Reading apparatus, label issuing apparatus, and storage medium

Abstract

The invention discloses a reading apparatus, a label issuing apparatus, and a storage medium, which can provide a technology for easily issuing a label. The reading apparatus includes a scanner unit, a character recognition unit, and an output unit. The scanner unit reads an image of a medium. And a character recognition unit that recognizes character information from a target region of the image of the medium read by the scanner unit. And an output unit that outputs information in which information that can recognize the target region and information based on the character information are associated with each other.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority from a Japanese application with an application date of December 22, 2023 and an application number of JP2023-217213, incorporates the content of the above application by reference, and incorporates the disclosed content herein in its entirety by reference. Technical Field

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a reading device, a label issuing device, and a storage medium. Background Art

[0003] Currently, in barcode printers and label printers, there is a structure that inserts input data into template data pre-stored in the printer based on input data input from devices such as barcode readers and gauges connected to the printer, and prints barcodes or labels.

[0004] However, in such barcode printers and label printers, when printing based on input data, each time the user needs to perform operations such as reading barcodes and inputting measurement results. In addition, whenever the number of items of data to be printed on the label increases, the operations that the user needs to perform also tend to increase. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the above problems, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a technique for easily issuing labels.

[0006] To solve the above problems, in an embodiment, the reading device includes a scanner unit, a character recognition unit, and an output unit. The scanner unit reads an image of a medium. The character recognition unit recognizes character information from an object area of the image of the medium read by the scanner unit. The output unit outputs information that associates information capable of identifying the object area with information based on the character information.

[0007] According to the above reading device, appropriate information can be output to the label issuing device only by operating to scan the medium.

[0008] In the above reading device, it further includes: a storage unit that stores a template that associates information capable of identifying the object area with information related to the object area.

[0009] According to the above reading device, it is possible to easily specify the object area for recognizing character information based on the template.

[0010] In the above reading device, the information related to the object area of the template includes information indicating the position and size of the object area.

[0011] According to the above reading device, it is possible to register in advance the position and size of the object area.

[0012] In the above-described reading device, it further includes: an acquisition unit that acquires the template from the storage unit and acquires image data of the object area of the image of the medium based on information related to the object area of the acquired template, wherein the character recognition unit recognizes character information from the image data acquired by the acquisition unit.

[0013] According to the above-described reading device, character information can be recognized based on a template.

[0014] Another aspect of the label issuing device of the present invention includes: an acquisition unit that acquires information corresponding to information based on character information and information capable of recognizing the object area of the image of the medium corresponding to the character information from a reading device; a label element registration unit that registers information based on the character information corresponding to label elements; and a label creation unit that creates a label based on the information registered by the label element registration unit.

[0015] According to the above-described label issuing device, appropriate information can be printed on a label only by operating to scan the medium.

[0016] In the above-described label issuing device, it further includes: a storage unit that stores a label format associating information capable of recognizing the label elements and information capable of recognizing the object area.

[0017] According to the above-described label issuing device, by selecting a label format, a label can be created based on character information of the object area corresponding to the label elements.

[0018] Another aspect of the storage medium of the present invention stores an information processing program that enables a computer to execute the following functions: a character recognition function that recognizes character information from the object area of the image of the medium read by a scanner unit; and an output function that outputs information capable of recognizing the object area and information based on the character information.

[0019] According to the above-described storage medium, it is possible to provide a computer with the function of outputting appropriate information to a label issuing device only by operating to scan the medium.

[0020] Another aspect of the storage medium of the present invention stores an information processing program that enables a computer to execute the following functions: an acquisition function that acquires information corresponding to information based on character information and information capable of recognizing the object area of the image of the medium corresponding to the character information from a reading device; a label element registration function that registers information based on the character information corresponding to label elements; and a label creation function that creates a label based on the registered information.

[0021] According to the above-described storage medium, it is possible to provide a computer with the function of printing appropriate information on a label only by operating to scan the medium.

[0022] On the other hand, a reading device of the present invention includes: a scanner unit that reads an image of a medium; an acquisition unit that acquires information indicating an object area of the image of the medium; a character recognition unit that recognizes character information from the object area of the image of the medium read by the scanner unit; and an output unit that outputs information based on the character information of the object area.

[0023] According to the above reading device, it is possible to output appropriate information to the label issuing device only by operating the scanner on the medium.

[0024] In the above reading device, the acquisition unit acquires information indicating an object area of the image of the medium from the label issuing device.

[0025] According to the above reading device, it is possible to utilize the information indicating the object area of the label issuing device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 It is a block diagram schematically showing a label issuing system according to an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 2 It is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration example of an image reading device according to an embodiment.

[0028] Figure 3 It is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration example of a label printer according to an embodiment.

[0029] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing an example of a template according to an embodiment.

[0030] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing an example of a label format according to an embodiment.

[0031] Figure 6 It is a sequence diagram showing an example of a processing sequence of information processing performed by the label issuing system according to an embodiment.

[0032] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing an example of a processing sequence of key event occurrence processing of a label printer according to an embodiment.

[0033] Figure 8 It is a block diagram showing an example of the connection of the label issuing system according to an embodiment.

[0034] Figure 9 It is a block diagram showing another example of the connection of the label issuing system according to an embodiment.

[0035] Figure 10It is a block diagram showing a modified example of the label issuing system related to the embodiment.

[0036] Explanation of reference numerals

[0037] 1 Image reading device 2 Label printer 11 Processing circuit

[0038] 12 Main memory 13 Storage unit 14 Antenna

[0039] 21 Processing circuit 22 Memory 23 Display device

[0040] 24 Input device 25 Communication interface 26 Printing device

[0041] 27 Conveying device 30 Processing circuit 71 Storage section

[0042] 72 Conveying section 73 Image forming section 74 Fixing section

[0043] 100 Control unit 110 Acquisition section 111 Character recognition section

[0044] 112 Output section 200 Control panel 201 Display device

[0045] 202 Input device 210 Acquisition section 211 Label element registration section

[0046] 212 Label creation section 260 Print head 270 Conveyor roller

[0047] 300 Scanner unit 310 Automatic document feeder 400 Communication circuit

[0048] 500 Input / output interface 600 Power supply circuit 700 Printer unit

[0049] Ara Barcode area Fa Label format NW Network

[0050] S Label issuing system Ta Template Tra Object area

[0051] Trb Object area Detailed implementation manners

[0052] Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same reference numerals are given to the same components as much as possible, and repeated explanations are omitted.

