Control device, control method, and program

Abstract

To improve user convenience when generating files.SOLUTION: A control device that controls a scanner includes control means that executes display control to display reading parameters when the original image is read by the scanner when the file of the original image to be read by the scanner is generated under first conditions, and to display generation parameters and the reading parameters when the file is generated under second conditions different from the first conditions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device, a control method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Image reading devices (scanners) that scan documents and generate image files are commonly known. In a scanner, reading parameters are set in advance by a user via a user interface (UI) such as a touch panel provided by the device, or a graphical user interface (GUI) available on a PC that can be connected to the device. The scanner performs a scan (read) process using the previously set reading parameters.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for performing file format conversion processing and resolution compression processing when a scanner generates an image file. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-231219 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Patent Document 1 describes an example in which the resolution at the time of reading an image is automatically changed depending on the processing to be performed after the image is read in. In such a case, the parameters previously set by the user (resolution at the time of reading the image) may differ from the parameters of the generated file (e.g., the resolution of the product).

[0006] The present disclosure aims to improve user convenience when generating files. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A control device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a control device that controls a scanner, and is characterized in that it has a control means that performs display control to display reading parameters when a file of an original image to be read by the scanner is generated under first conditions, and to display generation parameters and the reading parameters when the file is generated under second conditions different from the first conditions. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to improve user convenience when generating files. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an image processing system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an MFP. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a software configuration of the MFP. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on an operation unit. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on an operation unit. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing a screen display process including a resolution setting. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on an operation unit. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing a screen display process including a resolution setting. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart of a process performed when a user operation for changing a resolution setting is accepted. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on an operation unit. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing a screen display process including a resolution setting. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the present disclosure, and not all combinations of features described in the following embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the present disclosure. Note that the same reference numbers are used for the same components.

[0011] <<First embodiment>> In this embodiment, an example will be described in which a user can properly recognize parameters at the time of file generation even when parameters at the time of image reading (also called reading parameters) and parameters at the time of file generation (also called generation parameters) are different parameters. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) is used as a scanner. In addition, the resolution will be taken as an example of parameters at the time of image reading and file generation.

[0012] As one aspect, when a user scans a desired document to obtain a document image, the user performs an operation to set parameters (resolution) for image reading using the operation screen of the MFP, etc. Note that if the parameters desired by the user are set as defaults, the setting operation may not be performed. After that, when an instruction to execute scanning is received from the user, the MFP performs reading according to the parameters for image reading that have been set.

[0013] In some MFPs, when the set resolution is a predetermined resolution, after the process of reading an image at the set resolution, a compression process may be performed to make only the background area of ​​the image data of the read image have a resolution lower than the resolution at the time of reading. As a result of the compression process, a file with reduced data volume is generated. In such a case, the resolution of the actually generated file differs from the resolution recognized by the user. Below, an example will be described in which the user can understand the parameters at the time of file generation even in such a case.

[0014] <System configuration> 1 is a diagram showing an example of an image processing system 10 according to the present embodiment. An MFP 101 and a file server 102 are connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) 100 so as to be able to communicate with each other. The MFP 101 is an example of an image processing device. The file server 102 is an example of a file management device.

[0015] The MFP 101 can transmit image data files using a file transfer protocol with a folder in the file server 102 as the destination. Examples of the file transfer protocol include Server Message Block (SMB) and File Transfer Protocol (FTP). The file transmission destination of the MFP 101 is not limited to the file server 102, and a folder in a host PC (not shown) can also be the destination. The MFP 101 can transmit image data by e-mail via a mail server (not shown). The MFP 101 is connected to a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) 110, and can transmit and receive faxes to and from a fax device (not shown). The MFP 101 may also be configured to be connected to the Internet (not shown) and transmit data to other devices via the Internet.

[0016] When a destination table stored in a device (eg, file server 102) in image processing system 10 is made public, MFP 101 can obtain the destination table via LAN 100 and use it.

[0017] Note that the image processing system 10 includes the MFP 101 and the file server 102, but only the MFP 101 may be referred to as the image processing system. Also, the image processing system may include a host PC or a management server (not shown).

[0018] <Hardware configuration> 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of MFP 101. MFP 101 has a control unit 210, an operation unit 220, a printer 221, a scanner 222, and a modem 223. The control unit 210 has a CPU 211, a ROM 212, a RAM 213, a HDD 214, an operation unit I / F 215, a printer I / F 216, a scanner I / F 217, a modem I / F 218, and a network I / F 219.

[0019] A control unit 210 including a CPU 211 controls the overall operation of the MFP 101. The CPU 211 reads out a control program stored in a ROM 212 and performs various controls such as reading control and transmission control. The RAM 213 is used as a main memory for the CPU 211 and a temporary storage area such as a work area. Note that the MFP 101 is assumed to have one CPU 211 using one memory (RAM 213 or HDD 214) to execute each process shown in the flowcharts described below, but other configurations are also possible. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which multiple CPUs and multiple RAMs or HDDs work together to execute each process shown in the flowcharts described below.

[0020] The HDD 214 stores image data and various programs. The operation unit I / F 215 connects the operation unit 220 and the control unit 210. The operation unit 220 includes a liquid crystal display unit having a touch panel function, a keyboard, and the like.

[0021] The printer I / F 216 connects the printer 221 and the control unit 210. Image data used for printing by the printer 221 is transferred from the control unit 210 via the printer I / F 216, and is printed on a recording medium by the printer 221. Note that the printing method of the printer 221 used in this embodiment may be an electrophotographic method, an inkjet method, or another method.

[0022] The scanner I / F 217 connects the scanner 222 to the control unit 210. The scanner 222 reads an image on a document, generates image data (image file), and inputs the image data to the control unit 210 via the scanner I / F 217. The MFP 101 can transmit the image data (image file) generated by the scanner 222 as a file or by email.

