 To describe Fig. 6A and 6B The group destination information registration screen 700 shown is displayed when the group destination information registration key 607 is selected.

[0072] In the registration screen 700, a group destination information name edit key 701, a destination list selection key 702, a group display field 703, an address book key 704, a business card reading key 705, a cancel key 707, an OK key 708, a name display field 709, and a destination list display field 710 are displayed.

[0073] The group destination information name editing key 701, when selected, enables the user to input a name in the name display field 709 and edit the input name.

[0074] The destination list selection key 702, when selected, enables the user to select a destination list in which group destination information is registered. For example, when a group having a group name of Yamada Construction Co., Ltd. is created, the group can be registered in the destination list 1.

[0075] The group display column 703 displays the destination information, the types of destinations, and a list of registered names belonging to the group of the name display column 709. The types of destinations include, for example, e-mail, fax, or telephone number.

[0076] An address book key 704 is used to add destination information already registered in the address book to the group destination information, that is, to the destination information list in the group display field 703 .

[0077] The business card reading key 705 is used to read a business card through the reading unit 118 and register the acquired destination information as the group destination information. When the business card reading key 705 is selected, the display Fig. 8A Business card reading screen 800 is shown.

[0078] The OK key 708 , when selected, enables the user to confirm the group name, the destination information to be associated and registered as the group destination information, and the destination list of the registered group destinations.

[0079] The cancel key 707 cancels the registration of the group destination when selected.

[0080] In this case, a configuration has been described in which new group destination information is registered in the address book. In an alternative case, the destination information displayed in the group display column 703 may be added to the previously registered group destination information. In this case, in addition to the change of the name, when the group destination information name edit key 701 is selected, the group destination information pre-registered in the address book may be made selectable.

[0081] Next, refer to Fig. 8A and 8B To describe when Figure 7 The business card reading screen 800 shown is displayed on the operation unit 116 when the business card reading key 705 is selected.

[0082] exist Fig. 8A The business card reading screen 800 of the user's computer 110 displays a message 801 and a close key 802. The close key 802 closes the business card reading screen 800 to terminate the business card reading when selected. The message 801 prompts the user to start the business card reading of the reading unit 118.

[0083] exist Fig. 8A When the user follows the message to start business card reading in the MFP 101, the business card reading screen 800 is transferred to Figure 8B The business card reading screen 810 is shown. On the business card reading screen 810, a message 803 indicating that the business card is being read is displayed.

[0084] In this example, as a business card reading process, the reading unit 118 reads a plurality of business cards placed on the platen glass of the MFP 101 at a time. The CPU 111 recognizes an area corresponding to each business card in the read image data, and extracts the image data of each business card. In addition, the CPU 111 performs OCR processing (character recognition processing) on ​​the image data of each business card.

[0085] The CPU 111 acquires destination information (a destination and name such as a fax number and an email address) from the result of the OCR processing, for example, and performs destination information acquisition processing to determine whether the acquired destination information is a fax destination, an email address, a name, or the like.

[0086] More specifically, for example, a name is usually written in the largest font in a business card. Therefore, the name is judged based on the font size. The judgment may also be made using the number of characters as a judging factor. For example, in order to obtain a fax number, the CPU 111 obtains an area including a character string such as "FAX" and "FAX" and a numeric string of digits from the OCR processing result. The CPU 111 determines the number in the obtained area as a fax number to obtain the destination information. Alternatively, only numeric strings adjacent to character strings such as "FAX" and "FAX" may be extracted.

[0087] For example, in order to obtain an e-mail address, the CPU 111 obtains an e-mail address portion from the OCR processing result based on the condition of a character string adjacent to "E-mial" or "mail address" or a character string including "@". The CPU 111 determines the character string in the obtained area as an e-mail address to obtain the destination information. In addition, for example, in order to obtain a telephone number, the CPU 111 obtains an area including a character string such as "TEL" and "telephone number" and a numeric string of numbers from the OCR processing result. The CPU 111 determines the number in the obtained area as a telephone number to obtain the destination information.

[0088] Alternatively, only numeric strings adjacent to strings such as "TEL" and "telephone number" may be extracted. According to the present embodiment, although a configuration of reading a business card placed on a platen glass has been described, the configuration is not limited thereto. For example, an automatic document feeder (ADF) may be used.

[0089] After multiple business cards have been read and OCR processed, the display Fig.9A The business card reading result screen 900 is shown.

