Program, control method for information processing device, and information processing device

Abstract

To provide a program that enables a user to utilize a light amount adjustment function.SOLUTION: An extension application 204 is installed in a host computer 101 connected to a scanning device 102. The extension application 204 displays a detailed setting screen 305b, which accepts settings for the light intensity in scanning processing, on a display unit 119. The extension application 204 also outputs a scan instruction command to cause the scanning device 102 to execute the scanning processing at a light intensity corresponding to the adjustment level set on the detailed setting screen 305b.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A known configuration uses a scan driver installed on a host computer as software for controlling the scanning device, and instructs the scanning device connected to the host computer to execute a scan process. An operating system (OS), which is the basic software, is installed on the host computer, and the scan driver is configured according to the specifications defined by the OS and runs when called by the OS. By providing a scan driver that conforms to the OS specifications, manufacturers of scanning devices can provide a means for instructing the scanning device to execute a scan process using the OS.

[0003] Meanwhile, Windows (registered trademark) is about to provide a standard class driver (hereinafter also referred to as a "standard driver") that can be used with scanning devices from multiple manufacturers. Such a standard driver is included in the OS package and can be easily used by connecting any scanning device to a host computer. This eliminates the need to separately install a model-specific scan driver suitable for the scanning device, providing high convenience. Furthermore, the standard driver is expected to be configured to allow specification of scanning functions based on the scanning function information of the scanning device connected to the host computer. This allows users of the standard driver to specify scanning functions appropriate to the capabilities of the scanning device connected to the host computer, even while using a single standard driver. However, this is limited to functions that can be realized by the standard driver alone, and does not allow specification of manufacturer-specific functions. In response to this issue, Patent Document 1 proposes a technology that allows manufacturers to use their own unique functions. Patent Document 1 discloses a program that expands the printing functions of general-purpose software. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-033526 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Here, a unique feature of the scanning device is the light intensity adjustment function. The light intensity adjustment function adjusts the amount of light when the scanning device performs the scan process. By using the light intensity adjustment function to scan a document darkly, it is possible to obtain image data in which corrections made with correction fluid or correction tape are visible. On the other hand, by using the light intensity adjustment function to scan a document brightly, it is possible to obtain image data in which corrections and other such marks are removed.

[0006] However, since the standard driver does not support the light intensity adjustment function, a host computer that uses the standard driver to instruct a scanning device to execute a scan process cannot allow a user to use the light intensity adjustment function.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a program, a control method for an information processing device, and an information processing device that allow a user to utilize a light amount adjustment function. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the program of the present invention is a program that supports a general-purpose program that can be used commonly with scanners from multiple manufacturers, and is characterized in that it causes an information processing device in which the program is installed to execute the steps of displaying a setting screen on a display means of the information processing device that accepts settings for light intensity in scanning processing, and outputting a command to cause the scanner to execute scanning processing using the light intensity setting accepted on the setting screen. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, the user can utilize the light amount adjustment function. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a hardware configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a software configuration for the host computer of FIG. 1 to instruct the scanning device to execute a scan process. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 3 is a flowchart showing the procedure of an edit control process executed by the scan function extension unit of FIG. 2(b). [Figure 5]3A and 3B are diagrams showing examples of various information used by the scan function extension unit of FIG. 2B. [Figure 6] 2 is a sequence diagram showing the procedure of a scan control process executed in the communication system of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] 3 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a scan instruction command generation process executed by the extension application of FIG. 2; [Figure 8] 2 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a control process executed by the scanning device of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a procedure of a scan control process executed in a communication system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating a procedure of a scan control process executed in a communication system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for a scan instruction command generation process executed by an extension application according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining features of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a list of capability information acquired from a scanning device by a host computer according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 14] 13 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for a scan instruction command generation process executed by an extension application according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a host computer according to a fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention as defined in the claims, and not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the present invention.

[0012] First, a communication system, an information processing device, and a control method for an information processing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0013] 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a communication system according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, the communication system is made up of a host computer 101 and a scanning device 102.

[0014] The host computer 101 is an example of an information processing device, and includes an input interface 110, a CPU 111, a ROM 112, a RAM 113, an external storage device 114, an output interface 115, and an input / output interface 116. Input devices such as a keyboard 118 and a pointing device 117 are connected to the input interface 110, and display devices such as a display unit 119 are connected to the output interface 115. The host computer 101 further includes a NETIF 120. The NETIF 120 is a network interface that controls data communication with external devices via a network (not shown).

[0015] An initialization program is stored in the ROM 112. The external storage device 114 is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The external storage device 114 stores a group of application programs, an operating system (OS), and various other data. The RAM 113 is used as a work memory or the like when executing the programs stored in the external storage device 114. In this embodiment, the CPU 111 performs processing in accordance with the code of the programs stored in the ROM 112, thereby executing the functions of the host computer 101 described below and the processing related to the flowcharts described below.

[0016] The scanning device 102 is an example of an image forming device, and is connected to the host computer 101 via an input / output interface 198 of the scanning device 102 and an input / output interface 116 of the host computer 101. The input / output interface 198 of the scanning device 102 and the input / output interface 116 of the host computer 101 may be connected via a wired network or a wireless network.

[0017] The scanning device 102 includes an image processing unit 190 , a CPU 191 , a ROM 192 , a RAM 193 , an operation unit 194 , a reading unit 195 , a printing unit 196 , a NETIF 197 , an input / output interface 198 , and an external storage device 199 .

[0018] The CPU 191 comprehensively controls the scanning device 102. The ROM 192 is a memory that stores programs. The RAM 193 is a memory that temporarily stores programs and image data. The reading unit 195 is a scanner that reads an image of a document and generates image data. The printing unit 196 prints an image on a sheet based on the image data. In this embodiment, the scanning device 102 is described as having the printing unit 196, but the configuration of the scanning device 102 is not limited to this configuration, and the scanning device 102 does not need to have the printing unit 196. The NETIF 197 is a network interface that controls data communication with external devices via a network (not shown). The image processing unit 190 performs various image editing processes on input image data.

[0019] 1, the host computer 101 and the scanning device 102 are shown as separate devices, but they may also be configured as a single information processing device. In the present embodiment, the scanning device 102 is described as an electrophotographic digital multifunction peripheral having multiple functions such as copying, printing, and faxing, but the scanning device 102 is not limited to a digital multifunction peripheral. The scanning device 102 may also be, for example, a device using another process such as an inkjet system, or a scanner that only reads images. The host computer 101 may also be a desktop computer, a smartphone, or a laptop computer.

[0020] 2 is a block diagram showing a software configuration for the host computer 101 in FIG. 1 to instruct the scanning device 102 to execute a scan process. In this embodiment, as an example, the host computer 101 is described as being equipped with Microsoft Windows 11 as its OS.

[0021] FIG. 2A shows a software configuration for a host computer 101 that does not include an extension application 204 to instruct a scanning device 102 to execute a scan process.

[0022] 2(a), the host computer 101 includes a scan application 201 and general-purpose scan software 202 as software for instructing the scan device 102 to execute a scan process. The processing by these pieces of software is realized by the CPU 111 executing a program stored in the external storage device 114. The host computer 101 also includes scan function information 203.

[0023] The scan application 201 is software that imports content (image data) generated by scanning a document, such as a document creation application or an image editing application. When the scan application 201 receives a scan request from a user, it issues a scan instruction to the OS of the host computer 101. The scan instruction includes scan setting information for instructing the operation of the general-purpose scan software 202 and the scan device 102.

[0024] A scan setting screen provided by the general-purpose scan software 202, the OS of the host computer 101, or the scan application 201 is displayed on the display unit 119 of the host computer 101 as a screen for accepting a scan request from the user. When an advanced settings button on this scan setting screen is pressed, the general-purpose scan software 202 displays the advanced settings screen on the display unit 119 of the host computer 101. The configuration of the scan setting screen and the advanced settings screen will be described later with reference to FIG. 3. The advanced settings screen includes setting items (hereinafter also referred to as "control items") that indicate scan functions supported by the general-purpose scan software 202 according to the capability information of the general-purpose scan software 202, and control items that indicate the setting values ​​for those setting items.

[0025] The generic scanning software 202 is a general-purpose program that can be used with scanning devices from multiple manufacturers and generates and outputs instructions that can be interpreted by scanning devices from multiple manufacturers. The generic scanning software 202 is, for example, a standard class driver that controls the execution of scanning processes based on a standard scanning protocol called Mopria. The generic scanning software 202 determines scanning capabilities based on the scanning function information 203.

