Image processing apparatus, control method, and control program

Abstract

To provide an image processing apparatus, a control method, and a control program configured to improve the convenience for a user.SOLUTION: An image processing apparatus includes: an acquisition unit which acquires setting information related to conveyance processing, image-capturing processing, or image processing of an image reading apparatus set by a user, and a storage location of a file that is generated in accordance with the setting information; an identifying unit which identifies characteristic information of an existing file present in the storage location; a determination unit which determines whether the setting information corresponds to the characteristic information; and a notification unit which gives information relating to a determination result when a determination is made that the setting information does not correspond to the characteristic information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, a control method, and a control program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, image reading devices such as scanners that capture a medium to generate an image are used to capture various types of media for various purposes. The image quality required of an image reading device varies depending on the purpose or the type of medium to be read. In general, an image reading device is provided so that various setting information related to a medium conveying process, an imaging process, or an image process, such as medium separation, resolution, color, or correction, can be set in order to generate an appropriate image according to the purpose or the type of medium. In addition, an image reading device is provided so that a storage destination for each image file can be set so that an image file generated according to each setting information can be easily used by a user. However, if the storage destination of an image file generated according to each setting is not appropriate, a user needs to perform an operation such as moving the image file to an appropriate storage destination.

[0003] An image reading device is disclosed that accepts a reading instruction that specifies a destination folder for read data, obtains reading setting information from the destination folder, and reads a document under reading conditions set based on the obtained reading setting information (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-134788 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In a system that uses an image reading device, there is a demand for improving convenience for users.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus, a control method, and a control program that can improve user convenience. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An image processing device according to one aspect of the present invention has an acquisition unit that acquires setting information regarding transport processing, imaging processing or image processing in an image reading device set by a user, and a storage destination for a file generated in accordance with the setting information, an identification unit that identifies characteristic information of an existing file existing in the storage destination, a determination unit that determines whether the setting information corresponds to the characteristic information, and a notification unit that notifies information regarding the determination result when it is determined that the setting information does not correspond to the characteristic information.

[0008] In a control method according to one aspect of the present invention, an image processing device acquires setting information regarding the transport processing, imaging processing or image processing in an image reading device set by a user, as well as a storage destination for files generated in accordance with the setting information, identifies characteristic information of existing files in the storage destination, determines whether the setting information corresponds to the characteristic information, and if it is determined that the setting information does not correspond to the characteristic information, notifies information regarding the determination result.

[0009] A control program according to one aspect of the present invention is a computer control program that causes the computer to acquire setting information regarding the transport process, imaging process or image processing in an image reading device that is set by a user, and the storage destination of a file generated in accordance with the setting information, identify characteristic information of an existing file in the storage destination, determine whether the setting information corresponds to the characteristic information, and if it is determined that the setting information does not correspond to the characteristic information, notify information regarding the determination result. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, the image processing device, the control method, and the control program can improve the convenience for the user. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image processing system 1 according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a data structure of a setting information table. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a data structure of a type table. [Figure 4] 1A is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a first storage device 110 and a first processing circuit 120, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a second storage device 210 and a second processing circuit 220. FIG. [Diagram 5] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of a determination process. [Figure 6] 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of a specification process. [Figure 7] 13 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of another second processing circuit 320. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, an image processing device, a control method, and a control program according to one aspect of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, it should be noted that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments, but extends to the inventions described in the claims and their equivalents.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image processing system 1 according to an embodiment.

[0014] 1, the image processing system 1 includes one or more image reading devices 100, one or more information processing devices 200, and one or more server devices S. The image reading devices 100 and the information processing devices 200 are examples of image processing devices. The image reading devices 100, the information processing devices 200, and the server devices S are communicatively connected to each other via a network N. The network N is the Internet, an intranet, or the like.

[0015] The image reading device 100 is, for example, a scanner device. The scanner device includes an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) type scanner device that captures an image of a medium, which is an original, while conveying the medium, and a flatbed type scanner device that captures an image of a fixed medium. The medium is paper, thin paper, thick paper, card, or the like. The medium includes various types of media, such as receipts, business cards, invoices, and delivery notes. The image reading device 100 may be a facsimile, a copier, a multifunction printer (MFP, Multifunction Peripheral), or the like. The image reading device 100 may also be a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a notebook personal computer, or the like that captures images of people, objects, landscapes, and the like.

[0016] The information processing device 200 is a personal computer, a notebook personal computer, a tablet computer, a smartphone, etc. The information processing device 200 may be a server provided in a cloud network. The server device S is a server or the like provided in a cloud network.

[0017] The image reading device 100 includes a first communication device 101, a first input device 102, a first display device 103, an imaging device 104, a motor 105, a first storage device 110, and a first processing circuit 120.

[0018] The first communication device 101 has an antenna for transmitting and receiving wireless signals, and a wireless communication interface circuit for transmitting and receiving signals through a wireless communication line according to a predetermined communication protocol such as a wireless LAN. The first communication device 101 transmits and receives image data and various information to and from the information processing device 200 according to instructions from the first processing circuit 120. The first communication device 101 may also have a wired communication interface circuit for transmitting and receiving signals through a wired communication line according to a predetermined communication protocol such as a wired LAN.

[0019] The first input device 102 has an input device such as a button and an interface circuit that acquires a signal from the input device, accepts an operation by a user, and outputs to the first processing circuit 120 a signal according to the operation by the user.

[0020] The first display device 103 has a display such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, or the like, and an interface circuit that outputs image data to the display, and displays various types of information on the display according to instructions from the first processing circuit 120.

[0021] The imaging device 104 generates an input image by capturing an image of a medium. The imaging device 104 has a reduction optical system type imaging sensor equipped with imaging elements based on CCDs (Charge Coupled Devices) arranged one-dimensionally or two-dimensionally. Furthermore, the imaging device 104 has a light source for irradiating light, a lens for forming an image on the imaging elements, and an A / D converter for amplifying and analog-to-digital (A / D) converting an electric signal output from the imaging elements. In the imaging device 104, the imaging sensor captures an image of the front and / or back surface of the medium, generates an analog image signal, and outputs it. The A / D converter A / D converts this analog image signal to generate a digital input image, and outputs it to the first processing circuit 120. Note that a reduction optical system type imaging sensor equipped with a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) imaging element may be used instead of a CCD. Also, a unit-magnification optical system type line sensor equipped with an imaging element based on a CMOS or CCD may be used.

[0022] The motor 105 rotates a roller (not shown) to transport the medium in response to a control signal from the first processing circuit 120. Alternatively, the motor 105 moves the imaging device 104 in the sub-scanning direction in response to a control signal from the first processing circuit 120.

[0023] The first storage device 110 includes a memory device such as a random access memory (RAM) or a read only memory (ROM), a fixed disk device such as a hard disk, or a portable storage device such as a flexible disk or an optical disk. The first storage device 110 also stores computer programs, databases, tables, and the like used for various processes of the image reading device 100. The computer programs may be installed in the first storage device 110 from a computer-readable portable recording medium using a known setup program or the like. The portable recording medium is, for example, a compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM) or a digital versatile disk read only memory (DVD-ROM). The computer programs may be distributed from a server or the like and installed in the first storage device 110.

[0024] The first processing circuit 120 operates based on a program stored in advance in the first storage device 110. The first processing circuit 120 is, for example, a CPU (Control Processing Unit). Note that the first processing circuit 120 may be a DSP (digital signal processor), an LSI (large scale integration), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programming Gate Array), or the like.

