Image reading system

Abstract

We can provide a system that can share configuration information with systems and applications for reading images on partitioned paper. [Solution] The image reading device 1 reads multiple documents and the information processing device 201 connected to the image reading device 1 has a capture application 401 that operates on the information processing device 201 and gives instructions to the image reading device 1, and a delimited sheet creation application 403 that creates a delimited sheet with delimiter information for multiple documents printed on it, and the capture application 401 and the delimited sheet creation application 403 have an inter-application cooperation function that allows them to share information bidirectionally.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an application related to an image reading device.

Background Art

[0002] In a system for reading a large number of documents such as forms, it has been conventionally known to sort and save the read images for each group using a separator sheet.

[0003] For example, there is a conventional technique in which an operator of an image reading device inserts a dedicated separator sheet that serves as a predetermined separator between forms, continuously reads a bundle of forms including the separator sheet, and identifies the separator sheet to sort each image for each form group.

[0004] The separator sheet is created by the user using a form creation application or the like. For example, there is Patent Document 1 as a form creation application for creating a separator sheet. Patent Document 1 realizes an image input / output device that prints a separator sheet by a printing unit when an instruction to create a separator sheet is given from an operation unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patentent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] Furthermore, if the user needs to configure the reading system to a setting suitable for recognizing the divided paper, the user may find it cumbersome because they have to perform the configuration on the reading system side, or they may not even know what the appropriate setting is for recognizing the divided paper.

[0008] This invention was made with the above points in mind, and aims to improve the performance from the creation to the recognition of partitioned sheets in terms of operability and functionality by having a system or application for reading images of a large number of documents and an application for creating partitioned sheets work together. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In view of the above, the image reading system according to the present invention is In an image reading device that reads multiple documents and an information processing device connected to the image reading device, A capture application that operates on the aforementioned information processing device and gives instructions to the aforementioned image reading device, The application includes a delimiter sheet creation application that creates a delimiter sheet on which delimiter information for the multiple documents is printed. The capture application and the partitioned sheet creation application are characterized by having an inter-application cooperation function that allows for bidirectional information sharing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, the application can share setting information with a system or application for reading images of partitioned paper, and can automatically set the optimal settings for both. Furthermore, the user can reduce the amount of work required to configure each application. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram of the image reading system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] A cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the image reading device 1 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] A block diagram showing an example of the control configuration of the image reading device 1 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] A diagram illustrating the relationship between the capture application, scanner driver, partitioned paper creation application, and image reading device in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] A diagram showing an example of the user interface of the capture application according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] A flowchart illustrating the reading process using a general image reading device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a preview screen displayed by the capture application of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] A flowchart illustrating an example of the delimiter detection process in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] A diagram showing an example of the folder structure for saving sorted images in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of a detailed settings dialog for specifying the detection area for delimiter information in the user interface of the capture application of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] A diagram showing the user interface of the partitioned paper creation application according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12]A diagram showing an example of the user interface of the capture application when linked with the separation sheet creation application of the first embodiment. [Figure 13] A diagram showing the relationship with the resolution in the recognition of the separation information image printed on the separation sheet of the first embodiment. [Figure 14] A flowchart diagram up to the creation of the separation sheet by the separation sheet creation application of the second embodiment. [Figure 15] A diagram showing the separation sheet created by the separation sheet creation application of the second embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] <First Embodiment> Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with respect to an image reading apparatus and various applications.

[0013] <Image Reading System> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of an image reading system showing an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] The image reading system of the present embodiment is a system in which an image reading apparatus 1, an information processing apparatus 201 (PC), and a printer 100 can communicate with each other.

[0015] The image reading apparatus 1 has a well-known general-purpose connection interface (for example, a USB interface). The image reading apparatus 1 is communicably connected to the information processing apparatus 201 via a general-purpose cable 200 connected to the connection interface. Further, the image reading apparatus 1 and the information processing apparatus 201 may be connected via a LAN (Local Area Network). Furthermore, it may be a wireless communication interface, or may be provided with both a wired communication and a wireless communication interface.

