Program, control method, and information processing device

Abstract

To provide a program, a control method, and an information processing device that allows the setting of colors to be displayed in an image read by a scanner.SOLUTION: An extension application 204 supports a general-purpose program that can be used in common with scanning devices 102 from multiple manufacturers. This extension application 204 causes a computer to display a detailed setting screen 300C that accepts settings for colors to be expressed in an image scanned by the scanning device 102, and output a reading instruction that causes the scanning device 102 to scan an image on the basis of the color settings accepted on the detailed setting screen 300C.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A scanning device (scanner) that reads images, i.e., scans, is communicatively connected to a host computer (information processing device) that can process information exchanged with the scanning device. For example, a scan driver installed on the host computer by the scanning device is used as control software for controlling the scanning device. This scan driver allows the host computer to issue scan instructions to the scanning device. An operating system (hereinafter referred to as "OS"), which is basic software, is pre-installed on the host computer. The scan driver is configured according to specifications defined by the OS and can be invoked and run by the OS. Furthermore, such scan drivers differ depending on the vendor that supplies the scanning device; that is, they are model-specific scan drivers suited to each scanning device.

[0003] In recent years, Windows® has been providing standard class drivers (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "standard drivers") that can be used across scanning devices supplied by multiple different vendors. Such standard drivers are pre-installed in the OS. Any scanning device can be connected to a host computer with an OS that incorporates the standard driver, allowing the standard driver to be used. This eliminates the need to install a model-specific scan driver. Furthermore, the standard driver is expected to be configured to specify the scanning functions of the scanning device based on scan function information generated based on information acquired from the scanning device. This allows scanning functions to be specified for each scanning device using a single standard driver.

[0004] Because standard drivers can be used in common with scanning devices from multiple different vendors, it may be impossible to execute some of the functions of a scanning device from a specific vendor, for example. Patent Document 1 discloses a program that expands the printing functions of a print service that can be used universally regardless of the model or vendor of the image forming device. This allows users to execute printing functions that cannot be executed with only the universal print service by operating a print setting screen tailored to each individual image forming device for each model and vendor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-033526 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the standard driver has a problem in that it is not possible to set the colors to be displayed in an image scanned by a scanning device, even if the user wishes to do so.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a program, a control method, and an information processing device that enable setting of colors to be expressed in an image read by a scanner. [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 a computer to display a setting reception screen that accepts settings for colors to be expressed in an image read by the scanner, and outputs a reading instruction that causes the scanner to read the image under the color settings accepted on the setting reception screen. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to set the colors to be expressed in an image read by a scanner. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a scan system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the software configuration of the scan system. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of the scanning system. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing a process in which the scan function extension unit edits scan function information. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a list of scan information. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing the process executed between the scan application, the general-purpose scan software, the extension application, and the scan device after the scan application receives scan settings. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by an extension application. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing a process executed by the scanning device. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing the processing executed between the scan application, general-purpose scan software, extension application, and scan device after the scan application receives scan settings in the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing the processing executed between the scan application, general-purpose scan software, extension application, and scan device after the scan application receives scan settings in the third embodiment. [Figure 11]10 is a flowchart illustrating a process executed by an extension application. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram relating to scan information in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram relating to scan information in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 20 is a diagram relating to scan information in the sixth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 20 is a diagram relating to scan information in the seventh embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 20 is a diagram relating to scan information in the eighth embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a scanning system according to a ninth embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of the scanning system according to the tenth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Each embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the configurations described in each of the following embodiments are merely examples, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the configurations described in each embodiment. For example, each component constituting the present invention can be replaced with any configuration that can perform the same function. Also, any component may be added. Furthermore, any two or more configurations (features) of each embodiment can be combined.

[0012] <<First Embodiment>> The first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0013] <Scan system hardware configuration> Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a scanning system according to a first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the scanning system 1000 includes a host computer 101, a scanning device (scanner) 102, a pointing device 117, a keyboard 118, and a display unit 119, which are communicatively connected to one another. The host computer 101 is an information processing device and includes an input interface 110, a CPU 111, a ROM 112, a RAM 113, an external storage device (storage medium) 114, an output interface 115, an input / output interface 116, and a NET interface 120. Note that the host computer 101 may be, for example, a desktop personal computer, but is not limited thereto, and may also be, for example, a notebook personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or the like.

[0014] The CPU 111 is a computer that executes programs stored in the ROM 112 and the external storage device 114. In this embodiment, the CPU 111 executes functions and processes of the host computer 101 by performing processing in accordance with the program code stored in the ROM 112. An initialization program is stored in the ROM 112. The external storage device 114 stores application programs, an operating system (OS), print data generation software, and various other data. In this embodiment, the host computer 101 is equipped with Microsoft Windows 11 as the OS. The external storage device 114 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The RAM 113 is used as a work memory when executing various programs stored in the external storage device 114, enabling the various programs to run within the host computer 101. A pointing device 117 and a keyboard 118 are connected to the input interface 110 as input devices. A display unit 119 serving as a display device is connected to the output interface 115. The display unit 119 displays, for example, a scan setting screen 300A and a detailed setting screen 300C, which will be described later. The NET interface 120 is a network interface that controls data transfer between the host computer 101 and external devices via a network. The scanning device 102 is connected to the input / output interface 116. This allows the host computer 101 to communicate with scanning devices 102 from multiple manufacturers, regardless of the manufacturer of the scanning device 102, i.e., allows information to be processed between the host computer 101 and the scanning device 102 from multiple manufacturers. The host computer 101 and the scanning device 102 may be connected by wire or wirelessly.

[0015] 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 NET interface 197, an input / output interface 198, and an external storage device 199. The CPU 191 is a computer that executes programs stored in the ROM 192 and the external storage device 199 and provides overall control of 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 operation unit 194 can issue various operational instructions to the scanning device 102. The reading unit 195 reads an image of a document. The printing unit 196 prints an image on a sheet based on image data generated by, for example, reading the image of the document with the reading unit 195. Note that the printing unit 196 may be omitted. The NETIF 197 is a network interface that controls data transfer between the scanning device 102 and external devices via a network. The input / output interface 198 is connected to the host computer 101. The image processing unit 190 receives, for example, image data generated by reading an image of a document in the reading unit 195. The image processing unit 190 then performs various editing processes on the image data.

[0016] The scanning device 102 is not particularly limited as long as it has an image reading function, i.e., a scanning function, and may be, for example, a multi-function peripheral (MFP). Furthermore, when a multi-function peripheral is used as the scanning device 102, the printing performed by the multi-function peripheral is electrophotographic printing in this embodiment, but is not limited to this and may also be inkjet printing, for example. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the host computer 101 and the scanning device 102 are configured as separate devices, but are not limited to this. For example, the host computer 101 and the scanning device 102 may be configured as an integrated device.

[0017] <Software-based scanning system configuration> FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the software configuration of a scanning system. FIG. 2(a) shows a general configuration when an extension application (program) 204 is not associated with general-purpose scanning software (general-purpose program) 202 and the scanning device 102. FIG. 2(b) shows a configuration when the extension application 204 is associated with the general-purpose scanning software 202 and the scanning device 102. The general-purpose scanning software 202 is a general-purpose program that can be used commonly with scanning devices 102 of multiple manufacturers, for example, when scanning (reading images). In other words, the general-purpose scanning software 202 is a general-purpose program that generates and outputs executable and interpretable instructions from multiple manufacturers. This general-purpose scanning software 202 is pre-installed in the OS. The extension application 204 is a program that supports, i.e., assists, the general-purpose scanning software 202. In this embodiment, the extension application 204 is an extension program (a program that executes a control method) that can extend functions that the general-purpose scanning software 202 cannot execute for the scanning device 102, but is not limited to this. For example, the extension application 204 may be a program that improves the usability of the functions that the general-purpose scan software 202 can execute for the scanning device 102. The extension application 204 is stored in the external storage device 114 together with the OS (general-purpose scan software 202), for example. As a result, the host computer 101 has the general-purpose scan software 202 and the extension application 204.

