Program, information processing method, and information processing apparatus

Abstract

To provide an image processing apparatus that stores image data in a folder having a character string obtained through character recognition processing as its name, and reduces time and effort not to transmit the image data to an unintended folder.SOLUTION: An image processing apparatus of the present invention has: character recognition means that executes character recognition processing of recognizing a character string included in image data; and transmission means that transmits the image data to store it in a folder having the character string obtained through the character recognition processing as its name, and the image processing apparatus has receiving means that receives a user's instruction. When a result of recognition performed by the character recognition means does not satisfy a predetermined condition, the transmission means does not transmit the image data until the receiving means receives the user's instruction, and when the result of recognition performed by the character recognition means satisfies the predetermined condition, the transmission means transmits the image data without requiring the receiving means to receive the user's instruction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] An image processing apparatus is disclosed that reads an image of a document to generate image data, performs character recognition processing on a region specified in advance by a user, and transmits the image data to a folder having the character string obtained by the character recognition processing as a folder name (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In an image processing apparatus that stores image data in a folder having the character string obtained by character recognition processing as a folder name, when a character string misrecognized by the character recognition processing is acquired, the image data is stored in a folder with a folder name unintended by the user. Therefore, there is a possibility that the image data of a confidential document is transmitted to an unintended folder, resulting in leakage of confidentiality.

[0005] On the other hand, in order not to transmit the image data to an unintended folder, it may be considered to have the user confirm the folder name before storing the image data, but this increases the user's labor and is troublesome.

[0006] In Patent Document 1, it was not possible to confirm the folder name with the user before storing the image data, and it was not possible to prevent the image data from being transmitted to an unintended folder.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and in an image processing apparatus that stores image data in a folder named with a character string obtained by character recognition processing, an object is to reduce the labor for preventing the image data from being sent to an unintended folder.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The image processing apparatus of the present invention is an image processing apparatus having character recognition means for executing character recognition processing for recognizing a character string included in image data, and transmission means for transmitting the image data for storage in a folder named with the character string obtained by the character recognition processing, the image processing apparatus having reception means for receiving a user's instruction, and when the result recognized by the character recognition means does not satisfy a predetermined condition, the transmission means does not transmit the image data until the reception means receives the user's instruction, and when the result recognized by the character recognition means satisfies the predetermined condition, the transmission means transmits the image data without receiving the user's instruction by the reception means.

Effects of the Invention

[0009] In an image processing apparatus that stores image data in a folder named with a character string obtained by character recognition processing, it is possible to reduce the labor for preventing the image data from being sent to an unintended folder.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the configurations shown in the following examples are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to the illustrated configurations.

Examples

[0012] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a reading system. The reading system of this embodiment is composed of an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) 101, which is an example of an image processing apparatus, a file server 102, which is an information processing apparatus, a mail server 103, and an online storage 106. Each of the MFP 101, the file server 102, the mail server 103, and the online storage 106 is connected to a LAN (Local Area Network) 100. Also, on the LAN 100, the MFP 101, the file server 102, the mail server 103, and the PC 104 are connected to be communicable with each other via a network. Further, the MFP 101 and the online storage 106 can communicate with each other via the LAN 100 and the Internet 105.

[0013] The MFP 101 reads the image of the document and transmits the generated image data to the file server 102, the mail server 103, and the online storage 106. Note that the image data in this embodiment is not limited to the electronic data obtained by converting the image into RAW data, and may be electronic data conforming to an image format such as TIFF or JPEG, or electronic data conforming to the PDF format. The file server 102 is a file server compatible with the FTP (File Transfer Protocol) and SMB (Server Message Block) protocols. The mail server 103 is a mail server compatible with the SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol). The online storage 106 is an online storage compatible with WebDAV (a file sharing protocol using HTTP). The PC 104 can access the WEB server provided in the MFP 101 using HTTP and can refer to and update the set values. The LAN 100 may be configured as a wired LAN using Ehternet (registered trademark) or a wireless LAN.

[0014] Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the MFP 101. The MFP 101 includes a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a storage 204, an operation unit 205, a printer 206, a scanner 207, a network I / F (Interface) 208, and an external storage device I / F 209.

[0015] The CPU 201 controls various hardware components 202 to 208 that make up the MFP 101 to realize each function of the MFP 101. Note that the CPU 201 sends signals to various hardware components via the bus line and realizes mutual data communication with other hardware components.

[0016] Also, the CPU 201 of the MFP 101 controls the operation of the MFP 101 according to the control program stored in the ROM 202. More specifically, the CPU 201 executes an operating system (OS) for controlling the MFP 101 and a driver program for controlling the hardware. Then, the application programs arranged on the OS operate with each other, thereby performing the operations and controls of the functions desired by the user. These OS and various programs are stored in the ROM 202 and executed by being read out in the RAM 203.

[0017] The ROM 202 is a memory for storing programs and various data used by the CPU 201. The RAM 203 is a work memory for temporarily storing programs and data used by the CPU 201 for calculations. The storage 204 is a storage device for storing various data, various programs, and the like.

