Image processing device, image processing system, image processing method, and control program

Abstract

To provide an image processing device, an image processing system, an image processing method, and a control program, capable of improving convenience of a user.SOLUTION: An image processing device includes a setting part for setting a setting value specified by the user for each of a plurality of setting items relating to imaging processing or image processing, a reception part for receiving a specification of the setting item for determining whether the setting value is fitted to a feature of an input image in which a medium is imaged among the plurality of setting items from the user, an acquisition part for acquiring the input image, a determination part for determining whether the setting value is fitted to the feature of the input image for each setting item specified from the user, and a control part for notifying the user of information relating to a determination result or stopping image generation processing by a device by which the input image is generated, when it is determined that the setting value is not fitted to the feature of the input image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] In recent years, image processing devices such as scanners that capture a plurality of media while conveying them in sequence to generate images are used to capture images of various types of media for various purposes. The image quality required of an image processing device varies depending on the purpose or the type of medium to be read. In general, image processing devices are provided so that various items related to the capture processing or image processing of media, such as size or color, can be set in order to generate an appropriate image according to the purpose or the type of medium. However, if a medium that is not expected by the user is mistakenly mixed in with the media to be processed, an image may be generated according to settings that are not suitable for that medium.

[0003] A document reading device is disclosed that includes an image type input means for inputting the image type of a document to be read by a document reading unit, and an image type determination means for determining the image type of the document read by the document reading unit (see Patent Document 1). When the image type of the document input by the image type input means differs from the image type of the document determined by the image type determination means, this document reading device notifies the user of this fact. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-12700 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] There is a demand for image processing devices that offer improved convenience to users.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an image processing device, an image processing system, an image processing 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 a setting unit that sets setting values ​​specified by a user for each of a plurality of setting items related to imaging processing or image processing, a reception unit that receives from the user designation of a setting item among the plurality of setting items that determines whether or not the setting value matches the characteristics of an input image captured from a medium, an acquisition unit that acquires an input image, a determination unit that determines whether or not the setting value matches the characteristics of the input image for each setting item specified by the user, and a control unit that, if it is determined that the setting value does not match the characteristics of the input image, notifies the user of information regarding the determination result or stops the image generation processing by the device that generated the input image.

[0008] An image processing system according to one aspect of the present invention is an image processing system having an image reading device and an information processing device, wherein either the image reading device or the information processing device has a setting unit that sets a setting value specified by a user for each of a plurality of setting items related to imaging processing or image processing, either the image reading device or the information processing device has a reception unit that receives from the user a designation of a setting item among the plurality of setting items that performs a determination as to whether or not the setting value matches the characteristics of an input image in which a medium is imaged, either the image reading device or the information processing device has an acquisition unit that acquires an input image, either the image reading device or the information processing device has a determination unit that determines whether or not the setting value matches the characteristics of the input image for each setting item specified by the user, and either the image reading device or the information processing device has a control unit that, if it is determined that the setting value does not match the characteristics of the input image, notifies the user of information regarding the determination result or stops the image generation process by the device that generated the input image.

[0009] An image processing method according to one aspect of the present invention sets setting values ​​specified by a user for each of a plurality of setting items related to imaging processing or image processing, accepts designation from the user of a setting item among the plurality of setting items that determines whether the setting value matches the characteristics of an input image captured from a medium, acquires an input image, and determines whether the setting value matches the characteristics of the input image for each setting item specified by the user, and if it is determined that the setting value does not match the characteristics of the input image, notifies the user of information regarding the determination result or stops the image generation process by the device that generated the input image.

[0010] A control program according to one aspect of the present invention is a control program for a computer, The computer sets a setting value specified by a user for each of a plurality of setting items related to imaging processing or image processing, accepts designation from the user of a setting item among the plurality of setting items that determines whether or not the setting value matches the characteristics of an input image captured from a medium, acquires an input image, and determines whether or not the setting value matches the characteristics of the input image for each setting item specified by the user, and if it is determined that the setting value does not match the characteristics of the input image, notifies the user of information regarding the determination result or stops the image generation processing by the device that generated the input image. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, the image processing device, the image processing system, the image processing method, and the control program can improve the convenience for the user. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image processing system 1 according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an image reading device 100. [Diagram 3] 2 is a diagram for explaining a transport path inside the image reading device 100. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image reading device 100. FIG. [Diagram 5] 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining a data structure of a setting information table; FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a first storage device 130 and a first processing circuit 140. FIG. [Figure 7] 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an information processing device 200. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of an image reading process. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of an image reading process. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a reception screen 1000. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of another reception screen 1100. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of another reception screen 1200. [Figure 13] 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of notification data 1300. FIG. [Figure 14] 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of other notification data 1400. FIG. [Figure 15] 13 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of another first processing circuit 340. FIG. [Figure 16] 4 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a second storage device 410 and a second processing circuit 420. FIG. [Figure 17] 13 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of another second processing circuit 520. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, an image processing device, an image processing system, an image processing 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.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image processing system 1 according to an embodiment.

[0015] 1, the image processing system 1 includes one or more image reading devices 100 and one or more information processing devices 200. The image reading devices 100 and the information processing devices 200 are communicatively connected to each other via a network N. The network N is the Internet, an intranet, or the like. The image reading device 100 and the information processing device 200 are examples of the image processing device.

[0016] The image reading device 100 is an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) type scanner device that captures an image of a medium, for example, a document, while conveying the medium. The medium is paper, thin paper, thick paper, card, etc. The medium includes various types of media such as receipts, business cards, invoices, and delivery notes. The image reading device 100 may also be a facsimile, a copier, a printer multifunction peripheral (MFP), etc.

[0017] 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.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the image reading device 100. As shown in FIG.

[0019] The image reading device 100 includes a lower housing 101, an upper housing 102, a placement table 103, an ejection table 104, a first input device 105, a first display device 106, and the like.

[0020] The upper housing 102 is disposed at a position that covers the top surface of the image reading device 100, and engages with the lower housing 101 by a hinge so as to be openable and closable when loading a medium or cleaning the inside of the image reading device 100, for example.

[0021] The placement stage 103 is engaged with the lower housing 101 so that the medium to be transported can be placed thereon. The discharge stage 104 is engaged with the lower housing 101 so that it can hold the medium discharged from the discharge port.

[0022] The first input device 105 has an input device such as a button and an interface circuit that acquires a signal from the input device, accepts an input operation by a user, and outputs an operation signal according to the user's input operation. The first display device 106 has a display such as a liquid crystal, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence), or the like, and an interface circuit that outputs image data to the display, and displays the image data on the display.

[0023] 2, arrow A1 indicates the medium transport direction, arrow A2 indicates the width direction perpendicular to the medium transport direction, and arrow A3 indicates the height direction perpendicular to the medium transport direction and the width direction. In the following, upstream refers to the upstream side of the medium transport direction A1, and downstream refers to the downstream side of the medium transport direction A1.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a transport path inside the image reading device 100. As shown in FIG.

[0025] The transport path inside the image reading device 100 includes a first medium sensor 111, a feed roller 112, a separation roller 113, a first transport roller 114, a second transport roller 115, a second medium sensor 116, an imaging device 117, a third transport roller 118, and a fourth transport roller 119. The number of each roller is not limited to one, and there may be more than one of each roller. In this case, the rollers are arranged side by side at intervals in the width direction A2.

[0026] The image reading device 100 has a so-called straight path. The top surface of the lower housing 101 forms a lower guide 107a of the medium transport path, and the bottom surface of the upper housing 102 forms an upper guide 107b of the medium transport path.

[0027] The first medium sensor 111 is disposed upstream of the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113. The first medium sensor 111 has a contact detection sensor and detects whether or not a medium is placed on the placement table 103. The first medium sensor 111 generates and outputs a first medium signal whose signal value changes depending on whether or not a medium is placed on the placement table 103. Note that the first medium sensor 111 is not limited to a contact detection sensor, and any other sensor capable of detecting the presence or absence of a medium, such as a light detection sensor, may be used as the first medium sensor 111.

[0028] The feed roller 112 is provided in the lower housing 101, and feeds the media placed on the placement table 103 from the bottom up. The separation roller 113 is a so-called brake roller or retard roller, and is provided in the upper housing 102, and is disposed opposite the feed roller 112.

[0029] The first transport roller 114 and the second transport roller 115 are disposed downstream of the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113 and facing each other, and transport the medium fed by the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113 to the imaging device 117.

[0030] The second medium sensor 116 is disposed downstream of the first transport roller 114 and the second transport roller 115 and upstream of the imaging device 117, and detects a medium transported to that position. The second medium sensor 116 includes a light emitter and a light receiver provided on one side of the medium transport path (for example, the lower housing 101), and a light guide tube provided at a position facing the light emitter and the light receiver across the medium transport path (for example, the upper housing 102). The light emitter is an LED (Light Emitting Diode) or the like, and irradiates light toward the medium transport path. On the other hand, the light receiver is a photodiode or the like, and receives the light irradiated by the light emitter and guided by the light guide tube. When a medium is present at a position facing the second medium sensor 116, the light irradiated from the light emitter is blocked by the medium, and therefore the light receiver does not detect the light irradiated from the light emitter. The light receiver generates and outputs a second medium signal whose signal value changes depending on whether a medium is present or not at the position of the second medium sensor 116 based on the intensity of the received light.