[0018] First, referring to FIG. 2(a), a configuration will be described for a case where the extension application 204 is not associated with the general-purpose scan software 202 and the scan device 102. The scan application 201 is software that imports content (image data) generated by scanning with the scan device 102. The scan application 201 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a document creation application and an image editing application. The scan application 201 issues a scan instruction to the OS upon receiving a scan request from, for example, a user. The scan instruction includes scan setting information for instructing the operation of the general-purpose scan software 202 and the scan device 102. To issue the scan instruction, the scan application 201 can display a scan setting screen 300A (see FIG. 3(a)) provided by any of the general-purpose scan software 202, the OS, and the scan application 201 on the display unit 119. Furthermore, by operating (pressing) the control 302 in the scan setting screen 300A, the detailed setting screen 300B (see FIG. 3(b)) or the detailed setting screen 300C (see FIG. 3(c)) can be displayed on the display unit 119. The scan setting screens 300A to 300C will be described later. The scan setting screen 300A includes setting items indicating configurable scan functions and control items indicating their setting values ​​according to the capability information acquired by the general-purpose scan software 202, i.e., the information that can be set as scan settings. The "capability information" is information regarding the scanning capability of the scanning device 102. Furthermore, it is also possible to determine whether or not the capability information includes information that enables the display of the detailed setting screen 300C (determination step). Then, if it is determined as a result of this determination that the information that enables the display of the detailed setting screen 300C is included, the detailed setting screen 300C can be displayed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the information that enables the display of the detailed setting screen 300C is not included, the detailed setting screen 300C is not displayed.

[0019] The scan function information 203 is data indicating scan functions, describing all configurable scan functions, 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. Specifically, the general-purpose scan software 202 acquires attribute data of the scan device 102 from the scan device 102. The general-purpose scan software 202 generates the scan function information 203 based on the attribute information in the attribute data. Note that when the scan function information 203 is dynamically generated in this manner, the scan function information 203 can be edited. The attribute data of the scan device 102 also includes attribute information indicating functions that can be specified by the scan device 102 (the capabilities of the scan device 102) and setting values ​​related to the attribute information, which are stored in the RAM 113.

[0020] With this configuration, the general-purpose scanning software 202 allows the user to specify scan functions available in the scanning device 102 depending on the scanning device 102 connected to the host computer 101. This makes it possible to specify scan functions available in the scanning device 102 regardless of the scanning device 102, i.e., even when a scanning device 102 with different functions or a scanning device 102 developed by a different scanner manufacturer is connected. In this embodiment, the general-purpose scanning software 202 is a standard class driver that performs scanning based on a standard scanning protocol called Mopria. Specifically, the general-purpose scanning software 202 is not a specific scan driver specific to the model of the scanning device 102, but a standard class driver that can be commonly used by scanning devices 102 of various scanner manufacturers regardless of the scanner manufacturer. Furthermore, the general-purpose scanning software 202 acquires capability information of the scanning device 102 and generates scan function information 203 based on the acquired information.

[0021] Furthermore, the general-purpose scanning software 202 can be associated with an extension application 204. This allows the general-purpose scanning software 202 to execute functions not available in the general-purpose scanning software 202. For example, the general-purpose scanning software 202 cannot accept color settings (hereinafter simply referred to as "color settings") that are expressed in images scanned by the scanning device 102. That is, the general-purpose scanning software 202 does not support color settings. This is because color settings are a function that is executed independently by the scanning device 102 manufactured by a specific scanner manufacturer. The extension application 204 can extend the host computer 101 on which the general-purpose scanning software 202 cannot be executed. In this embodiment, the general-purpose scanning software 202 cannot perform color settings, and the extension application 204 can extend the color settings to enable them, but this is not limiting. For example, the general-purpose scanning software 202 may be able to execute some color settings, and the extension application 204 may supplement the missing color settings to further expand the execution range.

[0022] Referring to FIG. 2(b), a case where an extension application 204 is associated with the general-purpose scan software 202 and the scan device 102 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2(b), unlike FIG. 2(a), an extension application 204 is added. That is, the host computer 101 has the scan application 201, the general-purpose scan software 202, the scan function information 203, and also the extension application 204. The extension application 204 is software for extending the functions of the general-purpose scan software 202 and is sometimes simply referred to as "scan software." Note that the extension application 204 is not pre-installed (not bundled) with the OS. Therefore, the extension application 204 is downloaded from a server (not shown) via the Internet by a user operating the host computer 101 and installed on the host computer 101. Alternatively, when the scan device 102 is connected to the host computer 101, the extension application 204 may be automatically installed on the host computer 101 based on this connection. Specifically, when the scanning device 102 is connected to the host computer 101, the OS acquires device identification information from the scanning device 102. The OS may download and install the extension application 204 corresponding to this device identification information from a server via the Internet. As a result, the host computer 101 stores the general-purpose scanning software 202 and the extension application 204 as separate control programs. Note that the general-purpose scanning software 202 and the extension application 204 may be updated and upgraded. In this case, the general-purpose scanning software 202 update process and the extension application 204 update process may be performed at the same time or at different times. Furthermore, the trigger for the host computer 101 to acquire the general-purpose scanning software 202 and the extension application 204 may be the same trigger or different triggers.Additionally, when the extension application 204 is installed, the OS associates the extension application 204 with the general-purpose scan software 202 and the scan device 102 .

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2B, the extension application 204 can exchange information (send and receive information) with the general-purpose scan software 202 and the scan device 102. That is, the extension application 204 is associated with the general-purpose scan software 202 and the scan device 102. In this embodiment, 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 accessed by each of the scan setting screen extension unit 205, the scan function extension unit 206, the image data editing unit 207, and the notification unit 209. The shared information 208 is a file saved in the external storage device 114 or information stored in the RAM 113. The extension application 204 can write and read the shared information 208 by using an API (Application Program Interface) provided by the OS.

[0024] The extended application 204 may terminate its entire operation upon completion of processing of each of the units from the scan setting screen extension unit 205 to the notification unit 209. In this case, the OS launches the extended application 204 each time it receives a processing execution request for each unit. The extended application 204 may also cancel processing of each of the units from the scan setting screen extension unit 205 to the notification unit 209 during that processing. In this case, the OS deletes the job being processed in the print queue. As described above, the scan application 201 issues a scan instruction to the OS upon receiving a print request from the user. The scan application 201 can also display a scan setting screen. In the configuration shown in FIG. 2(b), the scan application 201 can display a scan setting screen 300A (detailed setting screen 300C) provided by the scan setting screen extension unit 205 (extension application 204). The scan setting screen extension unit 205 can also save the detailed settings set by the user in the shared information 208.