[0026] The scan function information 203 is data indicating all scan functions supported by the general-purpose scan software 202, their setting values, and the exclusive relationships between the setting values. The scan function information 203 is included in a configuration file of the general-purpose scan software 202 and stored in the external storage device 114 as an unmodifiable file. Alternatively, the scan function information 203 is dynamically generated by the general-purpose scan software 202 or the OS of the host computer 101. Specifically, the general-purpose scan software 202 or the OS of the host computer 101 acquires attribute data of the scan device 102 from the scan device 102 and generates the scan function information 203 based on the acquired attribute data. The attribute data of the scan device 102 includes attribute information indicating functions (scan device capabilities) that can be specified by the scan device 102 and setting values ​​corresponding to the attribute information. The attribute data of the scan device 102 acquired from the scan device 102 is stored in the RAM 113. If the scan function information 203 is dynamically generated, the generated scan function information 203 is editable.

[0027] By dynamically generating scan function information 203 in this manner, the general-purpose scan software 202 allows the user to specify a scan function that is supported by the general-purpose scan software 202 and usable by the scan device 102 connected to the host computer 101. In other words, even if a scan device with different functions or a scan device developed by any manufacturer is connected to the host computer 101, the general-purpose scan software 202 allows the user to specify a scan function that is supported by the general-purpose scan software 202 and usable by the connected scan device. However, because the general-purpose scan software 202 does not support manufacturer-specific functions, it cannot allow the user to specify a manufacturer-specific scan function that is usable by the scan device connected to the host computer 101. An example of a manufacturer-specific scan function is a light intensity adjustment function.

[0028] The light intensity adjustment function adjusts the amount of light when the scanner device performs a scan process, allowing the document to be scanned darkly or brightly. For example, scanning a document darkly allows image data to be obtained in a state where corrections made with correction fluid or correction tape are visible. Scanning a document brightly allows image data to be obtained in which corrections have been removed. The light intensity adjustment function adjusts the amount of light based on the adjustment level set by the user.

[0029] Next, a software configuration for the host computer 101 having the extension application 204 to instruct the scanning device 102 to execute a scan process will be described.

[0030] 2(b) shows a software configuration for the host computer 101 equipped with the extension application 204 to instruct the scanning device 102 to execute a scan process. Note that in FIG. 2(b), configurations and processes that are not specifically mentioned are the same as those in FIG. 2(a).

[0031] 2(b), the host computer 101 includes the above-described scan application 201 and general-purpose scan software 202, as well as an extension application 204, as software for instructing the scan device 102 to execute a scan process. The processing by these pieces of software is realized by the CPU 111 executing a program stored in the external storage device 114.

[0032] The extension application 204 is software that supports the general-purpose scan software 202 and is not pre-installed (not bundled) in the OS of the host computer 101. Therefore, the user must operate the host computer 101 to download and install the extension application 204 from a server via the Internet. Alternatively, the extension application 204 may be automatically installed when the scanning device 102 is connected to the host computer 101. Specifically, when the scanning device 102 is connected to the host computer 101, the OS of the host computer 101 acquires device identification information from the scanning device 102. The OS of the host computer 101 may download and install the extension application 204 corresponding to the acquired device identification information from a server via the Internet. In other words, the general-purpose scan software 202 and the extension application 204 are stored in the host computer 101 as separate files.

[0033] The general-purpose scanning software 202 and the extension application 204 may be updated and upgraded, but these update processes are also performed at different times. That is, the timing at which the host computer 101 acquires the general-purpose scanning software 202 is different from the timing at which the extension application 204 is acquired. Furthermore, the trigger at which the host computer 101 acquires the general-purpose scanning software 202 is different from the trigger at which the extension application 204 is acquired. When the extension application 204 is installed in the host computer 101, the OS of the host computer 101 associates the extension application 204 with the general-purpose scanning software 202 and the scanning device 102.

[0034] The extension application 204 includes a scan setting screen extension unit 205, a scan function extension unit 206, an image data editing unit 207, and a notification unit 209. The extension application 204 also includes shared information 208 that can be commonly accessed by each unit. The shared information 208 is actually a file saved in the external storage device 114 or information stored in the RAM 113. The extension application 204 writes and reads information to and from the shared information 208 by using an API (Application Program Interface) provided by the OS of the host computer 101.

[0035] The extended application 204 may terminate its operation each time the processing of each unit is completed. In this case, the OS of the host computer 101 starts the extended application 204 each time a request to use each unit is received.

[0036] Furthermore, the extension application 204 may cancel the processing of each unit during its processing. If the processing is canceled, the job being processed is deleted by the OS of the host computer 101.

[0037] When the scan application 201 receives a scan request from a user, it issues a scan instruction to the OS of the host computer 101. In the configuration of FIG. 2(b), as in the configuration of FIG. 2(a), the scan application 201 can display a scan setting screen. In the configuration of FIG. 2(b), a detailed setting screen provided by the extension application 204 is displayed. Specifically, a detailed setting screen provided by the scan setting screen extension unit 205 of the extension application 204 is displayed. In addition, the scan setting screen extension unit 205 saves the setting values ​​set by the user on the detailed setting screen in the shared information 208.

[0038] The image data editing unit 207 edits the image data acquired from the scanning device 102. The image data editing unit 207 acquires the setting values ​​set on the detailed setting screen from the shared information 208 and performs image editing on the image data according to the setting values. The extended application 204 may also be configured to acquire image data acquired by the general-purpose scanning software 202 and perform image editing on the image data according to the setting values. Also, even in the configuration of FIG. 2(b), there may be cases where the user does not set the light intensity adjustment. In such cases, as in the configuration of FIG. 2(a), the general-purpose scanning software 202 may issue a scan instruction to the scanning device 102 without going through the extended application 204.

[0039] The scan function extension unit 206 can edit the scan function information 203 generated by the general-purpose scan software 202 or the OS of the host computer 101. This allows the scan function extension unit 206 to add functions provided by the extension application 204 to the scan function information 203. The scan function extension unit 206 can also add scan functions supported by the scan device 102 but not supported by the general-purpose scan software 202, and add exclusive relationships between setting values ​​of these scan functions. An example of a scan function supported by the scan device 102 but not supported by the general-purpose scan software 202 is a light intensity adjustment function. The OS of the host computer 101 launches the scan function extension unit 206 when the extension application 204 is first associated with the scan device 102 and the general-purpose scan software 202. The OS of the host computer 101 may also launch the scan function extension unit 206 at other times, such as when the OS of the host computer 101 is launched.

[0040] The notification unit 209 can display a notification to the user in response to the occurrence of an error in the scanning device 102. For example, when a reading jam error occurs in the scanning device 102, the general-purpose scanning software 202 detects it. The OS of the host computer 101 uses a notification function of the OS called a toast notification to display a message on the display unit 119. When the user presses this toast notification, the OS of the host computer 101 calls the notification unit 209 of the extension application 204, and the UI screen of the notification unit 209 is displayed. The UI screen of the notification unit 209 displays, for example, detailed information about the reading jam error and how to clear the jam.

[0041] The configuration of the extension application 204 is not limited to having all of the above-mentioned functions (units), but may have only some of the functions or other functions. The extension application 204 is sometimes simply called scan software. As described above, the extension application 204 can be said to have at least one of the following functions: The first is a function to display a setting screen (scan setting screen extension unit 205). The second is a function to edit image data according to detailed settings (image data editing unit 207). The third is a function to extend functions that can be specified by the user (scan function extension unit 206). The fourth is a function to display a screen in response to the occurrence of an error in the scan device 102 (notification unit 209).

[0042] Next, an example of the scan setting screen and the detailed setting screen displayed on the display unit 119 of the host computer 101 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0043] Fig. 3(a) is an example of a scan setting screen 300 displayed by the scan application 201 of Fig. 2(a). As shown in Fig. 3(a), the scan setting screen 300 includes a control 301, a scan button 302, a cancel button 303, and an advanced settings button 304.

[0044] The control 301 has an object that allows the user to specify the scanner device to be used to scan the document. The scan button 302 is a button for instructing the user to start scanning. The cancel button 303 is a button for instructing the user to stop scanning. The advanced settings button 304 is a button for instructing the display unit 119 to display an advanced settings screen. In this embodiment, the configuration of the advanced settings screen displayed on the display unit 119 differs depending on whether the host computer 101 is equipped with the extension application 204.

[0045] For example, the display unit 119 of a host computer 101 (see, for example, FIG. 2A) that does not include the extension application 204 displays an advanced settings screen 305a shown in FIG. 3B. The advanced settings screen 305a is displayed on the display unit 119 by the general-purpose scan software 202 when the user presses the advanced settings button 304. The advanced settings screen 305a includes a control 306a and an end settings button 307a. The control 306a allows the user to set the reading destination, and in FIG. 3B, as an example, "platen" is set. The end settings button 307a is a button for ending the settings on the advanced settings screen 305a. When the user presses the end settings button 307a, the screen of the display unit 119 returns to the scan settings screen 300.