[0018] In this embodiment, a flash memory is assumed as the storage 204, but an auxiliary storage device such as an SSD, an HDD, or an eMMC may be used. The MFP 101 is assumed to execute each process shown in the flowchart described later using one CPU 201 and one memory (RAM 203), but other forms may be used. For example, a plurality of CPUs, a plurality of RAMs, a plurality of ROMs, and a plurality of storages may cooperate to execute each process shown in the flowchart described later. Also, some processes may be executed using a hardware circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA.

[0019] The operation unit 205 is a user interface for the user to operate the MFP 101, such as a touch panel, and is a receiving means for operations and inputs by the user. Also, the operation unit 205 can also be used as a display unit for displaying a screen or the like for operating the MFP 101.

[0020] Printer 206 is a unit that realizes a printing function. By controlling Printer 206, CPU 201 executes a print job received from PC 104, and an image is printed on paper. Here, a print job is data including instructions, image data, print setting information, etc. for causing MFP 101 to execute a printing process.

[0021] Scanner 207 is a unit that realizes a scanning function. By controlling Scanner 207, CPU 201 optically reads an image of an original and performs a process of generating it into image data.

[0022] Network I / F 208 is a network I / F for performing wired LAN communication such as Ethernet. Note that this Network I / F 208 may be a network I / F for performing wireless LAN communication, or may be a USB-LAN I / F or the like.

[0023] External storage device I / F 209 is an I / F for MFP 101 to communicate with external storage device 210. By controlling External storage device I / F 209, CPU 201 stores image data in external storage device 210. In this embodiment, a USB interface is assumed as External storage device I / F 209 and a USB memory is assumed as external storage device 210, but External storage device I / F 209 may be an SD card slot for communicating with an external storage device such as an SD card.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of PC 104. PC 104 includes CPU 301, ROM 302, RAM 303, HDD 304, network I / F 305, operation device I / F 306, and display device I / F 307.

[0025] By controlling various hardware 302 to 307 that constitute PC 104, CPU 301 realizes each function of PC 104. Note that CPU 301 sends signals to various hardware via a bus line and realizes data communication with other hardware.

[0026] Also, the CPU 301 of the PC104 controls the operation of the PC104 according to the control program stored in the ROM 302. More specifically, the CPU 301 executes an OS or the like that controls the PC104. Then, the application programs arranged on the OS operate with each other, and the operations and controls of the functions desired by the user are performed. These OSs and various programs are stored in the ROM 302 and are executed by being read out in the RAM 302.

[0027] The ROM 302 is a memory for storing programs and various data used by the CPU 201. The RAM 303 is a work memory for temporarily storing programs and data used by the CPU 201 for calculations. The HDD 304 is a storage device for storing various data and various programs and the like.

[0028] The network I / F 305 is a network I / F for performing wired LAN communication such as Ethernet. Note that this network I / F 305 may be a network I / F for performing wireless LAN communication, or may be a USB-LAN I / F or the like.

[0029] The operation device I / F 306 is an I / F for connecting the operation device 310 such as a keyboard and a mouse to the PC104.

[0030] The display device I / F 307 is an I / F for connecting the display device 311 such as a liquid crystal monitor to the PC104.

[0031] Note that the PC104 of this embodiment is connected to an external operation device and an external display device, but for example, an operation unit and a display unit may be built in the PC104.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation unit 205. The operation unit 205 is composed of a touch panel 410, a DataLED 420, and an ErrorLED 430. A home screen 400 that is displayed immediately after the activation of the MFP 101 is displayed on the touch panel 410. The home screen 400 is a screen for instructing the execution of each function of the MFP 101. On the home screen 400, frequently used setting buttons 401, a scan button 402, a menu button 403, an address book button 404, a questionnaire form button 405, a letter of introduction button 406, etc. are displayed. In addition, a power saving button 407, a home button 408, and a stop button 409 are always displayed on the home screen 400. Note that the power saving button 407, the home button 408, and the stop button 409 may be provided on the operation unit 205 as hard keys.

[0033] The frequently used setting button 401 is a button for displaying an execution screen of a specific function in a state where the settings set by the user are input when selected by the user.

[0034] The scan button 402 is a button for displaying a screen for executing scan processing to generate image data, and sending the generated image data by email, sending it as a file, or storing it in the external storage device 210 when selected. Here, sending by email means attaching the image data generated by reading the original document to an email and sending it. Also, file transmission means transmitting to a file server 102, a PC 104, etc. using a communication protocol such as SMB or FTP.

[0035] The menu button 403 is a button for displaying a menu screen when selected by the user.

[0036] The address book button 404 is a button for displaying a screen that displays registered addresses (destination information) when selected by the user. The screen for displaying addresses shows transmission types such as email transmission, SMB transmission, FTP transmission, WebDAV transmission, etc., and destination information such as email addresses, host names, server information, etc.