[0023] The modem I / F 218 connects the modem 223 to the control unit 210. The modem 223 connects the control unit 210 (MFP 101) to the PSTN 110. The modem 223 executes fax transmission and reception with a fax device on the PSTN 110.

[0024] The network I / F 219 connects the control unit 210 (MFP 101) to the LAN 100. The network I / F 219 transmits image data and information to an external device (such as the file server 102) on the LAN 100, and receives various information from the external device on the LAN 100.

[0025] <Software configuration> 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the software configuration of MFP 101. In this embodiment, unless otherwise specified, communication between the illustrated software modules is realized by CPU 211 performing processing according to a program stored in ROM 212 or HDD 214. CPU 211 controls ROM 212, RAM 213, HDD 214, operation unit I / F 215, printer I / F 216, scanner I / F 217, modem I / F 218, and network I / F 219.

[0026] The control unit 210 has a screen display control unit 301 , a screen input control unit 302 , an authentication processing unit 303 , an application 304 , a start key control unit 305 , a time management unit 306 , and a job execution button control unit 307 .

[0027] The screen display control unit 301 mainly performs screen management of the entire application 304 , a process of transferring screen information to the operation unit 220 , and a process of notifying the application 304 of an event input from the operation unit 220 .

[0028] The operation unit I / F 215 converts an operation from the operation unit 220 into a signal, and the screen input control unit 302 receives and analyzes the signal, and converts it into an input signal in an event format that can be transmitted to an application 304. Then, the screen input control unit 302 notifies the screen display control unit 301 of the input signal.

[0029] The authentication processing unit 303 displays an authentication screen on the operation unit 220 and performs user authentication using authentication information such as an ID and password input by the user. If the user authentication is successful, the authentication processing unit 303 performs login processing to log the user into the MFP 101. When a logout instruction is given, the authentication processing unit 303 performs logout processing to log the logged-in user out of the MFP 101.

[0030] The applications 304 are a group of applications that run on the MFP 101, and the CPU 211 runs each application in response to an instruction from a user via the screen input control unit 302. Among the applications that the MFP 101 has, representative ones are as follows: An application program having a “copy” function that reads an image on an original document using a scanner 222 and prints the generated image data on a printer 221. An application program having a "print" function that prints image data on the printer 221 based on a print job input from an external device such as a PC. An application program having a "scan and send" function that reads an image on a document using the scanner 222 and sends the generated image data to an external device. An application program having a "scan and save" function that reads an image on a document using the scanner 222 and saves the generated image data in an external memory. An application program having a "use saved file" function for printing image data saved in an external memory using the printer 221 or transmitting the same to an external device. An application program with a "browser" function that allows users to view, print, and save data on a web server via a web browser. An application program with an "Easy Scan" function that limits the "Scan and Send" function to only some of the main settings, making it easier to use.

[0031] Note that the application 304 included in the MFP 101 is not limited to the above example. Also, the application 304 can be added later at the instruction of the user.

[0032] The start key control unit 305 detects that the start key has been pressed by the screen input control unit 302, and sends a start key execution notification to the application 304. The application 304 that has received the start key execution notification executes the corresponding function.

[0033] A time management unit 306 manages the current time since the MFP 101 is started up, and notifies the user of the current time in response to an instruction from the start key control unit 305 or the job execution button control unit 307 .

[0034] The job execution button control unit 307 sets the functions of the corresponding application in response to an instruction from the user, and stores the settings in the HDD 214. Furthermore, the job execution button control unit 307 detects that a registered job execution button has been pressed, calls the corresponding application 304, and executes the application 304 with settings that have been registered in advance and stored in the HDD 214.

[0035] Note that the configuration shown in Fig. 3 is merely an example, and is not limited to this example. Some of the configurations in Fig. 3 may be omitted, and other configurations may be added.

[0036] <Operation screen> 4 and 5 are diagrams showing examples of screens displayed on the operation unit 220 in this embodiment. The screens shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are displayed by the screen display control unit 301. FIG. 4(a) is an example of a home screen 400. Icons for using the above-mentioned applications 304 are arranged on the home screen 400. The home screen 400 in FIG. 4(a) is displayed when the MFP 101 is started up, or is displayed in response to the user pressing the home button on another screen. In this embodiment, a form in which a scan and send application is used will be described as an example of the application 304 that uses the scanner 222.

[0037] FIG. 4(b) is an example of a basic setting screen 410 when using a scan and send application. The basic setting screen 410 in FIG. 4(b) is displayed on the operation unit 220 in response to the user pressing the scan and send button 401 in FIG. 4(a). On the basic setting screen 410, buttons (areas) for performing read settings, such as a resolution setting button 411 and a file format setting button 412, are provided. In addition, the basic setting screen 410 in FIG. 4(b) is provided with buttons for specifying color settings, paper settings, and other functions. In this embodiment, the case where the resolution setting button 411 and the file format setting button 412 are pressed will be mainly described, and therefore descriptions of the other buttons will be omitted.

[0038] The MFP 101 of this embodiment is configured to read an image at a resolution of a parameter previously set by a user and then perform high compression processing when high compression processing is enabled in a high compression setting button 432 in FIG. 4(d) described later. Specifically, the MFP 101 performs processing to generate a file by compressing only the background area in the image data of the read image at a resolution lower than the resolution at the time of reading. That is, a part of the image data is compressed with a parameter other than the parameter (resolution) previously set by the user. In this embodiment, a plurality of parameters are displayed on the resolution setting button 411 of the basic setting screen 410 in FIG. 4(b). That is, both the parameter "300x300dpi" which is the parameter of the resolution previously set by the user and the parameter "(150x150dpi)" which is the parameter of the resolution when a part of the image data is compressed by the high compression processing are displayed. In this example, "300x300dpi" is the parameter at the time of reading the image, and "(150x150dpi)" is the parameter of the file to be generated. In this manner, in this embodiment, when the parameters at the time of reading an image are different from the parameters at the time of file generation, a process is performed in which these parameters are displayed side by side. As a result, when a user sets the parameters at the time of reading, even if the parameters at the time of reading are different from the parameters at the time of file generation, the user can properly recognize the parameters at the time of file generation. Note that an example of a method for extracting a background region from image data is a process for separating scanned image data into a character region and a background region by performing an image area separation process. Any other method can be used as a method for extracting a background region from image data.