[0031] A reflective member such as a mirror may be used instead of the light guide tube. The light emitter and the light receiver may be disposed opposite each other across the medium transport path. The second medium sensor 116 may detect the presence of the medium using a contact detection sensor that passes a predetermined current when the medium is in contact or when the medium is not in contact.

[0032] The imaging device 117 is an example of an imaging section. The imaging device 117 is disposed downstream of the first conveyor roller 114 and the second conveyor roller 115 and upstream of the third conveyor roller 118 and the fourth conveyor roller 119. The imaging device 117 includes a first imaging device 117a and a second imaging device 117b. The first imaging device 117a and the second imaging device 117b are disposed near the medium conveying path and facing each other across the conveying path.

[0033] The first imaging device 117a has a light source and a line sensor using a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) of a life-size optical system type having imaging elements using CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) linearly arranged in the main scanning direction. The first imaging device 117a also has a lens that forms an image on the imaging elements, and an A / D converter that amplifies and analog-to-digital (A / D) converts the electrical signal output from the imaging elements. The first imaging device 117a captures the surface of the medium transported sequentially by the transport unit to generate and output an input image.

[0034] Similarly, the second imaging device 117b has a light source and a line sensor using a CIS of a life-size optical system type having CMOS imaging elements linearly arranged in the main scanning direction. The second imaging device 117b also has a lens that forms an image on the imaging element and an A / D converter that amplifies and A / D converts the electrical signal output from the imaging element. The second imaging device 117b captures the back side of the media conveyed in sequence by the conveying unit to generate and output an input image.

[0035] The image reading device 100 may have only one of the first imaging device 117a and the second imaging device 117b arranged, and may read only one side of the medium. Also, instead of a CIS line sensor of an equal magnification optical system type having a CMOS imaging element, a CIS line sensor of an equal magnification optical system type having a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) imaging element may be used. Also, a reduction optical system type line sensor having a CMOS or CCD imaging element may be used.

[0036] The third conveyor roller 118 and the fourth conveyor roller 119 are disposed facing each other downstream of the imaging device 117 and discharge the medium conveyed by the first conveyor roller 114 and the second conveyor roller 115 onto the discharge tray 104.

[0037] The medium placed on the mounting table 103 is transported between the lower guide 107a and the upper guide 107b in the medium transport direction A1 by the rotation of the feed roller 112 in the direction of the arrow A4 in Fig. 3. The separation roller 113 rotates in the direction of the arrow A5 in Fig. 3 or stops when transporting the medium. When multiple media are placed on the mounting table 103, the feed roller 112 and the separation roller 113 function to separate only the media placed on the mounting table 103 that is in contact with the feed roller 112. This limits the transport of media other than the separated media (preventing double feeding).

[0038] The medium is fed between the first conveyor roller 114 and the second conveyor roller 115 while being guided by the lower guide 107a and the upper guide 107b. The medium is fed between the first imaging device 117a and the second imaging device 117b as the first conveyor roller 114 and the second conveyor roller 115 rotate in the directions of the arrows A6 and A7 in Fig. 3, respectively. The medium read by the imaging device 117 is discharged onto the discharge tray 104 as the third conveyor roller 118 and the fourth conveyor roller 119 rotate in the directions of the arrows A8 and A9 in Fig. 3, respectively.

[0039] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image reading device 100. As shown in FIG.

[0040] In addition to the above-mentioned components, the image reading device 100 further includes a motor 121, a first communication device 122, a first storage device 130, a first processing circuit 140, and the like.

[0041] The motor 121 includes one or more motors. The motor 121 rotates the feed roller 112, the separation roller 113, the first conveyor roller 114, the second conveyor roller 115, the third conveyor roller 118, and the fourth conveyor roller 119 in response to a control signal from the first processing circuit 140 to convey the medium. Note that one of the first conveyor roller 114 and the second conveyor roller 115 may be a driven roller that rotates following the other roller. Also, one of the third conveyor roller 118 and the fourth conveyor roller 119 may be a driven roller that rotates following the other roller.

[0042] The first communication device 122 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 communication protocol such as a wireless LAN (Local Area Network). The first communication device 122 can communicate with the information processing device 200, and according to an instruction from the first processing circuit 140, communicates with the information processing device 200 to transmit and receive various images and information. The first communication device 122 may have a wired communication interface circuit according to a communication protocol such as TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol), and may be connected to the information processing device 200 via a network. The first communication device 122 may also have an interface circuit conforming to a serial bus such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus), and may be connected to the information processing device 200 via a wired cable such as a USB cable.

[0043] The first storage device 130 includes a memory device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory), 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 130 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 130 from a computer-readable portable recording medium using a known setup program or the like. The portable recording medium is, for example, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory), or the like. The computer programs may be distributed from a server or the like and installed in the first storage device 130.

[0044] In addition, a setting information table and the like are stored in advance as data in the first storage device 130. The setting information includes a setting value for each of a plurality of setting items. Note that the setting information may include only a setting value for a single setting item. The setting information table will be described in detail later.

[0045] The first processing circuit 140 operates based on a program stored in advance in the first storage device 130. The first processing circuit 140 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). As the first processing circuit 140, a DSP (digital signal processor), an LSI (large scale integration), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or the like may be used.

[0046] The first processing circuit 140 is connected to the first input device 105, the first display device 106, the first medium sensor 111, the second medium sensor 116, the imaging device 117, the motor 121, the first communication device 122, the first storage device 130, and the like, and controls each of these components. The first processing circuit 140 performs drive control of the motor 121, imaging control of the imaging device 117, and the like, in accordance with the setting values ​​designated by the user for each of a plurality of setting items via the first input device 105 or the first communication device 122, and acquires an input image. In addition, the first processing circuit 140 determines whether the setting values ​​for each setting item designated by the user match the characteristics of the input image, and when it is determined that the setting values ​​do not match, notifies the user or stops the image generation process.

[0047] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining the data structure of the setting information table.

[0048] 5, the setting information table stores, for each of a plurality of setting items related to imaging processing or image processing defined in the setting information, a settable setting value for each setting item. The setting information is information related to imaging processing or image processing in the image reading device 100, and is information for defining the operation performed by the image reading device 100 when imaging a medium or the content of image processing to be performed on the captured image. The setting items defined in the setting information include resolution, medium size, color, etc.

[0049] The resolution, medium size, color, etc. are settings related to the imaging process. The resolution, medium size, color, etc. are settings related to the image processing.

[0050] The resolution is a setting of the resolution of the image to be generated, and the resolution setting value is set to 150 dpi (Dots Per Inch), 200 dpi, 300 dpi, 600 dpi, 1200 dpi, etc. The image reading device 100 can generate an image having the set resolution by setting the medium transport speed, the imaging timing (time interval) of the imaging device 117, the position of the imaging element in the line sensor to be used for imaging, etc. In the image processing, the image reading device 100 can generate an image having the set resolution by executing thinning or interpolation of the image generated in the image processing.

[0051] The medium size is a setting of the size of the medium included in the image to be generated, and business card size, letter size, A4 size, A3 size, automatic, etc. are set as the setting value of the medium size. When automatic is set, the image reading device 100 automatically detects the size of the medium included in the input image based on the medium detection result by the second medium sensor 116 or the input image generated by the imaging device 117, and generates an image including the medium of the detected size. The image reading device 100 can generate an image including a medium of a specified medium size by setting the imaging end timing of the imaging device 117 in the imaging process, the position of the imaging element arranged in the line sensor to be imaged, etc. In addition, the image reading device 100 can generate an image including a medium of the set medium size by performing cropping of the image generated in the imaging process in the image processing.

[0052] The color is a setting of the color of the image to be generated, and binary, grayscale, color, automatic, etc. are set as the color setting value. When automatic is set, the image reading device 100 automatically detects the color (whether binary, grayscale, or color) of the medium contained in the input image based on the input image generated by the imaging device 117, and generates an image according to the detected color. The image reading device 100 can change the color of the image to be generated by setting the color of the light to be irradiated by the light source of the imaging device 117 in the imaging process, the gradation range to be converted by the A / D converter, etc. In addition, the image reading device 100 can change the color of the image to be generated by executing grayscale conversion or binarization, etc., of the color image generated in the imaging process in the image processing.

[0053] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the first storage device 130 and the first processing circuit 140. As shown in FIG.

[0054] 6, the first storage device 130 stores a control program 131, a setting program 132, a reception program 133, an acquisition program 134, a determination program 135, and the like. Each of these programs is a functional module implemented by software that runs on a processor. The first processing circuit 140 reads each program stored in the first storage device 130 and operates according to the read programs, thereby functioning as a control unit 141, a setting unit 142, a reception unit 143, an acquisition unit 144, and a determination unit 145.