[0037] The questionnaire button 405 and the introduction letter button 406 are one-touch transmission buttons. A one-touch transmission button is a button that, when selected by the user, reads an image of a document with scan settings preset by the user, generates image data, and displays a screen for transmitting the image data in a transmission type preset by the user. That is, selecting this questionnaire button 405 means receiving an execution instruction for reading.

[0038] The power saving button 407 is a button for shifting the MFP 101 to a power saving state when selected by the user.

[0039] The home button 408 is a button for displaying the home screen 400 on the operation unit 205 when selected by the user.

[0040] The stop button 409 is a button for canceling the execution of a job such as a printing job being executed by the MFP 101 when selected by the user. Note that this stop button 409 may cancel the execution of a copy job or a transmission job when selected by the user.

[0041] The Data LED 420 and the Error LED 430 notify the user of the state of the MFP 101. The Data LED 420 lights up during the execution of email transmission or file transmission, and the Error LED 430 lights up when an error occurs in the MFP 101.

[0042] The home screen 400 is a function selection screen for a user to select a function to be used from a plurality of functions including, for example, a copy function for performing printing based on image data and a transmission function for reading a document to generate image data and transmitting the image data to an external device.

[0043] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a one-touch transmission scan setting screen displayed on the display device 311.

[0044] The one-touch transmission scan setting screen 500 in FIG. 5 is displayed on the display device 311 connected to a PC 104 that accesses the WEB server of the MFP 101 by HTTP communication, for example.

[0045] On the one-touch transmission scan setting screen 500, application information 501, a registration button 502 for a new button, items 503 to 505, a display / non-display button 506, and a delete button 507 are displayed.

[0046] The application information 501 is an area for displaying the version of the application, and the version number 1.00 is displayed in FIG. 5.

[0047] The registration button 502 for a new button is a button for newly registering a button for executing one-touch transmission scan, which is displayed on the screen displayed on the operation unit 205 when selected by the user. When the registration button 502 for a new button is selected, the setting edit screen 600 in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display device 311. A detailed description of the setting edit screen 600 in FIG. 6 will be described later.

[0048] The item 503 indicates the name of the button for executing the one-touch transmission scan registered in the MFP 101.

[0049] The item 504 indicates the transmission type set for the button for executing the one-touch transmission scan registered in the MFP 101.

[0050] Item 505 indicates the display state of the button for executing the one-touch transmission scan registered in the MFP 101. Also, the display / non-display toggle button 506 and the delete button 507 for changing the display state are also displayed. For example, when the display state of the "Introduction Letter" button is "displayed", the button is displayed on the home screen 400 of the touch panel 410 like the "Introduction Letter" button 406 in FIG. 4. The display / non-display toggle button 506 is a button that can toggle between "display" and "non-display" of the button.

[0051] When the delete button 507 is selected by the user, the information of the button registered in the MFP 101 is deleted.

[0052] An example of the button for executing the one-touch transmission scan registered in the MFP 101 is that the transmission type of the button named "Application Form A" is e-mail and the display state is non-displayed. Also, not only when the new button registration button 502 is selected, but also when the name of the button "Application Form A" is selected, the setting edit screen 600 in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display device 311.

[0053] In FIG. 5, four buttons of "Application Form A", "Application Form B", "Introduction Letter", and "Questionnaire" are registered. Since the display states of the "Introduction Letter" and "Questionnaire" buttons are "displayed", the buttons are displayed on the home screen 400. However, since the display states of "Application Form A" and "Application Form B" are "non-displayed", the buttons are not displayed on the home screen 400.

[0054] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the setting edit screen of the button for executing the one-touch transmission scan. The button setting edit screen 600 in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display device 311 connected to the PC 104 that accesses the WEB server of the MFP 101 by HTTP communication, for example.

[0055] The button setting and editing screen 600 is displayed when the registration button 502 for a new button in Fig. 5 is selected, or when the button name is selected by the user. When the button setting and editing screen 600 is displayed because the button name is selected by the user, each item on the button setting and editing screen 600 is displayed with the previously set value input. When the button setting and editing screen 600 is displayed by selecting the registration button 502 for a new button, each item on the button setting and editing screen 600 is displayed with no value input. Note that default values may be pre-input for each item on the button setting and editing screen 600.

[0056] The input field 601 is an input field for setting the name of the one-touch transmission button. The string "Questionnaire Form" is input in the input field 601. Here, the one-touch transmission button is a button that, when selected by the user, executes one-touch transmission scanning.

[0057] The pull-down 602 is an object for setting the file name. In the pull-down 602, "Button Name" and "Automatic" can be selected. When "Button Name" is selected, the button name input in the input field 601 becomes the name of the file to be transmitted. When "Automatic" is selected, the automatically determined string becomes the name of the file. For example, the date and time when the one-touch transmission button registered on the screen in Fig. 6 is selected and scanned is used as the name of the file.

[0058] When the checkbox 603 is checked, the keyword at the time of file output becomes valid. That is, the function for using the string recognized by the character recognition process as the name of the folder to which the image data is transmitted becomes valid. In this embodiment, an example of the questionnaire form button 405 checked in the checkbox 603 is described, and the description of the operation when the checkbox 603 is not checked is omitted in the flowchart described later.