[0039] FIG. 4(c) is an example of a resolution setting screen 420. The resolution setting screen 420 in FIG. 4(c) is displayed on the operation unit 220 in response to the user pressing the resolution setting button 411 in FIG. 4(b). On the resolution setting screen 420, a list of resolution selection buttons including a setting button 421 corresponding to 300x300dpi is prepared, and the corresponding resolution is displayed on each resolution setting button. The resolution selection button is a button configured to allow an arbitrary resolution to be selected from a plurality of resolutions prepared in advance in the MFP 101. The resolution setting screen 420 in FIG. 4(c) basically displays the resolution (parameter) at the time of image reading. In addition, in the case of an item (300x300dpi) in which the resolution at the time of file generation is different from the resolution at the time of reading, the resolution at the time of image reading and the resolution at the time of file generation are listed side by side as described above. In FIG. 4(c), 300x300dpi is the only item where the resolution when the image is read and the resolution when the file is generated are different, so the resolution when the file is generated is listed in the 300x300dpi item. Also, in the resolution setting screen 420 in FIG. 4(c), a message is also displayed in parentheses notifying the user that the resolution is the resolution of the file to be generated. Note that the message notifying the user that the resolution is the resolution of the file to be generated may not be displayed. Note that, in the items other than 300x300dpi, the resolution when the image is read and the resolution when the file is generated are the same, so it can be said that the resolution when the file is generated is displayed in the resolution setting screen 420.

[0040] In the resolution setting screen 420 in Fig. 4(c), the user selects the resolution parameters for image reading and presses the OK button, which returns to the basic setting screen 410 in Fig. 4(b). In the basic setting screen 410 that is displayed again, the selected resolution parameters are displayed in the resolution setting button 411. When the user then presses the start button 413, the scan process is executed based on the selected resolution (parameters).

[0041] As described above, in the MFP 101 of this embodiment, when the high compression process is enabled in the high compression setting button 432 in FIG. 4(d) described later, the high compression process is performed. That is, after reading an image with a resolution (parameter) previously set by the user, the high compression process is performed, and only the background area in the image data of the read image is compressed to a resolution lower than the resolution at the time of reading to generate a file. That is, a part of the image data is compressed with a parameter that is not the parameter previously set by the user. For this reason, both "300x300dpi" and "(150x150dpi)" are displayed on the setting button 421 corresponding to 300x300dpi. "300x300dpi" is a parameter previously set by the user. "(150x150dpi)" is a parameter when a part of the image data is compressed by the high compression process. Note that the high compression process may be enabled by default in the MFP 101. Even in the case of the default setting, the parameters are similarly previously set by the user.

[0042] FIG. 4(d) is an example of a file format setting screen 430. On the file format setting screen 430, file format setting buttons including a PDF setting button 431 are prepared. On each file format setting button, a corresponding file format value is written. In addition, when each file format setting button is selected, a corresponding detailed setting button (for example, a high compression setting button 432) is displayed. By pressing the high compression setting button 432, it is possible to set high compression processing to be enabled (high compression setting ON) or disabled (high compression setting OFF). When high compression processing is enabled, a display indicating that it is enabled is displayed, and when disabled, a display indicating that it is disabled is displayed. For example, when high compression processing is enabled, it is highlighted like the high compression setting button 432 in FIG. 4(d), and when disabled, it is not highlighted.

[0043] FIG. 5(a) is an example of a basic setting screen 540 when the high compression setting is OFF. When the high compression setting is OFF, no reduction in resolution occurs when a file is generated. For this reason, the resolution in parentheses of the resolution setting button 541 is written as the same resolution (300x300dpi) as the resolution when an image is read, which is written outside the parentheses. Furthermore, the file format setting button 542 does not write "high compression" in parentheses, but writes "PDF". Thus, in this embodiment, for parameters whose resolution when a file is generated may differ from the resolution when an image is read, even if the high compression setting is OFF, a process of writing both parameters side by side is performed.

[0044] Fig. 5(b) is an example of the resolution setting screen 550 when the high compression setting is turned off. As in Fig. 5(a), when the high compression setting is turned off, no reduction in resolution occurs when a file is generated. For this reason, the resolution in parentheses of the setting button 551 corresponding to 300x300dpi is written as the same resolution (300x300dpi) as the resolution when the image is read, which is written outside the parentheses.

[0045] Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing a screen display process including resolution setting. The flowchart in Fig. 6 is realized by CPU 211 of MFP 101 reading into RAM 213 a program for implementing each control module stored in ROM 212 and executing it. Note that some or all of the functions of the steps in Fig. 6 may be implemented by hardware such as an ASIC or an electronic circuit. The symbol "S" in the explanation of each process indicates a step in the flowchart (this also applies to the flowcharts in the rest of this specification).

[0046] The flowchart of FIG. 6 is started based on the user pressing the scan and send button 401 on the home screen 400 of FIG. 4(a). The flowchart of FIG. 6 is started based on the user pressing the resolution setting button 411 on the basic setting screen 410 of FIG. 4(b). That is, the flowchart is executed when the basic setting screen 410 of FIG. 4(b) is displayed based on the user pressing the scan and send button 401, and when the resolution setting screen 420 of FIG. 4(c) is displayed based on the user pressing the resolution setting button 411. The trigger for starting the process of the flowchart of FIG. 6 is not limited to the above example, and the process of the flowchart of FIG. 6 may be triggered by a user operation that causes the screen transition shown in FIG. 4(b) to (d) and FIG. 5(a) and (b). The process of FIG. 6 is a flowchart in which a part focusing on the display content of the resolution setting is extracted.

