A program that supports general-purpose scanning software, a control method for an information processing device, and an information processing device.

Abstract

Users who utilize the standard scan driver are limited to the functions available through the standard driver alone and cannot specify vendor-specific features of the scanning device. [Solution] A program that supports general-purpose scanning software that can be used in common with image reading devices provided by multiple manufacturers, characterized in that it displays an object that accepts settings regarding the page number of the document to be scanned, and outputs a scan command to the image reading device that performs the scan based on the settings accepted by the object.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] As scanning software for controlling a scanning apparatus, a configuration is known in which a scan driver installed in a host computer is used to give a reading instruction to a scanning apparatus connected to the host computer. An operating system (OS), which is basic software, is installed in the host computer. 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 scanning apparatus can provide a means for instructing the scanning apparatus 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 "standard driver") that can be commonly used in scanning apparatuses provided by a plurality of vendors has been attempted to be provided. Such a standard driver is included in the OS package and can be easily used by connecting an arbitrary scanning apparatus to the host computer. Therefore, it is not necessary to separately install a model-specific scan driver suitable for the scanning apparatus, and the convenience is high. Also, it is assumed that the standard driver is configured to be able to specify a scan function according to scan function information generated based on information acquired from the connected scanning apparatus. Thus, a user who uses the standard driver can specify a scan function according to the capabilities of the connected scanning apparatus even though using only one standard driver. However, since this is only a function that can be realized by the standard driver alone, a vendor (manufacturer) - specific function of the scanning apparatus cannot be specified. Therefore, Patent Document 1 discloses a program that extends 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 of the features of the scanner vendor's proprietary scan driver is the document scanning page number specification function. This function excludes pages other than the specified page number from the scanned image data, thereby saving only the necessary documents. However, when using the standard driver, the page number specification function for document scanning is not available. In view of the above issues, the present invention aims to provide a mechanism that supports general-purpose scanning software that can be used in common with scanning devices provided by multiple manufacturers, and that enables users to use a document scanning page number specification function. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention is a program that supports the functions of general-purpose scanning software that can be used in common with image reading devices provided by multiple manufacturers, and is characterized by displaying an object that accepts settings regarding the page number of the document to be scanned, and outputting a scan instruction to the image reading device that performs the scan based on the settings accepted by the object. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, a program that supports general-purpose scanning software that can be used in common with scanning devices provided by multiple manufacturers can enable users to specify the page number for document scanning. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Hardware configuration diagram of the scanning system of this embodiment [Figure 2] Software configuration diagram of the scanning system of 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 the document scanning page number specification 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 [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claims, and not all combinations of features described in these embodiments are necessarily essential to the solutions 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 this figure, the 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. Also, input devices such as a keyboard 118 and a pointing device 117 are connected to the input interface 110, and display devices such as a display unit 119 are connected to the output interface 115. The NETIF 120 is a network interface and controls data transfer with external devices via a 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 program groups, an operating system (OS), and various other data are stored in the external storage device 114. The RAM 113 is used as a work memory or the like when various programs stored in the external storage device 114 are executed, and the various programs can operate within the host computer 101. In this embodiment, the CPU 111 executes the functions described later in the host computer 101 and the processes according to the flowchart described later by performing processing according to the program code stored in the ROM 112.

[0012] (Scanning device) The scanning device 102 is an example of an image reading 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.

[0013] The image reading device, the scanning device 102, includes a CPU 191, ROM 192, RAM 193, operation unit 194, reading unit 195, printing unit 196, NETIF 197, input / output interface 198, and external storage device 199. 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 between external devices over a network. The image processing unit 190 performs various image editing processes on the input image data.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] Scanning system software configuration (without association of extended applications) 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.

[0017] 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") indicating configurable scan functions, and control items indicating their setting values, according to the scan function information (configurable information) of the general-purpose scan software 202. The general-purpose scan software 202 determines the scan capability based on the scan function information 203.

[0018] 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, the general-purpose scan software 202 can dynamically generate the scan function information 203. Specifically, the general-purpose scan software 202 or the OS can be configured to acquire attribute data of the scan device from the scan device 102 and generate the scan function information 203 according to the attribute information in the acquired attribute data. When the scan function information 203 is dynamically generated, 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 scan functions (capabilities of the scan device) that can be specified by the scan device 102 and the settings related to that attribute information. This information is stored in RAM 113.

