Programs, storage media, information processing methods, and information processing devices that support general-purpose scanning software.

Abstract

Users who utilize the standard scan driver are limited to the functions available only through the standard driver and cannot specify vendor-specific dropout color features for their scanning device. [Solution] A program that supports the functions of general-purpose scan software that can be used in common with image processing devices provided by multiple manufacturers, characterized in that it displays a display screen that accepts the setting of dropout colors that will not be read by a computer, and outputs a reading instruction to the image processing device to perform a scan according to the setting accepted on the display screen.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a program, a storage medium, an information processing method, and an information processing apparatus that support general-purpose scanning software.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a configuration in which a scan driver installed in a host computer is used as software for controlling a scan device, and a read instruction is given to the scan device connected to the host computer. An operating system (OS), which is basic software, is installed in the host computer, and the scan driver is configured according to the specifications defined by the OS and is called from the OS to operate. A vendor (manufacturer) that provides a scan device can provide a means for instructing the scan device to read using the OS by providing a scan driver that conforms to the specifications of the OS.

[0003] In recent years, in Windows (registered trademark), a standard class driver (hereinafter also referred to as a "standard driver") that can be commonly used with scan devices provided by a plurality of vendors has been attempted to be provided. Such a standard driver is included in the package of the OS and can be easily used by connecting an arbitrary scan device to the host computer. Therefore, there is no need to separately install a model-specific scan driver suitable for the scan device, which is highly convenient. In addition, it is assumed that the standard driver is configured to be able to specify the scan function according to the scan function information generated based on the information acquired from the connected scan device. Thereby, a user who uses the standard driver can specify a scan function according to the capabilities of the connected scan device even though using only one standard driver. However, since this is only a function that can be realized by the standard driver alone, a function unique to the scan device vendor cannot be specified. Therefore, Patent Document 1 discloses a program for extending the printing function of general-purpose software. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-033526 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] One feature of the scanner vendor's proprietary scan driver is the dropout color function. Dropout color is a function that prevents the scanning of specific colors in the document being scanned. By using dropout color, unnecessary printed elements such as the borders of forms are not scanned, resulting in image data that is easier for the user to handle. However, the dropout color function is not available when using the standard driver. In view of the above issues, the present invention aims to provide a mechanism that extends the functionality of scan software that can be commonly used with scanning devices provided by multiple manufacturers, thereby enabling the use of a dropout color function. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above problems, an information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention has the following configuration. The present invention is a program that supports the functions of general-purpose scan software that can be used in common with image processing devices provided by multiple manufacturers, characterized in that it causes a computer to display a display screen that accepts the setting of dropout colors that will not be read, and outputs a reading instruction to the image processing device to perform a scan according to the setting accepted on the display screen. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, a program that extends the functionality of general-purpose scanning software that can be used in common with scanning devices provided by multiple manufacturers makes it possible for users to use a dropout color function. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Hardware configuration diagram of the scanning system in this embodiment [Figure 2] Software configuration diagram of the scanning system in this embodiment [Figure 3] Scan settings screen and detailed settings screen of Embodiment 1 [Figure 4] Editing process of scan function information by the extended application of Embodiment 1 [Figure 5] List of Scan Functions for Each Device in Embodiment 1 [Figure 6] Sequence diagram illustrating the scan operation of Embodiment 1 [Figure 7] Scanning process in the extended application of Embodiment 1 [Figure 8] Scanning process in the scanning device of Embodiment 1 [Figure 9] Additional processing for brightness adjustment function in the extended application of Embodiment 2 [Figure 10] Sequence diagram illustrating the scan operation of Embodiment 2 [Figure 11] Scanning process in the extended application of Embodiment 2 [Figure 12] Sequence diagram illustrating the scan operation of Embodiment 3 [Figure 13] Sequence diagram illustrating the scan operation of Embodiment 3 [Figure 14] Sequence diagram illustrating the scan operation of Embodiment 4 [Figure 15] Scanning process in the extended application of Embodiment 4 [Figure 16] Capability information table and detailed settings screen in Embodiment 5 [Figure 17]Table of ability information and detailed setting screen in Embodiment 6 [Figure 18] Table of ability information and detailed setting screen in Embodiment 7

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] 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 present invention according to the claims, and not all combinations of the features described in this embodiment are essential for the solution means of the present invention.

[0010] [Embodiment 1] Scanning system hardware configuration FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a scanning system. (Host computer) In FIG. 1, host computer 101 is an example of an information processing device, and has 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. Further, 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. NETIF 120 is a network interface and controls data transfer with external devices via the network.

[0011] An initialization program is stored in the ROM 112. The external storage device 114 is, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). Application programs, an operating system (OS), and other various data are stored in the external storage device 114. RAM 113 is used as work memory for executing various programs stored in the external storage device 114, enabling these programs to run within the host computer 101. In this embodiment, the CPU 111 performs processing according to the program code stored in the ROM 112, thereby executing the functions and flowchart-related processing described later in the host computer 101.

[0012] (Scanning device) The scanning device 102 is an example of an image processing device, and is connected to the host computer 101 via the input / output interface 198 of the scanning device 102 and the input / output interface 116 of the host computer 101. The connection between the input / output interface 198 of the scanning device 102 and the input / output interface 116 of the host computer 101 may be a wired network or a wireless network. The scanning device 102 includes a CPU 191, ROM 192, RAM 193, operation unit 194, reading unit 195, printing unit 196, NETIF 197, and input / output interface 198. The CPU 191 provides overall control over the scanning device 102. ROM192 is the memory that stores the program. RAM193 ​​is memory used to temporarily store programs and image data. The reading unit 195 is a scanner that reads the image of the document. The printing unit 196 prints an image onto a sheet based on the image data. Note that the printing unit 196 is not mandatory. NETIF197 is a network interface that controls data transfer to and from external devices over the network. The image processing unit 210 performs various image editing processes on the input image data.

[0013] In this embodiment, the host computer 101 and the scanning device 102 are configured separately, but they may also be configured as a single information processing device. Furthermore, the reading settings screen and detailed settings screen described later are displayed on the display unit 119. In this embodiment, an electrophotographic digital multifunction device with multiple functions such as copying, printing, and faxing is used as an example of the scanning device. However, this embodiment is not limited to this; it can also be applied to devices using other processes, such as inkjet technology, or scanners that only read images. Also, the host computer 101 may be a desktop computer, a smartphone, or a laptop computer.

[0014] Scanning system software configuration Figure 2 schematically shows the software configuration of the scanning system. The software configuration in Figure 2 is stored in the external storage device 114 shown in Figure 1. Here, we will explain the scanning system assuming a host computer 101 equipped with Microsoft's Windows® 11 as the operating system. Note that standard drivers are also provided for Apple's macOS, and this technology can be applied to it as well. Figure 2(a) shows a typical configuration when the extended application 204 is not associated with the general-purpose scanning software 202 and the scanning device 102. Figure 2(b) shows the configuration when the extended application 204 is associated with the general-purpose scanning software 202 and the scanning device 102.

[0015] (Scanning system software configuration (without extension application involvement)) First, using Figure 2(a), we will describe the configuration of the scanning system when the extended application 204 is not associated. The scan application 201 is software that captures scanned content (image data). For example, this could be a document creation application or an image editing application. When the scan application 201 receives a scan request from the user, it issues a scan command to the OS. The scan command includes scan setting information to instruct the operation of the general-purpose scan software 202 and the scan device 102.