[0059] The keyword string setting button 604 is a button for displaying the keyword string setting screen 700 in FIG. 7 when selected by the user.

[0060] The pull-down 605 is an object for setting how to distribute the file to be transmitted or not to distribute it. In the pull-down 605, one can be selected from "Do not distribute", "Distribute (file)", "Distribute (folder)", and "Distribute (file and folder)". When "Do not distribute" is set, the image data is transmitted to the destination folder path displayed in the area 609 described later. When "Distribute (file)" is set, the keyword is included in the output file name. When "Distribute (folder)" is set, the keyword is included in the folder name where the file is stored. When "Distribute (file and folder)" is set, the keyword is included in the file name and the folder name where the file is output. In this embodiment, an example of the questionnaire button 405 with "Distribute (folder)" set is described, and the description of the operation when other options are selected is omitted in the flowchart described later.

[0061] The pull-down 606 is an object for selecting the transmission type when transmitting the read and generated image data. In the pull-down 606, "File", "E-mail", and "USB memory" can be selected. When "File" is selected and the switch button 607 is selected, the image data is transmitted to the folder of the PC 104 or the file server 102 using a protocol such as SMB, FTP, WebDAV, or SFTP. When "E-mail" is selected, the image data is transmitted to the destination using SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol). When "USB memory" is selected, the image data is stored in the USB memory, which is an external storage device 210 connected to the MFP 101. In this embodiment, an example of the questionnaire button 405 with "File" set is described, and the description of the operation when other options are selected is omitted in the flowchart described later.

[0062] The switching button 607 is a button for switching the setting of the transmission type to the transmission type displayed in the pull-down 606. Further, when the switching button 607 is selected with the transmission type selected in the pull-down 606, the item 608 will display something corresponding to the selected transmission type.

[0063] The item 608 is an item into which various settings such as the reading settings when reading by one-touch transmission scan and the transmission settings when transmitting can be input. Further, it is an item into which settings such as the destination, reading size, file format, and orientation of the document can be input.

[0064] The area 609 is an area for displaying the destination to which the image data read and generated is to be transmitted. The destination set here is a folder path for combination with the character string of the text object described later. Further, the area 609 is a text area where input and editing are not possible, and it displays the address selected on the address selection screen.

[0065] The selection button 610 from the address book, when selected by the user, displays an address selection screen 800 that allows selection of an address in the address book stored in the MFP 101.

[0066] The pull-down 611 is a pull-down for setting the file format when converting the image data read and generated from the image on the document into a file. A file is generated according to the format selected here.

[0067] The OK button 612 is a button for storing the settings of the one-touch transmission button in the storage 204 with the content set in the button setting edit screen 600. When the OK button 612 is selected, the settings are stored in the storage 204. The cancel button 613 is a button for discarding the settings. When the OK button 612 or the cancel button 613 is pressed, the one-touch transmission scan setting screen 500 in FIG. 5 is displayed.

[0068] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for character recognition processing. The keyword string setting screen 700 in FIG. 7 is displayed on the display device 311 when the keyword string setting button 604 in FIG. 6 is selected.

[0069] The pull-down 701 is an object for setting predetermined conditions for the type of string obtained in the character recognition process. Although a screen with "only numbers" selected is shown in FIG. 7, it is not limited to this. For example, "only English letters", "only numbers and English letters", "only hiragana", "only kanji", "only kanji and hiragana", etc. may be selectable. Although details will be described later, image data in which a string that does not satisfy the conditions selected in the pull-down is obtained is treated as image data in which a character recognition error has occurred.

[0070] The input field 702 is an object for setting the lower limit of the number of characters of the string obtained in the character recognition process. The input field 703 is an object for setting the upper limit of the number of characters of the string obtained in the character recognition process. Although details will be described later, image data in which a string that does not satisfy the input conditions is obtained is treated as image data in which a character recognition error has occurred.

[0071] The input fields 704 to 707 are objects for setting the range in which the character recognition process is executed among the coordinates of the image data. Based on the values input to this input field, the character recognition process described later is executed. In this embodiment, with reference to the upper left of the manuscript, the X coordinate and Y coordinate of the starting point, the width and height are specified in cm units for the character recognition area, but the unit may also be mm or inch. Also, instead of specifying by numerical values, a method of specifying using a preview image of the manuscript and a GUI (Graphical User Interface) may be used. Also, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the area where the patient ID of the questionnaire is entered is set as the character recognition area.

[0072] The pull-down 708 is an object for setting whether to interrupt or continue the one-touch transmission scan when image data from which a character string that does not meet the conditions of the character type or the number of characters is obtained, that is, when image data with a character recognition error has occurred. In FIG. 7, the option of "interrupt" is displayed, but the option of "continue" can be separately selected.