[0025] The image data editing unit 207 acquires image data from the scanning device 102. After acquiring the image data, the image data editing unit 207 can also edit the image data. The image data editing unit 207 also acquires detailed setting information from the shared information 208 and performs image editing on the image data in accordance with the detailed setting information. The extension application 204 may also perform image editing on the image data acquired by the general-purpose scanning software 202 in accordance with the detailed setting information. Even in the configuration of FIG. 2(b), color setting may not be performed. In this case, the general-purpose scanning software 202 may send a scan request instruction to the scanning device 102 without going through the extension application 204.

[0026] The scan function extension unit 206 can edit the scan function information 203 generated by the general-purpose scan software 202 or the OS. This allows the addition of functions provided by the extension application 204. It can also add functions that can be executed by the scanning device 102 but not by the general-purpose scan software 202 (e.g., a color setting function), or add exclusive relationships between scan function setting values. The OS launches the scan function extension unit 206 when the extension application 204 is first associated with the scanning device 102 and the general-purpose scan software 202. The OS may also launch the scan function extension unit 206 at other times (e.g., when the OS is started). Even if scan-related functions are subsequently expanded through such launching, the scan function extension unit 206 can detect the expanded function and add it to the scan function information 203.

[0027] The notification unit 209 can notify the user when an error occurs 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 the occurrence of this error. The OS uses a notification function called a toast notification, which is one of the OS's functions, to display a message on the display unit 119 indicating the occurrence of the reading jam error, which is the detection result of the general-purpose scanning software 202. When the user operates the toast notification, the OS calls the notification unit 209, and a user interface screen (UI screen) of the notification unit 209 is displayed. The user interface screen can display, for example, a detailed message about the reading jam error, a method for clearing the jam, etc.

[0028] As described above, in this embodiment, the extended application 204 can be said to have the following four functions. The first function is to display a setting screen. This function is executed by the scan setting screen extension unit 205. The second function is to edit image data according to detailed setting information. This function is executed by the image data editing unit 207. The third function is to extend the functions that can be specified by the image data generation software. This function is executed by the scan function extension unit 206. The fourth function is to display a screen in response to the occurrence of an error in the scanning device 102. This function is executed by the notification unit 209. Note that the configuration of the extended application 204 is not limited to a configuration having these four functions, and it is preferable that the extended application 204 have at least one of these functions, and it may also have other functions.

[0029] <Example of scan settings screen / detailed settings screen> FIG. 3 shows an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of the scan system. FIG. 3(a) is a scan setting screen displayed by the scan application 201. FIG. 3(b) is an advanced setting screen displayed when the extended application 204 is not associated. FIG. 3(c) is an advanced setting screen displayed when the extended application 204 is associated. Note that the units and modules that display each screen are not particularly limited. For example, the scan setting screen extension unit 205 may be configured to only generate a display screen. In this case, the scan setting screen extension unit 205 transmits the generated display screen to the scan application 201 via the general-purpose scan software 202. The scan application 201 may be configured to display the acquired display screen.

[0030] The scan setting screen 300A shown in FIG. 3(a) is a screen on which color settings for scanning with the scanning device 102 can be set. This scan setting screen 300A includes controls (buttons) 301, 302, 303, and 304. Control 301 allows the user to select and set the scanner device to be used to read the document. In FIG. 3(a), as an example, the scanner device to be used to read the document is set as "Scanner 001 (common driver)." Control 302 allows the user to make detailed settings for color settings. Control 303 allows the user to instruct the scanning device 102 to start scanning. Control 304 allows the user to instruct the scanning device 102 to cancel scanning.

[0031] In a configuration in which the extension application 204 is not associated, operating the control 302 displays the advanced settings screen 300B shown in FIG. 3(b). The advanced settings screen 300B includes controls 305 and 306. The control 306 allows the user to select and set the document reading destination of the scanning device 102, i.e., the placement unit on which the document to be read is placed. For example, if the scanning device 102 has a document table (document table glass) and a feeder as the document reading destination, the "document table" is selected as an example in FIG. 3(b). The settings in the control 306 can be ended. Operating the control 306 also returns the user to the scan settings screen 300A shown in FIG. 3(a).

[0032] In a configuration in which the extension application 204 is associated, operating the control 302 displays a detailed settings screen (settings reception screen) 300C shown in FIG. 3(c) (display control process). The detailed settings screen 300C is a screen displayed together with the scan settings screen 300A, but its display format is not particularly limited. For example, the detailed settings screen 300C may be displayed overlapping the scan settings screen 300A. The detailed settings screen 300C may also be displayed adjacent to the scan settings screen 300A, or the scan settings screen 300A may disappear and then the detailed settings screen 300C may be displayed. The detailed settings screen 300C includes controls 305 and 306, similar to the detailed settings screen 300B. The detailed settings screen 300C also includes an additional control 307. The control 307 allows the user to select the type of color settings for the scanning device 102. Operating the control 307 displays a list 308. The list 308 includes "full color," "grayscale," and "black and white binary" as color settings (color modes), and in FIG. 3(c) "full color" is selected as an example. By selecting "full color," the scanned image scanned by the scanning device 102 is displayed in full color. By selecting "grayscale," the scanned image is displayed in grayscale. By selecting "black and white binary," the scanned image is displayed in monochrome. Then, by operating the control 306, the setting in the control 307, i.e., the end of the color setting, can be confirmed. In this way, on the detailed setting screen 300C, the control 306 functions as a confirmation operation unit for confirming the end of the color setting. When the end of the color setting is confirmed, a reading instruction for causing the scanning device 102 to read a document under the conditions of the selected color setting can be output (output process).

[0033] Here, the reason why the items included in the detail setting screen 300B shown in FIG. 3(b) are different from the items included in the detail setting screen 300C shown in FIG. 3(c) will be explained. That is, the reason why it is possible to switch between displaying the detail setting screen 300B and displaying the detail setting screen 300C will be explained. The detail setting screen 300B and the detail setting screen 300C are each generated based on scan function information (capability information). As described above, the general-purpose scan software 202 does not support color setting. Therefore, the general-purpose scan software 202 alone cannot add a color setting function to the scan function information. Furthermore, even if the scan function information originally includes a color setting function, the general-purpose scan software 202 cannot interpret the color setting function included in the scan function information. Therefore, the color setting cannot be displayed on the detail setting screen. Therefore, the scan function extension unit 206 adds the color setting function to the scan function information 203. Then, the scan setting screen extension unit 205 references the capability information and displays the detail setting screen 300C. This detail setting screen 300C is a screen on which color settings can be set. The detailed setting screen 300C may include additional setting items other than color settings.

[0034] <Flowchart of the scan function expansion unit for editing scan function information> FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the process by which the scan function extension unit edits scan function information. The program based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 is executed by the CPU 111 controlling the scan function extension unit 206. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a list of scan information. As shown in FIG. 4, in step S401, the scan function extension unit 206 acquires capability information from the scan device 102. The capability information includes attribute information indicating functions that can be specified by the scan device 102 and setting values ​​related to the attribute information. Table 501 shown in FIG. 5(a) shows a list of capability information acquired from the scan device 102. As shown in Table 501, functions such as color mode setting and options that can be set for each function can be acquired from the scan device 102. For example, the color mode setting function has options such as "full color," "grayscale," and "black and white."

[0035] In step S402, the scan function extension unit 206 obtains scan functions supported by the extension application 204 from the shared information 208. The shared information 208 stores a list of scan functions supported by the extension application 204. Table 502 shown in FIG. 5(b) includes all scan functions that can be executed (supported) by the extension application 204 and their setting values. For example, the color mode setting function has options such as "full color," "grayscale," and "black and white binary." In addition, the scan functions that can be executed by the extension application 204 may be updated by updating the extension application 204, etc.