[0016] The scan application 201 can display a scan settings screen provided by either the general-purpose scan software 202, the OS, or the scan application 201 itself in order to execute a scan command. Furthermore, if the "Advanced Settings" button is pressed within the scan settings screen, the general-purpose scan software 202 will display an additional advanced settings screen. The scan settings screen and advanced settings screen will be described later using Figure 3. The advanced settings screen includes setting items (hereinafter also referred to as "control items") that indicate the configurable scan functions according to the capability information (configurable information) of the general-purpose scan software 202, and control items that indicate their setting values. The general-purpose scanning software 202 determines the scanning capability based on the scanning function information 203. Scan function information 203 is data indicating the scan function, which includes all configurable scan functions, their settings, and the mutual exclusion relationships between the settings. Scan function information 203 is included in the configuration file of the general-purpose scan software 202 and is placed on the external storage device 114 as an immutable file. Alternatively, scan function information 203 can be dynamically generated by the general-purpose scan software 202.

[0017] Specifically, the general-purpose scan software 202 or OS can be configured to acquire attribute data of the scan device 102 and generate scan function information 203 according to the attribute information in the acquired attribute data. If the scan function information 203 is generated dynamically, the generated scan function information 203 is editable. The attribute data of the scan device acquired from the scan device 102 includes attribute information indicating the functions (capabilities of the scan device) that can be specified by the scan device 102, and setting values ​​related to that attribute information. This information is stored in RAM 113.

[0018] With this configuration, the general-purpose scan software 202 can be configured so that the user can specify the scan functions available on each connected scan device 102, depending on the connected scan device 102. In other words, even when scan devices with different functions or scan devices developed by different vendors are connected, the general-purpose scan software 202 can be configured so that the user can specify the scan functions available on each connected scan device. Furthermore, the general-purpose scan software 202 can generate scan instructions that can be interpreted by multiple scan devices from different vendors and output these scan instructions to each of the multiple scan devices from different vendors. Note that the vendor may be the manufacturer of the scan device 102. Here, the general-purpose scan software 202 is a standard class driver that performs scans based on a standard scan protocol called Mopria. The general-purpose scan software 202 acquires capability information of the connected scan device 102 and generates scan function information 203 based on that information so that the user can specify the scan functions supported by the connected scan device 102. The general-purpose scanning software 202 obtains scanning function information 203 from the scanning device 102 and receives image data generated by the scanning device 102 scanning the document using IPP (Internet Printing Protocol). However, the general-purpose scanning software 202 does not support the dropout color function. This is because the dropout color function is a proprietary function of the scanning device vendor (scanning device manufacturer).

[0019] • Dropout color function The dropout color function is a feature that, when scanning a document, excludes certain colors from being read and incorporates them into the image data. This feature prevents the inclusion of borders on forms or red circles on test papers in the image data, resulting in image data that is easier for users to process. There are several ways to implement this dropout color feature. Specifically, This method replaces the luminance value of a specified color from the RGB luminance values ​​of the read image data with the background color. • A method that uses ink that cannot be read by taking advantage of the optical properties of the scanning device. • A method that uses a filter to absorb specific colors. These are some examples, and in this invention, any of these methods may be used, and the invention is not limited to these methods as long as dropout color can be achieved. In this embodiment, we will describe the case where the user can select from "red," "blue," and "green," but it is also possible to allow the user to select other colors. Furthermore, it is also possible to directly specify the RGB brightness values, and to allow the user to select multiple colors.

[0020] Scanning system software configuration (with associated extension applications) Next, Figure 2(b) will be used to describe the configuration of the scanning system when the extended application 204 is associated. Note that the same configuration as in Figure 2(a) will not be explained. The extension application 204 is software that extends or supports the functionality of the general-purpose scanning software 202, and is also called a support application. The extension application 204 is software that is not pre-installed (not bundled) with the OS. Therefore, the user needs to operate the host computer 101 to download and install the extension application 204 from a server via the internet. Alternatively, it may be automatically installed based on the connection of the scanning device 102 to the host computer 101. Specifically, when the scanning device 102 is connected to the host computer 101, the OS obtains device identification information from the scanning device 102. The OS may download and install the extension application 204 corresponding to the obtained device identification information from a server via the internet. In other words, the general-purpose scanning software 202 and the extension application 204 are kept as separate files on the host computer 101.

[0021] The general-purpose scan software 202 and the extended application 204 may be updated and upgraded, but these update processes are performed at different times. In other words, the timing at which the host computer 101 acquires the general-purpose scan software 202 and the timing at which the extended application 204 is acquired are different. Also, the triggers for the host computer 101 to acquire the general-purpose scan software 202 and the triggers for the host computer 101 to acquire the extended application 204 are different. When the extended application 204 is installed, the OS associates the extended application 204 with the general-purpose scan software 202 and the scan device 102. The extended application 204 described in this embodiment 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 extended application 204 also includes shared information 208 that can be accessed from all units. The shared information 208 is actually a file stored in the external storage device 114 or information stored on the RAM 113. The extended application 204 writes to and reads information from the shared information 208 by using the API (Application Programming Interface) provided by the OS.

[0022] The extended application 204 may terminate its operation after each unit has finished processing. In that case, the OS will start the extended application 204 each time a request to use each unit is received. Furthermore, the extended application 204 may cancel processing within each unit's processing. If canceled, the job in progress is deleted by the OS. When the scan application 201 receives a scan request from the user, it issues a scan command to the OS. In this configuration, as in the configuration shown in Figure 2(a), the scan application 201 can display the scan settings screen. In this configuration, the detailed settings screen provided by the extension application 204 is displayed. Specifically, the detailed settings screen provided by the scan settings screen extension unit 205 of the extension application 204 is displayed. Furthermore, the scan settings screen extension unit 205 can save the detailed settings configured by the user to the shared information 208.

[0023] The extended application 204 includes an image data editing unit 207. The image data editing unit 207 acquires image data from the scanning device 102 and performs editing. The scan data editing unit 207 acquires detailed setting information from the shared information 208 and performs image editing on the image data according to the detailed settings. 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 detailed settings. In addition, even in the configuration of Figure 2(b), the user may not set the read size. In that case, as in the configuration of Figure 2(a), the general-purpose scanning software 202 may issue a scan request instruction to the scanning device 102 without going through the extended application 204.

[0024] The extended application 204 includes a scan function extension unit 206. 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 scan function extension unit 206 to add functions provided by the extended application 204. In addition, the scan function extension unit 206 can add functions that are supported by the scan device 102 but not by the general-purpose scan software 202 (such as the dropout color function), add mutual exclusion relationships between scan function settings, etc. The OS starts the scan function extension unit 206 when the extended application 204 is first associated with the scan device 102 and the general-purpose scan software 202. Furthermore, the OS may start the scan function extension unit 206 at other times, such as when the OS starts up.