[0047] In S601, the screen display control unit 301 reads out the setting values ​​of the currently selected resolution setting, file format setting, high compression setting, etc. from the RAM 213. After reading out the setting values, the screen display control unit 301 proceeds to S602.

[0048] In S602, the screen display control unit 301 determines whether to display an item of a specific resolution on the transition screen. Here, the specific resolution refers to a resolution that may be reduced by high compression processing. Specifically, in the example of FIG. 4, the specific resolution refers to a resolution of 300x300 dpi. If it is determined that an item of a specific resolution is to be displayed, the screen display control unit 301 proceeds to S603. If it is determined that an item of a specific resolution is not to be displayed, the screen display control unit 301 proceeds to S607.

[0049] In S603, the screen display control unit 301 uses the setting value read in S601 to determine whether or not the currently selected file format is PDF. If it is determined that the currently selected file format is PDF, the screen display control unit 301 proceeds to S604. If it is determined that the currently selected file format is not PDF, the screen display control unit 301 proceeds to S606.

[0050] In S604, the screen display control unit 301 determines whether or not the high compression setting is enabled. If it is determined that the high compression setting is enabled, the screen display control unit 301 proceeds to S605. If it is determined that the high compression setting is not enabled, that is, disabled, the screen display control unit 301 proceeds to S606.

[0051] In S605, the screen display control unit 301 determines to display information indicating that the resolution is reduced by the high compression process for a specific resolution. The display of information indicating that the resolution is reduced by the high compression process is information display such as the resolution setting button 411 in FIG. 4(b) and the setting button 421 corresponding to 300x300dpi in FIG. 4(c). That is, S605 is a process in which the screen display control unit 301 determines to display the parameter (resolution) displayed in parentheses of the resolution selection button as the parameter when performing the high compression process, not as the parameter at the time of image reading. As shown in FIG. 4(b), the resolution setting button 411 displays both the parameter "300x300dpi" previously set by the user and the parameter "(150x150dpi)" when a part of the image data is compressed by the high compression process. Also, as shown in FIG. 4(c), the setting button 421 corresponding to 300x300dpi displays "300x300dpi", which is the parameter of the resolution previously set by the user. Further, "(150x150dpi)" which is a parameter when a part of the image data is compressed by the high compression process is displayed. By checking the parameter, the user can recognize that the resolution is reduced by the high compression process. As shown in FIG. 4(c), the resolution setting screen 420 also includes a message explaining the meaning of the parameter in parentheses, so that the user can recognize that the resolution is reduced by the high compression process. The content of the message does not have to be that shown in FIG. 4(c). The screen display control unit 301 may be configured to display a message explaining the meaning of the parameter in parentheses of the resolution on the basic setting screen 410 of FIG. 4(b). The screen display control unit 301 decides to perform such a display in S605, and after S605, the screen display control unit 301 proceeds to S607.

[0052] In S606, the screen display control unit 301 determines to display information indicating that the resolution will not be reduced by the high compression process. The display of information indicating that the resolution will not be reduced by the high compression process refers to information display such as the resolution setting button 541 in FIG. 5(a) and the setting button 551 corresponding to 300x300dpi in FIG. 5(b). That is, S606 is a process in which the screen display control unit 301 determines to display the parameters displayed in parentheses of the resolution selection button as the parameters at the time of image reading. As shown in FIG. 5(a), the resolution setting button 541 displays both the parameter "300x300dpi" previously set by the user and "(300x300dpi)" which is the same value as the parameter. 5(b), the setting button 551 corresponding to 300x300dpi displays both "300x300dpi", which is the resolution parameter previously set by the user, and "(300x300dpi)", which is the same value as the parameter. By checking the parameters, the user can recognize that there will be no reduction in resolution due to high compression processing. In S606, the screen display control unit 301 decides to perform such a display, and after S606, the screen display control unit 301 proceeds to S607.

[0053] In S607, the screen display control unit 301 performs a display process. The display process in S607 includes the display determined in S604 or S605. That is, for the items of the specific resolution, the display determined in S604 or S605 is performed. For the items of the resolution other than the specific resolution, the normal display, that is, the display without parentheses, is performed. In this manner, in S607, a process is performed to display a screen to be displayed by pressing a button for screen transition, which is a trigger of this flowchart. For example, when the process of the flowchart in FIG. 6 is performed in response to the user pressing the scan and send button 401, the display of FIG. 4(b) or FIG. 5(a) is performed in accordance with the determination in S604 or S605. Similarly, when the process of the flowchart in FIG. 6 is performed in response to the user pressing the resolution setting button 411, the display of FIG. 4(c) or FIG. 5(b) is performed in accordance with the determination in S604 or S605. After the process of S607, the screen display control unit 301 ends the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6.

[0054] In this way, in the flowchart of FIG. 6, control is performed to switch between the first notation and the second notation and display them on the operation unit 220 according to the conditions when generating a file of a document image read by a scanner. In the example of FIG. 6, the conditions when generating a file correspond to whether the file format is PDF and the high compression setting is ON or not. If the file format is not PDF or the high compression setting is OFF, the first notation is performed to display information indicating that the resolution will not be reduced by the compression process. On the other hand, if the file format is PDF and the high compression setting is ON, the second notation is performed to display information indicating that the resolution will be reduced by the compression process. Specifically, the first notation is performed to display the same resolution side by side, and the second notation is performed to display different resolutions side by side.