[0073] The input field 709 is an object for inputting the destination (folder) to which the image data with a character recognition error is to be transmitted when "continue" is selected in the pull-down 708. For example, a folder path or the like is input. In FIG. 7, since "interrupt" is selected, the input field 709 is displayed in a grayed-out state. By being able to set in this way, there are the following effects. For example, when there are few originals or when sorting needs to be done surely, "interrupt" is set, and when there are many originals or for a user who wants to manually sort the image data for which the sorting has failed, "continue" is set, so that operations can be set according to the user's usage method.

[0074] The OK button 710 is a button for storing the settings selected or input at that time in the storage 204 when selected by the user.

[0075] The cancel button 711 is a button for discarding the settings selected or input at that time and displaying the setting screen 600 on the display device 311 when selected by the user.

[0076] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the address selection screen 800. The address selection screen 800 is displayed when the selection button 610 is selected from the address book on the button setting and editing screen 600 of FIG. 6. The address selection screen 800 in FIG. 8 is displayed on the display device 311 connected to the PC 104 that is accessing the WEB server of the MFP 101 by HTTP communication, for example.

[0077] The pull-down 801 is a list for switching the type of address book displayed on the address selection screen 800. In the pull-down 801, either "Best Members" or "Shortcut Dial" (not shown) can be selected.

[0078] The display switch button 802 is a button for changing the type of address book to be displayed on the address selection screen 800 to the type displayed in the pull-down 801 when selected by the user.

[0079] The area 803 is a display area where the name of the address book is displayed. The list 804 is an area where the address list is displayed and is composed of selectable check boxes, numbers, types, names, and destinations. The check box displays either a checkable check box or a non-checkable check box. The number displays the management number of the address. The type is an area where an icon is displayed, and the icon varies depending on the type of address. The name displays the name given to the address. The destination displays the address. The check box displays either a checkable check box or a non-checkable check box.

[0080] When the OK button 805 is selected with the check box checked, the address is displayed in the area 609. Also, the MFP 101 receives the address from the PC 104 via HTTP communication and stores it in the storage 204 as the address of the transmission destination of the image data.

[0081] Supplement the display of checkable checkboxes and uncheckable checkboxes. Figure 8 shows the display when selecting an address from the address book of "Best Members" where 2 email addresses and 2 file addresses are registered with the transmission type being "E-mail" with "File" selected in list 606 of Figure 6. In this way, on the address selection screen 800, the destinations corresponding to the set transmission type can be selected with checkable checkboxes. For addresses that match the type in the pull-down 606, checkable checkboxes are displayed. Specifically, uncheckable checkboxes are displayed for addresses numbered 01 and 02, and checkable checkboxes are displayed for addresses numbered 03 and 04.

[0082] The OK button 805 is a button for confirming the address selection with the content set on the address selection screen. The cancel button 806 is a button for discarding the set content. When the OK button 805 or the cancel button 806 is selected, the button setting and editing screen 600 in Figure 6 is displayed.

[0083] Here, the setting of the questionnaire button 405 in this embodiment will be described. The questionnaire button 405 is registered in the button setting and editing screen 600 of Figure 6 with "Questionnaire" entered in the input field 601, "Button Name" selected in the pull-down 602, and the checkbox 603 checked. Also, the questionnaire button 405 is registered in the button setting and editing screen 600 of Figure 6 with "Distribute (Folder)" selected in the pull-down 605 and "File" selected in the pull-down 606. Furthermore, the questionnaire button 405 is registered with "Only Numbers" selected in the pull-down 701, "3" entered in the input field 702, and "10" entered in the input field 703. Also, "Interrupt" is selected in the pull-down 708 and it is registered with the destination "￥￥File Server￥Questionnaire" numbered 04 selected on the address selection screen 800 of Figure 8.

[0084] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a folder configuration. FIG. 9 shows the folder configuration of the file server 102 which is the file transmission destination in the present embodiment. The file server 102 has a hierarchical structure for storing the medical examination forms in separate folders for each patient. With the medical examination form folder 901 as the top-level folder, it has a configuration where medical examination form files with the reception date as the file name are placed under sub-folders for each patient ID. In the one-touch transmission process described later, a file named "2019-04-23.pdf" is transmitted to the folder of patient ID "123".

[0085] In an image processing apparatus that stores image data in a folder with a string obtained by character recognition processing as the folder name, when a string misrecognized by the character recognition processing is acquired, the image data is stored in a folder with a folder name unintended by the user. Therefore, there is a possibility that the image data of confidential documents is transmitted to an unintended folder, resulting in leakage of confidentiality.

[0086] On the other hand, in order not to transmit the image data to an unintended folder, it is conceivable to have the user confirm the folder name before storing the image data, but this increases the user's effort and is troublesome.

[0087] In Patent Document 1, it was not possible to have the user confirm the folder name before storing the image data, and it was not possible to prevent the image data from being transmitted to an unintended folder.

[0088] By executing the following processing for this problem, in an image processing apparatus that stores image data in a folder with a string obtained by character recognition processing as the name, it is possible to reduce the effort required to prevent the image data from being transmitted to an unintended folder.