[0025] Furthermore, the extended application 204 has a notification unit 209. The notification unit 209 can display a notification to the user in response to an error occurring in the scanning device 102. For example, if a read jam error occurs in the scanning device 102, the general-purpose scanning software 202 detects it, and the OS uses a notification function called a toast notification, which is a function of the OS, to display a message on the display unit 119. When the user presses this toast notification, the OS calls the notification unit 209 of the extended application 204, and the UI screen of the notification unit 209 is displayed. The UI screen of the notification unit 209 can display, for example, a detailed message about the scan jam error and instructions on how to clear the jam.

[0026] Furthermore, the configuration of the extended application 204 for realizing this embodiment is not limited to having all of the aforementioned functions (units), but may have only some of the functions or other functions. Also, the extended application 204 is sometimes simply called scan software. As described above, it can be said that the extended application 204 has at least one of the following functions. The first is a function to display the settings screen (scan settings screen extension unit 205). The second feature is a function (image data editing unit 207) that edits image data according to detailed settings. The third feature is a function that extends the capabilities of the image data generation software (scan function extension unit 206). The fourth feature is the display of a screen (notification unit 209) in response to an error occurring in the scanning device 102.

[0027] <Scan Settings Screen / Advanced Settings Screen> Next, an example of the scan settings screen and the detailed settings screen in this embodiment will be explained using Figure 3. Figure 3(a) shows the scan settings screen displayed by the scan application 201. Figure 3(b) shows the detailed settings screen displayed when the extended application 204 shown in Figure 2(a) is not present. Figure 3(c) shows the detailed settings screen displayed when the extended application 204 shown in Figure 2(b) is present. Note that the units and modules that display the scan settings screen are not limited to those described above. For example, the scan settings screen extension unit 205 may be configured solely to generate the display screen. In that case, the scan settings screen extension unit 205 sends 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 display screen acquired via the general-purpose scan software 202.

[0028] <Scan settings screen (scan application)> First, we will explain the scan settings screen displayed by the scan application 201 shown in Figure 3(a). Control 301 has objects that allow the user to set the scanner (the scanner used for reading) to which the image data will be scanned. Control 302 is an advanced settings button. When Control 302 is pressed, an additional scan screen is displayed by the general-purpose scan software 202 or the scan settings screen expansion unit 205. Control 303 is the scan start button, and control 304 is the scan cancel button.

[0029] <Advanced Settings Screen (General-Purpose Scan Software)> Next, we will describe the additional settings screen displayed by the general-purpose scanning software 202 when the extended application 204 shown in Figure 3(b) is not available. Control 305 indicates that the scanning destination can be set and that the document glass is selected. Control 306 is the setting completion button; when Control 306 is pressed, the system returns to the scan settings screen shown in Figure 3(a).

[0030] <Scan Settings Screen (Scan Settings Screen Extension Unit)> Next, Figure 3(c) will be explained. Figure 3(c) is an additional settings screen displayed by the scan settings screen extension unit 205 when the extension application 204 is installed. Unlike Figure 3(b), a control 307 and a list 308 have been added. The control 307 is a button for selecting the setting item for the dropout color function and indicates that a dropout color is selected. When the control 307 is pressed, the list 308 shows the colors that will not be read as the dropout color setting item. The list 308 shows that in addition to the currently selected "red", there are also "blue" and "green". The user switches the operation of the dropout color function and performs a scan by selecting the setting that matches the desired dropout color condition from the list 308.

[0031] Here, we will explain why the scan settings differ between Figure 3(b) and Figure 3(c). The detailed settings screen is generated by referring to the scan capability generated based on the scan function information. However, the general-purpose scan software 202 does not support the dropout color function, and therefore cannot add the dropout color function to the scan function information. Furthermore, even if the scan function information originally included the dropout color function, the general-purpose scan software 202 cannot interpret the dropout color function included in the scan function information. Therefore, the dropout color setting cannot be displayed on the detailed settings screen. However, the scan function extension unit 206 is configured to add the dropout color function to the scan function information 203, and the scan settings screen extension unit 205 is configured to display the detailed settings screen by referring to the scan capability. With these configurations, the extension application 204 can display the dropout color setting on the detailed settings screen. Note that Figure 3(c) may also include additional extension functions other than the dropout color function.

[0032] [Editing process for scan function information: Scan function expansion unit] Here, using Figure 4, we will explain the processing flow in which the scan function expansion unit 206 edits the scan function information 203. Each step is realized by the execution of each unit that has been read from the external storage device 114 to the RAM 113 by the CPU 111.

[0033] In S401, the scan function expansion unit 206 acquires capability information from the scan device 102. The capability information consists of attribute information indicating the functions that can be specified on the scan device 102 and the setting values ​​associated with that attribute information. Table 501 in Figure 5 shows an example of a list of capability information obtained from the scanning device 102. As shown in Table 501, the scanning device 102 can provide information on functions such as the reading size, as well as configurable options for each function. In S402, the scan function expansion unit 206 retrieves a list of scan functions supported by the expansion application 204 from the shared information 208. The list of scan functions supported by the expansion application 204 is stored in the shared information 208 and contains all scan functions that the expansion application 204 can process and their settings. An example of the list of scan functions supported by the expansion application 204 is shown in Table 502 of Figure 5. The list of scan functions supported by the expansion application 204 may be updated due to updates to the expansion application 204, etc.

[0034] In S403, the scan function expansion unit 206 obtains scan function information 203 created by the general-purpose scan software 202 from the OS. Table 503 in Figure 5 shows an example of a list of scan functions supported 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 (Table 501 in Figure 5) obtained by the general-purpose scan software 202 from the scan device 102. The scan function information created by the general-purpose scan software 202 only includes the scan functions that the general-purpose scan software 202 supports from the capability information obtained from the scan device 102, so the functionality of the scan function information is limited. For example, the capability information obtained from the scan device 102 (Table 501 in Figure 5) includes the dropout color function. However, the general-purpose scan software 202 does not support the dropout color function, and therefore the dropout color function is not included in the scan function information. By adding functions and options to the scan function information, the scan function expansion unit 206 enables the expansion application 204 to compensate for the lack of functionality of the general-purpose scan software 202. Furthermore, the scan function expansion unit 206 can also remove unnecessary functions and options from the scan function information created by the general-purpose scan software 202.

[0035] The following steps S404, S405, and S406 are repeated processes for the list of functions contained in the capability information acquired from the scanning device in S401. In this embodiment, these processes are repeated for the 14 types of reading sizes (A4H to dropout color) included in Table 501. In S404, the scan function expansion unit 206 determines whether the function / option being processed exists in the scan function information 203 generated by the general-purpose scan software 202. If the function / option being processed exists in the scan function information 203 (Yes in S404), the unit returns to the beginning of the loop. Specifically, it selects the next item from the functions / options of the scan function acquired from the scan device 102 and performs S404 again. If the last item from the functions / options of the capability information acquired from the scan device 102 is being processed, the unit exits the loop and terminates the flowchart in Figure 4. If the function / option being processed does not exist in the scan function information 203 (No in S404), the process proceeds to S405. In this embodiment, for example, the scan function of the scan device 102, "Scanning destination: document glass" shown in Table 501, also exists in Table 503, which is the scan function of the general-purpose scan software 202, so it is determined to be Yes in S404. On the other hand, the dropout color shown in Table 501 is not present in Table 503, so it is determined to be No, and the process proceeds to S405.