[0090] refer to Fig.9A The business card reading result screen 900 displayed on the operation unit 116 after the destination information acquisition process will be described. Fig.9A is a diagram showing an initial business card reading result screen, and Fig. 9B FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a final business card reading result screen.

[0091] exist Fig.9A In the business card reading result screen 900, a business card screen 901, a name 902 which is an enlarged image of the name, a fax number 906 which is an enlarged image of the fax number, and an email address 910 which is an enlarged image of the email address are displayed. In addition, the following areas are displayed in the business card reading result screen 900: a character information area 903 which displays character information of the name acquired from the OCR processing result, a character information area 907 which displays character information of the fax number, and a character information area 911 which displays character information of the email address.

[0092] In the business card reading result screen 900, edit keys 904, 908 and 912 are also displayed for respectively editing character information areas 903, 907 and 911. When any of the edit keys 904, 908 and 912 is selected, the CPU 111 displays a not shown soft keyboard for editing character information. In the case where a not shown numeric keypad is provided in the operation unit 116, the numeric keypad can be used instead of the soft keyboard to edit the character information area 907 displaying the character information of the fax number.

[0093] In the business card reading result screen 900, a check box 905 and a check box 909 are also displayed in the business card reading result screen 900. When each check box as a receiving unit is selected, the CPU 111 receives the selection of the corresponding destination. The check box 905 is a check box for the user to select whether to register a fax number as a group destination. The check box 909 is a check box for the user to select whether to register an e-mail address as a group destination.

[0094] One or both of the check box 905 and the check box 909 may be selected.

[0095] According to the present embodiment, although the selection is received via the check box displayed in the business card reading result screen 900 , the configuration is not limited thereto.

[0096] Message 916 is displayed when the reading unit 118 has read a plurality of business cards. In this case, as an example, a configuration is shown in which three business cards are read and OCR processing is performed. Message 916 notifies that the business card reading result of the first business card is being displayed in the business card screen 901, and the remaining two business cards are ready to be displayed. In addition, number 917 indicates which business card among the three business cards the business card reading result is being displayed.

[0097] In addition, in the business card reading result screen 900, a cancel key 913 and a next key 915 are displayed. The cancel key 913 is used to interrupt the group destination registration and return to the previously displayed screen. According to the present embodiment, when the cancel key 913 is selected, the CPU 111 returns the display of the operation unit 116 to the sending screen 500. According to the present embodiment, although the CPU 111 returns the display of the operation unit 116 to the sending screen 500, the CPU 111 can return the display of the operation unit 116 to the menu screen 400.

[0098] The return key 914 is a key for returning to the previous business card reading result screen 900. Fig.9A The return key 914 may not be displayed in the screen of the business card reading result screen. Optionally, in the initial business card reading result screen, the return key 914 may include a function equivalent to the function of the cancel key 913.

[0099] When the user completes the confirmation and correction of the reading result and the selection of the registration destination, the next key 915 is selected. When the next key 915 is selected, the CPU 111 transfers the business card reading result screen 900 to the screen of the next business card. When the next key 915 is selected without selecting the check box, the display of the next business card can be performed without registering the destination on the displayed business card in the group destination. Alternatively, the skip key can be displayed separately.

[0100] Fig. 9B The final business card reading result screen 920 is shown. In this case, as an example, message 919 notifies that the business card reading result of the third business card is being displayed in the business card screen 901, and no business card is ready to be displayed. In addition, numeral 918 indicates that the business card reading result of the third business card among the three business cards is being displayed.

[0101] When the next key 915 is selected in the final business card reading result screen 920, the screen is transferred to Fig. 10A The registration screen 700 is displayed.

[0102] Despite Fig.9A Although not shown in the figure, the phone number may be displayed, and a check box for the user to select whether to register the phone number and an edit key to edit the phone number may be arranged.

[0103] like Fig. 10A As shown in the group destination information registration screen 700, Fig.9A The destination information of the destination corresponding to the check box selected in the business card reading result screen 900 is set as the group destination information. For example, when the next key 915 is selected while the check boxes 909 corresponding to the three business cards are selected in the business card reading result screen 900, Fig. 10A Three destination information are set in the group display area 703.

[0104] When Fig. 10A When the OK key 708 is selected in the screen, the group name and the plurality of destination information are registered in the predetermined destination list as the group destination information. Fig. 10B A screen 10 showing completion of group destination registration is shown.