[0053] (Configuration example)

[0054] Figure 1 It is a block diagram showing an example of the label issuing system S related to the embodiment.

[0055] The label issuing system S includes an image reading device 1 and a label printer 2. The image reading device 1 and the label printer 2 are communicably connected to each other via a network NW. The network NW is implemented by at least one or more networks such as the Internet, a mobile network, and a LAN (Local Area Network). The network may include a wireless network or a wired network. The label issuing system S is a system that issues labels in the label printer 2 based on the information read by the image reading device 1. The label issuing system S may include a plurality of image reading devices 1. The label issuing system S may include a plurality of label printers 2. The label issuing system S sometimes refers to a system including at least two electronic devices.

[0056] The image reading device 1 is an electronic device having a printing function of an electrophotographic method. The image reading device 1 is described as an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) having a copying function, a printing function, a fax function, a scanner function, etc. The image reading device 1 is an example of a reading device. A configuration example of the image reading device 1 will be described later.

[0057] The label printer 2 is an electronic device having a printing function. Printing includes not only printing characters but also various images such as printing patterns. The label printer 2 is an example of a label issuing device. A configuration example of the label printer 2 will be described later.

[0058] Figure 2 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration example of the image reading device 1 according to the embodiment.

[0059] The image reading device 1 is an electronic device having a printing function of an electrophotographic method. The image reading device 1 is described as an MFP having a copying function, a printing function, a fax function, and a scanner function, etc. The image reading device 1 includes an OCR (Optical Character Recognition) function for character recognition based on an image.

[0060] The image reading device 1 includes a control unit 100, a control panel 200, a scanner unit 300, an automatic document feeder 310, a communication circuit 400, an input / output interface 500, a power supply circuit 600, and a printer unit 700.

[0061] The control unit 100 controls the operations of the respective parts of the image reading device 1. The control unit 100 includes a processing circuit 11, a main memory 12, and a storage unit 13.

[0062] The processing circuit 11 corresponds to the central part of the image reading device 1. The processing circuit 11 is an element of the computer that constitutes the image reading device 1. The processing circuit 11 includes one or more circuits that perform various processes through multiple functions. For example, the circuit is a processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), but is not limited thereto. For example, the processor is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), but is not limited thereto. The processing circuit 11 loads the program pre-stored in the main memory 12 or the storage unit 13 into the main memory 12. The program is a program that enables the processing circuit 11 to perform various processes. The processing circuit 11 can perform various processes by executing the program loaded in the main memory 12.

[0063] The main memory 12 corresponds to the main storage part of the image reading device 1. The main memory 12 is an element of the computer that constitutes the image reading device 1. The main memory 12 includes a non-volatile storage area and a volatile storage area. The main memory 12 stores an operating system or a program in the non-volatile storage area. The main memory 12 uses the volatile storage area as a working area for appropriately rewriting data by the processing circuit 11. For example, the main memory 12 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) as the non-volatile storage area. For example, the main memory 12 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) as the volatile storage area.

[0064] The storage unit 13 corresponds to the auxiliary storage part of the image reading device 1. The storage unit 13 is an element of the computer that constitutes the image reading device 1. For example, the storage unit 13 is an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). In addition to or instead of the HDD, the storage unit 13 may also include a semiconductor storage medium such as an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage unit 13 stores the above-mentioned program, the data used by the processing circuit 11 in performing various processes, and the data generated by the processing of the processing circuit 11. The storage unit 13 can store the image data generated by the scanner unit 300. The storage unit 13 is an example of a storage unit.

[0065] The storage unit 13 stores information of at least one template that designates a region for character recognition based on an image. The template includes m (m is an integer of 1 or more) object regions. The template information includes records of information associated with template recognition information, medium information, object region information, etc. The information of each record is also referred to as template information. The template recognition information is recognition information that can uniquely identify the template. The template recognition information is, for example, the name of the template. The medium information includes information such as the size of the medium. The medium is, for example, a sheet of paper made of various materials such as paper. The size of the medium represents the size of the sheet of paper. The medium information may include information such as the type of the medium and the conveyance direction of the medium. The object region information represents information related to the object region. The object region represents a region for character recognition from an image of the medium. The object region is also referred to as the object region of the medium or the object region of the image. The object region information includes object region recognition information. The object region recognition information is information that can uniquely identify the object region. The object region recognition information is, for example, the object region name. The object region recognition information is an example of information that can identify the object region. The object region recognition information may include information that can identify the template containing the object region. The object region information includes information indicating the position and size of the object region. The position of the object region can be specified by the coordinates of the medium. The size of the object region can be specified by the height and width of the object region. The size of the object region can be specified by the coordinates of the medium. The shape of the object region is, for example, a rectangle, but is not limited thereto. The template may include any number of object regions. The template includes information associating the object region information and the object region name. The template may include setting information related to the OCR function. The setting information related to the OCR function may include information such as the language. The template can be appropriately set by the user or administrator of the image reading device 1, etc.

[0066] A specific example of the template will be described. The template "Ta" includes the object region "Region (1)" and the object region "Region (2)". The object region "Region (1)" is a region that includes, for example, information corresponding to "Product ID", and the object region "Region (2)" is a region that includes, for example, information corresponding to "Price". The template "Ta" contains information associated with the object region information corresponding to the object regions "Region (1)" and "Region (2)". When the user of the image reading device 1 has selected the template "Ta", the image reading device 1 performs character recognition based on the images included in the object regions "Region (1)" and "Region (2)" of the medium.

[0067] The control panel 200 includes a display device 201 and an input device 202.

[0068] The display device 201 is a device capable of displaying various images under the control of the processing circuit 11. The display device 201 is a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display or the like, but is not limited thereto. The input device 202 is a device capable of inputting data or instructions to the image reading device 1. The input device 202 may include input buttons or a touch panel or the like.