[0046] Meanwhile, the display unit 119 of the host computer 101 (see, for example, FIG. 2B) equipped with the extension application 204 displays the advanced settings screen 305b shown in FIG. 3C. When the user presses the advanced settings button 304, the advanced settings screen 305b is displayed on the display unit 119 by the scan settings screen expansion unit 205. Note that, in this embodiment, a configuration in which the scan settings screen expansion unit 205 displays the advanced settings screen 305b on the display unit 119 will be described, but this configuration is not limiting. For example, the scan settings screen expansion unit 205 may be configured to only generate display data for the advanced settings screen 305b. In this case, the scan settings screen expansion unit 205 transmits the generated display data to the scan application 201 via the general-purpose scan software 202. The scan application 201 uses the acquired display data to display the advanced settings screen 305b on the display unit 119.

[0047] The advanced settings screen 305b includes a control 306b having the same function as the control 306a described above, a setting end button 307b having the same function as the setting end button 307a described above, a control 308b, and a list 309b. The control 308b is a button for setting the light intensity adjustment of the reading unit 195. In FIG. 3C, "-2" is selected as an example. The list 309b is a list of adjustment levels that can be set by the user and is displayed when the user presses the control 308b. In addition to the currently selected "-2," the list 309b includes adjustment levels "-1," "0," "1," and "2." When the user selects one adjustment level from the list 309b, the host computer 101 can generate a scan instruction command (described later) that includes the selected adjustment level. In this manner, in this embodiment, a configuration in which the adjustment level can be set within a range from "-2" to "2" will be described as an example. "-2" is the dimmest light level, "-1" is the second dimmest, "0" is the default light level, "1" is the second brightest, and "2" is the brightest.

[0048] Note that a configuration other than the above may be used for setting the light intensity. For example, a configuration may be used in which the adjustment level can be set within a wider range than the above range, or within a narrower range than the above range. Furthermore, the adjustment level may be configured such that a negative value indicates a brighter light intensity and a positive value indicates a darker light intensity. Furthermore, the adjustment level may be configured to increase from 0 to a positive value, i.e., a configuration in which negative values ​​are not used. Furthermore, a configuration in which the user sets a light intensity ratio with a predetermined light intensity (default) set to 100 percent, or a configuration in which the user sets a numerical value indicating the light intensity, may be used.

[0049] Here, the reason why the setting items differ between the detailed setting screen 305a and the detailed setting screen 305b will be explained.

[0050] The advanced settings screen 305a displayed on the display unit 119 of the host computer 101 that does not have the extension application 204 is generated by referring to the scan capabilities generated based on the scan function information 203. As described above, the scan function information 203 includes information on the scan functions supported by the general-purpose scan software 202, but the general-purpose scan software 202 does not support the light intensity adjustment function, and therefore the scan function information 203 does not include information on the light intensity adjustment function. As a result, the advanced settings screen 305a does not include a control 308b or a list 309b for configuring settings related to the light intensity adjustment function.

[0051] Meanwhile, the advanced settings screen 305b displayed on the display unit 119 of the host computer 101 equipped with the extension application 204 is generated by referring to the scan capabilities generated based on the scan function information 203 edited by the scan function extension unit 206. Information about the light intensity adjustment function has been added to this scan function information 203 by the scan function extension unit 206. As a result, the advanced settings screen 305b includes a control 308b and a list 309b for configuring settings related to the light intensity adjustment function. Note that the advanced settings screen 305b may also include setting items for manufacturer-specific scan functions other than the light intensity adjustment function.

[0052] Next, an edit control process in which the scan function extension unit 206 edits the scan function information 203 will be described.

[0053] Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the edit control process executed by the scan function extension unit 206 in Fig. 2(b). The edit control process in Fig. 4 is realized by the CPU 111 executing the program of the extension application 204 read from the external storage device 114 to the RAM 113. The edit control process in Fig. 4 is executed, for example, when the extension application 204 is started.

[0054] 4, first, in S401, the scan function extension unit 206 acquires capability information from the scanning device 102 connected to the host computer 101. This capability information is attribute information indicating functions that can be specified by the scanning device 102 and setting values ​​related to the attribute information. Table 501 in FIG. 5(a) is an example of capability information acquired from the scanning device 102. As shown in Table 501, it is possible to acquire from the scanning device 102 information on functions such as reading size and light intensity adjustment, as well as option information, which is setting values ​​that can be set for each function.

[0055] Next, in S402, the scan function extension unit 206 acquires a list of scan functions supported by the extension application 204 (hereinafter referred to as the "extended application supported function list"). The extended application supported function list is registered in the shared information 208, and lists all scan functions supported by the extension application 204 and their setting values. Table 502 in FIG. 5(b) is an example of the extended application supported function list. The extended application supported function list may be updated by updating the extension application 204, etc.

[0056] Next, in S403, the scan function extension unit 206 obtains the scan function information 203 created by the general-purpose scan software 202 from the OS. Table 503 in FIG. 5 is an example of the scan function information 203 created by the general-purpose scan software 202. The scan function information 203 created by the general-purpose scan software 202 is created based on the capability information acquired by the general-purpose scan software 202 from the scan device 102 (see, for example, Table 501 in FIG. 5(a)). The scan function information 203 created by the general-purpose scan software 202 records only the scan functions supported by the general-purpose scan software 202 out of the multiple scan functions recorded in the capability information acquired from the scan device 102. For this reason, the functions recorded in the scan function information 203 are limited. For example, the capability information in FIG. 5(a) includes a light intensity adjustment function, but the general-purpose scan software 202 does not support the light intensity adjustment function (see, for example, Table 503 in FIG. 5(c)). For this reason, information about the light intensity adjustment function is not recorded in the scan function information 203. In this embodiment, the scan function extension unit 206 adds functions and options to this scan function information 203, allowing the extension application 204 to compensate for any lack of functions in the general-purpose scan software 202. The scan function extension unit 206 can also delete unnecessary functions and options from the scan function information 203 created by the general-purpose scan software 202.

[0057] Next, the scan function expansion unit 206 performs a process to add a scan function. Specifically, the scan function expansion unit 206 performs S404, S405, and S406. The process to add a scan function is a process that is repeatedly performed for each function option recorded in the capability information acquired from the scan device 102 in S401. In this embodiment, the process to add a scan function is repeatedly performed for 16 items in the capability information of FIG. 5(a), from the reading size option "A4H" to the light intensity adjustment option "2". The scan function expansion unit 206 selects one of the options in the capability information acquired in S401.

[0058] First, in S404, the scan function extension unit 206 determines whether the selected option is included in the scan function information 203 generated by the general-purpose scan software 202. For example, if "Platen" is selected as the read destination option from the capability information in FIG. 5(a), this "Platen" is included in the scan function information 203 in FIG. 5(c). In such a case, in S404, it is determined that the selected option is included in the scan function information 203 generated by the general-purpose scan software 202. On the other hand, if "A4H" is selected as the read size option from the capability information in FIG. 5(a), this "A4H" is not included in the scan function information 203 in FIG. 5(c). In such a case, in S404, it is determined that the selected option is not included in the scan function information 203 generated by the general-purpose scan software 202.

[0059] If it is determined in S404 that the selected option is included in the scan function information 203 generated by the general-purpose scan software 202, the scan function extension unit 206 selects the next option, and the edit control process returns to S404. Note that if the option determined in S404 is the last option in the capability information acquired in S401 (for example, "2", which is the light intensity adjustment option in the capability information in FIG. 5(a)), the scan function addition process ends, and the edit control process ends.

[0060] If it is determined in S404 that the selected option is not included in the scan function information 203 generated by the general-purpose scan software 202, the edit control process proceeds to S405.

[0061] In S405, the scan function extension unit 206 determines whether the selected option is included in the list of extended application support functions acquired in S402. For example, if the resolution option "100 x 100 dpi" is selected from the capability information in FIG. 5(a), this "100 x 100 dpi" is not included in the list of extended application support functions in FIG. 5(b). In such a case, in S404, it is determined that the selected option is not included in the list of extended application support functions, the scan function extension unit 206 selects the next option, and the editing control process returns to S404. Note that if the option determined in S405 is the last option in the capability information acquired in S401, the process of adding the scan function ends, and the editing control process also ends.