[0036] In S405, the scan function expansion unit 206 determines whether the function / option being processed exists among the functions / options supported by the expansion application 204. If it is determined that the function / option being processed exists among the supported functions / options (Yes in S405), the CPU 111 proceeds to S406. If it is determined that the function / option being processed does not exist (No in S405), the process returns to S404, as in the case where Yes was determined in S404, or the main process shown in Figure 4 is terminated. In this embodiment, for example, if the function being processed is dropout color, it also exists in Table 502, which is the capability information of the expansion application 204, so it is determined to be Yes in S405, and the CPU 111 proceeds to S406. Next, in S406, the scan function expansion unit 206 adds the function / option being processed to the scan function information 203. After processing in S406, if Yes is determined in S404, either S404 is repeated or the main process shown in Figure 4 is terminated.

[0037] As described above, the scan function expansion unit 206 adds functions / options to the scan function information 203 that are not supported by the general-purpose scan software 202 but are supported by the scan device 102 and the expansion application 204. Based on the scan function information edited by this process, the scan capabilities are generated. Furthermore, the scan setting screen expansion unit 205 generates a display screen based on the generated scan capabilities, thereby extending the functions not supported by the general-purpose scan software 202 and enabling the display of the detailed settings screen shown in Figure 3(c).

[0038] Scanning process sequence Next, using Figure 6, the sequence of the scan application 201, general-purpose printing software 202, extended application 204, and scan device 102 after the scan application 201 accepts the scan settings will be explained. Note that each step in Figure 6, except for the scan device 102, is performed by the CPU 111 reading the scan application 201, general-purpose scan software 202, and extended application 204 from the external storage device 114 into the RAM 113 and executing them. Each step of the scan device 102 in Figure 6 is realized by the CPU 191 of the scan device 102 reading the program stored in the ROM 192 or external storage device 199 into the RAM 193 and executing it.

[0039] In S601, the scan application 201 accepts scan settings from the user. The user can instruct the scan application 201 to configure scan settings by operating the pointing device 117 or the keyboard 118. In S602, the scan application 201 displays the scan settings screen shown in Figure 3(a) on the display unit 119. In S603, the scan application 201 accepts detailed setting instructions. The user can specify detailed settings by operating the pointing device 117 or keyboard 118 and selecting control 302. In S604, the scan application 201 requests the general-purpose scan software 202 to display detailed settings.

[0040] In S605, the general-purpose scan software 202 requests the extended application 204 to display the detailed settings. As mentioned above, in the configuration shown in Figure 2(a), the general-purpose scan software 202 will display the detailed settings screen shown in Figure 3(c). In S606, the scan settings screen extension unit 205 of the extended application 204 displays the detailed settings screen shown in Figure 3(c) on the display unit 119. This is because, as explained in Figure 4, the scan function extension unit 206 has added dropout color settings to the scan function information. The scan settings screen extension unit 205 displays the detailed settings screen shown in Figure 3(c) on the display unit 119 by referring to the scan capability generated based on the added scan function information.

[0041] In S607, the scan settings screen extension unit 205 accepts detailed settings. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3(c), the user selects the scanning destination: document glass and the dropout color. The accepted settings are stored in RAM 113 by the CPU 111. In S608, the scan settings screen extension unit 205 receives confirmation that the detailed settings have been completed and instructs the system to write the received settings to the scan settings information. The user can signal the end of the detailed settings by operating the pointing device 117 or keyboard 118 and selecting control 306. In S609, the extended application 204 sends a message to the general-purpose scanning software 202 indicating that the detailed settings have been completed.

[0042] In the S610, the general-purpose scan software 202 sends a message to the scan application 201 indicating that the detailed settings have been completed. Next, in S611, the scan application 201 receives a scan command. The user can initiate a scan by operating the pointing device 117 or keyboard 118 to select control 503. In S612, the scan application 201 issues a scan command to the general-purpose scan software 202. In S613, the general-purpose scan software 202 issues a scan command to the extended application 204. In S614, the extended application 204 creates a scan command based on the scan configuration information written in S608.

[0043] In step S615, the extended application 204 sends a scan command to the scanning device 102 to perform a scan. In S616, the scanning device 102 interprets the scan instruction command and performs the scan. During the scan, it performs the necessary image processing on the image data according to the scan instruction. In this embodiment, if the scan settings shown in Figure 3(c) are made, image data is generated from which the red color contained in the original document has been removed. In S617, the scanning device 102 sends the generated image data to the extended application 204. In S618, the extended application 204 sends the received image data to the general-purpose scanning software 202. In S619, the general-purpose scanning software 202 sends the received image data to the scanning application 201. In S620, the scan application 201 accepts image data. In S621, the scan application 201 displays the received image data.

[0044] [Scanning process: Extended application] Here, using Figure 7, we will explain the flow in which the extended application 204 performs the scan process. Each step is realized by the execution of each unit read from the external storage device 114 to the RAM 113 by the CPU 111.

[0045] In S701, the extended application 204 accepts a request to display detailed settings. In S702, the scan settings screen extension unit 205 of the extended application 204 displays the detailed settings screen shown in Figure 3(c) on the display unit 119. This is because, as explained in Figure 4, the scan function extension unit 206 has added dropout color settings to the scan function information. The scan settings screen extension unit 205 displays the detailed settings screen shown in Figure 3(c) on the display unit 119 by referring to the scan capability generated based on the added scan function information. In S703, the scan settings screen extension unit 205 determines whether the user has set a function. If the user has set a function (Yes in S703), the CPU 111 proceeds to S704; if the user has not set a function (No in S703), the CPU 111 proceeds to S705. In S704, CPU111 accepts the detailed settings, stores the accepted settings in RAM113, and then proceeds to S705 for processing.

[0046] In S705, the scan settings screen extension unit 205 determines whether the user has given an instruction to finish the settings. If an instruction to finish the settings is given (Yes in S705), the CPU 111 accepts that the detailed settings have been completed, writes the accepted settings to the scan settings information, and proceeds to S706. If there is no instruction to finish the settings (No in S705), the CPU 111 returns to S703 and determines again whether the user has given any function settings. In S706, the extended application 204 sends a message to the general-purpose scanning software 202 indicating that the detailed settings have been completed. In S707, the extended application 204 determines whether there is a scan command from the general-purpose scan software 202. If there is a scan command (Yes in S707), the CPU 111 proceeds to S708; otherwise, it returns to S707 and determines again whether there is a scan command from the general-purpose scan software 202.

[0047] In S708, the extended application 204 creates scan command instructions based on the scan configuration information written in S705. One way to create scan command instructions in S708 is to extend the standard protocol commands. This extension method involves writing dedicated commands in the extension area of ​​the standard protocol commands. Furthermore, there are methods such as adding proprietary commands to the end of the standard protocol commands, or having the extension application 204 overwrite the standard protocol commands with its own command system. Next, in S709, the extended application 204 sends a scan command to the scanning device 102 to perform a scan. Furthermore, when issuing instructions from the extended application 204, the configuration may be such that instructions and communication are performed using a vendor-specific protocol, regardless of the standard protocol.

[0048] In S710, the extended application 204 determines whether it has received all the image data from the scanning device 102. If all the image data has been received (Yes in S710), the CPU 111 proceeds to S711; otherwise (No in S710), it returns to S710 to determine whether all the image data has been transmitted from the scanning device 102. In S711, the extended application 204 transmits the received image data to the general-purpose scanning software 202.