[0069] The scanner unit 300 is a device that reads images such as characters, graphics, and photos drawn on a sheet placed at a predetermined position. The scanner unit 300 includes a line sensor. The line sensor may be of the CCD (Charge Coupled Device) type. The line sensor may be of the CIS (Contact Image Sensor) type. The scanner unit 300 generates image data based on the image read using the line sensor. The scanner unit 300 sends the generated image data to the control unit 100. The control unit 100 stores the received image data in the storage unit 13 or sends it to the printer unit 700. The scanner unit 300 is an example of the scanner section.

[0070] The automatic document feeder 310 is a device that conveys a medium such as a document to the reading position of the scanner unit 300. The automatic document feeder 310 includes a tray for placing the medium. The automatic document feeder 310 sequentially conveys the medium placed on the tray to the reading position of the scanner unit 300. The automatic document feeder 310 is also called an ADF (Automatic Document Feeder).

[0071] The communication circuit 400 is an interface for communicably connecting the image reading device 1 and the label printer 2 via a wired or wireless network.

[0072] The input / output interface 500 is an interface for connecting the image reading device 1 and an external device. The input / output interface 500 includes a connector for a wired cable.

[0073] The power supply circuit 600 converts the alternating current supplied from a commercial power supply into direct current and supplies power to each part of the image reading device 1. The power supply circuit 600 may be controlled by the processing circuit 11.

[0074] The printer unit 700 is a unit that forms an image on a sheet. The sheet is a component on which a plurality of labels are arranged longitudinally. The plurality of labels are arranged such that the intervals between the centers of adjacent labels are equal. The image includes an image containing character information and a graphic image. The printer unit 700 forms an image on the sheet based on image data transmitted via a network from a user terminal through a printing function. The printer unit 700 forms an image on the sheet based on image data generated by the scanner unit 300 through a copying function. Here, an example of the printer unit 700 using a tandem type toner image transfer unit will be described. The printer unit 700 includes a storage unit 71, a conveyance unit 72, an image forming unit 73, and a fixing unit 74. The printer unit 700 is an example of a printing unit.

[0075] The storage unit 71 stores sheets. The storage unit 71 includes a paper feed cassette and a pickup roller. The paper feed cassette stores papers. The pickup roller takes out sheets one by one from the paper feed cassette. The pickup roller supplies the taken-out sheets to the conveyance unit 72. The sheets include ID cards containing wireless tags.

[0076] The conveyance unit 72 conveys sheets in the printer unit 700. The conveyance unit 72 includes a plurality of rollers and a registration roller. The plurality of rollers include rollers that convey the sheets supplied by the pickup roller to the registration roller. The plurality of rollers include rollers provided on the downstream side of the fixing unit 74 described later and that discharge the sheets to a paper discharge tray. The registration roller conveys the sheets to the transfer unit at the timing when a toner image is transferred to the sheets by the transfer unit of the image forming unit 73 described later.

[0077] The image forming unit 73 forms a toner image on a sheet. The image forming unit 73 includes an intermediate transfer belt, a plurality of developing units, an exposure device, a transfer unit, etc. The intermediate transfer belt is an endless belt. The plurality of developing units corresponds to the number of toner types. The plurality of developing units includes a black developing unit, a cyan developing unit, a magenta developing unit, and a yellow developing unit. Each developing unit includes a photosensitive drum. Each developing unit includes a charger, a developing device, a primary transfer roller, a cleaning unit, and a static eliminator around the photosensitive drum. The photosensitive drum is a drum body having a photosensitive layer on its surface. The charger uniformly charges the photosensitive layer on the surface of the photosensitive drum. The developing device develops the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum with toner. The developing device forms a toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum. The primary transfer roller faces the photosensitive drum with the intermediate transfer belt therebetween. The primary transfer roller transfers the toner image on the surface of the photosensitive drum to the intermediate transfer belt. The cleaning unit removes the untransferred toner from the surface of the photosensitive drum. The static eliminator irradiates light onto the surface of the photosensitive drum. The static eliminator removes the static electricity on the photosensitive layer of the photosensitive drum by the irradiation of light. The exposure device irradiates laser light onto the surface of the photosensitive drum of each developing unit via an optical system such as a polygon mirror. The exposure device forms an electrostatic pattern as an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum. The transfer unit transfers the charged toner image on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt to the sheet. The transfer unit includes a support roller and a secondary transfer roller that sandwich the intermediate transfer belt and the sheet from both sides in the thickness direction.

[0078] The fixing unit 74 applies heat and pressure to the sheet on which the toner image is formed and supplied from the image forming unit 73. The fixing unit 74 fixes the toner image formed on the sheet to the sheet by heat and pressure.

[0079] In addition, the hardware configuration of the image reading device 1 is not limited to the above configuration. The image reading device 1 can appropriately omit and change the above components, and can appropriately add new components.

[0080] Each part implemented in the above processing circuit 11 will be described.

[0081] The processing circuit 11 implements an acquisition unit 110, a character recognition unit 111, and an output unit 112. Each part implemented by the processing circuit 11 can also be called each function. Each part implemented by the processing circuit 11 can also be implemented by a control unit including the processing circuit 11 and the main memory 12.

[0082] The acquisition unit 110 acquires template information. The acquisition unit 110 can acquire the template information of the template selected based on the user's operation. The acquisition unit 110 acquires the image data of the medium read by the scanner unit 300. The acquisition unit 110 acquires the image data of the target area from the image data of the medium based on the template information. That is, the acquisition unit acquires the template from the storage unit and acquires the image data of the target area of the image of the medium based on the information related to the target area of the acquired template.

[0083] The character recognition unit 111 obtains character information from the image data included in the object area obtained by the acquisition unit 110. The character recognition unit 111 performs character recognition on the image data included in the object area, for example, through character recognition processing such as OCR processing. The character recognition unit 111 can convert the character information into a value such as a numerical value. The character recognition unit 111 can perform key code conversion based on the character information. The character recognition unit 111 can either convert the character information according to the specifications of the label printer 2 or not. The character recognition unit 111 stores the object area recognition information and the information based on the character information in the storage unit 13 in an associated manner. The information based on the character information is the character information or information such as a numerical value obtained by converting the character information. The character recognition unit 111 can store the object area recognition information and the information based on the character information in the storage unit 13 in association with a template. For example, the case where the character recognition unit 111 recognizes the character information "XXXXX" from the object area "(1)" of the medium corresponding to the template "Ta" will be described. The character recognition unit 111 can associate the object area name "(1)" with the character information "XXXXX" and store it in the storage unit 13. The character recognition unit 111 can associate the object area name "(1)" and the value obtained by converting the character information "XXXXX" into a key code and store it in the storage unit 13.