[0025] The first processing circuit 120 is connected to the first communication device 101, the first input device 102, the first display device 103, the imaging device 104, the motor 105, the first storage device 110, etc., and controls each of these components. The first processing circuit 120 controls data transmission and reception with the information processing device 200 via the first communication device 101, input control of the first input device 102, display control of the first display device 103, imaging control of the imaging device 104, drive control of the motor 105, etc.

[0026] The information processing device 200 includes a second communication device 201, a second input device 202, a second display device 203, a second storage device 210, and a second processing circuit 220.

[0027] The second communication device 201 has an antenna for transmitting and receiving wireless signals, and a wireless communication interface circuit for transmitting and receiving signals through a wireless communication line according to a predetermined communication protocol such as a wireless LAN. The second communication device 201 transmits and receives image data and various information to and from the image reading device 100 according to instructions from the second processing circuit 220. The second communication device 201 may also have a wired communication interface circuit for transmitting and receiving signals through a wired communication line according to a predetermined communication protocol such as a wired LAN.

[0028] The second input device 202 has an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse, and an interface circuit that acquires a signal from the input device, and outputs to the second processing circuit 220 a signal according to an operation by the user.

[0029] The second display device 203 has a display such as a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, or the like, and an interface circuit that outputs image data to the display, and displays various types of information on the display according to instructions from the second processing circuit 220.

[0030] The second storage device 210 includes a memory device such as a RAM or a ROM, a fixed disk device such as a hard disk, or a portable storage device such as a flexible disk or an optical disk. The second storage device 210 stores computer programs, databases, tables, and the like used for various processes of the information processing device 200. The computer programs may be installed in the second storage device 210 from a computer-readable portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a DVD-ROM using a known setup program or the like. The computer programs may also be distributed from a server or the like and installed in the second storage device 210.

[0031] A setting information table, a type table, and the like are stored in advance as data in the second storage device 210. The setting information table and the type table will be described in detail later.

[0032] The second processing circuit 220 operates based on a program previously stored in the second storage device 210. The second processing circuit 220 is, for example, a CPU. Note that the second processing circuit 220 may be, for example, a DSP, an LSI, an ASIC, an FPGA, or the like.

[0033] The second processing circuit 220 is connected to the second communication device 201, the second input device 202, the second display device 203, the second storage device 210, etc., and controls each of these units. The second processing circuit 220 controls data transmission and reception with the image reading device 100 via the second communication device 201, controls input of the second input device 202, controls display of the second display device 203, etc. The second processing circuit 220 analyzes the setting information and the storage destination set by the user, and determines whether the setting information corresponds to the storage destination. If the setting information does not correspond to the storage destination, the second processing circuit 220 notifies the user of a warning, and if the setting information corresponds to the storage destination, sets the setting information and the storage destination in the image reading device 100 via the second communication device 201.

[0034] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of the setting information table.

[0035] The setting information table stores a settable setting value for each of one or more items defined by the setting information. The setting information is information related to the transport process, image capture process, or image processing in the image reading device 100, and is information for defining the operation of the image reading device 100 when capturing an image of a medium or the content of image processing executed on the captured image. Items defined by the setting information include resolution, file format, medium size, compression, color, reading side, multi-image output, two-page spread synthesis, OCR (Optical Character Recognition), barcode recognition, e-document reading settings, size detection, sharpening correction, orientation correction, dropout color, background pattern removal, moire reduction, tone curve adjustment, tab crop, ruled line removal, color reduction processing, medium separation, double feed detection, etc.

[0036] Settings related to image capture include resolution, media size, color, and scan side. Settings related to image processing include file format, compression, multi-image output, double-page spread composition, OCR, barcode recognition, e-document scan settings, size detection, sharpening correction, orientation correction, dropout color, pattern removal, moire reduction, tone curve adjustment, tab crop, line removal, and color reduction processing. Settings related to transport processing include media separation and double feed detection.

[0037] The resolution is a setting for the resolution of the image to be generated, and 150 dpi (Dots Per Inch), 200 dpi, 300 dpi, 600 dpi, 1200 dpi, etc. are set as the resolution setting value. The file format is a setting for the file format of the image to be generated, and PDF (Portable Document Format), JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group), etc. are set as the file format setting value. The medium size is a setting for the size of the medium included in the image to be generated, and business card size, A4 size, A3 size, etc. are set as the medium size setting value. The compression is a setting for executing image compression such as JPEG on the image to be generated, and ON, OFF (if ON is set, a quantization value is also set), etc. are set as the compression setting value. The color is a setting for the color of the image to be generated, and binary, grayscale, color, etc. are set as the color setting value.

[0038] The reading surface is a setting of the surface of the medium that is imaged, and the setting value of the reading surface is set to one side, two sides, etc. The multi-image output is a setting for generating a plurality of images with mutually different colors for one medium, and the setting value of the multi-image output is set to ON, OFF, etc. The two-page spread composition is a setting for generating a two-page spread image by arranging two images that are imaged separately for adjacent pages and combining them into one image, and the setting value of the two-page spread composition is set to ON, OFF, etc. The OCR is a setting for performing character recognition on the generated image, and the setting value of the OCR is set to ON, OFF (if ON is set, further language), etc. The barcode recognition is a setting for performing barcode recognition on the generated image, and the setting value of the barcode recognition is set to ON, OFF, etc. The e-document reading setting is a setting determined for reading and saving an e-document, and the setting value of the e-document reading setting is set to ON, OFF, etc.

[0039] Size detection is a setting for cutting out a medium from an image, and the setting values ​​for size detection include automatic size detection, which detects the edge position of the medium from the image and cuts out the medium area at the detected edge position, and fixed size, which cuts out the medium area at a fixed size. Sharpness correction is a setting for sharpening the generated image using a known image processing technique such as unsharp masking processing, and the setting values ​​for sharpness correction are ON, OFF, etc. Orientation correction is a setting for correcting the orientation of the medium included in the generated image using a known image processing technique such as rotation processing, and the setting values ​​for tilt correction are ON, OFF, etc.

[0040] Dropout color is a setting for removing a specific color component contained in an image to be generated using a known image processing technique, and ON, OFF (when ON is set, the color component to be further removed), etc. are set as the setting value of dropout color. Dropout color is used, for example, to generate an image in which an object having a specific color component, such as a seal, has been removed from an image of a medium containing the object. Background pattern removal is a setting for removing a background pattern (a continuous pattern of dots, thin lines, etc.) contained in the background of an image to be generated using a known image processing technique, and ON, OFF, etc. are set as the setting value of background pattern removal. Moiré reduction is a setting for reducing moiré contained in an image to be generated using a known image processing technique, and ON, OFF, etc. are set as the setting value of moiré reduction.

[0041] Tone curve adjustment is a setting for adjusting the brightness or contrast of the generated image, and ON, OFF, etc. are set as the setting value of tone curve adjustment. Tab crop is a setting for removing tabs such as sticky notes and stickers that extend beyond the rectangle from an image including a rectangular medium, and ON, OFF, etc. are set as the setting value of tab crop. Ruled line removal is a setting for removing ruled lines within a medium from the generated image using a known image processing technique, and ON, OFF, etc. are set as the setting value of ruled line removal. Color reduction is a setting for limiting (reducing) the number of possible values ​​for each RGB color, and ON, OFF (if ON is set, the number of possible values ​​for each color) are set as the setting value of color reduction.