[0049] [Scanning process: Scanning device] Next, using Figure 8, we will explain the scan process flow of the scanning device 102 that receives a scan command from the extended application 204. Note that each operation (step) shown in the flowchart of Figure 8 is realized by the CPU 191 executing a program stored in RAM 192. In S801, CPU 191 receives scan instructions sent from extended application 204. In S802, the scan command received in S801 is analyzed and converted into a reading setting that allows the scanning device 102 to perform the reading process. In this embodiment, the scanning settings are made on the document glass with a resolution of 300 x 300 dpi and dropout color.

[0050] In S803, the CPU 191 determines the ASIC of the image processing unit 210 to be used to perform the scan according to the reading settings converted in S802, and configures the ASIC. In S804, the CPU 191 sends a reading instruction to the reading unit 195 according to the reading settings. In this embodiment, an instruction is sent to perform dropout color scanning on the document glass. In S805, the CPU 191 acquires image data from the reading unit 195. In S806, CPU191 determines whether the dropout color specification is included in the read instruction. If the dropout color specification is included in the read instruction (Yes in S806), CPU191 proceeds to S812; otherwise (No in S806), it proceeds to S807.

[0051] In S812, the CPU 191 initializes variables A and B, which are used internally to compare the print image and the read image, to 1, with the coordinates of the image data of interest being (A, B). In this embodiment, the number of pixels in the width of the image data is M, and the number of pixels in the width is N. In this embodiment, pixels are handled using coordinates, but they may be converted to vectors. In S813, the brightness value of the image data at coordinates (A, B) is obtained. In S814, it is determined whether the luminance value obtained in S813 matches the color specified by the dropout color. If the luminance value matches the color specified by the dropout color (Yes in S814), CPU191 proceeds to S815; otherwise (No in S814), it proceeds to S816. In S815, the brightness value of the coordinates (A, B) in the image data is replaced with the background color. In S816, CPU191 increments variable A by 1 in order to proceed to the next pixel.

[0052] In S817, CPU191 determines whether A > M. If A > M (Yes in S817), the process proceeds to S812; otherwise (No in S817), the process proceeds to S813. In S818, CPU191 assigns 1 to A and increments B by 1 in order to process the pixels of the next row. In S819, CPU191 determines whether B > N. If B > N (Yes in S819), it proceeds to S807, assuming that all pixels of the image data have been processed; otherwise (No in S819), it proceeds to S813. In S807, the CPU 191 and the image processing unit 210 perform image processing on the received image data. In this embodiment, the resolution is converted to 300 x 300 dpi. If the reading unit 195 is capable of reading at 300 x 300 dpi, the reading unit 195 may acquire the image data at 300 x 300 dpi, and S807 may not perform image processing.

[0053] In S808, the CPU 191 saves image data to the external storage device 199. In S809, CPU191 determines whether the scanning process for all pages has finished. If it determines that it has not finished, it proceeds to S805 and executes the scanning process for the next page. If it determines that it has finished, it proceeds to S810. In S810, the CPU 191 and the image processing unit 210 convert the image data saved in S807 according to the transmission format setting received in S801. In this embodiment, the transmission format is not included in the scan instruction received from the extended application 204. Therefore, it is converted to the default JPEG of the scanning device 102, but the transmission format to be converted is not limited to this; any format that can be handled by the information processing device is acceptable. In S811, the converted image data is sent to the extended application 204, and all processing is completed.

[0054] As described above, in this embodiment, the scan setting screen extension unit 205 of the extension application 204 modifies the scan function information 203 based on the general-purpose scan software 202, the extension application 204, and the capability information of the scan device 102. Furthermore, when the user requests the detailed settings screen, the settings screen is displayed based on the scan capabilities generated from the scan function information 203, allowing the user to set the dropout color. Subsequently, when the scan device 102 receives a scan instruction that reflects the dropout color setting, it reads the document in a way that removes the specified color. Through this series of processes, the scan device 102 can be equipped with the dropout color function, and the dropout color function can be provided to the user.

[0055] In this embodiment, the detailed settings screen shown in Figure 3(c) was used under the configuration shown in Figure 2(b) for the explanation, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, when a request to display detailed settings is made to the general-purpose scan software 202 in S604, the general-purpose scan software 202 may display the detailed settings screen shown in Figure 3(b). Subsequently, after the detailed settings shown in Figure 3(b) are completed, the general-purpose scan software 202 requests the extended application 204 to display an additional detailed settings screen. Next, the extended application 204 may display an additional detailed settings screen that allows for dropout color settings. Furthermore, while the configuration is such that scan commands to the extended application 204 are issued from the general-purpose scan software 202, this is not limited to this. For example, the scan application 201 could issue commands to the extended application 204, or a control for issuing scan commands could be placed on the detailed settings screen, allowing the user to directly issue commands to the extended application 204. Additionally, the image data could be transferred directly from the extended application 204 to the scan application 201 without going through the general-purpose scan software 202, or from the scan device 102 to the scan application 201. Alternatively, the received image data could be saved to the external storage device 114, and only the file path information of the save location could be transferred.

[0056] Furthermore, when a user requests a detailed settings screen, the settings screen is displayed based on the scanning capabilities generated from the scan function information 203, allowing the user to configure the dropout color settings. Subsequently, when the scanning device 102 receives a scan instruction that reflects the dropout color settings, it scans the document with the specified dropout color settings. Through this series of processes, the scanning device 102 can implement the dropout color function, and the dropout color function can be provided to the user. In this embodiment, the detailed settings screen shown in Figure 3(c) was used under the configuration shown in Figure 2(b) for the explanation, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, when a request to display detailed settings is made to the general-purpose scan software 202 in S604, the general-purpose scan software 202 may display the detailed settings screen shown in Figure 3(b). Subsequently, after the detailed settings shown in Figure 3(b) are completed, the general-purpose scan software 202 requests the extended application 204 to display an additional detailed settings screen. Next, the extended application 204 may display an additional detailed settings screen that allows for dropout color settings.

[0057] Furthermore, while the configuration is such that scan commands to the extended application 204 are issued from the general-purpose scan software 202, this is not limited to this. For example, the scan application 201 could issue commands to the extended application 204, or a control for issuing scan commands could be placed on the detailed settings screen, allowing the user to directly issue commands to the extended application 204. Additionally, the image data could be transferred directly from the extended application 204 to the scan application 201 without going through the general-purpose scan software 202, or from the scan device 102 to the scan application 201. Alternatively, the received image data could be saved to the external storage device 114, and only the file path information of the save location could be transferred. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when there are multiple image data, the method is to receive all image data before passing it on, but it is also possible to pass on the transmitted image data as it is received. Furthermore, when issuing instructions from the extended application 204, communication may be conducted using a vendor-specific protocol, regardless of the standard protocol.

[0058] [Embodiment 2] Embodiment 2 of the present invention will now be described. In Embodiment 1 described above, first, the scanning device 102 interprets the scan setting information including the dropout color and performs a scan process to remove the color specified by the scanning device 102. However, some scanning devices may not support the dropout color function at all. In such cases, users will not be able to use the dropout color function.