[0105] exist Fig.9A and 9B as well as Fig. 10A and 10B, a configuration in which only email destination information is registered as group destination information is shown. Alternatively, only fax destination information may be registered, or both fax destination information and email destination information may be registered as group destination information. When group destination information is designated as a sending destination, multi-address sending may be performed to all destinations belonging to the group.

[0106] Next, refer to Fig.11A and 11B To describe according to Figures 1A to 10B A flowchart of group destination registration in the MFP of this embodiment described in FIG. Fig.11A and 11B The flowchart execution program is stored in Figure 1B The program is stored in the ROM 112 or the storage 114 shown, and is read to the RAM 113 and executed by the CPU 111.

[0107] when Fig. 6A and Figure 6B When the group destination information registration key 607 shown is selected, the flowchart of group destination registration starts.

[0108] In step S20, the CPU 111 causes the operation unit 116 to perform display processing to display the registration screen 700. After the processing in step S20 is completed, the process proceeds to step S21.

[0109] In step S21, when the user selects the group destination information name edit key 701, the CPU 111 receives input / editing of the name of the group destination information. When the user selects the destination list selection key 702, the CPU 111 receives selection of a registration list in which the group destination information is registered. After the processing in step S21 is completed, the processing proceeds to step S22.

[0110] In step S22, when the user selects the business card read key 705, the CPU 111 reads the business card read library 215 and displays the business card read screen on the operation unit 116. After the processing in step S22 is completed, the processing proceeds to step S23.

[0111] In step S23, when the user selects a start key not shown in the operation unit 116, the reading unit 118 starts reading a plurality of business cards placed on the platen glass. A plurality of image data generated by reading the business cards using the reading unit 118 is stored in the memory 114. After the processing in step S23 is completed, the processing proceeds to step S24.

[0112] In step S24, the CPU 111 performs edge detection on the acquired image data based on the image density information, etc., to extract the image data of each business card. The plurality of image data thus acquired are stored in the memory 114. In addition, the CPU 111 counts the number of acquired business card image data (the number of business cards), and stores the counted number in the RAM 113. After the processing in step S24 is completed, the processing proceeds to step S25.

[0113] In step S25, the CPU 111 performs OCR processing on each of the plurality of business card image data acquired in step S24 to acquire character information, and stores the acquired character information in the RAM 113. In addition, the CPU 111 acquires character information including destination information such as a fax number and an email address, and a name from the OCR processing result, and performs destination information acquisition processing to determine whether the acquired character information is a fax destination, an email address, a name, or the like.

[0114] According to the present embodiment, although the configuration of reading a plurality of business cards placed on the platen glass at one time has been described, the configuration is not limited thereto. For example, an ADF may be used. In this case, in step S23, the reading unit 118 generates image data for each of the plurality of business cards. After the generation, the process proceeds to step S25, and the CPU 111 performs OCR processing on the generated plurality of image data.

[0115] Next, in step S40 , the CPU 111 initializes a variable N to 1. The CPU 111 repeatedly executes the loop processing in steps S41 to S56 until the variable N exceeds the number of business cards read by the reading unit 118 as shown in step S41 .

[0116] In step S42 , the CPU 111 causes the user to display the business card reading result screen 900 on the operation unit 116 .

[0117] In step S43 , when the operation unit I / F 115 detects selection of any of the edit keys 904 , 908 , and 912 displayed in the business card reading result screen 900 (YES in step S43 ), the processing proceeds to step S44 .

[0118] In step S44, CPU 111 displays a soft keyboard on operation unit 116 to enable the user to correct the text. When a correction using the soft keyboard is received, CPU 111 updates the retained text. After the processing in step S44 is completed or in step S43, operation unit I / F 115 does not detect the selection of any of edit keys 904, 908, and 912 ("No" in step S43), the processing proceeds to step S45.

[0119] In step S45, in the case where the operation unit I / F 115 detects the selection of the return key 914 or the cancel key 913 ("No" in step S45), the process proceeds to step S46. In step S46, in the case where the operation unit I / F 115 detects the selection of the return key 914 ("Return" in step S46), the process proceeds to step S47. In step S47, the CPU 111 decrements the variable N by 1, and the process returns to the beginning of the loop process.