[0042] Media separation is a setting as to whether media is separated one by one when transporting media, or transported without separating the media, and the setting value for media separation is set to ON (separation), OFF (non-separation), etc. When multiple media are transported together, media separation is set to ON, and when a booklet such as a passport is transported, media separation is set to OFF. Multi-feed detection is a setting as to whether to issue a warning or stop transport when a multi-feed of media occurs, and the setting value for multi-feed detection is set to ON, OFF, etc. When multiple pieces of paper are transported, multi-feed detection is set to ON, and when an envelope, paper with a sticky note attached, etc. is transported, multi-feed detection is set to OFF.

[0043] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of the type table.

[0044] The type table stores setting information (combinations of setting values ​​for each item) that is set when imaging a medium of each medium type, for each of one or more medium types that can be imaged by the image reading device 100. Medium types include invoices, delivery notes, business cards, receipts, etc. For items for which there is no representative setting value that is set when imaging a medium of each medium type, no setting value is set.

[0045] FIG. 4A is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the first storage device 110 and the first processing circuit 120. As shown in FIG.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 4(A), the first storage device 110 stores various programs such as a setting control program 111 and an imaging control program 112. Each of these programs is a functional module implemented by software that runs on a processor. The first processing circuit 120 reads each of the programs stored in the first storage device 110 and operates according to the read programs. In this way, the first processing circuit 120 functions as a setting control unit 121 and an imaging control unit 122.

[0047] FIG. 4B is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the second storage device 210 and the second processing circuit 220. As shown in FIG.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 4(B), the second storage device 210 stores various programs, such as an acquisition program 211, an identification program 212, a setting program 213, a determination program 214, and a notification program 215. Each of these programs is a functional module implemented by software that runs on a processor. The second processing circuit 220 reads each of the programs stored in the second storage device 210 and operates according to the read programs. As a result, the second processing circuit 220 functions as an acquisition unit 221, an identification unit 222, a setting unit 223, a determination unit 224, and a notification unit 225.

[0049] Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the determination process by the information processing device 200. The operation of the determination process will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 5. The flow of the operation described below is executed mainly by the second processing circuit 220 in cooperation with each element of the information processing device 200 based on a program previously stored in the second storage device 210. The determination process is executed at any timing, such as when the user sets the setting information in the image reading device 100 and / or the destination to save the file generated according to the setting information, when the warning notification function is enabled, or when an instruction to capture an image of a medium is given.

[0050] First, the acquisition unit 221 acquires setting information for the image reading device 100 that is set by the user, and a destination for saving a file that is generated according to the setting information (step S101).

[0051] The setting control unit 121 of the image reading device 100 acquires the setting information and the storage destination input by the user using the first input device 102, and transmits them to the information processing device 200 via the first communication device 101. The acquisition unit 221 acquires the setting information and the storage destination by receiving them from the image reading device 100 via the second communication device 201. The acquisition unit 221 also acquires the setting information and the storage destination input by the user using the second input device 202 of the information processing device 200. The acquisition unit 221 may acquire the setting information of the second image reading device, which is different from the image reading device 100 to be set, by receiving the setting information of the second image reading device, which is set by the user, via the second communication device 201. The setting control unit 121 of the second image reading device reads the setting information already stored (set) in the first storage device 110 from the first storage device 110, and transmits it to the information processing device 200 via the first communication device 101.

[0052] The file is an image file (JPEG file, PDF file, etc.) including an image generated by the image reading device 100 according to the setting information. The save destination is, for example, a specific address (folder, URL, etc.) in the second storage device 210 of the information processing device 200. The save destination may be an address in a storage device of an information processing device 200, image reading device 100, or server device S different from the information processing device 200 that obtained the save destination.

[0053] Next, the identification unit 222 determines whether or not an existing file previously generated by the image reading device 100 exists in the save destination set by the user (step S102). If the save destination is a storage device of a device different from the own device, the identification unit 222 receives information on the set save destination, other save destinations located in the vicinity, and existing files existing in each save destination from the save destination device via the second communication device 201. If an existing file exists in the set save destination, the identification unit 222 does not execute any particular process and proceeds to step S105. If the set save destination cannot be accessed for some reason, the identification unit 222 notifies the user of a warning indicating that the set save destination cannot be accessed, and ends the series of steps.

[0054] On the other hand, if there is no existing file in the set storage destination, the identifying unit 222 determines whether there is another storage destination corresponding to the set storage destination (step S103). The identifying unit 222 extracts storage destinations that have a name based on the same rule as the set storage destination from among storage destinations that exist in the same hierarchy as the set storage destination. The rule is, for example, a combination of a numerical value and characters such as "year", "month", and "day". That is, for example, if the name of the set storage destination is "2023", the identifying unit 222 extracts storage destinations that have names such as "2021" and "2022" that exist in the same hierarchy. If there is a storage destination in which an existing file exists among the extracted storage destinations, the identifying unit 222 identifies the storage destination as another storage destination corresponding to the set storage destination. If multiple storage destinations are identified as another storage destination corresponding to the set storage destination, the identifying unit 222 identifies, for example, the storage destination with the most recent creation date and time as the other storage destination corresponding to the set storage destination.

[0055] If there is no other storage destination corresponding to the set storage destination, the setting unit 223 sets the setting information and storage destination set by the user in the corresponding image reading device 100 (step S104), and ends the series of steps. The setting unit 223 transmits a setting request signal, in which the setting information and storage destination are specified, to the corresponding image reading device 100 via the second communication device 201. When the setting control unit 121 of the image reading device 100 receives a setting request signal from the information processing device 200 via the first communication device 101, it stores the setting information and storage destination specified in the received setting request signal in the first storage device 110 in association with each other.

[0056] Thereafter, when the imaging control unit 122 receives an instruction signal from the first input device 102 or from the information processing device 200 via the first communication device 101, which designates setting information and instructs imaging of a medium, the imaging control unit 122 executes a conveying process, an imaging process, and an image process according to the setting information designated by the instruction signal. The imaging control unit 122 controls the imaging device 104 and the motor 105 according to the designated setting information to acquire an input image, executes image processing on the input image according to the designated setting information, and generates a file. The imaging control unit 122 transmits a request signal, which includes the generated file and a storage destination stored in association with the setting information, to a device corresponding to the storage destination via the first communication device 101, and requests that the file be stored in the storage destination. The device that receives the request signal stores the file included in the request signal in the storage destination included in the request signal. Note that, when the storage destination is the first storage device 110 of the image reading device 100, the imaging control unit 122 stores the generated file in the storage destination of the first storage device 110.

[0057] On the other hand, if an existing file exists in the set storage destination, or if another storage destination corresponding to the set storage destination exists, the identification unit 222 executes identification processing (step S105). In the identification processing, the identification unit 222 identifies characteristic information of the existing file based on the existing file existing in the corresponding storage destination (the storage destination set by the user or the other storage destination corresponding to the storage destination). The identification unit 222 identifies existing file setting information related to the transport processing, imaging processing, or image processing when the existing file was generated as characteristic information. The items specified in the existing file setting information are the same as the items specified in the setting information. Alternatively, the identification unit 222 identifies the medium type corresponding to the existing file as characteristic information. Details of the identification processing will be described later.

[0058] Next, the determination unit 224 determines whether or not the setting information set by the user corresponds to the characteristic information identified in the identification process (step S106).