[0059] Therefore, in Embodiment 2, first, it is determined whether the scanning device supports the dropout color function. Next, if the scanning device supports the dropout color function, scan setting information including the dropout color function specified by the user is generated and passed to the scanning device. On the other hand, if the scanning device does not support the dropout color function, scan setting information without the dropout color setting is generated and passed to the scanning device. After this, the specified color is removed from the image data read by the scanning device. This makes it possible to provide image data with the color specified by the user removed, even if the scanning device cannot perform dropout color. In the following, we will only describe the differences from Embodiment 1.

[0060] Assume that the scanning device 102 is a scanning device that does not support the dropout color function. The extended application 204 has a different configuration from the extended application 204 of Embodiment 1. The scanning function extension unit 206 adds the dropout color function to the scanning function information 203 if there is a unit in the extended application 204 that can remove the specified color, even if the capability information acquired from the scanning device does not include the dropout color function. The image data editing unit 207 performs dropout color processing on the image data received from the scanning device 102 based on the color set by the user. Details will be described later.

[0061] [Editing process for scan function information: Scan function expansion unit] The scan function information editing process by the scan function extension unit 206 in Embodiment 2 will be explained using Figure 9. Note that each step in Figure 9 is realized by the execution of each unit read from the external storage device 114 to the RAM 113 by the CPU 111.

[0062] When the scan function expansion unit 206 completes the repetitive processing from S404 to S406, it proceeds to processing S901. At this point, the scan device 102 does not support the dropout color function. Therefore, the dropout color function is not added to the scan function information 203 after the completion of processing from S404 to S406. Therefore, S901 and S902 perform a process to add functions to the scan function information according to the modules that the extended application 204 has, even though they are not included in the capability information returned from the scan device 102. Specifically, in S901, the scan function extension unit 206 refers to Table 501 in Figure 5 and scan function information 203 to determine whether the extension application 204 has a module for performing dropout color processing. If it is determined that there is a module for performing dropout color processing (Yes in S901), the process proceeds to S902. If it is determined that there is no such module (No in S901), the process ends. In this embodiment 2, since the image data editing unit 207 can perform dropout color processing, it is determined that the extension application 204 has a module for performing dropout color processing.

[0063] Next, in S902, the scan function expansion unit 206 adds the dropout color function to the scan function information. As described above, the function expansion unit 206 first adds functions / options that are not supported by the general-purpose scan software 202 but are supported by the scan device 102 and the expansion application 204 to the scan function information 203. Then, it determines whether the expansion application 204 can perform dropout color processing, and if it can, it adds the dropout color function to the scan function information. Even if the scan device 102 cannot perform dropout color processing, this process makes it possible to display the detailed settings screen shown in Figure 3(c) by generating a display screen based on the scan function information 203 using the scan setting screen expansion unit 205.

[0064] Scanning process sequence Next, using Figure 10, the sequence of the scan application 201, general-purpose scan software 202, extended application 204, and scan device 12 after the scan application 201 accepts the scan settings will be explained. Note that each step in Figure 10, except for the scan device 102, is performed by the CPU 111 reading the scan application 201, general-purpose scan software 202, and extended application 204 from the external storage device 114 into the RAM 113 and executing them. Each step of the scan device 102 in Figure 11 is realized by the CPU 191 of the scan device 102 reading the program stored in the ROM 192 or external storage device 199 into the RAM 193 and executing it.Hereafter, steps common to Figure 6 will be given the same number and their explanations will be omitted, and the differences will be explained in detail.

[0065] In S1001, the extended application 204 creates a read command. The detailed operation at this time is explained in the flowchart in Figure 11. In S1002, the image data editing unit 207 performs image editing on the received image data. In this embodiment, dropout color processing is performed to remove a specified color from the image data.

[0066] [Scanning process: Extended application] Here, using Figure 11, we will explain the flow in which the extended application 204 performs the scan process. Steps common to Figure 7 are given the same number and their explanations are omitted, while the differences will be explained primarily. Each step is realized by the execution of each unit read from the external storage device 114 to the RAM 113 by the CPU 111. In S1101, the extended application 204 obtains capability information for the scanning device 102 from the shared information 208. If capability information for the scanning device 102 is not available, the scanning function extension unit 206 may request capability information from the scanning device 102 and save it to the shared information 208. The extended application 204 determines from the acquired capability information and setting information whether the scan device 102 has a dropout color function. If it is determined that a function not supported by the scan device 102 is set (Yes in S1101), the CPU 111 proceeds to S1102. In Embodiment 2, the scan device 102 has a dropout color setting that is not supported by the scan device 102, so the process proceeds to S1102. If it is determined that no function not supported by the scan device 102 is set (No in S1101), the CPU 111 proceeds to S708. Next, in S1102, a scan command is created from the extended application 204, excluding unsupported function settings. In this embodiment, the dropout color function is not included in the scan command. Then the process proceeds to S709.

[0067] Next, we will explain the process that follows when S710 determines that it has received the previous image data. In S1103, the extended application 204 determines from the configuration information whether there are any settings that need editing in the image data editing unit 207. If it is determined that there are settings that need editing (Yes in S1103), the CPU 111 proceeds to S1104. In Embodiment 2, a dropout color function that the scanning device 102 cannot execute is set, so the process proceeds to S1104. On the other hand, if it is determined that there are no settings that need editing (No in S1103), the CPU 111 proceeds to S711. In S1104, the image data editing unit 207 performs dropout color processing in S703 to remove the specified color from the image data. As described above, in Embodiment 2, even if the scanning device does not support the dropout color function, it is possible to provide the user with the dropout color function.

[0068] [Embodiment 3] Embodiment 3 of the present invention will now be described. In Embodiments 1 and 2 described above, the extended application 204 and the scanning device 102 are configured to communicate with each other. In Embodiment 3, the general-purpose scanning software 202 interacts with the scanning device 102, and the extended application 204 is configured to perform only scan command extensions and image editing. In the following, we will only describe the differences from Embodiments 1 and 2.

[0069] Scanning process sequence (command extension) Figure 12 illustrates the sequence of the scan application 201, general-purpose scan software 202, extended application 204, and scan device 102 after the scan application 201 receives the scan settings. Steps common to both Figure 6 and Figure 12 are given the same numbering and their explanations are omitted; the differences will be explained primarily. Note that each step in Figure 12, except for the scan device 102, is performed by the CPU 111 reading the scan application 201, general-purpose scan software 202, and extended application 204 from the external storage device 114 into the RAM 113 and executing them. Each step of the scan device 102 in Figure 12 is achieved by the CPU 191 of the scan device 102 reading a program stored in the ROM 192 or external storage device 199 into the RAM 193 and executing it.

[0070] In S1201, the general-purpose scan software 202 creates a scan command. At this time, functions that the general-purpose scan software 202 does not support are not included in the scan command. In S1202, the general-purpose scan software 202 passes the created scan command to the extended application 204. In S1203, the extended application 204 extends the received scan instruction command by adding instruction commands for functions not supported by the general-purpose scan software 202 or by modifying existing instructions. In this embodiment, in S1201, since the scan instruction command created by the general-purpose scan software 202 does not include a dropout color setting, the dropout color setting is added.

[0071] In S1204, the extended application 204 passes the extended scan command to the general-purpose scan software 202. In step S1205, the general-purpose scan software 202 sends a scan command to the scan device 102 and performs the scan command. In S1206, the general-purpose scanning software 202 receives image data from the scanning device 102.