[0120] In a case where operation unit I / F 115 detects selection of cancel key 913 ("CANCEL" in step S46), the process proceeds to step S32, and the display of operation unit 116 returns to group destination information registration screen 700. In step S45, in a case where operation unit I / F 115 detects selection of next key 915 ("YES" in step S45), CPU 111 determines that a destination registration instruction has been received, and the process proceeds to step S48.

[0121] In step S48, the CPU 111 determines Fig.9A and 9B The operation unit I / F 115 detects whether the check box 905 is checked in the business card reading result screen 900. When the operation unit I / F 115 detects that the check box 905 is not checked (NO in step S48), the process proceeds to step S52.

[0122] If the operation unit I / F 115 detects that the check box 905 is checked (YES in step S48 ), the processing proceeds to step S49 .

[0123] In step S49, the CPU 111 displays a screen for newly registering fax destination information (not shown) on the operation unit 116. In step S50, in the case where the operation unit I / F 115 has not received a registration instruction ("Cancel" in step S50), the process proceeds to step S52. In the case where the operation unit I / F 115 has received a registration instruction ("OK" in step S50), the process proceeds to step S51. In step S51, the CPU 111 registers the destination information including the fax destination in the address book 203 as a personal registration. After the registration, the process proceeds to step S52.

[0124] In step S52, the CPU 111 determines Fig.9A and 9B The operation unit I / F 115 detects whether the check box 909 is checked in the business card reading result screen 900. In a case where the operation unit I / F 115 detects that the check box 909 is not checked (NO in step S52), the process proceeds to step S56.

[0125] In step S52 , if the operation unit I / F 115 detects that the check box 909 is ON (checked) (YES in step S52 ), the processing proceeds to step S53 .

[0126] In step S53, the CPU 111 displays a screen for newly registering e-mail destination information (not shown) on the operation unit 116. After the display, in step S54, in the case where the operation unit I / F 115 has not received a registration instruction in step S54 ("Cancel" in step S54), the process proceeds to step S56. In step S54, in the case where the operation unit I / F 115 has received a registration instruction ("Yes" in step S54), the CPU 111 registers each e-mail destination information in the address book 203 in step S55. After the registration, the process proceeds from step S55 to step S57.

[0127] In step S57, if the variable N satisfies the condition in step S41, the process proceeds to step S33. If the variable N does not satisfy the condition in step S41, the process proceeds to step S56. In step S56, the CPU 111 increments the value of the variable N by 1, and the process returns to the beginning of the loop process, that is, returns to step S41.

[0128] In step S33, the CPU 111 displays on the operation unit 116 Fig. 10A The group destination information registration screen 700 is shown. When the OK key 708 is selected, the process proceeds to step S31.

[0129] In step S31, the CPU 111 sets Fig.9A and 9B The destination information of the destination corresponding to the check box selected in the business card reading result screen 900 is used as the group destination information.

[0130] More specifically, the ID list of the destination information registered in the address book 203 in steps S51 and S55 in the multiple loop processing is stored as Figure 3 The destination ID list 343 in the group destination information 340 of the address book 203 is shown. The destination ID may be stored in the registered destination ID list 343 each time the processing in steps S51 and S55 of the loop processing is performed, or the destination ID may be stored after the processing exits from the loop processing.

[0131] In step S32, the CPU 111 displays the registration screen 600 as the transfer source screen on the operation unit 116. After the processing in step S32 is completed, the group destination information registration processing ends. Note that in step S46, in the case where the variable N is equal to or greater than 2, the return key 914 becomes selectable.

[0132] According to the present invention, when reading a document and registering destination information in an address book, group destination information including a plurality of destination information can be registered. This improves operability for the user.

[0133] In this embodiment, although a configuration of reading multiple business cards to obtain multiple destination information has been described, the configuration is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the information acquisition processing in step S25 may be performed on, for example, an address list including destination information or a predetermined form describing names and destinations to obtain multiple destinations.

[0134] Also in this case, as referenced Figure 5 As described above, first, document information (e.g., destinations such as fax numbers and email addresses, and names) is acquired from the OCR processing result. After the acquisition, the CPU 111 determines whether the acquired document information is a fax destination, email address, or name, etc., to acquire multiple destination information. The CPU 111 registers group destination information including multiple destination information.

[0135] In the present embodiment, although the configuration in which one destination (eg, an e-mail address or a fax number) is written on a business card has been described, a plurality of destinations may be written and each destination may be selectable in the business card reading result screen.