[0016] The information processing device 201 is equipped with a motherboard containing a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read-Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and HDD (Hard Disk Drive). ROM stores various programs and data. RAM functions as the CPU's workspace. The HDD is a hard disk drive that stores various programs and data.

[0017] Alternatively, a configuration using other storage devices such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) instead of an HDD may be used. The CPU performs various processes by loading programs stored in ROM or HDD into RAM as needed and executing them.

[0018] Furthermore, the information processing device 201 is connected to a display device 202 that displays the processing content, as well as a keyboard 203, a pointing device 204, and a printer 100.

[0019] The information processing device 201 has software installed, including its operating system (OS) and various application programs. The applications include driver software for reading information and image data from the image reader 1 connected to the information processing device 201.

[0020] The applications include software for displaying image data read from the image reader 1 on the display device 202, editing the image data, saving the image data to a specified folder, sending it as an email, and outputting it to the printer 100.

[0021] It also includes a partition sheet creation application that allows users to create and edit partition sheets and output them to printer 100.

[0022] <Image reading device> Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the image reading device 1.

[0023] When the image reading device 1 receives an instruction to read an image from the capture application, which is running on the information processing device 201 (described later), it starts processing. The image reading device 1 then sequentially reads images from multiple documents placed on the document placement unit 4 and transmits them to the information processing device 201. This will be explained in detail below.

[0024] First, the image reading device 1 separates multiple documents (a stack of documents) placed on the document placement section 4 one by one using the separation roller 6 to prevent double feeding, and then feeds them downstream of the transport path 14 using the paper feed roller 5 and the transport roller pair 7.

[0025] Furthermore, when the image reading device 1 detects that the leading edge of the document has passed by the resist sensor 9, the image reading unit reads the document 17. The image reading unit consists of a front-side image reading unit 10 and a back-side image reading unit 11.

[0026] If L1 is the distance between the resist sensor 9 and the image reading unit 10 for the front side, and v is the transport speed of the document 17, then the document 17 will reach the image reading unit 10 after "L1 / v". A timer (not shown) is used to measure the time, and the surface of the document 17 is read after "L1 / v" has elapsed since the leading edge of the document 17 passed over the resist sensor 9.

[0027] If L2 is the distance between the resist sensor 9 and the reverse side image reading unit 11, and v is the transport speed of the document 17, then the document 17 will reach the reverse side image reading unit 11 after "L2 / v". A timer (not shown) is used to measure the time, and the reverse side of the document 17 is read after "L2 / v" has elapsed since the leading edge of the document 17 passed over the resist sensor 9.

[0028] After reading the front and back images, the image reading device 1 transfers the image data to the information processing device 201 via the general-purpose cable 200, and also ejects the original document 17, which has been transported (fed) by the transport rollers, to the document ejection section 13 via the paper ejection roller pair 12. After reading the back image, the number of documents read on the reading counter (not shown) is updated.

[0029] The image reading device 1 detects the presence or absence of a document using the paper feed sensor 15 and the paper output sensor 16.

[0030] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the control configuration of the image reading device 1.

[0031] The image reading device 1 includes a system bus 305, a CPU 301, a non-volatile storage medium (Flash) 303, RAM 302, an external I / F 304, an ADF unit 306, a data processing unit 307, a paper feed sensor 15, and a paper discharge sensor 16.

[0032] The CPU 301 controls the read operation. Flash 303 stores various programs and data executed by the CPU 301, and in this embodiment, it is flash memory. RAM 302 temporarily stores read image data, various data, and programs. External I / F 304 is, for example, a USB interface, which enables external communication with external devices such as a PC or other information processing device 201 via a general-purpose cable 200.

[0033] The ADF (AutoDocumentFeeder) unit 306 consists of a line image sensor (not shown), an A / D conversion unit that converts the image into digital data, and an image processing unit. The ADF unit 306 reads the image according to the instructions of the CPU 301 and stores the read image data in the RAM 302. The data processing unit 307 performs editing processing on the read image.