[0072] Scanning process sequence (image editing) Next, using Figure 13, the sequence for image editing using an extended application when the general-purpose scan software 202 and the scan device 102 interact will be explained. Steps common to both Figure 12 and Figure 13 are given the same numbering and their explanations are omitted, while the differences will be explained primarily. Note that each step in Figure 13 other than that of the scan device 102 is performed by the CPU 111 reading the scan application 201, general-purpose scan software 202, and extended application 204 from the external storage device 114 into the RAM 113 and executing them. Each step of the scan device 102 in Figure 13 is realized by the CPU 191 of the scan device 102 reading a program stored in the ROM 192 or external storage device 199 into the RAM 193 and executing it.

[0073] In S1301, the general-purpose scanning software 202 transmits the received image data to the extended application 204. In S1002, the extended application 204 performs image editing. In this embodiment, the specified color is removed from the image data using the same process as in S1104 in Figure 11. In S1302, the extended application 204 sends the edited image data to the general-purpose scanning software 202. As described above, in this embodiment, the extended application 204 extends the dropout color specification command, thereby enabling the scan device 102 to implement the dropout color function.

[0074] [Embodiment 4] Embodiment 4 of the present invention will now be described. In Embodiments 1 to 3 described above, the commands used in the standard protocol were extended and configured to communicate with the scanning device 102. Embodiment 4 describes a configuration in which the standard protocol commands are not extended, and functions supported only by the extended application 204 are communicated with the scanning device 102 using separate commands. In the following, we will only describe the differences from the previously described embodiment.

[0075] Scanning process sequence (sending separate commands) Figure 14 illustrates the sequence of the scan application 201, general-purpose scan software 202, extended application 204, and scan device 102 after the scan application 201 accepts the scan settings. Note that each step in Figure 14, except for the scan device 102, is performed by the CPU 111 reading the scan application 201, general-purpose scan software 202, and extended application 204 from the external storage device 114 into the RAM 113 and executing them. Each step of the scan device 102 in Figure 14 is achieved by the CPU 191 of the scan device 102 reading a program stored in the ROM 192 or external storage device 199 into the RAM 193 and executing it. Steps common to both Figure 6 and Figure 14 are given the same numbering, their explanations are omitted, and the differences are primarily explained.

[0076] In S1401, the general-purpose scan software 202 creates a standard scan instruction command in accordance with the standard protocol. At this time, functions not supported by the standard protocol are not included in the scan instruction command. In S1402, the extended application 204 creates an extended scan command for features that are supported only by the extended application 204. In S1403, the extended application 204 sends a standard scan instruction command to the scanning device 102 and performs a scan instruction. In S1404, the extended application 204 sends an extended scan command to the scanning device 102 and performs a scan command. In S1405, the scanning device 102 interprets the received standard scan instruction command and extended scan instruction command, respectively, and executes the scan process.

[0077] [Scanning process: Extended application] Here, using Figure 15, we will explain the flow in which the extended application 204 performs the scan process. Each step is realized by the execution of each unit read from the external storage device 114 to the RAM 113 by the CPU 111. Steps common to both Figure 7 and Figure 7 are assigned the same numbers, their explanations are omitted, and the differences are explained primarily. In S1501, the extended application 204 creates a standard scan instruction command that conforms to the standard protocol. In S1502, the extended application 204 creates an extended scan command for features not supported by the standard protocol. In S1503, the extended application 204 sends the standard scan instruction command created in S1501 to the scanning device 102. In S1504, the extended application 204 sends the extended scan instruction command created in S1502 to the scanning device 102. As described above, in Embodiment 4, the dropout color function can be provided to the user by sending a separate scan command from the extended application for functions not supported by the standard protocol.

[0078] [Embodiment 5] Embodiment 5 of the present invention will now be described. In the above-described embodiment, a method for specifying the color to be used for dropout coloring from a pre-prepared selection was explained. Embodiment 5 describes a case where, by specifying RGB brightness values, it becomes possible to perform dropout color processing on colors other than those among the pre-defined options. In the following section, we will refer to Figure 16 and explain only the differences from the previously described embodiment. Figure 16(a) shows an example of a list of capability information acquired from the scanning device 102 in this embodiment, as Table 1601. As shown in Table 1601, the scanning device 102 can acquire information called "Brightness Value Specification" (1602) as a dropout color function. As shown in Table 1603, the extended application also supports "Brightness Value Specification" as a dropout color function.

[0079] Figures 16(c) and 16(d) show examples of detailed settings screens where "Brightness Value Specification" can be set. Figure 16(c) is an example where "Brightness Value Specification" is displayed in List 1605 as a dropout color selection item. Figure 12(d) shows the detailed settings screen when Brightness Value Specification is set. When Brightness Value Specification is set, controls 1607 to 1609 are displayed in Control 1606 where you can input Brightness Values ​​for Red, Blue, and Green. By entering a value in the range of 0 to 255, you can specify the color to be processed for dropout color. As shown in Sample Color 1610, it may be possible to make it possible to confirm the specified color. In this embodiment, the case of inputting from 0 to 255 has been described, but it may also be possible to specify in 10 steps. In addition, the case where Control 1606 is displayed when "Brightness Value Specification" is selected in List 1605 has been described, but it may also be possible to display Control 1606 in advance and gray it out until "Brightness Value Specification" is selected. As described above, Embodiment 5 makes it possible to provide a dropout color function that can be specified by inputting a luminance value as the color to be processed with dropout color.

[0080] [Embodiment 6] Embodiment 6 of the present invention will be described below. Embodiment 6 describes the case where the color to be used for dropout color processing is selected from the color wheel. By selecting from the color wheel, users can intuitively specify the colors to be applied to the dropout color process. In the following, we will only describe the differences from the previously described embodiment.

[0081] Figure 17(a) shows an example of a list of capability information acquired from the scanning device 102 in this embodiment, as Table 1701. As shown in Table 1701, the scanning device 102 acquires information called "hue circle specification" 1702 as a dropout color function. As shown in Table 1703, the extended application also supports "hue circle specification" as a dropout color function. Figures 17(c) and 17(d) show examples of detailed settings screens where "Hue Wheel Specification" can be set. Figure 17(c) shows an example where "Hue Wheel Specification" is displayed in List 1705 as a dropout color selection item. Figure 17(d) shows the detailed settings screen when Hue Wheel Specification is set. When Hue Wheel Specification is set, any color can be selected from Hue Wheel 1706. A hue wheel is a circular representation of the change in hue in a color space. For example, when the top of the circle is green, it changes clockwise to yellow, red, purple, blue, cyan, and green. By operating Control 1707, the user selects the color for which dropout color processing will be performed. This explanation describes how Hue Wheel 1706 and Control 1707 are displayed when "Hue Wheel Specification" is selected in List 1705, but it is also possible to display them beforehand and gray them out until "Hue Wheel Specification" is selected. As described above, in Embodiment 6, the user can specify a color from the color wheel when performing a dropout color.

[0082] [Embodiment 7] Embodiment 7 of the present invention will be described below. Embodiment 7 describes a case where, when specifying the color for dropout color processing from a selection of options, it is possible to specify the color level. The ability to specify color levels allows users to determine the precision of the dropout color processing. In the following, we will only describe the differences from the previously described embodiment.