[0089] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of one-touch transmission scan processing. The processing of the flowchart in FIG. 10 is executed by the CPU 201 reading the program stored in the ROM 202 into the RAM 203 and executing it. Further, the flowchart in FIG. 10 is executed in accordance with the selection of the questionnaire button 405 by the user on the home screen 400 displayed on the operation unit 205.

[0090] In S1001, the CPU 201 acquires the setting of the questionnaire button 405 set via the operation device 310 and the display device 311.

[0091] In S1002, the CPU 201 determines whether or not a document is placed on a document tray (not shown). If it is determined that a document is placed, the process proceeds to S1003. Otherwise, the process ends.

[0092] In S1003, the CPU 201 controls the scanner 207, conveys one document placed on the document tray, reads the image of the document, and generates image data. The image data generated here may be binary compressed image data.

[0093] In S1004, the CPU 201 generates an electronic file from the image data generated in S1003 based on the file format setting acquired in S1001. Since PDF is set in the questionnaire button, image data such as a PDF file is generated. The generated image data such as the PDF file is stored in the storage 204.

[0094] In S1005, the CPU 201 performs character recognition processing on the image data generated in S1003 based on the character recognition areas set in the input fields 704 to 707 of the keyword setting screen 700 in FIG. 7, and acquires a character string.

[0095] In S1006, the CPU 201 determines whether the character string acquired in S1005 satisfies the conditions set on the keyword setting screen of FIG. 7. For example, when "only numbers" is selected in the pull-down 701, if the acquired character string contains characters other than numbers, it is determined that the condition is not satisfied. Also, if a character string with a number of characters that does not fall within the lower and upper limits of the number of characters set in the input fields 702 and 703 is acquired, it is determined that the condition is not satisfied. If it is determined that the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to S1007. Otherwise, the process proceeds to S1009.

[0096] In S1007, the CPU 201 generates a folder path (destination) by adding the acquired character string to the bottom layer of the folder path displayed in the area 609. Specifically, when the acquired character string is "123", a folder path such as "￥￥file server￥medical record￥123" is generated.

[0097] In S1008, the CPU 201 transmits the image data (PDF file) generated in S1004 to the folder indicated by the folder path generated in S1007. Specifically, the image data is transmitted to the file server using SMB or FTP and stored in the folder indicated by the specified folder path.

[0098] In S1009, the CPU 201 determines whether "continue" is set in the pull-down 708 of FIG. 7. If it is determined that it is set, the process proceeds to S1010. Otherwise, that is, if "interrupt" is selected, the process proceeds to S1011.

[0099] In S1010, the CPU 201 acquires the folder path of the error folder to which the image data with the error set in the input field 709 of FIG. 7 is transmitted. Then, the process proceeds to S1008, and the CPU 201 transmits the image data (PDF file) generated in S1004 to the folder indicated by the folder path acquired in S1010.

[0100] In S1011, the CPU 201 generates a folder path (destination) obtained by adding the character string acquired in S1005 to the lowest layer of the folder path displayed in the area 609. For example, when the character string "123" described in the document is recognized as the character string "I23" by the character recognition process, a folder path such as "￥￥file server￥medical record￥I23" is generated.

[0101] In S1012, the CPU 201 interrupts the one-touch transmission scan process, controls the operation unit 205, and displays on the touch panel 410 of the operation unit 205 a recovery instruction screen on which the folder path generated in S1011 is displayed. An example of the recovery instruction screen will be described with reference to FIG. 11.

[0102] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the recovery instruction screen 1100. The recovery instruction screen 1100, which is also a screen indicating the interruption of the one-touch transmission scan process, is displayed on the touch panel 410 of the operation unit 205 of the MFP 101.

[0103] As described above, the recovery instruction screen 1100 is displayed according to the determination that the character string acquired by the character recognition process does not satisfy the set conditions.

[0104] The area 1101 is an area for displaying the folder path generated in S1011, and the user can check the folder path displayed in this area to grasp the deficiencies of the acquired character string. Note that only the parts that do not meet the conditions may be highlighted. For example, only the "I" in "I23" may be displayed in red characters or the like.

[0105] When the "Resume from the next document" button 1102 is selected by the user, the image data for which the character string for generating the destination (folder path) displayed in the area 1101 is acquired is not transmitted to the destination, and the scan of the next document is started. Thereby, for example, when documents of different formats are mixed, the user can quickly continue the sorting process by selecting this button.

[0106] The "Read the same manuscript again" button 1103 is a button for displaying an explanatory screen (not shown) on the touch panel 410 of the operation unit 205 when selected by the user. While the explanatory screen is displayed, the user can return the manuscript with an error to the manuscript tray and, by selecting the resume button on the explanatory screen, read the same manuscript again. This allows the user to obtain the original character string, for example, when the character string written by hand in the manuscript is not clearly written, by correcting the character string by hand and having it read again. Note that an image of the manuscript with an error may be displayed on the above-described explanatory screen (not shown).