[0084] The output unit 112 outputs the information corresponding to the object area name and the information based on the character information to the label printer 2 via the communication circuit 400. The output unit 112 outputs the object area name and the information based on the character information to the label printer 2 in an associated manner. For example, the output unit 112 can associate the object area name "(1)" with the character information "XXXXX" and output it to the label printer 2. The output unit 112 can associate the object area name "(1)" and the value obtained after key code conversion of the character information "XXXXX" and output it to the label printer 2. The output unit 112 can output the information capable of recognizing the template to the label printer 2.

[0085] Figure 3 is a block diagram schematically showing a configuration example of the label printer 2 according to the embodiment.

[0086] The label printer 2 is an electronic device having a printing function. Printing includes not only printing characters but also various images such as printing patterns. The label printer 2 is an example of a label issuing device. A label is an example of a medium composed of various materials such as paper.

[0087] The label printer 2 includes a processing circuit 21, a memory 22, a display device 23, an input device 24, a communication interface 25, a printing device 26, and a conveying device 27. In Figure 4In this case, the interface is described as "I / F".

[0088] The processing circuit 21 corresponds to the central part of the label printer 2. Similar to the processing circuit 11, the processing circuit 21 includes one or more circuits that perform multiple processes through multiple functions. The processing circuit 21 loads a program into the memory 22. The processing circuit 21 executes various processes by executing the program loaded in the memory 22. The program is a program for causing the processing circuit 21 to execute various processes. The processing circuit 21 is an example of the control unit of the label printer 2.

[0089] The memory 22 includes elements corresponding to the main storage part of the label printer 2. The memory 22 is an element of the computer constituting the label printer 2. The memory 22 can be configured in the same way as the main memory 12. The memory 22 is an example of the storage unit of the label printer 2.

[0090] The memory 22 stores information on at least one label format. The label format includes n (n is an integer greater than or equal to 1) label elements. The information on the label format includes records of information associated with format identification information, label element information, etc. The information of each record is also called format information. The format identification information is identification information that can uniquely identify the format. The format identification information is, for example, the name of the format. The label element information represents information related to the label element. The label element represents an item of information printed on the label. The label element is, for example, an element including a product ID, an element including a price, etc. The label element information includes label element identification information that can uniquely identify the label element. The label element identification information is, for example, the name of the label element. The label element information may include information indicating the correspondence between the object area of the template and the label element. The information indicating the correspondence between the object area and the label element is, for example, information associated with object area identification information and label element identification elements. The label element is an element for registering information based on character information identified from the object area of the corresponding template. The label format may include information capable of identifying the corresponding template. The label format may be associated with the template. The label format may include any number of label elements. The number of label elements is the same as the number of object areas included in the template corresponding to the label format. The label format includes information associated with the label element name and the object area name. The label format can be appropriately set by the user or administrator of the label printer 2, etc. In the following description, "register" can be replaced by "input".

[0091] A specific example of the label format will be described. The label format "Fa" includes the label element "element (a)" and the label element "element (b)". The label element "element (a)" is, for example, an element for registering information corresponding to the "product ID", and the label element "element (b)" is, for example, an element for registering information corresponding to the "price". The label format "Fa" corresponds to the template "Ta". The label format "Fa" may include information capable of identifying the template "Ta" as information corresponding to the template. The label format "Fa" includes information capable of identifying the object area "area (2)" as information on the object area corresponding to the label element "element (b)". When the user of the label printer 2 selects the label format "Fa", the label printer 2 registers the information of the character information identified from the object areas corresponding to the label element "element (a)" and the label element "element (b)" in the label element "element (a)" and the label element "element (b)", respectively.

[0092] The memory 22 can store a database. The database includes information associated with the label elements. For example, the database may include information associated with the label element "product ID". The database can store the information of the price as information associated with the label element "product ID". In this case, the label printer 2 can read out the information of the price from the database based on the obtained information corresponding to the label element "product ID" and create a label.

[0093] The display device 23 is a device capable of displaying an image. The display device 23 includes, but is not limited to, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display, etc.

[0094] The input device 24 is a device capable of inputting an instruction based on a user operation. The input device 24 may include a button that can be pressed. The input device 24 may include a touch panel integrally formed with the display device 23.

[0095] The communication interface 25 is an interface for communicably connecting the label printer 2 to the image reading device 1 via the network NW. The communication interface 25 is an example of the communication unit of the label printer 2.

[0096] The printing device 26 is a device for printing an image on a label. The printing device 26 includes a print head 260. The printing device 26 is an example of the printing unit for printing an image on a label.

[0097] The print head 260 is a print head for printing an image on a label. The print head 260 only needs to have the function of printing an image on a label, and the printing method is not limited. In the case where the label has a thermal layer, the print head 260 can be of a type that prints an image on the label with a thermal layer by the heat generated by each heating element. The print head 260 can be of a type that prints an image on a label by dissolving the ink contained in the ink ribbon with the heat generated by each heating element. The print head 260 can be of a type that prints an image on a label by inkjet.

[0098] The conveying device 27 is a device for conveying a sheet. The conveying device 27 includes a plurality of conveying rollers 270. The conveying device 27 is an example of a conveying unit for conveying a sheet.

[0099] The plurality of conveying rollers 270 convey the sheet. The direction of conveying the sheet is also referred to as the conveying direction. Conveying the sheet includes conveying the label.

[0100] In addition, the hardware configuration of the label printer 2 is not limited to the above configuration. The label printer 2 can appropriately omit and change the above components, and can appropriately add new components.

[0101] Each part implemented in the above processing circuit 21 will be described.