[0019] 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). This general-purpose scanning software 202 does not support the document scanning page number specification function. This is because the document scanning page number specification function is a proprietary function of the scanning device vendor (scanning device manufacturer).

[0020] • Document scanning page number specification function The page number specification function for document scanning excludes all pages except those specified from the scanned image data, saving only the necessary documents. By using this function, users can obtain images with reduced data size because extra pages are not included. The document scanning page number specification function can be set by specifying a single page number, multiple page numbers, a range of pages to scan, a range from the beginning to the page to be scanned, or a combination of these. In this embodiment, an example of setting multiple page numbers and a range of pages to scan is shown, but this method is not the only way to set this function.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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 Program Interface) provided by the OS. 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. If canceled, the job being processed will be deleted by the OS.

[0024] 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 extended application 204 is displayed. Specifically, the detailed settings screen provided by the scan settings screen extension unit 205 of the extended 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.

[0025] 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 image 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. Furthermore, even in the configuration of Figure 2(b), there may be cases where the user does not specify the page number for document scanning. 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.

[0026] The extended application 204 includes a scan function extension unit 206. The scan function extension unit 206 can edit 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 document reading page number specification 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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, the extended application 204 can be said to have 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.

[0029] (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 acquired display screen.

[0030] <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, and when Control 304 is pressed, an additional print screen is displayed by the general-purpose scanning software 202 or the scan settings screen extension unit 205. Control 303 is the scan start button, and control 304 is the scan cancel button.

[0031] <Advanced Settings Screen (General-Purpose Scan Software)> Next, Figure 3(b) will be explained. Figure 3(b) is an additional settings screen displayed by the general-purpose scanning software 202 when the extended application 204 is not available. Control 305 allows you to set the scanning destination and indicates that the feeder is selected. Besides the feeder, a pressure plate (not shown) can be specified as the scanning destination. Note that the page number specification function for document scanning requires multiple documents and therefore can only be used with the feeder. Control 306 is an object, the "Finish Settings" button. When Control 306 is pressed, the system returns to the scan settings screen shown in Figure 3(a).

[0032] <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 present. Unlike Figure 3(b), control 307 and list 308 have been added. Control 307 is a button (object) that selects a setting item for the document scanning page number specification function, and indicates that the "Function ON" setting for the document scanning page number specification function is selected. List 308 shows the setting items for the document scanning page number specification function that are displayed when the object Control 307 is pressed. List 308 shows that in addition to the currently selected "Function ON," there is also a "Function OFF" option. The user can switch the operation of the document scanning page number specification function and perform scanning by selecting the setting from List 308 that matches the desired conditions for the document scanning page number specification function. When the function is "ON," a document scanning page number specification box 309 is displayed for specifying the page numbers to be scanned. In this embodiment, the case where 2, 5, and 8-10 are specified in the document scanning page number specification box 309 will be explained. The "-" in 8-10 indicates a range specification, and in this case, it is equivalent to specifying pages 8, 9, and 10. Therefore, in this embodiment, the case where pages 2, 5, and pages 8 through 10 are specified will be explained. Here, only a single page may be specified, or if left blank, it may be equivalent to specifying all pages. It may also be possible to specify only the page numbers to be scanned from the beginning. The UI for specifying the page numbers to be scanned is not limited to these forms and can be modified in various ways.

[0033] 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 document reading page number specification function, and therefore cannot add the document reading page number specification function to the scan function information. Furthermore, even if the document reading page number specification function was originally included in the scan function information, the general-purpose scan software 202 cannot interpret the document reading page number specification function included in the scan function information. Therefore, the document reading page number specification function cannot be displayed on the detailed settings screen. However, the scan function extension unit 206 is configured to add the document reading page number specification 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 document reading page number specification function on the detailed settings screen. Note that Figure 3(c) may also include additional extension functions other than the document reading page number specification function.