[0062] On the other hand, if the light intensity adjustment option "-2" is selected from the capability information in Fig. 5(a), this "-2" is included in the list of extended application support functions in Fig. 5(b). In this case, in S405, it is determined that the selected option is included in the list of extended application support functions, and the editing control process proceeds to S406.

[0063] In S406, the scan function extension unit 206 adds the selected option to the scan function information 203. Next, the scan function extension unit 206 selects the next option, and the editing control process returns to S404. Note that if the option added to the scan function information 203 in S406 is the last option in the capability information acquired in S401, the process of adding the scan function ends, and the editing control process also ends.

[0064] In this way, the scan function extension unit 206 adds scan function options that are not supported by the general-purpose scan software 202 but are supported by the scan device 102 and the extension application 204 to the scan function information 203. Scan capabilities are generated based on the scan function information 203 edited by the edit control process of Fig. 4 described above. Furthermore, the scan setting screen extension unit 205 generates display data for the advanced setting screen based on the generated scan capabilities. This makes it possible to display the advanced setting screen of Fig. 3(c) on which settings can be made for scan functions that are not supported by the general-purpose scan software 202 but are supported by the scan device 102 and the extension application 204.

[0065] Next, a scan control process in the communication system of FIG. 1, from when scan settings are accepted to when image data generated by scanning an original document using the scanning device 102 is displayed, will be described.

[0066] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing the steps of scan control processing executed in the communication system of FIG. 1. The processing by the host computer 101 in FIG. 6 is realized by the CPU 111 reading each program of the scan application 201, the general-purpose scan software 202, and the extension application 204 from the external storage device 114 to the RAM 113 and executing them. The processing by the scanning device 102 in FIG. 6 is realized by the CPU 191 of the scanning device 102 reading a program stored in the ROM 192 or the external storage device 199 to the RAM 193 and executing them. Note that in this embodiment, the scan control processing will be described for a configuration in which the host computer 101 includes the extension application 204, as shown in FIG. 2(c) above. In addition, in the scan control processing of FIG. 6, it is assumed that the edit control processing of FIG. 4 above has already been executed. Through this edit control processing, an option of a scan function (e.g., a light intensity adjustment function) that is not supported by the general-purpose scan software 202 but is supported by the scanning device 102 and the extension application 204 is added to the scan function information 203.

[0067] 6, first, in S601, the scan application 201 receives a scan setting instruction from the user. The scan setting instruction is an instruction to set scan settings to be used in the scan process executed by the scan device 102 connected to the host computer 101. The user can issue the scan setting instruction to the scan application 201 by operating the pointing device 117 or keyboard 118.

[0068] Next, in S602, the scan application 201 displays the scan setting screen 300 on the display unit 119 in accordance with the received scan setting instruction.

[0069] Next, in S603, the scan application 201 receives an instruction to display a detailed settings screen. The user can issue an instruction to display the detailed settings screen by operating the pointing device 117 or the keyboard 118 to select the detailed settings button 304 on the scan settings screen 300.

[0070] Next, in S604, the scan application 201 requests the general-purpose scan software 202 to display a detailed setting screen in accordance with the received instruction to display the detailed setting screen.

[0071] Next, in S605, in accordance with the received display request, the general-purpose scan software 202 requests the extension application 204 to display a detailed setting screen. Note that, as shown in FIG. 2(b) above, in a configuration in which the host computer 101 does not include the extension application 204, the general-purpose scan software 202 causes the display unit 119 to display the detailed setting screen 305a.

[0072] Next, in S606, the scan setting screen expansion unit 205 of the extension application 204 displays the detailed setting screen 305b on the display unit 119. Specifically, the scan setting screen expansion unit 205 references the scan capabilities generated based on the scan function information 203 to which options such as a light intensity adjustment function have been added in the editing control process of FIG. 4 described above, and displays the detailed setting screen 305b on the display unit 119. As described above, the detailed setting screen 305b includes a control 308b and a list 309b for setting the light intensity adjustment of the reading unit 195. Note that in this embodiment, the extension application 204 supports only one resolution, 300×300 dpi, as shown in FIG. 5B. Therefore, there is no need for the user to select a resolution, and this setting item is not displayed on the detailed setting screen 305b. Note that this configuration is merely an example, and the detailed setting screen 305b may also include a resolution setting item with 300×300 dpi selected.

[0073] Next, in S607, the scan setting screen expansion unit 205 accepts settings made by the user on the detailed setting screen 305b. The detailed setting screen 305b in FIG. 3C shows an example in which the user has set "Platen" as the reading destination and "-2" as the adjustment level for light intensity adjustment. The values ​​set on the detailed setting screen 305b are stored in the RAM 113 by the CPU 111.

[0074] Next, in S608, the scan setting screen expansion unit 205 receives an instruction from the user to end the detailed settings. The user can issue an instruction to end the detailed settings by operating the pointing device 117 or keyboard 118 to select the End Settings button 307b. Upon receiving the instruction to end the detailed settings, the scan setting screen expansion unit 205 writes the values ​​set on the detailed settings screen 305b into the scan setting information. Note that the scan setting screen expansion unit 205 may also be configured to write setting values ​​for items that the user is not allowed to select, such as resolution, into the scan setting information. The scan setting information is stored in the RAM 113, etc.

[0075] Next, in S609, the extension application 204 notifies the general-purpose scan software 202 of the completion of the detailed settings.

[0076] Next, in S610, the general-purpose scan software 202 notifies the scan application 201 of the completion of the detailed settings.

[0077] Upon receiving this notification, the scan application 201 switches the screen of the display unit 119 to the scan setting screen 300. In addition, the scan application 201 accepts a scan instruction from the user in S611. The user can issue a scan instruction by operating the pointing device 117 or keyboard 118 and selecting the scan button 302.

[0078] Next, in S612, the scan application 201 issues a scan instruction to the general-purpose scan software 202.

[0079] Next, in S613, the general-purpose scan software 202 issues a scan instruction to the extension application 204.

[0080] Next, in S614, the extension application 204 creates a scan instruction command based on the scan setting information written in S608. If the setting values ​​of items that are not selectable by the user, such as resolution, have not been written to the scan setting information in S608, the extension application 204 may add those setting values ​​to the scan instruction command when creating the scan instruction command in S614. Alternatively, the extension application 204 may not add those setting values ​​and instead operate the scan device 102 using its default values.

[0081] Next, in S615, the extension application 204 transmits (outputs) a scan instruction command to the scanning device 102.

[0082] Next, in S616, the scanning device 102 interprets the received scan instruction command and executes the scan process. In S616, image processing corresponding to the scan instruction command is performed on the image data obtained by scanning the document. In this embodiment, if light intensity adjustment is set on the detailed setting screen 305b, the scan process is performed with the light intensity corresponding to the adjustment level set in the control 308b. In this way, image data scanned with the light intensity intended by the user is generated.

[0083] Next, in S617, the scanning device 102 transmits the generated image data to the extension application 204. The above-described processing of S616 and S617 executed by the scanning device 102 will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0084] Next, in S618, the extension application 204 transmits the received image data to the general-purpose scan software 202. The above-described processes of S606, S607, S608, S609, S614, S615, and S618 executed by the extension application 204 will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0085] Next, in S619, the general-purpose scan software 202 transmits the received image data to the scan application 201.

[0086] Next, in S620, the scan application 201 receives image data. Next, in S621, the scan application 201 displays the received image data on the display unit 119. For example, the display unit 119 displays image data obtained by scanning using an amount of light corresponding to the adjustment level set in the control 308b. For example, if the adjustment level set in the control 308b is "-2," the display unit 119 displays image data in a state in which corrections made on the document by correction fluid or correction tape are visible. On the other hand, if the adjustment level set in the control 308b is "2," the display unit 119 displays image data in which the corrections, etc. have been removed. Then, this process ends.

[0087] In the present embodiment, the configuration has been described in which the scan application 201 displays the image data received from the scanning device 102 on the display unit 119 in S621 described above, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the extension application 204 may display this image data on the display unit 119.

[0088] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3(d), the detailed setting screen 305b may further include a display area 310b that displays a preview image of the scanned document and a control 311b for instructing the display of the preview image in the display area 310b. By operating the control 311b in the state shown in FIG. 3(d), the detailed setting screen 305b displays a preview image in the display area 310b. This preview image may be a low-resolution image. Furthermore, by operating the control 308b while the preview image is displayed, the amount of light used during scanning can be changed. This updates the preview image in the display area 310b to an image based on the changed adjustment level. This preview image may be based on a scanned image obtained by rescanning the document, or may be an image of a previously scanned image processed by the extension application 204. If the preview image in the display area 310b matches the image the user desires, the user operates the control 307b. With this configuration, the user can check the degree to which correction marks and the like are to be made more noticeable / invisible in the pre-scan before issuing an instruction to execute the main scan.