[0055] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the information processing device 200. As shown in FIG.

[0056] The information processing device 200 includes a second input device 201, a second display device 202, a second communication device 203, a second storage device 210, and a second processing circuit 220.

[0057] The second input device 201 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.

[0058] The second display device 202 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.

[0059] The second communication device 203 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 wireless LAN. The second communication device 203 is capable of communicating with the image reading device 100, and according to instructions from the second processing circuit 220, communicates with the image reading device 100 to transmit and receive various images and information. The second communication device 203 may have a wired communication interface circuit according to a communication protocol such as TCP / IP, and may be connected to the image reading device 100 via a network. The first communication device 122 may have an interface circuit conforming to a serial bus such as USB, and may be connected to the image reading device 100 via a wired cable such as a USB cable.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] The second processing circuit 220 is connected to the second input device 201, the second display device 202, the second communication device 203, the second storage device 210, etc., and controls each of these components. The second processing circuit 220 controls data transmission and reception with the image reading device 100 via the second communication device 203, controls input of the second input device 201, controls display of the second display device 202, etc.

[0063] 8 and 9 are flowcharts showing an example of the operation of the image reading process.

[0064] An example of the operation of the image reading process of the image reading device 100 will be described below with reference to the flowcharts shown in Figures 8 and 9. The flow of the operation described below is executed mainly by the first processing circuit 140 in cooperation with each element of the image reading device 100 based on a program stored in advance in the first storage device 130.

[0065] First, the control unit 141 waits until an instruction to read a medium is input by the user using the first input device 105 or the information processing device 200, and an operation signal instructing to read the medium is received from the first input device 105 or the first communication device 122 (step S101). The operation signal includes setting information specified by the user using the first input device 105 or the information processing device 200 together with the instruction to read. The operation signal also includes a setting item that executes a determination as to whether or not a setting value matches the characteristics of an input image in which the medium is captured, among a plurality of setting items specified by the user using the first input device 105 or the information processing device 200 together with the instruction to read. Hereinafter, the determination as to whether or not a setting value matches the characteristics of an input image in which the medium is captured may be referred to as an image determination.

[0066] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a reception screen 1000 for receiving a user's specification of setting information and a setting item for executing image judgment.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 10, the reception screen 1000 includes a plurality of setting objects 1001, a setting button 1002, an end button 1003, and the like. The setting object 1001 is displayed for each setting item defined by the setting information. Each setting object 1001 includes a setting value designation button 1004 for designating a setting value for each setting item, and a setting item designation button 1005 for designating whether or not image determination is to be performed for each setting item. The user can designate a setting value for each of the plurality of setting items and designate whether or not image determination is to be performed for the setting value. Therefore, the user can easily designate the execution of image determination for setting items for which the appropriate setting value is likely to be different between the medium to be processed and the medium that is likely to be mixed in erroneously. Note that, instead of displaying a button for designating whether or not image determination is to be performed for each setting item on the reception screen 1000, a box or the like for designating the setting item for which image determination is to be performed may be displayed.

[0068] The setting button 1002 is a button for setting (confirming) the item values ​​specified in each setting object 1001 and the setting items for executing image determination. The end button 1003 is a button for ending the display of the reception screen 1000.

[0069] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of another reception screen 1100. As shown in FIG.

[0070] 11, a reception screen 1100 includes a notification designation button 1101, one or more condition setting objects 1102, a setting button 1103, an end button 1104, etc. The notification designation button 1101 is a button for designating whether or not to notify the user when none of the conditions designated in the one or more condition setting objects 1102 are satisfied.

[0071] Each condition setting object 1102 is an object for setting a combination of setting values ​​for one or more setting items that matches the characteristics of the medium to be imaged, i.e., the characteristics of the image of the medium. The combination that matches the characteristics of the image of the medium, specified by each condition setting object 1102, is a condition for a combination of setting values ​​for each setting item that is permissible for the medium to be imaged. For example, when "automatic" is set for a specific setting item, the user can specify an allowable item value for that setting item. When none of the conditions specified by the condition setting objects 1102 are satisfied, the image reading device 100 notifies the user of a warning. When processing a group of media that includes multiple types of media collectively, such as a group of media that includes only A4-sized forms and A5-sized forms or a group of media that includes only A4-sized forms and photos, the user can confirm that the group of media does not include other types of media.

[0072] The user may specify only one condition setting object 1102 among each condition setting object 1102. That is, the user may specify only one combination of setting values ​​for each setting item. The user may specify setting values ​​for different setting items in each condition setting object 1102. That is, the type of setting items for which an acceptable setting value is specified by the user may differ for each combination. The user may specify a setting value for only a single setting item in each condition setting object 1102. That is, the user may specify only one setting item for which an acceptable setting value is specified by the user.

[0073] The setting button 1103 is a button for setting (confirming) the items specified by the notification specification button 1101 and the combinations specified by the condition setting objects 1102. The exit button 1104 is a button for ending the display of the reception screen 1100.

[0074] The operation signal may further include the characteristics of the medium to be imaged, that is, the characteristics of the image of the medium, which are specified by the user using the first input device 105 or the information processing device 200 together with the instruction to read.

[0075] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a reception screen 1200 for receiving designation of image features by a user.

[0076] 12, a reception screen 1200 includes a notification designation button 1201, a feature setting object 1202, a setting button 1203, an end button 1204, etc. The notification designation button 1201 is a button for designating whether or not to notify the user when an input image in which a medium is captured does not have the feature designated in the feature setting object 1202.

[0077] The feature setting object 1202 includes a feature specification button 1205 and a feature specification box 1206 for specifying the feature of the medium to be imaged, that is, the feature of the image of the medium. The feature specification button 1205 is a button for selecting the feature of the image from among a plurality of features predefined in the image reading device 100. The image features include, for example, the presence or absence of a face photograph, the presence or absence of a background pattern, the presence or absence of damage, and the like. The feature specification box 1206 is a box for specifying the feature of the image that is not predefined in the image reading device 100. The user inputs text having a predefined format (for example, a face photograph on the medium, the position of damage, etc., the background in the medium, the color of the characters, etc.) or an image having the feature (or a path to an address where the image is stored) into the feature specification box 1206. The user may also input a program module (or a path to an address where the image is stored) for determining whether or not a specific feature is included in the input image into the feature specification box 1206. The program module is created so as to output a determination result of whether or not the image includes the specific feature when an image is input. This allows the image reading device 100 to increase the degree of freedom in designating the characteristics of an image of a medium.

[0078] The setting button 1203 is a button for setting (confirming) the item specified by the notification specification button 1201 and the feature specified by the feature setting object 1202. The end button 1204 is a button for ending the display of the reception screen 1200.

[0079] Next, the setting unit 142 acquires setting information contained in the operation signal, sets the acquired setting information in the first storage device 130, and sets the imaging device 117, the motor 121, etc. so that an input image according to the acquired setting information is generated (step S102).

[0080] The setting unit 142 acquires a setting value designated by the user for each of a plurality of setting items, for example, by using each setting value designation button 1004 shown in FIG. 10. The setting unit 142 sets the imaging device 117, the motor 121, etc. so that an input image corresponding to the acquired setting value for each setting item is generated. The setting unit 142 sets the imaging device 117, the motor 121, etc. so that an input image having a quality equal to or higher than that of an image corresponding to each setting value for each setting item is generated. For example, the setting unit 142 sets the imaging device 117, the motor 121, etc. so that an input image having a resolution equal to the maximum resolution supported by the image reading device 100, a medium size equal to the maximum medium size supported by the image reading device 100, and a color is generated. As a result, the image reading device 100 can generate an image according to the setting information designated by the user while appropriately determining whether the set setting information matches the characteristics of the input image based on the input image in a process to be described later.

[0081] 11, the setting unit 142 may obtain a plurality of setting values ​​designated by the user for a specific setting item and set the same in the image reading device 100. In this case, the setting unit 142 sets the imaging device 117, the motor 121, and the like so that an input image having a quality equal to or higher than that of each image according to each of the plurality of designated setting values ​​is generated. For example, the setting unit 142 sets the imaging device 117, the motor 121, and the like so that an input image having a resolution equal to the maximum resolution supported by the image reading device 100, a medium size equal to the maximum medium size supported by the image reading device 100, and a color is generated. As a result, the image reading device 100 can generate an image according to a setting value corresponding to the characteristics of the input image from the input image in a process described later, among the plurality of setting values ​​designated by the user.

[0082] 11, the setting unit 142 may obtain a plurality of sets each including a setting value for a predetermined number of setting items, and set the sets in the image reading device 100. In this case, the setting unit 142 also sets the imaging device 117, the motor 121, and the like so that an input image having a quality equal to or higher than that of each image according to each of the plurality of specified setting values ​​is generated.

[0083] Furthermore, the setting information may not be specified together with the read instruction, but may be specified by the user before the read instruction is input and stored in the first storage device 130. In this case, the setting unit 142 obtains the setting information by reading it from the first storage device 130. Furthermore, the control unit 141 sets (initializes) the medium number of the medium being transported to 1.