[0034] [Editing process for scan function information: Scan function expansion unit] Here, using Figures 4 and 5, the processing flow in which the scan function expansion unit 206 edits the scan function information 203 will be explained. 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.

[0035] In S401, the scan function expansion unit 206 acquires capability information from the scan device 102, which is an image reading device. 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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 document reading page number specification function, but the general-purpose scan software 202 does not support the document reading page number specification function. However, the document reading page number specification function is not included in the scan function information. The scan function expansion unit 206 adds functions and options to the scan function information, enabling the expansion application 204 to compensate for the shortcomings of the general-purpose scan software 202. 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.

[0038] The following steps S404, S405, and S406 are processes that are repeatedly performed on the list of functions contained in the capability information obtained from the scanning device in S401. In this embodiment, these processes are repeatedly performed on the 11 types included in Table 501, from "Scanning size: A4H" to "Document scanning page number specification function: Function OFF". 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 process returns to the beginning of the loop. Specifically, the next item is selected from the functions / options of the scan function acquired from the scan device 102, and S404 is performed again. If the last item of the functions / options of the capability information acquired from the scan device 102 is being processed, the loop is exited and the flowchart in Figure 4 is terminated. 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, "Reading destination: Feeder" 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 “Document Reading Page Number Specification Function” shown in Table 501 is not present in Table 503, so it is determined to be No, and the process proceeds to S405. 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 (Yes in S405), the process proceeds to S406. If it is determined that the function / option being processed does not exist (No in S405), the process either repeats S404 as in the case where Yes was determined in S404, or exits the loop and terminates the processing of this flowchart. In this embodiment, for example, if the function being processed is the "document reading page number specification function," it also exists in Table 502, which is the scan function of the expansion application 204, so it is determined to be Yes in S405 and the process proceeds to S406. 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 the result in S404 is determined to be Yes, either S404 is repeated, or the loop is exited and the processing of this flowchart is terminated. As described above, the scan function expansion unit 206 adds functions and 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. 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).

[0039] Scanning process sequence Figure 6 illustrates the sequence of the scan application 201, general-purpose printing software 202, extended application 204, and scan device 102 after the scan application 201 receives the scan settings. 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 scanning 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 a program stored in the ROM 192 or external storage device 199 into the RAM 193 and executing it.

[0040] 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 to select control 302.

[0041] In S604, the scan application 201 requests the general-purpose scan software 202 to display detailed settings. In S605, the general-purpose scan software 202 requests the extended application 204 to display detailed settings. 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 adds a document scanning page number specification function to the scan function information 203. 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 scanning capabilities generated based on the updated scan function information 203.

[0042] In S607, the scan settings screen extension unit 205 accepts detailed settings. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3(c), the user selects "Scanning destination: Feeder" and "Function ON" for the document scanning page number specification function. The accepted settings are stored in RAM 113 by 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.

[0043] In S609, the extended application 204 sends a message to the general-purpose scanning software 202 indicating that the detailed settings have been completed. 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. 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 and selecting 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.

[0044] In S614, the extended application 204 creates a scan command based on the scan configuration information written in S608. Note that if items not selected by the user, such as resolution, are not written to the scan configuration information in S608, the extended application 204 may add them when creating the scan command in S614. Alternatively, the application may operate using the default values ​​of the scanning device 102 without adding any additional information. 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 executes the scan. During the scan, it performs the necessary image processing on the image data in accordance with the scan instruction. In this embodiment, if the scan settings shown in Figure 3(c) are configured, the system determines the page number to be read from the original document and excludes image data of pages not specified in the page number specification box 309.

[0045] 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 step S621, the scan application 201 displays the received image data and terminates the process.

[0046] [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.

[0047] 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 a document reading page number specification function 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 capabilities generated based on the added scan function information 203.

[0048] 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. S704 accepts detailed settings, the CPU111 stores the accepted settings in RAM113, and then the processing is passed to S705. In S705, the scan settings screen extension unit 205 determines whether the user has given a command to finish the settings. If there is a command to finish the settings (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 command to finish the settings (No in S705), it returns to S703 and determines again whether the user has given a command to finish the functions. In S706, the extended application 204 sends a message to the general-purpose scanning software 202 indicating that the detailed settings have been completed.