[0102] The processing circuit 21 implements an acquisition unit 210, a label element registration unit 211, and a label creation unit 212. Each part implemented by the processing circuit 21 can also be referred to as each function. Each part implemented by the processing circuit 21 can also be implemented by a control unit including the processing circuit 21 and the memory 22.

[0103] The acquisition unit 210 acquires information based on character information and an object area name from the image reading device 1 via the communication interface 25. The object area name is an example of information capable of identifying the object area of the medium corresponding to the information based on character information. The object area corresponding to the information based on character information is the object area of the medium including the image data corresponding to the identified character information. For example, the case where information identifying character information has been output from the object areas "area (1)" and "area (2)" of the medium corresponding to the template "Ta" in the image reading device 1 will be described. The acquisition unit 210 acquires information capable of identifying the object areas "area (1)" and "area (2)". The acquisition unit 210 acquires information based on the character information respectively associated with the object areas "area (1)" and "area (2)". The acquisition unit 210 associates the information based on character information with the object area name and stores it in the memory 22. The acquisition unit 210 can acquire the information based on character information from the memory 22 based on a request from the label element registration unit 211.

[0104] The label element registration unit 211 registers information based on character information corresponding to the label element in the label element. The label element registration unit 211 may request information based on character information corresponding to each label element and register information based on the corresponding character information in the label element.

[0105] The label creation unit 212 creates a label based on the information registered by the label element registration unit 211. The label creation unit 212 creates a label in which information based on character information is registered in the label element based on the label format. The label creation unit 212 outputs the label information of the created label to the printing device 26. The printing device 26 prints on the label based on the label information.

[0106] (Example of a template)

[0107] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing an example of the template related to the embodiment.

[0108] Figure 4 It represents the template Ta. The template Ta includes the object area Tra and the object area Trb. The template Ta is a template that can be identified by the template name "Ta". The object area Tra is an object area that can be identified by the object area name "Area (1)". The object area Trb is an object area that can be identified by the object area name "Area (2)". The object area "Area (1)" is, for example, an area containing the product ID. The object area "Area (2)" is, for example, an area including the price. The template information of the template Ta includes information that can identify the object area "Area (1)" and the object area "Area (2)" and information that associates the object area information of the object area "Area (1)" and the object area "Area (2)".

[0109] (Example of a label format)

[0110] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing an example of the label format related to the embodiment.

[0111] Figure 5 It shows the label format Fa. The label format Fa includes the label element Ra, the label element Rb, and the barcode area Ara. The label format Fa is a label format that can be identified by the label format name "Fa". The label element Ra is a label element that can be identified by the label element name "Element (a)". The label element Rb is a label element that can be identified by the label element name "Element (b)". The label element "Element (a)" is, for example, a label element for registering the product ID. The label element "Element (b)" is, for example, a label element for registering the price.

[0112] The format information of label format Fa includes information capable of identifying label element "element (a)" and label element "element (b)", and information associating the label element information of label element "element (a)" and label element "element (b)". The format information of label format Fa may include information capable of identifying the corresponding template. The label element information includes information capable of identifying the corresponding object area. For example, the case where label format Fa corresponds to template Ta will be described. The format information of label format Fa may include the template name "Ta" of template Ta as the information capable of identifying the corresponding template. The format information of label format Fa may include information indicating the correspondence between label element "element (a)" and object area "area (1)" as the label element information. The format information of label format Fa includes information indicating the correspondence between label element "element (b)" and object area "area (2)" as the label element information. In the format information of label format Fa, label element "element (a)" and object area name "area (1)" can be associated. In the format information of label format Fa, label element "element (b)" and object area name "area (2)" can be associated.

[0113] Barcode area Ara is the area for registering barcode images. Barcode images can be generated based on the information registered in the label elements. In Figure 5 the example, the barcode image generated based on the information registered in label element "element (a)" is registered in barcode area Ara. Among them, Figure 5 the barcode shown is invalid, and it only indicates that a barcode image is generated as an example.

[0114] In the label format, label elements for registering information based on the database stored in memory 22 can be included. For example, label format Fa can include label element "element (c)" associated with the information registered in label element "element (a)".

[0115] (Operation example)

[0116] The sequence of processing by label issuance system S will be described.

[0117] In addition, the following image reading device 1 will be described as the main body. Image reading device 1 can be replaced by processing circuit 11. Similarly, in the description with label printer 2 as the main body, processing circuit 21 can be replaced by label printer 2.

[0118] The processing sequence described below is only an example, and each processing can be changed within the possible range. The processing sequence can omit or replace each processing according to the embodiment, and new processing can be added.

[0119] Figure 6 This is a sequence diagram showing an example of the order of information processing performed by the label issuance system according to the embodiments.

[0120] In the following processing, it is assumed that the user of the image reading device 1 has registered a template including an object area in the image reading device 1. It is assumed that the user of the label printer 2 has registered a label format corresponding to the template in the label printer 2. The user of the image reading device 1 may be the same user as the user of the label printer 2 or a different user. The user of the image reading device 1 sets the output destination of the data to the label printer 2.

[0121] It is assumed that the user of the image reading device 1 selects the template Ta and reads the medium. The template Ta includes the object area "Area (1)" and the object area "Area (2)". The user of the image reading device 1 sets, for example, an A4-sized paper in the automatic document feeder 310 of the image reading device 1. The user of the label printer 2 selects the label format Fa corresponding to the template Ta. The label format Fa includes the label element "Element (a)" and the label element "Element (b)". The label element "Element (a)" is associated with the object area "Area (1)" of the template Ta. The label element "Element (b)" is associated with the object area "Area (2)" of the template Ta.

[0122] The following processing is repeated every time the scanner unit 300 reads the medium set in the automatic document feeder 310. Additionally, the medium can be read by the scanner unit 300 without using the automatic document feeder 310.

[0123] The processing circuit 11 of the image reading device 1 acquires the template information. This processing can be performed by the acquisition unit 110. The processing circuit 11 acquires the template information of the template to be processed from the storage unit 13 based on the user's operation.

[0124] The scanner unit 300 of the image reading device 1 reads the image of the medium.