[0059] When the characteristic information is the existing file setting information, the determination unit 224 determines whether or not the setting value in the setting information matches the setting value in the existing file setting information for each item whose setting value is specified in the specification process among the items defined in the existing file setting information. The determination unit 224 calculates the ratio of the number of items whose setting values ​​in the setting information match the setting values ​​in the existing file setting information to the number of items whose setting values ​​are specified in the specification process as the degree of conformity between the setting information and the characteristic information. The determination unit 224 may calculate the number of items whose setting values ​​in the setting information match the setting values ​​in the existing file setting information as the degree of conformity between the setting information and the characteristic information. Note that items in the setting information for which a specified value is set and / or items that are not set may be excluded from the targets for calculating the degree of conformity. When the calculated degree of conformity is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the determination unit 224 determines that the setting information corresponds to the characteristic information, and when the calculated degree of conformity is less than a predetermined threshold, the determination unit 224 determines that the setting information does not correspond to the characteristic information.

[0060] When the characteristic information is a medium type corresponding to the existing file, the determination unit 224 identifies a medium type corresponding to the setting information set by the user. The information processing device 200 stores in advance in the second storage device 210 a combination of setting values ​​of each item of the setting information corresponding to each medium type for each of a plurality of medium types. The determination unit 224 identifies, among the plurality of medium types, a medium type having the largest number of items whose setting values ​​match the set setting information as the medium type corresponding to the set setting information. The medium type corresponding to the setting information may be set by the user together with the setting information and acquired by the acquisition unit 221. When the identified medium type is the same as the medium type corresponding to the existing file, the determination unit 224 determines that the setting information corresponds to the characteristic information, and when the identified medium type is not the same as the medium type corresponding to the existing file, the determination unit 224 determines that the setting information does not correspond to the characteristic information.

[0061] The determination unit 224 may determine whether the setting information corresponds to the characteristic information based on different items for each medium type. In this case, the information processing device 200 stores in advance in the second storage device 210, for each of a plurality of medium types, items of setting information that strongly indicate the characteristics of each medium type. For example, items that strongly indicate the characteristics of a business card are medium size and OCR, and items that strongly indicate the characteristics of an invoice are medium size and color. The determination unit 224 determines whether the setting value in the setting information matches the setting value in the existing file setting information for each item that strongly indicates the characteristics of the medium type corresponding to the setting information, and calculates the degree of compatibility between the setting information and the characteristic information. The determination unit 224 determines whether the setting information corresponds to the characteristic information based on whether the calculated degree of compatibility is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0062] If it is determined that the setting information corresponds to the characteristic information, the setting unit 223 sets the set setting information and the storage destination in the corresponding image reading device 100 (step S104), and ends the series of steps.

[0063] On the other hand, if it is determined that the setting information does not correspond to the characteristic information, the notification unit 225 notifies the user of a warning indicating that the setting information set by the user does not correspond to the save destination set by the user (step S107). This warning is an example of information related to the determination result. The notification unit 225 notifies the user by displaying the warning on the second display device 203, or by transmitting the warning to the image reading device 100 or another information processing device 200 via the second communication device 201 and displaying it on each device.

[0064] When the characteristic information is existing file setting information, that is, when it is determined that the setting information does not correspond to the existing file setting information, the notification unit 225 issues a warning to notify that the setting information is inappropriate. When individual items in the setting information do not correspond to the existing file setting information, there is a high possibility that individual items of the setting information set by the user are incorrect. In this case, the information processing device 200 can suppress setting errors in the setting information by notifying the user that each item is inappropriate. Note that in this case, the notification unit 225 may issue a warning to notify that the save destination is inappropriate, or that at least one of the setting information and the save destination is inappropriate.

[0065] On the other hand, if the characteristic information is a medium type corresponding to an existing file, that is, if it is determined that the setting information does not correspond to the medium type corresponding to the existing file, the notification unit 225 issues a warning to notify that the save destination is inappropriate. If the medium type corresponding to the setting information does not correspond to the medium type corresponding to the existing file, the entire setting does not correspond, and it is highly likely that the save destination setting is incorrect. In this case, the information processing device 200 can suppress an error in setting the save destination by notifying the user that the save destination is inappropriate. Note that in this case, the notification unit 225 may issue a warning to notify that the setting information is inappropriate, or that at least one of the setting information and the save destination is inappropriate.

[0066] Next, the notification unit 225 extracts items for which default values ​​are set and / or items for which no value is set, from the setting information set by the user (step S108).

[0067] Next, the acquiring unit 221 acquires capability information indicating the capability of the image reading device 100 with respect to the transport process, the imaging process, or the image process (step S109). The items specified in the capability information are the same as the items specified in the setting information. The capability information indicates, for each specified item, a list of setting values ​​executable by the image reading device 100, i.e., setting values ​​that can be set in the image reading device 100.

[0068] Next, the notification unit 225 determines recommended settings for the transport process, the imaging process, or the image processing, and notifies the user of the recommended settings (step S110) in the same manner as in step S107. The recommended settings for the imaging process or the image processing are an example of information related to the determination result.

[0069] The notification unit 225 determines the recommended value based on the characteristic information identified in the identification process. For example, the notification unit 225 determines the setting value of each item of the existing file setting information identified in the identification process as the recommended value. This allows the user to recognize the setting information corresponding to the existing file existing in the set storage destination, and to appropriately correct the set setting information. Therefore, the information processing device 200 can improve the convenience for the user.

[0070] The notification unit 225 determines recommended values ​​for at least the items for which default values ​​are set and / or items for which no default values ​​are set in the setting information extracted in step S108. This allows the user to recognize appropriate setting values ​​for the items for which default values ​​are set and / or items for which no default values ​​are set in the setting information, and allows the user to appropriately update the set setting information. Therefore, the information processing device 200 can improve the convenience for the user.

[0071] Furthermore, the notification unit 225 may determine a recommended value within the range of capabilities indicated in the capability information acquired in step S109, based on the characteristic information identified in the identification process. For example, the notification unit 225 extracts, from among a plurality of items, items whose setting values ​​in the existing file setting information are not indicated as executable setting values ​​in the capability information. The notification unit 225 determines, as the recommended value, the setting value that requires the highest capability among the setting values ​​indicated in the capability information for the extracted items. For example, if the item is resolution, the higher the resolution, the higher the capability required; if the item is medium size, the larger the size, the higher the capability required; if the item is color, the higher the capability required in this order: color, grayscale, and binary. This allows the user to modify the setting information within the range that the image reading device 100 can execute. Thus, the information processing device 200 can improve the user's convenience.

[0072] Next, the acquiring unit 221 acquires capability information of other image reading devices other than the image reading device 100 to be set, or other software other than the software installed in the image reading device 100 to be set (step S111). The software is driver software or the like that causes the image reading device 100 to execute each process. The capability information of each image reading device or each software possessed by the image processing system 1 is stored in advance in the second storage device 210 of the information processing device 200 or the storage device of the server device S. The acquiring unit 221 acquires the capability information of each image reading device or each software by reading it from the second storage device 210, or by receiving it from the server device S via the second communication device 201.

[0073] Next, the notification unit 225 identifies information about an image reading device or software having a capability corresponding to the characteristic information identified in the identification process among other image reading devices or other software, and notifies the user (step S112). The notification unit 225 notifies the user of the information about the image reading device or software having a capability corresponding to the characteristic information in the same manner as in the process of step S107. The information about the image reading device or software having a capability corresponding to the characteristic information is an example of information about the determination result, and is, for example, information indicating each image reading device or each software.

[0074] The notification unit 225 extracts, from among the other image reading devices or other software whose capability information was acquired in step S111, image reading devices or software for which the setting values ​​of all items in the existing file setting information are indicated as executable setting values ​​in the capability information. The notification unit 225 notifies the user of information indicating each extracted image reading device or each software. This allows the user to recognize the image reading device or software that can generate a file corresponding to the set save destination, and to obtain the desired file using that image reading device or software. Therefore, the information processing device 200 can improve the convenience for the user.