[0084] Next, the accepting unit 143 acquires a setting item for executing image judgment included in the operation signal, and stores it in the first storage device 130 (step S103). In this way, the accepting unit 143 accepts, from the user, a designation of a setting item, among the multiple setting items, for executing judgment as to whether or not a setting value matches the characteristics of an input image in which a medium is captured.

[0085] The reception unit 143 receives a designation of whether or not to execute image judgment for each of a plurality of setting items, for example, by using each setting item designation button 1005 shown in Fig. 10. In this case, since the user can designate whether or not to execute image judgment for a designated setting value for each of a plurality of setting items, the user can appropriately select the setting items for which image judgment should be executed, and the image reading device 100 can improve the convenience for the user.

[0086] Furthermore, the receiving unit 143 may receive designation of setting items for executing image judgment using each condition setting object 1102 shown in Fig. 11. In this case, when a group of media to be imaged may include multiple types of media, the user can appropriately select setting items for which image judgment should be executed, and the image reading device 100 can improve user convenience.

[0087] The setting items for executing the image judgment may not be specified together with the read instruction, but may be specified by the user before the read instruction is input and stored in the first storage device 130. In this case, the setting unit 142 obtains the setting items for executing the image judgment by reading them out from the first storage device 130.

[0088] Next, the accepting unit 143 acquires the image feature designated by the user, which is included in the operation signal, and stores it in the first storage device 130 (step S104). In this way, the accepting unit 143 accepts the designation of the image feature from the user.

[0089] The receiving unit 143 receives an image feature selected from a plurality of features predefined in the image reading device 100 from the user, for example, by using each feature designation button 1205 shown in Fig. 12. The receiving unit 143 may also receive an image feature selected from a plurality of features not predefined in the image reading device 100 from the user, by using each feature designation box 1206 shown in Fig. 12. By using the feature designation box 1206, the image reading device 100 can increase the degree of freedom in designating the feature of the image of the medium.

[0090] The image features specified by the user may not be specified together with the read instruction, but may be specified by the user before the read instruction is input and stored in the first storage device 130. In this case, the setting unit 142 obtains the image features specified by the user by reading out from the first storage device 130 the setting items for executing the image features.

[0091] Next, control unit 141 waits until a medium is placed on mounting table 103 (step S105). Control unit 141 acquires a first medium signal from first medium sensor 111, and determines whether or not a medium is placed on mounting table 103 based on the acquired first medium signal.

[0092] Next, the control unit 141 drives the motor 121 to rotate the feed roller 112, the separation roller 113, the first conveyor roller 114, the second conveyor roller 115, the third conveyor roller 118 and / or the fourth conveyor roller 119 (step S106). In this way, the control unit 141 feeds and conveys the medium placed on the placement table 103. The control unit 141 controls the motor 121 so that an input image is generated according to the setting information acquired in step S102, in particular so that the motor 121 rotates at a speed at which an image with a resolution specified by the setting information can be generated.

[0093] Next, the acquisition unit 144 acquires an input image of the transported medium from the imaging device 117, and stores the image in the first storage device 130 in association with the medium number (step S107).

[0094] The acquisition unit 144 determines, for example, whether the leading edge of the medium has passed the position of the second medium sensor 116 based on the second medium signal received from the second medium sensor 116. The acquisition unit 144 periodically acquires the second medium signal from the second medium sensor 116, and determines that the leading edge of the medium has passed the position of the second medium sensor 116 when the signal value of the second medium signal changes from a value indicating that the medium is not present to a value indicating that the medium is present. The acquisition unit 144 causes the imaging device 117 to start imaging when the leading edge of the medium has passed the position of the second medium sensor 116. The control unit 141 controls the imaging device 117 so that an input image is generated according to the setting information acquired in step S102.

[0095] Thereafter, the acquisition unit 144 causes the imaging device 117 to end imaging when the medium has been transported by an amount equal to the medium size indicated in the setting information acquired in step S102 plus a margin. The acquisition unit 144 may cause the imaging device 117 to end imaging when the trailing end of the medium passes the imaging position of the imaging device 117. For example, the acquisition unit 144 determines whether the trailing end of the medium has passed the position of the second medium sensor 116 based on the second medium signal received from the second medium sensor 116. The acquisition unit 144 periodically acquires the second medium signal from the second medium sensor 116, and determines that the leading end of the medium has passed the position of the second medium sensor 116 when the signal value of the second medium signal changes from a value indicating that the medium is present to a value indicating that the medium is not present. The acquisition unit 144 determines that the trailing end of the medium has passed the imaging position of the imaging device 117 when a first predetermined time has elapsed since the trailing end of the medium passed the position of the second medium sensor 116. The first predetermined time is set to the time required for the medium to move from the position of the second medium sensor 116 to the imaging position.

[0096] The acquisition unit 144 acquires an input image from the imaging device 117 every time the imaging device 117 generates an input image for a predetermined number of lines, and synthesizes the input images when imaging device 117 is caused to end imaging. The control unit 141 may acquire input images for all lines collectively when imaging device 117 is caused to end imaging.

[0097] Next, the determination unit 145 identifies feature information corresponding to each setting item in the input image for each setting item designated by the user (step S108).

[0098] The characteristic information indicates characteristics of the input image related to the imaging process or image processing, in particular characteristics of the medium contained in the input image. The characteristic information includes items related to one or more setting items defined in the setting information. Items defined in the characteristic information include the presence or absence of a photograph, the size, color components, etc.

[0099] The presence or absence of a photograph indicates whether or not the input image includes a photograph, and corresponds to the resolution, color, or the like, among the setting items defined in the setting information. For example, when an image is input, the determination unit 145 determines whether or not the image includes a photograph using a classifier that has been trained in advance to output whether or not the image includes a photograph. This classifier is trained in advance using a plurality of images including various photographs, for example, by deep learning, and is stored in advance in the first storage device 130. The determination unit 145 inputs the input image to the classifier, and determines whether or not the input image includes a photograph based on the information output from the classifier.

[0100] The determination unit 145 may estimate whether or not the input image includes a photograph based on the spatial frequency of the input image. In this case, the determination unit 145 performs a frequency transformation such as a Fourier transform on the input image to identify the distribution of the spatial frequency in the input image. If the maximum value of the spatial frequency in the input image is equal to or greater than a predetermined frequency threshold, the determination unit 145 determines that the input image includes a photograph, and if the maximum value of the spatial frequency in the input image is less than the frequency threshold, the determination unit 145 determines that the input image does not include a photograph. The determination unit 145 may also estimate whether or not the input image includes a photograph based on the distribution of the gradation values ​​(luminance values, color values, etc.) of each pixel in the input image. In this case, the determination unit 145 calculates a variance value of the gradation values ​​of each pixel in the input image. If the calculated variance value is equal to or greater than a predetermined variance threshold, the determination unit 145 determines that the input image includes a photograph, and if the variance value is less than the variance threshold, the determination unit 145 determines that the input image does not include a photograph.

[0101] The size indicates the size of the medium included in the input image, and corresponds to the medium size and the like among the setting items defined in the setting information. For example, the determination unit 145 extracts edge pixels in the input image whose difference in gradation value (brightness value or color value, etc.) with adjacent pixels is equal to or greater than a predetermined gradation threshold, and detects the maximum area among areas surrounded by the adjacent edge pixels as the medium area. The determination unit 145 identifies the size of the medium included in the input image from the number of pixels in the detected medium area and the resolution that was set when the input image was generated.

[0102] The color components indicate the color components (color or black and white) included in the input image, and correspond to the colors and the like among the setting items defined in the setting information. For example, the determination unit 145 determines whether the color components included in the input image are color or black and white based on the distribution of the color values ​​(R value, G value, B value, etc.) of each pixel in the input image. The determination unit 145 calculates a variance value of the color values ​​of each pixel in the input image. If the average value of the calculated variance values ​​is equal to or greater than a predetermined variance threshold, the determination unit 145 determines that the color components included in the input image are color, and if the variance value is less than the variance threshold, the determination unit 145 determines that the color components included in the input image are black and white.

[0103] Next, the judgment unit 145 judges, for each setting item specified by the user, whether or not the setting value specified by the user matches the characteristics of the input image, i.e., the characteristic information corresponding to each setting item in the input image (step S109).

[0104] Regarding the resolution, when it is specified as the feature information that the input image contains a photograph, the determination unit 145 determines that the setting value matches the feature information when the setting value is equal to or greater than the resolution threshold, and determines that the setting value does not match the feature information when the setting value is less than the resolution threshold. The resolution threshold is set to a value (e.g., 200 dpi) between a resolution at which an image containing a photograph can be displayed well and a resolution at which an image containing a photograph cannot be displayed well. The resolution threshold may be set to any value (e.g., 300 dpi). On the other hand, when it is specified as the feature information that the input image does not contain a photograph, the determination unit 145 determines that the setting value matches the feature information when the setting value is less than the resolution threshold, and determines that the setting value does not match the feature information when the setting value is equal to or greater than the resolution threshold.