[0125] The processing circuit 11 of the image reading device 1 acquires the image data of the object area from the image data of the medium (ACT1). The processing of ACT1 can be performed by the acquisition unit 110. In ACT1, for example, the processing circuit 11 designates the object area from the image data of the medium based on the template information. The processing circuit 11 acquires the image data included in the designated object area. In this example, the processing circuit 11 designates the object area "Area (1)" and the object area "Area (2)" from the image data of the medium. The processing circuit 11 acquires the image data included in the object area "Area (1)" and the object area "Area (2)".

[0126] The processing circuit 11 of the image reading device 1 acquires character information from the image data included in the object area (ACT2). The processing of ACT2 can be performed by the character recognition unit 111. In ACT2, for example, the processing circuit 11 recognizes character information from the image data included in the object area. The processing circuit 11 performs character recognition processing such as OCR processing on the image data included in the object area. In this example, the processing circuit 11 performs character recognition processing on the image data included in the object area "area (1)" and the object area "area (2)". The processing circuit 11 stores the character information obtained as a result of the character recognition processing in association with the object area recognition information in the storage unit 13. The character information is an example of information based on the character information. For example, the processing circuit 11 acquires the character information "XXXXX" as a result of the character recognition processing of the image data of the object area "area (1)". The processing circuit 11 acquires the character information "YYYYY" as a result of the character recognition processing of the image data of the object area "area (2)". The processing circuit 11 associates the object area "area (1)" with the character information "XXXX" and stores it in the storage unit 13. The processing circuit 11 associates the object area "area (2)" with the character information "YYYYY" and stores it in the storage unit 13.

[0127] The processing circuit 11 of the image reading device 1 can perform key code conversion on the character information obtained as a result of the character recognition processing. In this case, the processing circuit 11 associates the key code obtained as a result of the key code conversion with the object area recognition information and stores it in the storage unit 13. The key code is an example of information based on the character information. For example, the processing circuit 11 acquires the value obtained by performing key code conversion on the character information "XXXXX". The processing circuit 11 acquires the value obtained by performing key code conversion on the character information "YYYYY". The processing circuit 11 associates the object area "area (1)" with the value obtained by performing key code conversion on the character information "XXXXX" and stores it in the storage unit 13. The processing circuit 11 associates the object area "area (2)" with the value obtained by performing key code conversion on the character information "YYYYY" and stores it in the storage unit 13.

[0128] The processing circuit 11 of the image reading device 1 outputs the information corresponding to the object area recognition information and the information based on the character information to the label printer 2. This processing can be performed by the output unit 112.

[0129] The processing circuit 21 of the label printer 2 acquires information based on character information and object area identification information of the object area corresponding to the character information from the image reading device 1 (ACT3). The processing of ACT3 can be the processing performed by the acquisition unit 210. In this example, the processing circuit 21 acquires information in which the object area name of the object area "area (1)" is associated with the character information based on the object area "area (1)". The processing circuit 21 acquires the object area name of the object area "area (2)" and information based on the character information of the object area "area (2)". The processing circuit 21 stores the acquired information in the memory 22.

[0130] The processing circuit 21 of the label printer 2 acquires information based on character information corresponding to label elements from the memory 22 based on the label format (ACT4). The processing of ACT4 can be the processing performed by the acquisition unit 210. In ACT4, for example, the processing circuit 21 acquires the label format based on the user's operation. The processing circuit 21 designates the object area associated with the label element included in the label format. The processing circuit 21 inquires of the memory 22 about information based on the character information associated with the designated object area. The processing circuit 21 acquires information based on the character information corresponding to the inquired label element.

[0131] For example, the case where the label element n is "element (a)" will be described. The processing circuit 21 designates the object area identification information ("area (1)") of the object area associated with the label element "element (a)". The processing circuit 21 inquires of the memory 22 about information based on the character information associated with the object area "area (1)". The processing circuit 21 acquires from the memory 22 information based on the character information associated with the object area "area (1)".

[0132] The processing circuit 21 acquires information based on character information for each label element included in the label format.

[0133] In addition, when the object area identification information acquired from the image reading device 1 includes information capable of identifying a template, the processing circuit 21 may designate a label format corresponding to the template based on the object area identification information.

[0134] The processing circuit 21 of the label printer 2 registers information based on the character information corresponding to the label element in the label element (ACT5). The processing of ACT5 can be processed by the label element registration unit 211. For example, the case where the label element n is "element (a)" will be described. The processing circuit 21 registers information based on the character information corresponding to the label element "element (a)" in the label element "element (a)".

[0135] As a specific example, a case where the processing circuit 21 obtains a value obtained by key code-converting character information as information based on the character information will be described. The processing circuit 21 generates a key event based on the key code corresponding to the label element "element (a)". Reference will be made to Figure 7 Describe the occurrence of key events. Figure 7 FIG. is an example of a processing sequence of key event occurrence processing performed by the label printer 2 according to the embodiment. In Figure 7 In the example of, it is shown that the key code corresponding to the label element "element (a)" is "23456789". The processing circuit 21 sequentially generates key events for each key code. The processing circuit 21 obtains the key events. For example, as Figure 7 shown, the processing circuit 21 causes a key event for inputting one character to occur by a key press event and a key release event. The processing circuit 21 registers a value in the label element "element (a)" based on the obtained key event. The processing circuit 21 sequentially registers the value "23456789" in the label element "element (a)".

[0136] The processing circuit 21 registers information based on the corresponding character information for each label element included in the label format. The processing circuit 21 can associate the registered information with the label element and store it in the memory 22.

[0137] The processing circuit 21 of the label printer 2 determines whether the label element included in the label format is the final element (ACT6). The processing of ACT6 can be the processing performed by the acquisition unit 210. In ACT6, for example, the processing circuit 21 determines whether there is a label element in a state of waiting to register information based on character information. If there is no label element in a waiting registration state, the processing circuit 21 determines that the label element is the final element. If there is a label element in a waiting registration state, the processing circuit 21 determines that the label element is not the final element. When the label element is the final element (ACT6: yes), the process transitions from ACT6 to ACT7. When the label element is not the final element (ACT6: no), the process transitions from ACT6 to ACT4.