[0075] Next, the identifying unit 222 extracts a second storage destination different from the storage destination set by the user (step S113). For example, the identifying unit 222 extracts all other storage destinations located around the set storage destination as the second storage destination. The identifying unit 222 extracts, as the second storage destination, a storage destination in which an existing file exists, from all storage destinations reached by hierarchical movement within a predetermined number of times from the set storage destination. The identifying unit 222 may extract, as the second storage destination, a storage destination located in the same hierarchical level as the set storage destination.

[0076] Next, the identification unit 222 executes an identification process for each of the extracted second storage destinations (step S114). In this identification process, the identification unit 222 identifies characteristic information related to each of the second storage destinations, i.e., characteristic information of the existing files existing in each of the second storage destinations, based on the existing files existing in each of the second storage destinations.

[0077] Next, the determination unit 224 determines whether the set setting information corresponds to the characteristic information related to each second storage destination identified in the identification process (step S115). The determination unit 224 calculates the degree of conformity between the setting information and the characteristic information related to each second storage destination in the same manner as in the process of step S106. If the degree of conformity between the setting information and the characteristic information related to the second storage destination is greater than the degree of conformity between the setting information calculated in step S106 and the characteristic information related to the storage destination set by the user, the determination unit 224 determines that the setting information corresponds to the characteristic information related to the second storage destination. If the degree of conformity between the setting information and the characteristic information related to the second storage destination is greater than a predetermined threshold, the determination unit 224 may determine that the setting information corresponds to the characteristic information related to the second storage destination.

[0078] If the setting information corresponds to the characteristic information related to any of the second storage destinations, the notification unit 225 notifies information related to the second storage destination whose characteristic information corresponds to the setting information (step S116) in the same manner as the process of step S107, and ends the series of steps. For example, the notification unit 225 notifies information indicating all the second storage destinations whose characteristic information corresponds to the setting information. The notification unit 225 may notify information indicating the second storage destination having the highest degree of compatibility with the setting information among the second storage destinations whose characteristic information corresponds to the setting information. This allows the user to recognize the storage destination that is more suitable for the set setting information, and to appropriately correct the storage destination. Therefore, the information processing device 200 can improve the convenience for the user.

[0079] Furthermore, when there are multiple second storage destinations with the highest degree of compatibility with the setting information, that is, when there are multiple second storage destinations with the highest and the same degree of compatibility with the setting information, the notification unit 225 may notify information indicating the second storage destination with the latest access date and time or update date and time. Generally, image files of the same type may be classified and saved in different storage destinations (folders) according to date and time. In such a case, by being notified of the second storage destination with the latest access date and time or update date and time, the user can recognize the storage destination that is more suitable for the set setting information and can appropriately correct the storage destination. Therefore, the information processing device 200 can improve the convenience for the user.

[0080] On the other hand, if the setting information does not correspond to the characteristic information related to any of the second storage destinations, the notification unit 225 notifies the user of a proposal to create a new storage destination (step S117) in the same manner as the process of step S107, and ends the series of steps. That is, if the setting information does not correspond to any of the characteristic information related to the storage destinations and the characteristic information related to all of the second storage destinations, the notification unit 225 notifies the user of a proposal to create a new storage destination. This allows the user to save a file generated according to the setting information in a new storage destination when a storage destination corresponding to the set setting information does not yet exist. Therefore, the information processing device 200 can appropriately classify and manage each file.

[0081] Note that the process of step S103 may be omitted, and if there is no existing file in the save destination set by the user, the setting unit 223 may proceed to the process of step S104, and set the set setting information and save destination in the corresponding image reading device 100. The process of step S107 may also be omitted. The process of step S108 or S109 may also be omitted. The processes of steps S108, S109, and S110 may also be omitted. The processes of steps S111 and S112 may also be omitted. The processes of steps S116 and / or S117 may also be omitted. If the processes of both steps S116 and S117 are omitted, the processes of steps S113 to S115 may also be omitted.

[0082] Furthermore, even if it is determined in step S106 that the setting information corresponds to the characteristic information, the processing of steps S113 to S116 may be executed. In this case, even if the setting information corresponds to the characteristic information related to the storage destination set by the user, the notification unit 225 notifies information related to the second storage destination that is more compatible with the setting information than the storage destination set by the user. This allows the user to recognize the existence of a storage destination that is more compatible with the set setting information, and to reconsider whether the set storage destination is appropriate.

[0083] Also, even if the destination folder set by the user does not exist, the processes of steps S113 to S116 may be executed. In this case, in step S115, the determination unit 224 determines that the setting information corresponds to the characteristic information related to the second destination when the degree of matching between the setting information and the characteristic information related to the second destination is greater than a predetermined threshold. This allows the user to recognize the destination that has the highest degree of matching with the set setting information.

[0084] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the identification process. The identification process shown in FIG. 6 is executed in steps S105 and S114 in FIG.

[0085] First, the identification unit 222 identifies individual characteristic information of each of one or more existing files that exist in the target storage destination (step S201).

[0086] The specification unit 222 specifies, for each of one or more items defined in the setting information, the setting value of each item when each existing file was generated, as individual characteristic information.

[0087] The identification unit 222 refers to meta information included in the existing file and identifies the resolution, medium size, file format, whether compression is performed, quantization value, and color setting value of the image included in the existing file. The identification unit 222 may identify the resolution or medium size from the medium size or resolution included in the meta information and the number of pixels of the image included in the existing file. The identification unit 222 may estimate the resolution based on the spatial frequency of the image included in the existing file. In this case, an equation or table indicating the relationship between the maximum value of the spatial frequency and the resolution is set in advance in the second storage device 210, and the identification unit 222 refers to the preset equation or table to identify the resolution corresponding to the spatial frequency. The identification unit 222 may estimate the presence or absence of compression and / or the quantization value by comparing the maximum difference of the gradation values ​​of each pixel in each pixel block of the image included in the existing file with a threshold value. The identification unit 222 may identify the color setting value (binary, grayscale, color) based on the distribution (range) of the color value and / or luminance value of the image included in the existing file.

[0088] The identification unit 222 determines whether the setting value of the reading side is double-sided or single-sided based on whether or not the two images included in the two existing files whose names or creation dates are adjacent to each other include serial numbers such as page numbers, or whether or not the similarity of each image is equal to or greater than a threshold. The similarity is, for example, a normalized cross-correlation value.

[0089] The identification unit 222 determines that the setting value of the multi-image output is ON when the similarity of the luminance values ​​of each pixel in the images contained in each of the multiple existing files is greater than or equal to a first threshold value and the similarity of the color values ​​is less than or equal to a second threshold value.

[0090] The identification unit 222 determines that the setting value for double-page spread composition is ON when the number of files containing images of a specified size (e.g., A3 size) among multiple existing files is half the number of files containing images of half the specified size (e.g., A4 size).

[0091] The identification unit 222 determines whether the OCR setting value is ON or OFF depending on whether the meta information included in the existing file contains characters recognized by OCR, and identifies the language of OCR based on the characters included in the meta information. The identification unit 222 may determine that the OCR setting value is ON when the image included in the existing file contains a predetermined reference mark used for OCR recognition. The identification unit 222 may also determine that the OCR setting value is ON when the image included in the existing file contains handwritten characters. In this case, the identification unit 222 determines whether the image contains handwritten characters using a classifier that has been pre-trained to output whether the image contains handwritten characters when an image is input. This classifier is pre-trained using a plurality of images containing various handwritten characters, for example, by deep learning, and is stored in the second storage device 210 in advance. The identification unit 222 inputs the image included in the existing file to the classifier, and determines whether the image included in the existing file contains handwritten characters based on the information output from the classifier.