[0105] Regarding the medium size, the determination unit 145 determines that the setting value matches the characteristic information when the difference between the size specified as the characteristic information and the setting value is equal to or less than the size threshold, and determines that the setting value does not match the characteristic information when the difference is greater than the size threshold. The size threshold is set to an arbitrary value in advance (for example, the difference between A3 size and A4 size). The size threshold may be set to 0. In other words, the determination unit 145 may determine that the setting value matches the characteristic information when the size specified as the characteristic information matches the setting value, and may determine that the setting value does not match the characteristic information when the size specified as the characteristic information does not match the setting value.

[0106] Regarding color, when it is specified as feature information that the input image contains a photograph, the determination unit 145 determines that the setting value matches the feature information when the setting value is color, and determines that the setting value does not match the feature information when the setting value is grayscale or binary. On the other hand, when it is specified as feature information that the input image does not contain a photograph, the determination unit 145 determines that the setting value matches the feature information when the setting value is grayscale or binary, and determines that the setting value does not match the feature information when the setting value is color.

[0107] Regarding color, when the color component is specified as the feature information to be color, the determination unit 145 determines that the setting value matches the feature information when the setting value is color, and determines that the setting value does not match the feature information when the setting value is grayscale or binary. On the other hand, when the color component is specified as black and white, the determination unit 145 determines that the setting value matches the feature information when the setting value is grayscale or binary, and determines that the setting value does not match the feature information when the setting value is color.

[0108] When the determination unit 145 determines that the setting value specified by the user does not match the characteristic information for any one of the setting items specified by the user, the determination unit 145 determines that the setting value specified by the user does not match the characteristic information for the input image. On the other hand, when the determination unit 145 determines that the setting values ​​specified by the user match the characteristic information for all of the setting items specified by the user, the determination unit 145 determines that the setting value specified by the user matches the characteristic information for the input image.

[0109] When a setting item with multiple setting values ​​is specified as a setting item for which image judgment is performed, the judgment unit 145 judges that the setting value does not match the characteristics of the input image when it is determined that none of the multiple setting values ​​match the characteristics of the input image for that setting item. On the other hand, in that case, when it is determined that any of the multiple setting values ​​match the characteristics of the input image for that setting item, the judgment unit 145 judges that the setting value matches the characteristics of the input image.

[0110] When a plurality of sets each including a set value for a predetermined number of setting items are set as setting items for performing image judgment, when the judgment unit 145 judges that any of the set values ​​for the predetermined number of setting items for any of the plurality of sets does not match the characteristics of the input image, the judgment unit 145 judges that the set value does not match the characteristics of the input image. On the other hand, in this case, when the judgment unit 145 judges that all of the set values ​​for the predetermined number of setting items for any of the plurality of sets match the characteristics of the input image, the judgment unit 145 judges that the set value matches the characteristics of the input image.

[0111] In addition, even if the setting value is “automatic”, the judgment unit 145 may judge that the setting value does not match the characteristics of the input image if the feature information satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, if the size is business card size, if the color components are binary, etc.).

[0112] If it is determined that the setting information matches the characteristics of the input image, the determination unit 145 further determines whether or not the input image has the characteristics specified by the user (step S110).

[0113] When the specified image feature is the presence or absence of an object such as a face photograph, a background pattern, or damage, or the position of the object in the medium, the determination unit 145 determines whether or not the object is included in the image, for example, by a classifier, and specifies the position of the object. This classifier is pre-trained to output whether or not the object is included in the image and the position of the object in the medium when an image is input. This classifier is pre-trained using a plurality of images containing various objects at various positions, for example, by deep learning, and is stored in advance in the first storage device 130. The determination unit 145 inputs the input image to the classifier, and determines whether or not the object is included in the input image based on the information output from the classifier, and specifies the position of the object in the medium. The determination unit 145 determines whether or not the input image has the feature specified by the user, based on the determination result of whether or not the object is included in the input image, or whether or not the position of the object matches the feature specified by the user.

[0114] When the specified image feature is the color of the background in the medium, the determination unit 145 detects the medium area in the same manner as in the case of identifying feature information. The determination unit 145 determines to which of a plurality of predetermined color ranges (white range, black range, red range, green range, and blue range) the color value (R value, G value, B value, etc.) of each pixel in the medium area belongs. The determination unit 145 identifies the color corresponding to the color range to which the largest number of pixels belong as the color of the background in the medium. The determination unit 145 determines whether the input image has the feature specified by the user depending on whether the identified color matches the color specified by the user.

[0115] When the specified image feature is the color of the characters in the medium, the determination unit 145 detects the medium area in the same manner as in the case of identifying the feature information. The determination unit 145 executes an OCR (Optical Character Recognition) process on the medium area to identify a character area in which characters are detected in the input image. The determination unit 145 determines which of a plurality of predetermined color ranges (white range, black range, red range, green range, and blue range) the color value (R value, G value, B value, etc.) of each pixel in the character area belongs to. The determination unit 145 identifies the color corresponding to the color range to which the number of pixels to which the color value belongs is the largest, excluding the color range identified as the background color, as the color of the characters in the medium. The determination unit 145 determines whether the input image has the feature specified by the user, depending on whether the identified color matches the color specified by the user.

[0116] 12, when an image having the characteristics of an image captured of a medium is specified, the determination unit 145 determines whether or not the input image has the characteristics specified by the user based on the similarity between the specified image and the input image. The similarity is, for example, a normalized cross-correlation value. The determination unit 145 calculates the similarity between the specified image and the input image, and determines whether or not the input image has the characteristics specified by the user based on whether or not the calculated similarity is equal to or greater than a predetermined similarity threshold.

[0117] Furthermore, when a program module is specified in the feature specification box 1206, the determination unit 145 uses the program module to determine whether or not the input image has the feature specified by the user. The determination unit 145 inputs the input image to the program module, and determines whether or not the input image has the feature specified by the user based on the determination result output from the program module.

[0118] If it is determined that the input image has the characteristic specified by the user, the determination unit 145 moves the process to step S119.

[0119] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S109 that the setting information does not match the characteristics of the input image, or if it is determined in step S110 that the input image does not have the characteristics specified by the user, the control unit 141 stops the motor 121. As a result, the control unit 141 stops the feed roller 112, the separation roller 113, the first conveyor roller 114, the second conveyor roller 115, the third conveyor roller 118 and / or the fourth conveyor roller 119, and temporarily stops the subsequent conveyance of the medium (step S111).

[0120] In this way, when it is determined that the setting values ​​specified by the user do not match the characteristics of the input image, the control unit 141 stops the image generation process by the image reading device 100 that generated the input image. When the setting values ​​do not match the imaged medium, the image reading device 100 temporarily stops subsequent medium transportation and image capture, so that the user can take measures at that point, such as removing the medium. Therefore, the image reading device 100 can improve user convenience.

[0121] Furthermore, when a setting item with multiple setting values ​​set by the user is designated as a setting item for performing image judgment, if it is judged that none of the multiple setting values ​​matches the characteristics of the input image, the control unit 141 stops the image generation process by the device that generated the input image. This allows the user to take measures such as removing an unexpected medium at that time when a medium group containing multiple types of media includes the medium, and the image reading device 100 can improve user convenience.

[0122] Furthermore, when a predetermined number of setting items included in a plurality of sets each including a setting value for a predetermined number of setting items are specified as setting items for performing image judgment, if it is judged that the setting value for the predetermined number of setting items for any of the plurality of sets does not match the characteristics of the input image, the control unit 141 stops the image generation process by the device that generated the input image. This allows the user to take measures such as removing an unexpected medium at that time when a medium group including a plurality of types of media includes the medium, and the image reading device 100 can improve user convenience.

[0123] Furthermore, when it is determined that the input image does not have the characteristics specified by the user, the control unit 141 stops the image generation process by the device that generated the input image. This allows the user to take measures such as removing an unexpected medium when the media to be processed are included, and the image reading device 100 can improve the convenience for the user.

[0124] Next, for each setting item determined not to match the characteristics of the input image, the control unit 141 identifies a setting value that matches the characteristics of the input image, and stores the setting value in the first storage device 130 in association with the medium number (step S112). For each setting item determined in step S108 that the setting value specified by the user does not match the characteristics of the input image, i.e., the characteristic information corresponding to each setting item in the input image, the control unit 141 identifies a setting value that matches the characteristic information.

[0125] When it is determined that the resolution setting value does not match the feature information, and when it is specified as feature information that the input image contains a photograph, the control unit 141 specifies the minimum setting value among the setting values ​​equal to or greater than the resolution threshold as the setting value that matches the feature information. In that case, the control unit 141 may specify the maximum setting value as the setting value that matches the feature information. On the other hand, when it is specified as feature information that the input image does not contain a photograph, the control unit 141 specifies the maximum setting value among the setting values ​​that are less than the resolution threshold as the setting value that matches the feature information. In that case, the control unit 141 may specify the minimum setting value as the setting value that matches the feature information.