[0055] In this embodiment, 300x300dpi has been described as an example of a specific resolution, that is, an example of a parameter whose resolution may be reduced by high compression processing, but other parameters may be used. For example, when 400x400dpi is selected and high compression processing is performed by MFP101, 400x400dpi may be written in parentheses instead of 300x300dpi. In addition, when there are multiple parameters whose resolution may be reduced by high compression processing, those multiple parameters may be written in parentheses. It is assumed that the parameters whose resolution may be reduced by high compression processing are defined in advance in MFP101.

[0056] In addition, in the present embodiment, an example has been described in which there are multiple settable resolutions, and some of the resolutions are set as specific resolutions that may be reduced by high compression processing. However, there may be multiple settable resolutions, and all of the resolutions may be set as specific resolutions that may be reduced by high compression processing. In this case, the screen display control unit 301 may skip the process of S602 and proceed to S603 after S601.

[0057] As described above, according to this embodiment, the user can appropriately recognize the parameters at the time of file generation. That is, when the user sets the parameters at the time of image reading, even if the parameters at the time of image reading and the parameters at the time of file generation are different values, the user can appropriately recognize the parameters at the time of file generation. For example, in this embodiment, when the MFP 101 displays the basic setting screen 410 (FIG. 4(b)) and the resolution setting screen 420 (FIG. 4(c)), the resolution can be displayed in a notation including resolution information considering the state of the related setting (here, the high compression setting). This allows the user to confirm, on the setting screen, the resolution at the time of image reading and the resolution at the time of file generation considering the related setting. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user from erroneously generating a file with an unintended resolution.

[0058] The above-mentioned embodiment has been described by taking the scan and send application as an example. Here, if the application 304 used by the user is not a scan and send application, the process described in this embodiment may not be applied. That is, the flowchart in FIG. 6 may be a process applied when a specific application is executed. For example, in an easy scan application having a function similar to that of the scan and send application, detailed numbers of the resolution are not displayed. Specifically, when the resolution is displayed in the easy scan application, it is displayed in a form such as "small file size" or "high resolution". In this way, this embodiment may not be applied to applications that do not display detailed information to the user. In addition, this embodiment may not be applied to applications that do not need to change the display, such as applications in which there is no difference between the parameters when an image is read and the parameters when a file is generated.

[0059] <<Second embodiment>> In the first embodiment, an example was described in which the resolution when the image was read and the resolution when the file was generated were displayed side by side. Also, as shown in Figures 5(a) and (b), in the first embodiment, even if there is no difference between the resolution when the image was read and the resolution when the file was generated, both were displayed. In such a case, excessive information that does not need to be considered is displayed on the setting screen, which may confuse the user.

[0060] Therefore, in the second embodiment, an example will be described in which the resolution at the time of file generation is not displayed when there is no difference between the resolution at the time of image reading and the resolution at the time of file generation. Note that when there is no difference between the resolution at the time of image reading and the resolution at the time of file generation, the two have the same value, so the target to be displayed may be either the resolution at the time of image reading or the resolution at the time of file generation. In other words, although an example will be described below in which the resolution at the time of file generation is not displayed when there is no difference between the resolution at the time of image reading and the resolution at the time of file generation, this may also be treated as an example in which the resolution at the time of image reading is not displayed.

[0061] The basic configuration of this embodiment is the same as the example described in the first embodiment, so the description will be omitted. The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment. The difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is that Fig. 5(a) and Fig. 5(b) are changed to Fig. 7(a) and Fig. 7(b), and the flow chart of Fig. 6 is changed to the flow chart of Fig. 8. Note that, in this embodiment, the specific resolution at which the resolution may be reduced by high compression processing is 300x300dpi as in the first embodiment.

[0062] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit 220 in this embodiment. FIG. 7(a) is an example of a basic setting screen 700 when the high compression setting is set to OFF in this embodiment. Since the high compression setting is OFF, there is no difference between the resolution when the image is read and the resolution when the file is generated. Therefore, the screen display control unit 301 displays 300x300dpi, which is the resolution when the image is read and the parameter of the resolution when the file is generated, on the resolution setting button 701. In other words, the screen display control unit 301 displays only the parameter of the resolution when the image is read on the resolution setting button 701. On the other hand, when the high compression setting is ON, there is a difference between the resolution when the image is read and the resolution when the file is generated. Therefore, like the basic setting screen 410 in FIG. 4(b) described in the first embodiment, the screen display control unit 301 displays information indicating both the resolution when the image is read, 300x300dpi, and the resolution when the file is generated, 150x150dpi. That is, as in the basic setting screen 410 of FIG. 4B, the resolution setting button 411 displays "300x300dpi (150x150dpi)."

[0063] FIG. 7B is an example of a resolution setting screen 710 when the high compression setting in this embodiment is set to OFF. Since the high compression setting is OFF, there is no difference between the resolution when an image is read and the resolution when a file is generated. Therefore, the screen display control unit 301 displays 300x300dpi, which is the resolution when an image is read and also the parameter of the resolution when a file is generated, on the setting button 711 corresponding to 300x300dpi. In other words, the screen display control unit 301 displays only the parameter of the resolution when an image is read on the setting button 711 corresponding to 300x300dpi. On the other hand, when the high compression setting is ON, there is a difference between the resolution when the image is read and the resolution when a file is generated. Therefore, like the resolution setting screen 420 in FIG. 4C described in the first embodiment, the screen display control unit 301 displays information indicating both 300x300dpi, which is the resolution when an image is read, and 150x150dpi, which is the resolution when a file is generated. That is, as in the resolution setting screen 420 of Fig. 4(c), "300x300dpi (150x150dpi)" is displayed on the setting button 421 corresponding to 300x300dpi. In Fig. 7(b), a message is displayed as text stating that "The number in parentheses is the resolution of the file to be generated." This message may be configured not to be displayed if there is no notation in parentheses.