[0092] When a barcode is included in an image contained in an existing file, the identifying unit 222 determines that the setting value for barcode recognition is ON.

[0093] The determination unit 222 determines whether the setting value of the e-document reading setting is ON or OFF depending on whether the image included in the existing file is an image to which specific color adjustment and / or tone adjustment has been performed at the time of e-document reading setting. The determination unit 222 calculates the degree of similarity between the color distribution pattern and / or gradation value distribution pattern of the image included in the existing file and a distribution pattern that is predetermined as a distribution pattern specific to an image to be corrected at the time of e-document reading setting. The degree of similarity is, for example, a normalized cross-correlation value. The determination unit 222 determines whether the setting value of the e-document reading setting is ON or OFF depending on whether the degree of similarity is equal to or greater than a threshold value.

[0094] The identification unit 222 uses known image processing technology to detect the edge position of the medium from the image contained in the existing file, and determines whether the size detection setting value is a fixed size or automatic size detection based on whether or not there is margin (blank area) in the area outside the edge position.

[0095] The specification unit 222 determines whether the setting value of the sharpening correction is ON or OFF depending on whether the maximum value of the difference in gradation values ​​between adjacent pixels in an image included in an existing file is equal to or greater than a threshold value.

[0096] The determination unit 222 detects a medium area in an image included in an existing file using a known image processing technique, and if the tilt of the detected medium area is equal to or greater than a threshold, determines that orientation correction has not been performed and that the orientation correction setting value is OFF. The determination unit 222 may refer to the orientation information included in the Exif information of the existing file to determine whether orientation correction has been performed and whether the orientation correction setting value is ON or OFF.

[0097] When the identification unit 222 detects a seal in an image included in an existing file, it determines that the seal has not been removed and that the setting value of the dropout color is OFF. When a pixel group formed by connecting adjacent pixels that have a red color, for example, has a predetermined size that is considered to be a seal, the identification unit 222 determines that the pixel group includes a seal.

[0098] When the identification unit 222 detects a background pattern in an image included in an existing file, it determines that the background pattern has not been removed and the background pattern removal setting value is OFF. The identification unit 222 detects, for example, thin lines or dots having a gradation value within a predetermined range, and when the detected thin lines or dots exist consecutively at predetermined intervals in the image, it determines that the image contains a background pattern.

[0099] When an image included in an existing file has image characteristics that cause moiré, the identification unit 222 determines that the user is likely to desire moiré reduction and the setting value for moiré reduction is ON. For example, when printing dots (dots) are present in succession at a predetermined interval, the identification unit 222 determines that the image has image characteristics that cause moiré. When an image included in an existing file includes a newspaper article, the identification unit 222 may determine that the image has image characteristics that cause moiré. For example, the identification unit 222 determines whether or not the image has image characteristics that cause moiré by a classifier that has been trained in advance to output information indicating whether or not the image has image characteristics that cause moiré when an image is input. This classifier is trained in advance using a plurality of images that have image characteristics that cause moiré, for example, by deep learning, and is stored in the second storage device 210 in advance. The identification unit 222 inputs an image included in an existing file to the classifier, and determines whether or not the image has image characteristics that cause moiré based on the information output from the classifier.

[0100] If the degree of variation in the gradation values ​​of each pixel in an image included in an existing file is equal to or greater than a threshold, the determination unit 222 determines that tone curve adjustment has been performed on the image and that the setting value of the tone curve adjustment is ON. The degree of variation is, for example, variance or standard deviation.

[0101] The identification unit 222 uses known image processing technology to detect a rectangular area containing a medium within an image contained in an existing file, and if an object of a predetermined size is present adjacent to the outside of the detected rectangular area, it determines that the tab has not been removed and the tab crop setting value is OFF.

[0102] When a predetermined code is included in an image included in an existing file but no ruled lines are included, the identifying unit 222 determines that the ruled lines have been removed and the setting value for removing ruled lines is ON. The predetermined code is, for example, a circle, a cross, a check mark, or the like, which is likely to be included in a medium including ruled lines, such as a questionnaire or a test paper. The identifying unit 222 uses OCR technology to determine whether or not the image includes a predetermined code.

[0103] The identifying unit 222 executes a color clustering process on an image included in an existing file, and determines whether the setting value of the color reduction process is ON or OFF based on the number of classified color groups. If the number of classified color groups is equal to or less than a first threshold, the identifying unit 222 determines that the color reduction process has been executed on the image, and the setting value of the color reduction process is ON. On the other hand, if the number of classified color groups is equal to or greater than a second threshold, which is equal to or greater than the first threshold, the identifying unit 222 determines that the color reduction process has not been executed on the image, and the setting value of the color reduction process is OFF.

[0104] If the file format of the existing file is PDF and one existing file contains multiple images, the identification unit 222 determines that multiple media have been transported together and determines that the setting value for media separation is ON. If the image contained in the existing file contains an MRZ (Machine Readable Zone), the identification unit 222 determines that a passport has been transported and determines that the setting value for media separation is OFF. The identification unit 222 uses OCR technology to determine whether or not an MRZ is included in the image.

[0105] When the file format of the existing file is PDF and a single existing file contains a plurality of images, the identification unit 222 determines that a plurality of media have been conveyed together, and determines that the setting value of the multi-feed detection is ON. When the image contained in the existing file contains a postal code entry frame or a sticky note, the identification unit 222 determines that an envelope or a sheet of paper with a sticky note attached has been conveyed, and determines that the setting value of the multi-feed detection is OFF. The identification unit 222 detects a rectangular area from within the image using a known image processing technique, and when the size of the detected rectangular area is a size that is considered to be a postal code entry frame or a sticky note, determines that the image contains an envelope or a sticky note. In addition, the identification unit 222 determines that the image contains an envelope when it detects characters specific to envelopes, such as "Postage due" and "Close (seal)" from within the image using OCR technique.

[0106] The identifying unit 222 may identify the medium type corresponding to each existing file as the individual characteristic information.

[0107] For example, the identification unit 222 identifies the medium type corresponding to each existing file based on the setting value of each item when each existing file was created, which was identified as described above. The identification unit 222 identifies, among the medium types defined in the type table, the medium type having the largest number of items whose setting values ​​defined in the type table match the identified setting values, as the medium type corresponding to each existing file.

[0108] The identification unit 222 may analyze an image included in the existing file to identify a medium type corresponding to the existing file. The information processing device 200 stores in advance in the second storage device 210 color components and / or arrangement positions of objects such as lines, characters, and figures corresponding to each medium type for each of a plurality of medium types. The identification unit 222 detects color components based on the distribution of color values ​​of each pixel from an image included in the existing file, and / or detects objects using a pattern matching technique. The identification unit 222 identifies, from among the pre-stored medium types, a medium type whose color components and / or arrangement positions of each object are most similar to the detected color components and / or arrangement positions of each object, as a medium type corresponding to the existing file.

[0109] Alternatively, the identification unit 222 may identify the medium type corresponding to the existing file by a classifier that has been pre-trained to output information indicating the type of medium included in the image when an image is input. This classifier is pre-trained using a plurality of images including various types of media, for example, by deep learning, and is stored in advance in the second storage device 210. The identification unit 222 inputs the image included in the existing file to the classifier, and identifies the type indicated in the information output from the classifier as the medium type corresponding to the existing file.