[0036] In step S403, the scan function extension unit 206 obtains the scan function information 203 created by the general-purpose scan software 202 from the OS. The scan function information 203 is created based on the capability information the general-purpose scan software 202 obtains from the scan device 102. The scan function information 203 created by the general-purpose scan software 202 includes only the scan functions that the general-purpose scan software 202 can execute, from the capability information obtained from the scan device 102. Table 503 shown in FIG. 5(c) includes all scan functions that the general-purpose scan software 202 can execute and their setting values. As shown in table 503, the scan functions that the general-purpose scan software 202 can execute do not include a color mode setting function. Therefore, the scan function information 203 does not include a color mode setting. The scan function extension unit 206 adds functions and options to the scan function information 203, allowing the extension application 204 to compensate for the lack of functionality 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 .

[0037] Steps S404, S405, and S406 are processes that are repeatedly performed for the list of functions included in the capability information acquired in step S401 from the scanning device 102. In this embodiment, steps S404, S405, and S406 are repeatedly performed for all 14 options included in table 501.

[0038] In step S404, the scan function extension unit 206 determines whether the currently processed function or option exists in the scan function information 203 generated by the general-purpose scan software 202. If the result of the determination in step S404 is that the function or option exists in the scan function information 203, the process ends if the last item among the options is being processed. Alternatively, if the last item among the options is not being processed, the next item among the options is selected and step S404 is executed again. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S404 is that the function or option does not exist in the scan function information 203, the process proceeds to step S405. For example, in this embodiment, table 501 includes the reading destination "Platen," and table 503 also includes the reading destination "Platen." In this case, in step S404, it is determined that the currently processed function or option exists in the scan function information 203. In contrast, table 501 includes "Full Color," but table 503 does not include "Full Color." In this case, in step S404, it is determined that the function or option currently being processed does not exist in the scan function information 203.

[0039] In step S405, the scan function extension unit 206 determines whether the currently processed function (option) is present among the functions (options) supported by the extension application 204. If it is determined in step S405 that the currently processed function exists, the process proceeds to step S406. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S405 that the currently processed function does not exist, the process ends if the last item among the options is being processed, as in the case where the determination in step S404 is "Yes." Alternatively, if the last item among the options is not being processed, the next item among the options is selected and step S404 is executed again. For example, in this embodiment, if the currently processed function is "full color," "full color" also exists in table 502. Therefore, in step S405, it is determined that the currently processed function exists.

[0040] In step S406, the scan function extension unit 206 adds the currently processed function (option) to the scan function information 203. After step S406 is executed, the process ends if the last item among the options is being processed, just as if the answer was "Yes" in step S404. Alternatively, if the last item among the options is not being processed, the next item among the options is selected and step S404 is executed again.

[0041] As described above, the extension application 204 can add functions (options) that are not supported by the general-purpose scan software 202, are supported by the scan device 102, and are supported by the extension application 204 to the scan function information 203. Then, capability information is generated based on the scan function information 203 edited by this addition process. Furthermore, the scan setting screen extension unit 205 generates a display screen based on this capability information, thereby extending the functions that are not supported by the general-purpose scan software 202 and displaying the detailed setting screen 300C shown in FIG. 3(c).

[0042] <Processing after the scan application accepts the scan settings> 6 is a sequence diagram showing the processing executed between the scan application, general-purpose scan software, extension application, and scan device after the scan application accepts scan settings. Processing by the scan application 201, general-purpose scan software 202, and extension application 204 is executed by the CPU 111 of the host computer 101. This processing program is stored in the external storage device 114. The CPU 111 then reads the processing program from the external storage device 114 to the RAM 113 and executes it. Processing by the scan device 102 is executed by the CPU 191 of the scan device 102. This processing program is stored in the external storage device 199. The CPU 191 then reads the processing program from the external storage device 199 to the RAM 193 and executes it. The software configuration of the scan system 1000 is the software configuration shown in FIG. 2(b).

[0043] 6, in step S601, the scan application 201 accepts scan settings from the user. The user can instruct the scan application 201 to set scan settings by operating the pointing device 117 or keyboard 118, for example.

[0044] In step S602, the scan application 201 displays the scan setting screen 300A shown in FIG.

[0045] In step S603, the scan application 201 accepts a user instruction for detailed settings. The user can instruct detailed settings by, for example, operating the pointing device 117 or the keyboard 118 to select a control 302 on the scan setting screen 300A.

[0046] In step S604, the scan application 201 requests the general-purpose scan software 202 to display the detailed settings.

[0047] In step S605, the general-purpose scan software 202 requests the extension application 204 to display the detailed settings.

[0048] In step S606, the scan setting screen extension unit 205 of the extension application 204 displays the detailed setting screen 300C shown in FIG. 3(c) on the display unit 119 in response to the request in step S605. As described above, the scan function extension unit 206 adds a color mode setting (color setting) function to the scan function information 203. The scan setting screen extension unit 205 can display the detailed setting screen 300C by referring to the capability information generated based on the scan function information 203 to which this color mode setting function has been added. Note that, for example, if there are setting items such as image resolution, these setting items may be displayed, or may be suppressed or grayed out as necessary.

[0049] In step S607, the scan setting screen expansion unit 205 accepts the user's detailed settings on the detailed setting screen 300C. As an example, it is assumed here that the reading destination "Platen" is selected on the detailed setting screen 300C using the control 305, and the color mode "Full Color" is selected on the control 307 (see FIG. 3(c)). In this setting state, the scan setting screen expansion unit 205 accepts that the user has operated the control 306 on the detailed setting screen 300C. As a result, the CPU 111 stores the setting state on the detailed setting screen 300C in the RAM 113.

[0050] In step S608, the scan setting screen expansion unit 205 accepts that the user has completed the detailed settings based on the operation of the control 306 in step S607. The user can instruct the user to complete the detailed settings by, for example, operating the pointing device 117 or the keyboard 118 to select the control 306. As a result, the setting status on the detailed settings screen 300C is written to the scan function information 203. Note that the information written to the scan function information 203 may also include, for example, information that has been suppressed from display or grayed out.

[0051] In step S609, the extension application 204 transmits detailed setting completion information indicating that the detailed setting in step S608 has been completed to the general-purpose scan software 202.

[0052] In step S610, the general-purpose scan software 202 receives the detailed setting completion information sent in step S609 from the extension application 204. Then, the general-purpose scan software 202 sends this detailed setting completion information to the scan application 201.

[0053] In step S611, the scan application 201 accepts a scan instruction from the user. The user can issue a scan instruction by, for example, operating the pointing device 117 or the keyboard 118 to select a control 303 on the scan setting screen 300A (see FIG. 3(a)).

[0054] In step S612, the scan application 201 issues the scan instruction received in step S611 to the general-purpose scan software 202.

[0055] In step S613, the general-purpose scan software 202 receives the scan instruction issued in step S612. The general-purpose scan software 202 then issues this scan instruction to the extension application 204.

[0056] In step S614, the extension application 204 accepts the scan instruction issued in step S613. The extension application 204 then creates a scan instruction command based on the scan function information 203 into which the setting status on the advanced settings screen 300C has been written in step S608. This scan instruction command includes the color mode setting information (color mode "full color") accepted on the advanced settings screen 300C. In addition, the information that has been suppressed or grayed out in step S608 may not have been written in the scan function information 203. In this case, in step S614, the extension application 204 may add the information that has not been written in the scan function information 203 to the scan instruction command, or may use it as a default value.