[0034] <Capture application and scanner driver> The relationship between the capture application 401 installed in the information processing device 201 connected to the image reading device 1, the scanner driver 402, and the image reading device 1 is shown below using the block diagram in Figure 4(a).

[0035] For example, before using the image reading device 1, the user installs the capture application 401 and the scanner driver 402 on the information processing device 201. The installed capture application 401 communicates with the image reading device 1 via the scanner driver 402.

[0036] The capture application 401 and the scanner driver 402, and the scanner driver 402 and the image reading device 1 communicate using a predetermined protocol. In this embodiment, the capture application 401 and the scanner driver 402 communicate using a protocol defined by the Twain standard.

[0037] Furthermore, communication between the scanner driver 402 and the image reading device 1 is conducted using a protocol defined by a standard, such as USB.

[0038] The protocols are not limited to these; for example, in addition to Twain, other protocols such as ISIS, WIA, USB, and IEEE 1394 are also acceptable.

[0039] As described above, the capture application 401, the scanner driver 402, and the software pre-installed in the image reading device 1 communicate with each other to perform processing. This enables the acquisition of a desired image from the image reading device 1 and its display on the screen of the information processing device 201 or its storage in a designated memory area. In this way, the image reading device 1 and the information processing device 201 are combined to form an image reading system.

[0040] <Steps to Scan> The user pre-configures settings related to reading on each user interface (UI) of the capture application 401, as shown in Figure 5, and then performs reading with the image reading device 1.

[0041] Figure 5(a) shows an example of UI50 in the scan mode tab.

[0042] In UI50, users can configure the following settings: color mode setting 5001 (example options: color, grayscale, black and white, error diffusion), resolution setting 5002 (example options: 100dpi, 200dpi, 300dpi, 600dpi), paper size setting 5003 (example options: A3, A4, LETTER, B4, auto detection), and scanning side setting 5004 (example options: single-sided, double-sided).

[0043] Figure 5(b) shows an example of UI51, the tab for configuring batch delimiters.

[0044] In UI51, users can configure the following settings: delimiter setting 5101 (examples of options: barcode, 2D code, text, blank, no delimiter), delimiter paper setting 5102 (examples of options: include in new document, include in group after delimiter), and advanced setting 5103 (details will be explained later).

[0045] Figure 5(c) shows an example of UI52, the tab for configuring settings when saving images.

[0046] In UI52, users can configure the following settings: file name setting 5201 (specified by the user, with delimiter detection results added), file format setting 5202 (examples of options: jpeg, bmp, pdf, png), and save location setting 5203 (specified by the user, pictures).

[0047] The above options are examples only and are not exhaustive.

[0048] Next, we will explain the scanning process using the flowchart in Figure 6, which shows the flow of scanning by the image reading device 1.

[0049] When a user issues a scan start command by pressing, for example, the scan button 5005 shown in Figure 5(a), the scan starts (S600). After the scan start command (S600), it is determined whether or not a document is present in the document placement unit 4 (S601).

[0050] If it is determined that the document does not exist (S601: NO), the user is notified that the document is not in the document placement unit 4 (S602), and the reading process is terminated.

[0051] If it is determined that a document is present in the document placement unit 4 (S601: YES), it is determined whether or not an abnormality occurred before the document was read (S603).

[0052] If an abnormality is detected (S603:YES), an error message is displayed to notify the user of the abnormality (S604), and the reading process is terminated.

[0053] If the image reading device 1 determines that no abnormality has occurred while reading the document (S603: NO), it reads the transported document (S605) and returns to the process of determining whether or not a document is present in the document placement unit 4 (S601) and continues the reading process.

[0054] <Preview screen> Figure 7 shows an example of a preview screen 700 that the capture application 401 displays on the information processing device 201 after the image reading device 1 has read the original document.