[0049] 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 S706), 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.

[0050] 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. Other methods include 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. Furthermore, when issuing instructions from the extended application 204, the configuration may be such that instructions and communication are performed using the vendor's (manufacturer's) proprietary protocol, regardless of the standard protocol. In S709, the extended application 204 sends a scan command to the scanning device 102 to perform a scan. 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.

[0051] [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 feeder is set to a resolution of 300 x 300 dpi and the function to specify the page number for document reading is turned ON. 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.

[0052] 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 the feeder to perform the document reading page number specification function. In S805, the CPU 191 acquires image data from the reading unit 195. In S806, CPU191 determines whether the image data page is included in the page specified in the document scanning page number specification box 309. If it is included in the page specified in the document scanning page number specification box 309 (Yes in S806), the process proceeds to S807. If it is determined that the page is not specified (No in S806), the process proceeds to S809.

[0053] 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. In S808, CPU 191 saves image data to 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 (No in S809), CPU191 proceeds to S805 and executes the scanning process for the next page. If it determines that it has finished (Yes in S809), CPU191 proceeds to S810. In S810, the CPU 191 and the image processing unit 210 convert the image data saved in S808 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 capabilities information of the general-purpose scan software 202, the extension application 204, and 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 document reading page number specification function. Subsequently, when the scan device 102 receives a scan instruction that reflects the document reading page number specification setting, it reads the document on the specified page. Through this series of processes, the document reading page number specification function can be implemented in the scan device 102, and the document reading page number specification 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 in which the page number for document scanning can be specified.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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 set the page number specification for document scanning. Subsequently, when the scanner 102 receives a scan command that reflects the setting for the page number specification for document scanning, it scans the document using the specified page number specification setting. Through this series of processes, the scanner 102 can be equipped with the document scanning page number specification function, and the user can be provided with this function.

[0058] 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 in which the page number for document scanning can be specified.

[0059] 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.

[0060] [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 document reading page number specification function, and performs a scan process that excludes pages that the scanning device 102 determines are not included in the document reading page number. However, some scanning devices may not support the page number specification function for scanning documents at all. In such cases, users will not be able to use the page number specification function for scanning documents.

[0061] Therefore, in Embodiment 2, first, it is determined whether the scanning device supports the document reading page number specification function. Next, if the scanning device supports the document reading page number specification function, scan setting information including the document reading page number specification 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 document reading page number specification function, scan setting information without including the document reading page number specification setting is generated and passed to the scanning device. After this, it is determined whether the page numbers of the image data scanned by the scanning device are included in the page numbers specified in the document reading page number specification box 309, and if they are not included, the image data is not sent to the general-purpose scanning software. This makes it possible to provide the user with image data excluding image data of pages not included in the document reading page number specification box 309, even if the scanning device does not support the document reading page number specification function. In the following, we will only describe the differences from Embodiment 1.

[0062] The following describes the case where the scanning device 102 does not support the document scanning page number specification 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 document scanning page number specification function to the scanning function information 203 if there is a unit in the extended application 204 that can determine whether or not the image data is for a page included in the document scanning page number specification box 309. In other words, even if the capability information acquired from the scanning device does not include the document scanning page number specification function, the document scanning page number specification function setting is added to the scanning function information 203, and the document scanning page number specification function can be used. The image data editing unit 207 performs a determination process to determine whether or not the image data received from the scanning device 102 is for a page included in the document scanning page number specification box 309, based on the reading size setting set by the user. Details will be described later.

[0063] [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. Steps common to both Figure 4 and this embodiment are given the same numbering and their explanations are omitted; the differences will be explained primarily. 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. 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 document reading page number specification function. Therefore, the document reading page number specification 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.

[0064] In S901, the scan function expansion unit 206 refers to the capabilities information of the scanner (Table 501 in Figure 5) and the scan function information 203 to determine whether the expansion application 204 has a module that performs the document reading page number specification function. If it is determined that there is a module that performs the document reading page number specification function (Yes in S901), the process proceeds to S902. If it is determined that there is no such module (No in S901), this process is terminated. In this embodiment 2, the expansion application 204 is determined to have a module that performs the document reading page number specification function because the image data editing unit 207 can perform the document reading page number specification process. In the S902, the scan function expansion unit 206 adds a document scanning page number specification function to the scan function information.