[0110] The identification unit 222 may store the individual feature information identified from the image included in the existing file in the meta information of the existing file. Alternatively, the identification unit 222 may generate a list in which the individual feature information identified from the image included in the existing file is stored. Thereby, when there is a need to identify the individual feature information of the existing file later, the other information processing device 200 or image reading device 100 can identify the individual feature information more easily and in a shorter time.

[0111] Next, the identification unit 222 classifies the individual characteristic information of each existing file into one or more groups (step S202). The identification unit 222 groups together individual characteristic information of each existing file that is similar to each other into one group. For example, the identification unit 222 groups together individual characteristic information in which the setting values ​​of a predetermined number or more items match each other, as individual characteristic information that is similar to each other, into one group. Note that the identification unit 222 may group together individual characteristic information in which the setting values ​​of predetermined items (e.g., medium size) match each other, as individual characteristic information that is similar to each other, into one group. The identification unit 222 may also identify a medium type corresponding to each existing file, and group together individual characteristic information of existing files having the same medium type, as individual characteristic information that is similar to each other.

[0112] Next, the specifying unit 222 generates feature information candidates for each classified group based on statistics of the individual feature information belonging to each group (step S203).

[0113] When the individual characteristic information is the setting value of each item when each existing file was generated, the identification unit 222 extracts the setting value with the highest frequency, that is, the most frequent setting value, for each of the multiple items of the individual characteristic information belonging to each group. The identification unit 222 generates a combination of the most frequent values ​​extracted for each item as a characteristic information candidate. The identification unit 222 may generate the characteristic information candidate by focusing on only one or more predetermined items, rather than on all items. When each group is classified according to the medium type, the item to be focused on may be set in advance for each medium type. Furthermore, the identification unit 222 may extract, as the characteristic information candidate, the individual characteristic information of the existing file having the largest number of items whose values ​​in the individual characteristic information are the same as the most frequent value.

[0114] When the individual characteristic information is a medium type corresponding to each existing file, the identifying unit 222 identifies the most frequently identified medium type among the medium types identified as the individual characteristic information as a characteristic information candidate.

[0115] In this way, the identification unit 222 generates multiple feature information candidates based on the statistics of each group of mutually similar individual feature information among the individual feature information of multiple existing files. This allows the identification unit 222 to identify feature information corresponding to each existing file with high accuracy without mixing different features of each existing file, even if various types of existing files are saved in the target save destination.

[0116] Next, the identification unit 222 identifies the characteristic information candidate that is most similar to the setting information from among the multiple generated characteristic information candidates as the mainstream characteristic information of the existing file existing in the target storage destination (step S204), and ends the series of steps.

[0117] When the individual characteristic information (characteristic information candidate) is the setting value of each item when each existing file was created, the identifying unit 222 determines whether or not the setting value in each characteristic information candidate matches the setting value in the setting information for each of the multiple items. The identifying unit 222 identifies, among the multiple characteristic information candidates, the characteristic information candidate with the largest number of items matching the setting value as the characteristic information candidate that is closest to the setting information.

[0118] When the individual characteristic information (characteristic information candidate) is a medium type corresponding to each existing file, the identification unit 222 refers to the type table and identifies setting values ​​defined in the type table for each of the multiple items for the medium type related to each characteristic information candidate. The identification unit 222 determines whether or not the setting value related to each characteristic information candidate matches the setting value in the setting information for each of the multiple items. The identification unit 222 identifies the characteristic information candidate (medium type) with the largest number of items matching the setting value among the multiple characteristic information candidates as the characteristic information candidate most similar to the setting information.

[0119] The identification unit 222 may identify the characteristic information by focusing on only one or more predetermined items, rather than focusing on all items. When each group is classified according to the medium type, the items to be focused on may be set in advance for each medium type. Furthermore, when there is one existing file saved in the target save destination, the identification unit 222 identifies the individual characteristic information of the existing file as the characteristic information.

[0120] In this way, the identification unit 222 identifies existing file setting information related to the transport process, the image capture process, or the image processing when the existing file was generated as individual characteristic information, and identifies it as characteristic information. This allows the information processing device 200 to determine whether the settings made by the user are appropriate, using the characteristic information that indicates the characteristics of the existing file in more detail.

[0121] In addition, the identification unit 222 identifies the medium type corresponding to the existing file as individual characteristic information, and identifies it as characteristic information. This allows the information processing device 200 to determine whether the user's settings are appropriate by using the characteristic information that appropriately indicates the overall characteristics of the existing file.

[0122] When the identification process is performed in step S105 of Fig. 5, the target storage destination is the storage destination set by the user or another storage destination corresponding to the storage destination set by the user. That is, when there is no existing file in the storage destination set by the user, the identification unit 222 identifies the characteristic information based on the existing file existing in the other storage destination corresponding to the storage destination. In this way, even when the storage destination set by the user does not yet exist, such as when a file is saved in a different storage destination for each creation date and time, the identification unit 222 can satisfactorily determine whether the setting information or storage destination set by the user is appropriate.

[0123] 5, a second storage destination different from the storage destination set by the user, particularly all other storage destinations located in the vicinity of the storage destination set by the user, becomes the target storage destination. That is, the identification unit 222 identifies characteristic information related to the second storage destination, particularly characteristic information related to each of all other storage destinations located in the vicinity of the storage destination set by the user.

[0124] Note that the processes of steps S202 and S203 may be omitted, and the identification unit 222 may identify mainstream feature information without grouping each individual feature information. In this case, the identification unit 222 identifies mainstream feature information in the same manner as in the case of generating feature information candidates in step S203, based on the statistics of the individual feature information of each of the multiple existing files identified in step S201. When the individual feature information is a setting value of each item when each existing file is generated, the identification unit 222 extracts the most frequent setting value for each of the multiple items for the individual feature information of each existing file, and generates a combination of the most frequent values ​​of each item as mainstream feature information. In addition, the identification unit 222 may extract individual feature information of an existing file having the most items whose values ​​in the individual feature information are the same as the most frequent value as mainstream feature information. When the individual feature information is a medium type corresponding to each existing file, the identification unit 222 identifies the most frequently identified medium type as mainstream feature information from among the medium types identified as individual feature information. In these cases as well, the identification unit 222 can accurately identify feature information indicating the characteristics of each existing file.

[0125] 5, the determination unit 224 may not only determine whether the set setting information corresponds to the feature information, but also determine whether the set setting information corresponds to each of the feature information candidates generated in step S203. In this case, when there is a feature information candidate that does not correspond to the setting information set by the user, the notification unit 225 notifies the user with a warning to that effect.

[0126] As described above in detail, when the setting information set by the user does not match the characteristic information identified from the existing file existing in the save destination set by the user, the information processing device 200 notifies the user. This makes it possible for the information processing device 200 to prevent the user from setting the setting information or the save destination incorrectly, thereby improving the convenience for the user.

[0127] In particular, even if the user has low knowledge or skills regarding image reading processing, the information processing device 200 can prevent an image file from being generated according to the erroneous setting information by notifying the user of the setting error. Also, even if the user does not have the medium to be read at hand, the information processing device 200 can prevent an image file from being generated according to the erroneous setting information by notifying the user of the setting error. As a result, the information processing device 200 can prevent the occurrence of rework in the image reading processing of the image reading device 100 and can prevent a decrease in the user's work efficiency or work quality.

[0128] When the image reading device 100 is used for business or personal purposes, it is highly likely that a role or purpose is explicitly or implicitly assigned to the destination folder in which the image files generated by the image reading device 100 are saved. For example, documents related to household finances (receipts, price lists, etc.), business cards, order forms, etc. are highly likely to be saved in the same destination so as to be managed together. The information processing device 200 can cause the destination folder to save image files corresponding to the role or purpose assigned to that folder, and can appropriately manage the images generated by the image reading device 100.