[0083] Figure 18(a) shows an example of a list of capability information acquired from the scanning device 102 in this embodiment, as Table 1801. Table 1802 in Figure 18(b) shows a list of capability information for the extended application. Figure 18(c) shows an example of a detailed settings screen where the level of the color specified in the dropout color processing can be set. In Figure 18(c), "Red" is selected in List 1803 as the selection item for dropout color processing. Furthermore, controls 1804 and 1805 for setting the level are displayed. Control 1804 is a button that allows you to select the level for the color to be processed with dropout color processing, and "Normal" is displayed in Control 1805. Control 1804 indicates that in addition to the currently selected "Normal," there are also "Wide" and "Narrow." If "Wide" is selected for red, not only red but also reddish orange and reddish-purple will be targeted for dropout color processing. On the other hand, if "Narrow" is selected for red, only red will be targeted for dropout color processing. In this embodiment, the case where colors with similar hues are targeted for dropout color processing when "Wide" is selected has been described, but it is also possible to target colors with similar hues based on brightness or saturation. Also, in this embodiment, the case where three levels are set has been described, but it is also possible to set two levels or four or more levels. Furthermore, although this embodiment uses expressions such as "wide," "normal," and "narrow," levels may also be displayed using numbers or letters. Also, although this embodiment describes the case where colors to be targeted for dropout color processing are specified from a list, it may also be possible to set levels when specifying a hue wheel or luminance values. As described above, in the seventh embodiment, the user can specify the level of color to target when performing dropout color.

[0084] (Other examples) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions. This embodiment includes the following programs, methods, and configurations. (Program 1) A program that supports the functions of general-purpose scanning software that can be used in common with image processing devices provided by multiple manufacturers, to the computer A display screen is shown that accepts dropout color settings, which exclude certain colors from being read. A program characterized by causing the image processing device to perform a scan according to the settings received on the display screen. (Program 2) The program described in Program 1, characterized in that when selecting the target color for the dropout color, it is specified from a list. (Program 3) The program described in Program 1, characterized in that when selecting the target color for the dropout color, it is specified from the luminance values ​​of red, green, and blue. (Program 4) The program described in Program 1, characterized in that when selecting the target color for the dropout color, it is specified from the color wheel. (Program 5) A program described in any one of Programs 1 to 4, characterized in that the level of dropout color processing can be specified when selecting the target color for dropout color. (Program 6) The display screen that accepts the above settings is a program described in any one of programs 1 to 5, characterized in that it changes the items to be displayed based on the scanning capability of the image processing device. (Program 7) The system determines whether the received dropout color setting can be implemented by the image processing device. A program according to any one of programs 1 to 6, characterized in that, if it is determined that the received settings cannot be implemented by the image processing device, the program causes the scanned and acquired image data to perform image dropout color processing based on the received settings. (Program 8) The reader determines whether the received dropout color setting can be implemented by the reader. The program according to program 7, characterized in that, if it is determined that the received settings cannot be implemented by the image processing device, the image processing device outputs an instruction command that does not include an instruction for dropout color. (Program 9) A program according to any one of programs 1 to 8, characterized in that the reading instruction is output to the image processing device via the general-purpose scanning software. (Program 10) When issuing a read instruction to the image processing device that performs the scan, A program described in any one of Programs 1 to 9, characterized by sending instruction commands that extend the instruction commands of the standard protocol. (Program 11) A program according to any one of programs 1 to 9, characterized in that, when issuing a read instruction to the image processing device that performs the scan, it does not send a standard protocol instruction command, but instead sends a proprietary instruction command. (Program 12) A program according to any one of programs 1 to 9, characterized in that, when issuing a read instruction to the image processing device that performs the scan, it sends an extended instruction command in addition to the instruction command of the standard protocol. (Method 1) A control method for an information processing device having general-purpose scanning software that can be used in common with image processing devices provided by multiple manufacturers, and an application that supports the functions of the general-purpose scanning software, A display step of displaying a display screen that accepts the setting of the dropout color of the image to be read by the image processing device, Output process: Outputs a read command to the image processing device to perform a scan according to the settings received on the display screen. A control method characterized by having the following features. (Composition 1) An information processing device having general-purpose scanning software that can be used in common with image processing devices provided by multiple manufacturers, and an application that supports the functions of the general-purpose scanning software, A display means that displays a display screen that accepts the setting of the dropout color of the image read by the image processing device, Output means that outputs a reading instruction to the image processing device to perform a scan according to the settings received on the display screen. An information processing device characterized by having the following features. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0085] 102 Scanning device 111,191 CPU 112,192 ROM 113,193 RAM 119 Display section 201 Scanning Application 202 General-purpose scanning software 203 Scan Function Information 204 Extended Applications 102 Scanning device

Claims

1. A program that supports the functions of general-purpose scanning software that can be used in common with image processing devices provided by multiple manufacturers, to the computer A display screen is shown that accepts dropout color settings, which exclude certain colors from being read. A program characterized by causing the image processing device to output a read command to perform a scan according to the settings received on the display screen.

2. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that the target color for the dropout color is specified from a list.

3. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that when selecting the target color for the dropout color, it is specified from the luminance values ​​of red, green, and blue.

4. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that when selecting the target color for the dropout color, it is specified from the color wheel.

5. The program according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the level of dropout color processing can be specified when selecting the target color for dropout color.

6. The program according to claim 1, wherein the display screen that accepts the above settings changes the items to be displayed based on the scanning capability of the image processing device.

7. The system determines whether the received dropout color setting can be implemented by the image processing device. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that, if it is determined that the received settings cannot be implemented by the image processing device, it causes the scanned and acquired image data to perform image dropout color processing based on the received settings.

8. The reader determines whether the received dropout color setting can be implemented by the reader. The program according to claim 7, characterized in that, if it is determined that the received settings cannot be implemented by the image processing device, the image processing device outputs an instruction command that does not include an instruction for dropout color.

9. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that it causes the reading instruction to be output to the image processing device via the general-purpose scanning software.

10. When issuing a read instruction to the image processing device that performs the scan, The program according to claim 1, characterized in that it causes the program to send instruction commands that are extensions of instruction commands of a standard protocol.

11. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that, when issuing a read instruction to the image processing device that performs the scan, it does not send a standard protocol instruction command, but instead sends a proprietary instruction command.

12. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that, when issuing a read instruction to the image processing device that performs the scan, it causes the device to send an extended instruction command in addition to the instruction command of the standard protocol.

13. A control method for an information processing device having general-purpose scanning software that can be used in common with image processing devices provided by multiple manufacturers, and an application that supports the functions of the general-purpose scanning software, A display step of displaying a display screen that accepts the setting of the dropout color of the image to be read by the image processing device, Output process: Outputs a read command to the image processing device to perform a scan according to the settings received on the display screen. A control method characterized by having the following features.

14. An information processing device having general-purpose scanning software that can be used in common with image processing devices provided by multiple manufacturers, and an application that supports the functions of the general-purpose scanning software, A display means that displays a display screen that accepts the setting of the dropout color of the image read by the image processing device, Output means that outputs a reading instruction to the image processing device to perform a scan according to the settings received on the display screen. An information processing device characterized by having the following features.

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