[0065] As described above, the scan function expansion unit 206 first adds functions and options that are not supported by the general-purpose scan software 202, are supported by the scan device 102, and are supported by the expansion application 204 to the scan function information 203. Then, it determines whether the expansion application 204 can specify the page number for document scanning, and if it can, it adds the page number for document scanning to the scan function information. Through this process, even if the scan device 102 does not support the page number for document scanning, the scan setting screen expansion unit 205 can generate a display screen based on the scanning capabilities, making it possible to display the detailed settings screen shown in Figure 3(c).

[0066] 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 102 after the scan application 201 accepts the scan settings will be explained. Note that each step in Figure 10 other than 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 RAM 113 and executing them. Each step of the scan device 102 in Figure 10 is realized by the CPU 191 of the scan device 102 reading the program stored in ROM 192 or external storage device 199 into 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.

[0067] 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, it determines whether or not the page is specified in the document reading page number specification box 309, and excludes image data of pages that are not specified.

[0068] 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.

[0069] [Scanning process: Extended application] 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 scanning device 102 has a function to specify the page number for document scanning. If it is determined that a function not supported by the scanning device 102 is set (if the answer is Yes in S1101), the CPU 111 proceeds to S1102. In Embodiment 2, since the document reading page number specification function, which is not supported by the scanning device 102, is set, the process proceeds to S1102. If it is determined that no function not supported by the scanning device 102 is set (if the answer is No in S1101), the CPU 111 proceeds to S708. In S1102, the extended application 204 creates a scan command by excluding unsupported function settings. In this embodiment, the document reading page number specification function is not included in the scan command.

[0070] 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 setting 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, the document reading page number specification 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. Next, in S1204, the image data editing unit 207 performs a determination process in S703 to determine whether or not the page is specified in the document reading page number specification box 309, excludes image data of pages that are not specified, and proceeds to S711.

[0071] In this embodiment, function settings not supported by the scanning device were excluded from the scan instruction command. However, even if such a function were included in the scan instruction command, the scanning device would not be able to interpret the unsupported instruction command and therefore would not be able to execute the function. For this reason, unsupported functions may be included in the scan instruction command without being excluded. As described above, in Embodiment 2, even if the scanning device does not support the function of specifying the page number for document scanning, it is possible to provide the user with the function of specifying the page number for document scanning.

[0072] [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.

[0073] Scanning process sequence (command extension) Using Figure 12, 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 will be explained. Steps common to Figure 6 are assigned the same number and their explanations are omitted, with the differences being the main focus of the explanation. Note that each step in Figure 12 other than 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 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.

[0074] 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 command by adding instruction commands for functions not supported by the general-purpose scan software 202 to the received scan instruction command 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 the setting for the document reading page number specification function, the setting for the document reading page number specification function is added. 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.

[0075] Scanning process sequence (image editing) Next, using Figure 13, we will explain the sequence of events when the general-purpose scan software 202 and the scan device 102 communicate and image editing is performed using an extended application. Steps common to Figure 12 are given the same number 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, the general-purpose scan software 202, and the 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 the program stored in the ROM 192 or external storage device 199 into the RAM 193 and executing it.

[0076] 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 same process as in S1104 in Figure 11 is used to exclude image data of pages that are determined not to be the pages specified in the document reading page number specification box 309. 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 document reading page number specification command, thereby enabling the scanning device 102 to implement the document reading page number specification function.

[0077] [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.

[0078] 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.

[0079] In S1401, the extended application 204 creates a standard scan command in accordance with the standard protocol. At this time, functions not supported by the standard protocol are not included in the scan 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.

[0080] [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 Figure 7 are given the same number and their explanations are omitted, while the differences will be explained in detail. 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 the fourth embodiment, the extended application can provide the user with the ability to specify the page number for document scanning by sending a separate scan command for functions not supported by the standard protocol.