[0057] In step S615, the extension application 204 sends the scan instruction command created in step S614 to the scanning device 102.

[0058] In step S616, the input / output interface 198 of the scanning device 102 receives the scan instruction command transmitted in step S615. The reading unit 195 of the scanning device 102 then interprets the scan instruction command and executes scanning under the conditions set on the detailed setting screen 300C. As a result, full-color image data is obtained as scanned image data (scanned image data). The image processing unit 190 of the scanning device 102 may execute necessary image processing on this scanned image data in accordance with the scan instruction.

[0059] In step S617, the input / output interface 198 of the scanning device 102 transmits the scanned image data obtained in step S616 to the extension application 204.

[0060] In step S618, the extension application 204 receives the scanned image data sent in step S617 and sends the scanned image data to the general-purpose scan software 202.

[0061] In step S619, the general-purpose scanning software 202 receives the scanned image data sent in step S618 and sends the scanned image data to the scanning application 201.

[0062] In step S620, the scan application 201 receives the scanned image data sent in step S619.

[0063] In step S621, the scan application 201 displays the scan image data received in step S620 on the display unit 119. As a result, the scan image data, i.e., the result of reading the document in step S616, is displayed on the display unit 119 as a preview image.

[0064] As described above, in the scanning system 1000, even if the general-purpose scanning software 202 does not support color mode setting (scanning condition setting), the extension application 204 can execute color mode setting. This allows the scanning device 102 to perform scanning under color mode setting. Note that in the description with reference to FIG. 6, the detailed settings screen 300C shown in FIG. 3C is displayed assuming that the software configuration of the scanning system 1000 is the software configuration shown in FIG. 2B. However, this is not limiting. For example, when a request to display detailed settings is made to the general-purpose scanning software 202 in step S604, the general-purpose scanning software 202 displays the detailed settings screen 300B shown in FIG. 3B. In this case, after operating the control 306 on the detailed settings screen 300B, the general-purpose scanning software 202 requests the extension application 204 to display an additional detailed settings screen. Next, the extension application 204 may display an additional detailed settings screen that allows color mode setting.

[0065] Furthermore, the scan instruction in step S613 is sent from the general-purpose scan software 202 to the extension application 204, but is not limited to this. For example, a scan instruction may be sent from the scan application 201 to the extension application 204. A control for a scan instruction may be provided on the advanced settings screen 300C. In this case, a user operates the control for a scan instruction to send a scan instruction to the extension application 204. The scanned image data may be sent from the scanning device 102 to the scan application 201 via the extension application 204 without going through the general-purpose scan software 202. The scanned image data may also be sent directly from the scanning device 102 to the scan application 201. The scanning system 1000 may be configured to store the scanned image data in the external storage device 114 and transfer only information about the file path to the storage destination. When there are multiple scanned image data, the scanning system 1000 may send all scanned image data at once, or may send scanned image data as they are obtained.

[0066] Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing executed by the extension application. A program based on the flowchart shown in Fig. 7 is stored in the external storage device 114. The CPU 111 can execute this program by reading it from the external storage device 114 to the RAM 113. As shown in Fig. 7, in step S701, the extension application 204 receives a request to display detailed settings from the general-purpose scan software 202 (see step S605).

[0067] In step S702, the scan setting screen extension unit 205 of the extension application 204 displays the detailed setting screen 300C shown in Fig. 3(c) on the display unit 119 in response to the detailed setting display request received in step S701. As described above, a function for setting a color mode is added to the scan function information 203. The scan setting screen extension unit 205 can display the detailed setting screen 300C by referring to the capability information generated based on this scan function information 203.

[0068] In step S703, the scan setting screen expansion unit 205 determines whether or not detailed settings are made on the detailed setting screen 300C, i.e., whether or not a selection operation has been made on the control 305 or the control 307. If the determination in step S703 determines that detailed settings are made, the process proceeds to step S704. On the other hand, if the determination in step S703 determines that detailed settings are not made, the process proceeds to step S705.

[0069] In step S704, the scan setting screen expansion unit 205 stores (saves) in the RAM 113 the setting state (setting information) on the detailed setting screen 300C.

[0070] In step S705, the scan setting screen expansion unit 205 determines whether an instruction to end the detailed settings has been given on the detailed setting screen 300C, i.e., whether an operation has been performed on the control 306. If it is determined in step S705 that an instruction to end the detailed settings has been given, the process proceeds to step S706. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S705 that an instruction to end the detailed settings has not been given, the process returns to step S703, and the subsequent steps are executed in sequence.

[0071] In step S706, the extension application 204 notifies the general-purpose scan software 202 that the detailed settings made in step S705 have been completed.

[0072] In step S707, the extension application 204 determines whether or not a scan instruction (see step S613) has been received from the general-purpose scan software 202. If it is determined in step S707 that a scan instruction has been received, the process proceeds to step S708. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S707 that a scan instruction has not been received, the process remains in step S707 and waits.

[0073] In step S708, the extension application 204 creates a scan instruction command based on the scan function information 203 in which the setting status on the detailed setting screen 300C is written. Another method for creating a scan instruction command is, for example, extending a standard protocol command. Another extension method is, for example, writing a dedicated command in an extension field of the standard protocol command. Other extension methods include adding a proprietary command to the end of the standard protocol command, or overwriting the standard protocol command with a proprietary command system by the extension application 204. When issuing an instruction from the extension application 204, the instruction and communication may be performed using a manufacturer's proprietary protocol, regardless of the standard protocol.

[0074] In step S709, the extension application 204 sends the scan instruction command created in step S708 to the scanning device 102.

[0075] In step S710, the extended application 204 determines whether or not all of the scanned image data (see step S617) has been received from the scanning device 102. If it is determined in step S710 that all of the scanned image data has been received, the process proceeds to step S711. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S710 that all of the scanned image data has not been received, the process remains in step S710 and waits.

[0076] In step S711, the extension application 204 sends all the scanned image data from the scanning device 102 to the general-purpose scanning software 202, and the process ends.

[0077] Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing executed by the scanning device. A program based on the flowchart shown in Fig. 8 is stored in external storage device 199. CPU 191 can execute this program by reading it from external storage device 199 to RAM 192. As shown in Fig. 8, in step S801, CPU 191 accepts a scan instruction command from extension application 204 (see step S615).

[0078] In step S802, CPU 191 interprets the scan instruction command received in step S801. Then, CPU 191 converts the scan instruction command into a setting that enables scanning by scanning device 102, that is, scanning under the setting conditions (color mode "full color") on detailed setting screen 300C.

[0079] In step S803, the CPU 191 determines the ASIC of the image processing unit 190 to be used to perform scanning in accordance with the setting (read setting) in step S802, and sets the ASIC.

[0080] In step S804, the CPU 191 transmits to the reading unit 195 a reading instruction according to the reading setting.

[0081] In step S805, the CPU 191 acquires the scanned image data from the reading unit 195. The scanned image data is full-color image data.

[0082] In step S806, the CPU 191 controls the image processing unit 190 to perform image processing on the scanned image data acquired in step S805. In this embodiment, the image processing is, for example, conversion to a resolution of "300 x 300 dpi." If the reading unit 195 is capable of reading at a resolution of "300 x 300 dpi," the reading unit 195 may acquire the scanned image data at a resolution of "300 x 300 dpi." In this case, step S806 can be omitted.

[0083] In step S807, the CPU 191 stores the scanned image data in the external storage device 199.