[0055] As shown in Figure 7, 701 is a thumbnail display unit, which displays the delimiter information A705 and B708, along with the read images, as thumbnail images 706, 707, 709, and 710. 702 is a read image display unit, which displays the read image corresponding to the thumbnail image selected by the thumbnail display unit 701.

[0056] 703 is an additional scan button; pressing this button continues the image reading process in the image reader 1, allowing for additional document scanning. 704 is a completion button; pressing this button allows the sorted images based on delimiter information A705 and delimiter information B708 ​​to be saved as separate files for each delimiter. Figure 7 illustrates the saving of these files as file A711 and file B712.

[0057] <Batch Delimiter Function> Next, the batch delimiter function will be explained using Figure 8. Figure 8 is a flowchart of the delimiter detection process. The delimiter process is performed after acquiring the read image and before displaying the preview.

[0058] In this embodiment, the settings for the delimiter detection process can be selected by the user, as shown in Figure 5(b) for example, with the delimiter method setting 5101 set to "barcode delimiter" and the delimiter paper setting 5102 set to "include in the group after delimiter". Furthermore, the settings for the output destination can be selected by the user, as shown in Figure 5(c) with the file name setting 5201 set to "append delimiter detection results" and the file format setting 5202 set to "PDF format".

[0059] The capture application 401 acquires the read image (S801), performs a detection process for delimiter information images (e.g., barcodes) within the detection area of ​​the image (delimiter detection process) (S802), and stores the detection result in the memory area of ​​RAM 302 (S803).

[0060] After storing the detection result in the memory area of ​​RAM302 (S803), the capture application 401 determines whether or not a segmented information image was detected within the detection area in the process of step S802 (S804).

[0061] If the capture application 401 determines that a delimiter information image has been detected within the detection area (S804: Yes), it reads information from the delimiter information image detected in step S802 and stores the read information (read information) in the memory area of ​​RAM 302 so that it corresponds to delimiter information A705 and delimiter information B708 ​​as shown in Figure 7 (S805). In other words, it inserts the read information as delimiter information into the image list generated in the memory area.

[0062] In this case, the capture application 401 stores the read image acquired in step S801 in the memory area of ​​RAM 302, adding delimiter information A705 immediately before it so that it corresponds to a thumbnail image 706 (S806). In other words, the read image is inserted as a thumbnail image into the image list generated in the memory area.

[0063] On the other hand, if it is determined that no delimiter information image was detected within the detection area (S804: No), the capture application 401 proceeds to step S806.

[0064] In this case, in step S806, the capture application 401 stores the image acquired in step S801 in the memory area of ​​RAM 302 so that it corresponds to the thumbnail image 707 shown in Figure 7.

[0065] Next, the capture application 401 checks whether the next image to be acquired exists (S807). If it determines that the next image to be acquired exists (S807: Yes), the capture application 401 returns to step S801 and repeats the process, storing the image in the memory area of ​​RAM 302 in a manner that corresponds to the delimiter information.

[0066] On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no next image to acquire (S807: No), the capture application 401 terminates processing.

[0067] <File Output> Next, we will explain file output using the folder structure block diagram shown in Figure 9.

[0068] File output is performed when the user presses the complete button 704 on the preview screen 700 shown in Figure 7. During the file output process, the read images are output to a file in groups.

[0069] For example, the group of images consisting of thumbnail images 706 and 707, as shown in Figure 7, is output to file A711 "0001.pdf", and the group of images consisting of thumbnail images 709 and 710 is output to file B712 "0002.pdf".

[0070] Additionally, it is possible to create subfolders within the designated save location and save the files in separate folders for each sorted group.

[0071] If the above specifications are made, the capture application 401 creates a folder for each group of images and saves the images of the group to the corresponding folder.

[0072] For example, as shown in Figure 9, two subfolders, folder "0001" and folder "0002", are created within the folder specified as the save location. The file "0001.pdf" is saved in folder "0001", and the file "0002.pdf" is saved in folder "0002".