[0064] Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing a screen display process including resolution setting. The trigger for starting the flowchart in Fig. 8 is the same as the example described in Fig. 6. The difference between the flowchart in Fig. 8 and the flowchart in Fig. 6 is that S605 and S606 are changed to S805 and S806. The other processes are the same as the example described in the first embodiment, so the description will be omitted.

[0065] In S805, the screen display control unit 301 determines to display the resolution when the image is read and the resolution when the file is generated for a specific resolution. That is, because a difference occurs between the resolution when the image is read and the resolution when the file is generated due to high compression processing, it determines to display both the resolution when the image is read and the resolution when the file is generated, as shown in Fig. 4(b) or 4(c). Then, the process proceeds to S607 as described in Fig. 6.

[0066] In S806, the screen display control unit 301 determines that the resolution at the time of image reading is to be displayed for a specific resolution. That is, since high compression processing is not performed, the resolution at the time of image reading and the resolution at the time of file generation match. Therefore, only one piece of information (the resolution at the time of image reading in this example) is displayed. Then, as described in FIG. 6, the process proceeds to S607.

[0067] In this way, in the flowchart of Fig. 8, control is performed to switch between the first notation and the second notation and display them on the operation unit 220 depending on the conditions for generating a file of a document image read by a scanner. In the example of Fig. 8, the conditions for generating a file correspond to whether the file format is PDF and the high compression setting is ON. If the file format is not PDF or the high compression setting is OFF, the first notation is used to display the reading parameters when the document image is read by the scanner. On the other hand, if the file format is PDF and the high compression setting is ON, the second notation is used to display the generation parameters and reading parameters when the file is generated.

[0068] As described above, according to this embodiment, when there is no difference between the resolution when an image is read and the resolution when a file is generated, the MFP 101 can display only one of the pieces of information (in this example, the resolution when the image is read). This allows the information presented to the user during setting to be reduced, and it is possible to prevent the user from becoming confused by unnecessary information. On the other hand, in this embodiment, when there is a difference between the resolution when an image is read and the resolution when a file is generated, both resolutions are displayed. This allows the user to understand the parameters when the file is generated when setting the parameters when the image is read, even if the parameters when the image is read and the parameters when the file is generated are different.

[0069] <<Third embodiment>> In the first and second embodiments, an example of changing the display of the resolution when a difference occurs between the resolution when an image is read and the resolution when a file is generated due to a high compression setting has been described. In this way, when a user changes the resolution setting in a state in which both the resolution when an image is read and the resolution when a file is generated are displayed, it is highly likely that the resolution of the generated file will not be the resolution intended by the user. In consideration of such a case, in this embodiment, an example of changing the high compression setting will be described when a user changes the currently set resolution setting.

[0070] As an example, assume that the high compression setting is ON in the default settings of the MFP 101. In such a case, assume that the user, who has checked the basic setting screen 410 in FIG. 4(b), determines that the resolution at the time of file generation is not the resolution that the user desires, and changes the resolution setting. When the user changes the resolution setting, it is assumed that the resolution setting is not what the user intended, and that the cause of this is that the high compression setting is ON. For this reason, in this embodiment, when a change in the resolution setting by the user is accepted, a process of turning the high compression setting OFF is performed.

[0071] Since the basic configuration of this embodiment is similar to the examples described in the first or second embodiment, a detailed description will be omitted and the following description will focus on the differences.

[0072] Fig. 9 is a flowchart of the process when a user operation to change the resolution setting is accepted. That is, the process of Fig. 9 is performed, for example, when the screen display control unit 301 accepts a user operation to change the resolution setting after displaying the resolution setting screen 420 as shown in Fig. 4(c). In this example, the process is performed when the OK button is pressed after the selection of the desired resolution is accepted by the user in Fig. 4(c) and the screen returns to the basic setting screen 410 in Fig. 4(b). As another example, the resolution setting screen 420 may not have an OK button, and the screen may transition when the resolution item is selected by the user.

[0073] In S901, the screen display control unit 301 determines whether or not the high compression setting is ON. If it is determined that the high compression setting is ON, the screen display control unit 301 proceeds to S902. If it is determined that the high compression setting is OFF, the screen display control unit 301 proceeds to S903.

[0074] In S902, the screen display control unit 301 changes the high compression setting to OFF, and then proceeds to S903.

[0075] In S903, the screen display control unit 301 performs a resolution setting display process. Since S903 corresponds to the process in Fig. 6 described in the first embodiment or the process in Fig. 8 described in the second embodiment, a description thereof will be omitted.

[0076] In this way, when a user operation to change the resolution setting is received on the resolution setting screen 420 as shown in Fig. 4(c), the screen transition is performed with the high compression setting changed to OFF. Therefore, in the process of S903, the resolution setting button displays information indicating that the resolution will not be reduced by the high compression process as shown in Fig. 5(a) and Fig. 5(b). Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 7(a) and Fig. 7(b), the resolution setting button displays only the resolution at the time of image reading as a result of the process of S903.

[0077] If the user later decides that he or she wants to turn on the high compression setting, the user presses the high compression setting button 432 on the file format setting screen 430 in Fig. 4(d) as described in the first embodiment. In the subsequent screen transitions, the process in Fig. 6 of the first embodiment or Fig. 8 of the second embodiment is performed.

[0078] As described above, in this embodiment, when the user changes the resolution, the related high compression setting can be temporarily changed to OFF. This makes it possible to prevent the user from creating a file with an unintended resolution while the high compression setting remains when the user changes the resolution.

[0079] In this embodiment, when the high compression setting is set to ON, the process of turning the high compression setting OFF is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the high compression setting is set to ON, the resolution setting may be changed to a specific setting value. The specific setting value is a parameter that exceeds a predetermined threshold value. For example, the predetermined threshold value is 200×200 dpi. In this way, when the high compression setting is set to ON, the process of FIG. 9 may not be performed in the change process when changing the resolution setting to a specific setting value.