[0129] Furthermore, even when multiple users set the setting information of the image reading device 100, the information processing device 200 can improve the uniformity of the image files stored in each storage folder. Furthermore, the information processing device 200 can improve the searchability of the image files by improving the uniformity of the image files stored in each storage folder. Furthermore, since the image files stored in the storage folders are generated according to the same setting information, the information processing device 200 can standardize the post-processing of the image files, thereby improving the efficiency of the post-processing. Furthermore, the information processing device 200 can reliably store the image files generated according to the specified setting information in an appropriate storage destination, thereby improving the readability and preventing tampering, and managing the image files in good compliance with the e-Documents Act and the like.

[0130] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a second processing circuit 320 in an information processing device according to another embodiment.

[0131] The second processing circuit 320 is used in place of the second processing circuit 220, and executes the determination process, etc. The second processing circuit 320 includes an acquisition circuit 321, a specification circuit 322, a setting circuit 323, a determination circuit 324, a notification circuit 325, and the like.

[0132] The acquisition circuit 321 is an example of an acquisition unit, and has the same function as the acquisition unit 221. The acquisition circuit 321 receives setting information and a storage destination from the second communication device 201 or the second input device 202, and stores them in the second storage device 210.

[0133] The identification circuit 322 is an example of an identification unit, and has the same function as the identification unit 222. The identification circuit 322 reads the storage destination from the second storage device 210, extracts feature information of an existing file that exists in the storage destination, and stores the feature information in the second storage device 210.

[0134] The setting circuit 323 is an example of a setting unit, and has the same function as the setting unit 223. The setting circuit 323 reads out the setting information and the storage destination from the second storage device 210, and transmits a setting request signal in which the setting information and the storage destination are specified to the corresponding image reading device 100 via the second communication device 201.

[0135] The determination circuit 324 is an example of a determination unit, and has the same function as the determination unit 224. The determination circuit 324 reads the setting information and the characteristic information from the second storage device 210, determines whether the setting information corresponds to the characteristic information, and outputs the determination result to the notification circuit 325.

[0136] The notification circuit 325 is an example of a notification unit, and has the same function as the notification unit 225. The notification circuit 325 receives a determination result as to whether or not the setting information corresponds to the feature information from the determination circuit 324, and outputs information related to the determination result to the second communication device 201 or the second display device 203.

[0137] As described above in detail, even when the information processing device uses the second processing circuit 320, it is possible to improve the convenience for the user.

[0138] Although preferred embodiments have been described above, the embodiments are not limited to these. For example, the determination process may be executed by the image reading device 100 instead of the information processing device 200. In this case, the first storage device 110 of the image reading device 100 stores each piece of information and each program stored in the second storage device 210 of the information processing device 200. The first processing circuit 120 functions as an acquisition unit, a specification unit, a setting unit, a determination unit, and a notification unit similar to the acquisition unit 221, the specification unit 222, the setting unit 223, the determination unit 224, and the notification unit 225.

[0139] In that case, in step S101 of Fig. 5, the acquisition unit acquires the setting information and the storage destination input by the user using the first input device 102. Alternatively, the acquisition unit acquires the setting information and the storage destination input by the user using the second input device 202 of the information processing device 200 by receiving them from the information processing device 200 via the first communication device 101. In steps S105, S110, S112, S116, and S117, the notification unit notifies the user by displaying each piece of information on the first display device 103 or by transmitting the information to the information processing device 200 via the first communication device 101 and displaying it on the information processing device 200. The setting control unit 121 also functions as a setting unit.

[0140] This makes it possible for the image reading device 100 to improve user convenience. [Explanation of symbols]

[0141] 1 image processing system, 100 image reading device, 200 information processing device, 221 acquisition unit, 222 identification unit, 223 setting unit, 224 determination unit, 225 notification unit

Claims

1. A computer control program, Acquire setting information relating to the transport process, the image capture process, or the image process in the set image reading device, and a destination for saving a file generated in accordance with the setting information; If the setting information does not correspond to characteristic information of the existing file existing in the save destination, notify information regarding a determination result as to whether the setting information corresponds to the characteristic information. A control program that causes the computer to execute the above steps.

2. A control program as described in claim 1, in which existing file setting information regarding transportation processing, imaging processing or image processing when the existing file was generated is identified as the characteristic information.

3. A control program as described in claim 2, wherein, in the notification, if the setting information does not correspond to the existing file setting information, a specified message is notified.

4. A control program as described in claim 1, wherein the media type corresponding to the existing file is identified as the characteristic information.

5. A control program as described in claim 4, wherein, in the notification, if the setting information does not correspond to the medium type, a specified message is notified.

6. A control program described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the feature information is identified based on statistics of individual feature information of each of multiple existing files existing in the storage destination.

7. A control program as described in Claim 6, in which the feature information candidate that is closest to the setting information among multiple feature information candidates generated based on the statistics of each group of individual feature information that are similar to each other among the individual feature information of the multiple existing files is identified as the feature information.

8. A control program according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein in the notification, a recommended value is further notified based on the characteristic information for items for which a default value is set or for items for which a value is not set in the setting information.

9. In the acquisition, capability information indicating capabilities of the image reading device regarding a transport process, an image capture process, or an image processing is further acquired, The control program according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the notification further notifies recommended settings for imaging processing or image processing within the range of capabilities indicated in the capability information based on the characteristic information.

10. A control program described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein if there is no existing file in the storage destination, the characteristic information is identified based on an existing file that exists in another storage destination corresponding to the storage destination.

11. A control program described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, in the notification, if the degree of compatibility between the setting information and characteristic information relating to a second storage destination different from the storage destination is greater than the degree of compatibility between the setting information and characteristic information relating to the storage destination, information relating to the second storage destination is further notified.

12. A control program described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, in the notification, if the setting information does not correspond to either the characteristic information related to the storage destination or the characteristic information related to each of all other storage destinations located in the vicinity of the storage destination, the control program further notifies a suggestion to create a new storage destination.

13. Furthermore, the computer is caused to set the setting information of a second image reading device different from the set image reading device in the image reading device, If the setting information set in the second image reading device does not correspond to the characteristic information, In the acquisition, capability information indicating capabilities related to imaging processing or image processing of another image reading device different from the image reading device or other software different from the software installed in the image reading device is further acquired; The control program according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the notification further includes information about an image reading device or software among the other image reading devices or other software that has a capability corresponding to the characteristic information.

14. The image processing device Acquire setting information relating to the transport process, the image capture process, or the image process in the set image reading device, and a destination for saving a file generated in accordance with the setting information; If the setting information does not correspond to characteristic information of the existing file existing in the save destination, notify information regarding a determination result as to whether the setting information corresponds to the characteristic information. A control method comprising:

15. An acquisition unit that acquires setting information regarding a transport process, an imaging process, or an image process in a set image reading device, and a storage destination of a file generated according to the setting information; a notification unit that notifies information on a determination result as to whether the setting information corresponds to the characteristic information when the setting information does not correspond to characteristic information of an existing file that exists in the save destination; 1. An image processing device comprising:

16. An acquisition unit that acquires setting information regarding an information input device and a save destination of a file generated in accordance with the setting information; a notification unit that notifies information on a determination result as to whether the setting information corresponds to the characteristic information when the setting information does not correspond to characteristic information of an existing file that exists in the save destination; An information processing device comprising:

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