[0073] Next, we will explain how to set the detection area of ​​the delimited information image using Figure 10. Figure 10 is an example of the detailed settings dialog that appears when you press the detailed settings 5103 shown in Figure 5(b).

[0074] In the detailed settings dialog shown in Figure 10, when the user presses the test scan button 1001, the capture application 401 reads the divided paper from the image reading device 1 and displays a preview of the read image on the preview screen 1002.

[0075] When the preview is displayed, the user can specify the detection area in the detection area specification unit 1003 of the delimited information image by entering each numerical value (X: horizontal coordinate, Y: vertical coordinate, W: width, H: height).

[0076] Additionally, two detection areas for the delimiter information image can be set. By selecting the "Second" tab, you can specify the area for the second delimiter information image.

[0077] The detailed settings dialog shown in Figure 10 is an example and is not exhaustive.

[0078] <Application for creating partitioned paper sheets> The following explains how to create divider sheets.

[0079] The relationship between the capture application 401, scanner driver 402, and partitioned paper creation application 403, all installed in the information processing device 201 connected to the image reading device 1, and the image reading device 1 will be explained using the block diagram in Figure 4(b).

[0080] When a user installs the delimited sheet creation application 403, the installed delimited sheet creation application 403 communicates bidirectionally with the capture application 401 via the inter-application linkage function and shares information. Communication is conducted via files. The inter-application linkage function will be described later.

[0081] Next, the user interface of the partitioned paper creation application 403 will be described using the UI1100 illustrated in Figure 11(a).

[0082] The import button 1101 shown in the diagram is a button that imports data from an input file. The input file is a CSV file containing the source data (strings, etc.) for the delimiter information to be printed on the delimiter sheet.

[0083] When you press the import button 1101, a file selection dialog will appear, allowing the user to select and import a CSV file.

[0084] When you import an input file, the imported information will be displayed in List 1102, as shown in Figure 11(b) below.

[0085] The first column of List 1102 shows the serial number (management number) of the separator sheet. The second column shows the first separator information to be printed on the separator sheet, and the third column shows the second separator information to be printed on the separator sheet.

[0086] Additionally, preview screen 1103 displays a preview of the divided paper.

[0087] Next, we will explain the screen after importing the input file exemplified in UI1100 in Figure 11(b).

[0088] In UI1100, list 1102 shows that sheet number 1 of the divider paper is selected. At this time, preview screen 1103 displays a preview of the sheet number 1 of the divider paper.

[0089] Delimiter information image 11031 is the first delimiter information, and delimiter information image 11032 is the second delimiter information.

[0090] When the print button 1104 is pressed, the partitioned paper creation application 403 displays a print dialog box (not shown). In the displayed print dialog box, the user can specify the "printer" to print, the "partitioned paper number" to print, and the "number of copies".

[0091] When the setting button 1105 is pressed, the partitioned paper creation application 403 displays the partitioned paper setting dialog 1150 shown in Figure 11(c).

[0092] The delimiter paper settings dialog 1150 allows users to configure the delimiter information image position setting 1151, the delimiter method setting 1152, and the paper size setting 1153. The ability for users to determine the position of the delimiter information image helps prevent misidentification of barcodes other than those intended as delimiter information images within a scanned image.

[0093] The user sets values ​​for these items, and when they press the Apply button 1154, the divided sheet reflecting the settings is displayed on the preview screen 1103 shown in Figures 11(a) and (b). When printing, the divided sheet as shown in the preview can be printed by the printer 100 shown in Figure 1. Pressing the Cancel button 1155 cancels the changes made to the various settings in the divided sheet settings dialog 1150.

[0094] <Application-to-Application Integration> When the partitioned paper creation application 403 finishes, it saves a file to provide information about the partitioned paper to the capture application 401.

[0095] Figure 12 will be used to explain the process of reading information about the partitioned paper. Figure 12 shows an example of the UI of the capture application 401.