[0089] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the scanning device 102 has been described as being configured to transmit the generated image data to the host computer 101, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the scanning device 102 may transmit the generated image data by fax or email to a specified destination. The destination may be stored in the scanning device 102, and processing may be completed in the scanning device 102 after a scan instruction is issued. Alternatively, the scanning device 102 may be configured to acquire data stored in an address book of a personal computer, smartphone, or the like. Alternatively, the scanning device 102 may be configured to display a destination input screen / field and allow the user to set the destination.

[0090] Next, a description will be given of the scan instruction command generation process executed by the extension application 204. The scan instruction command generation process includes the processes of S606, S607, S608, S609, S614, S615, and S618 described above.

[0091] Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the scan instruction command generation process executed by the extension application 204 of Fig. 2. The scan instruction command generation process of Fig. 7 is realized by the CPU 111 executing the program of the extension application 204 that has been read from the external storage device 114 to the RAM 113.

[0092] 7, first, in S701, the extension application 204 receives a request to display a detailed setting screen from the general-purpose scan software 202. Next, in S702, the scan setting screen extension unit 205 of the extension application 204 displays the detailed setting screen 305b on the display unit 119 in accordance with the received display request (see, for example, S606 described above).

[0093] Next, in S703, the scan setting screen expansion unit 205 determines whether or not a function setting has been received from the user on the detailed setting screen 305b.

[0094] If it is determined in S703 that the user has set the function on the detailed setting screen 305b (see, for example, S607 described above), the extension application 204 saves the setting value set on the detailed setting screen 305b in the RAM 113. After that, the process proceeds to S705.

[0095] If it is determined in S703 that no function settings are to be received from the user on the detailed setting screen 305b, the process also proceeds to S705.

[0096] In S705, the scan setting screen expansion unit 205 determines whether or not an instruction to end the detailed setting has been received from the user.

[0097] If it is determined in S705 that an instruction to end the detailed settings has not been received from the user, the process returns to S703. If it is determined in S705 that an instruction to end the detailed settings has been received from the user (for example, see S608 described above), the process proceeds to S706. Note that if the determinations in both S703 and S705 are YES, the scan setting screen expansion unit 205 writes the setting values ​​set on the detailed setting screen 305b to the scan setting information. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S706.

[0098] In S706, the extension application 204 notifies the general-purpose scan software 202 of the completion of the detailed settings.

[0099] Next, in S707, the extension application 204 determines whether a scan instruction has been received from the general-purpose scan software 202. The extension application 204 waits until a scan instruction is received. If a scan instruction is received (YES in S707), in S708, the extension application 204 creates a scan instruction command based on the scan setting information written in S705 (see, for example, S614 described above). One method for creating a scan instruction command is to extend the function of a command conforming to a standard protocol. Examples of methods for extending the function of a command conforming to a standard protocol include recording a dedicated command, such as a light intensity adjustment function setting, in an extension area of ​​the command conforming to the standard protocol, or adding a manufacturer-specific command to the end of the command conforming to the standard protocol. Another method for creating a scan instruction command is for the extension application 204 to convert a command conforming to the standard protocol into a unique command system. When issuing an instruction from the extension application 204, instructions and communication may be performed using a manufacturer-specific protocol, regardless of the standard protocol.

[0100] Next, in S709, the extension application 204 transmits (outputs) a scan instruction command to the scanning device 102 (see, for example, S615 described above).

[0101] Next, in S710, the extension application 204 determines whether all image data has been received from the scanning device 102. The extension application 204 waits until all image data has been received, and when all image data has been received (YES in S710), in S711, it sends the received image data to the general-purpose scanning software 202 (see, for example, S618 described above). Then, this process ends.

[0102] Next, a description will be given of the control processing executed by the scanning device 102. The control processing includes the above-mentioned steps S616 and S617.

[0103] Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the control process executed by the scanning device 102 of Fig. 1. The control process of Fig. 8 is realized by the CPU 191 executing a program stored in the RAM 192.

[0104] 8, first, in step S801, the CPU 191 acquires a scan instruction command sent from the extension application 204.

[0105] Next, in S802, the CPU 191 analyzes the scan instruction command acquired in S801 and converts it into reading settings to be used by the scanning device 102 in the scan process. In the present embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that the CPU 191 converts the reading settings to set the reading destination to "platen," the light intensity adjustment to "-2," and the resolution to "300 x 300 dpi." Next, in S803, the CPU 191 sets the ASIC of the image processing unit 190 to be used in executing the scan process based on the reading settings converted in S802.

[0106] Next, in S804, CPU 191 transmits a read instruction corresponding to the read setting to reading unit 195. In this embodiment, for example, CPU 191 transmits a read instruction to reading unit 195 specifying the read destination as "platen" and the light intensity adjustment as "-2". Receiving this instruction, reading unit 195 performs a read operation with a light intensity corresponding to the adjustment level of "-2".

[0107] Next, in S805, CPU 191 acquires image data from reading unit 195. Next, in S806, CPU 191 controls image processing unit 190 to perform image processing on the acquired image data. In S806, the acquired image data is subjected to image processing to convert the resolution to "300 x 300 dpi," for example. Note that if reading unit 195 is capable of reading at "300 x 300 dpi" and acquires image data at "300 x 300 dpi," the image processing to convert the resolution to "300 x 300 dpi" may not be performed in step S806.

[0108] Next, in S807, the CPU 191 stores the image data in the external storage device 199. Next, in S808, the CPU 191 determines whether or not reading of all pages has been completed.

[0109] If it is determined in S808 that reading of any page has not been completed, the process returns to S805.

[0110] If it is determined in S808 that reading of all pages has been completed, the process proceeds to S809. In S809, the CPU 191 controls the image processing unit 190 to convert the image data saved in S807 into the specified transmission format. In this embodiment, the transmission format is not included in the scan instruction command acquired in S801, and in S809, the image data is converted into the JPEG format, which is the default setting of the scanning device 102, but the destination transmission format is not limited to this. The destination transmission format may be a format other than JPEG as long as it is a format supported by the host computer 101. Next, in S810, the CPU 191 controls the NETIF 197 to send the image data converted in S809 to the extension application 204. Then, the process ends.

[0111] According to the above-described embodiment, the extension application 204 displays the detailed setting screen 305b, which accepts the setting of the light intensity for the scan process, on the display unit 119. Furthermore, the extension application 204 outputs a scan instruction command for causing the scan device 102 to execute the scan process at the light intensity corresponding to the adjustment level set on the detailed setting screen 305b. This allows the user to use the light intensity adjustment function.

[0112] In the above-described embodiment, the user can set one adjustment level from among a plurality of adjustment levels corresponding to different light intensities on the detailed setting screen 305b, thereby allowing the user to select a light intensity that suits the intended use from among a plurality of options in the light intensity adjustment setting.

[0113] In the above-described embodiment, the user sets a numerical value indicating a ratio based on a predetermined light intensity on the detailed setting screen 305b, which allows the user to intuitively set a light intensity that suits the intended use when setting the light intensity adjustment.

[0114] In the above-described embodiment, the user sets a numerical value indicating the amount of light on the detailed setting screen 305b, which allows the user to fine-tune the amount of light used in the scan process.

[0115] In the above-described embodiment, the extension application 204 creates a scan instruction command for causing the scanning device 102 to execute a scan process at a light intensity corresponding to the adjustment level set on the detailed setting screen 305b. This allows the scanning device 102 to execute a scan process at a light intensity corresponding to the adjustment level set on the detailed setting screen 305b.

[0116] In the above-described embodiment, the scan instruction command is a command created by extending the function of a command conforming to the standard protocol, thereby allowing the scanning device 102 to execute a scan process using the standard protocol with a light intensity corresponding to the adjustment level set on the detailed setting screen 305b.

[0117] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the scan instruction command is a command that is obtained by converting a command conforming to the standard protocol into a command system unique to the extension application 204. This allows the settings of a scan function that is not supported by the standard protocol to be reflected in the scan instruction command.

[0118] In the above-described embodiment, the detailed setting screen 305b is displayed on the display unit 119 of the host computer 101 (see, for example, FIG. 2B) equipped with the extension application 204. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, upon receiving a display request for the detailed setting screen in S604, the general-purpose scanning software 202 may display the detailed setting screen 305a on the display unit 119. After completing the settings on the detailed setting screen 305a, the general-purpose scanning software 202 requests the extension application 204 to display an additional detailed setting screen. In response to this display request, the extension application 204 displays, for example, a detailed setting screen (not shown) on the display unit 119 that does not include the control 306b and is configured with a setting end button 307b, a control 308b, and a list 309b. Even with this configuration, the user can utilize the light intensity adjustment function.