[0136] The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in screen transition until the group destination information registration screen is displayed.

[0137] Fig. 12A According to this embodiment, Fig. 6A The registration screen 600 is shown. Fig. 12A When the new destination information registration key 601 is selected, the CPU 111 displays a selection screen 62. The selection screen 62 is a screen including a business card reading key 65. When the business card reading key 65 is selected, the screen described in the first embodiment is displayed. Fig. 8A and 8B as well as Fig.9A and 9B screen.

[0138] When Fig. 9B When the next key 915 is selected in the final business card reading result screen 900, the CPU 111 displays on the operation unit 116 Fig. 12B The confirmation screen 66 is a screen for the user to confirm whether to register the group destination information. When the "No" key 67 is selected, the registration in the address book is terminated. When the "Yes" key 68 is selected, the display Fig. 10A The group destination information registration screen 700 is displayed.

[0139] This configuration also achieves the same effects as those of the first embodiment.

[0140] Other embodiments

[0141] The embodiments of the present invention can also be implemented by the following method, that is, the software (program) for performing the functions of the above-mentioned embodiments is provided to a system or device through a network or various storage media, and the computer or central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessing unit (MPU) of the system or device reads and executes the program.

[0142] While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications, equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A sending device, comprising: a storage means for storing an address book capable of registering group destination information including a plurality of destination information; a specifying component for specifying group destination information from the address book; a sending component, configured to send based on a plurality of destination information included in the group destination information specified by the specifying component; Display components; An input component, used for inputting image data; an obtaining component, used for obtaining destination information from the image data input by the input component; as well as A control component is used to cause the input component to input the image data based on receiving a predetermined instruction when the display component displays a registration screen for group destination information, cause the acquisition component to obtain the destination information from the image data input by the input component, and register the destination information obtained by the acquisition component as the group destination information in the address book stored in the storage component.

2. The sending device according to claim 1, further comprising: The character recognition component is used to recognize character information in the image data input by the input component, wherein the obtaining component obtains the destination information from the character information.

3. The transmitting device according to claim 2, wherein: The display unit displays the character information recognized by the character recognition unit.

4. The transmitting device according to claim 1, wherein: The input unit can input first image data corresponding to the first document and second image data corresponding to the second document according to one input instruction.

5. The sending device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: The editing component is used to edit the destination information obtained by the obtaining component.

6. The transmitting device according to claim 5, wherein: The editing section edits the destination information obtained by the obtaining section, and then the controlling section registers the destination information edited by the editing section in the group destination information in the address book.

7. A control method for controlling a sending device, the sending device comprising: a storage means for storing an address book capable of registering group destination information including a plurality of destination information; a specifying component for specifying group destination information from the address book; a sending component, configured to send based on a plurality of destination information included in the group destination information specified by the specifying component; and a display component, the control method comprising: input image data; and Obtaining destination information from the input image data, wherein the image data is input based on receiving a predetermined instruction in a state where the display unit displays a registration screen for group destination information, the destination information is obtained from the input image data, and the obtained destination information is registered as the group destination information in the address book stored in the storage unit.

8. A computer-readable storage medium for storing a computer program, wherein the computer program is used to control a sending device, wherein the sending device comprises: a storage means for storing an address book capable of registering group destination information including a plurality of destination information; a specifying component for specifying group destination information from the address book; a sending component, configured to send based on a plurality of destination information included in the group destination information specified by the specifying component; and a display component, the computer program comprising: code for obtaining destination information from input image data; and code for adding the acquired destination information to the group destination information registered in the address book, wherein the image data is input based on receiving a predetermined instruction in a state where the display unit displays a registration screen for group destination information, the destination information is obtained from the input image data, and the obtained destination information is registered as the group destination information in the address book stored in the storage unit.

9. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 8, wherein the computer program further comprises: A code for identifying character information in the input image data, The destination information is obtained from the character information.

10. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 9, wherein the computer program further comprises: A code for causing the display component to display the recognized character information.

11. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 8, wherein: First image data corresponding to a first document and second image data corresponding to a second document are input according to one input instruction.

12. The computer-readable storage medium according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the computer program further comprises: Code used to edit the obtained destination information.

13. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 12, wherein: The acquired destination information is edited, and then the edited destination information is added to the group destination information registered in the address book.

Images