[0126] When it is determined that the setting value for the medium size does not match the characteristic information, the control unit 141 specifies the size identified as the characteristic information as the setting value that matches the characteristic information.

[0127] When it is determined that the setting value for color does not match the feature information, the control unit 141 specifies color as the setting value that matches the feature information when the feature information specifies that the input image contains a photograph. On the other hand, when the feature information specifies that the input image does not contain a photograph, the control unit 141 specifies grayscale or binary as the setting value that matches the feature information. Alternatively, when the feature information specifies that the color component is color, the control unit 141 may specify color as the setting value that matches the feature information. In that case, when the feature information specifies that the color component is black and white, the control unit 141 specifies grayscale or binary as the setting value that matches the feature information.

[0128] In this way, when it is determined that the setting values ​​do not match the characteristics of the input image, the control unit 141 specifies setting information that matches the characteristics of the input image.

[0129] Next, the control unit 141 determines whether or not the setting value identified as the setting value that matches the characteristics of the input image is supported by the image reading device 100 (step S113). If the identified setting value is supported by the image reading device 100, the control unit 141 shifts the process to step S115 without executing any particular process.

[0130] On the other hand, if the identified setting value is not supported by the image reading device 100, the control unit 141 identifies another image reading device or another software that supports the identified setting value (step S114). The other image reading device is an image reading device other than the image reading device 100 that is included in the image processing system 1, and the other software is software other than the software installed in the image reading device 100 that is included in the image processing system 1. The software is driver software or the like that causes the image reading device 100 to execute each process.

[0131] Next, the control unit 141 generates notification data for notifying the user that the setting value specified by the user does not match the characteristics of the input image, or that the input image does not have the characteristics specified by the user. The control unit 141 displays the generated notification data on the first display device 106, or outputs it by transmitting it to the information processing device 200 via the first communication device 122, and notifies the user (step S115). When the information processing device 200 receives notification data from the image reading device 100 via the second communication device 203, it displays the received notification data on the second display device 202. The notification data is an example of information on the determination result by the determination unit 145.

[0132] In this way, when it is determined that the setting values ​​specified by the user do not match the characteristics of the input image, the control unit 141 notifies the user of information regarding the determination result. When the setting values ​​do not match the imaged medium, the image reading device 100 notifies the user to that effect, so that the user can re-transport and re-image the medium with appropriate settings. Therefore, the image reading device 100 can improve the convenience for the user.

[0133] Furthermore, when a setting item with multiple setting values ​​set by the user is designated as a setting item for executing image judgment, if it is judged that none of the multiple setting values ​​matches the characteristics of the input image, the control unit 141 notifies the user of information on the judgment result. This allows the user to re-transport and re-image the medium with appropriate settings when an unexpected medium is included in a media group containing multiple types of media, and the image reading device 100 can improve user convenience.

[0134] Furthermore, when a predetermined number of setting items included in a plurality of sets each including a setting value for the predetermined number of setting items are specified as setting items for performing image judgment, when it is judged that the setting value for the predetermined number of setting items for any of the plurality of sets does not match the characteristics of the input image, the control unit 141 notifies the user of information on the judgment result. In this way, when an unexpected medium is included in a media group including a plurality of types of media, the user can re-transport and re-image the medium with appropriate settings, and the image reading device 100 can improve user convenience.

[0135] Furthermore, when it is determined that the input image does not have the characteristics specified by the user, the control unit 141 notifies the user of information regarding the determination result. This allows the user to re-transport and re-image the medium with appropriate settings when the media to be processed include an unexpected medium, and the image reading device 100 can improve the convenience for the user.

[0136] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of notification data 1300 that is output when it is determined that the setting values ​​specified by the user do not match the characteristics of the input image.

[0137] As shown in FIG. 13, the notification data 1300 includes summary information 1301, detailed information 1302, an input image 1303, a delete button 1304, a resume button 1305, and an end button 1306. The summary information 1301 indicates the result of the determination by the determination unit 145, i.e., that the setting values ​​specified by the user do not match the characteristics of the input image. The detailed information 1302 indicates the combination of the setting item and the setting value determined to be incompatible with the characteristics of the input image, and a recommended device or recommended software that supports the recommended settings that match the characteristics of the input image. The recommended settings are the setting values ​​that match the characteristics of the input image identified in step S112. The recommended device or recommended software is an image reading device or software that supports the setting values ​​that match the characteristics of the input image identified in step S114.

[0138] In this way, the control unit 141 notifies the user of the setting values ​​that match the characteristics of the input image for the setting items that are determined not to match the characteristics of the input image. This allows the user to recognize appropriate settings for the medium included in the input image, and to re-transport and re-image the medium according to those settings. Therefore, the image reading device 100 can improve the convenience for the user.

[0139] In addition, the control unit 141 notifies the user of information about other image reading devices or other software that supports settings that match the characteristics of the input image. This allows the user to recognize the image reading device or software that can generate an image suitable for the medium included in the input image, and to obtain the desired image using that image reading device or software. Therefore, the image reading device 100 can improve the convenience for the user.

[0140] An input image 1303 is an input image for which the setting values ​​specified by the user are determined to be incompatible. The user can check the validity of the specified setting values ​​by viewing the input image 1303. A delete button 1304 is a button for designating the deletion of an image corresponding to the input image 1303. The user can delete the input image 1303 and / or a processed image generated based on the input image 1303 by using the delete button 1304. A resume button 1305 is a button for resuming the transportation of the medium. The user can resume the transportation and imaging of the remaining media according to the currently set setting information by removing the transported medium and then pressing the resume button 1305. An end button 1306 is a button for ending the medium reading process. The user can stop the transportation and imaging of the remaining media according to the currently set setting information by pressing the end button 1306.

[0141] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of notification data 1400 that is output when it is determined that the input image does not have the characteristics specified by the user.

[0142] 14, notification data 1400 includes summary information 1401, detailed information 1402, an input image 1403, a delete button 1404, a resume button 1405, and an end button 1406. The summary information 1401 indicates the determination result by determination unit 145, i.e., that the input image does not have the feature specified by the user. The detailed information 1402 indicates the image feature that the input image is determined not to have.

[0143] In this way, the control unit 141 notifies the user of the image characteristics that are determined not to be present in the input image, allowing the user to confirm whether the captured medium is the medium to be processed, and the image reading device 100 can improve the convenience for the user.

[0144] An input image 1403 is an input image that has been determined not to have the characteristics specified by the user. By viewing the input image 1403, the user can confirm whether the captured medium is the medium to be processed. A delete button 1404 is a button for designating the deletion of an image corresponding to the input image 1403. The user can use the delete button 1404 to delete the input image 1403 and / or a processed image generated based on the input image 1403. A resume button 1405 is a button for resuming the transportation of the medium. By pressing the resume button 1405, the user can resume the transportation and imaging of the remaining medium. A finish button 1406 is a button for ending the medium reading process. By pressing the finish button 1406, the user can stop the transportation and imaging of the remaining medium.

[0145] Next, the control unit 141 waits until the user inputs an instruction to resume or end the transport of the medium and the image capture using the first input device 105 or the information processing device 200, and receives an instruction signal from the first input device 105 or the first communication device 122 (step S116). When the user presses the Resume button 1305 or 1405, the control unit 141 receives an instruction signal from the first input device 105 or the first communication device 122 instructing the user to resume the transport of the medium and the image capture. On the other hand, when the user presses the End button 1306 or 1406, the control unit 141 receives a first instruction signal from the first input device 105 or the first communication device 122 instructing the user to end the transport of the medium and the image capture. In addition, when the user specifies that the image is to be deleted using the Delete button 1304 or 1404, each instruction signal includes an instruction to delete the image.

[0146] When the control unit 141 receives the instruction signal, it determines whether or not the instruction signal includes an instruction to delete an image (step S117). When the instruction signal does not include an instruction to delete an image, the control unit 141 does not execute any particular process and shifts the process to step S119.

[0147] On the other hand, if the instruction signal includes an instruction to delete an image, the control unit 141 deletes from the first storage device 130 the input image in which the currently transported medium was captured (step S118).

[0148] Next, the control unit 141 determines whether the instruction signal instructs to resume transporting the medium and capturing an image or to end transporting the medium and capturing an image (step S119). If the instruction signal instructs to end transporting the medium and capturing an image, the control unit 141 ends the medium reading process without transporting the remaining medium.

[0149] On the other hand, when an instruction to resume transport of the medium and imaging has been issued, the control unit 141 re-drives the motor 121 to re-rotate the feed roller 112, the separation roller 113, the first transport roller 114, the second transport roller 115, the third transport roller 118, and / or the fourth transport roller 119. This causes the control unit 141 to re-feed and re-transport the medium (step S120).

[0150] Next, the control unit 141 processes the input image in accordance with the setting information designated by the user, generates a processed image, and stores the processed image in the first storage device 130 in association with the medium number. The control unit 141 outputs the generated processed image by transmitting it to the information processing device 200 via the first communication device 122 (step S121). When the information processing device 200 receives the processed image from the image reading device 100 via the second communication device 203, it displays the received processed image on the second display device 202. Note that in step S117, when the instruction signal includes an instruction to delete the image, the control unit 141 does not generate a processed image.