[0138] The processing circuit 21 of the label printer 2 creates a label based on the information registered in the label element (ACT7). The processing of ACT7 can be the processing performed by the label creation unit 212. In ACT7, for example, the processing circuit 21 creates a label in which information based on character information is registered in the label element based on the label format. The processing circuit 21 can store the label information of the created label in the memory 22. The processing circuit 21 outputs the label information to the printing device 26.

[0139] The processing circuit 21 of the label printer 2 controls the printing device 26 to print a label based on label information (ACT8). In ACT8, for example, the processing circuit 21 prints an image based on the label information on the label. The image based on the label information includes, for example, a product ID, a price, a code symbol, etc. In addition, the processing circuit 21 can control the printing device 26 to print the image based on the label information on multiple labels. In this case, the label information may include information indicating the number of printed labels. The processing circuit 21 can control the printing device 26 to print an image including information indicating the number of labels to be printed. For example, when the number of printed labels is five, the information indicating the number of labels may be numbers from "1" to "5".

[0140] According to this example, the image reading device 1 identifies character information from the object area of the image of the medium read by the scanner, and outputs the information capable of identifying the object area and the information based on the character information to the label printer 2 in association with each other. For example, the image reading device 1 can read the medium with the scanner to obtain the character information of the object area, and then associate the information capable of identifying the object area and the information based on the character information and output them to the label printer 2. The user can use the label printer 2 to print appropriate information on the label only by operating the scanner to scan the medium. In addition, for example, even when there are multiple object areas, the image reading device 1 can associate the information capable of identifying the object area and the information based on the character information and output them to the label printer 2, so that the information of multiple object areas can be easily output to the label printer 2. Accordingly, the label issuing system can issue labels easily.

[0141] The label printer 2 can obtain the information capable of identifying the object area and the information based on the character information. Therefore, the label printer 2 can obtain the information based on the character information corresponding to the label element based on the information capable of identifying the object area of the image of the medium, and register the information in the label element. For example, the label printer 2 can print the information corresponding to the label element on the label based on the information obtained by reading the medium with the scanner in the image reading device 1. The user can use the label printer 2 to print appropriate information on the label only by operating the scanner to scan the medium in the image reading device 1. In addition, for example, even when there are multiple label elements, the label printer 2 can easily register in the label element based on the information obtained from the image reading device 1. Accordingly, the label issuing system can issue labels easily.

[0142] The image reading device 1 stores templates that associate object regions with information capable of identifying the object regions. Thus, the user of the image reading device 1 can select from the templates the patterns of the object regions for identifying character information. The image reading device 1 can easily specify the object regions for identifying character information based on the templates. Thus, the label issuing system can easily issue labels.

[0143] The label printer 2 stores label formats that associate information capable of identifying label elements with information capable of identifying object regions. Accordingly, the user of the label printer 2 can create a label including information based on character information of an object region corresponding to a label element by selecting a label format. The label printer 2 can easily register information based on character information corresponding to the label element based on the label format. Thus, the label issuing system can easily issue labels.

[0144] A connection example of the label issuing system S will be described.

[0145] Figure 8 It is a block diagram showing an example of the connection of the label issuing system S according to the embodiment.

[0146] In Figure 8 the example, the image reading device 1 and the label printer 2 are connected to be able to communicate with each other via a network.

[0147] In this example, the label printer 2 acquires information based on character information and an object region name from the image reading device 1 via a network. The processing circuit 21 passes the character information of the region corresponding to the label element requested by the label element registration unit 211 to the label element registration unit 211. Alternatively, the processing circuit 21 causes an internal key event to occur.

[0148] The label element registration unit 211 registers the passed character information in the label element. Alternatively, the label element registration unit 211 reads the key event and registers it in the label element.

[0149] Figure 9 It is a block diagram showing another example of the connection of the label issuing system S according to the embodiment.

[0150] In Figure 9 the example, the image reading device 1 and the label printer 2 are connected to be able to communicate with each other via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable or the like.

[0151] In this example, the label printer 2 acquires information based on character information and an object area name from the image reading device 1 via a USB cable or the like. The acquisition unit 210 reads the received data. The processing circuit 21 transfers the character information of the area corresponding to the label element requested by the label element registration unit 211 to the label element registration unit 211. Alternatively, the processing circuit 21 causes an internal key event to occur.

[0152] The label element registration unit 211 registers the transferred character information in the label element. Alternatively, the key event is read out and registered in the label element.

[0153] (Modification example)

[0154] Figure 10 It is a block diagram showing a modification example of the label issuing system S according to the embodiment.

[0155] In Figure 10 the example of, the acquisition unit 210 of the label printer 2 requests the character information of the object area corresponding to the label element from the image reading device 1. In this example, it is assumed that the memory 22 of the label printer 2 stores a template in which the label element is associated with information indicating the object area (information of the object area representing the image of the medium).

[0156] For example, the processing circuit 21 outputs the information indicating the object area corresponding to the label element to the image reading device 1 based on the template. The processing circuit 11 (acquisition unit 110) of the image reading device 1 acquires the information indicating the object area. That is, the image reading device 1 acquires the information indicating the object area from the label printer 2 (label issuing device). The processing circuit 11 (character recognition unit 111) acquires the character information from the image data included in the object area. The processing circuit 11, for example, performs character recognition from the image data included in the object area through character recognition processing such as OCR processing. The processing circuit 11 may convert the character information into a value such as a numerical value. The processing circuit 11 may perform key code conversion based on the character information. The processing circuit 11 (output unit 112) outputs the information based on the character information of the object area to the label printer 2. The information based on the character information is, for example, a value obtained by performing key code conversion on the character information.

[0157] The processing circuit 21 of the label printer 2 acquires the information based on the character information. The processing circuit 21 transfers the character information of the area corresponding to the label element requested by the label element registration unit 211 to the label element registration unit 211. Alternatively, the processing circuit 21 causes an internal key event to occur.

[0158] The label element registration unit 211 registers the transferred character information in the label element. Alternatively, the key event is read out and registered in the label element.