[0096] The capture application 401 reads information about the delimited paper from the delimited paper creation application 403. Once the file is read, as shown in Figure 12, the capture application 401 displays a checkbox 5303 on the UI 53 that allows the user to select whether or not to use the delimited paper created by the delimited paper creation application 403. This process is considered an inter-application communication function.

[0097] Checking checkbox 5303 automatically overrides the batch delimiter settings with scan settings that reflect the information about the delimiter sheets. Specifically, the capture application 401 obtains information about the number and position of delimiter information images from the delimiter sheet creation application 403, thereby overriding the detection area settings for the delimiter information images as explained above using Figure 10.

[0098] Furthermore, by obtaining information about the size of the demarcation information image, the resolution is also overwritten. This eliminates the need for users to change the scan settings to recognize the demarcation information image printed on the demarcation paper.

[0099] Note that the delimiter information image printed on the delimiter sheet as shown in this embodiment is not limited to a two-dimensional code. For example, it may be a barcode or a string of characters.

[0100] <Second Embodiment> A second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below. The image reading device, capture application, and partitioned paper creation application have the same configuration as those described in Figures 1 to 11, and the same reference numerals will be used hereafter.

[0101] <Regarding the recognition and resolution of delimiter information> First, we will explain the recognition of delimiter information and resolution using Figure 13. Figure 13 illustrates the relationship between resolution and the recognition of a two-dimensional code printed on a delimiter sheet.

[0102] In order for the image reading device 1 to accurately read a document on which delimiter information images are printed, it is necessary to consider the relationship between the size of the delimiter information images printed on the document and the resolution at which the images are read.

[0103] For example, when scanning at a resolution of 100 dpi, as shown in Figure 13, the length of one side of a square cell, which is the smallest element constituting the two-dimensional code (separation information image) printed on the document, is defined as Wcell [mm].

[0104] On the other hand, the width of one pixel Wpixel [mm] when the image reading device 1 reads the document is 1 inch [mm]. In order to accurately read the two-dimensional code, Wcell ≥ Wpixel must be satisfied.

[0105] If, for example, Wcell = 0.5 × Wpixel as shown in Figure 13, then one pixel would be the size of 2 cells × 2 cells = 4 cells, meaning the pixel is larger than the cells, making accurate reading impossible.

[0106] Based on the above, the resolution processing required to accurately recognize a two-dimensional code can be expressed by the following formula.

[0107] Resolution [dpi] ≥ 1 inch / Well [mm] ... (Equation 1)

[0108] <Application-to-Application Integration> In the first embodiment, information was transmitted from the partitioned sheet creation application 403 to the capture application 401. In the second embodiment, information was transmitted from the capture application 401 to the partitioned sheet creation application 403.

[0109] The information transmitted from the capture application 401 to the demarcation sheet creation application 403 is the resolution and paper size. The demarcation sheet creation application 403 can determine the size of the demarcation information image to be printed based on the received scan settings.

[0110] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the process by which the partitioned paper creation application 403 reads information from the capture application 401 and retains its internal settings.

[0111] Information from the capture application 401 is read when the partitioned paper creation application 403 is started. When the partitioned paper creation application 403 reads the scan settings set in the capture application 401 (S1401), the partitioned paper creation application 403 calculates the width of one pixel, W pixels [mm], when the image reading device 1 reads the document from the received resolution information (S1402).

[0112] The divided paper creation application 403 calculates the paper width Wpaper[mm] from the received paper size information (S1403).

[0113] Furthermore, the demarcation sheet creation application 403 calculates the width Wqr[mm] of the two-dimensional code when the length of one side of the cell of the two-dimensional code to be printed on the demarcation sheet is Wcell[mm] = Wpixel (S1404).

[0114] The divided paper creation application 403 determines whether a two-dimensional code with a cell side length of at least one pixel width can be printed on the paper (S1405). In other words, it checks whether Wpaper ≥ Wqr.