[0084] In step S808, CPU 191 determines whether scanning has been completed for all pages of the document to be read. If it is determined in step S808 that scanning has been completed, the process proceeds to step S809. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S808 that scanning has not been completed, the process returns to step S805, and the subsequent steps are executed in sequence.

[0085] In step S809, the CPU 191 controls the image processing unit 190 to convert the scanned image data stored in step S807 in accordance with the transmission format. In this embodiment, the transmission format is not included in the scan instruction command received in step S801. Therefore, the scanned image data is converted to, but not limited to, the default JPEG format of the scanning device 102.

[0086] In step S810, the CPU 191 controls the input / output interface 198 to send the scanned image data converted in step S809 to the extension application 204, and the process ends.

[0087] <<Second embodiment>> Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 9, but the differences from the previous embodiment will be mainly described, and a description of the same points will be omitted.

[0088] <Processing after the scan application accepts the scan settings> FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing the processing executed between the scan application, the general-purpose scan software, the extension application, and the scan device after the scan application in the second embodiment accepts scan settings. The sequence diagram shown in FIG. 9 differs from the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 6 in that, after step S612, steps S901 to S905 are executed in sequence instead of steps S613 to S615. Furthermore, after step S616, step S906 is executed instead of steps S617 and S618. As shown in FIG. 9, in step S901, the general-purpose scan software 202 accepts the scan instruction issued in step S612. Then, the general-purpose scan software 202 creates a scan instruction command based on the scan function information 203 into which the settings on the advanced settings screen 300C are written in step S608. Note that this scan instruction command does not include functions not supported by the general-purpose scan software 202.

[0089] In step S902, the general-purpose scan software 202 sends the scan instruction command created in step S901 to the extension application 204.

[0090] In step S903, the extension application 204 receives the scan instruction command in step S902. The extension application 204 then adds instructions for functions not supported by the general-purpose scan software 202 to the scan instruction command or modifies existing instructions. This extends the function of the scan instruction command. Specifically, since the scan instruction command created by the general-purpose scan software 202 in step S901 does not include a color mode setting, a color mode setting is added in step S903.

[0091] In step S904, the extension application 204 notifies the general-purpose scan software 202 that the function extension of the scan instruction command in step S903 has been completed. In addition, the extension application 204 transmits the scan instruction command whose function has been extended in step S903 to the general-purpose scan software 202.

[0092] In step S905, the general-purpose scanning software 202 receives the scan instruction command sent in step S904 and transmits the scan instruction command to the scanning device 102.

[0093] In step S906, the input / output interface 198 of the scanning device 102 transmits the scanned image data obtained in step S616 to the general-purpose scanning software 202. This allows the general-purpose scanning software 202 to receive the scanned image data.

[0094] As described above, in this embodiment, a scan instruction command with an extended color mode setting function by the extension application 204 can be sent to the scanning device 102 via the general-purpose scan software 202. This allows scanning to be performed under color mode settings.

[0095] <<Third Embodiment>> Hereinafter, the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, but the description will focus on the differences from the above-described embodiments, and a description of the same points will be omitted.

[0096] <Processing after the scan application accepts the scan settings> 10 is a sequence diagram showing the processing executed between the scan application, general-purpose scan software, extension application, and scan device after the scan application in the third embodiment accepts scan settings. The sequence diagram shown in FIG. 10 differs from the sequence diagram shown in FIG. 6 in that, after step S612 is executed, steps S1001 to S1005 are executed in order instead of steps S614 to S616. As shown in FIG. 10, in step S1001, the extension application 204 accepts the scan instruction issued in step S613. The extension application 204 then creates a standard scan instruction command in accordance with the standard protocol. Note that this standard scan instruction command does not include functions not supported by the standard protocol.

[0097] In step S1002, the extension application 204 generates an extension scan instruction command for a function that is supported only by the extension application 204.

[0098] In step S1003, the extension application 204 transmits the standard scan instruction command created in step S1001 to the scanning device 102.

[0099] In step S1004, the extension application 204 transmits the extended scan instruction command created in step S1002 to the scanning device 102.

[0100] In step S1005, the input / output interface 198 of the scanning device 102 receives the standard scan instruction command sent in step S1003 and the extended scan instruction command sent in step S1004. The reading unit 195 of the scanning device 102 then interprets the standard scan instruction command and the extended scan instruction command, respectively, and executes a scan. As a result, full-color image data is obtained as scanned image data.

[0101] As described above, in this embodiment, the color mode setting function is not extended for the standard scan instruction command, and the color mode setting function supported only by the extension application 204 can be handled by a separate scan instruction command. This allows scanning under color mode settings.

[0102] Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing executed by the extended application. The flowchart shown in Fig. 11 differs from the flowchart shown in Fig. 7 in that steps S1101 to S1104 are executed in order instead of steps S707 to S709. In step S1101, the extended application 204 creates a standard scan instruction command in accordance with the standard protocol.

[0103] In step S1102, the extension application 204 creates an extended scan instruction command for a function that is not supported by the standard protocol and is supported only by the extension application 204.

[0104] In step S1103, the extension application 204 transmits the standard scan instruction command created in step S1101 to the scanning device 102.

[0105] In step S1104, the extension application 204 transmits the extended scan instruction command created in step S1102 to the scanning device 102. After step S1104 is executed, the process proceeds to step S710.

[0106] <<Fourth Embodiment>> The fourth embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 12. The description will focus on differences from the previous embodiments, and similar points will not be repeated. FIG. 12 is a diagram related to scan information in the fourth embodiment. Table 1201 shown in FIG. 12(a) shows an example of a list of capability information acquired from the scanning device 102. As shown in table 1201, information 1203 can be acquired. Information 1203 is information indicating that a color mode setting in which a scanned image is displayed in a single color (hereinafter referred to as "monochrome setting") is possible. Table 1202 shown in FIG. 12(b) includes all scan functions that can be executed (supported) by the extension application 204 and their setting values ​​(options), and indicates that monochrome setting is also possible.

[0107] The detailed setting screen 300C1 shown in FIG. 12(c) is in a state where monochrome setting is possible. In the detailed setting screen 300C1, the color mode "Monochrome" is included in the list 1204. When "Monochrome" is selected from the list 1204, the detailed setting screen 300C1 becomes the state shown in FIG. 12(d). In the detailed setting screen 300C1 shown in FIG. 12(d), the list 1205 includes multiple colors (options) that can be selected in the monochrome setting. Colors that can be selected in the monochrome setting are not particularly limited, and examples include "red," "blue," and "green." For example, when "red" is selected, the scanned image is displayed in a single red color. Note that the brightness value may be selectable in the monochrome setting.

[0108] <<Fifth Embodiment>> The fifth embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 13. The description will focus on differences from the previously described embodiments, and similar details will be omitted. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating scan information in the fifth embodiment. Table 1301 in FIG. 13(a) shows an example of a list of capability information acquired from the scanning device 102. As shown in table 1301, information 1303 can be acquired. Information 1303 indicates that when scanning a faded sepia-colored document, a setting for restoring the scanned image to full color (hereinafter referred to as "sepia restoration setting") is possible. Table 1302 in FIG. 13(b) includes all scan functions executable by the extension application 204 and their corresponding settings, and indicates that sepia restoration setting is also possible. The detailed settings screen 300C2 in FIG. 13(c) allows sepia restoration setting. In the detailed settings screen 300C2, a list 1304 includes the color mode "sepia restoration." If "Sepia Restoration" is selected from list 1304, the scanned image is displayed in full color. In this manner, in this embodiment, the color mode can be switched to a sepia restoration setting depending on the original. Sepia restoration can be performed by storing a color mode conversion table in the external storage device 199 in advance and applying the conversion table to the scanned image data. Sepia restoration may also be performed using, for example, a trained model.