[0080] <<Fourth embodiment>> In the first and second embodiments, an example was described in which the display of the resolution corresponding to the high compression setting is changed according to the high compression setting. Here, the high compression setting may be influenced by another setting value in addition to the ON or OFF setting. For example, a compression ratio may be defined, and when the high compression setting is ON, file compression may be performed based on the set compression ratio. In such a case, even if the display of the resolution based on the high compression setting is included on the setting screen, the user cannot know why the resolution at the time of file generation is the displayed value. In addition, there may be a case in which the user cannot notice that there is a setting such as the above-mentioned compression ratio in the first place. Therefore, in this embodiment, an example will be described in which the information on the compression ratio is also included in the display of the resolution.

[0081] Since the basic configuration of this embodiment is similar to the examples described in the first or second embodiment, the description will be omitted and the differences will be mainly described. The following description will focus on the differences from the second embodiment. The differences between this embodiment and the second embodiment are that FIG. 10(a) is added, FIG. 4(b) is changed to FIG. 10(b), and the flow chart of FIG. 8 is changed to FIG. 11. This embodiment may be combined with the third embodiment.

[0082] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit 220 in this embodiment. FIG. 10(a) is an example of a compression ratio setting screen 1000. A slider 1001 is provided on the compression ratio setting screen 1000, and the user can specify the compression ratio by moving the slider 1001. The compression ratio is an adjustment parameter for adjusting the degree of compression. Note that the method of accepting such a selection of the compression ratio is not limited to the slider 1001. A box for inputting a numerical value may be provided to accept an input by the user. Also, a plurality of buttons may be provided to accept the selection of the compression ratio by selecting the button. In the example of FIG. 10(a), the notation of large, medium, and small is used as the definition of the compression ratio stages, but this is not limited to the embodiment. Note that the compression ratio setting screen 1000 is displayed by pressing a setting registration button 1002.

[0083] FIG. 10B is an example of a basic setting screen 1010 in this embodiment. When the compression rate is set to "medium", the resolution setting button 1011 displays 300x300dpi. Furthermore, the resolution setting button 1011 includes the display of "(150x150dpi)" indicating the resolution after compression and "medium compression rate". For example, when the compression rate is set to "small", "(200x200dpi medium compression rate)" is displayed, and when the compression rate is set to "large", "(100x100dpi high compression rate)" is displayed. Note that although the basic setting screen has been described as an example here, the same display is also displayed on the resolution setting screen.

[0084] Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing a screen display process including resolution setting. The trigger for starting the flowchart in Fig. 11 is the same as the example described in Fig. 8. The difference between the flowchart in Fig. 11 and the flowchart in Fig. 8 is that S601 and S805 are changed to S1101 and S1105. The other processes are the same as the example described in the second embodiment.

[0085] In S1101, the screen display control unit 301 reads out the currently selected resolution setting, file format setting, high compression setting, and also the compression rate setting value from the RAM 213. After reading out the setting values, the process proceeds to S602.

[0086] In S1105, the screen display control unit 301 determines that, for a particular resolution, the resolution at the time of image reading, the resolution at the time of file generation, and the basis for the resolution difference (compression rate in this example) are to be displayed on the operation unit 220. Then, the process proceeds to S607.

[0087] The display mode is not limited to the above example. For example, when the compression ratio is displayed as in this embodiment, the resolution at the time of file generation may be controlled not to be displayed. Also, in FIG. 11, the difference from the second embodiment is described as an example, but the process may be based on FIG. 6 described in the first embodiment. That is, S601 and S605 in FIG. 6 may be changed to S1101 and S1105 in FIG. 11.

[0088] As described above, in this embodiment, the user can simultaneously check the information on the compression ratio that is the basis for the resolution at the time of file generation. This allows the user to set a policy for changing the setting value to the one that the user intends. For example, in this embodiment, the user can understand that the compression ratio can be set. Furthermore, the user can know that the resolution setting that the user intends can be realized by changing the compression ratio.

[0089] <<Other embodiments>> In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the explanation has been given based on an example in which the control unit 210 of the MFP 101 controls the contents displayed on the operation unit 220 of the MFP 101. That is, an example in which the MFP 101 functions as a control device has been explained. However, this is not limiting. A host PC that controls the MFP 101 from the outside may be provided separately, and the host PC may perform processing equivalent to that of the above-mentioned embodiments. That is, the control device may be an external device separate from the MFP 101.

[0090] As described in the first embodiment, in the processes of the above-described embodiments, the specific resolution may be one or more. Also, the specific resolution may correspond to all of the settable resolutions.

[0091] In addition, in each of the above-described embodiments, an example has been described in which the background portion is compressed when the file format is PDF and the high compression setting is ON. However, this is not limited to this example, and any combination of file format and settings that can result in different resolutions when the image is read and when the file is generated may be used.

[0092] The present invention can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that implements one or more of the functions.

[0093] The disclosure of the present embodiment includes configurations represented by the following control device example, control method example for the control device, and program example.

[0094] <Configuration 1> A control device for controlling a scanner, A control device characterized by having a control means that executes display control to display reading parameters when the original image to be read by the scanner is read under first conditions, and to display the generation parameters and the reading parameters when the file is generated under second conditions different from the first conditions.

[0095] <Configuration 2> the first condition includes a compression setting being disabled when image data of the document image is compressed; 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the second condition includes that the compression setting is enabled.

[0096] <Configuration 3> The control device according to configuration 2, wherein the control means displays the creation parameters, the read parameters, and reasons for the creation parameters when the file is created under the second condition.

[0097] <Configuration 4> The control device includes: An adjustment parameter for adjusting a compression ratio when the compression setting is enabled can be set; 4. The control device according to configuration 3, wherein the control means displays information on the adjustment parameters as a basis for the generation parameters.