[0151] For a setting item whose setting value is set to "automatic", the control unit 141 generates a processed image according to a setting value that matches the feature information corresponding to each setting item. For example, for a medium size, the control unit 141 generates a processed image by cutting out an area having a size specified as the feature information and including the medium from the input image. For color, if the color component specified as the feature information is color, the control unit 141 generates a color image as the processed image, and if the color component specified as the feature information is black and white, the control unit 141 generates a grayscale image or a binary image as the processed image. For a setting item whose item values ​​are set, the control unit 141 generates a processed image according to a setting value that matches the feature information corresponding to each setting item among the multiple set setting values.

[0152] Next, control unit 141 determines whether or not a medium remains on mounting table 103 based on the first medium signal received from first medium sensor 111 (step S122). If a medium remains on mounting table 103, control unit 141 increments (+1) the medium number of the medium to be transported and sets the medium number of the next medium to be transported. Control unit 141 then returns the process to step S107 and repeats the processes of steps S107 to S122.

[0153] On the other hand, if there are no media remaining on the placement table 103, the control unit 141 stops the motor 121, and stops the feed roller 112, the separation roller 113, the first conveyor roller 114, the second conveyor roller 115, the third conveyor roller 118, and the fourth conveyor roller 119 (step S123). This causes the control unit 141 to stop conveying the medium. With the above, the control unit 141 ends the image reading process.

[0154] It should be noted that the processes of steps S103 and S109, the processes of steps S104 and S110, the process of step S112, the processes of steps S113 and S114, and / or the process of step S115 may be omitted.

[0155] Also, the process of step S111 may be omitted, and the control unit 141 may output the notification data after stopping the transport of the medium in step S115. In this case, the control unit 141 generates the notification data so as to display a list of input images that are determined to not match the setting values ​​specified by the user and / or that are determined to not have the characteristics specified by the user, together with the corresponding medium numbers and detailed information.

[0156] Furthermore, the process of step S121 may be executed before outputting the notification data in step S115. In that case, if an image deletion instruction is included in the instruction signal in step S117, the control unit 141 deletes the processed image together with the input image in step S118. Furthermore, the control unit 141 transmits a request signal requesting the deletion of the processed image to the information processing device 200 via the first communication device 122. When the second processing circuit 220 of the information processing device 200 receives the request signal from the image reading device 100 via the second communication device 203, it deletes the corresponding processed image from the second storage device 210.

[0157] As described above in detail, the image reading device 100 accepts from the user the designation of a setting item for determining whether or not the setting value matches the characteristics of the input image. When the setting value of the designated setting item does not match the characteristics of the input image, the image reading device 100 notifies the user. This allows the image reading device 100 to stop the image generation process or notify the user when the setting value of the setting item designated by the user is inappropriate, thereby improving user convenience.

[0158] Furthermore, the image reading device 100 determines whether or not the setting values ​​match the characteristics of the input image, not for all setting items, but only for setting items specified by the user. Therefore, the image reading device 100 can prevent the image generation process from being stopped erroneously or the user from being notified, even when there is no problem with the setting values, and can prevent the user from having to take time and effort. Furthermore, the image reading device 100 determines whether or not the setting values ​​match the characteristics of the input image, not for all setting items, but only for setting items specified by the user, and can prevent an increase in the processing load and processing time of the image determination.

[0159] Furthermore, each time an input image is generated, the image reading device 100 determines whether the setting values ​​match the characteristics of the input image, and if they do not match, immediately stops the image generation process or notifies the user. This allows the user to take appropriate action immediately if an unexpected medium is mistakenly mixed in with the media to be processed. The image reading device 100 can reduce the need for users to go back and forth in their work, improving user convenience.

[0160] For example, when a group of media containing a plurality of types of media, such as a stack of forms containing a photograph, is transported together, an image may be generated by capturing another medium (e.g., a photograph) with a setting suitable for a particular medium (e.g., a binary suitable for forms). In such a case, the user must extract the medium captured with the inappropriate setting from the group of media, transport it again, and re-capture it, and replace the image generated with the inappropriate setting with a newly generated image. In addition, the image generated with the inappropriate setting may continue to exist without the user noticing that the medium captured with the inappropriate setting exists. When the setting information does not match the characteristics of the input image, the image reading device 100 temporarily stops the transport of the subsequent medium, so that the user can take measures such as removing the medium at that time. In addition, when the setting information does not match the characteristics of the input image, the image reading device 100 notifies the user to that effect, so that the user can re-transport and re-capture the medium with the appropriate setting. Thus, the image reading device 100 can improve the user's convenience.

[0161] Furthermore, even if a user has little knowledge or skill in image reading processing, the user can appropriately select setting values ​​that enable generation of a desired image. This allows the image reading device 100 to prevent reworking of the image reading processing due to the use of inappropriate settings, and to prevent a decrease in the user's work efficiency or work quality.

[0162] FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a first processing circuit 340 in an image reading device according to another embodiment.

[0163] The first processing circuit 340 is used in place of the first processing circuit 140, and executes image reading processing, etc. The first processing circuit 340 includes a control circuit 341, a setting circuit 342, a receiving circuit 343, an acquiring circuit 344, a determining circuit 345, and the like.

[0164] The control circuit 341 is an example of a control unit, and has the same functions as the control unit 141. The control circuit 341 receives an operation signal from the first input device 105 or the first communication device 122, a first medium signal from the first medium sensor 111, and a second medium signal from the second medium sensor 116. The control circuit 341 also reads out from the first storage device 130 a determination result as to whether or not a setting value designated by a user matches the characteristics of an input image, and a determination result as to whether or not an input image has the characteristics designated by a user. The control circuit 341 controls the motor 121 based on each piece of information received or read out. The control circuit 341 also reads out an input image, etc. from the first storage device 130, generates notification data, and outputs it to the first display device 106 or the first communication device 122. The control circuit 341 also generates a processed image based on the input image, and outputs it to the first communication device 122.

[0165] The setting circuit 342 is an example of a setting unit, and has the same function as the setting unit 142. The setting circuit 342 receives setting information designated by a user from the first input device 105 or the first communication device 122, sets the received setting information in the first storage device 130, and sets the imaging device 117 or the motor 121.

[0166] The reception circuit 343 is an example of a reception unit, and has the same function as the reception unit 143. The reception circuit 343 receives setting items and image features for performing image judgment designated by a user from the first input device 105 or the first communication device 122, and sets the received setting items and image features in the first storage device 130.

[0167] The acquisition circuit 344 is an example of an acquisition section, and has the same function as the acquisition section 144. The acquisition circuit 344 acquires an input image from the imaging device 117, and stores it in the first storage device .

[0168] The judgment circuit 345 is an example of a judgment section, and has the same function as the judgment section 145. The judgment circuit 345 reads out the input image, the setting items for performing image judgment specified by the user, the setting values ​​of the setting items, and the image characteristics from the first storage device 130. The judgment circuit 345 judges whether or not the setting values ​​for the items specified by the user match the characteristics of the input image based on each piece of read information, and whether or not the input image has the characteristics specified by the user, and stores the judgment result in the first storage device 130.

[0169] As described above in detail, even when the image reading device uses the first processing circuit 340, it is possible to improve the convenience for the user.

[0170] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a second storage device 410 and a second processing circuit 420 in an information processing device according to still another embodiment.

[0171] 16, the second storage device 410 stores a control program 411, a setting program 412, a reception program 413, an acquisition program 414, and a judgment program 415. Each of these programs is a functional module implemented by software that runs on a processor. The second processing circuit 420 reads each program stored in the first storage device 130 and operates according to the read programs, thereby functioning as a control unit 421, a setting unit 422, a reception unit 423, an acquisition unit 424, and a judgment unit 425.

[0172] The control unit 421, the setting unit 422, the reception unit 423, the acquisition unit 424, and the determination unit 425 have the same functions as the control unit 141, the setting unit 142, the reception unit 143, the acquisition unit 144, and the determination unit 145 of the image reading device 100, respectively. The second storage device 410 stores each data stored in the first storage device 130. The processes of steps S101 to S104, S106 to S120, and S123 of the image reading process are executed by the setting unit 422, the reception unit 423, the acquisition unit 424, and the determination unit 425.

[0173] In step S101, the control unit 421 waits until a user inputs an instruction to read a medium using the second input device 201 and receives an operation signal from the second input device 201. The control unit 421 displays a reception screen on the second display device 202 and receives each instruction from the user from the second input device 201. The control unit 421 transmits the received operation signal to the image reading device 100 via the second communication device 203.

[0174] In steps S106 and S120, the control unit 421 transmits a request signal requesting that the motor 121 be driven to the image reading device 100 via the second communication device 203. The control unit 141 of the image reading device 100 receives the request signal from the information processing device 200 via the first communication device 122, and drives the motor 121 in accordance with the received request signal. This causes the control unit 421 to feed and transport the medium.