[0109] <<Sixth Embodiment>> The sixth embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 14. The description will focus on differences from the previously described embodiments, and similar aspects will be omitted. FIG. 14 is a diagram related to scan information in the sixth embodiment. Table 1401 shown in FIG. 14(a) shows an example of a list of capability information acquired from the scanning device 102. As shown in table 1401, information 1403 can be acquired. Information 1403 indicates that multiple color modes can be set collectively. Information 1403 includes first information 1403a and second information 1403b. First information 1403a indicates that full color and grayscale are automatically set collectively. Second information 1403b indicates that full color and black and white are automatically set collectively. Table 1402 shown in FIG. 14(b) includes all scan functions executable by the extension application 204 and their setting values, and indicates that multiple color modes can also be set collectively.

[0110] The detailed settings screen 300C3 shown in FIG. 14(c) allows multiple color modes to be set simultaneously. In the detailed settings screen 300C3, the color modes "Full Color / Grayscale Auto" and "Full Color / Black and White Binary Auto" are included in the list 1405. For example, if a document contains chromatic photographs or text, or is printed on chromatic printing paper, selecting "Full Color / Grayscale Auto" in the list 1405 will scan the document in full color. This results in a scanned image in full color. On the other hand, if a document does not contain chromatic photographs or text, or is printed on achromatic printing paper, the document will be scanned in grayscale. This results in a scanned image in grayscale.

[0111] <<Seventh Embodiment>> The seventh embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 15. The differences from the previous embodiments will be mainly described, and similar points will not be described again. FIG. 15 is a diagram related to scan information in the seventh embodiment. Table 1501 shown in FIG. 15(a) shows an example of a list of capability information acquired from the scan device 102. As shown in table 1501, information 1503 can be acquired. Information 1503 is information indicating that a setting to display a scanned image in any two colors (hereinafter referred to as "two-color setting") is possible. Table 1502 shown in FIG. 15(b) includes all scan functions that can be executed (supported) by the extension application 204 and their setting values ​​(options), and indicates that two-color setting is also possible.

[0112] The detailed settings screen 300C4 shown in FIG. 15(c) allows two-color settings. The detailed settings screen 300C4 includes a color mode "Two Colors" in the list 1504. When "Two Colors" is selected in the list 1504, the detailed settings screen 300C4 appears as shown in FIG. 15(d). The detailed settings screen 300C4 shown in FIG. 15(d) includes a list 1505 containing multiple colors (options) selectable in the two-color settings. The colors selectable in the two-color settings are not particularly limited, and examples include "red and black," "blue and black," and "green and black." For example, when "red and black" is selected, the scanned image is displayed in red and black. Note that the detailed settings screen 300C4 may display the list 1505 shown in FIG. 15(d) in a grayed-out state until "Two Colors" is selected in the list 1504 in the state shown in FIG. 15(c).

[0113] <<Eighth Embodiment>> The eighth embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 16. The differences from the previous embodiments will be mainly described, and similar points will not be described again. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing scan information in the eighth embodiment. Table 1601 shown in FIG. 16(a) shows an example of a list of capability information acquired from the scanning device 102. As shown in table 1601, information 1603 can be acquired. Information 1603 indicates that color temperature setting is possible. Table 1602 shown in FIG. 16(b) includes all scan functions that the extension application 204 can execute (support) and their corresponding setting values ​​(options), and indicates that color temperature setting is also possible. If the color temperature of the scanned image data is relatively low, the scanned image will have a reddish sepia tone. In contrast, if the color temperature of the scanned image data is relatively high, the scanned image will have a bluish tone.

[0114] The detailed settings screen 300C5 shown in FIG. 16(c) allows color temperature setting. In the detailed settings screen 300C5, the list 1604 includes the color mode "Color Temperature." When "Color Temperature" is selected from the list 1604, the detailed settings screen 300C5 appears as shown in FIG. 16(d). In the detailed settings screen 300C5 shown in FIG. 16(d), the list 1605 includes two (or more) options for the color temperature setting. The options for the color temperature setting are not particularly limited, and examples include "Low" and "High." For example, when "Low" is selected, the scanned image has a reddish sepia tone. Note that, although the color mode can be set based on color temperature in this embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, settings (changes) based on other color spaces, such as HSV, or settings based on both color temperature and color space may be possible.

[0115] <<Ninth Embodiment>> The ninth embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 17. Differences from the previous embodiments will be mainly described, and similar details will not be described. FIG. 17 illustrates an example of a screen displayed on the display unit of a scanning system according to the ninth embodiment. The detailed setting screen 300C6 shown in FIG. 17(a) includes a display area 1701 that displays a preview image of the scanned document and a control 1702 for instructing the display of the preview image in the display area 1701. Operating the control 1702 on the detailed setting screen 300C6 in the state shown in FIG. 17(a) changes the detailed setting screen 300C6 to the state shown in FIG. 17(b), where a preview image 1703 is displayed in the display area 1701. This preview image 1703 may be a low-resolution image. Furthermore, the color mode can be changed by operating the control 307 in the state shown in FIG. 17(b). As a result, the preview image 1703 in the display area 1701 is updated to an image that conforms to the changed color mode. The preview image 1703 at this time may be an image based on a scanned image obtained by rescanning the document, or may be an image obtained by processing an already obtained scanned image with the extension application 204. If the preview image 1703 in the display area 1701 is the image the user desires, the control 306 is operated.

[0116] <<Tenth Embodiment>> The tenth embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 18. The description will focus on differences from the previously described embodiments, and similar aspects will not be repeated. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on a display unit of a scanning system according to the tenth embodiment. FIG. 18(a) shows a display screen 1801 that displays a preview image of the scanned document. The display screen 1801 includes a display area 1802 that displays the preview image and a control 1803 that commands the display of the preview image in the display area 1802. Operating the control 1803 changes the display screen 1801 to the state shown in FIG. 18(b). As shown in FIG. 18(b), a preview image 1804 is displayed in the display area 1802 of the display screen 1801. The display screen 1801 in the state shown in FIG. 18(b) also includes a control 1805 for editing the preview image 1804 and a control 1806 for commanding completion of editing the preview image 1804. Operating the control 1805 allows the preview image 1804 to be edited. This editing is performed using, for example, the pointing device 117 or the keyboard 118. For example, if the preview image 1804 contains the character string "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" in black, the character string is edited to "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" in red. As a result, the edited content of the preview image 1804 is reflected, and an edited preview image 1804' is displayed in the display area 1802, as shown in FIG. 18(c). This allows the edited preview image 1804' to be confirmed. After confirming the preview image 1804', the preview image 1804' can be printed or sent by fax or email. Note that by operating the control 1805, the detailed setting screen 300C shown in FIG. 3(c) is displayed, and full color is selected from the list 308. Then, by operating the control 306, the display screen 1801 shown in FIG. 18(c) is displayed. Furthermore, if only full color can be selected from the list 308, the control 307 may be arranged instead of the control 1805.Furthermore, when destinations for fax or e-mail are stored in the host computer 101 and an instruction is given, the processing may be completed in the host computer 101, or the destinations may be acquired from the address book stored in a personal computer, smartphone, or the like. Also, a destination input screen / field may be displayed for the destination. Also, for fax, two options may be available: grayscale or black and white.