[0098] <Component 5> The control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that the read parameter is a parameter selected from a plurality of parameters, and the control means executes the display control for a specific parameter included in the plurality of parameters.

[0099] <Component 6> The control device according to configuration 5, wherein the specific parameter is a parameter for compressing a partial area of ​​the document image when a compression setting is enabled.

[0100] <Component 7> The control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that the read parameters are parameters selected from a plurality of parameters, and the control means executes the display control for all parameters in the plurality of parameters.

[0101] <Component 8> 8. The control device according to claim 1, wherein, when a request to change the currently set read parameters is received, the control means invalidates a compression setting.

[0102] <Component 9> 9. The control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, wherein the read parameter and the generation parameter are resolution.

[0103] <Component 10> The control device according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, characterized in that the control means executes the display control based on receiving an instruction to transition to a screen displaying the currently set resolution or a screen for selecting a resolution.

[0104] <Component 11> A control device for controlling a scanner, A control device characterized by having a control means that executes display control to display information indicating that, when a file of an original image read by the scanner is generated under first conditions, the resolution will not be reduced by a compression process in which the image data of the original image is compressed, and to display information indicating that, when the file is generated under second conditions different from the first conditions, a reduction in resolution will occur due to the compression process.

[0105] <Component 12> The control device described in configuration 11, characterized in that when the file is generated under the first conditions, the same resolution is displayed for the reading parameters when the original image is read by the scanner and the generation parameters when the file is generated, and when the file is generated under the second conditions, different resolutions are displayed for the reading parameters and the generation parameters.

[0106] <Component 13> The first condition includes that a compression setting is disabled. 13. The control device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the second condition includes that the compression setting is enabled.

[0107] <Component 14> The control device according to any one of configurations 11 to 13, characterized in that, when the file is generated under the second condition, the control means displays the generation parameters, the read parameters, and the reasons for the generation parameters.

[0108] <Component 15> A method for controlling a control device that controls a scanner, comprising the steps of: A control method for a control device, comprising a control step of executing display control to display reading parameters when the original image to be read by the scanner is read under first conditions, and to display generation parameters and the reading parameters when the file is generated under second conditions different from the first conditions.

[0109] <Component 16> A method for controlling a control device that controls a scanner, comprising the steps of: A control method characterized by having a display step of displaying information indicating that, when a file of an original image read by the scanner is generated under first conditions, the resolution will not be reduced by a compression process in which the image data of the original image is compressed, and, when the file is generated under second conditions different from the first conditions, displaying information indicating that a reduction in resolution will occur due to the compression process.

[0110] <Component 17> 17. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to configuration 15 or 16. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 101 MFP 201 Control section

Claims

1. A control device for controlling a scanner, A control device characterized by having control means that, when a file of an image of a document scanned by the scanner is generated under a first condition, displays the scanning parameters for scanning the document image with the scanner, but does not display the generation parameters for generating the file; and when the file is generated under a second condition different from the first condition, performs display control that displays the generation parameters for generating the file and the scanning parameters.

2. The first condition mentioned above includes the fact that the compression setting, which is the setting for when the image data of the original image is compressed, is disabled. The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second condition includes the compression setting being enabled.

3. The control device according to claim 2, characterized in that the control means displays the generation parameters, the reading parameters, and the basis for the generation parameters when the file is generated according to the second condition.

4. The control device is When the aforementioned compression setting is enabled, an adjustment parameter can be set to adjust the compression ratio. The control device according to claim 3, characterized in that the control means displays information on the adjustment parameters as the basis for the generation parameters.

5. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the read parameter is a parameter selected from among a plurality of parameters, and the control means performs the display control for a specific parameter included in the plurality of parameters.

6. The control device according to claim 5, characterized in that the aforementioned specific parameter is a parameter that, when the compression setting is enabled, compresses a portion of the original image.

7. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the read parameter is a parameter selected from among a plurality of parameters, and the control means performs the display control for all of the plurality of parameters.

8. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, when a change in the currently set reading parameters is accepted, the control means disables the compression setting which is the setting for when the image data of the original image is compressed.

9. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the read parameter and the generation parameter are resolutions.

10. The control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the control means executes the display control based on receiving an instruction to transition to a screen that displays the currently set resolution or a screen for selecting a resolution.

11. A control device for controlling a scanner, A control device characterized by having control means that performs display control, which displays information indicating that the resolution of the image data of the document will not decrease due to compression processing when the file of the document image scanned by the scanner is generated under a first condition, and displays information indicating that the resolution will decrease due to the compression processing when the file is generated under a second condition different from the first condition.

12. The control device according to claim 11, characterized in that when the file is generated under the first condition, the same resolution is displayed between the reading parameters when the scanner reads the original image and the generation parameters when the file is generated, and when the file is generated under the second condition, different resolutions are displayed between the reading parameters and the generation parameters.

13. The first condition mentioned above includes the fact that the compression setting is disabled. The control device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the second condition includes that the compression setting is enabled.

14. The control device according to claim 12, characterized in that the control means displays the generation parameters, the reading parameters, and the basis for the generation parameters when the file is generated according to the second condition.

15. A control method for a control device that controls a scanner, A control method for a control device, characterized by having a control step of performing display control that, when a file of an image of a document to be scanned by the scanner is generated under a first condition, displays the scanning parameters for scanning the document image with the scanner, but does not display the generation parameters for when the file is generated, and when the file is generated under a second condition different from the first condition, displays the generation parameters for when the file is generated and the scanning parameters for when the file is generated.

16. A control method for a control device that controls a scanner, A control method characterized by having a display step that, when the file of the original image scanned by the scanner is generated under a first condition, displays information indicating that the resolution of the original image will not decrease due to the compression process, and when the file is generated under a second condition different from the first condition, displays information indicating that the resolution will decrease due to the compression process.

17. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method described in claim 15 or 16.

Images