[0081] (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 reading devices provided by multiple manufacturers, Display an object that accepts settings regarding the page number of the document to be scanned. A program characterized by causing an image reading device to perform a scan to output a read instruction based on the settings received by the aforementioned object. (Program 2) The program according to Program 1, characterized in that the setting of the page number of the document to be read is set by a single page number, multiple page numbers, specifying a range of pages to be read, specifying a range from the beginning to the page to be read, or a combination thereof. (Program 3) The image reader determines whether the page number setting of the received document to be read is supported by the image reader. The program according to program 1 or 2, characterized in that, if it is determined that the page number setting of the received document to be read is not supported, it obtains an image of the page of the document to be read based on the received setting from the scanned and acquired image data. (Program 4) The image reader determines whether the page number setting of the received document to be read is supported by the image reader. The program according to Program 3, characterized in that, if it is determined that the setting of the page number of the received document to be read is not supported, the image reader outputs an instruction command that does not include the setting of the page number of the document to be read. (Program 5) A program according to any one of programs 1 to 4, characterized in that, when issuing a read instruction to the image reading device that performs the scan, it causes the device to send an instruction command that is an extension of the instruction command of the standard protocol. (Program 6) A program according to any one of programs 1 to 4, characterized in that when issuing a read instruction to the image reading device that performs the scan, it sends an extended instruction command in addition to the instruction command of the standard protocol. (Program 7) A program according to any one of programs 1 to 4, characterized in that when issuing a read command to the image reading device that performs the scan, it does not send a standard protocol but sends its own instruction command. (Method 1) A control method for an information processing device having a program that supports general-purpose scanning software that can be used in common with image reading devices provided by multiple manufacturers, And, A display process that displays an object that accepts settings regarding the page number of the document to be scanned, Based on the settings received by the aforementioned object, an output step is performed to cause the image reading device that performs the scan to output a read instruction. A control method characterized by having [a certain characteristic]. (Composition 1) An information processing device having a program that supports general-purpose scanning software that can be used in common with image reading devices provided by multiple manufacturers, A display means that displays an object that accepts settings regarding the page number of the document to be scanned, Based on the settings received by the object, an output means outputs an instruction to the image reading device that performs the scan to read the document. An information processing device characterized by having [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 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 general-purpose scanning software that can be used in common with image reading devices provided by multiple manufacturers, Display an object that accepts settings regarding the page number of the document to be scanned. A program characterized by causing an image reading device to perform a scan to output a read instruction based on the settings received by the aforementioned object.

2. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that the setting of the page number of the document to be read can be a single page number, multiple page numbers, a range of pages to be read, a range from the beginning to the page to be read, or a combination thereof.

3. The image reader determines whether the page number setting of the received document to be read is supported by the image reader. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that, if it is determined that the page number setting of the received document to be read is not supported, it obtains an image of the page of the document to be read based on the received setting from the scanned and acquired image data.

4. The image reader determines whether the page number setting of the received document to be read is supported by the image reader. The program according to claim 3, characterized in that, if it is determined that the setting of the page number of the received document to be read is not supported, the image reader is instructed to output an instruction command that does not include the setting of the page number of the document to be read.

5. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that when issuing a read instruction to the image reading device that performs the scan, it causes the device to send an instruction command that is an extension of the instruction command of the standard protocol.

6. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that when issuing a reading instruction to the image reading device that performs the scan, it transmits an extended instruction command in addition to the instruction command of the standard protocol.

7. The program according to claim 1, characterized in that, when issuing a read command to the image reading device that performs the scan, it does not transmit a standard protocol but transmits its own instruction command.

8. A control method for an information processing device having a program that supports general-purpose scanning software that can be used in common with image reading devices provided by multiple manufacturers, And, A display process that displays an object that accepts settings regarding the page number of the document to be scanned, Based on the settings received by the aforementioned object, an output step is performed to cause the image reading device that performs the scan to output a read instruction. A control method characterized by having [a certain characteristic].

9. An information processing device having a program that supports general-purpose scanning software that can be used in common with image reading devices provided by multiple manufacturers, A display means that displays an object that accepts settings regarding the page number of the document to be scanned, Based on the settings received by the object, an output means outputs an instruction to the image reading device that performs the scan to read the document. An information processing device characterized by having

Images