[0119] In the above-described embodiment, the general-purpose scan software 202 issues a scan instruction to the extension application 204 in step S613, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the scan application 201 may directly issue a scan instruction to the extension application 204. Alternatively, a control for issuing a scan instruction may be placed on the advanced settings screen 305b, and the user may directly issue an instruction to the extension application 204.

[0120] In the above-described embodiment, the configuration has been described in which the extended application 204 passes image data received from the scanning device 102 to the scanning application 201 via the general-purpose scanning software 202, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the extended application 204 may pass the image data directly to the scanning application 201 without passing it through the general-purpose scanning software 202. Alternatively, the scanning device 102 may pass the image data to the scanning application 201. Alternatively, the image data acquired from the scanning device 102 may be saved in the external storage device 114, and only file path information indicating the save destination may be passed.

[0121] In the above embodiment, the transfer of image data starts after it is determined in step S710 that all image data has been received, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the transferred image data may be transferred as needed.

[0122] Next, a communication system, an information processing device, and a control method for an information processing device according to a second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment is basically the same as the first embodiment in terms of configuration and operation, but differs from the first embodiment in that the extension application 204 edits the scan instruction command created by the general-purpose scan software 202. Therefore, a description of the overlapping configuration and operation will be omitted, and the following description will focus on the different configuration and operation.

[0123] FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating the steps of scan control processing executed in the communication system of the second embodiment. The scan control processing in FIG. 9 is similar to the scan control processing in FIG. 6 described above, and the following description focuses on differences from the scan control processing in FIG. 6 described above. The processing by the host computer 101 in FIG. 9 is implemented by the CPU 111 reading the scan application 201, the general-purpose scan software 202, and the extension application 204 from the external storage device 114 to the RAM 113 and executing them. The processing by the scanning device 102 in FIG. 9 is implemented by the CPU 191 of the scanning device 102 reading the programs stored in the ROM 192 or the external storage device 199 to the RAM 193 and executing them. The scan control processing in FIG. 9 will also be described for a configuration in which the host computer 101 includes the extension application 204, as shown in FIG. 2(c) described above. The scan control processing in FIG. 9 also assumes that the edit control processing in FIG. 4 described above has already been executed. This editing control process adds to the scan function information 203 an option for a scan function (for example, a light intensity adjustment function) that is not supported by the general-purpose scan software 202 but is supported by the scan device 102 and the extension application 204.

[0124] 9, the above-described steps S601 to S612 are performed. Next, in S901, the general-purpose scanning software 202 creates a scan instruction command. Note that the scan instruction command created in S901 does not record scan functions that the general-purpose scanning software 202 does not support, such as a light intensity adjustment function.

[0125] Next, in S902 , the general-purpose scan software 202 sends the created scan instruction command to the extension application 204 .

[0126] Next, in S903, the extension application 204 edits the received scan instruction command. Specifically, the extension application 204 adds instructions for scan functions not supported by the general-purpose scan software 202 to the received scan instruction command or changes existing instructions. Here, the scan instruction command created by the general-purpose scan software 202 in S901 does not include settings for the light intensity adjustment function, such as the adjustment level set on the detailed settings screen 305b. Therefore, in S903, the settings for the light intensity adjustment function are added to the received scan instruction command. Hereinafter, the scan instruction command obtained in S903 will be referred to as a function-extended scan instruction command.

[0127] Next, in S904, the extension application 204 sends the function-enhanced scan instruction command to the general-purpose scan software 202.

[0128] In S905, the general-purpose scan software 202 sends the function-enhanced scan instruction command to the scan device 102. Next, the above-described S616 is performed, and the scan device 102 interprets the function-enhanced scan instruction command and executes the scan process.

[0129] Next, in S906, the scanning device 102 transmits the generated image data to the general-purpose scanning software 202. Thereafter, the above-described steps S619 to S621 are performed, and this processing ends.

[0130] In the second embodiment described above, the extension application 204 adds the setting of the light intensity adjustment function set on the detailed setting screen 305b to the scan instruction command created by the general-purpose scan software 202. This allows the scanning device 102 to execute the scan process with the light intensity corresponding to the setting value set on the detailed setting screen 305b.

[0131] Next, a communication system, an information processing device, and a control method for an information processing device according to a third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment is basically the same as the first embodiment in terms of configuration and operation, but differs from the first embodiment in that the standard scan instruction command conforming to the standard protocol is not extended, but an extended scan instruction command is separately created. Therefore, a description of the overlapping configuration and operation will be omitted, and the following description will focus on the different configuration and operation.

[0132] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating the steps of scan control processing executed in the communication system of the third embodiment. The scan control processing in FIG. 10 is similar to the scan control processing in FIG. 6 described above, and the following description focuses on differences from the scan control processing in FIG. 6 described above. The processing by the host computer 101 in FIG. 10 is implemented by the CPU 111 reading the scan application 201, general-purpose scan software 202, and extension application 204 programs from the external storage device 114 to the RAM 113 and executing them. The processing by the scanning device 102 in FIG. 10 is implemented by the CPU 191 of the scanning device 102 reading the programs stored in the ROM 192 or the external storage device 199 to the RAM 193 and executing them. The scan control processing in FIG. 10 will also be described for a configuration in which the host computer 101 includes the extension application 204, as shown in FIG. 2(c) described above. The scan control processing in FIG. 10 also assumes that the edit control processing in FIG. 4 described above has already been executed. This editing control process adds to the scan function information 203 an option for a scan function (for example, a light intensity adjustment function) that is not supported by the general-purpose scan software 202 but is supported by the scan device 102 and the extension application 204.

[0133] 10, first, steps S601 to S613 described above are performed. Next, in step S1001, the extension application 204 creates a standard scan command that conforms to the standard protocol. Note that the standard scan command created in step S1001 does not record scan functions that are not supported by the standard protocol. For example, if the light intensity adjustment function is not supported by the standard protocol, the standard scan command does not include settings for the light intensity adjustment function, such as the adjustment level set on the detailed settings screen 305b.

[0134] Next, in S1002, the extension application 204 creates an extended scan command to implement a scan function that is not supported by the standard protocol. The extended scan command includes, for example, settings for a scan function that is not supported by the standard protocol but is supported by the extension application 204. For example, if a light intensity adjustment function is not supported by the standard protocol, the extended scan command includes settings for the light intensity adjustment function, such as the adjustment level set on the detailed settings screen 305b.

[0135] Next, in S1003, the extension application 204 transmits a standard scan instruction command to the scanning device 102. Also, in S1004, the extension application 204 transmits an extended scan instruction command to the scanning device 102.

[0136] Next, in S1005, the scanning device 102 interprets the received standard scan instruction command and extended scan instruction command, respectively, and executes the scan process. After that, the above-mentioned steps S617 to S621 are performed, and this process ends.

[0137] Here, a description will be given of the scan instruction command generation process executed by the extension application 204 in the third embodiment. This scan instruction command generation process includes the processes of S606, S607, S608, S609, S1001, S1002, S1003, S1004, and S618 described above.

[0138] Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a scan instruction command generation process executed by the extension application 204 of the third embodiment. Note that the scan instruction command generation process of Fig. 11 is similar to the scan instruction command generation process of Fig. 7 described above, and the following will particularly describe the differences from the scan instruction command generation process of Fig. 7 described above. The scan instruction command generation process of Fig. 9, like the scan instruction command generation process of Fig. 7 described above, is also realized by the CPU 111 executing the program of the extension application 204 read from the external storage device 114 to the RAM 113.

[0139] 11, the above-described steps S701 to S707 are performed. Upon receiving a scan instruction (YES in step S707), the extension application 204 generates a standard scan instruction command conforming to the standard protocol in step S1101 (see, for example, step S1001 described above). Next, in step S1102, the extension application 204 generates an extended scan instruction command for implementing a scan function not supported by the standard protocol (see, for example, step S1002 described above). Next, in step S1103, the extension application 204 transmits the standard scan instruction command generated in step S1101 to the scanning device 102 (see, for example, step S1003 described above). Next, in step S1104, the extension application 204 transmits the extended scan instruction command generated in step S1102 to the scanning device 102 (see, for example, step S1004 described above). Thereafter, the above-described steps S710 to S711 are performed, and the process ends.

[0140] In the third embodiment described above, a standard scan instruction command conforming to the standard protocol and an extended scan instruction command for implementing a scan function not supported by the standard protocol are both transmitted to the scan device 102. This allows the settings of the scan function not supported by the standard protocol to be reflected in the scan instruction command.