[0115] If printing is possible (S1405: YES), the delimited sheet creation application 403 stores size information for a two-dimensional code such that Wcell = Wpixel, as shown in Figure 15 (S1406).

[0116] If printing is not possible (S1405: NO), the delimited sheet creation application 403 warns the user that it cannot create the delimited sheet because it cannot print the delimiter information (S1407). For example, since the width Wqr of the two-dimensional code is proportional to the number of characters in the original string, the application prompts the user to reduce the number of characters in the original string or to increase the resolution in the capture application 401.

[0117] Through the above process, the demarcation sheet creation application 403 can create demarcation sheets with demarcation information that can be recognized by the scanner driver 402 at 100 dpi, and the image reading device 1 can accurately read the demarcation information printed on the demarcation sheets.

[0118] The delimiter information image printed on the delimiter paper described in this embodiment is not limited to a two-dimensional code. For example, it may be a barcode or a string of characters.

[0119] <Third Embodiment> A third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below. The image reading device, capture application, and partitioned sheet creation application have the same configuration as those described in Figures 1 to 11, and the same reference numerals will be used hereafter.

[0120] <Error diffusion mode> As shown in Figure 5(a), one of the options for the color mode setting 5001, as shown in UI 50 on the capture application 401, is "Error Diffusion".

[0121] Error diffusion mode is a mode that allows for the pseudo-representation of "intermediate colors" that cannot be expressed in black and white binary when reducing the number of colors or gradations in an image. This is achieved by adding the error between the original color and the reduced color of a certain point to the color information of neighboring points.

[0122] In this mode, when reading a sheet of paper with delimiter information printed on it, the characteristics of the error diffusion mode may cause the delimiter information to appear noisy, potentially leading to recognition failure or misrecognition. The third embodiment describes a method for addressing this issue.

[0123] <Application-to-Application Integration> When scanning in error diffusion mode, the scanner driver 402 scans at 300 dpi, then reduces the resolution to 100 dpi to remove noise and recognize the 2D code in order to recognize the delimiter information. Therefore, the delimiter paper creation application 403 creates a larger image of the delimiter information for this process so that it can be recognized even when reduced to 100 dpi.

[0124] As a result, the image reading device 1 can read the divided paper accurately even when reading it in error diffusion mode.

[0125] Note that the delimiter information image printed on the delimiter sheet shown in this embodiment is not limited to a two-dimensional code. For example, it may be a barcode or a string of characters.

[0126] The user interfaces, dialogs, and options described above are illustrative examples and are not limited to those described above, as long as they satisfy the conditions of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0127] 1. Image reading device 100 Printers 201 Information Processing Equipment 301 CPU 307 Data Processing Unit 401 Capture Application 402 Scanner Driver 403 Application for creating divided paper sheets

Claims

1. In an image reading device that reads multiple documents and an information processing device connected to the image reading device, A capture application that operates on the aforementioned information processing device and gives instructions to the aforementioned image reading device, The application includes a delimiter sheet creation application that creates a delimiter sheet on which the delimiter information of the multiple documents is printed, The image reading system is characterized in that the capture application and the partitioned sheet creation application have an inter-application cooperation function that allows them to share information bidirectionally.

2. The image reading system according to claim 1, characterized in that the capture application includes a delimiter means for inserting delimiters to sort the scanned images of the plurality of documents based on the delimiter information of the scanned delimiter paper, and an output means for outputting the scanned images of the plurality of documents sorted based on the delimiters as a file for each delimiter.

3. The image reading system according to claim 1, characterized in that the capture application acquires information about the demarcation sheet created by the demarcation sheet creation application through the inter-application cooperation function and sets the demarcation information to a value that recognizes the demarcation information from the demarcation sheet.

4. The image reading system according to claim 1, wherein the demarcation sheet creation application obtains the settings of the capture application through the inter-application cooperation function, and the capture application generates the demarcation sheet in which the demarcation information is recognized.

Images