[0159] According to this example, the image reading device 1 can obtain information based on character information corresponding to an object area requested from the label printer 2 and output it to the label printer 2. Thus, the image reading device 1 can provide information based on character information corresponding to the object area to the label printer 2 without storing template information. The user can print appropriate information on the label by the label printer 2 only through the operation of scanning the medium. Accordingly, the label issuing system can easily issue labels.

[0160] (Other embodiments)

[0161] The reading device can be implemented by a single electronic device such as the image reading device 1, or can be implemented by a plurality of electronic devices with dispersed functions. The label issuing device can be implemented by a single electronic device such as the label printer 2, or can be implemented by a plurality of electronic devices with dispersed functions.

[0162] Although the printer unit 700 is described as a printer unit using a tandem type toner image transfer unit, it is not limited thereto. The printer unit 700 can be an inkjet type printer unit.

[0163] The above embodiments can be applied to a method executed by a device. The above embodiments can be applied to a program that enables a computer of a device to execute each function. The above embodiments can be applied to a storage medium storing the program.

[0164] Each of one or more circuits constituting the processing circuit executes one or more of a plurality of processes. In the case where the processing circuit is constituted by a single circuit, the single circuit executes all of the plurality of processes. In the case where the processing circuit is constituted by a plurality of circuits, each of the plurality of circuits executes a part of the plurality of processes. A part of the plurality of processes can be either one of the plurality of processes or two or more of the plurality of processes. In the case where the processing circuit is constituted by a plurality of circuits, the plurality of circuits can be included in one device or can be dispersed in a plurality of devices.

[0165] The program can be transferred in a state of being stored in the device according to the embodiment, or can be transferred in a state of not being stored in the device. In the latter case, the program can be transferred via a network or can be transferred in a state of being stored in a storage medium. The storage medium is a non-transitory tangible medium. The storage medium is a computer-readable medium. The storage medium can be any medium such as a CD-ROM, a memory card, etc. that can store a program and is computer-readable, and its form is not limited.

[0166] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms and can be subject to various omissions, substitutions, and changes without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included within the scope and gist of the invention and within the scope of the invention described in the claims and their equivalents.

[0167] (Supplementary Explanation)

[0168] The above embodiments can be configured as follows.

[0169] (1) A reading device, comprising:

[0170] A scanner unit that reads an image of a medium;

[0171] A character recognition unit that recognizes character information from an object area of the image of the medium read by the scanner unit; and

[0172] An output unit that outputs information in which information capable of identifying the object area and information based on the character information are made corresponding.

[0173] (2) The reading device according to (1), further comprising:

[0174] A storage unit that stores a template in which information capable of identifying the object area and information related to the object area are associated.

[0175] (3) A label issuing device, comprising:

[0176] An acquisition unit that acquires, from a reading device, information in which information based on character information and information capable of identifying an object area of an image of a medium corresponding to the character information are made corresponding;

[0177] A label element registration unit that registers information based on the character information corresponding to a label element; and

[0178] A label creation unit that creates a label based on the information registered by the label element registration unit.

[0179] (4) The label issuing device according to (3), comprising:

[0180] A storage unit that stores a label format in which the label element and information capable of identifying the object area are associated.

[0181] (5) An information processing program that enables a computer to execute the following functions:

[0182] A character recognition function that recognizes character information from an object area of an image of a medium read by a scanner unit; and

[0183] An output function that outputs information capable of identifying the object area and information based on the character information.

[0184] (6) An information processing program that enables a computer to execute the following functions:

[0185] An acquisition function that acquires information corresponding to information based on character information and an object area that can identify an image of a medium corresponding to the character information from a reading device;

[0186] A label element registration function that registers information based on the character information corresponding to the label element; and

[0187] A label creation function that creates a label based on the registered information.

[0188] (7) A reading device, comprising:

[0189] A scanner unit that reads an image of a medium;

[0190] An acquisition unit that acquires information indicating an object area of the image of the medium;

[0191] A character recognition unit that recognizes character information from the object area of the image of the medium read by the scanner unit; and

[0192] An output unit that outputs information based on the character information of the object area.

Claims

1. A reading device, characterized in that: include: A scanner section that reads an image of a medium; a character recognition unit that recognizes character information from a target area of ​​the image of the medium read by the scanner unit; as well as The output unit outputs information that associates the information capable of identifying the object area with the information based on the character information.

2. The reading device according to claim 1, wherein: Also includes: The storage unit stores a template that associates information capable of identifying the object region with information related to the object region.

3. The reading device according to claim 2, wherein: The information related to the target region of the template includes information indicating the position and size of the target region.

4. The reading device according to claim 3, wherein: Also includes: The acquisition unit acquires the template from the storage unit and acquires image data of the target area of ​​the image of the medium based on information related to the target area of ​​the acquired template, wherein the character recognition unit recognizes character information from the image data acquired by the acquisition unit.

5. A label issuing device, characterized in that: include: an acquisition unit that acquires information that associates information based on the character information with information capable of identifying an object area of ​​an image of a medium corresponding to the character information from a reading device; a tag element registration unit for registering information based on the character information corresponding to the tag element; as well as The label creation unit creates a label based on the information registered by the label element registration unit.

6. The label issuing device according to claim 5, wherein: Also includes: The storage unit stores a tag format that associates information capable of identifying the tag element with information capable of identifying the target area.

7. A storage medium storing an information processing program that enables a computer to perform the following functions: a character recognition function for recognizing character information from a target area of ​​an image of a medium read by the scanner portion; and An output function outputs information capable of identifying the object area and information based on the character information.

8. A storage medium storing an information processing program that enables a computer to perform the following functions: an acquisition function for acquiring, from a reading device, information that corresponds information based on the character information and information capable of identifying an object area of ​​an image of a medium corresponding to the character information; A tag element registration function for registering information based on the character information corresponding to the tag element; as well as The label creation function creates a label based on the registered information.

9. A reading device, characterized in that: include: A scanner section that reads an image of a medium; an acquisition unit that acquires information representing a target area of ​​the image of the medium; a character recognition unit that recognizes character information from the target area of ​​the image of the medium read by the scanner unit; as well as An output unit outputs information based on the character information of the target area.

10. The reading device according to claim 9, wherein: The acquisition unit acquires information indicating a target area of ​​the image of the medium from a label issuing device.

Images