[0141] Next, a communication system, an information processing device, and a control method for an information processing device according to a fourth embodiment will be described. The fourth embodiment is basically the same as the first embodiment in terms of configuration and operation, but differs from the first embodiment in that the light intensity adjustment function is switched on / off depending on the user's purpose of use. Therefore, a description of the overlapping configuration and operation will be omitted, and the following description will focus on the different configuration and operation.

[0142] Fig. 12(a) is a diagram showing an example of a list of capability information acquired from the scanning device 102 according to the fourth embodiment. As shown in table 1201 in Fig. 12(a), the capability information acquired from the scanning device 102 records information indicating whether the light intensity adjustment function is supported or not, rather than a settable value (adjustment level) as a light intensity adjustment option. In Fig. 12(a), "support" 1202 is recorded, indicating that the scanning device 102 supports the light intensity adjustment function.

[0143] FIG. 12B is a diagram showing an example of a detailed setting screen 1203 on which the light intensity adjustment function can be set by use case name.

[0144] In the fourth embodiment, if the capability information acquired from the scanning device 102 includes the "support" 1202, the extension application 204 displays the advanced settings screen 1203 on the display unit 119 in response to a display request for the advanced settings screen received from the user. The advanced settings screen 1203 includes a control 1204 with a use case name such as "Document Modification / Tampering Checkable." When the user selects the control 1204 and checks the checkbox as shown in FIG. 12B, the extension application 204 creates a scan instruction command in accordance with the user's scan instruction. The extension application 204 transmits (outputs) this scan instruction command to the scanning device 102. This scan instruction command includes a setting for a light intensity adjustment function that adjusts the light intensity to a different level from the reference light intensity, for example, a darker level at which image data can be acquired in a state in which correction marks made on a document by correction fluid or correction tape are visible.

[0145] On the other hand, if the above-mentioned "support" 1202 is not recorded in the capability information acquired from the scanning device 102, the detailed setting screen 305a not including the control 1204 is displayed on the display unit 119 in accordance with a request to display the detailed setting screen received from the user.

[0146] As described above, in the fourth embodiment, if the above-mentioned "support" 1202 is recorded in the capability information acquired from the scanning device 102, the detailed setting screen 1203 including the control 1204 is displayed. In other words, only if the scanning device 102 supports the light intensity adjustment function is the detailed setting screen 1203 including the control 1204 for setting the light intensity adjustment function displayed. This makes it possible to prevent a scan instruction command including the setting of the light intensity adjustment function from being sent to a scanning device 102 that does not support the light intensity adjustment function.

[0147] In the fourth embodiment described above, a detailed setting screen 1500 for enabling or disabling the function for checking document modification / tampering using the light intensity adjustment function is displayed on the display unit 119. When the document modification / tampering check function is enabled on the detailed setting screen 1500, a scan instruction command is output to cause the scanner to execute a scan process at a light intensity different from the reference light intensity. This allows the user to use the light intensity adjustment function.

[0148] Furthermore, since the control 1204 is the name of the use case, the user can easily use the light intensity adjustment function.

[0149] In this embodiment, even if capability information including numerical values ​​that can be set as options for adjusting the light intensity is acquired from the scanning device 102, the detailed setting screen 1203 including the control 1204 for the above-mentioned use case name may be displayed on the display unit 119.

[0150] Next, a communication system, an information processing device, and a control method for an information processing device according to a fifth embodiment will be described. The fifth embodiment is basically the same as the first embodiment in terms of configuration and operation, but differs from the first embodiment in that the scanning device 102 further corresponds to a background adjustment function. Therefore, a description of the overlapping configuration and operation will be omitted, and the following description will focus on the different configuration and operation.

[0151] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a list of capability information acquired from the scanning device 102 according to the fifth embodiment. As shown in table 1301 in Fig. 13, the capability information acquired from the scanning device 102 includes information 1302 indicating that the scanning device 102 supports a background adjustment function, in addition to information 1303 indicating that the scanning device 102 supports a light intensity adjustment function. The background adjustment function is a function for erasing the background color from image data obtained by scanning a document.

[0152] A user who sets the document modification / tamper check function would like to obtain image data in a state in which correction marks made with correction fluid or correction tape on the document are visible, but if the background adjustment function erases the background, the image data desired by the user cannot be obtained. In response to this, in this embodiment, control is performed so that the document modification / tamper check function, which uses the light intensity adjustment function, and the background adjustment function are not both enabled (simultaneously).

[0153] Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a scan instruction command generation process executed by the extension application 204 of the fifth embodiment. Note that the scan instruction command generation process of Fig. 14 is similar to the scan instruction command generation process of Fig. 7 described above, and the following will particularly describe the differences from the scan instruction command generation process of Fig. 7 described above. The scan instruction command generation process of Fig. 14, like the scan instruction command generation process of Fig. 7 described above, is also realized by the CPU 111 executing the program of the extension application 204 read from the external storage device 114 to the RAM 113.

[0154] 14, the above-described steps S701 and S702 are performed. In S702, the display unit 119 displays the detailed settings screen 1500 shown in FIG. 15(a) by referencing the scan capabilities generated based on the scan function information 203 to which the information 1302 and 1303 have been added in the edit control process shown in FIG. 4. The detailed settings screen 1500 includes a control 1501 having the same function as the above-described control 1204, as well as a control 1502 for switching the background adjustment function on and off. Next, S703 is performed in this process.

[0155] If it is determined in step S703 that the user has set the function on the detailed setting screen 1500, the process proceeds to step S704. In step S704, the extension application 204 saves the setting values ​​set on the detailed setting screen 1500 in the RAM 113.

[0156] Next, in S1401, the scan setting screen extension unit 205 of the extension application 204 determines whether or not there is another function among the functions that can be set on the detailed setting screen 1500 that is inconsistent with the function set by the user in S703. As shown in FIG. 15 , the detailed setting screen 1500 allows the document modification / tamper check function and background adjustment function to be turned on or off. However, as described above, if both the document modification / tamper check function and the background adjustment function are set to on (enabled), an inconsistency occurs. In S1401, if the function set by the user in S703 is either the document modification / tamper check function or the background adjustment function, it is determined that there is another function among the functions that can be set on the detailed setting screen 1500 that is inconsistent with the function set by the user in S703. In this case, the process proceeds to S1402.

[0157] In S1402, the scan setting screen expansion unit 205 controls so that the function set by the user in S703 and the other functions described above are not both enabled. For example, if the user enables the document modification / tamper check function in S703, the background adjustment function control 1502 is disabled, as shown in FIG. 15(b). When such control is performed, further control may be performed so that the user cannot select and operate the disabled control 1502. Note that if the document modification / tamper check function is not set (disabled), the user can enable the background adjustment function control 1502. Next, the process proceeds to S705.

[0158] The process also proceeds to S705 if it is determined in S703 that no function settings are to be received from the user on the detailed setting screen 1500. After that, S706 to S711 are performed, and the process ends.

[0159] As described above, in the fifth embodiment, the document modification / tamper check function using the light intensity adjustment function and the background adjustment function are controlled so that they are not both enabled. This prevents the user from accidentally enabling both of these functions, which may cause inconsistencies.

[0160] In the fifth embodiment described above, control other than that described above may be used as long as it is possible to prevent the creation of a scan instruction command that includes both the setting of the document modification / tamper check function and the setting of the background adjustment function. For example, if the user enables the document modification / tamper check function in S703, a scan instruction command may be created that executes the background adjustment function processing with the minimum setting value at which the background adjustment is ineffective.

[0161] In addition, in the fifth embodiment described above, in addition to the background adjustment function, functions that may be inconsistent with the document modification / tampering check function may be controlled so that they are not enabled together with the document modification / tampering check function.

[0162] Furthermore, in the fifth embodiment described above, when the user enables both the document modification / tamper checking function and the background adjustment function on the detailed setting screen 1500, a message indicating that both of these functions cannot be enabled may be displayed on the display unit 119.

[0163] Furthermore, in the fifth embodiment described above, the settings of either or both of a newly enabled function and a function that cannot be enabled together with the newly enabled function may be changed on the UI. For example, if the user enables control 1501 while control 1502 is enabled on the detailed setting screen 1500, control 1502 or both controls 1501 and 1502 are changed to disabled. When such control is performed, a message may be displayed on the display unit 119 indicating that both of these functions cannot be enabled (simultaneously).