[0117] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the gist thereof. 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 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., an ASIC) that realizes one or more functions. The detailed setting screen can accept separate color settings such as full color, grayscale, and monochrome, but is not limited to these. The detailed setting screen can accept at least one of these settings, or any multiple settings.

[0118] Furthermore, there are cases where the document scanned by the scanning device 102 is a blank document. Therefore, it is preferable that the extension application 204 (or the general-purpose scan software 202) be able to determine whether the document scanned by the scanning device 102 is a blank document. In this case, prior to the determination by the extension application 204, a preliminary scanning process (first scanning process) must be performed in which the document is scanned by the scanning device 102. If it is determined that the document scanned by the scanning device 102 is not a blank document, a main scanning process (second scanning process) is performed in which the scanning device 102 scans the document under the color settings accepted on the setting acceptance screen 300C. On the other hand, if it is determined that the document scanned by the scanning device 102 is a blank document, it is preferable to omit the main scanning process. This makes it possible to prevent unnecessary main scanning processes.

[0119] The disclosure of each embodiment includes the following programs, methods, and configurations. (Program 1) A program that supports general-purpose programs that can be used in common with scanners from multiple manufacturers, On the computer, displaying a setting acceptance screen for accepting settings of colors to be expressed in the image read by the scanner; a program for outputting a read instruction for causing the scanner to read the image under the color settings accepted on the setting acceptance screen; (Program 2) The program according to Program 1, which causes the computer to determine whether the image read by the scanner is an image of a blank document. (Program 3) A program described in Program 2, characterized in that, as a result of determining whether the image read by the scanner is an image of a blank document, if it is determined that the image read by the scanner is not an image of a blank document, the reading instruction is output, and if it is determined that the image read by the scanner is an image of a blank document, the output of the reading instruction is omitted. (Program 4) A program described in any one of Programs 1 to 3, characterized in that the setting acceptance screen accepts at least one of the following color settings: a setting to represent the image in full color, a setting to represent the image in grayscale, a setting to represent the image in monochrome, and a setting to represent the image in any color. (Program 5) The program according to Program 4, wherein the setting for expressing the image in any color includes a plurality of options from which a color can be selected. (Program 6) The program according to Program 4 or 5, wherein the color setting is switched depending on the image when the setting acceptance screen is displayed. (Program 7) The program according to any one of Programs 1 to 6, wherein the setting acceptance screen allows the color setting to be set based on at least one of a color temperature and a color space. (Program 8) The program according to any one of Programs 1 to 7, wherein the setting acceptance screen includes a decision operation section for deciding to end the color setting. (Program 9) The program according to Program 8, which causes the computer to output the reading instruction when the decision operation unit is operated. (Program 10) The program according to any one of Programs 1 to 9, wherein whether or not the setting acceptance screen is displayed can be switched depending on the scanner. (Program 11) The program according to any one of Programs 1 to 10, which causes the computer to display a result of reading the image in response to the reading instruction as a preview image. (Program 12) The setting acceptance screen can accept, as the color settings, a full color setting that displays the image in full color, a grayscale setting that displays the image in grayscale, a monochrome setting that displays the image in monochrome, and an arbitrary color setting that displays the image in any color, and the preview image can be updated to an image according to the full color setting, the grayscale setting, the monochrome setting, or the arbitrary color setting. (Program 13) The program according to any one of Programs 11 to 12, wherein the preview image is configured to be editable. (Program 14) The program according to any one of Programs 1 to 13, wherein the general-purpose program supports a program that causes scanners of the plurality of manufacturers to execute instructions that can be executed in common. (Method 1) A control method for supporting a general-purpose program that can be used in common with scanners from multiple manufacturers, comprising the steps of: a display control step of displaying a setting acceptance screen for accepting settings of colors to be expressed in the image read by the scanner; and an output step of outputting a read instruction for causing the scanner to read the image under the color settings accepted on the setting acceptance screen. (Configuration 1) An information processing device that is communicably connected to scanners of multiple manufacturers and can process information between the scanners, a general-purpose program that can be used in common with scanners from the plurality of manufacturers; a program that supports the general-purpose program, The program is configured to: displaying a setting acceptance screen for accepting settings of colors to be expressed in the image read by the scanner; an information processing apparatus that outputs a read instruction for causing the scanner to read the image under the color settings accepted on the setting acceptance screen; [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 101 host computer 102 Scanning Device 114 External storage device 202 General-purpose scanning software 204 Extended Applications 205 Scan Setting Screen Expansion Unit 206 Scan Function Expansion Unit 207 Image Data Editing Unit 300C detailed setting screen

Claims

1. A program that supports a general-purpose program that can be used in common with scanners from multiple manufacturers, On the computer, displaying a setting acceptance screen for accepting settings of colors to be expressed in the image read by the scanner; a program for outputting a read instruction for causing the scanner to read the image under the color settings accepted on the setting acceptance screen;

2. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the program causes the computer to determine whether the image read by the scanner is an image of a blank document.

3. The program according to claim 2, characterized in that, as a result of determining whether the image read by the scanner is an image of a blank document, if it is determined that the image read by the scanner is not an image of a blank document, the program outputs the reading instruction, and if it is determined that the image read by the scanner is an image of a blank document, the program omits outputting the reading instruction.

4. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that the setting acceptance screen accepts at least one of the following color settings: a setting to represent the image in full color, a setting to represent the image in grayscale, a setting to represent the image in monochrome, and a setting to represent the image in any color.

5. 5. The program according to claim 4, wherein the setting for expressing the image in any color includes a plurality of options for selecting a color.

6. 5. The program according to claim 4, wherein the color setting is changed depending on the image when the setting acceptance screen is displayed.

7. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the setting acceptance screen allows the color setting to be set based on at least one of a color temperature and a color space.

8. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the setting acceptance screen includes a decision operation section for deciding to end the color setting.

9. 9. The program according to claim 8, further comprising causing the computer to output the reading instruction when the decision operation unit is operated.

10. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein whether or not the setting acceptance screen is displayed can be switched depending on the scanner.

11. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the program causes the computer to display a result of reading the image in response to the reading instruction as a preview image.

12. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that the setting acceptance screen can accept, as the color settings, a full-color setting that represents the image in full color, a grayscale setting that represents the image in grayscale, a monochrome setting that represents the image in monochrome, and an arbitrary color setting that represents the image in any color, and the preview image can be updated to an image according to the full-color setting, the grayscale setting, the monochrome setting, or the arbitrary color setting.

13. 12. The program according to claim 11, wherein the preview image is configured to be editable.

14. 2. The program according to claim 1, wherein the general-purpose program supports a program that causes scanners of the plurality of manufacturers to execute instructions that can be commonly executed by the scanners.

15. A control method for controlling scanners of multiple manufacturers to support a general-purpose program that can be used in common, comprising: a display control step of displaying a setting acceptance screen for accepting settings of colors to be expressed in the image read by the scanner; and an output step of outputting a read instruction for causing the scanner to read the image under the color settings accepted on the setting acceptance screen.

16. An information processing device that is communicably connected to scanners of a plurality of manufacturers and is capable of processing information between the scanners, a general-purpose program that can be used in common with scanners from the plurality of manufacturers; a program that supports the general-purpose program, The program is configured to: displaying a setting acceptance screen for accepting settings of colors to be expressed in the image read by the scanner; an information processing apparatus that outputs a read instruction for causing the scanner to read the image under the color settings accepted on the setting acceptance screen;

Images