[0107] The "Manually specify the destination" button 1104 is a button for displaying an input screen on the touch panel 410 of the operation unit 205 that allows the user to input the destination using a keyboard or the like when selected by the user. An example of an input screen that allows the user to input the destination using a keyboard or the like will be described with reference to FIG. 12.

[0108] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the input screen 1200. The input screen 1200 is displayed on the touch panel 410 of the operation unit 205.

[0109] The input field 1201 is an input field for the user to correct the character string used for the folder path. When selected by the user, a soft keyboard (not shown) is displayed on the input screen 1200 to accept the input of the character string by the user.

[0110] When the send button 1202 is selected by the user, the image data is sent to the folder indicated by the folder path obtained by adding the character string entered in the input field 1201 to the bottom layer of the folder path displayed in the area 609.

[0111] When the cancel button 1203 is selected by the user, the character string entered in the input field 1201 is discarded and the recovery instruction screen 1100 is displayed again.

[0112] Accordingly, for example, when the accuracy of character recognition is insufficient, the user can enter the correct character string by selecting this button.

[0113] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the input by the destination user is received on a screen 1200 different from the recovery instruction screen 1100. However, this is not the only case. The area 1101 of the recovery instruction screen 1100 may be an input field, and when selected by the user, a soft keyboard may be displayed to receive the input of the destination by the user. Also, in the input field 1201 of the input screen 1200 of this embodiment, only the acquired character string can be modified, but the entire folder path generated in S1011 may be modifiable. In that case, "I23" is displayed in the input field 1201. Also, in that case, the process of S1015 is omitted.

[0114] The "Abort process" button 1105 discards the generated image data when selected by the user and aborts the one-touch transmission scan process.

[0115] Here, returning to the description of the flowchart in FIG. 10. In S1013, the CPU 201 determines, via the recovery instruction screen 1100, which button has been selected by the user. If the "Manually specify destination" button 1104 is selected, the process proceeds to S1014. If the "Abort process" button 1105 is selected, the process ends. If a button other than the above is selected, the process proceeds to S1016.

[0116] In S1014, the CPU 201 controls the operation unit 205 to display, on the touch panel 410 of the operation unit 205, an input screen on which the user can input the destination using a keyboard or the like. An example of an input screen on which the user can input the destination using a keyboard or the like will be described with reference to FIG. 12.

[0117] In S1015, in accordance with the selection of the transmission button 1202 by the user, the CPU 201 generates a folder path (destination) obtained by adding the character string input in the input field 1201 to the bottom layer of the folder path displayed in the area 609. Then, the process proceeds to S1008, and the CPU 201 transmits the image data (PDF file) generated in S1004 to the folder indicated by the folder path acquired in S1015.

[0118] In S1016, the CPU 201 determines, via the recovery instruction screen 1100, which button has been selected by the user. If the "Resume from the next document" button 1102 is selected, the process returns to S1002. If the "Load the same document again" button 1103 is selected, the process proceeds to S1017.

[0119] In S1107, the CPU 201 controls the operation unit 205 to display, on the touch panel 410 of the operation unit 205, an instruction screen (not shown) prompting the user to place the document again. This instruction screen may be a screen prompting the user to return the last scanned document to the document tray, or a screen that displays an image of the document to be returned on the touch panel 410 of the operation unit 205.

[0120] In S1108, in accordance with the selection of the resume button displayed on the instruction screen (not shown), the CPU 201 deletes the image data stored in the storage 204 in S1004 and returns the process to S1002. In this embodiment, an example of deleting the image data stored in the storage 204 has been described. However, the process may be resumed without deletion, and the image data such as the PDF file generated again may not be stored in the storage 204. At that time, the image data transmitted in S1008 is the image data stored before resumption.

[0121] By executing the above processing, in an image processing apparatus that stores image data in a folder named with the character string obtained by the character recognition processing, the labor for preventing the image data from being transmitted to an unintended folder can be reduced.

Example

[0122] In Example 1, an example was described in which, after the process of reading and transmitting the image data generated by reading the image of the first document was completed, the reading of the image of the second document was started. In this example, an example will be described in which the reading of the image of the second document is started before the process of reading and transmitting the image data generated by reading the image of the first document is completed.

[0123] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a timing chart of parallel processing for one-touch transmission scanning. The processes executed for one document basically proceed in the order of a process of reading the image of the document and generating image data, a character recognition process, a transmission destination determination process, and a transmission process.

[0124] In this example, at the timing via the execution of the transmission process for the Nth document as shown in FIG. 13, the process of reading the image of the (N + 1)th document and generating image data is started.

[0125] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of parallel processing for one-touch transmission scanning. The process of the flowchart in FIG. 14 is executed by the CPU 201 reading the program stored in the ROM 202 into the RAM 203 and executing it. Further, the flowchart in FIG. 14 is executed in accordance with the user selecting the questionnaire button 405 on the home screen 400 displayed on the operation unit 205.

[0126] In S1402, the CPU 201 determines whether the operation at the time of error occurrence is set to "continue". If it is determined that it is set, the process proceeds to S1404. Otherwise, that is, if it is determined that "interrupt" is set, the process proceeds to S1403.