[0175] In step S107, the acquiring unit 144 transmits the input image to the information processing device 200 via the first communication device 122. The acquiring unit 424 receives the input image from the image reading device 100 via the second communication device 203 to acquire the input image.

[0176] In steps S111 and S123, the control unit 421 transmits a request signal requesting that the motor 121 be stopped to the image reading device 100 via the second communication device 203. The control unit 141 of the image reading device 100 receives the request signal from the information processing device 200 via the first communication device 122, and stops the motor 121 in accordance with the received request signal. This causes the control unit 421 to stop feeding and transporting the medium, and stops the image generation process by the image reading device 100 that generated the input image.

[0177] In step S115, the control unit 421 outputs the notification data by displaying it on the second display device 202 or transmitting it to the other information processing device 200 via the second communication device 203. In step S116, the control unit 421 receives an instruction signal from the other information processing device 200 via the second input device 201 or the second communication device 203. In step S121, the control unit 421 outputs the processed image by displaying it on the second display device 202.

[0178] Note that some of the processes executed by the respective units of the information processing device described above may be executed by the corresponding units of the image reading device.

[0179] As described above in detail, the image processing system can improve user convenience even in the case where an information processing device executes part of the image reading process.

[0180] FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a second processing circuit 520 in an information processing device according to still another embodiment.

[0181] The second processing circuit 520 is used in place of the second processing circuit 420, and executes image reading processing, etc. The second processing circuit 520 includes a control circuit 521, a setting circuit 522, a receiving circuit 523, an acquisition circuit 524, a determination circuit 525, and the like.

[0182] The control circuit 521 is an example of a control unit, and has the same functions as the control unit 421. The control circuit 521 receives an operation signal from the second input device 201, and outputs the received operation signal to the second communication device 203. The control circuit 521 also reads out an input image from the second storage device 210, a determination result as to whether or not a setting value designated by a user matches the characteristics of the input image, a determination result as to whether or not the input image has the characteristics designated by the user, and the like. The control circuit 521 generates notification data based on each piece of information read out, and outputs the generated notification data to the second display device 202 or the second communication device 203. The control circuit 341 also generates a processed image based on the input image, and outputs the processed image to the second display device 202.

[0183] The setting circuit 522 is an example of a setting unit, and has the same function as the setting unit 422. The setting circuit 522 receives setting information designated by a user from the second input device 201, sets the setting information in the second storage device 210, and outputs the setting information to the second communication device 203.

[0184] The reception circuit 523 is an example of a reception unit, and has the same function as the reception unit 423. The reception circuit 523 receives setting items and image features for performing image judgment designated by a user from the second input device 201 or the second communication device 203, and sets the received setting items and image features in the second storage device 210.

[0185] The acquisition circuit 524 is an example of an acquisition unit, and has the same function as the acquisition unit 424. The acquisition circuit 524 receives an input image from the second communication device 203, and stores it in the second storage device 210.

[0186] The judgment circuit 525 is an example of a judgment section, and has the same function as the judgment section 425. The judgment circuit 525 reads out the input image, the setting items for performing image judgment specified by the user, the setting values ​​of the setting items, and the image characteristics. The judgment circuit 345 judges whether the setting values ​​for the items specified by the user match the characteristics of the input image based on each piece of read information, and whether the input image has the characteristics specified by the user, and stores the judgment result in the second storage device 210.

[0187] As described above in detail, even when the information processing device uses the second processing circuit 520, it is possible to improve the convenience for the user.

[0188] Although preferred embodiments have been described above, the embodiments are not limited to these. For example, the control unit 141 may receive an instruction from the user other than the resumption or end of transporting and capturing the medium in step S116. For example, the control unit 141 receives an instruction to change the setting value from the user. When an instruction to change the setting value is received, the control unit 141 changes the setting value of the setting item that does not match the characteristics of the input image to a setting value that matches the characteristics of the input image or a setting value newly specified by the user. Based on the changed setting value, the control unit 141 generates a processed image from the input image generated this time, and / or generates an input image and a processed image in which a medium to be transported thereafter is captured. In this way, the image reading device 100 can reduce the user's trouble when changing the setting value and re-transporting and re-capturing the medium, thereby improving the user's convenience.

[0189] Furthermore, the control unit 141 may receive an instruction to delete an image from the user. When an instruction to delete an image is received, the control unit 141 deletes the input image (and the processed image) generated this time.

[0190] Furthermore, the determination unit 145 may determine whether the setting value specified by the user matches the characteristics of the input image based on information other than the input image. For example, the determination unit 145 may identify the size of the medium based on the difference in time when the leading edge and trailing edge of the medium pass the position of the second medium sensor 116. Furthermore, the image reading device 100 may have an imaging device other than the imaging device 117, and the determination unit 145 may identify the characteristic information of the image based on an image generated by imaging the medium using that imaging device.

[0191] The image reading device may also have a so-called U-turn path, which feeds and transports the media placed on the placement table in order from the top, and discharges the media onto the discharge table. [Explanation of symbols]

[0192] 1 Image processing system, 100 Image reading device, 141, 421 Control unit, 142, 422 Setting unit, 143, 423 Reception unit, 144, 424 Acquisition unit, 145, 425 Determination unit, 200 Information processing device

Claims

1. a setting unit that sets a setting value designated by a user for each of a plurality of setting items related to imaging processing or image processing; a reception unit that receives, from a user, a designation of a setting item among the plurality of setting items, the setting item being used to determine whether or not the setting value matches a characteristic of an input image obtained by capturing an image of a medium; An acquisition unit that acquires the input image; a determination unit that determines whether or not the setting value matches the characteristics of the input image for each setting item designated by a user; a control unit that notifies a user of information regarding a result of the determination when the setting value is determined not to match the characteristics of the input image, or stops an image generation process by a device that generated the input image; 13. An image processing device comprising:

2. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the reception unit receives a specification of whether or not to execute the determination for each of the plurality of setting items.

3. The setting unit sets a plurality of setting values ​​designated by a user for a specific setting item, 3. The image processing device of claim 1, wherein when the specific setting item is specified as the setting item for performing the judgment, the control unit notifies a user of information regarding the judgment result or stops the image generation process by the device that generated the input image when it is judged that none of the multiple setting values ​​match the characteristics of the input image.

4. The setting unit sets a plurality of sets each including a setting value for each of a predetermined number of setting items, The image processing device described in claim 1 or 2, wherein when a predetermined number of setting items included in the multiple sets are specified as the setting items for performing the judgment, when it is judged that the setting values ​​for each of the predetermined number of setting items for any of the multiple sets do not match the characteristics of the input image, the control unit notifies a user of information regarding the judgment result or stops the image generation process by the device that generated the input image.

5. The receiving unit further receives designation of image characteristics from a user; The determination unit further determines whether or not the input image has a feature designated by a user; 3. The image processing device according to claim 1, wherein, when the control unit determines that the input image does not have the characteristics specified by the user, the control unit notifies the user of information regarding the determination result or stops image generation by the device that generated the input image.

6. The image processing device according to claim 5 , wherein the reception unit receives, from a user, a designation of an image feature that is not predefined in the image processing device.

7. An image processing system having an image reading device and an information processing device, one of the image reading device and the information processing device has a setting unit that sets a setting value designated by a user for each of a plurality of setting items related to imaging processing or image processing, one of the image reading device and the information processing device has a reception unit that receives, from a user, a designation of a setting item among the plurality of setting items, the setting item being used to determine whether or not the setting value matches a characteristic of an input image obtained by capturing an image of a medium; one of the image reading device and the information processing device has an acquisition unit that acquires the input image; one of the image reading device and the information processing device has a determination unit that determines whether or not a setting value specified by a user matches a characteristic of the input image; a control unit for notifying a user of information on a result of the determination when the setting value is determined not to match the characteristics of the input image, or for stopping an image generation process by a device that generated the input image, in either the image reading device or the information processing device; 1. An image processing system comprising:

8. setting a setting value designated by a user for each of a plurality of setting items related to imaging processing or image processing; receiving, from a user, a designation of a setting item among the plurality of setting items, for determining whether or not the setting value matches a characteristic of an input image obtained by capturing an image of a medium; Obtaining the input image; determining whether or not the setting value matches the characteristics of the input image for each setting item designated by the user; If it is determined that the setting value does not match the characteristics of the input image, the setting value is notified to a user, or an image generation process by a device that generated the input image is stopped.

13. An image processing method comprising:

9. A control program for a computer, comprising: setting a setting value designated by a user for each of a plurality of setting items related to imaging processing or image processing; receiving, from a user, a designation of a setting item among the plurality of setting items, for determining whether or not the setting value matches a characteristic of an input image obtained by capturing an image of a medium; Obtaining the input image; determining whether or not the setting value matches the characteristics of the input image for each setting item designated by the user; If it is determined that the setting value does not match the characteristics of the input image, the setting value is notified to a user, or an image generation process by a device that generated the input image is stopped. A control program for causing the computer to execute the above steps.

Images