[0164] Furthermore, in the above-described fifth embodiment, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the display control of the above-described detailed setting screen 1500 is not performed, and the setting change is performed internally when creating a scan instruction command after completing the setting of the detailed setting screen 1500. For example, when both controls 1501 and 1502 are set to be enabled, a scan instruction command is generated that includes only the setting of the document modification / tamper check function out of the document modification / tamper check function and the background adjustment function.

[0165] The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the 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 realizes one or more functions.

[0166] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configurations and methods. (Configuration 1) A program that supports a general-purpose program that can be used commonly with scanners from multiple manufacturers, characterized in that the program causes an information processing device in which the program is installed to execute the steps of displaying a setting screen that accepts settings for light intensity in scanning processing on a display means of the information processing device, and outputting a command to cause the scanner to execute scanning processing using the light intensity setting accepted on the setting screen. (Configuration 2) The program according to configuration 1, wherein the user sets one setting value from among a plurality of setting values ​​corresponding to different light amounts on the setting screen. (Configuration 3) The program according to configuration 1, wherein a user sets a numerical value indicating a ratio based on a predetermined light amount on the setting screen. (Configuration 4) The program according to configuration 1, wherein a user sets a numerical value indicating the amount of light on the setting screen. (Configuration 5) A program described in any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that the program further causes an information processing device in which the program is installed to execute a process of creating a command to cause a scanner to execute a scan process using the light intensity setting received on the setting screen. (Configuration 6) The program according to configuration 5, wherein the command is a command created by extending the function of a command conforming to a standard protocol. (Configuration 7) The program according to configuration 5, wherein the command is a command that conforms to a standard protocol and is converted into a command system unique to the program. (Configuration 8) The program according to configuration 5, characterized in that in the creating process, a first command conforming to a standard protocol and a second command including a setting of the light intensity in the scanning process are created. (Configuration 9) A program described in any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that the information processing device in which the program is installed further executes a process of editing a command created by the general-purpose program to cause a scanner to execute a scan process, and in the editing process, the light intensity setting received on the setting screen is added to the command created by the general-purpose program to cause a scanner to execute a scan process. (Configuration 10) A program described in any one of configurations 1 to 9, characterized in that an information processing device in which the program is installed executes a step of acquiring capability information of a scanner connected to the information processing device, and in the display step, if the acquired capability information includes information indicating that the scanner supports a function for adjusting the amount of light in the scanning process, the setting screen is displayed on the display means of the information processing device, and if the acquired capability information does not include the information indicating that the scanner supports the function, another setting screen that does not include a setting item for the amount of light in the scanning process is displayed on the display means of the information processing device. (Configuration 11) A program that supports a general-purpose program that can be used commonly with scanners from multiple manufacturers, characterized in that the program causes an information processing device in which the program is installed to execute the following steps: displaying a setting screen on a display means of the information processing device for enabling or disabling a specified function that requires adjusting the reference light amount in scanning processing; and, when the specified function is enabled on the setting screen, outputting a command to cause the scanner to execute the scanning processing at a light amount different from the reference light amount. (Configuration 12) The setting screen further allows other functions that are inconsistent with the specified function to be set to enabled or disabled, and the program described in Configuration 11 is characterized in that it further causes an information processing device in which the program is installed to execute a control process that prevents both the specified function and the other functions from being set to enabled. (Configuration 13) The setting screen can further enable or disable other functions that are inconsistent with the specified function, and the program described in configuration 11 or 12 is characterized in that it further causes an information processing device in which the program is installed to execute a control process that prevents the creation of commands that include both settings for the specified function and settings for the other functions. (Configuration 14) A program described in any one of configurations 1 to 13, characterized in that the program further causes an information processing device in which the program is installed to execute the steps of receiving image data generated by the scanning process from the scanner and displaying the image data as a preview image on a display means of the information processing device. (Configuration 15) The program according to configuration 14, wherein the preview image is configured to be editable. [Explanation of symbols]

[0167] 101 host computer 102 Scanning Device 111 CPU 119 Display section 120 NETIF 202 General-purpose scanning software 204 Extended Applications 205 Scan Setting Screen Expansion Unit 206 Scan Function Expansion Unit 305a, 305b, 1203, 1500 detailed setting screen 308b Control 309b List

Claims

1. A program that supports a general-purpose program that can be used in common with scanners from multiple manufacturers, In an information processing device in which the program is installed, a step of displaying a setting screen for accepting settings of the amount of light in the scanning process on a display means of the information processing device; and outputting a command to cause the scanner to execute a scan process using the light intensity setting received on the setting screen.

2. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the setting screen allows a user to set one setting value from among a plurality of setting values ​​corresponding to different light amounts.

3. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein a user sets a numerical value indicating a ratio based on a predetermined light amount on the setting screen.

4. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein a user sets a numerical value indicating a light intensity on the setting screen.

5. In an information processing device in which the program is installed, 2. The program according to claim 1, further comprising the step of creating a command for causing a scanner to execute a scan process using the light intensity setting received on the setting screen.

6. 6. The program according to claim 5, wherein the command is a command created by extending the function of a command conforming to a standard protocol.

7. 6. The program according to claim 5, wherein the command is a command obtained by converting a command conforming to a standard protocol into a command system unique to the program.

8. 6. The program according to claim 5, wherein in the creating step, a first command conforming to a standard protocol and a second command including a setting of a light amount in the scanning process are created.

9. In an information processing device in which the program is installed, further executing a step of editing the command generated by the general-purpose program for causing the scanner to execute a scan process; The program according to claim 1, characterized in that in the editing process, the light intensity setting received on the setting screen is added to a command created by the general-purpose program for causing a scanner to execute a scanning process.

10. In an information processing device in which the program is installed, executing a step of acquiring capability information of a scanner connected to the information processing device; The program described in claim 1, characterized in that in the displaying process, if the acquired capability information includes information indicating that the scanner supports a function for adjusting the amount of light in the scanning process, the setting screen is displayed on the display means of the information processing device, and if the acquired capability information does not include the information indicating support, another setting screen that does not include a setting item for the amount of light in the scanning process is displayed on the display means of the information processing device.

11. A program that supports a general-purpose program that can be used in common with scanners from multiple manufacturers, In an information processing device in which the program is installed, a step of displaying a setting screen on a display means of the information processing device for enabling or disabling a predetermined function that requires adjustment of a reference light amount in a scanning process; When the specified function is enabled on the setting screen, the program executes a step of outputting a command to cause the scanner to execute the scanning process at a light intensity different from the reference light intensity.

12. On the setting screen, other functions that may cause inconsistency with the predetermined function can be further set to be enabled or disabled, In an information processing device in which the program is installed, 12. The program according to claim 11, further causing the computer to execute a step of performing control to prevent both the predetermined function and the other function from being set to be valid.

13. On the setting screen, other functions that may cause inconsistency with the predetermined function can be further set to be enabled or disabled, In an information processing device in which the program is installed, 12. The program according to claim 11, further causing the program to execute a control step of preventing creation of a command including both the setting of the predetermined function and the setting of the other function.

14. In an information processing device in which the program is installed, receiving image data generated by the scanning process from the scanner; 12. The program according to claim 1, further comprising the step of displaying the image data as a preview image on a display means of the information processing apparatus.

15. 15. The program according to claim 14, wherein the preview image is configured to be editable.

16. A method for controlling an information processing apparatus in which a program supporting a general-purpose program that can be commonly used for scanners of a plurality of manufacturers is installed, comprising: a step of displaying a setting screen for accepting settings of the amount of light in the scanning process on a display means of the information processing device; and outputting a command to cause the scanner to execute a scan process using the light intensity setting received on the setting screen.

17. A method for controlling an information processing apparatus in which a program supporting a general-purpose program that can be commonly used for scanners of a plurality of manufacturers is installed, comprising: a step of displaying a setting screen on a display means of the information processing device for enabling or disabling a predetermined function that requires adjustment of a reference light amount in a scanning process; and when the specified function is enabled on the setting screen, outputting a command to cause the scanner to execute the scan process at a light intensity different from the reference light intensity.

18. An information processing device in which a program supporting a general-purpose program that can be commonly used for scanners of multiple manufacturers is installed, A display means; a means for displaying on the display means a setting screen for accepting settings of the amount of light in the scanning process; and means for outputting a command for causing the scanner to execute a scan process using the light intensity setting received on the setting screen.

19. An information processing device in which a program supporting a general-purpose program that can be commonly used for scanners of multiple manufacturers is installed, A display means; a means for displaying on the display means a setting screen for enabling or disabling a predetermined function that requires adjustment of a reference light amount in a scanning process; an information processing device comprising: means for outputting a command to cause a scanner to execute the scanning process at a light amount different from the reference light amount when the specified function is enabled on the setting screen.

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