[0127] In S1403, the CPU 201 generates a transmission task. Here, the generated transmission task is a task executed in a flow different from this flow.

[0128] In S1410, after the destination is generated, it is determined whether there is a transmission task. If it is determined that there is one, the process proceeds to S1411. Otherwise, the process proceeds to S1412, and the CPU 201 executes a transmission process of transmitting the image data to the destination generated in S1409.

[0129] In S1411, the CPU 201 instructs the transmission task generated in S1410 to transmit the image data and causes the transmission process to be executed. In that transmission task, the process of S1412 is executed. S1412 is the same process as the process of S1008 in FIG. 10.

[0130] In S1420, the CPU 201 determines whether the operation at the time of error is set to "continue" in the same way as the process of S1402. If it is determined that it is set, the process proceeds to S1421. Otherwise, that is, if it is determined that "interrupt" is set, the process proceeds to S1422.

[0131] In S1440, the CPU 201 determines whether there is a transmission task in the same way as the process of S1410. If it is determined that there is one, the process proceeds to S1441. Otherwise, the process ends.

[0132] In S1441, the CPU 201 determines whether a notification indicating the end of transmission has been issued for the transmission task. If it is determined that the notification has been issued, the process proceeds to S1442. Otherwise, the process returns to S1441 and the process is repeated.

[0133] In S1442, the CPU 201 ends the transmission task and ends the process.

[0134] By executing the above processes, the transmission process of the first original and the reading process of the second original can be performed simultaneously in parallel, and the processing time can be shortened.

[0135] <Other Embodiments> The present invention supplies a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiment to a system or apparatus via a network or a storage medium. Further, it can also be realized by a process in which one or more processors in a computer of the system or apparatus read and execute the program. Moreover, it can also be realized by a circuit (for example, ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

Explanation of Signs

[0136] 101 MFP 201 CPU 205 Operation Unit 410 Touch Panel

Claims

1. character recognition means for performing character recognition processing to recognize characters included in image data; An image processing apparatus having transmission means for transmitting image data for storage in a folder named after the character string obtained by the character recognition processing, having reception means for receiving a user's instruction, When the result recognized by the character recognition means does not satisfy a predetermined condition, the transmission means does not transmit the image data until the reception means receives a user's instruction, and when the result recognized by the character recognition means satisfies a predetermined condition, the transmission means transmits the image data without receiving a user's instruction by the reception means. An image processing apparatus characterized by that.

2. When the result recognized by the character recognition means does not satisfy a predetermined condition and the transmission means is set not to transmit the image data until the reception means receives a user's instruction, the transmission means does not transmit the image data until the reception means receives a user's instruction, When the result recognized by the character recognition means does not satisfy a predetermined condition and the transmission means is set to transmit the image data without being received by the reception means, the transmission means stores the image data in a folder different from the folder without receiving a user's instruction by the reception means. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the image data is transmitted for the purpose.

3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the other folder is a folder preset by the user.

4. further having display means for displaying a screen, The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that when the result recognized by the character recognition means does not satisfy a predetermined condition, the display means displays a predetermined screen for selecting a process executed by the image processing apparatus.

5. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that a folder path of a folder named after the character string obtained by the character recognition processing is displayed on the predetermined screen.

6. A first object is displayed on the predetermined screen, The image processing apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that when the first object is selected by the user, the transmission means does not transmit the image data and transmits image data different from the image data.

7. On the predetermined screen, a second object is displayed, The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein in accordance with the second object being selected by the user, the display means displays a screen prompting the user to load a document.

8. On the predetermined screen, a third object is displayed, The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein in accordance with the third object being selected, the display means displays an input screen for receiving an input of a character string by the user.

9. In a state where the input screen is displayed, in accordance with the reception means receiving an execution instruction from the user, the transmission means transmits for storing the image data in a folder named with the character string input on the input screen. The image processing apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that.

10. On the predetermined screen, a fourth object is displayed, The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein in accordance with the fourth object being selected, the transmission means aborts the transmission of the image data.

11. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the predetermined condition includes a condition related to the type of character string.

12. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the predetermined condition includes a condition related to the number of characters in the character string.

13. Further comprising reading means for reading an image of a document and generating image data, The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the character recognition processing recognizes a character string included in the image data generated by the reading means.

14. The image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the character string includes numbers.

15. A control method of an image processing apparatus having character recognition means for executing character recognition processing for recognizing a character string included in image data, and transmission means for transmitting image data for storing in a folder named with the character string obtained by the character recognition processing. There is, Comprising a reception step of receiving a user's instruction, ​ When the result recognized by the text recognition means does not satisfy a predetermined condition, the transmission means does not transmit the image data until receiving an instruction from the user in the reception step, and when the result recognized by the text recognition means satisfies a predetermined condition, the transmission means transmits the image data without receiving an instruction from the user in the reception step. A control method for an image processing apparatus, characterized by this.

16. A program for causing a computer to execute each means of the image processing apparatus according to any one of Claims 1 to 14.

Images